CASWELL – A woman who provided child care in her home was found slain Monday morning. The body of Tara Bell, 27, was discovered at 6:30 a.m. by a woman bringing children to be cared for by Bell in her home on Libby Road about… Read More
    Richard Bowie was at his helicopter pad at Bangor International Airport last summer when he received word about a man in the water in Orono. Bowie said he was preparing to take off to begin a search, but waited 20 minutes for the go-ahead. When none came he… Read More
    BANGOR – Maine’s auto industry experienced one of its biggest percentage sales gains ever in October as consumers, motivated by zero percent financing, purchased 33 percent more cars than during the same month last year. It was a boost the industry – and the state… Read More
    A story in Saturday’s Maine Day section about the status of the United Way of Eastern Maine fund-raising campaign reported incorrectly that some longtime workplace campaigns were new when they are well-established, including Bangor Hydro, UPS and Penquis CAP. The story failed to mention that Chip Hutchins provided… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The American Bankers Association Education Foundation has recognized Katahdin Trust Co. for outstanding community service in a publication that honors bankers working in their cities and towns. The bank and its employees were honored in the second ABAEF Spirit of Giving Back publication… Read More
    I took several theater classes with Sandra Hardy and I was in no way hurt or offended by the way she runs class or rehearsal. She teaches in a very unconventional way, but she does so to bring out the best in people. And she only does that… Read More
    President Bush gave notice last Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty; scrapping the Cold War relic is necessary to move testing of the National Missile Defense program to a more rigorous level. As if scripted by those critical of the treaty… Read More
    Congress can look at rising budget deficits and a costly tax cut and pretend not to see the connection, so don’t expect its members to make the link between energy independence and improved gas mileage. New fuel-efficiency standards may not go this year, but when the Senate next… Read More
    The Bangor Daily News should be complimented for providing extensive coverage (Dec. 15-16) of the Maine State Society’s effort to place wreaths on gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery. This special annual project is made possible by the generosity of Worcester Wreath Co. and Blue Bird Ranch Trucking. These… Read More
    With reference to the Dec. 13 article, “Snowe reverses stance, backs fast-track trade,” and Sen. Olympia Snowe’s vote on Trade Promotion Authority, you should know that that vote came only after the senator was given written assurance by the secretary of commerce and the special trade representative that… Read More
    I was recently e-mailed the letter (BDN, Dec. 12) about the “inappropriate behavior” of University of Maine theater professor Dr. Sandra Hardy and I am irate. I studied under Dr. Hardy for six years, both in undergraduate and graduate school. Sandra taught me how to survive in the… Read More
    After attending the annual School Union 90 board meeting, I must take issue with the superintendent’s reason for his resignation. In this public forum, Superintendent Keith Ober cited the Alton School Committee’s vote of no confidence for his reason for departure. Also, in his annual report he suggested… Read More
    An article in the Dec. 15 New York Times reports on the growing income gap in our society. One of the major points cited by one of the economists was the increased effect of education on income – never before has education been such an important factor in… Read More
    The woes of the University of Maine Theater and Dance Division have been the subject of much reporting, speculation and gossip over the last three months. Alumni/ae, administrators and students have contributed to the public dialogue, offering information, misinformation and especially opinion, well-intentioned and otherwise. Read More
    Where’s Osama bin Laden? Once again (as in this column on Nov. 24-25) the issue of “Whereabouts” is key. On Sunday the big hitters were at Bagram airbase north of Kabul: 1) Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who’s had what the British would call “a good war”; 2)… Read More
    I am not surprised that John Ashcroft equates criticism of his agenda with aid and comfort to terrorists. I am appalled by the tepid response of most Democrats to his aggression. If grass-roots activists don’t resist, Americans may lose both their freedoms and their security. Read More
    Our weekend mail carried with it more than $5,000 in donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund, bringing our total to date to $37,262.79. With Christmas just around the corner, this will go a long way toward providing a happy holiday for many needy people in our communities. With… Read More
    BREWER – The westbound lanes of Interstate 395 between Brewer and Bangor were shut down for nearly two hours Monday while authorities disabled what first appeared to be dynamite found in the breakdown lane of the busy highway. Officers from four departments, including the Bangor… Read More
    Dear Santa, I’ve got some sad news. A friend of mine says she thinks her daughter may be on the verge of not believing in you anymore. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    CALAIS – He was once the mayor of Calais, but in his later years he lived a quiet life in an apartment above a music store, next to the Unobskey School, on Main Street. Clarence Beckett made a big splash Monday when his personal representatives… Read More
