About seven in 10 Maine hospitals report that worker shortages delayed outpatient services or crowded emergency rooms in the last year, the Maine Hospital Association said Tuesday. MHA officials, speaking at Bangor and Biddeford news conferences, reported that the situation grew worse over the last… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Three Pittsfield women arrested Friday for disorderly conduct are maintaining that they were arrested only because they are black. Andrea Hardy, 32, and her life partner, Qiana Harvey, 24, and Dorothy Moss, 24, a close family friend, are claiming that none of the… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Malia Lowry, the Hancock County woman convicted of manslaughter in last year’s fatal shooting of her boyfriend, was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in prison. Superior Court Justice Francis Marsano handed down a 15-year sentence with seven of those years suspended. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Maine’s microbusinesses were defined two different ways in an article in Tuesday’s edition. The state has nearly 38,000 total nonfarm businesses that employ one to more than 1,000 employees. Nearly 60 percent of those are microbusinesses, which have one to four employees. Stefany Almendinger from… Read More
NEWRY – Debt-ridden American Skiing Co. said Tuesday it has completed a financial restructuring that includes an additional $30 million investment by its majority shareholder, Oak Hill Capital Partners. The restructuring plan, announced in July, was designed to raise capital, amend loan agreements and restructure… Read More
HOULTON – The Georgia-Pacific Corp. wood chipping plant on B Road will be shut down for the next four to six weeks, putting as many as 10 people out of work. Chipping operations ceased last week, and massive piles of tree-length logs currently fill the… Read More
BANGOR – Jan Smith, co-anchorwoman for the WLBZ 2 evening news, will leave the show, according to an announcement made Tuesday night by her co-anchorman, Ric Tyler. Smith’s last day on the air will be Friday, Sept. 14. Smith was under contract with the Bangor… Read More
PORTLAND – The mere mention of an economic downturn should be enough to cause anxiety among bankers. After all, banks lost staggering sums in the early 1990s, and some of them didn’t survive. Maine’s banks seem to have learned their lessons as they’re turning in… Read More
We must comment on the closing of Treats Falls House in Orono. We had a daughter who was a resident of Levinson Center for 16 years. When Julia was 21 the state began, in all its wisdom, to push her father and myself to have her moved from… Read More
Are old folks too rich to deserve a discount? Delta Air Lines thinks so. Same for two big Colorado ski resorts, a restaurant chain in Florida, and an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and movie houses around the country. The Wall Street Journal, in a… Read More
Knowing well in advance that the World Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa, would take a definite anti-Israel spin, the United States had several ways to prepare an appropriate response. The one it chose – leaving the conference in a huff – was the least desirable. Read More
Your bear photo makes me sick. Anyone with a conscience wouldn’t kill an innocent wild animal just for sport. Putting out bait and shooting a bear from a tree is cowardly. Bob Moran googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
When I was a geometry student in high school, one of the theorems I learned was: “The whole is equal to the sum of its parts.” Being a member of Maine Blue Cross and Blue Shield I was happy with the tenet that Maine BCBS was a nonprofit… Read More
I take strong exception to the letter written by Frederick L. Denico (BDN, Aug. 29) regarding creation of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. By accepting federal funding from the U.S. Land and Water Conservation Fund, the governor and the state of Maine in 1970 made a binding legal commitment… Read More
The Sept. 3 Page One photo of a hanging bear and accompanying story is a revelation of sad human folly. The quote, “It’s not about killing. It’s about the outdoors, sportsmanship.” is a cruel joke. What is sportsmanlike or “thrilling” about sitting in a tree stand, waiting to… Read More
The Anthem Blue Cross announcement (BDN, Aug. 23) of yet another gargantuan rate increase (31.7 percent) to its beleaguered individual insurance plan strikes terror into the hearts of those of us who are trying to hold on to a fragment of health insurance coverage. This… Read More
Have you ever made rock candy? A tiny seed crystal or a string or stick is added to a water solution saturated with sugar. Before the crystal is added, the sugar solution will sit, perhaps for years, with not a sign of any more organization than your average… Read More
Maine should be a leader in providing opportunity for families and businesses. Many of the elements for economic opportunity are present throughout the state. Our educational system is recognized for keeping students in school and maintaining enviable graduation rates. Natural resources are abundant here, and the work ethic… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Each year, 4,000 highly qualified pilots, scientists and doctors apply to become NASA astronauts. About 20 of these people – half a percent of those who apply – ever soar into outer space. Charles Hobaugh, a military pilot who spent his earliest… Read More
