WASHINGTON – President Bush is expected to sign anti-terrorism legislation as early as today after the sweeping measure flew through Congress with overwhelming support this week. The bill, approved by a 98-1 vote in the Senate on Thursday, seeks to grant authorities expanded muscle in… Read More
AUGUSTA – If Maine was imposing a sales tax on Internet sales, it is projected the state would have an additional $43 million in revenue this year. State lawmakers who view the tax as a way to help cover an anticipated shortfall in the state budget plan to… Read More
WARREN – Insisting there will be little or no cost overruns, state officials Thursday said the $76 million Maine State Prison won’t open until mid-January. The state Department of Corrections had hoped to open the prison Nov. 1. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – It could have been a white elephant. Most towns in Maine have at least one: an abandoned warehouse, a woolen mill, shoe manufacturer, dairy or other business that closed and left. But when Dexter Shoe closed its Skowhegan facility on the Kennebec River… Read More
PORTLAND – The Portland Morning Sun suspended publication Thursday after 13 issues. Edward G. Pickett, the newspaper’s editor and publisher, said people who were expected to invest in the paper after it launched backed out because of the unstable economy. Without more funding, the paper… Read More
SANFORD – About 320 workers who were laid off at Vishay Sprague in April probably will not be getting severance pay, but the estimated 445 employees targeted during a second round of layoffs will, a legislator says. Vishay employed as many as 1,600 workers at… Read More
AUBURN – A new Wal-Mart opened Wednesday that the chain says is the largest retail store in the Northeast. The new Wal-Mart is a so-called “Supercenter” and has 37 cash registers, a pharmacy, a hair salon, a bank, a supermarket, a tire and lube shop,… Read More
AUGUSTA – The State Planning Office reported this week that the statewide average price for a gallon of home-heating oil was down one cent again this week. The statewide average for home-heating oil was $1.18 a gallon, 33 cents lower than one year ago. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BANGOR – America’s best weapons against the faltering economy and the possibility of terrorist attacks are optimism, economic action and unity, Jack Faris, president of the National Federation of Independent Business Thursday told an audience at Husson College in Bangor. “Here is the truth today,”… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Michael Corey, executive director of the Maine Potato Board for the past 41/2 years, unexpectedly resigned Tuesday morning. Corey gave no reasons for his action. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
On Nov. 6 we have an opportunity to improve the quality and reliability of the state’s drinking-water systems. Referendum Question 5 requests $3 million to construct drinking-water system improvements that address public health threats and to provide the state match for the approximately $15.5 million in federal funds. Read More
Maine’s retired senator and active diplomat, George Mitchell, is a specialist in intractable conflicts. After pointing the way toward settlements in Ireland and the Middle East, he has turned his attention to the current trouble between the United States and an extremist Islamic terrorist network. His ideas are… Read More
Next month Maine voters will have the opportunity to vote on an array of bond issues, which total nearly $150 million. Our “leaders” in Augusta, the same ones who have taxed our citizens into oblivion; the same ones (most of them Democratic) who have shamefully transformed Maine into… Read More
The Bangor Public Library tries very hard to get the right book to the right person at the right time. This is not always possible, but we try very hard. A letter to the editor of this paper (Oct. 24) said that two books the writer was searching… Read More
On Election Day we will be voting on six different bond issues, all of which can have a positive impact on Mainers; but Question 2 – the shortest of all the bond questions – asks for the smallest amount of money to get the biggest immediate return. Read More
“The Arabs on the North African coast beaten!” – headline of May 1805. If the United States had a general like William Eaton who, with just eight good marines and a makeshift Arab army, braved the desert sand and raised the stars and stripes over… Read More
Deirdre Fleming’s article on the looming budget crisis at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (BDN, Oct. 22) reveals the root cause of that crisis. George Smith says that he (meaning the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine) would support higher license fees in return for bigger bag limits. Read More
The Bush administration’s decision to describe the re-sponse to the Sept. 11 attack on America as a “war on terrorism” is unfortunate. President Bush’s extension of it to a worldwide war against all terrorism is dangerous. Use of the war image and language, while rhetorically pleasing to many,… Read More
AUGUSTA – The minor earthquake centered in West Enfield on Wednesday night was not an unusual occurrence for Maine, according to a state geologist. The earthquake, which registered 3.3 on the Richter scale and was picked up by the U.S. Geological Survey and Weston Observatory… Read More
