The state’s new Learning Results have been widely hailed during the last few years as a great way to help students get a sound education. But now the Department of Education’s proposed rules for implementing the academic standards are coming under increasing fire from a growing number of… Read More
AUGUSTA – The U.S. attorney general may think that critics of new anti-terrorism law enforcement measures are providing comfort to the enemy, but did he really mean to say it out loud? Probably not, maintains Robert E. Hirshon, a Portland lawyer who is the national… Read More
After digging in its heels over the management of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the state appears to have softened its stance in its battle with environmentalists over John’s Bridge and Churchill Dam. Access to the 92-mile northern Maine river has been a major sticking point,… Read More
A story in Friday’s Maine Day section about natural gas compression stations contained an incorrect date. The correct date for the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline’s open house in Brewer is Wednesday, Dec. 12. The session, at which plans for a compression station will be presented, is scheduled for… Read More
WASHINGTON – Fighting an uphill battle to require better gas mileage on sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, Sen. Olympia Snowe and like-minded colleagues have latched onto a new argument: Raising federal standards on fuel efficiency will strengthen national security. Because the U.S. war… Read More
BANGOR – As they gathered upon a footbridge spanning the Kenduskeag Stream on Friday, participants in a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack couldn’t help but draw parallels to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Though six decades apart and perpetrated by… Read More
Kudos to the person responsible for printing Whitney Azoy’s columns. I have learned a great deal from them. Our gain is The New York Times’ loss. Mrs. Lenny Sweet googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
I was very interested in the article about the shortage of nurses in Maine. There also is a shortage, which is expected to grow, of teachers in Maine. The Department of Education, with the support and of the governor, has come up with some creative… Read More
It was disturbing to read (BDN, Dec. 3) that the state with the highest tax burden in the nation, the state that is facing a budget deficit in spite of the high taxes, is going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars so that Jonathan Carter can run… Read More
Thanks for your continuing series of writings by Whitney Azoy. I am, however, deeply concerned about the U. S. establishing and using secret military tribunals in the “war on terrorism.” This process places the U. S. outside the international rule of law, which we and… Read More
As the rest of the state of Maine moves forward into the 21st century, Washington County does not. It will never move forward if the mind set of this region does not change. Economic development will never improve because too many officials in Augusta do not believe we… Read More
Robert R. Bryan’s column, “This isn’t forestry” (BDN, Nov. 28) needs to be read by everyone in the forestry community. This detailed description of liquidation cutting and the evils associated with it is long overdue. Readers must not be confused, however, Liquidation is not clear-cut… Read More
As a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Maine, I was disappointed in the article, which portrayed a University of Maine football player’s mother consuming “Jell-O shots” with an accompanying photograph (BDN, Dec. 3). This practice is reckless and dangerous, as one… Read More
Did the mountain come to President Bush? I had to laugh when I read the Dec. 6 headline, “Ararat makes appeal to Bush for more time.” Was the proofreader sleeping? Denise Birkel googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
I can understand the concern of President Bush about Saddam Hussein, who apparently continues to manufacture arms of mass destruction and has probably increased his actions of late now that Osama bin Laden has taken over center stage. I find it ironic that there was little protest over… Read More
Nowhere in your report on town government in Steuben (BDN, Nov. 39) do I see reference to either the selectmen or the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) providing support to the people of Steuben to achieve their goal in changing the existing form of government to include a town… Read More
After hearing that President Bush has labeled Hamas the world’s foremost terrorist organization, I turned to read a review of Camus’ The Plague, an allegory of France under German occupation. I was struck forcefully at how one state’s “terrorist” group is another’s resistance fighters. To us, the French… Read More
As a private citizen who was called to assist in both New York and at the Pentagon after the Sept. 11 tragedies, I find the current actions of the Bush administration and the House absolutely deplorable. This is not a time for war-profiteering. The “stimulus” package passed by… Read More
Was anybody in Maine surprised when the Environmental Protection Agency reported in October that the state suffered more unhealthy air-quality days this summer than it has in a decade? We shouldn’t have been surprised, and research says that apparently we were not. The Maine Forest… Read More
Christopher Smith raises several good points in his excellent analysis of the film “Pearl Harbor.” After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the movie does seem more shameless than ever. Should we be bracing ourselves for a movie that features the collapse of a romantic… Read More