ORONO – Researchers at the University of Maine are working to develop a “breath-print” so doctors can use a patient’s breath to diagnose illnesses. During physical exams, doctors regularly ask patients to take a deep breath and exhale. But this project aims at allowing doctors… Read More
You’d think I’d be an old pro at this sort of thing by now. You’d think that after having already taught one child to drive that I’d have learned which instructional techniques work best with nervous, fledgling motorists, and which must be avoided. You’d think, in other words,… Read More
ORONO – Growth is the buzzword at the University of Maine, President Peter Hoff stressed Tuesday during his annual start of the academic year address. More students are enrolled this year, new faculty members have been hired, and new buildings are going up while old… Read More
HOULTON – Peoples Heritage Bank has announced that it will donate, free and clear, a commercial property on North Street to a nonprofit organization. The roughly 2,500-square-foot building is located in a small shopping plaza along with the bank’s Houlton branch, a drug store and… Read More
Consistently high levels of dirty air at two of Maine’s best-known coastal attractions – Acadia National Park and Kennebunkport – violate federal standards, state officials say. Three-year averages of ozone concentrations in Acadia and Kennebunkport exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards, according to Jennie Desimone, senior… Read More
BANGOR – Norumbega Medical Pediatrics will offer the fifth annual Children’s Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at 68 Mount Hope Ave. Doctors and staff will offer health information, games, snacks and door prizes. Community organizations such as the Red… Read More
MADAWASKA – Municipal officials and supporters of a four-lane north-south highway for the last 100 miles of northern Maine will take their argument that the road end in Madawaska to the commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. Nearly two months ago, a proposal for… Read More
Caribou District Court Thomas F. Adams, 67, Caribou, burning without permit, $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
MOXIE GORE TOWNSHIP – A Bangor kayaker spent Monday night on the Kennebec River after he failed to make it to his planned destination before dark. District Game Warden Scott Thrasher received a report at 10:30 p.m. that Mark Lavoie, 19, had not reached the… Read More
PITTSFIELD – A construction company’s representative urged councilors Tuesday night to consider his firm’s alternative to two other bids – including one submitted by his own firm – for reconstruction of a pond at the town industrial park. William Bradshaw, representing Frank Woodworth Inc. of… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine State Housing Authority has joined forces with other state, federal and nonprofit agencies to help nearly two dozen low-income families in Somerset County acquire decent, safe and affordable housing, MSHA Director Michael Finnegan announced Tuesday. The MSHA will grant $300,000 toward… Read More
NEWPORT – Newport Town Manager James Ricker will provide the Board of Selectmen tonight with an update on the Elm Street and Palmer Road railroad crossings. Two weeks ago, a dump truck and a slow-moving train collided at the Palmer Road crossing, which is marked… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The Hancock County Children’s Council will be offering a “Living With Toddlers” course beginning Sept. 18. The class, co-sponsored by the Bucksport Adult Education program, will cover such issues as nutrition, discipline, toilet training, napping and playing with others. Cathy Jacobs, a registered… Read More
BUCKSPORT – Craig Bowden, a 22-year-veteran of the Bucksport Fire Department, has been named director of emergency services for the town. The town recently created the post, which combines the fire chief and ambulance service director positions. Bowden will oversee the operations of both the… Read More
CHERRYFIELD – The Narraguagus River Watershed Management Plan work group will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Land Use Regulation Commission office in Cherryfield. The topic of the meeting will be pollution related to the use of all-terrain vehicles. Bryan Bronson of… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The Wendell Gilley Museum will celebrate Maine Heritage Day on Sept. 15 by offering free admission. The museum houses a collection of decorative bird carvings created by Wendell Gilley between 1931 and 1981. During his career, In addition to Gilley’s artwork, many… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Phillip Farren Gift of Sight Foundation will sponsor a two-mile walkathon in Ellsworth on Saturday, Sept 8. Farren, a former lobsterman from Addison, started the foundation last spring to raise money for medical research to prevent or reverse blindness. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
CAMDEN – The size, shape and look of a proposed public safety building will be unveiled for the public later this month. But residents will give the final word on the plans in the ballot booth in November. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
