FREEPORT – A state study commission has ample time before a March deadline to create a plan for a state-run universal insurance program, two national experts said Thursday. But they differed on whether it should. The two experts, speaking at the request of the Maine… Read More
AUGUSTA – More than 1,000 passengers a day are expected to ride the rails from Portland to Boston once regular Amtrak service commences Dec. 15, state and railroad officials said Thursday. Maine Gov. Angus King proclaimed the restoration of passenger rail service “a great event… Read More
WASHINGTON – For Maine residents waiting to receive winter heating assistance, the wait is nearly over. U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins announced the release of $16 million for Maine’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, which will allow for the processing of the… Read More
BANGOR – Claude O’Donnell would be the perfect actor for one of his bank’s commercials on planning for retirement. He could be sitting next to Diane, his wife of 33 years, on the porch of his summer camp on Creek Pond in East Orland. Both… Read More
PORTLAND – A Portland biotechnology company is trying to get the federal government interested in buying a moist towelette that cleans the udders of dairy cows and could be used as a possible weapon in the war against anthrax. ImmuCell Corp. makes Wipe Out, which… Read More
BANGOR – Within the walls of hundreds of business incubators nationwide, researchers, product developers and others intellectually feed off each other and encourage one another to come up with something extraordinary. By definition, a business incubator nurtures young firms by providing management assistance, technical support… Read More
On last weekend’s broadcast Maine Public Television’s Public Opinion, I was shocked to hear it commented that Seventh-Day Adventists don’t display the American flag. I am deeply offended by this remark. I don’t know what church the commentator was referring to, but it wasn’t any… Read More
President Bush’s trip to China has been on his calendar since he took office last January. The agenda for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum has changed dramatically in the last month – talk won’t be of trade but of terrorism. The tone has undergone a… Read More
Maine has a nursing shortage, primarily, because it has 22,000 licensed nurses but only 18,000 working in nursing, the worst ratio in New England. Why 4,000 nurses chose to leave the field would make an interesting study. Unfortunately, a new study on the shortage of health care workers,… Read More
When I joined the U.S. Navy in 1965, the military knew who it was at war with. When I retired from the Maine Air National Guard in 1995, the lines were becoming increasingly less focused. As the events of Sept. 11 have proven, the world… Read More
The horrific events in New York have some similarities to Pearl Harbor. Both were surprise attacks and both were characterized by some serious “errors in judgement.” Admiral Kimmel and General Short were punished for their “errors.” The question in the World Trade Center case is… Read More
I have a large leg ulcer that hasn’t healed since late 1994. I have chronic pain and am anemic because of this disease. Because of this disease, I am on a lot of medications and use a lot of dressing supplies to take care of the wound. The… Read More
When Pearl Harbor was bombed, did we search our souls to see if the attack was really our own fault? Of course not. Then why since the recent terrorist attacks do some of us insist on doing exactly that? We weren’t attacked by those who… Read More
The Good Life Center, an organization dedicated to advancing Scott and Helen Nearing’s commitment to social justice and sustainable living, would like to state our opposition to Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously referred to as Fast Track trade negotiating authority. This legislation currently is being deliberated in Congress… Read More
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and an individual diagnosed with a major mental illness, I take great offense at the NBC Dateline segment of Oct. 14 on protecting the airline pilots from terrorists or other people who may attempt to take control of the cockpits. The reporter’s… Read More
The Machias River Project is about as straightforward a proposition as you’ll find. It will ensure perpetual public access to the river while expanding fish and wildlife protections. It is an opportunity made possible by the current landowner’s belief that conservation and economic opportunity are a good mix. Read More
All of us recognize that our nation must take some action after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that left thousands of our people dead. Yet treating these attacks as an act of war carries the probability that we will in turn become responsible… Read More
ORONO – Maine’s recently passed law prohibiting the state’s public college campuses from accepting contributions that could put a damper on freedom of speech should be copied nationally. That’s the word from Rep. Stavros Mendros, R-Lewiston, who sponsored the Academic Integrity Law last session. The… Read More
BANGOR – State police have linked accused murderer Carl Heath to the car in which the body of Bangor taxi driver Donna Leen was discovered Oct. 14 in a Corinth field. They also have linked the 20-year-old Fryeburg man to a Stillwater Avenue construction site in Bangor where… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Entering sweepstakes has created some extra “tool time” for a retired 62-year-old Millinocket man. Mike Colombo is the grand prizewinner of a national motor sports promotion sponsored by Sears and Craftsman tools. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BANGOR – Though federal investigators have discounted it as a hoax, a bogus e-mail warning of danger at a mall on Halloween appears to be feeding into the fears of an American public already panicked over anthrax. At the root of the scare is a… Read More