I was saddened to read of Rob Gardiner’s decision to leave MPBN during such a successful moment in Maine PBS history. The coming celebration of 40 years broadcasting PBS enrichment, the culmination of an exuberant DTV capital campaign and the unveiling of a new digital television era across… Read More
Politics is a rough business; electoral politics is the roughest part. Allegations leveled by the Maine Democratic Party this week that Sen. Susan Collins violated federal campaign finance law crossed the line from rough to needlessly destructive. The allegations are that the Republican senator, up… Read More
Maine’s latest attempt to explain and possibly solve the problem of homelessness is a thoughtful, dense and thorough look at how to improve the complex interplay of various state agencies, local shelters and nonprofits that serve the homeless population. But the new state report leaves out an important… Read More
Caribou’s C.B. Knox has a theory about why parts of Washington County are sinking into the Gulf of Maine, as described in a Page One BDN story a couple of weeks ago. And it’s not just a matter of plate tectonics, squirrelly geological fault lines and such, as… Read More
Suddenly, throughout the land, Campaign 2002 is under way. What an amazing phenomenon – there’s no official start to the race for office, yet politicians just know when to go. It’s an instinct they seem to share with other species known for moving en masse by some mystical… Read More
The question I hear most often about the state’s plan to provide students with personal computers sounds sensible enough: “What will they do to make sure that the computers are well used?” But my response is to reject it as the wrong question. They, presumably meaning the governor… Read More
STILLWATER – In 1926, when he was 20 years old, Herbert E. Sargent bought his first truck – a used one – for the whopping sum of $75. It was an inauspicious start for what would become one of the state’s largest and best-known construction companies. Read More
GUILFORD – Guilford of Maine announced Friday that 18 employees in manufacturing at its Newport facility will be laid off effective Dec. 21. The company on Thursday also terminated two salaried office workers and an hourly office worker at its Guilford plant. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
AUGUSTA – On behalf of Maine consumers, state Attorney General Steven Rowe is urging a federal judge to reject a proposed settlement of private class action lawsuits brought against Microsoft Corp. The suits are separate from the pending government legal action against the company. “We… Read More
BOSTON – The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor has commissioned Einhorn Yaffee Prescott to provide architectural and engineering services for a major expansion in its research facilities including the new east research building. The Jackson Laboratory is the premier institution in the world for mammalian… Read More
BANGOR – When Bion Foster bought the Lucerne Inn more than seven years ago, his biggest concern was how to make the picturesque wooden structure profitable. Every year since then, “we haven’t missed a tick,” Foster said this week. “We’ve been up every year.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
In Friday’s mail, donations of $2,285 were received for the Santa’s Helper Fund, bringing the total raised to date to $17,305. Many thanks to all who continue to give so generously to this worthy cause. Contributions came from Gloria and Shawn Mason, $30; Bud and… Read More
AUGUSTA – A legislative committee charged with studying the concerns of leaseholders in the Unorganized Territories voted Friday in favor of proposed regulations that should help highlight the problems sporting camps face with landowners. The recommendations, however, fell short of guaranteeing camp owners the long-term leases they desire. Read More
BANGOR – In the past week, those who live and work in the Curve Street area have spent an inordinate amount of time at the carwash. But with city fire officials announcing Friday that – in response to residents’ complaints – they won’t burn down… Read More
Over the last three months, two devastating events in American history have been compared so often that they’ve become nearly joined in our national consciousness. Dec. 7, 1941. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Two dozen mice from the Jackson Laboratory in Maine are orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle Endeavor as part of the study of a new treatment for bone loss. “This is the first time our mice have been sent into space,” said… Read More
PORTLAND – Maine ranks near the bottom among states for giving to charities. The economy is in recession. The nation still is reeling in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Those facts make nonprofit organizations shudder, yet many are meeting or exceeding fund-raising… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Band will hold a Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the William S. Cohen School auditorium on Garland Street. The admission is free, and donations will be accepted. This is a family concert by one of America’s oldest community bands and… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Aroostook County grows more potatoes than any other county in the country; The County grows 25 percent of the agricultural products sold from the state of Maine; and a company in Houlton is the No. 1 producer and seller of handcuffs in the world. Read More