STONINGTON – Despite a summer so dry it has forced some Hancock County towns to call for conservation measures, the Stonington Water Co. is holding its own against the drought and continues to provide water to its 248 customers, thanks to two new pieces of technology. Read More
BREWER – Despite its owners’ attempts to refinance debt, a 5-year-old ice arena on Acme Road is expected to go to auction this week. The sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the T.J. Ryan Center, formerly known as the H.O. Bouchard Sports Complex. Read More
BANGOR – Starting with this year’s freshmen, Bangor High School students will need three mathematics credits to graduate instead of two, the school committee decided Tuesday. The requirement increases the full-year courses to three and is simply “good education,” said Superintendent of Schools Sandy Ervin,… Read More
FREEDOM – The Waldo County Extension Association will hold its annual meeting at the Freedom Grange Hall at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10. President Will Richards and the association’s executive committee have extended an invitation to all Waldo County residents to participate in the meeting. Read More
A Bangor woman wanted to meet her former Milo boyfriend alone outside a Bangor shoe outlet Tuesday, but he showed up with the police in an attempt to curtail what he said was the woman’s continuing harassment. Initially fleeing from police, 32-year-old Karen McInnis tied… Read More
BELFAST – In response to neighborhood concerns, city councilors Tuesday dropped plans to allow mobile home parks off Mill Lane. The lane, about two-thirds of a mile long, runs between Searsport Avenue and Swan Lake Avenue. Although it is in a highway commercial zone, it… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce is offering its members and the public a workshop on office ergonomics. The workshop will run from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at The Landings Restaurant. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
ROCKLAND – The age-old principles of coastal navigation will be outlined in an eight-week public boating course beginning Sept. 11 at the Rockland Coast Guard station. Taught by Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, the course is designed to help recreational boaters develop skills in piloting –… Read More
ROCKLAND – “How to Study a Foreign Language,” a minicourse for persons studying a foreign language for the first time or starting again, will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18, at the Penobscot School. Topics covered include myths… Read More
ROCKLAND – One of the decorated lobster sculptures installed on the Rockland Public Library grounds was discovered on a nearby street early Sunday morning. The “Beaded Bug” lobster, which is part of the public art event “Lobster Maine-ia” sponsored by the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of… Read More
The United Mid-Coast Charities board of directors honored Charles W. Chatfield of Rockport at its annual meeting last month in Camden. Chatfield was recognized for his 49 years of service to the organization. He recently stepped down as second vice president and budget committee chairman but remains a… Read More
GREENVILLE – Maine folk singer and songwriter Dave Mallett will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, outside the Blair Hill Inn. Attendees should bring chairs and proper outerwear in case of cool weather. Call 695-0224 to reserve a ticket or for information. Read More
MACHIAS – Firefighters have had their first chance to use the department’s new thermal-imaging camera, and the results were impressive, according to Capt. Dan Pugsley. On Aug. 31, the department responded to a call from a Lyons Street homeowner whose basement was filling with smoke. Read More
ORONO – Thomas Pickering, former U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation and undersecretary of state for political affairs in the Clinton administration, will speak at the University of Maine at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7. The Bowdoin graduate will talk about the current relationship between… Read More
BANGOR – A Penobscot County grand jury Tuesday indicted a 62-year-old Bangor man for two counts of gross sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor. Thomas Hart is accused of engaging in sexual acts with two local boys, ages 12 and 13, after befriending… Read More
BREWER – Given the recent flurry of development activity in the Wilson Street commercial corridor, city officials are continuing to take steps to develop a formula aimed at having developers share in the costs of infrastructure improvements triggered by their projects. The impact fees would… Read More
ORONO – A monthly magazine is the centerpiece of a new University of Maine plan for communicating with key interest groups, both on and off campus. The changes are part of the university’s new strategic plan adopted last spring. Scheduled for publication in late September… Read More
They’re off to a terrific start, those Penobscot County gardeners who are participating in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s state-wide “Plant-a-Row for the Hungry” project. Last year, Penobscot County led the state with 12,000 pounds of vegetables donated to local shelters and soup kitchens. Read More