BANGOR – For 10 years, the Bahaar Pakistani Restaurant has managed to survive in the city’s downtown, weathering an economic downturn and competition. These days, owners Noor Khan and his family continue to face a new threat, one that is hard for them to understand,… Read More
PORTLAND – A small plane flown to Portland International Jetport before the Sept. 11 attacks is owned by a Saudi pilot sought by the FBI’s terrorism investigation, and was placed under surveillance after the attacks, authorities said Thursday. The single-engine Tampico TB-9 in Portland is… Read More
BANGOR – A Bangor man was sentenced Wednesday in federal court to 15 months in prison for possessing with the intent of distributing cocaine and the drug known as Ecstasy. Timothy J. Theriault, 39, will face three years of supervised release after his sentence and… Read More
Nancy Yoder, an associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Maine, was recently named a director of the Penobscot River Educational Partnership: A Professional Development Network. Yoder, a resident of Hampden, will devote half of her workload to coordinating and facilitating activities for… Read More
CHICOPEE, Mass. – The way Lou sees it, there’s not much difference between the work he did earlier this week for United Parcel Service and what he’s ready to do for the U.S. Air Force. “I haul parcels and packages for the UPS, now I’ll… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A man accused of burning a house he owned in Orland for money and then fleeing to Pennsylvania is back in Hancock County to face a charge of arson. Merle Crossman, 47, of Winterport was booked Tuesday into the Hancock County Jail after… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Some boat owners have waited eight years for the right to moor their vessel in Bar Harbor. But the long waiting list for moorings should disappear as harbormaster Charlie Phippen implements a realignment of the harbor. “There will be a dent, if… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A bomb scare forced customers and staff out of the Wal-Mart store for approximately one hour Wednesday night, according to police. Ellsworth police Sgt. Leigh Guildford said he and Deputy Ellsworth Fire Chief Jon Marshall, along with members of the store’s management, conducted… Read More
FAIRFIELD – Kennebec Valley Technical College will host activities in recognition of National Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 21-27. A free basic pulmonary clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, in King Hall on the KVTC campus. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
SHIRLEY – Lisa Sanderson has resigned from the Shirley school committee, leaving the committee with its second vacancy in recent weeks. Sanderson and her family will be moving from the town, according to Ruth Richards, chairman of the committee. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
HOULTON – A local man who died more than 20 years ago has left the town $150,000 to help build a municipal swimming pool. Murray C. Hutchinson died in March 1979, according to his obituary. He had been a member of the Church of the… Read More
SINCLAIR – The human and financial costs of preparedness are going up, according to one regional director of emergency management. “Our jobs are not getting any easier,” Vernon Ouellette, director of Aroostook County Emergency Management, told county commissioners during their meeting Wednesday night. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – “An Evening of Song” is planned at Presque Isle High School at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19. Jay D. Nelson will perform Italian art songs, American folk songs and Broadway favorites. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The 26th annual Aroostook County Tax Seminar will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center. The seminar will be a review of recent tax changes, including changes in IRA distribution rules,… Read More
FRENCHVILLE – A Madawaska man suffered facial injuries Thursday afternoon when his all-terrain vehicle rolled over and struck him. Gilbert Cyr, 62, was riding his 2002 Polaris Sportsman 400 at about 1:30 p.m. on the trail beneath the power line in Frenchville with a companion,… Read More
CARIBOU – The Caribou Public Library will sponsor a book sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Adult and children’s books, videos, magazines, and audio books will be available. For more information, contact the library at 493-4214. Read More
CARIBOU – Cary Medical Center will hold its 21st annual Health Fair at the hospital from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. The highlight of year’s event will be an open house for the new Magnetic Imaging Center, which has been in development over the past year. Read More
HOULTON – The Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a candidates forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Houlton town office. The forum is intended to give Houlton residents an opportunity to examine the positions of the candidates. Written questions will be… Read More
