AUGUSTA – Legislative leaders today will consider a bill allowing the mother of a child who died in foster care to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the Department of Human Services. Filed last week by Rep. Stavros Mendros, R-Lewiston, the “after-deadline bill” must be… Read More
CALAIS – A former Calais School Committee member and local minister was summoned Tuesday on a witness-tampering charge in connection with last year’s vandalism of Calais High School that caused $30,000 in damage. The Rev. Peter Leon of Calais, who is the tennis coach at… Read More
Eighty tons of mercury, still in storage at the shuttered HoltraChem Manufacturing Co. facility in Orrington, isn’t going anywhere soon. The Pennsylvania company that was slated to take the hazardous material has been scared off by environmentalists protesting what they call “toxic trade.” Environmental activists… Read More
CONCORD, N.H. – A lawyer for one of the teen-agers charged with killing two Dartmouth College professors says the public should hold off making judgments until incriminating evidence is independently reviewed. Authorities investigating the slayings of Half and Susanne Zantop found one victim’s blood on… Read More
A Page One story in Tuesday’s paper about accused killer Donald Robichaud should have stated that Francis Sprague told game wardens that Artemus Pomeroy had illegal deer meat in his freezer. Though an investigation was initiated, it was never proved and there was no allegation that Pomeroy had… Read More
MADAWASKA – The approaching deadline for the expiration of a U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement could have serious ramifications for Maine’s softwood lumber and paper industry, an industry leader said Thursday. The 1996 agreement ends March 31, and protectionist measures by the United States could disrupt… Read More
BELFAST – The fifth annual Mid-Coast Home-Based Business Conference opens this weekend, with more than 40 workshops on topics ranging from how to develop marketing plans to creating Web sites. The conference will be at the Troy Howard Middle School on Route 52 and University… Read More
GORHAM – Plans for a much anticipated power plant in Gorham have been scrapped. American National Power has abandoned plans for a $400 million, natural gas-powered plant, according to Gorham town officials. “I wouldn’t say we were surprised by the decision, but we certainly are… Read More
CAMDEN – Camden National Corp.’s board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 16 cents per share payable on April 30 to shareholders of record as of April 17. CNC is the holding company for three Maine financial institutions: Camden National Bank, with 10… Read More
My vehicles have worn Loon plates for the past four years. I once was proud to display them when it meant that a person was helping to protect Maine’s Parks, Public lands and historic sites. Unfortunately Commissioner Ron Lavaglio’s tenure as head of the Maine Department of Conservation… Read More
Too bad Maine’s challenge isn’t to take its tiny population, its rural setting, its low incomes and lower than average percent of adults with college degrees and keep up with the hottest research and development economies around. That, at least, would be easier than what its real challenge… Read More
Tax time and legislative review of the state’s Clean Election laws come together this spring, with lawmakers seemingly content to avoid major revisions in the new law. That’s for the best. Voters and candidates learned last year that while the public-financing system may need some improvement, it worked… Read More
Throughout history we have seen changes in what society sees as acceptable or unacceptable. Slavery was once considered, and still is in some countries, an acceptable practice. The evolution of the species is slowly but surely making this practice extinct. Not allowing a woman the right to vote… Read More
Citizens Against Government Waste inaccurately portrays Maine-based community and economic development projects as wasteful spending. We disagree. These budget requests are based on community needs. Ask the residents of Vinalhaven whether their elder care facility is wasteful. Ask folks in Bangor whether redeveloping the city’s… Read More
Regarding the story by Myron Struck (BDN, March 21) about “pork” projects in Maine, our group does not feel that we have a pork project and we would like to share with BDN readers the intent of Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, Inc., of which I am president. Read More
I appreciated very much the article in The Scene (BDN, March 15) on woodpeckers by Chris Corio. There are a lot of us out here who appreciate an informative article about something to do with nature. This type of article is a needed relief from all the terrible… Read More
It would be terribly wrong to repeal the estate tax. This would speed up concentration of wealth and power among relatively few families moving us rapidly toward becoming the kind of society from which our ancestors fled. One who benefits enormously from our country’s remarkable… Read More
I am writing to protest International Paper’s refusal to accept the offer submitted by Maine Wood Innovations, LLC in cooperation with the Passadumkeag Employees Buyout Association. The impact these two sawmill closures will have on Northern Maine will be devastating to our economy. Maine Wood… Read More
As a rural primary care physician with more than 20 years of experience, I will happily jump through administrative hoops for my patients – as long as the hoops make sense and lead to better healthcare. But, I won’t stand back silently as state officials… Read More
WASHINGTON – As the campaign finance debate continues into its second week, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins are continuing to press for changes in the law that they say would re-establish the public’s confidence in politics. “I believe we have an obligation to rid… Read More