PITTSFIELD – D. Dwight Dogherty, Pittsfield’s town manager for 19 years, resigned his position Thursday night during an executive session with the Town Council held to evaluate his job performance. His written resignation indicates that his leaving was effective at 4:50 p.m., while he and… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A citizens’ group interested in establishing a construction moratorium in the city is pressing on with its petition drive, even though one large building project has been shelved by its developers. A four-story, 28,000-square-foot Route 1 office building was approved by the city… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The town’s planning board has delayed action on permitting a composting facility proposed for the Upper Long Pond Road while it awaits additional information on the project. On Thursday, the board reviewed the application from Gene Berry, who has proposed to build the… Read More
ROCKLAND – The SAD 5 Teachers Association has invited legislators from the midcoast area to attend a forum on education at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at the Rockland District Middle School, 30 Broadway. Teachers, support educators and retired educators from Lincoln and Waldo counties… Read More
LIMESTONE – The Maine School of Science and Mathematics will hold regional information meetings for middle school and high school students and their families. A representative will share information and answer questions about the residential high school for students entering grades 10 through 12. The… Read More
NEW YORK – A Maine Christmas tree is lifting the spirits of workers at ground zero. The 14-foot balsam fir from the town of Oxford was put in place with little fanfare this week. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BATH – Two teen-agers have admitted to making and planting three homemade bombs found in mailboxes in Woolwich and West Bath, according to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department. The boys confessed in a meeting with Detective John Burne and their parents, Burne said. Investigators are… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci is encouraging constituents to direct U.S. Postal Service mail to his office in Bangor until deliveries resume to U.S. House of Representatives offices in Washington. Service was stopped Oct. 17 when anthrax was found in mail sent to Sen. Tom Daschle. Traces… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Rockland Public Library is asking community members to write about how the library has changed their lives. From a child receiving help with a book to an adult getting assistance finding medical information, residents now can tell that story. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
A Whiting woman in her early 20s was killed Friday night in a head-on collision on the Kennebec Road in Machias. The accident that occurred about 5:45 p.m. is still being investigated and under reconstruction by police. Some details were not available Friday night, including… Read More
ORONO – Maine law requires that all dogs 6 months of age or older be licensed in the municipality where their owners reside. Dog licenses for the year 2002 now are available. Proof of a valid Maine rabies vaccination is required. All dogs must be licensed before Thursday,… Read More
BRIDGTON – A Baldwin man accused of assaulting his wife has gone to court seeking the return of a cache of weapons that Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies seized from his home. William C. Bloomquist, 43, has permits for the weapons and believes police have no… Read More
CRANBERRY ISLES – About $11,000 worth of art stolen from homes on Great Cranberry Island this fall has been recovered and a Rhode Island man was arrested in connection with the thefts, according to police. Fernand Malouin, 50, of Jamestown, R.I., was arrested earlier this… Read More
BOSTON – On the frigid evening of Jan. 19, Jason Purington of Lewiston, Maine, set out for a ride on his snowmobile and ended up meeting his savior. His name was firefighter Marc Pare. Purington, 26, accidentally plunged his snowmobile into the icy waters of… Read More
BANGOR – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci has nominated 25 young people from Maine’s 2nd Congressional District for admission to U.S. service academies. Nominating material for these students will be forwarded to officials at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West… Read More
As he made his way unsteadily along the city streets early Thursday morning, a 37-year-old Bangor man would occasionally stop at a residence and pound on the door, looking for his friend Julio. Anthony Brazzo also paid a visit to his own apartment at 183… Read More
SEARSPORT – Citing family needs and health concerns, SAD 56 Superintendent Wayne Enman has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the year. Though officially retired after Dec. 31, Enman has offered to work though June on interim basis. “I will fill in on… Read More
BELFAST – Coastal AIDS Network has been awarded a total of $20,000 in grants from three separate donors. Executive Director Michael Sirota said CAN, which serves residents of Waldo, Knox and Lincoln counties, announced the grants on Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Through a unique collaboration, about 30 employees of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department and Jail will receive specialized training this month in domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness. In order to remain certified, corrections officers must participate each year in training, but… Read More