HOULTON – A theater production called “This Is Your Life!” will bring its health message – “treat your body right” – to community members Oct. 29 and 30. The performance is designed to address issues of body image, self-esteem, nutrition, fitness, osteoporosis and tobacco use. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – SAD 1 will present the video “MSAD 1 Partners in Learning, School – Home – Community” on Channel 9 at 5:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24. After the video, the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce will make a short presentation designed to… Read More
Ellsworth District Court Shane Tambling, 27, Bangor, operating watercraft without safety equipment, $70. 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
ORONO – Advocates of a new town library are happy campers this week. They are thrilled that the Town Council voted unanimously Monday to overturn a 1998 decision not to use any town funds for the project. In another vote, councilors gave the Ayers Island… Read More
CARMEL – The former town manager reached a $50,000 settlement Thursday in a lawsuit she filed against the town claiming she was improperly fired in November 1998. Glennis McSorley, who is now a selectman in the town, had been at odds with a previous board… Read More
DEXTER – SAD 46 Adult and Community Education will offer a Certified Nursing Assistant course from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Jan. 22. Mandatory interviews for the 150-hour, state approved course will be conducted Jan. 8 at the Dexter Regional High School… Read More
PORTLAND – Police Chief Michael Chitwood blasted prosecutors Thursday for deciding not to file charges against a Saco woman linked to letters containing powder that forced the evacuation of the city’s main post office. “They feel it wasn’t a threat. I think it’s a disgrace. Read More
TOWNSHIP 3 – The official manner of death for a New Jersey man who was found burned to death in July near his Lexus car has not yet been determined, according to officials. Krishan K. Ahuja, 59, of Monroe Township, N.J., died July 31 after… Read More
ROCKLAND – None of the four candidates for two seats on the City Council said residents were paying too little in property taxes. But their remarks in the course of a 90-minute public forum Thursday night indicated the differences in their approaches to reducing the… Read More
WARREN – A Waldoboro teen-ager was in critical condition Thursday at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor after being ejected from a car the night before in a one-vehicle crash on Beechwood Street. Jacob Daigle, 15, of Waldoboro was first taken to Penobscot Bay Medical… Read More
ATKINSON – Residents completed the eighth step of a 12-step process to deorganize Tuesday when they agreed to petition the Legislature to become an unorganized township. Residents voted 103-32 during a special town meeting to continue the deorganization process, which if approved by the Legislature,… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Mayo Regional Hospital is expanding its services for diabetics through development of a new Mayo Diabetes and Nutrition Center. The new center, which can be reached at 564-4207, will expand on existing program offerings and work with patients and their primary care physicians… Read More
GREENVILLE – Superintendent William Folsom informed the Shirley School Committee on Monday that he would not renew his Union 60 contract when it expires June 30, 2002. Shirley is part of Union 60, which also includes the communities of Kingsbury Plantation, Willimantic, Greenville and Beaver Cove. Read More
PEMBROKE – Abandoned cats and stray dogs are troubling some Down East communities. Some are trying to decide what to do with them. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
MACHIAS – The Washington County Consortium for School Improvement will sponsor a one-day workshop featuring an international expert on classroom assessment at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the Carter Conference Center. The expert, Anne Davies, is an associate of Classroom Connections International in Canada… Read More
CALAIS – Washington County Technical College will be host of a public forum titled “Understanding the World Around Us,” at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25. Carlos Acevedo, vice president of the technical college, will lead the forum. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
MACHIAS – The Board of Selectmen will conduct a public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s general assistance ordinance on Oct. 29 at the town office. The meeting will be followed by a regular meeting of the board at 7 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
MACHIAS – The first Washington County walk for the Down East Aids Network raised more than $3,100, according to the Maine Blackfly Breeders Association. MBBA walkers raised $2,034 of that total, according to the organization. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
People who have followed the story of the National Folk Festival coming Aug. 23-25 to Bangor know this call would be coming soon, and here it is. NFF director Bob Libbey is seeking between 400 and 500 volunteers to help with all aspects of the… Read More
PORTLAND – Trustees of the Cumberland County Civic Center say the arena needs a significant overhaul if it is going to compete with newer stadiums in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. More seats, luxury suites and possibly a new name are some of the changes being… Read More
LEWISTON – City administrator Bob Vitas announced he is resigning from his post to work in Yugoslavia. Vitas said Nov. 12 likely will be his last day in the job. He expects to start his new job as a municipal government management adviser in Belgrade… Read More
