AUGUSTA – Maine nurses scored a major victory Tuesday when the state Senate overwhelmingly supported a bill barring hospitals from reprimanding nurses who refuse to work mandatory overtime. Despite assertions to the contrary by medical center administrators, nearly two-thirds of the Senate remained convinced that… Read More
    WASHINGTON -Former Senate Democratic leader George Mitchell, who led an inquiry into seven months of violence in the Middle East, says he is confident Israel and the Palestinians will finally call a halt to their conflict. The commission Mitchell headed criticized both sides for the… Read More
    BANGOR – Every month, business people throughout town would pick up The Bangor Business Monthly and immediately turn to the “We hear that” column. “Truthful rumors” filled at least two pages with anecdotes about which business may be doing what activity – expanding, closing, coming… Read More
    SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Chip maker National Semiconductor Corp. sharply lowered its outlook for the current quarter Tuesday and said it would cut 1,100 jobs, or 10 percent of its work force. The company plans to cut 30 jobs at its South Portland, Maine, manufacturing… Read More
    NEW YORK – Northrop Grumman Corp. has launched an unsolicited bid to acquire Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding Inc., a move that undercuts General Dynamics Corp.’s planned acquisition of the Virginia shipbuilder, General Dynamics said Tuesday. In a statement, General Dynamics officials are “disappointed that Northrop… Read More
    On the same day the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved a 25 percent price cut for prescription drugs for Maine’s uninsured, the National Institute for Health Care released a study showing drug costs rose 19 percent last year and 40 percent since 1998. The timing… Read More
    Congressional budget resolutions are supposed to be fairly detailed guidelines for the nation’s spending and revenue plans, somewhere between broad outline and a line-by-line departmental account. The budget resolution being considered by this Congress bears more resemblance to the shopping list for a frat house party. Read More
    Washington is a pleasant little town of 1,300 in Knox County halfway between Augusta and Rockland. For the past two decades or more it has attracted people from away – not the big bucks people who can afford the coastal properties, but good solid people who seek the… Read More
    In recognition of Teacher Appreication Week (May 6-11) and National Teacher Day (May 8), I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the educators of Warsaw Middle School. I am truly fortunate to be able to work with this highly professional group whose dedication to… Read More
    Saturday I was twice encouraged to turn left against oncoming traffic by well-meaning but misguided drivers coming from the other direction. As any insurance adjuster or police officer will tell you, this “courtesy” is highly dangerous and frequently results in accidents. One man wanted me… Read More
    I’m concerned that it isn’t a law that when you and your dog are going for a walk on a main road sidewalk that you allow your dog to do doo doo in the middle of the sidewalk. You could at least make the dog go on the… Read More
    The Northeast Dairy Compact should be abolished immediately. It does create work – various lobbying groups; Uconn’s study group; and, of course, the Northeast Dairy Compact Commission. A minor part of the 29 cents-a-gallon milk premium we pay goes to the farms, but this supposedly keeps them in… Read More
    Principal Michael Chadwick of Houlton High School should be fired immediately and those students who instigated the protest at the school last Friday should be suspended for the remainder of the school term and given failing grades for any classes missed during their demonstration. Chadwick… Read More
    The Veterans Affairs clinic seems to be adding a larger base of veterans, which is great for Togus and the somewhat tight quarters for the clinic personnel and veterans. Here is one suggestion I would like Togus to consider: The building is located just off… Read More
    Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a day in the life of someone with a spinal cord injury, like Christopher Reeve. Then, open your eyes and be thankful. For thousands of Americans, including myself, spinal cord injuries are the challenging reality we wake up to every… Read More
    On April 26, approximately 50 Maine citizens attended what should have been a public hearing in Augusta, on LD 1761, a bill sponsored by Sen. John Martin of Eagle Lake and three other members of the committee which actually heard the bill, Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF). It… Read More
    BANGOR – The crime rate in Maine dropped for the fourth year in a row in 2000 to the lowest level since the state began keeping crime statistics more than 20 years ago, according to figures released Tuesday by the Department of Public Safety. While… Read More
    BANGOR – Donald Francis of Indian Island most likely was hit in the head with a police officer’s flashlight during an altercation nearly 18 months ago in Bangor; yet the force used by Patrol Officers Robert Angelo and Lewis Woolley was “objectively reasonable” in light of the situation… Read More
    Maine cars are said to be among the oldest in the nation, so all I’m really trying to do is to remove one aging clunker from the traffic stream. But doing one’s civic duty is not always a simple matter. Some cars refuse to give… Read More
    BANGOR -The cavernous Bangor Auditorium swelled with the voices of many of the Queen City’s most talented singers Tuesday night when the All City Chorus staged its annual concert. More than 550 students from the city’s elementary, middle and high schools gave their best vocal… Read More
    BREWER – Councilor Michael Celli, a first-term city councilor, was elected mayor Tuesday night. First elected to the council in November 2000, Celli succeeds former Mayor Eddie Campbell, who stepped down from the post and his council seat April 17, citing financial difficulties with his… Read More
