More than 63,000 senior citizens in Maine soon may face increases of 6 to 17 percent in the cost of insurance they buy to supplement Medicare coverage. Three insurance companies have asked Superintendent of Insurance Alessandro Iuppa to approve the hikes in so-called “medigap” policies. Read More
    A story in Thursday’s Maine Day about the appointment of a successor to Presque Isle City Councilor Terry Forbes should have said that the City Council will reappoint Forbes’ successor in January 2002 to serve until the next municipal election in November 2002. A story… Read More
    DETROIT – General Motors Corp. said Friday it is recalling 86,312 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy sport utility vehicles for a problem that could cause the gear shift lever to move suddenly out of park. The shift collar on some of the vehicles was… Read More
    Maine is a beautiful state, but we have a problem – too much of the work being done in Maine is being done by out-of-staters. Jobs that could be done by Maine people are given to out-of-state companies that sometimes do it for a little less money. Read More
    The disparity between the prosperous and growing parts of Maine and the poor and dwindling parts has been obvious for years, so obvious that in February 1998, just weeks after the worst ice storm here in a century, Gov. Angus King offered comfort with what at the time… Read More
    I was appalled and amazed with the story of Nov. 5 about Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe telling a 12-year-old girl that she was breaking the law by raising money for bulletproof vests for police dogs. Are these people in Augusta serious? If the little… Read More
    Just as lemmings obediently follow their leader over the cliff to certain death, Maine voters obediently approved every bond issue in the last election, bailing out our gutless elected officials. Once again we absolve them from their responsibility to act as our duly elected representatives. Read More
    The Bangor Daily News’ op-ed columns continue to be disgustingly defeatist. David Shribman and Dan O’Neill were Nov. 1’s contributors. I quote, “No wonder the strains are beginning to show in the Bush administration” and “now it is clear that the Pentagon’s jury-rigged response to the Taliban and… Read More
    The latest brouhaha at Eastern Maine Medical Center between the doctors and the administration has at least two profiles. The first deals with the doctors’ contention that the administration and the governing board have steadfastly refused to both hear and address their concern about the deterioration of medical… Read More
    I commend Sen. Olympia Snowe on her razor-sharp insight concerning the solution to international terrorism, i.e. if we would all just buy enough tennis shoes, our troubles would be over. Why, with that sales tax holiday, not only can I buy enough tennis shoes to… Read More
    Recently, the Taliban was crowing over killing somewhere between 70 to 100 Americans in Afghanistan. According to our government, this is just another example of how this particular perversion of Islam does not feel the need to abide by the truth. More importantly, it shows they are not… Read More
    In an article concerning a misguided U.S. bomb: “a semiconscious 13-year-old named Jewad did not yet know that all eight other people in his family had been killed” (BDN, Oct. 29). This one sentence proves the hopelessness of fighting violence with violence. President Bush talks… Read More
    Last week’s series of articles in the Bangor Daily News concerning the dispute between physicians and Eastern Maine Medical Center raises several troubling issues. While the Maine Medical Association has no interest in getting involved in a local dispute, it is important for us as… Read More
    If ever a Veterans Day observance were to benefit from a resurgence of patriotism, the one at hand would seem to be it, coming as it does just two months after the horrific events of Sept.11 that have made Americans mad as hell about global terrorism and not… Read More
    PORTLAND – Mainers who paid close to $1.50 a gallon for heating oil last November now find that prices have dropped as low as 80 cents. An economic slowdown combined with plentiful oil supplies and warm autumn weather have driven prices down, giving a boost… Read More
    BREWER – A local woman who made a $1 donation to help benefit the Jimmy Fund has been rewarded for her good deed with a new sport utility vehicle. Kerri Lynch of Lucerne-in-Maine bought a $1 scratch card at the drive-through window of a Burger… Read More
    As president of the Maine Philanthropy Center in Portland, Janet Henry would like to think Maine people are among the most generous in the country. So it’s not surprising that she was a bit disheartened about the latest “generosity index” from the Ellis L. Phillips… Read More
    BANGOR – FBI officials confirmed Friday that letters allegedly containing anthrax sent to about 200 abortion clinics – including the Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center in Bangor – thus far appear to be hoaxes. FBI spokeswoman Gail Marcinkeiwicz said Friday from her Boston office that… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Move over Gary Condit and Monica Lewinsky: The nation’s gossip machine has a new topic for idle tongue wagging. The upcoming December issue of Vanity Fair magazine has published photographs of Rep. John Baldacci of Bangor alongside fellow House members with three young… Read More
    CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy investments have been hit hard by the flagging U.S. economy and the ripple effect has been felt in student pocketbooks. The amount of funds available for institutional loans and scholarships has decreased since last year, and, according to MMA financial… Read More
    ORONO – The Anderson Community Center will hold “Peace Through Understanding: A Culture Night for Families,” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13. The night will feature games from around the world, international foods and family activities. The event will be held by the Stillwater Montessori School… Read More