    AUGUSTA – With a record drought continuing and unlikely to subside this winter, Gov. Angus King advised Mainers on Monday to act as though they will run out of water “next week.” “The message is straightforward and urgent: Conserve,” King said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Business Women’s Association will hold a workshop on leadership and management skills. The speaker will be Chris Greeley of Chris Greely Training and Consulting. The workshop will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Howard Gymnasium, Odlin Road. For information… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The final competition of Maine State High School Mock Trials will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today in the Augusta Superior Court. Newly confirmed Chief Justice Leigh Saufley will preside. The finalists are Hampden Academy and Cape Elizabeth. The mock trial… Read More
    BANGOR – Monday morning, a Shar-Pei-pit bull terrier mix puppy was stolen from the Bangor Humane Society. The 8-week-old puppy was neutered recently and must be seen by a veterinarian to have his stitches removed. He is light brindle (tiger-striped) with some white on his… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – Sandra MacArthur, who took the reins as superintendent of School Union 113 five months ago, received a vote of confidence from school officials. The joint union board unanimously voted to extend MacArthur’s contract for two years during its meeting last week. Her… Read More
    AUGUSTA – In each of the last two gubernatorial elections, the Green Independent Party was lucky to scare up one candidate. But this year, the party commonly known as “the Greens” is poised for its first contested gubernatorial primary. Jonathan Carter of New Portland, the… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A half-dozen agricultural bills may be presented in January and February to the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation, ranging in areas of concern from strengthening fertilizer laws to protecting police horses. LR 3291, sponsored by Rep. Benjamin F. Dudley, D-Portland, is… Read More
    MANCHESTER – A Kents Hill man has lost his life in a one-car crash on Prescott Road. Brett Norman, 18, suffered head and internal injuries Saturday night when his car went out of control on a hill, struck a guardrail and continued down an embankment,… Read More
    PORTLAND – Motorists grappled with slippery road conditions Monday as a winter storm moved into the state and gave some areas their first measurable snowfall. Highways were coated with snow during the evening commute and there were scattered reports of minor accidents and vehicles sliding… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – The annual meeting of the Pittsfield Fraternal Association will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at the Fraternal Hall on Hamilton Drive. Representatives of all affiliated organizations are urged to attend. Read More
    BANGOR – Approximately 500 pupils at the William S. Cohen Middle School in Bangor were evacuated Monday after a midmorning discovery of a written bomb threat found somewhere in the school. The pupils were taken to the Fruit Street School, also on the city’s east… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – The town wants to make a good impression on travelers arriving by U.S. Route 1. It has hired a consultant to develop a plan that would make the entryway into the town from Verona more attractive and entice motorists to “turn left at… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Child & Family Opportunities of Ellsworth will receive $1,491,932 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Head Start programs. “Head Start has a proven record of success in preparing children for school, and we applaud the continued… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Seaboard Federal Credit Union, a longtime financial resource for Bucksport mill employees and their families, says it will expand its membership to Hancock County residents and to those who work, worship or attend school in the county. The expansion was approved Nov. 23… Read More
    HARTLAND – State Sens. Betty Lou Mitchell and S. Peter Mills have invited town managers, selectmen and members of the SAD 48 board of directors to a joint forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. The meeting will be held in the Irving Tanning Community… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Drivers should expect delays from midnight to 5 a.m. Wednesday-Thursday in both southbound and northbound lanes near Smyrna between mile markers 288 and 294 at the Timoney Lake Road underpass, the Town Line Road underpass and at the Smyrna exit. Delays are… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – There will be a service to celebrate the winter solstice at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the First Universalist Church in Pittsfield. The solstice service will be led by Kate Braestrup and all are welcome. The church will hold its traditional candlelight… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $485,125 in grants to provide emergency food and shelter to those in need. The funds are part of $140 million being distributed to approximately 11,000 nonprofit organizations across the country, according to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County commissioners will make final the unorganized territories’ budget at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, and discuss two new dispatch positions cut by the Somerset County budget committee. Other items on the agenda include dispatch center policies, Kingfield transfer station contract,… Read More