NEWPORT – The Eastern Maine chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction will hold its monthly meeting at the Chinaway Restaurant in Newport at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13. New officers will be installed and members will plan for the 2002 Spring Forum. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Howard Kesseli, newly elected lieutenant governor of the New England District of Kiwanis, was installed in that office at the organization’s 83rd annual convention held Aug. 23-25 at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, Mass. A retired executive with the Boy Scouts of… Read More
WASHINGTON – The Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., seeks candidates for Maine’s Cherry Blossom Princess to represent the state and the society in the 55th annual National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 31 to April 6, 2002. The festival is neither a beauty pageant… Read More
KITTERY – The discovery of a leak in a 30,000-gallon propane tank prompted the evacuation of a nearby factory building Tuesday. The leak was discovered in the tank used by Watts Fluid Air around 9:30 a.m., said fire Chief Dave O’Brien. Two dozen firefighters and… Read More
COOKING WITH WILD BERRIES OF DOWN EAST MAINE, Bar Harbor Jam Co., Bar Harbor, 2001, 224 pages, $12.95. Nothing compares to the tongue-tingling joy of a berry still warm from the summer sun. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
EASTPORT – Organizers of the 14th annual Eastport Salmon Festival are fishing for recipes to create a rather unique cookbook blending blueberries and salmon. And they need your help. This year’s festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9 and participants are asked to either… Read More
Fair game Think your beets can’t be beat? Are your pies are to die for? Enter them in the Common Ground Fair’s Exhibition Hall competition, Sept. 21-23 in Unity. Fair-goers can enter organically grown vegetables, whether it’s a giant pumpkin or a strangely shaped zucchini,… Read More
The New England Patriots will be mediocre, according to a consensus of some local football coaches. The Pats finished 5-11 a year ago after an 8-8 season in 1999. They open in Cincinnati on Sunday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Seven years after she began her quest to turn Old Town into a statewide cheerleading powerhouse, Kristen Braun has decided to take some time off. In 14 varsity seasons (seven fall, seven winter), Braun has transformed the Indians’ program from a low-funded afterthought to one… Read More
HAMPDEN – Always a highly charged Eastern Maine Class A rivalry, Tuesday night’s Bangor-Hampden boys soccer game was downright electric. In the seconds after a bolt of lightning stabbed the dark sky above the Weatherbee School complex, midfielder Matt Larochelle scored an insurance goal to… Read More
Friday, Oct. 13, 2000 was truly an unlucky day for Bangor boxer Marcus “The Irish Grenade” Davis. It was the day his boxing career almost blew up in a ring at Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard, Conn. Though the fight was filmed by ESPN for possible… Read More
ORONO – Depth is always a concern for the University of Maine football team. Coach Jack Cosgrove usually has a solid group of front-line players, but injuries and attrition can severely hamper the Black Bears’ ability to win consistently. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ORONO – Tim Whitehead, a former University of Maine assistant who had been the head hockey coach at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell the past five years before resigning this spring, is the leading candidate to replace Gene Reilly as an assistant coach at Maine. The… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL Top 4 count for team score 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
HIGH SCHOOL At Lubec 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
JACKMAN – Ern Wallace of Jackman outlasted 41 other entrants in his Enduro car to win the 50-lap Moose River Valley 500 on Sunday. Wallace won the $500 top prize for his performance. Wallace led the pack for most of the final 26 laps of… Read More
CASTINE – Wels Baker’s goal with 12 minutes remaining in the match helped give the Maine Maritime Academy Mariners a 3-1 men’s soccer victory over the University of Maine-Machias Clippers Tuesday night in the mutual opener. Derek Wilding and Jack Gilmore recorded assists on the… Read More
EASTPORT – Junior striker Jason Bones scored five goals and assisted on a sixth to lead Shead to an 8-0 schoolboy soccer win over Woodland on Tuesday. Gerald Holmes, Ben Maloney and Ricky Kroll each scored a goal while Peter Graves added two assists for… Read More
DEXTER – Jason Clukey converted two Mitchell Sawyer feeds into the only goals of the game as Dexter posted a 2-0 schoolboy soccer win over Deer Isle-Stonington on Tuesday. Brian Hersey earned his 10th career shutout with Dexter, now 1-1, as he stopped all five… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Erik Maleck scored two goals to lead the Ellsworth Eagles to a 2-1 schoolboy soccer victory over the Orono Red Riots Tuesday. Seth Mayo assisted on one goal and goalie Chad Smith made six saves on 10 shots for the 2-0 winners. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
CORINTH – Renee Trafton scored three goals to power the Central Red Devils to a 5-0 high school field hockey victory over the Hermon Hawks Tuesday in the mutual opener. Shawna Bell and Jody Harvey also scored goals while Katie Ahearn, Heather Lyford, Jenny Rollins… Read More