BANGOR – Households buying bargain-priced electricity through the standard offer in Central Maine Power Co.’s service territory almost lost their cheap rate – and faced the possibility of having prices more than doubled – because of a contract dispute. The haggling between Energy Atlantic, the… Read More
BANGOR – A long-awaited National Academy of Sciences review of the science behind a federal decision that Atlantic salmon in eight Maine rivers are an endangered species will begin in Bangor on June 12. A 14-member committee of researchers – chosen by the academy and… Read More
Last August the Cyrus family turned its back on the Bangor area and moved to southern New Hampshire. The family of four opted for more cultural activities, higher-paying jobs and bigger schools. Despite trade-offs, the Boston area beckoned with advantages, outstripping any lingering doubts the… Read More
ORRINGTON – A large beaver dam in the south part of town let go early Wednesday, releasing a torrent of water that washed out a half-mile stretch of Swetts Pond Road and created a gully at least 10 feet deep at the entrance of Cemetery Road. Read More
WASHINGTON – The Republican Party may be losing one of its members Thursday when Sen. James Jeffords, a Republican from Vermont, decides to become an independent, but for Sen. Olympia Snowe, it’s a much more personal loss. The two senators have supported each other on… Read More
SANFORD – Tired of newspapers’ stringent editorial policies, a Maine funeral director is taking the obituary publishing business to cyberspace. David Heald, owner of Heald Funeral Homes in Springvale and Limerick, has launched a Web site with the purpose of publishing obituaries on the Internet. Read More
AUGUSTA – Who owns your financial information? After an hour of debate, the House voted 107-37 Wednesday that Maine should join 44 other states and become an “opt-out state,” which would allow banks and other financial institutions to share financial information unless a customer says… Read More
BOSTON – The operators of New England’s electricity grid are hiring more people to ensure competition in the wholesale electricity market. ISO New England plans to hire an independent market advisor and a consulting firm and increase the size of its market-monitoring unit from five… Read More
Citing costly gas and electric rates, Gates Formed-Fibre Products Inc. said Wednesday it will close its Eastport processing plant Dec. 31 and lay off its 50 employees. “High energy costs have killed our hopes for this plant,” company President David McMahon said in a news… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Labor is meeting with officials of the United States and Mexican governments regarding the rights of migrant farm workers. Juan Perez-Febles, director of the Maine Department of Labor’s Migrant and Immigrant Services Division, was in Washington, D.C., Wednesday and… Read More
Ideologically, Sen. Jim Jeffords didn’t switch, the Republican Party did. The announcement by Sen. Jeffords of Vermont yesterday that he reportedly would leave the GOP to become an independent merely highlighted what has long been obvious. Starting in the 1980s and accelerating in the ’90s, both political parties… Read More
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I’ve been reading with interest readers’ responses to the news that Bob Kerrey was involved in killing civilians in Vietnam. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, but what I am surprised about is that it’s even an issue. Read More
I read the May 14 BDN article about the horse in Mattawamkeag that was hit by a vehicle while being ridden. Accidents happen, but inattention and speed contribute to any bad situation. The driver should have seen the horses and riders before he got too close; that would… Read More
In response to Richard Blake’s letter (BDN, May 8) proclaiming that servers are begging for tips when they ask if a guest would like change – it is painfully obvious Blake has never worked in a restaurant as a tipped employee. Every step of service… Read More
I am writing in response to the articles in the Bangor Daily News titled, “House rejects morality bills” (May 4) and “School pornography bill defeated” (May 10). The first article mentions that our House of Representatives in Augusta rejected a bill that would have placed the Ten Commandments… Read More
The May 21 Bangor Daily News quotes two people suggesting two ways to deal with the increased cost of energy. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California thought President Bush should consider price caps for electricity. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott thought Congress should consider suspending the federal gasoline tax. Read More
Jeanne Rudnicki was in error in almost every statement in her letter of May 21. I don’t believe BACORD (Bangor Citizens Organized for Responsible Development) is against Wal-Mart in particular. It is against superstores, or “big-box” stores in general. Wal-Mart is the largest retail concern… Read More
In a commencement address delivered Monday at his alma mater, Yale University, President Bush answered a hostile crowd of protesting professors and jeering students with lots of good-natured jabs at himself. Although the “Animal House to the White House” routine wore a bit thin, the self-deprecation approach was… Read More
May 19 was a very proud day, as it was the day that all the hard work I had done over the past few years came to a conclusion and I received my degree from the University of Maine. The past three years I have… Read More
AUGUSTA – Most Maine motorists can expect to pay nearly twice as much to have their cars inspected, thanks to action by lawmakers. A bill signed by Gov. Angus King will allow vehicle inspection stations to charge up to $12.50 per inspection for most vehicles… Read More
ROCKLAND – A jury rendered mixed verdicts Wednesday in the case of a former midcoast coach accused of sex-related charges involving a teen-ager. The Knox County Superior Court found Ashley J. Hunt II, 40, of Rockland not guilty on a sex charge, but guilty on… Read More