AUGUSTA – State workers won’t be slipping down the front steps of the new State Office Building this winter. That’s because the granite steps will be heated to keep them warm and free of ice and snow. But the steps come with a price tag:… Read More
BANGOR – The University of Maine System’s innovative health insurance policy discriminates against unmarried heterosexual couples, according to a Cherryfield legislator. Last month, Rep. Ed Dugay, a Republican, stated in a letter to UMS interim Chancellor Don McDowell that the policy covers traditional marital relationships… Read More
Presque Isle teen charged in shotgun prank Student reportedly inactivated bullet, fired at classmate
PRESQUE ISLE – A Presque Isle High School student has been charged with reckless conduct with a firearm and a teacher has been placed on administrative leave stemming from an incident with a shotgun Tuesday morning at the school. Lee Theriault, 18, a senior in… Read More
AUGUSTA – Like no other season in Maine, the spring wild turkey hunt has been growing and improving for hunters each year – and it just got better. On Thursday the rule-making body of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife unanimously approved changes in… Read More
BANGOR – Surrounded by his family and cheering supporters, Peter Cianchette cast himself Wednesday in the role of a traditional Republican candidate for governor who would make reductions in unnecessary state spending a top priority. “I’ll make you and all the people of Maine this… Read More
BANGOR – A Stetson man was released from custody Thursday after allegedly breaking into a woman’s Corinna home and threatening her with a knife Wednesday night. Adam Fogg, 21, was released from Penobscot County Jail on personal recognizance bail after a brief appearance in 3rd… Read More
CARIBOU – Fire Chief Roy E. Woods was wearing two hats Wednesday. One was as the bearer of good news about a $12,209 donation from the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department to the 9-11 Firefighters Fund for New York City for families of emergency personnel… Read More
RAYMOND – One dog has been killed and another quarantined for exposure to rabies. A chow that had not been immunized for rabies was destroyed by its owners after it killed a skunk that tested positive for the disease, according to animal control officer Timothy… Read More
LITTLETON – A Littleton man was injured Thursday morning when he swerved his tractor-trailer truck to avoid a moose in the road, and the truck rolled over. Paul Graham, 46, was traveling north on West Ridge Road at about 7:15 a.m. with a load of… Read More
PORTLAND – Lobstermen and conservationists in Maine are both finding faults with a new federal plan that aims to protect large whales. Fishermen criticize the proposed rule changes as costly and unworkable. Whale experts, meanwhile, say the new rules will do little, if any, good… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield police arrested two people Wednesday. Eric White, 18, of Newport was arrested and charged with shoplifting after allegedly taking a bottle of cough syrup from Pittsfield Pharmacy. He also was charged with violation of bail conditions. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
CORINNA – The Corinna Historical Society will celebrate Corinna’s resurgence from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Corinna Union Academy Museum on St. Albans Road. Historical displays from Corinna and neighboring communities will be presented as well as light entertainment and refreshments. Admission… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Public Library is inviting children who attend the preschool story hour at 10:15 a.m. or the afternoon story hour for older children at 3:15 p.m. to come dressed in costumes on Halloween, Oct. 31. Trick-or-treaters are invited to the library from… Read More
Midshipman William Booton of Unity was named to the Maine Maritime Academy Master’s List for overall excellence during the 2001 training cruise at a special ceremony Sept. 12. Booton, a member of the Class of 2004, is majoring in marine engineering technology. He is a… Read More
PENOBSCOT – The Penobscot School Committee will hold a special meeting at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Penobscot School. Topics will include attic insulation and window replacement. Read More
BUCKSPORT – A meeting of the Bucksport Middle School Building Committee will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, the office of the superintendent on Elm Street. Read More
BANGOR – A man who suffered a broken bone in his back in a two-vehicle accident in Deer Isle remained at Eastern Maine Medical Center in fair condition, hospital officials said Thursday. N. Richmond Leach, 81, of Little Deer Isle showed no signs of paralysis… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Preservationists, armed with research and ready for a fight, called Thursday’s design review board meeting anticlimactic, after project architect David C. Witham asked that board members deny his request to demolish the McKay Lodging cottages and the Morang-Robinson Ford dealership on South Main Street. Read More