AUGUSTA – As dozens of disheartened state liquor store employees looked on, members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to support a $5 billion, two-year state budget package that effectively eliminates their jobs. Meanwhile, members of the budget-writing panel went back to their… Read More
AUGUSTA – The University of Maine is forming a partnership with four other Maine-based research institutions, UMaine President Peter Hoff and Gov. Angus King announced Tuesday. The Cooperative Graduate Studies Program also includes The Jackson Laboratory of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory of… Read More
ROCKPORT – Frank Hackett has come to accept that there are things he can’t control – such as somebody making a bomb threat against a school. But the Five-Town Community School District superintendent is not ready to relinquish his responsibility for keeping students and staff… Read More
AUGUSTA – Democrats have not elected a governor since 1984, so their exuberance was understandable Tuesday over the Statehouse announcement by U.S. Rep. John Baldacci that he will seek the governor’s office. The Hall of Flags was filled with echoes of “Go, John, go” as 78 current and… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The board of directors of a Belmont-based manufacturer of chemical and protective garments for the military gave its OK Tuesday for the opening of a plant in Dover-Foxcroft. Up to 70 new jobs will be available with the opening later this spring of… Read More
ABBOT – An outspoken opponent of gun control slapped members of the 120th Legislature with a lawsuit for an executive session he claims violated Maine’s public access laws. Wilbur “Bud” Landry filed the civil lawsuit last week in Piscataquis County Superior Court. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
PALMYRA – A domestic dispute on the Square Road in Palmyra on Monday night resulted in multiple charges against a Corinna man and his sister. Jason Gormeenes, 20, was arrested and taken to the Somerset County Jail after struggling with Trooper James Medeiros. His sister… Read More
BREWER – A joint session Tuesday proved to be a reality check for the municipal and school officials charged with developing operating budgets. By all accounts, this fiscal year will be a tight one. In separate presentations on their preliminary budget proposals, municipal and school… Read More
HAMPDEN – Tom Brann narrowly won the District 2 Town Council race Tuesday, edging out Carl Pease with a vote of 36 to 29. A former town councilor and planning board member, Brann’s intent is simple. “I just want to represent the people in my… Read More
Bangor police reported one arrest for domestic assault Tuesday and issued a summons for assault for an incident between two high school friends. Bangor Officer Butch Moore said he arrested Brian Tracy, 23, of Bangor at Tracy’s workplace on a complaint of domestic assault Tuesday. Read More
BANGOR – When Assistant Fire Chief Rick Cheverie arrived at the newly built Sunbury retirement home on Ohio Street Tuesday night, he and his men were greeted by flames 10 feet to 15 feet over the front entrance of the building. They also were faced… Read More
BLUE HILL – The chairman of the Board of Selectmen says he is not happy with some state-maintained roads in town. So he has written a letter to the people in Augusta to let them know how he and others in town feel. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Down East AIDS Network says it recently received a $2,500 grant to help it provide assistance to people with HIV or AIDS. The grant came from the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS grants committee, affiliated with the U.S. theater community. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
ADDISON – The April 9 meeting of the Pleasant River Historical Society will feature a presentation by Robert Hammond of Harrington. Society secretary Mary Ann Beach said Hammond will speak about shipbuilding. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Library wants to take a look at midwives in Maine. Area midwives with diverse backgrounds will share their approaches to the practice, including prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Just shy of 30 years after it accepted its first students, College of the Atlantic has reached – and exceeded – its $20 million endowment campaign, the college announced Tuesday. The college said the final tally exceeds the goal by $1.6 million. Read More
CORINNA – The hopes and dreams of more than 50 Corinna residents were laid out on paper Tuesday night as consultants held a brainstorming session to begin the development of a vision for a new village center. Don Leighton of Gates, Leighton and Associates Inc.,… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The final plans for Merrill Merchants Bank construction on Main Street will come before the town’s planning board on April 9. The plans include razing the building occupied by Sebasticook Farms, constructing a drive-through window and installing an automated teller machine. The drive-through… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A representative of the state Department of Human Services will help residents apply for food stamps or other aid from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, April 4 and 18, at 125 Summer St. Read More
Amity Residents will gather at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Reed School to hold the annual town meeting and to elect a selectman. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
HOULTON – The Town Council at its Monday night meeting gave unanimous approval for The County Open golf tournament to hold its annual dinner at the John A. Millar Civic Center this summer, but only after councilors debated their role in determining who could rent the facility when… Read More
FORT KENT – There wasn’t much on Monday night’s town meeting agenda to lure residents to the annual session. Only about 60 showed up, but nearly 500 residents voted during the day to elect seven municipal officials. Only one of five incumbents in the SAD… Read More