AUGUSTA – “Enough is enough,” said Rep. Elizabeth Watson, D-Farmingdale and a member of the Legislature’s Education Committee, as she opened debate Wednesday night on a move to repeal the fingerprinting and background check program passed during the last session. The House voted 79-45 to… Read More
MADAWASKA – Official notification is supposedly in the mail, but the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site has posted the Madawaska Elementary School as one of the recipients of this year’s Blue Ribbon Elementary Schools Award. The school is the only recipient in Maine this… Read More
BANGOR -Explosive testimony on the second day of a lawsuit trial in federal court preceded a settlement offer Wednesday morning. The offer was accepted, ending a case that pitted a former Webber Oil Co. manager against the company’s well-known leader, Larry Mahaney. Mahaney took the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine will revive its long-used system of selecting presidential favorites – party caucuses – if a bill that slipped through the House without debate Wednesday becomes law. Maine has been holding presidential primaries since 1996, when it joined several other regional states that… Read More
HOULTON – Site preparation work is set to begin soon for a new World War II veterans memorial honor roll that will be erected at Monument Park next to Cary Memorial Library. The Jack D. and Anita G. Smart Family Foundation has provided funding for… Read More
BUCKSPORT – A Bucksport High School senior has been named a National Merit Scholar, one of three students in Maine to receive the annual honor. Jean Thompson, daughter of Tom and Barbara Thompson of Bucksport, was honored this week at a luncheon at the International… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – More than 40 communities in the United States print their own currency. If Jeff Black has his way, Mount Desert Island will be the 41st. The College of the Atlantic student has studied different economic systems designed to keep money in a… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A crash between a Jeep Cherokee and an oil tanker late Tuesday afternoon was not an accident, according to police. Lt. Harold Page of the Ellsworth Police Department said Wednesday that John Dunn, 56, of Ellsworth, the city’s code enforcement officer, intentionally drove… Read More
Senior Judge Frank M. Coffin of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has been named a recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service Award, the American Judicature Society announced. The award recognizes federal judges for significant contributions to administration of justice, advancement of… Read More
Jay High School JAY – Graduation exercises will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at the Jay High School gymnasium. Ryan Richards is valedictorian and Karyn Labbe is salutatorian. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Bangor District Court Amy F. Jarzabek, 17, Hudson, minor transporting liquor, $100, license suspended 30 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++) { if… Read More
PALMYRA – Christopher Norris, 19, of Corinna was in custody Wednesday night at the Somerset County Jail in Skowhegan on multiple charges after a late afternoon high-speed chase on Route 100. According to Trooper Bernard Brunette, he observed Norris operating a vehicle without an inspection… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Frustration is the only thing the Somerset County commissioners and the Rockwood Fire Department volunteers appear to have in common. After months of wrangling about fire department costs, liability and responsibility, the two groups thought a written contract would be the simplest way… Read More
HOULTON – The following divorces were granted on grounds of irreconcilable differences in 2nd District Court in Houlton: David A. Carpenter and Sonya G. Carpenter, both of Houlton, married Nov. 12, 1992, at Burlington, Ky., custody of two children awarded to the father. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
HOULTON – In a little more than three months, college students will begin studying where soup, beans, steaks and cereal once were sold. Work to convert the old Shop ‘n Save store on Military Street into the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Houlton Higher… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Business leaders in Aroostook County are invited to attend a business forum from 7:45 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 1, at the Northeastland Hotel regarding health promotion in the workplace. Sponsored by Eastern Maine Healthcare and The Aroostook Medical Center, business owners… Read More
FORT KENT – The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department will hold registrations for summer swimming lessons for Fort Kent residents only from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2, and from 11:30 to noon for nonresidents, at the Municipal Center at 111 West Main St. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – AARP Maine will present an AARP Consumer University from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The program will feature interactive mini-courses on topics such as Medicare choices, planning for long-term care, starting… Read More
CARIBOU – Cary Medical Center will sponsor its second annual men’s health conference, “Healthy Successful Living,” from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in the Chan Center at the medical center. This year’s conference will focus on men’s emotional health because of the… Read More
FORT KENT – The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s academic outreach division will offer Fish River nature day camps for pupils entering grades two through five. The series of camps will run July 9-Aug. 3 and provide educational events, indoor and outdoor activities and hands-on fun. Read More