    BANGOR – It took a federal jury less than two hours to find Timothy Theriault of Bangor guilty of two drug counts Tuesday, concluding a two-day trial at U.S. District Court in Bangor. U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal presided. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor will reconsider an application from Eastern Fine Paper of Brewer seeking federal assistance for workers who lost their jobs earlier this year, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced Tuesday. At Baldacci’s request, the department will reopen its investigation and… Read More
    GREENBUSH – A Jonesboro woman suffered minor injuries but her twin toddlers were uninjured after the car they were in went off the road in Greenbush on Tuesday and struck some trees. Melissa Strang, 20, was heading east on Greenfield Road about 2:30 p.m. when… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Center Corp. is accepting submissions for a juried photography show to be displayed at the third annual Bangor Studio Tour on Nov. 10. The Historic Downtown Photo Contest and Exhibition will feature two categories, “Evoking the Past” and “Celebrating the Present.”… Read More
    CARMEL – There will be a BYOB dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday, May 12, at the Carmel Snowmobile Club to benefit the club’s scholarship fund. Music will be provided by Steve’s DJ Service. For more information, call Louanne Smith at 848-3517. Read More
    GLENBURN ? The Glenburn Town Council and school committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, at the Glenburn Municipal Building. The proposed budget will be explained and then questions and comments will be accepted from the public. If the… Read More
    BANGOR ? “Be in the Loop,” the program to discover downtown Bangor on foot, get fit and win prizes, is back for its second year with new maps and visual challenges. Walkers who identify mystery pictures and turn in their answer sheets at the Bangor… Read More
    HOULTON – Saying that proposed pay raises for administrators in SAD 29 would put those administrators in a pay range greater than the average for Aroostook County, the district’s board cut the percentage of increase during it meeting Monday night. The proposed district budget for… Read More
    HOULTON – The SAD 70 board at its Monday night meeting approved a proposed budget for the 2001-2002 school year of $4,725,459, an increase of about 9 percent. The district’s annual meeting has been set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in the gym at… Read More
    Fort Kent District Court Benjamin M. Ouellette, 17, Fort Kent, driving to endanger, $200, license suspended 60 days. 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
    LIMESTONE – The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded the Loring Development Authority a $1.5 million grant to continue efforts to develop the former Loring Air Force Base. The grant “allows us to … move forward to the next phase of Loring development,” Brian Hamel,… Read More
    CARIBOU – A two-story house located on Old Washburn Road was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning. The origin of the fire was under investigation Tuesday afternoon, officials said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    ST. AGATHA – The Business Across Borders workshop to be held June 7-8 will feature topics such as customs and tax issues and will allow participants to talk directly with potential business partners. Opening day in St. Agatha includes a social event; the second day… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — The Maine Parent Federation, in partnership with the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the Maine Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Substance Abuse Services and parent groups across Maine, is gathering information about support needs of families in order to improve services. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Aroostook SCORE and the Business Department of the University of Maine at Presque Isle will hold the Small Business Roundtable on “The Gremlin Lurking in the Dark of Your Small Business,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Faculty Lounge, Normal Hall,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A tiny antenna perched atop the Hancock County Courthouse has made modems obsolete for county employees since early April. And beginning today the wireless Internet service, as provided by Downeast Wireless Inc., will also be available to businesses and homeowners within downtown Ellsworth,… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Sixty residents attended the annual town meeting Tuesday night, approving a combined $11.6 million budget in record time. The meeting agenda, composed solely of budget items, was approved as written in just over 30 minutes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    Sumner Memorial High School Third quarter honor roll 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… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – By 18 votes, Tom Burton was voted off the Town Council in Monday’s municipal elections. Valerie Scott won her seat with 221 votes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The Mount Desert Island restorative justice program will hold a training session for new volunteers on May 23. Any adult from Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor or Tremont is welcome to get involved with the year-old program. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth School Department will hold a kindergarten registration and preschool screening for children on May 31. Children must be 5 by Oct. 15. Registration and screening are by appointment only. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    STEUBEN – Kindergarten registration and preschool screening for children attending the Ella Lewis Elementary School for the 2001-02 school year will be May 22. A screening of vision, hearing, development, health, speech and cognitive level will be done by the staff. Children must be 5… Read More
