Advertisements for free Internet service offers are abundant. You may already have received a mailed CD-ROM promising hundreds of hours of free Internet access during a “trial period.” The Federal Trade Commission and Northeast COMBAT warn that many “free” offers wind up being high-cost, long-term… Read More
    ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s senators are making another push to get the state’s dairy farmers the price protections offered by a Northeast Dairy Compact. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton have reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the current dairy compact and add New… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership will receive $856,668 in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund programs that support smaller manufacturers seeking to become more globally competitive, according to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. “The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership… Read More
    Sometimes it’s not what you print, but what you don’t print that matters most. In an Associated Press article on June 23-24, the Bangor Daily News spun Connecticut Gov. John Rowland’s veto of legislation affecting old fossil fuel-fired power plants as a partisan battle over clean air. Read More
    Perhaps you are troubled because you don’t fully understand the recent 1,000-word explanations from your financial institutions, which assure you that worrying about privacy is their job and that you should spend your days enjoying the benefits of allowing them to share your personal information. At least, you… Read More
    Given the broad public support for the death penalty, it is reasonable – or at least realistic – to assume that the federal government and the governments of 38 states will continue to execute those convicted of the most heinous crimes. The heart-wrenching testimony presented by convicted and… Read More
    Camden and its neighbors should ask themselves if they really want a big-box YMCA in their midst. What makes Camden special is that it is not like everywhere else; it has small-town charm, despite the boutique overlay aimed at upscale customers, and the loss of… Read More
    Congratulations to Donna Bean of Brooks (BDN, June 29) for her idea regarding combining the current Wal-Mart building with the vacant Home Quarters building. My daughter and I were talking about the same idea a couple of weeks ago – perhaps the road could even… Read More
    I was astonished to hear that the charge for Craig Harriman for the beating of Mike Bryant was reduced from aggravated assault to simple assault. Bryant will suffer from his injuries for the rest of his life. How anyone could construe this crime as anything… Read More
    In a followup to the commentary of June 11 by Filena Anderson Singer, I would like to point out that what seems to have happened in Patten is extreme conservatism. Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines conservatism as “the disposition and tendency to preserve what is established;… Read More
    It is becoming increasingly clear that we can no longer invalidate what so many of us and our credible friends have experienced in a school (John Bapst Memorial High School) where there is no recourse to ensure students (and parents) protection and freedom from harassment. Read More
    “All gave some, some gave all.” This palindrome-like inscription on the World War II memorial recently erected in Houlton is the best of sentiments of which I am aware that honor those who valiantly served our country in all of its wars. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    As a disabled Army veteran, I take pride in many things such as my country, my military and my government. I also take pride in the presidency (as an institution); however, I do not take pride in a president who does not show the proper respect to our… Read More
    I read with interest Sharon Mack’s front-page articles about growing GE-free corn and soybeans in Maine. It is disappointing to read the names of prominent Maine farmers who are playing into the hands of liberal fear-mongering luddites whose ultimate goal is to bring modern high-production agriculture to its… Read More
    In the early 1970s, in a small laboratory in southern Maine, Dr. Robert Ritchie discovered a new way of diagnosing arthritis that revolutionized laboratory testing around the world. The new method was more reliable and more complete. It greatly expanded the number of substances that could be rapidly… Read More
    Recently, I went to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a hockey game broke out. While professional ice hockey is all the rage and games are the hottest ticket in town, the recent election, coupled with renewed incidents of sectarian violence and the inevitable resignation by David Trimble as First… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Scores of offenses that have long been listed in Maine’s law books as crimes have been downgraded to civil violations, meaning arrests and jail time are out, but fines could be increased. The changes affecting about 160 offenses were made during the legislative… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Sarah Jane Thompson wasn’t well-known in Millinocket, but her name and generosity will be remembered for many generations to come. Thompson, who graduated from Stearns High School 77 years ago, valued education and has left the Millinocket high school more than $442,000 in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – In just the last month, Maine was part of multistate actions against a milk processing company, the magazine-sales giant Publishers Clearing House and several international drug companies. All are examples of what Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe says is a definite trend by his office to… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A jury will try again today to reach a verdict in a murder case against a Hancock County woman accused of shooting to death her live-in boyfriend last summer. The panel came up empty-handed Saturday after more than 18 hours of deliberation. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    HERMON – With a population that’s jumped 40 percent over the past two decades, the town is ready for the next step in recreation – a full-time director. Hermon began advertising for a full-time rec director – preferably, one with a degree in sports management… Read More
