AUGUSTA – Gov. Angus King has joined with other governors from around the country in asking Congress to consider increasing the federal share of Medicaid payments to states as part of the economic stimulus package. “This proposal would be a significant stimulus to the economy… Read More
On the map of Bangor, a single mile separates Eastern Maine Medical Center from St. Joseph Hospital. But the distance separating the hospitals’ leaders might as well be a milewide canyon. The strong-willed chief executive officers of the region’s two largest hospitals have been feuding… Read More
AUGUSTA – Weather experts predicted Wednesday that 2001 will go down as the driest year Maine has experienced since 1894 when the first official rainfall levels were recorded. Speaking to members of the State Drought Task Force, Hendricus Lulofs of the National Weather Service in… Read More
A headline accompanying an Associated Press article published in Maine Day on Wednesday about a lawsuit against developer Michael Liberty may have inadvertently given the impression that Liberty’s assets have been seized. According to both Liberty’s lawyer and publicist, no assets have been seized, the AP story was… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, saying it is important that America “not use up our last major [oil] reserves,” spoke Wednesday against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a way to stimulate the country’s economic recovery. At a press conference with… Read More
Editors Note: The Bangor Daily News was unsuccessful in attempts to interview officials at Eastern Maine Medical Center for this story. EMMC officials said they would respond only to written questions. The following is the text of the NEWS’ questions, and responses from the office of Eastern Maine… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Maine Wild Blueberry Commission on Wednesday reluctantly agreed to provide partial funding for an existing post in the state’s Agriculture Department. The request for the funding came from agriculture Commissioner Robert Stairs at the commission’s regular meeting. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
PORTLAND – Officials from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts agreed Tuesday to set a shrimp fishing season that will be the shortest in decades, running from Feb. 15 to March 11. Some fishermen said it won’t be worth rigging their boats, and some processors warned… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Maine Potato Board has announced its 2002 Young Farmer of the Year Award. Kyle Blackstone of Caribou has been named Young Farmer of the Year. Blackstone and his wife, Michele, grow 400 acres of potatoes for processing and seed. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
DOVER, N.H. – The state transportation commissioner thinks estimated passenger numbers for a Boston to Portland, Maine, high-speed train are far too optimistic. With the startup of high-speed train service less than a month away, state Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said she is doubtful it… Read More
KINGSTON, N.H. – Kingston’s police chief dreads the start of passenger train service through his town. The gates are installed, lights flash, and children and drivers have been warned. But the prospect of the Downeaster passenger train zooming down the track at 60 mph worries… Read More
PORTLAND – A lawyer representing Michael Liberty has asked the Portland Press Herald to pull a legal advertisement which claims that the Portland businessman’s assets have been seized to satisfy a court judgment. George Marcus said none of Liberty’s assets has been seized and the… Read More
PORTLAND – Debt-laden American Skiing Co. posted a net loss of $114.2 million for the fourth quarter Wednesday but reported progress in its effort to get its financial house in order. Results included a $52 million writedown linked to the decision to sell the Steamboat… Read More
Afghanistan has not attacked us, and none of the hijackers of Sept. 11 were Afghans. The Afghans do not deserve to be incinerated by our nuclear weapons. For 56 years, since we used the atomic bomb against the Japanese, we have observed a moral and… Read More
I am a neighbor of Nancy Oden and have been ever since she moved here from “away.” To my knowledge she has always been law-abiding and a good neighbor. While we disagree on politics, I have never known her to be a violent person. The… Read More
I am writing in reference to the letter by Nancy Allen (BDN, Nov. 7). If muzzling the press means keeping our homes, service personnel and other countries working with us safe from this devil fiend, so be it. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Under the guise of passing an economic-stimulus bill, Senate Democrats and Republicans seemed determined to fight over which group of lobbyists should be rewarded for their campaign generosity. Democrats have certain agricultural interests in mind; Republicans favor some top earners and corporations. The economy benefits, when it does… Read More
The American Cancer Society has tried all sorts of eye-catching gimmicks in its Great American Smokeout campaign. In ’93, the society offered beefcake model Fabio and this breath-taking statistic: Up to age 64, smokers make up about 27 percent of the population. After 75 years of age, smokers… Read More
Alan Greenspan and the Federal Reserve Board should re-examine their interest-rate policy. They have reduced rates almost 70 percent over the past 12 months – to the lowest levels in 40 years. Basic economics and history tell us that interest-rate reductions can be helpful to… Read More
Valuable time is spent in Augusta bemoaning the fact that others have become prosperous while Maine languishes. Government wants the $43 million Internet sales and use tax. Why do Maine people shop the Internet? Products cost less. Why? Other states are much more business friendly. They don’t have… Read More