    BANGOR – The city of Bangor will sponsor several immunization clinics over the next several weeks. Flu vaccines are expected to be available for these clinics. The first three will be held: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    TRENTON – For the first time in a decade, cold November winds won’t bring chaos to the halls of Trenton Elementary School. Thanks to a $1.9 million addition completed just last month, pupils have new lockers to hold coats and boots and the ceremony of… Read More
    TRENTON – A Southwest Harbor man was arrested on multiple charges Friday morning after he was pulled over by police for speeding on Route 3, according to police reports. Stephen Riddle, 22, reportedly was driving 70 mph in a 50 mph zone, heading toward Bar… Read More
    BREWER – Candidates in Maine’s crowded 2nd District congressional race on Thursday panned the idea of a national park in Maine’s North Woods and called for a fair trade agreement with Canadian lumber producers. “If [the park] is a good idea, the local people have… Read More
    HARTLAND – The passage Tuesday night by Maine voters of an environmentally based referendum issue was good news for Hartland water system users. The town’s water company now will be able to apply for $300,000 in supplemental funding to upgrade the water system on several… Read More
    CORINNA – Members of the reuse committee voted Wednesday night to recommend that a roundabout be used to solve traffic issues at the intersection of Routes 7, 11, 43 and 220 in downtown Corinna. A roundabout has one lane and all entering traffic must yield… Read More
    CORINNA – Authorities continue to investigate the Tuesday robbery of a Route 7 convenience store, including following up on information obtained from a roadblock Wednesday night. Penobscot County sheriff’s deputies and state police spoke to about 50 motorists Wednesday night during the roadblock and some… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – Skowhegan selectmen will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the municipal building. The agenda includes approving a victualer’s license for Konstantinos Koutsikos of Auburn for a House of Pizza location. Koutsikos also had approached the Pittsfield Town Council to lease a… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Visiting artist Olive Pierce will present a slide show lecture at Colby College in Waterville at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in Room 154 of the Bixler Art and Music Center. The presentation covers Pierce’s life and her work as a documentary photographer,… Read More
    WATERVILLE – The Colby College department of theater and dance will perform William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” on Nov. 16, 17 and 31, and Dec. 1. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Strider Theater in the Runnals Building. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington Art Gallery will hold a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, for artists Kate Sibole and Elise Ansel. Sibole creates lacquer boxes and Ansel is an expressionist painter. Their works will be on display… Read More
    FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington will present a concert, “Music: 1910-1919,” as part of the Connections and Contrasts Concert Series, beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. The performance will feature works by Stravinsky, Ives, Ravel, Prokofiev, Joplin and Debussy, performed by… Read More
    FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the community center, to ratify the purchase of a house and land on Route 201 from the federal government. The council also will confirm appointments of Paul St. Amand and… Read More
    BANGOR – A Family for ME, an adoption service agency, will hold a workshop on adoption in Maine at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Bangor Public Library in the Lecture Hall. A Family for ME will donate a book on the major issues of adoption to… Read More
    HAMPDEN- The Hampden Kiwanis Club will hold its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Hampden town office parking lot. There will be caroling, refreshments and an appearance by Santa Claus. For information, call 862-4500. Read More
    Belfast District Court Scott J. Pilsbury, 34, Palermo, assault, 45 days in jail. 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
    AMBAJEJUS LAKE – Police are investigating the theft of a small jewelry-type box filled with money that was taken from an Ambajejus Lake home. The locked box, which contained several hundred dollars, was taken sometime between Sunday and Wednesday, according to Sgt. Robert Young of… Read More
    HUDSON – A quick response by firefighters saved a small house on the Hudson Road from total destruction in an early morning fire Friday. Hudson volunteer firefighters were paged shortly after 2 a.m. for a report of a mattress on fire in a residence. Volunteer… Read More
    CAMDEN – Police arrested two young men Wednesday night after discovering them sitting in a stolen vehicle. Officers Jason Hall and Paul O’Gorman were on patrol off Mount Battie Street when they noticed the headlights of the cruiser reflected in a field off the road,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The following divorces were granted in Knox County: Kendall and Fay Dutton of Friendship; married at Harpswell Oct. 16, 2000; validity of marriage in doubt. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    Rockland District Court Walter J. Brochu Jr., 21, Thomaston, operating motor vehicle after suspension, $450. 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
    DEXTER – The Town Council voted Thursday to name the baseball field at Crosby Park after a popular former baseball coach in Dexter. The move was made after several people, who supported naming the field in honor of Ted Clark, spoke before the council. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Richard Ridley of Guilford, who was arrested Thursday for an armed robbery at Foxbrook Variety in Dover-Foxcroft, will make his initial court appearance Tuesday in Newport District Court. Ridley, 24, also may face a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon… Read More
