Far from parades and cookouts, Portland lawyer Robert Hirshon spent his Fourth of July amid bombed-out buildings in the Balkans. Hirshon, president-elect of the American Bar Association, was in the war torn region to help local officials and legal scholars rebuild a system of laws… Read More
BANGOR – “I love airplanes!” exclaimed Sucha Taveesit over the roar of a KC 135 refueling plane as it buzzed over Main Street as part of the annual Fourth of July parade. Taveesit, a recent graduate of the University of Maine, and her friend Poonsri… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s practice of slashing taxes in good times while piling them back on during economic downturns will fall under new scrutiny next year when a recently created panel takes up the thorny issue of tax reform. In the aftermath of two years… Read More
KENNEBUNKPORT – When President Bush comes to town Thursday, Leann Smith plans to set up the lawn chair, bring out the binoculars and spend the day with her boyfriend gawking at the first family’s compound. “It is sooooo intriguing, fascinating, exciting and exhilarating,” said Smith… Read More
The road situation in Bangor is a public embarrassment. More than that it is a matter of public safety for its residents. Not only are the roads in abominable shape but so are the sidewalks. Why doesn’t the municipal government do something about it? What… Read More
Last week, $8 million of Forest Legacy funding was set aside by the U.S. Senate Interior Appropriations Committee to be used for the West Branch Project, an historic land conservation project encompassing the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins worked extremely hard… Read More
I would like to know why, when people reach retirement age or are disabled, for one reason or other, they seem to be pushed aside. My wife and I are both disabled. I have heart disease and she has rheumatoid arthritis. Our furnace blew up… Read More
I am writing in response to the letter of July 3 regarding the public hearing held in Grand Lake Stream for the proposed ban of personal watercraft on West Grand Lake. I was a major reason that meeting was held. Grand Lake held a town… Read More
In the story regarding the methadone clinic in Bangor (BDN, June 26) you interviewed a “successful salesperson” who declined to be identified by name. The story was apparently intended to show that patients at the facility did not fit the image people may have of drug addicts. Read More
On June 9-10, the Bangor Daily News published a story about a lifelong smoker who sued Philip Morris for causing his incurable lung cancer. The man was awarded more than $3 billion. This space doesn’t allow for a discussion on whether or not Philip Morris… Read More
There are at least three benefits of the Robert Wood John Foundation’s announcement last week that it had chosen the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine to administer a grant to improve long-term care services. Thirty communities nationally will receive money to plan… Read More
To those in the House truly interested in lessening the undue influence of money on politics, last week’s Supreme Court ruling upholding existing limits on regulated contributions should provide the courage needed to complete what the Senate has begun. By reaffirming that making so-called hard money donations to… Read More
DEXTER – After more than a year in operation, June and Robert Woodman are closing the doors to Millside Pharmacy on July 13 – not because of competition from a large, chain drugstore a few blocks away, but because they became victims of a national shortage of pharmacists. Read More
HOULTON – Nearly 800 people packed into Monument Park on Wednesday afternoon to honor the town’s 1,232 World War II veterans, whose names are inscribed on the town’s new war memorial. “My dad’s up there,” said Joan McAfee of Houlton, who was at the monument… Read More
EASTPORT – Because the Fourth of July celebrates America’s independence from England, it seems unlikely that the British monarchy would be represented in any of the parades that take place on the holiday. But in Eastport on Wednesday, nine people who have taken an oath… Read More
BANGOR – Though no new hotspots were reported on the Fourth of July, the forest fire danger remained high Wednesday due to continued dry, windy weather that has persisted since early spring. Maine Forest Service rangers, called to four fires in the eastern and northern… Read More
HOULTON – Concerns that foot-and-mouth disease might keep livestock owners away from state fairs this summer weren’t evident Wednesday at the Houlton Agricultural Fair, which has more animals this year than last year. The fair, the first one to be held in the state this… Read More
PORTLAND – The Coast Guard is investigating whether the Scotia Prince struck bottom, causing the underside of the boat to crack and let seawater seep into a fuel tank. The ship, which travels daily between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, may have grounded over Canadian… Read More
BREWER – Solidarity was the theme of a Fourth of July bash Wednesday night at the Union Hall in Brewer, home of the Greater Bangor Area Central Labor Council, which consists of members of 22 area labor unions and a retiree group. Part rally and… Read More
VEAZIE – Until the proposed housing for senior citizens is up and running, it’s hard to say how popular it will be. But Coda Little has no doubt. “I don’t think they’re building it fast enough,” said Little, who’s been working to promote the idea… Read More
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – A professor from Princeton, N.J., was rescued in critical condition Wednesday morning about a half-mile up Flying Mountain, said Ranger Jim Grover. Samuel Glucksberg, 68, was hiking up the mountain trail overlooking Somes Sound with his family when he suddenly lost… Read More