    OLD TOWN – A passer-by helped a Rhode Island man pull his brother from a burning car on Interstate 95 early Sunday after the vehicle drifted off the highway and rolled over, police said. Both brothers were injured, and a 1-year-old Labrador retriever riding with… Read More
    SURRY – The Surry Community Improvement Association will meet at 7:30 tonight at the Surry Elementary School. Maggie Davis, director of Neighborcare, a volunteer service organization, will be the speaker. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    HANCOCK – The public is invited to attend a grand opening celebration at Tidal Falls from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 7. The free event, sponsored by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy, celebrates the purchase of the 4-acre parcel that was home to Tidal Falls… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth’s annual Harbor Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 7. The event will feature free boat rides on the Union River, kayak demonstrations, food and craft vendors, a jump tent, safety programs, radio broadcasts and lumberjack demonstrations. Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The Jackson Laboratory is offering two free public events. Kids’ Science Night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 and 31. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    EAST SULLIVAN – The Farmstead Barn will open for its 31st season on July 10. Located on Route 1, the barn welcomes children every July with its free shows. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – A “Caring for Kids” workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Somerset Country Cooperative Extension Office. The workshop, which is sponsored by the Somerset County 4-H program, is for youth 12 to 19 years old,… Read More
    NORRIDGEWOCK – One moment Lori Corson was pumping gas into her car. The next she was covered almost neck-deep in wood chips. Corson miraculously walked away with just scrapes, bruises and frayed nerves after an out-of-control tractor-trailer crashed into some gasoline pumps, smashed Corson’s car… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – For most people, the idea of someone coming along and disturbing the remains of their deceased relatives is repugnant. But for centuries that is exactly what archaeologists have been doing to sacred sites and burial grounds of indigenous people, and it is a practice one… Read More
    ASHLAND – More than 60 years ago Raymond Grass was a typical young northern Maine boy who would spend time sitting in a willow tree, practicing his fiddle, behind the family home. But when the United States entered World War II, Grass joined thousands of… Read More
    HOULTON – Bored? Come to Houlton. Starting Tuesday, July 3, and running through Sunday, July 8, the town will play host to scores of events from street vendors, live concerts and a World War II memorial dedication to a parade, fireworks and the state agriculture… Read More
    HARTLAND, New Brunswick – In a province of covered bridges, the century-old wooden structure spanning the St. John River is something special. This summer the world’s longest covered bridge is celebrating its 100th birthday with music, feasts and ceremonies in and around Hartland. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – City councilors are accustomed to getting an earful from those who attend their Monday meetings. But from those who stay at home? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
    HERMON – Ask a town manager what’s going on in the summer, and one thing is bound to be on the list. “Roads,” said Steven Tuckerman, town manager in Hermon. “Billings Road between Clark and Union Street – the state is in the process of… Read More
    Bangor District Court Abigail M. McLaughlin, 20, Orono, minor possessing liquor, $100. 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
    An Old Town police sergeant who has trained other law enforcement officers has been appointed to the board that oversees the training of police all over Maine. Travis Roy, 31, is among three people appointed by Gov. Angus King to the board of trustees for… Read More
    EASTPORT – Plans to have a U.S. Navy ship in Eastport waters on the Fourth of July were scuttled when naval officials notified the state’s senior senator that “operational constraints” would prevent such a visit. In June, the U.S. Navy notified U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe… Read More
    LINCOLN – The Lincoln-area hospital district is on its way to becoming a private, nonprofit corporation. Hospital Administrative District 1 was created by legislation 34 years ago when 14 area towns banded together to help finance construction of Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Orono High School Brooke Leger, Dustin Sleight, and Hadley See were student speakers at commencement exercises held June 10 at Orono High School. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    TOWNSHIP 41 MIDDLE DISTRICT – A Verona man was injured Friday night when he was thrown from his all-terrain vehicle. Walter Maddocks, 28, was driving his Polaris Sportsman 500 when he drove off the 3200 Road between Duck Lake and Deer Lake in Township 41… Read More