TOGUS – The Veterans Administration and Regional Office Center at Togus toll free telephone service for benefit information, 1-800-827-1000, has changed its hours of operation. The new hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The previous hours were 8:30 a.m. Read More
UNITY – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will hold an organic blueberry workshop at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the Blueberry Hill Research Station in Jonesboro. The station is located on the north side of Route 1, five miles west of Machias. Read More
BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare’s new St. Francis Health Science Library and Breast Health Resource Center will hold an open house at the St. Francis Center, 294 Center St., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 1. People in the community are invited to see firsthand the… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Garden Club will dedicate a Blue Star Memorial Highway marker at 2 p.m. Friday, May 25. The marker will be erected at the intersection of State Street and the Hogan Road. Taking its name from the blue star of the service flag, the project… Read More
GLENBURN – Two candidates are running unopposed for three-year terms on the Town Council and the school committee. Kevin Paschal is seeking re-election to the council. Ronald E. Tewhey is running for the school committee seat left open by Wendy Lagasse, who is not seeking… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Police Department’s bomb squad neutralized a suspicious container Wednesday morning near the intersection of High and Hammond streets less than 100 yards from both the Bangor police station and the Penobscot County Courthouse. The container was found to be a metal… Read More
BANGOR – One of two men accused of forcing three people into a car and attempting to rob them pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to a multitude of charges stemming from the incident in Bangor last month. Miguel Garcia, 26, of Bangor appeared in Superior… Read More
BANGOR – A 16-year-old girl visiting the spot on Interstate 95 where her friend died in a car crash Tuesday narrowly escaped serious injury Wednesday when she accidentally walked in front of speeding traffic. The name of the girl was not released because she was… Read More
BANGOR – A Superior Court justice has denied a Harrington man’s request for a new trial in the death of his 9-year-old son, but Robert Ardolino’s lawyer plans to appeal the decision to the state supreme court. Justice Andrew Mead found in his seven-page order… Read More
OLD TOWN – Two 14-year-old girls accused of making bomb threats at the high school were expelled Wednesday night after separate hearings before the school committee. Board members voted unanimously to expel the pair. The students may petition to the school board to be readmitted,… Read More
HOWLAND – SAD 31 board members are reaffirming their support to build a new high school, but one official believes the district should explore other options, including building a regional high school. The recent board vote came after Bonnie Lovett, chairman of the SAD 31… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Maine Quarter Horse Association will sponsor The Pine Tree Classic, three separate horse shows scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 26-28, at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. Admission is free for spectator seats under a covered show ring. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
LEWISTON – Anne Jenkins of Owls Head was elected chairman of the Maine Public Broadcasting board of trustees during a recent May meeting. Jenkins, who will serve a 2001-2002 term, is the first woman and only the second member of the public to serve at… Read More
CAMDEN – If approved by voters next month, the SAD 28 and Five Town CSD budgets will result in sharp tax increases in Camden and Rockport, even though the school boards tried to rein in spending. Pat Hopkins, who serves as assistant superintendent for both… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Samoset Resort withdrew its state application for a marina near the Rockland breakwater this week. A draft order from the state Department of Environmental Protection issued earlier this month recommended denying the permit for the 40-slip marina, saying it conflicted with the… Read More
ROCKLAND – Police late Tuesday arrested two men they believe are responsible for burglary, theft and vandalism of the Lincoln Street Center for Arts and Education, SAD 5 offices and homes in surrounding neighborhoods. Arrested were Stephen Butler, 18, and Jason Randall, 20, both of… Read More
THOMASTON – The final count of an SAD 50 vote confirmed that the $9.1 million budget passed. Cushing ballots had not been counted by press time Tuesday. But once the numbers were tallied, it showed that residents there strongly supported all of the district requests. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen agreed Monday to include a recommendation in the town meeting warrant next month to appropriate $500 each for the Charlotte White Center and Penquis CAP. That is a reversal from what the board decided last week for funding for two of the… Read More
Washington Academy, East Machias EAST MACHIAS – Headmaster Judson McBrine has announced the honor parts for the Class of 2001. Baccalaureate will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 10, in the Gardner Gymnasium and graduation exercises will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, June… Read More
CALAIS – If a decision about where to locate a third bridge is based solely on the cost of a four-lane highway that connects the new bridge to Route 9 and no other factor, this border community may find that its status as a “Gateway to Canada” could… Read More
Thank goodness for the mail, voice mail, e-mail and faxes, because that is sometimes the only way important information reaches my desk! For example, Hampden Academy director of bands Patrick Michaud and I voice-mailed each other for too many days without connecting directly. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