BREWER – Maine Senate President Michael Michaud on Thursday received the support of two of the state’s largest unions in his bid for the 2nd District congressional seat. During a news conference, the East Millinocket Democrat welcomed the endorsements of the Maine State Employees Association,… Read More
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Gov. Dirk Kempthorne on Wednesday eulogized Air Force Master Sgt. Evander Earl Andrews as “a true American and a patriot.” Andrews, 36, a Maine native, was the first American serviceman reported killed in the U.S. military campaign against… Read More
BIDDEFORD – A federal judge has blocked the Biddeford City Council’s removal of a talk show host from a public access channel on cable television. U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby’s order Wednesday came one day after councilors voted to ban Dorothy LaFortune’s controversial “Maine… Read More
SANFORD – A Sanford gravel pit owner has filed suit against the Maine Turnpike Authority demanding it return the 35 acres it took by eminent domain last month as part of the turnpike’s widening effort. In a lawsuit filed at the York County Superior Court… Read More
Have the Olympics outlived their usefulness? It is time to ask that question seriously. The upcoming games in Salt Lake in February will be a time of flag waving in this country in light of world affairs, but at what cost in dollars and risks. Read More
BANGOR – The Husson College women’s soccer team features a prolific three-pronged attack with freshman sniper Melissa Achorn of Bangor, creative freshman ball-handler and schemer Beatrice DeYcaza from Ecuador and smooth all-around striker Kristin Pelletier of Madawaska. Achorn collected her 25th, 26th and 27th goals… Read More
University of Maine junior center and assistant captain Marty Kariya figures the Black Bears owe the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux. The two teams will play a two-game set at the new 11,406-seat Engelstad Arena Friday and Saturday nights. “We owe them a couple… Read More
It’s nitty-gritty time for teams in the playoff race as the season winds down for Maine’s high school football teams. This is the final week of the regular season in Class A as both the Pine Tree Conference and Southern Maine Activities Association begin their three-round playoffs next… Read More
ORONO – Stephen Cooper arrived at the University of Maine in 1998 for his official NCAA recruiting visit – sight unseen. Cooper, an all-state football and basketball star at Wareham (Mass.) High School, came highly recommended to coach Jack Cosgrove by a former Black Bear… Read More
KVAC Boys All-Conference 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL No. 6 Narraguagus (8-7) def. No. 11 Gorham (4-6) 15-2, 15-6, 15-6 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
PORTLAND – The Portland Sea Dogs have released their schedule for the 2002 season. The home opener will take place on April 12th against the Birmingham Mets. The Dogs will open the season in New Britian on April 5. Individual tickets for all home games will go on… Read More
PORTLAND – The Portland Pirates announced NASCAR driver Ricky Craven will be the guest of honor when the Pirates hold their Salute to Motorsports on Saturday, Nov. 24 during their game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Craven, a Newburgh native, picked up his… Read More
The UMaine football team, ranked No. 24 in the country, is off to a 4-1 start for the first time since 1998, but Saturday’s homecoming contest against 20th-ranked Villanova opens a tough three-game stretch that includes road games at William & Mary (Va.) and fourth-ranked Rhode Island. Read More
BANGOR – Aaron Cowan, Frank Maltais and Mike McCarron scored a goal apiece Thursday afternoon, leading Husson College to a 3-1 men’s soccer victory over Maine Maritime Academy of Castine on the day of the dedication of John Boucher Field. Khoa Nguyen assisted on two… Read More
Maine at North Dakota Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 8:35 p.m., Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D. 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
FOXBORO, Mass. – My lifelong dream finally came true last Sunday – attending a New England Patriots football game. The Patriots were hosting quarterback Doug Flutie and the San Diego Chargers, on a typical New England October day: Misty, rainy, and cool. I’m 16 and… Read More
In theaters CORKY ROMANO, directed by Rob Pritts, written by David Garrett and Jason Ward, 86 minutes, rated 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;… Read More
Since he became an adult, Peter Brooks has always gravitated toward recreational activities that are on the edge – sky diving, hang gliding, scuba diving, riding motorcycles. This kind of on-the-edge thinking has helped Brooks in his professional life. By working on the edges of… Read More
Ansel Cridland feels he’s bringing a timely message to tonight’s concert in Ellsworth. Cridland is the lead singer for the Meditations, which will be performing with fellow reggae group The Itals at 7 p.m. at The Grand. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
On a recent night at a local rehearsal studio, the cast for Follies 2001 was singing “God Bless America.” As vocal warm-ups go, this one was passionate, patriotic, full-bodied. The sopranos went way high. The baritones slipped way low. A sense of purpose and determination infused the notes… Read More
ORONO – The Maine Folklife Center is using modern methods to make ancient tales available. Now, with just a few clicks of a mouse, Internet users can access the Folklife Center’s first online publication, “Northeast Folklore VI: Malecite and Passamaquoddy Tales.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More