The U.S. Senate in 1972 ratified the World Heritage Convention. This United Nations program, under their arm, UNESCO has the purpose of protecting and managing, “the cultural heritage and natural heritage not only of each nation, but of mankind as a whole.” The World Heritage Guidelines go on… Read More
New York’s state and local tax burden is the second highest in the nation, when compared with personal income, averaging $142 per $1,000 of personal income, trailing only Maine’s burden of $144 per $1,000 of income. By that standard, New York’s state and local taxes are 26.8 percent… Read More
BANGOR – A Millinocket man was arrested Tuesday night in Orrington and charged with robbing a Corinna convenience store earlier this month. Authorities said Wednesday that the case has turned into a significant drug investigation involving OxyContin. An air of secrecy surrounded the arrest and… Read More
BANGOR – In what his Democratic supporters called an effort to remove politics from the nonpartisan mayor’s race, City Councilor Michael Crowley was tapped Wednesday to head the nine-member council. In a 5-4 vote – the first split vote on the appointment since 1995 –… Read More
BANGOR – The man police say beat a Bangor taxi driver to death last month came back to Maine Wednesday under tight security by the Maine State Police. Carl Wayne Heath, 20, was extradited from New Jersey where he had been arrested on a traffic… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The woman who Eugene Merchant is alleged to have raped last December in Sullivan took the stand Wednesday afternoon during his trial in Hancock County Superior Court. The 18-year-old woman, who was 17 when the alleged incident took place, told the jury she… Read More
BANGOR – Seven local heroes in six categories were recognized Wednesday when the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross held its fifth annual Real Heroes Breakfast at the Bangor Civic Center. About 700 area civic and business leaders gathered to recognize those whose… Read More
The idea would have merit even if its only purpose was to serve as a collection of love letters to local libraries. Across the state, public libraries are asking patrons to write brief accounts of how libraries might have changed their lives. Most regular users… Read More
BANGOR – Faced with nearby residents’ concerns about the growing presence of St. Joseph Hospital, the City Council on Wednesday called for a review of the city’s zoning policy in the east side neighborhood. In its order, the council directed the planning board to review… Read More
BANGOR – The City Council on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Jonathan Daniels as the city’s director of business and economic development. In his new position, Daniels will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the efforts of Bangor International Airport, Bass Park and the city’s… Read More
BREWER – Construction crews will be paving the intersection of North Main Street and Wilson Street, at the north end of the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Commuters are asked to use alternate routes. Delays are expected. Read More
GLENBURN – Glenburn residents will have a chance to express concerns about a child sex offender who recently moved to town at a meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Glenburn Elementary School. The Town Council will hold a meeting during which a discussion is planned with residents… Read More
BANGOR – The Friends of the Library at Eastern Maine Technical College are selling book pins and little people pins to support the library and early childhood education library resources during November and December. Friends of the Library members will sell pins from 5:30 to… Read More
BREWER – The All City Band Concert will take place at 7 p.m. today at Brewer High School. Playing a selection of tunes will be the Hometown Band, Brewer High School Band and Brewer Middle School Band. The concert is free to the public. Read More
BANGOR – A Veterans Day doll presentation will take place beginning at 9 a.m. today at Filene’s Court in the Bangor Mall. The dolls commemorate men and women who have served in the military. The presentation is courtesy of Marian’s World of Dolls. Read More
OLD TOWN – The Maine Department of Transportation and the Kukunsook Camp Owners Association will holding an official opening ceremony for the Mud Pond Inlet Bridge at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16. The bridge is on Poplar Street, which is off Kirkland Road. Officials from… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Residents barely began to express their strong opinions during the 45 minutes that planning board members dedicated to a Wednesday afternoon discussion of whether homeowners should be permitted to rent their houses to tourists. Planning board member Perry Moore led the debate,… Read More
WALDOBORO – The owner of Moon’s Camper Sales reported a U-Haul trailer as stolen Monday when the customer who rented it did not return it. The value of the trailer is $5,137, according to a Waldoboro Police Department spokeswoman. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BLUE HILL – Two local men face charges after Hancock County sheriff’s deputies reportedly caught them with illegal drugs Tuesday night in the parking lot behind Blue Hill Consolidated School. During a regular patrol of the school grounds about 11:30 p.m., deputies noticed a vehicle… Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – A “Who-Done-It?” dinner theater play, “Don’t Wine If You’re Murdered,” will be performed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Tranquility Grange on Route 52. The lighthearted murder mystery and dinner theater event will include dinner, dessert and a chance for the… Read More