    EXETER – An Exeter teen-ager was hospitalized after being thrown from his vehicle in a single-car accident Saturday. Jeffrey Dill, 18, was in critical condition on Sunday, according to an Eastern Maine Medical Center spokesman. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    LAGRANGE – A 26-year-old LaGrange woman was killed and her sister severely injured after the car they were in left the road and rolled over on Route 16, striking a tree Sunday afternoon. Theresa Nilsson was pronounced dead on the scene while her sister Victoria… Read More
    Waldo County Superior Court Robert G. Brown, 25, Searsport, two counts sexual abuse of minor, five years prison, all but 18 months suspended on each, four years probation. The incident took place in Belfast last July and involved a girl under the age of 16. Read More
    Islesboro Central School Fourth 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 Slot… Read More
    DENNYSVILLE – A 19-year-old Lubec man was charged Friday evening with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident after he reportedly was involved in an incident that left a man with a badly cut eye. Sgt. Lester Seeley of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department… Read More
    Madawaska District Court Tristan Nelson, 22, Madawaska, allowing minor to possess liquor, $200. 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
    COLUMBIA FALLS – The Ruggles House Society will hold a free old-fashioned ice cream social from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 8, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the house as a historic house museum. The ice cream social will be held under a… Read More
    HOULTON – Police are investigating a rash of burglaries and incidents of criminal mischief that took place sometime late Friday evening or early Saturday morning. Reports started coming in to the Houlton Police Department at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sgt. Maurice Ellis said, and continued much… Read More
    Greater Bangor Fourth of July Corp. president Marla Saliba called last week to update readers on a few additions to plans for the Fourth of July celebration in the Bangor-Brewer area. As a quick reminder, the pancake breakfast begins at 6 a.m. at the Brewer… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Maine Department of Corrections will receive grants totaling $242,500 from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund programs that prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system, according to U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan M. Collins. “Through coordinated efforts at… Read More
    OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Town officials are debating the future of a local measure restricting cigarette advertising now that a similar curb on ads proposed in Massachusetts has been ruled unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Massachusetts plan to ban tobacco advertising… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Charles L. Cragin, most familiar to Mainers as the 1982 Republican nominee for governor, has joined the law firm Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP as a partner in its government relations department. Over the past four years Cragin served in a number… Read More
    BOSTON – New England could lose thousands of blood donors, under new regulations adopted by the Red Cross aimed at protecting the blood supply from mad cow disease. Under the Red Cross plan, scheduled to go into effect in September, donors who have a cumulative… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, who serves on the House Railroad Subcommittee, says he is co-sponsoring legislation to fund rail improvement projects in Maine and other areas of the country. The High-Speed Rail Investment Act would provide $12 billion over 10 years for development… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a grant of $147,000 to the University of Maine, according to members of Maine’s congressional delegation. The funding, which is being made available through the department’s National Eye Institute, will be used to… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine Superior Court Justice Nancy Mills became chief justice of the Maine Superior Court on Sunday. The chief justice of the Superior Court serves a two-year term and is responsible for scheduling and supervising the operation of Maine’s Superior Courts, which provide jury… Read More
    ORONO – The atmosphere was festive with an undercurrent of concern for the man who has led the University of Maine to 11 NCAA Tournament berths, seven Frozen Fours and two national championships in his 17 seasons behind the bench: coach Shawn Walsh, who is battling kidney cancer… Read More
    LOCAL At Bucksport 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
    hole-in-one Gary Powers 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
    WISCASSET – Scott Chubbuck of Wiscasset grabbed the lead by a bumper at the completion of the ninth lap of the Pro Stock division feature and held off several subsequent challenges to post the win at Wiscasset Raceway. Over the final two-thirds of the race,… Read More
    PRAGUE – Husson College baseball star Don Sawyer singled twice to help the NAIA All-Stars capture their second straight Prague Baseball Week title Sunday. The NAIA All-Stars scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat the USAthletes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    GLENBURN – Glenburn-Levant piled up eight runs in the second inning and added five more in the sixth en route to a 13-10 victory over Old Town in the Little League All-Star softball action for ages 11-12 Saturday. Samantha Besse and Cricket Munson collected a… Read More
    Happy birthday to “US.” The United States will be 225 years old come Wednesday. Particularly during the 25 years since the bicentennial, genealogy has really grown, to the point that it is now the second most popular hobby in the country. That’s no surprise to… Read More
    In theaters A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. Written and directed by Steven Spielberg. 145 minutes. PG-13. 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