PORTLAND – A road rage incident that left one teen-ager dead has prompted police to campaign for cooler tempers. Police, along with employees of Hannaford Bros., will be distributing leaflets that urge people to stay calm, cool and collected in the face of fire. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BLUE HILL – Henrietta Clews, a nurse-midwife at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, attended the 46th annual meeting of the American College of Certified Nurse-Midwives in Washington, D.C. More than 2,000 nurse-midwives attended. Workshops she attended dealt with the early detection of breast cancer, new hormonal… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Pierre Monteux School and the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce invite members and guests to a Business After Hours event. It will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Pierre Monteux School Music Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Parents of middle school children are invited to participate in a new program, “Parents on Board – Building Academic Success Through Parent Involvement.” The program, sponsored by the Hancock County Children’s Council, involves a series of three videotapes with corresponding workbooks. The program… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The Abbe Museum’s annual meeting will feature guest speaker Dan L. Monroe, director of the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, and will be held at the Kebo Valley Club in Bar… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The Abbe Museum is offering children a chance to explore the world of archaeology. “Can You Dig It?” a workshop for children 7-13, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Using mock dig boxes, children will be able… Read More
BAR HARBOR – American Wildlands, a science-based conservation group based in Bozeman, Mont., will present a slide show on its Corridors of Life program from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 12. The presentation will be in the McCormick Lecture Hall at College of the… Read More
Skowhegan District Court Daniel Albert, 46, Gardiner, violation of fishing rules, using artificial lures in fly-fishing-only waters, $60. 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
CARIBOU – The Caribou Utilities District and the city have been chosen to receive a $1 million Economic Development Administration grant from the United States Department of Commerce to help fund improvements to industrial and municipal wastewater facilities. The grant will target the wastewater facilities… Read More
HOULTON – The Maine State Troopers Foundation recently awarded Aroostook County Crime Stoppers a sum of $1,000 toward their Community Awareness Program. The purpose of the project is to increase public awareness of the Crime Stoppers program and improve public transportation in the program to… Read More
EASTBROOK – Indian Meadow Herbals, an herbal manufacturing company in Eastbrook, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation in Ellsworth. The group’s goal is to grow difficult-to-acquire threatened herbs used in the natural products industry. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Machias District Court Bernard L. Alley Jr., 20, Addison, assault, bound over for jury trial; violating protective order, bound over for jury trial. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
Dover-Foxcroft District Court Richard Andrick, 37, Milo, violating protective order, jail 30 days, suspended, probation one year. 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
ELLSWORTH – Two bald eagles perched high in an evergreen took to the sky Wednesday morning, soaring above a dozen powerboats as they paraded through Ellsworth Harbor in the Surry Boat Club’s first Fourth of July regatta. “I planned that,” organizer Jerry Kaufman yelled, waving… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A British couple was hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after their car rolled over near Woodbine Cemetery on Eastern Road. Ingrid Mann, 73, was driving toward Ellsworth when she drifted into the soft shoulder of the road at about 12:35 p.m., police said. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
CUSHING – A fire that demolished a one-story home on Narrows Lane on Wednesday night is believed to be electrical in origin. Gregory Prior was in his yard when the fire started and he reported it just after 5 p.m. According to Assistant Chief Peter… Read More
BAR HARBOR – A Passadumkeag man was hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after he was thrown from his motorcycle. Kyle Smith, 21, was driving toward Bar Harbor on Route 3 when he drove too far into the road’s shoulder near Belle Isle Motel. Smith lost control of… Read More
ROCKPORT – The Rockport Garden Club will hold a “biblio-cafe” bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Rockport Elementary School. The sale, held in conjunction with the Rockport Library Friends book sale, will feature items to eat at the book sale or… Read More
SEARSPORT – A master of seven ships will be the speaker at the Penobscot Marine Museum next week. Capt. David A. Sulin will speak at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the museum’s education center. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
CAMDEN – A dedication is planned next week for the new launching ramp built by the town during the past year. The ceremony will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 14. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
RANGELEY – Friends of the Wilhelm Reich Museum are sponsoring a program with Mark Caron, a wildlife biologist from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the museum. Caron has been with DIF&W since 1983 and will discuss his… Read More
PORTLAND – The State Department of Environmental Protection is investigating why fuel oil contaminated with carcinogens was burned at the Windham Correctional Facility and Saco Island. About 2,000 gallons of No. 4 heating oil was burned at the facility during six days near the end… Read More