Houlton District Court David M. Baker, 24, Caribou, burglary, transferred to Superior Court. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – Georgia-Pacific Corp. said Tuesday it will resume production at its oriented strand board plant on Friday. Production at the plant was suspended Dec. 15 when the company cited poor market conditions. The layoff idled more than 80 workers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
MACHIAS – The Machias Bay Area Transfer Station isn’t losing as much money as it did five years ago, but the facility is still not paying for itself, Town Manager Scott Harriman said Tuesday. The town of Machias operates the waste disposal facility, which serves… Read More
Bangor District Court Sirsteven Kelley, 18, Bangor, disorderly conduct, $100; refusing to submit to arrest or detention, $150. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++)… Read More
SPRINGFIELD – Police charged a 10-year-old pupil with terrorizing in connection with a bomb threat at the Edith Lombard Elementary School on Tuesday. No classes were held Tuesday at the Springfield elementary school after a janitor found a threatening note in a restroom about 6:15… Read More
LINCOLN – The Hospital Administrative 1 Board of Directors on Monday endorsed legislation to reorganize the Lincoln-area hospital district into a new private, nonprofit corporation. Members of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on the bill next month. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
CHESTER – Police charged a 15-year-old Molunkus juvenile with theft for allegedly stealing $142 worth of lottery scratch tickets from a convenience store. Peter Stone, a Penobscot County deputy, said the juvenile was charged in connection with Monday’s theft of about a half booklet of… Read More
ENFIELD – Nine members of Girl Scout Troop 392 received the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. Receiving the award were: Toni Babineau and Erika LaForge, West Enfield; Toni Bajkowski, Danielle Oakes, Jessica Osborn, Katie Priest and Jessica… Read More
BELFAST – The proposal to establish a Historic Preservation Commission with the power to review home improvements came under fire during a public hearing Tuesday before the City Council. Most of the more than 75 residents who attended the hearing at the Belfast Free Library… Read More
Rockland District Court Joshua C. Andrei, 24, Washington, driving to endanger, $250. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
WARREN – The planning board gave approval to the expansion of a Warren Sanitary District lagoon, which will serve the new $76 million Maine State Prison being built off Route 97. Code Enforcement Officer Tim Valentine said Tuesday that the project’s site plan review passed… Read More
BELFAST – Bowing to two decades of pressure from the Internal Revenue Service, Waldo County commissioners finally have decided to treat their civil process servers as part-time employees. The IRS has been after the county since 1981 to classify the servers as employees instead of… Read More
BELFAST – A negligence suit has been filed by a former Lincolnville Central School parent alleging sick building syndrome was responsible for her child’s illness. The suit was filed Monday in Waldo County Superior Court by Patricia McLaughlin on behalf of her child, Joseph. In… Read More
WALDOBORO – The SAD 40 superintendent outlined for selectmen on Tuesday the proposed 2001-2002 budget, which is just shy of $16.7 million. Superintendent William Doughty told selectmen that school board members are expected to vote on the final figure Monday during a meeting at Region… Read More
GREENVILLE – The town’s highest taxpayer is seeking a reduction of its valuation. Municipal officials met Monday afternoon with representatives of Greenville Steam Co. and a state tax official to discuss the valuation placed on the 15-megawatt steam company. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
GUILFORD – Cornell Cooperative Extension will present a satellite teleconference titled “Deer in Rural Woodlands” at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Interface Learning Center. The program will provide landowners, hunters and managers with information about the role deer play in forested landscapes, as… Read More
AUGUSTA – Three public hearings held Tuesday afternoon by the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry all dealt with providing options that would allow Maine farmers to diversify or become more profitable. One bill, LD 1037, would create an agritourism program within the Maine… Read More
AUGUSTA – In what was called their toughest day of the session so far, members of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee heard testimony Monday on bills to penalize the sexual abuse of animals, child murderers and adulterers. And the emotional day was not over yet. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The fire that demolished a maple sugar house Sunday evening started under a floor in the building, according to a state fire official. The fire at Bob’s Sugar House, a maple syrup products and processing business, started under the floor where two partitions… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County commissioners will meet this morning to continue discussions regarding Rockwood fire protection, as well as to review a number of citations against the Rockwood Fire Department for safety and workplace violations. An inspection by the Maine Bureau of Labor Standards… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – Voters were in the mood for new leadership Monday night, and they elected two newcomers to the Town Council. For the two open three-year seats on the council, voters gave the nod to Derek Howard, with 138 votes, and Linda Rayner, who received… Read More
Madawaska District Court Eric S. Ania, 24, Van Buren, assault, case filed with defendant paying court costs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) {… Read More