    BLUE HILL – Blue Hill Memorial Hospital’s Health Education Center plans its third annual Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the George Stevens Academy gym. Many departments of the hospital will be represented. The fair also will present… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Resource Development Center at Child & Family Opportunities is accepting applications from families living in Hancock County for the child care voucher subsidy program. The voucher program helps families pay for child care while employed or in training. Eligibility is based on… Read More
    ALLAGASH – The Maine State Police were investigating vandalism to a North Maine Woods gatehouse Tuesday. Danny Pelletier, a supervisor for North Maine Woods gates, found the damage Tuesday morning when he went to open the facility for the summer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – It’s back to the drawing board this week for members of the SAD 53 budget committee. After presenting a budget proposal for school year 2001-2002 on Monday night to the full school board, committee members were directed to trim their proposal even further. Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Last January, when town councilors cut the economic director’s position to part-time, members of the Community Center Committee wondered out loud whether their project would be abandoned. Sylvia Hudson, then-economic director, had been the liaison between the committee and the Town Council, attending… Read More
    HARTLAND ? The SAD 48 Gifted and Talented Afterschool Program will present “The Story of Hansel and Gretel,” a two-act musical, to the community at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Irving Tanning Community Center. There is no charge for the performance, though donations… Read More
    NEWPORT – The annual town cleanup campaign allows residents free disposal of furniture, appliances, tires, wood waste, and some building materials on May 13 and 19 at the Newport Transfer Station. Families may discard one couch, one refrigerator, one freezer, one mattress and box spring,… Read More
    Bangor District Court Cory L. Hazelton, 16, Stetson, speeding, dismissed. 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 ()… Read More
    A Bangor woman said she fabricated a story about being assaulted by three men outside the Brewer convenience store where she worked in the hopes that her boss would take her off the graveyard shift. Brewer police charged Rebecca Glidden, 23, with filing a false… Read More
    MILLINOCKET ? A weather spotter training talk will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Baxter State Park Headquarters as part of the National Weather Service’s annual spotter training campaign. The weather service uses spotters throughout the year for… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety will provide grants totaling $100,000 to help 25 municipal and county police departments battle drunken driving this summer. The funds will pay overtime for officers devoted to detection and apprehension of drunken drivers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    MACHIAS – A 10-year-old boy was rushed to a Bangor hospital after his bicycle was struck by a car. Steven Kelly was riding his bicycle near the West Kennebec Baptist Church around 7:30 p.m. Monday when he apparently pulled out onto the West Kennebec Road. Read More
    BELFAST – The Waldo County grand jury handed up the following indictments Tuesday. Donald C. Henry, 51, Unity, two counts of gross sexual assault of a girl under age 14. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The recently completed $8 million sewer treatment plant upgrade comes with an increase in annual operating costs, city councilors learned Monday night. The council began considering the treatment plant’s budget, which calls for a rate increase for sewer users. Plant director Terry Pinto… Read More
    UNION – Knox County Meals on Wheels will sponsor a countywide tag sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Union Fair Grounds. Covered rental space is available, $15 for individuals and $25 for organizations. Open field space will also be… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Rockland Kiwanis Club will sponsor a bicycle rodeo from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19, at Rockland High School. The event is part of the New England-wide Kiwanis Family Safety Day. The rodeo is designed to teach children and their parents… Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE – Kelmscott Farm will hold its annual volunteer orientation program from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. Kelmscott’s volunteer program has grown to include 50 participants. The program offers people 14 or older a chance to assist with Kelmscott programs throughout the year. Read More
    3rd District Court, Newport The following divorces have been granted on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: 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… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – A Sangerville mother and her two children suffered minor bumps and bruises Tuesday in a late-afternoon accident on the Silver Mills Road that set her car on fire. Jessica Whitney, 24, and her sons, Jeffrey, 1, and Aron, 4, were treated at Mayo… Read More
    GUILFORD – SAD 4 directors voted Tuesday to continue the universal free breakfast offered to all children enrolled in the system, despite a financial loss in the hot lunch program. But they did vote to increase other meal prices starting next year. Interim Superintendent Michael… Read More
    DEXTER – Dexter residents on Tuesday elected Frederick Banks to the Town Council seat vacated by Larry Bonneau, who resigned because of a job relocation. Banks received 81 votes, while other candidates and the votes they received were: Allen Ross, 78; Judith Craig, 55; Jack… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Womancare will hold six days of hot-line training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, June 6-8 and 13-15, at 2 Winter St. Womancare needs advocates for its hot line during weekdays or to be available after hours and on weekends… Read More