    SOLON – There will be a flu shot clinic from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Solon town office. If there are flu shots left, another clinic will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Participation in the Meals for Me program in Piscataquis County has grown tremendously since the opening of a kitchen in the county’s emergency management agency’s facility in Milo. “It couldn’t be a better fit for our EMA facility,” Eben DeWitt, chairman of the… Read More
    Calais District Court Donald L. Newman, 24, Baileyville, motor vehicle speeding 30-plus mph over speed limit, jail 48 hours, license suspended 60 days. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    CALAIS – The city has offered a local businessman $600,000 for his 43-acre parcel near the Industrial Park on Route 1. If an agreement is reached, the city plans to use the site for a new water system. Now it is up to Larry Mahar… Read More
    PORTLAND – When the first Amtrak trains from Boston roll into town in December, a new interterminal shuttle bus service will connect the region’s transportation centers. The shuttle bus service will link the Amtrak station and adjacent Concord Trailways bus station at Thompson’s Point with… Read More
    The Bureau of Motor Vehicles Photo License Unit will not be available in the following areas due to the observance of Thanksgiving Day: . Waterville, Nov. 23, but will be available 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Dec 3; googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    PORTLAND – Detectives have questioned two Portland men who transmitted large amounts of cash to countries in Africa and the Middle East, Police Chief Michael Chitwood said Friday. One of them wired about $126,000 through a Portland bank to Baraka Trading Co. in the United… Read More
    The deadline to buy lights as part of the Millinocket Regional Hospital Auxiliary 8th Annual Love Light Tree project is Saturday, Dec. 15. But no matter whether you live, locally or elsewhere, President Joyce Given and the Auxiliary will be happy to hear from you. Read More
    LEWISTON – The 1,700-member International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837 voted overwhelmingly Friday to endorse Maine state Sen. Susan Longley, D-Liberty, in her bid for Congress. Citing Longley’s long record of support for Maine workers, IBEW steward Barry Ripley said, “Susan is a longtime… Read More
    Owen Logue and Mark Letendre are co-chairmen heading up a fund-raising effort to transform the ground floor of Lengyel Hall into a state-of-the-art Wes Jordan Athletic Training Education Complex. They will also raise money for an endowment for the Maine Center for Coaching Education, which… Read More
    ORONO – Boston University freshman defenseman Bryan Miller had yet to register a point through his first five college games. He will certainly remember his first two as both were goals, the one that tied the game and the other that won it with 2:44… Read More
    It used to be so simple. Once a year, the Boston University Terriers would come to town to play a bit of hockey, and Maine fans would summon up every ounce of bile and venom, head to Alfond Arena, and vent it all on one man. Read More
    LOCAL Saucony/Sub 5 Road Race Series 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
    NEWRY- Sunday River will open for its 43rd season Saturday. The Locke Mountain Lift will load at 8 a.m. and the T2 trail will be open for advanced-ability skiing and riding. Sunday River has received 18 inches of natural snow during the last week in… Read More
    ORONO – Paul A. Bubb, an athletic administrator with nearly 20 years of experience in development, has been named University of Maine Senior Associate Director of Athletics. Bubb, 44, previously held similar positions at Boise State University, Drake University, and Southern Illinois and has also… Read More
    Maine vs. Sacred Heart Time, site: Sunday, 4 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono 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
    It may work great for the league’s leading goal scorer – the Islanders’ Mark Parrish – but it was bad news for Anaheim’s Paul Kariya. It was only after ditching this season’s hottest stick, the graphite and rubber one-piece Easton Synergy stick, that former UMaine… Read More
    If the weather doesn’t make itself a factor in Saturday’s LTC championship football games, fans should be treated to an exciting exhibition of athletic prowess, no matter which of the two 1 p.m. games they attend. All four LTC finalists – Winslow and Belfast in… Read More
    FARMINGTON – Second-seeded Felician College jumped out to a 3-0 halftime lead to defeat unranked UMaine-Farmington 3-2 in the NAIA Region 10 men’s soccer tourney Friday. Gary Hanley scored two goals for Felician of Lodi, N.J., and Mauro DiCiocco added the third off an assist… Read More
    Indulge me for a moment while I pull Steve Spencer’s chain. Due to an outbreak of sun and wind last Tuesday we didn’t go on our exploratory hike of Nahmakanta Public Reserve. Apparently we’re waiting for inclement weather…. To back up for a second, several… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife purchased 32.5 acres of property along the western shore of the Kennebec River in the village of Shawmut on Friday, according to a DIF&W press release. The land north of the town of Fairfield borders… Read More
    Editor’s note: Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regional biologists compile weekly hunting reports. Full reports are on its Web site: state.me.us/ifw/hunt/weeklyreport Downeast googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
    Anyone who has visited Marden’s this week knows why a fence suddenly appeared around the electronics section. It’s a computer blowout, and the sale doesn’t discriminate – there are deals for Mac addicts and PC lovers alike. Macintosh G4 servers share floor space with Hewlett… Read More
    Once a month or so I respond to questions asked by readers. If you have any gardening questions or suggestions for columns, send them to the address or e-mail below. Q: I continue to see ads for lawn fertilizers. Is it a good idea to… Read More
    They were the flotsam and jetsam of the midcoast population. For at least short portions of their lives, usually post-divorce, they were so desperate that they became roommates at Cobb Manor, Camden’s answer to “Animal House.” Shortly after being evicted by my own divorce decree,… Read More