BELFAST – Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County will host “Handling the Holidays” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Waldo County General Hospital education center on Northport Avenue. The trained workers of Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County want to share a few of their… Read More
BELFAST – The Belfast Free Library has been awarded a $500 Heron Fund gift from the Maine Community Foundation for the purchase of children’s books. The gift seeks to ensure that children in Waldo County have access to the best children’s literature available. The choice… Read More
ROCKPORT – Selectmen have yet to choose a law firm to represent the town. The board met in closed session for nearly an hour Tuesday night to discuss the town’s legal services contract but did not take any action. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
NORTHPORT – The Katahdin Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America has honored Searsmont resident James Robbins with its Distinguished Citizen Award. Robbins, co-owner with brother Jenness Robbins of Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, has worked with the Scouts for 30 years. Having been a… Read More
ROCKLAND – A former Maine Marine Patrol administrator is aiming for the Knox County sheriff’s seat, which has been uncontested for 15 years. Jeffrey Gallagher, 48, of Rockport said Wednesday he is preparing to take on incumbent Sheriff Dan Davey in the June Republican primary. Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County budget committee has scheduled a series of three meetings during the next two weeks to review the county budget and make recommendations. A quick peek at the proposed accounts show a proposed increase of 19.5 percent, a figure that budget… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The new manager of the Pittsfield Transfer Station and Recycling Center, Donald Chute, said he will be recommending significant fee changes at the facility to the Town Council when he presents his 2002 budget next month. Chute said Wednesday that commercial haulers and… Read More
PALMYRA – Palmyra selectmen renewed six junkyard permits Wednesday night, approving each with conditions set by the town’s code enforcement officer, William Murphy. One exception was the Wilber Rowe junkyard on South Ridge Road. Murphy had recommended that Rowe install screening on the north side… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The solids that aren’t evaporated into the air at the two lagoons or sediment ponds in Pittsfield’s Waste Water Treatment Plant are building up and soon may need to be removed. Town councilors were informed of the situation last week by Town Manager… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield police are investigating the break-ins at seven self-storage units on Madawaska Road. Sgt. Timothy Roussin said seven units had locks cut and it appeared an attempt was made to break into one unit. An air conditioner and a pair of stereo speakers… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Kennebec Performing Arts Company will hold a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Skowhegan Opera House. The concert will include the stage band, wind ensemble, chorus, orchestra and chamber singers. Tickets are $5 and are on sale at… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, to discuss the unorganized territories road maintenance budget for 2002. They also will discuss the Rockwood transfer station and a tax abatement appeal in the town of Norridgewock. Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Redington-Fairview General Hospital will hold its annual Women’s Information Network on separate evenings. The event will feature information and discussion about health care issues of concern to women. The events are: . “Peak to your Fitness Level” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday,… Read More
WATERVILLE – Colby College will hold its 32nd annual Service of Carols and Lights at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the Lorimer Chapel. There will be an additional service at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The doors will open a half-hour before each service. Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Town Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, to interview several candidates for code enforcement officer. The interviews will be held in executive session. Read More
DEXTER- The results from the Dexter Regional High School Invitational One-Act Play Competition have been announced. In first place was Penobscot Valley High School of Howland, “The Plot to Assassinate The Chase Manhattan Bank,” with 107 points. In second place was Central High School of Corinth, “Just A… Read More
CARIBOU – The City Council will be busy during the next two months developing a 2002 budget that meets the needs of the city while keeping property taxes in line. Before the end of the month, department budgets will be perused by the council, which… Read More
FORT KENT – Dr. Kathleen Papes, associate dean and associate professor at Barry University in Miami, will be at the University of Maine at Fort Kent today and Friday to share her expertise with nursing students, faculty and staff. Papes, a visiting professor and scholar… Read More
HODGDON – The number of students in SAD 70 who worked on the potato harvest this fall dropped 5 percent from last year. According to survey results provided Tuesday night at a school board meeting, 17 percent of the district’s 504 students in fourth grade… Read More