    The Bangor Travel Soccer U-14 Boys Team is raising funds for the trip of a lifetime. They leave Friday, June 22, on a journey that will take them to our sister city of Bangor, Wales; as well as London, England; and Stockholm and Pitea, Sweden,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine State Housing Authority has awarded $985,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations in Maine to help them develop housing to serve more than 100 foster children, victims of domestic violence, frail elderly people and others with special needs. MSHA director Michael Finnegan said… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A Department of Human Services caseworker and a lawyer who helped manage 5-year-old Logan Marr’s foster care have been presented with awards for their contributions to children’s care. J. Lawrence Irwin, a Lewiston attorney who represented Logan Marr in court as her guardian… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine Initiatives has announced three $35,000 grants to Maine Citizen Leadership Fund, Maine People’s Alliance, and Midcoast Alliance for Planning. The grant to the Maine Citizen Leadership Fund will support public education on Maine’s clean election law, political campaign financing, prescription drug price… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management has announced a new type of unit in the Maine Army National Guard – Company E 120th Air Traffic Services – the first in the history of the MANG to become a multicomponent unit with the active-duty… Read More
    BANGOR – Micha Peled, director of “Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes to Town,” will host a film screening and community discussion at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 11 at the William S. Cohen School on Garland Street. The film chronicles the one-year conflict that followed Wal-Mart’s… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Pine Tree Legal Assistance board of directors will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Holiday Inn, Civic Center Drive. PTLA is a nonprofit corporation that provides free legal service to low-income Maine residents and victims of domestic violence. It has offices in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A 21-year-old man who broke into a Readfield crypt and took a skull from a 200-year-old grave has been sentenced to five years in prison, with all but six months suspended. Collin W. Sweatt, 21, of Hallowell and Readfield had pleaded guilty in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Forest Ecology Network kicked off an environmental education reform campaign Tuesday, aimed at teaching the importance of environmental policy to public school students, with an essay and photo scholarship contest open to Maine high school students. Jonathan Carter, director of FEN, said… Read More
    PORTLAND – A North Berwick man has been sentenced to 11 years, three months in prison for possessing and receiving child pornography and possession of firearms by a felon. Donald Woodward, 54, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The House rejected proposed changes to the Human Rights Act on Tuesday, voting 88-52 against LD 698 with virtually no debate. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Royce Perkins, R-Penobscot, and sought to remove “protected classes” from the Human Rights Act in favor… Read More
    FALMOUTH – Two convicted child sex offenders who offered to run a concession stand at the town Little League fields dropped their offer after police photos and descriptions of the two men were circulated. Police Chief Edward Tolan supplied “Neighborhood Policing Bulletins” outlining the men’s… Read More
    Yankee ingenuity 1794 Watchtide By the Sea, a bed and breakfast in Searsport, has been named an Editor’s Pick in the 2001 edition of “Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England.” This isn’t the first time the Watchtide has been honored by Yankee. Innkeeper Nancy-Linn… Read More
    The NHL playoffs have been magnificent. They have also been marred by the goon’s return. The Leafs’ Tie Domi’s elbow to the head of the Devils’ Scott Niedermayer, a cheap shot at game’s end that knocked Niedermayer out, and the never-ending reticence of the NHL to squash the… Read More
    BANGOR – For the second time in the last five games, Bangor’s outfielders saw about as much action as a clerk at a snowmobile dealership in July. With only four total balls hit beyond the basepaths, starting pitcher Derrick Shain enjoyed a strong effort and… Read More
    BREWER – Four days ago, as she watched teammates in cardinal and white run around her home track, Alison Smith said she couldn’t wait for the chance to run her specialty event again. The comment raised an eyebrow or two. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BANGOR – As Class A squads Old Town, Brewer and Bangor played close games and beat each other in overtime thrillers over the past weeks, the Hampden Academy softball team watched and wondered. The Broncos knew they had the hitting, and certainly an ace pitcher, and the defense… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Milo 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 =… Read More
    Nancy Colcord NORTHPORT – Nancy Colcord of Rockport recorded her second hole-in-one by acing the 145-yard ninth hole with a 5-wood Tuesday at Northport Golf Club. Husband Jeff Colcord witnessed the feat. Read More
    COLLEGE Kevin Brunelle 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
    Carrabassett Valley Academy student David DiGravio of Farmington is one of 30 professional and amateur skiers to have been invited to Powder Magazine’s Superpark event at Mammoth Ski Resort in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. The event is to be filmed by five photographers and four ski film companies. DiGravio,… Read More