FORT KENT – There’s no one at home at the residence of Chester Ryan and Jason Buzzell, but the small home has an exotic anti-theft system, especially for northern Maine. The house is locked, and the two owners have not been seen in two weeks. Read More
Spruce Run, the domestic violence project serving Penobscot County, is now in its 28th year. As such, all of Maine can take pride in the fact that Spruce Run is one of the oldest service organizations in the United States for people affected by domestic… Read More
GUILFORD – Mainers have been known to be creative when it comes to entertainment during mud season, even resorting to drag racing with power tools. That’s on tap for the annual Penquis Valley Region Expo to be held April 6-7 at Piscataquis Community High School,… Read More
BANGOR – With his head newly shaved and his hands and feet bound in chains, 26-year-old Shawn Ashworth was back in his orange jail jumpsuit and back in 3rd District Court in Bangor on Tuesday, one day after he escaped from the courthouse. On Monday,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Offering hope to small-business owners who feel they are unfairly being asked to pay for the cleanup of a Plymouth waste oil site, state lawmakers will consider two bills today that would have the state pay instead. More than 100 small-business owners have… Read More
AUGUSTA – A bill to encourage the teaching of French in Maine schools was rejected Tuesday by the House. Representatives voted 128-14 against Lewiston Republican Rep. Stavros Mendros’ bill, LD 750. The proposal faces a Senate vote, but the House tally appeared to be too… Read More
AUGUSTA – Without debate, the Senate killed a bill Tuesday to make it an offense for motorists to use cellular phones while they are operating a vehicle. The House rejected the bill by an overwhelming vote last week. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
AUGUSTA – A bill aimed at preventing companies from retaining replacement workers after labor disputes won a lopsided vote of approval Tuesday in the Maine House of Representatives. The measure, LD 83, was approved by a 101-46 roll call vote with support from members of… Read More
FAIRFIELD – A Pennsylvania man accused of buying whiskey for a group of teen-agers is facing charges after two of them ended up in the hospital. Elmer Potter, 26, of Buena Vista, Pa., faces six counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor and endangering the… Read More
PORTLAND – Bob Hirshon left Tuesday for Washington to lobby Republican senators in hopes of reversing President Bush’s decision to end a 48-year practice of having the American Bar Association evaluate judicial nominees. Hirshon, a Portland lawyer who is the ABA’s president-elect, plans to focus… Read More
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SIMPLICITY FROM A MONASTERY KITCHEN, by Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette, Broadway Books, New York, 2001, 224 pages, $25.00. Reading the first few pages of Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette’s book, one might expect to begin delving into the mysteries of religion, philosophy, spiritualism and ascetism. “Authentic simplicity,” he… Read More
Just desserts If you live by the governor’s advice to eat dessert first, this weekend’s Gala Dessert Party was made for you. In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, the event also benefits a good cause. The party will take place from 7 to 9… Read More
WHITEFISH, Mont. – All season, Jonna Mendes went into the starting gate telling herself she would ski fast. This time she followed through – not just once, but twice. Mendes won the women’s giant slalom Tuesday at the U.S. Alpine nationals, posting the two fastest… Read More
The presidents of America East’s six New England-based schools are at an impasse when it comes to an early defection of four schools to the Colonial Athletic Association. That leaves both leagues in a state of limbo. The presidents held a Monday conference call and… Read More
The Red Sox will score runs. The Red Sox will give up more runs. Without Nomar Garciaparra, the Sox won’t score as many runs. Without Garciaparra, the Sox will give up even more runs. This curse is ridiculous. So the season begins Sunday night under… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL KVAC googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Bangor native Jason Thomas finished in 15th place in the 800-meter freestyle event Tuesday afternoon at the 2001 Phillips 66 Spring National Championships in Austin, Texas. Thomas, who was seeded 35th based on his time in the 1,000-yard free at a Speedo Championships Series Sectional… Read More
ORONO – Even though the season ended nearly three weeks ago, University of Maine women’s basketball coach Sharon Versyp has been busy lately. Not only are the Black Bears hoping to land another recruit during the late signing period that begins April 11, Versyp is… Read More
ORONO – Paul Culina, who has spent the last six years as an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Maine, has been promoted to head athletic trainer. The 33-year-old Culina, an Auburn native, takes over for Rob Lawton, who left the university in February… Read More
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Pat Liddy’s five-hitter helped the University of Southern Maine notched an 8-1 baseball win over Minnesota-Morris Tuesday. Tyler Delome smacked a RBI double for Southern Maine. Pat Toomey had an RBI single. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
After playing 24 games on a working spring break, the University of Maine softball team returned to Orono with a 5-19 record, and a team batting average of .193. UMaine coach Deb Smith summed those numbers up with one word. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
LIMESTONE – With the ski season almost over, the Maine Winter Sports Center is looking for two world class coaches to work with area schools and communities to promote the Nordic skiing lifestyle. The center’s head biathlon coach, Vladimir Cervenka, is leaving this weekend to… Read More