CARIBOU – The city is negotiating with the Maine Army National Guard for the future disposition of the General Carter Memorial Armory. During these negotiations, which started more than a year ago, city officials are learning that 50-year-old agreements can become very complicated. Some of… Read More
HOULTON – The third time is the charm. After twice tabling the appointment of a new public works superintendent, the Town Council voted 4-2 Tuesday night to approve the nomination of Leigh Stilwell for that post at a salary of $42,000. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
A woman who backed into a parked car after leaving the Mount Hope Variety store in Bangor on Tuesday was intoxicated and shouldn’t have been driving, according to police. While investigating the minor motor vehicle accident, Officer Chris Desmond noted that motorist Teresa Hodges, 44,… Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – No death warrant is in the works for the vacant Dean & Eugley building. On Tuesday night, selectmen did not pursue designating the structure a “dangerous building,” instead agreeing to have Town Attorney Terry Calderwood draft an order listing some of the steps… Read More
WALDOBORO – It’s a pretty package – one that should be opened before Christmas – that could have an unexpected gift to boot. The town’s municipal building is undergoing a face-lift that will nearly double its size and the project is expected to be finished… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Knox County budget committee is sinking its teeth into a spending proposal for 2002 that is $425,790 more than this year. County commissioners made final their budget earlier this month at a total of $5,526,047, up from the 2001 appropriation of $5,100,257. Read More
THOMASTON – Police on Wednesday were investigating a string of burglaries believed to be connected and are working leads on several suspects. The most recent break-in was Tuesday at the Masonic Hall on Main Street, where nothing was stolen, but a back door was pried… Read More
BELFAST – A Winterport man named by the Waldo County grand jury last week in a secret indictment has been arrested on numerous counts of sexual assault and furnishing alcohol to minors. William Morrison, 33, of Winterport was arrested by Waldo County sheriff’s Detective Jason… Read More
DOVER FOXCROFT – Penquis CAP is sponsoring a public meeting to discuss the need for a proposed carpool project in the Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter, Guilford and Milo region. The meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Penquis CAP, 50 North St., Dover-Foxcroft. Read More
BAILEYVILLE – They were bickering in Baileyville again over who should tape the local boys and girls basketball games to be broadcast on the town’s public access television station. Several years ago, town officials created two public access stations, Channels 8 and 10. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – An increase in demand for natural gas in southern New England has prompted Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline of Boston to plan construction and operation of additional pipeline through Washington County. A company consultant, Jim Mitchell, outlined the company’s plans Tuesday for the Baileyville… Read More
PORTLAND – The Maine Women’s Fund and the Women’s Studies Program at the University of Southern Maine have announced that applications are being accepted for the Maine Scholarships for Women Program. Approved funds will be distributed in January 2002. The Maine Scholarships for Women Program… Read More
PORTLAND – Workers combing through the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York can look forward to a Maine lobster dinner Saturday. Lobster dealers have teamed with microbreweries and other Maine businesses to organize “The United Maine Lobster Feed.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
COLUMBIA – A week after fire destroyed this Down East town’s fire station and two of its firetrucks, another department along the Maine coast has donated a truck and an ambulance to the town. Shortly after a fire Nov. 8 destroyed the old Town Hall,… Read More
Satchels of Hope is a nonprofit organization that helps women in transition. It began when two Maine friends were talking about the difficult transitions in their lives. The conversation evolved into dreams and visions for helping make the way easier for others in similar situations. Read More
NEW YORK – A visit to the smoldering remains of the World Trade Center left young activists from the Maine-based Seeds of Peace program in shock, nursing feelings of anger and sadness. The teen-agers paid their respects at ground zero while attending a Seeds of… Read More
ALFRED – The First Parish Congregational Church of Saco has sued a Gorham contractor for damages stemming from last year’s fire that destroyed the church’s 137-year-old meetinghouse. The lawsuit filed last week in York County Superior Court claims the fire caused more than $10 million… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Army National Guard and radio station B-98.5 have joined for the second annual Happy Tanks giving food drive. B-98.5 morning personality Genny Judge has taken her post atop the M19A40 tank located at Camp Keyes and will live in the tank until an amount… Read More
PORTLAND – The sixth annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Maine State Armory on Stevens Avenue in Portland. Services will include clothing, toiletries, benefits screening, employment services, photo identifications, showers, footwear, reading glasses, haircuts and great… Read More
BANGOR – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a $400,000 grant to the Maine Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services. This funding will be used by the state’s Office of Substance Abuse to establish a two-year higher education… Read More