DEXTER – A preventive health program involving the elderly started this week under the direction of the Dexter Ambulance Service. When the two daytime emergency medical technicians are on duty and aren’t responding to emergency calls, they visit elderly residents in senior citizens housing units… Read More
CALAIS – Members of the business community were hoping Friday for a gift from Santa Claus. Instead they got a message from the Grinch that a decision has not yet been made on where the proposed third bridge will be located. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
ST. STEPHEN, New Brunswick – The St. Stephen Police Department is asking the public to help locate Patrea Ann Clappison, 36, of 19 Edgewood St. Clappison last was seen on Saturday, Dec. 1, in the area of the Red Rooster Truck Stop on Highway 1… Read More
LUBEC – Project Sticker Shock was kicked off during the first week of December. This month of holiday celebration also is 3 D month, or Drinking & Drugged Driving Month, and includes Alcohol Awareness Day. Both will be observed in the Down East area through Downeast Healthy Tomorrows,… Read More
FORT KENT- The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department will offer a Christmas tree decoration workshop for pupils in grades two through six. The workshop will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Fort Kent Municipal Building on West Main… Read More
Waldo County Superior Court In a jury trial, George E. Bormet, 49, of Winterport was found guilty of cultivating marijuana and not guilty of trafficking in marijuana. Bormet was sentenced to nine months in jail with all but 20 days suspended, one year probation and… Read More
Although many people are busy with holiday planning, shopping and travel, the Palermo Library Guild is asking you to give something even more special this holiday season – your time. Three years in the planning, “The Palermo Community Library is coming soon, as the sign… Read More
Maine State Police and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a string of daytime home garage burglaries that they believe are connected. More than a half-dozen burglaries have been reported in the past three weeks, in Dexter, Garland, Charleston, Hudson and Levant, said Chief… Read More
WARREN – There’s no predicting human behavior, Warden Jeff Merrill said Friday after two prisoners escaped the state’s minimum security prison farm. The men, who each had five months left on their sentences, could now face that much time plus another five years or more… Read More
Are you expecting the New Year’s baby for 2002? If your baby is due to arrive around Jan. 1, the Bangor Daily News would like to hear from you. Because local hospitals in our readership area do not routinely announce births, the NEWS would like… Read More
ROCKLAND – A synagogue that has struggled to survive since its founding in 1913 is looking for a rabbi now that its membership has reached an all-time high. Whoever is hired will be the first spiritual leader at Adas Yoshuron in more than 60 years. Read More
A couple who frequently baby-sat a toddler before she was beaten to death last year shifted the blame Friday back to the man charged with the crime. Chad Evans, 30, faces second-degree murder and assault charges in the November 2000 death of his girlfriend’s daughter,… Read More
While donations are pouring into many charities serving people, several charities serving animals are not faring as well. At least three organizations that provide shelter or rehabilitation services for animals in Maine are struggling, at least in part because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks,… Read More
BLUE HILL – Someone is stealing the street signs in Blue Hill, and town officials want it to stop. On Friday, selectmen put a price on the head of the thieves, offering a reward of $100 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of… Read More
BANGOR – After 21/2 hours of deliberation, a federal jury Friday issued a split verdict in the trial of a Massachusetts man linked to a predawn robbery a year ago at the Budget Host Airport Inn in Waterville. Dennis Mooney was found guilty of conspiracy… Read More
BANGOR – Local 1777 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers voted Wednesday to endorse Democrat Sean Faircloth for Maine’s 2nd District congressional seat. The union represents workers from across eastern Maine, including workers at the International Paper mill in Bucksport. Lance Raymond, president of… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Black Bears needed a wake-up call after being outplayed in the second period by a fast, talented, and tenacious Boston College team. Assistant coach Grant Standbrook and interim head coach Tim Whitehead were among those who addressed the team… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Ella Soppe takes a break from reading the campus newspaper, leans forward in the banana-yellow stadium chair that serves as her work station, and eagerly agrees to share some info about the building that serves as the centerpiece of the University of Northern Iowa… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Relaxed and confident. That’s the best way to describe the University of Maine football team Friday afternoon as it went through a half-speed practice in the comfort of the UNI Dome. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears appeared to be loose, but… Read More
Stephen Cooper heard the play long before he looked up and saw what was actually going on … long before he noticed a rugby-scrum of 10 players surrounding a still-churning Royston English. Or maybe there were 15 Black Bears and McNeese State Cowboys in the… Read More