AUGUSTA – Carl Wayne Heath, accused of the bludgeoning murder of Bangor taxi driver Donna Leen two weeks ago, will continue to fight extradition to Maine from a New Jersey jail, according to information from the state Attorney General’s Office Thursday afternoon. Assistant Attorney General… Read More
OLD TOWN – The new city manager likely won’t need to ask directions. He’s already served the community as councilor, mayor, assistant manager and, on more than one occasion, as interim manager. And he knows a thing or two about planning, as well. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for youth karate classes. Classes are now in session and being held from 1 to 2 p.m. for grades one-three, and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. for grades four-six on Saturdays in monthly sessions during the school year. Read More
BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation Department will again hold scrapbook classes from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 and Dec. 4 at the Brewer Auditorium. New students should arrive at 6 p.m. The class will teach participants how to organize and preserve photos,… Read More
BANGOR – The American Cancer Society is looking for Penobscot County area cosmetologists interested in becoming trained volunteers for its “Look Good … Feel Better” program. Hairstylists, wig experts and beauty consultants are invited to a free training session from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at… Read More
BREWER – Musicians from around the area will perform from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer to show their support for the local United Way as well as for the September 11th Fund. Bands… Read More
BANGOR – Vision Care of Maine will present a free public seminar on macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for adults over 55. The seminar will be at the Vision Care of Maine Center for Learning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, and will… Read More
GREENVILLE – A local businessman told the Land Use Regulation Commission on Thursday that Plum Creek Land Co.’s concept plan to develop 89 lots on First Roach Pond would help breathe life into the Moosehead Lake region economy. “If this area continues to strangle growth,… Read More
ROCKLAND – Two-term City Councilor James Raye has never been shy about sharing his political opinions. But those opinions, even when they are bluntly delivered, are motivated by a deep love for the city, he said Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
BLUE HILL – By an eight-vote margin, voters on Wednesday night authorized selectmen to begin the process that eventually could establish the old Daniel Carter Road as a public road. A warrant article at the special town meeting asked voters to authorize selectmen to use… Read More
ROCKLAND – Annual parent-teacher conferences at Rockland District Middle School will take place Thursday Nov. 8, and Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the school. The meetings will be held from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Parents may call the school to schedule 15-minute appointments with teams by… Read More
WARREN – A Plymouth man apparently suffered minor injury Thursday when his pickup truck struck a utility pole on Western Road. Terry L. Boles, 33, was driving a 1998 Dodge pickup truck north on Western Road when he missed a sharp curve in the road… Read More
WARREN – A Bangor man was summoned for operating under the influence and not wearing a seat belt Wednesday after being involved in a late-night motor vehicle accident on Route 1. Edward E. Jamison, 61, of Bangor was driving a 2000 GMC pickup truck north… Read More
DEXTER – Local officials are not wasting any time finding tenants for two buildings that will become vacant once Dexter Shoe Co. ceases its manufacturing operations. Since word was received earlier this month that the town could market two of the several buildings owned by… Read More
WINTER HARBOR – The possibilities for reusing the Navy properties in Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro that likely would generate the most jobs would take several years to implement, according to a group of experts. The experts presented a summary Wednesday night of their findings in… Read More
CUTLER – Two hundred sixty acres of coastal real estate that the Navy says it no longer needs could become an industrial park, a school or a retirement community – and there are pros and cons to each of those conversions, according to a newly released report. Read More
SKOWHEGAN – A 20-year-old Industry man pleaded innocent this week to what a Somerset County prosecutor is calling “the most serious case of domestic assault outside of homicide I’ve ever seen.” Eyidi Ambila, formerly of Skowhegan, is accused of using an electrical extension cord and… Read More
With the guidance of several caring adults, 14-year-old Casey Dubay-Baker of Bangor is trying to form a support group for teens with physical disabilities who live in eastern and central Maine. And he’s hoping a “Scaring and Caring” organizational party set for 3-5 p.m. Saturday,… Read More
SCARBOROUGH – Some Maine schools are canceling school trips because they aren’t confident they can assure students’ safety amid terrorism attacks on the nation. Performances by a group of Scarborough students called the Gym Dandies, who ride unicycles, juggle and walk on stilts to entertain… Read More