KITTERY – When town councilors meet Monday for their weekly meeting, they will leave behind a controversial tradition. Council members unanimously voted earlier this week to reword their opening prayer to remove any religious references. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Bangor’s new Maine Discovery Museum on Main Street and the forthcoming University of Maine Museum of Art at Norumbega Hall carry a shimmering promise with their freshly painted walls and smartly designed spaces. If you add the equally central locations of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s offices, two theater… Read More
Editor’s Note: In Sound Advice, the first Thursday of every month, veteran NEWS entertainment writer Dale McGarrigle reviews new rock, pop, alternative, country, folk or blues albums. Different NEWS writers contribute reviews from other musical genres. “Liebling” (Reprise) – Andreas Johnson googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
So few people laughed when the comedy “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” opened on Broadway in 1979, the show closed after four performances. But when Acadia Repertory Theatre in Somesville staged it 10 years later, summer audiences couldn’t get enough of its purposefully mindless humor. If you renounce… Read More
Jessica Stammen’s brush dances across her canvases, trying to capture the shadow of a pine tree or a reflection in the water before it is gone. In a rusty red riverbank or a streak of clouds you can sense her urgency – light is fleeting and she’s on… Read More
Some readers will remember the 1970s television show “The Six Million Dollar Man,” whose hero, Col. Steve Austin, had amazing powers of strength, agility, hearing and sight because of having been rebuilt with artificial parts after an accident. Prostheses are devices used to replace a… Read More
Ca-phrump, the rocket sounds from afar, jettisoning the first shell into the skies where it will burst into particles of colored light. Before the fireworks display begins, boats position in the bay while throngs of people who are landlocked line the streets and shore. Impatient… Read More
BANGOR – When an energetic youngster bolted away from the pack in the early going of Wednesday’s Walter Hunt Memorial 3K, Louie and Joey Luchini did what good runners always do when things like that happen. They ignored him. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
It’s not easy to select a Major League Baseball All-Star team; in fact, it may be even harder than that. Yesterday Joe Torre named the pitchers and reserve players for the American League and Bobby Valentine for the National League. They’re the managers for the game in Seattle… Read More
HOLE-IN-ONE Ben Wootten 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
HUNT 3K At Brewer-Bangor 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
Steve Klein, sports editor at the Lansing State Journal (Mich.) from 1985-’95, is working on a book about University of Maine hockey coach Shawn Walsh. He has spent countless hours with the 17-year Bear coach, who is currently battling kidney cancer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
HERMON – When front-runners Abel Leamer of Winterport and Micky McCullough of Hermon decided to literally bump each other out of contention with three laps remaining, Winterport’s Mike Lynch was the beneficiary. Lynch took the checkered flag in the Big Enduro Double O feature on… Read More
High school standout Ryan Hall will attempt to become the second prep athlete to crack the four-minute-mile barrier and running fans will get a chance to watch plenty of world-class competition on Saturday as the eighth edition of the New Balance Maine Distance Festival kicks off at Bowdoin… Read More
MUSIC IN THE AIR Live performances on two stages will be a big part of the 12th annual Full Circle Summer Fair, to be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at the Union Fairgrounds, Route 17, in Union. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Where does the earth leave off and the body begin? Artist Faith Fay blurs the distinction, merging the veins of a leaf with the curve of a hip, imposing a cluster of gnarled roots against the soft shadows of a woman’s back. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
If comedians Abbott and Costello were still around to update their classic “Who’s on First?” for the Maine Shakespeare Festival, they might create another hit called “Who’s in Rehearsal?” “What” would be building sets while “I don’t know” was feverishly sewing costumes or proofreading programs. Read More
. “The Little Prince,” July 6-8, 13-15, 27-29, at the Bangor Opera House. All shows at 2 p.m. . “King Lear,” preview July 17; performances July 20, 26, 29; Aug. 4, 10, 15 at the waterfront. All shows 8 p.m. A discussion about “King Lear”… Read More
In theaters CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL, 95 minutes, PG-13, directed by John Stockwell, written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. 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
Salmon fishing is a sport born of royalty and nurtured in tradition. Therefore it’s a bit odd that I, your average, run-of-the-mill worker bee, would be asked to visit a camp in the northern reaches of New Brunswick where salmon “camps” abound and rituals of the time-honored practice… Read More
Every spring and summer, people from all over the United States and even other parts of the world congregate at the base of Champlain Mountain. Passing tourists stare in curiosity and amazement at this binocular- and spotting-scope-wielding group of birders, who are hoping to catch a glimpse of… Read More
The Bar Harbor Music Festival will open its 35th season by going both contemporary and classical. First up is the Boston Brass, playing at 8:15 p.m. Friday at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church. The ensemble was prize winners at the 1992 International Brass Quintet Competition… Read More