WATERVILLE – Tom and Pat Gish, owners and publishers of the Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, Ky., will receive the 49th Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for journalism at Colby College on Oct. 11. The award, established in 1952, is presented annually to honor important contributions to the nation’s journalist… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The U.S. Postal Service will issue a new international rate postage stamp that honors Acadia National Park. It is part of the service’s long-term effort to showcase America’s scenic national landmarks. A ceremony marking the stamp’s issue will begin at 10:30 a.m. Read More
AUGUSTA – The commissioner of the Department of Human Services told lawmakers Wednesday that his department needs an additional $4 million to hire more caseworkers and to upgrade technology. The DHS review comes in the wake of the death of 5-year-old Logan Marr, who suffocated… Read More
BANGOR – Tabitha King was hospitalized at Eastern Maine Medical Center on Tuesday morning after experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing, according to a hospital spokeswoman. King, 51, remained in EMMC Wednesday for evaluation. The writer and wife of author Stephen King called 911 about… Read More
PORTLAND – The executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine has begun taking steps to prohibit all state and local governments from providing domestic partnership benefits. Michael Heath filed a petition with the Secretary of State’s office on Tuesday to force an election… Read More
The long Memorial Day weekend will usher in summer and with it, the return of blue herons, black flies and vacationers. Maine’s population will swell like a bloated cow. And with so many strangers around, it’ll be hard to distinguish between thee and me. That’s… Read More
The night sounds of spring have captured the art of Lesia Sochor, awakening her heart and commanding her palette. The sounds of the darkness have exploded into brilliant greens, blues and yellows that leap off the canvas like the frogs they depict. For the past… Read More
Most science texts will tell you that matter exists in three states: solid, liquid and gas. Pressure plays a role in determining the state in which matter is found, but temperature is usually the deciding factor. The conversions of solid ice to liquid water at… Read More
HERMON – Hitting ninth has its advantages. Just ask Hermon High School left fielder Mike Ketchum. Ketchum doubled on a first-pitch fastball to lead off the sixth inning and pinch-runner Andrew Hagemeyer scored on Ron Lane’s opposite-field single for the game’s only run as the… Read More
Just over 31/2 years after a vote by the Bangor City Council effectively sounded the death knell for minor league baseball in the River City, a fledgling independent league hopes to ring that long dormant bell to herald its return – and some city, county and state officials… Read More
Greenville native Scott Warman, who never had a losing season in his seven years as the boys soccer coach at Orono High School, has been named to replace Nate Benoit as the Husson College men’s soccer coach. Benoit, 21-12-2 in his two seasons, left to… Read More
COLLEGE NESCAC All-Academic 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
One week ago, the University of Southern Maine baseball team had lost three consecutive games and was one loss away from having its season end. Today, the Huskies are in Grand Chute, Wis., where they’re the top-seeded team heading into the NCAA Division III Baseball… Read More
DANFORTH – Josh Fish hit a bloop, game-winning RBI single into left field in the bottom of the seventh inning Wednesday as East Grand pulled out a 14-13 schoolboy baseball victory over Woodland. Jim Zugelder smacked a two-run single during East Grand’s four-run rally in… Read More
LINCOLN – Andy McLellan stroked three singles with two RBIs Wednesday to pace Mattanawcook Academy to a 15-5 schoolboy baseball victory over Penobscot Valley of Howland. J.J. Murchison singled twice with three RBIs and Andrew Kites tripled and singled (2 RBIs), while winning pitcher Mike… Read More
SOUTH CHINA – Claire Lackie smacked a pinch-hit RBI single during Maine Central Institute’s four-run second inning Thursday and Jen Cummings pitched a five-hitter as the Huskies posted a 4-0 schoolgirl softball victory over Erskine Academy. Mary Lancaster and Amanda Leavitt each singled twice for… Read More
It’s one thing to have a pile of press clippings, but you’ve really made it as a singer-songwriter when other musicians write songs about you. Ellis Paul received passing mention in songs by Don Conoscenti and Bob Franke. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
As tenor Jon Hawley says, “It’s time to take cover with Impromptu!, baby, and get in out of the rain!” The local a cappella group will begin a spring concert series just drizzling with jazz, classics, pop and sunny songs which could banish any clouds. Read More
Sting is coming to the Cumberland County Civic Center. Sting is coming to Maine. “That shows where his career is headed,” said a friend to me. Or words to that effect anyway. Of course the comment was facetious in nature, maybe even a little snide, but it seemed… Read More
In theaters ANGEL EYES, 104 minutes, R, directed by Luis Mandoki, written by Gerald DiPego. 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())… Read More
Heads up! I’m going to tell you about some outdoor clothing that will make you wish our winters were longer. I was reading Backpacker Magazine last January, thinking about a trip I had planned with five friends to ski into Lower South Ranch Pond in… Read More
It’s that time of the season. Many birds are now brooding clutches of eggs, which soon will produce many gaping, hungry mouths. Some have fledged already. What should you do if you happen upon a baby bird? For an answer, I asked an expert in… Read More