MACHIAS – Washington County is poised to begin Maine’s first countywide distance learning program for elementary and secondary school pupils from Steuben to Eastport. The Washington County Consortium for School Improvement has received a $549,718 federal grant to install fully interactive video conferencing equipment and… Read More
AUBURN – A Calais man was sentenced Thursday to 37 years in prison for the killing and robbing an Arizona man who returned to Maine after a 20-year absence to find his four daughters. Justiliano “Justin” Sanchez, 21, initially pleaded innocent to murder and robbery… Read More
PORTLAND – The owners of elevators with expired certificates will face criminal charges, the state agency that oversees elevator safety said Wednesday. Anne Head, director of licensing at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, said the department will refer the cases in the coming… Read More
BREWER – Residents and tourists would use bus or rail service from the Bangor-Brewer area to Bar Harbor, if such services were available. A similar ferry service, however, likely would be used mostly by visitors, however, because the trip would take roughly twice as long. Read More
The Eastern Maine Class D girls soccer final at Lee Friday kicks off this weekend’s competition for regional titles in soccer and field hockey, while PTC football will enter its first week of playoffs and volleyball teams will be vying for the state championship. The… Read More
University of Maine sophomore defenseman Prestin Ryan’s debut was certainly memorable. He scored with his first collegiate shot in front of 11,000-plus people. Fifteen of those fans were family members from Arcola, Saskatchewan. He also had five hometown friends on hand. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
The season is over. Well, the regular season, anyway, in the Class A ranks. Classes B and C still have one more week to go before the postseason participants are officially anointed. The math is fairly simple in the B and C ranks as Winslow,… Read More
HOLE-IN-ONE Gary Robinson 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
The University of Maine-Presque Isle will introduce its men’s and women’s basketball teams tonight when the school conducts “Basketball Madness” night. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Weiden Gymnasium on the UMPI campus. The Owls’ squads will perform drills, have shooting and slam-dunk contests,… Read More
MINNEAPOLIS – James Phillip Hernandez, a 47-year-old social worker from Presque Isle, has been named the Everyday Champion for the state of Maine by Wheaties Energy Crunch. As a result, Hernandez’s name will appear on the Wheaties Energy Crunch box in 2002, and he may be selected as… Read More
WATERVILLE – The Colby College crew squad will dedicate the 1993 Women’s Boat to Olympian Hilary Gehman, in a ceremony on Messalonskee Lake in Sydney on Oct. 27. She was a member of the 2000 Olympic rowing team, and was a member of the Colby class of 1993. Read More
MAINE men vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7:05 p.m.; Lawson Rink, Kalamazoo, Mich. 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
University of Maine women’s hockey captain Kelly Nelson remembers a game at the University of New Hampshire her freshman year. “We lost 13-0. I’ve never been so embarrassed after a game in my life,” said Nelson, a senior defenseman whose Bears play their home openers… Read More
BANGOR – Ben Reece scored the game’s only goal with 11 minutes left in the second half Thursday, propelling Thomas College of Waterville to a 1-0 men’s soccer victory over Husson College. Ryan Conley made 15 saves on 17 shots for the 7-8 Terriers. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Peter Serkin is a soldier when it comes to Schonberg. He stands at attention. He salutes and rushes into battle with the general’s music. It’s a just battle all right, and Serkin, a pianist who may well be today’s leading interpreter of Schonberg, came up victorious Wednesday with… Read More
In theaters RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS, directed by Penny Marshall, written by Morgan Upton Ward, based on the memoir by Beverly Donofrio, 132 minutes, rated PG-13. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
Two Winslow authors have created a universe that won’t die. For more than 15 years, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have been writing novels and short stories set in the futuristic Liaden Universe. It’s a place populated by mercenaries, traders, spies, scouts and soldiers. The golden-hued Liadens are… Read More
Lonestar showed how it’s climbing the country charts at a Wednesday night concert at the Bangor Auditorium. The Texas quartet, backed by musicians on steel guitar, bass and fiddle, enthusiastically rifled through the songs of its nine-year career, delighting the sellout crowd of 2,967 in… Read More
BANGOR – Postal employees at the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building discovered an unknown substance Thursday afternoon, prompting an investigation by authorities who took a sample for evaluation. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bostock said the substance was described as being “crystallized” and was found in… Read More