CORINTH – It wasn’t exactly in the plan that Penquis of Milo point guard Megan Russell would pick up three fouls in the first quarter of Friday night’s season-opener against Central. It certainly wasn’t in the plan that she would get her fourth in the… Read More
PITTSFIELD – When the defense is going good, it can overcome a lot of other deficiencies. Such was the case Friday night in the boys basketball season-opener between Maine Central Institute and Camden Hills, the defending state Class B champs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine’s Leah Voss was the only America East player named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Northeast Regional All-American Team. The senior and outside hitter from Gettysburg, Penn., was also named America East Conference Player of the Year after leading… Read More
AUGUSTA – Nominations are being accepted for the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honors inductees for 2002. Four inductees are selected annually from four regions of the state by committees in northern, southern, eastern, and central/western Maine. Nomination forms and more information can be obtained… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Hermon 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
HIGH SCHOOL At Husson College, Bangor 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
Every December for the past 36 years, Husson College has invited three men’s basketball teams to Bangor, played a couple of games, and made every effort to make sure the distinctive figurine that serves as the spoils of victory for the Paul Bunyan Basketball Tournament remains in town. Read More
DELAND, FLA. – The University of Maine Black Bears notched their second road victory in a row as five players scored in double figures as they defeated Stetson University 78-62 in the first round of the 19th Annual Hatter Classic on Friday night. Kim Corbitt’s… Read More
Maine vs. Sacred Heart Time, site: 2 p.m. Sunday, William H. Pitt Center, Fairfield, Conn. 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
EASTON – Amanda Martin poured in 24 points to lead the Ashland Hornets past the Easton Bears 49-33 in their schoolgirl basketball opener Friday night. Ashlee Peters added 10 points for the winners. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Eagles played stifling man-to-man defense and converted some fast-break baskets to outscore the Hermon Hawks 19-4 in the fourth quarter for a 43-33 schoolgirl basketball victory in their opener Friday night. Mallory Patten scored six of her 12 points in the… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Black Bears used a hat trick by Andrea Steranko and a pair of goals from Karen Droog to quickly put away Wayne State for a 6-0 women’s hockey victory Friday. Maine jumped out to an early 2-0 first-period lead… Read More
BINGHAM – Megan Melcher connected on 15 points, including three 3-pointers, to help the Valley Cavaliers roll past the Greenville Lakers 46-16 in their schoolgirl basketball opener Friday night. Crystal Rollins chipped in with eight points and Brianna Bellanger logged seven points, eight rebounds and… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Injuries to key players remained a concern Friday for the University of Maine football team as it made final preparations for today’s NCAA Division I-AA quarterfinal against Northern Iowa. Three starters, tailback Royston English, free safety Dave Cusano, and center Ben… Read More
Growing up in a small Aroostook county village during the 1950s and enduring harsh winters where darkness descended at 4 p.m. made for some long confining evenings for a kid. During late November and early December, evenings became much more enjoyable, exciting even, and passed more quickly thanks… Read More
Much has been said of the present drought, which has made this the driest year Maine has seen since records were first kept in 1894, but it doesn’t have fisheries biologists fearing for the future of the state’s freshwater fish. In front of a crowd… Read More
Along about the middle of November, I began to convince myself that paddling on open water was pretty much over for the season (not counting the ocean). Temperatures for a while started dropping, skim ice was beginning to form, and my thoughts started drifting to snowbanks and snowshoes… Read More
This has been a great year for sighting irruptive migrants. Bohemian waxwings, pine grosbeaks, redpolls, snowy owls – and now northern shrikes are being reported throughout the state. Just last week someone sighted a shrike off of the Witter Farm Road in Orono. In this… Read More
OK, so it’s not really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It’s actually beginning to look a lot like Memorial Day. But don’t let the weather fool you – there’s not much time left until the holidays are here. Fortunately, the little elves in… Read More
When I initially had the idea for this column, I thought it would be cold outside by now. So please, work with me here. If it’s 50 degrees out, the last thing you want to wear is a woolly scarf. But that doesn’t mean you… Read More
First the house tape player died, probably of congestive dust failure. Then the Walkman died after heroic service on hikes, canoe excursions and various trips. The Walkman radio still works (thank God), but the tape player has given it up. Then I bought a truck without a tape… Read More
For many of us, the garden is a place of inspiration. That inspiration can be reflected in many ways. Often people will say their garden is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Some say gardening relaxes them; others go so far as to say… Read More