JACKMAN – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced that the Treasury-Postal Appropriations Conference Report will bolster security along Maine’s border with Canada and provide substantial funding for a border station in the Jackman area. The appropriations measure includes $32.8 billion in funding for fiscal year 2002. For added security… Read More
PHILADELPHIA – A judge decided Wednesday that former counterculture guru and longtime fugitive Ira Einhorn should get another trial in the 1977 murder of his girlfriend, reopening a case that has been the focus of outrage in this city for more than two decades. Einhorn,… Read More
MACHIAS – A fire Wednesday afternoon consumed an unused trailer and barn on the Kennebec Road south of downtown. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. A state fire marshal was expected to visit the scene. Nobody was injured. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Owls long have been denizens of the dark, creatures of mystery. So it’s little wonder that the nocturnal birds are so prominent at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the setting for J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” book series (Harry’s own is Hedwig, a snowy owl). Read More
PORTLAND – You’ve probably heard of them. Maybe you heard their song “One Week” on the radio in your car or the Muzak version while checking out at the supermarket. Or maybe you’ve been a fan since their humble Canadian beginnings. In any case, the Barenaked Ladies are… Read More
ORONO – Halfway through preseason, John Giannini talked about the kind of player former Bangor star Joe Campbell would become at the University of Maine … some day. Giannini, you see, had hoped Campbell wouldn’t see any action this year, and would practice with the… Read More
For the eighth time in the last nine years, Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland will host the Class A state championship football game. For the first time in that same span, one team will have a definitive home field advantage as it plays some of its… Read More
BANGOR – With its season-opener looming, Warren Caruso’s Husson College basketball team has three good reasons to expect an outstanding season. First, there’s experience: Four of five starters played more than 20 minutes a game last year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Fred Neergaard has heard all the jokes. Will the chains on the tires ruin the track? Will Winston Cup cars have to pit for anti-freeze? Will the winner shake up a thermos of hot coffee and spray it on his pit crew? But the public… Read More
BANGOR – The undefeated Bangor High School football team will attempt to win a state championship Saturday without five of its key players. Bangor Superintendent of Schools Sandy Ervin confirmed that five players on the Rams’ 11-0 squad have been removed from the team as… Read More
AUGUSTA – Ben Allen racked up 18 points and eight assists and Ray Roberts chipped in with 16 points and 24 rebounds as the University of Maine-Augusta rolled over Kennebec Valley Technical College of Fairfield 87-37 in men’s college basketball action Wednesday. Nate Savage and… Read More
Katie Whittier of Gray-New Gloucester High School is among three players who were expected Wednesday to sign National Letters of Intent to accept basketball scholarships from the University of Maine for next season. Kara Hickman of Huntingtown, Md., and Abby Schrader of Point Pleasant Boro,… Read More
In the past year, what have you been most thankful for? For my family and friends. They’re always there for me. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
WINTERPORT – Sisters Rose DeGennaro and Millie Brown are planning a really big dinner this Thanksgiving. That’s not unusual. Last year, they fed their entire family, 35 or 40 people, at their newly opened restaurant. This year, they’re extending their table to the residents of… Read More
Editor’s Note: Bangor High School is participating in a three-year partnership with Primary Source, a nonprofit organization that helps schools integrate China studies into the curriculum. History teacher Ryan Bradeen traveled with the group to China recently. Aug. 8 was a hot day to be… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer free training Dec. 4 in Orono to individuals who want to give a helping hand to Maine’s dairy farmers by becoming part of the Relief Milker System. A relief milker is an individual who can… Read More
HUDSON – At a dinner and awards banquet conducted by Boy Scouts of America Group 31 on Oct. 20, at the Bradford Town Hall, Tyler Glidden Grant was elevated to the rank of Eagle Scout. The son of Donald and Carol Grant of Hudson, he is a senior… Read More
Want to share something through School News? E-mail it to weekly@bangordailynews.net, or mail it to The Weekly, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or drop it off at the front desk of the Buck Street entrance at the Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St., Bangor. Items will be… Read More
ORONO – For the past quarter-century, Ken Norris has been producing poetry that has established his reputation as a Canadian writer. A University of Maine English professor since 1985, he was recognized last month when Talonbooks published a volume of his selected poems, “Hotel Montreal: New and Selected… Read More
Got something for Community News? E-mail it to weekly@bangordailynews.net, or mail it to The Weekly, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or drop it off at the front desk of the Buck Street entrance at the Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St., Bangor. Items will be used as… Read More
Bangor District Court Zelda A. Lacoote, 40, Bangor, disorderly conduct, $200. 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