    NEWPORT – The SAD 48 board of directors will meet at 7:30 tonight at the Nokomis Regional High School library. Before the regular meeting, the SAD 48 negotiations committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the superintendent’s contract and the Bus Drivers Association contract. Read More
    Four area teen-agers who left on a “road trip” Friday were located Sunday by police in Indiana. Their parents reportedly were making arrangements for their return this week, according to Sgt. Troy Morton of the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities declined to release the teen-agers’… Read More
    HAMPDEN – After 10 years of tinkering, the Town Council approved a comprehensive plan on Monday night, its third since 1963. While one of the goals outlined in the document is “to encourage orderly growth and development in appropriate areas of the Town, while protecting… Read More
    BANGOR – The school committee on Monday unanimously approved a 10-year educational improvement plan that includes a pre-kindergarten program, expanded alternative education, an in-school adviser for every student and increased parental involvement. Superintendent Robert “Sandy” Ervin’s plan, called “Beyond 2000,” also calls for more global… Read More
    BREWER – The City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to buy a new rescue pumper firetruck, but not before debating the cost at length. In the final analysis, however, the council majority agreed that to put off the purchase would put the public and the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Penobscot School will hold “Souper de Nokl,” a French Christmas dinner, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. Teachers, students and friends of the nonprofit language school will gather to sing French Christmas carols and enjoy a potluck dinner. Donations will… Read More
    GREENBUSH – A man was left homeless Monday after an early morning fire gutted his small house on the Upper River Road. William Cox was on his way home from working the night shift about 7 a.m. when fire tore though his one-story home, according… Read More
    CAMDEN – Apollo Real Estate has another two weeks to fully repair a sprinkler system at the former Apollo Tanning Co. building on Washington Street, even though it missed a Dec. 15 deadline set by the town. The town’s Select Board agreed, although some members… Read More
    Rockland District Court Curtis Adolphsen, 41, Union, failing to extinguish fire, $100. 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
    Camden Hills Regional High School First quarter honor roll 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 following divorces were granted in 6th District Court in Rockland on the grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Theodore Stearns and Jennifer Stearns, both of Camden, married at Camden, Oct. 19, 1973. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Convicted murderer Steven Oken moved a step closer to an execution date Friday as Maryland’s highest court rejected his death sentence appeal. The decision eliminates one of Oken’s last legal options to block an execution. The Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s office will… Read More
    CAMDEN – Dr. Beth Koester, a board-certified family practitioner, has joined the Penobscot Bay Medical Center staff and has opened her family medicine practice at 38 Curtis Ave., Camden. Koester was family practice section chief at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston before coming… Read More
    MONTVILLE – Helen Morrow got home just in time to detect a fire that broke out behind her clothes dryer on Monday. Morrow was able to call the Fire Department before the fire could spread through her mobile home on Lucas Drive. She reported the… Read More
    CAMDEN – The Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours Holiday Party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Blackberry Inn. Innkeepers Jim and Cyndi Ostrowski will welcome Chamber members and their guests to the only recognized “Painted Lady,”… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A two-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon resulted in summonses being issued to both drivers. Rockland police Sgt. Jeff McLaughlin reported that Daniel Souimaniphanh, 17, of Rockland was traveling east on Rankin Street in a 1997 Ford Expedition. When Souimaniphanh entered the intersection of Rankin… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Rockland Congregational Church hand bell choir will perform a family program of holiday tunes in the children’s room of the Rockland Public Library tonight. The program will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The 7 p.m. performance is open to all and… Read More
    MONROE – A driver who did not have his vehicle’s headlights on at dusk Saturday was thought to cause a collision. The accident sent both drivers to the hospital by ambulance. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    SHIRLEY – Linda Gerrier’s home on Route 15 received some water damage Monday night after a chimney fire traveled into the walls. Shirley Fire Chief Robert Graves said the fire began in the chimney around 6 p.m., escaped into the walls where it burned some… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church will be host to a concert by the Manchester Brass Quintet at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. This musical presentation is offered as a gift to the community from the church and the admission is free. The Manchester Brass… Read More
    Calais District Court Matthew S. Altvater, 16, Perry, operating motor vehicle without license, $150. 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
    CALAIS – An Eastport school committee member was summoned earlier this month on a charge of negotiating a worthless instrument. Her term on the school committee ends in 2003. Heaven Theriault, 25, was summoned Dec. 4 for allegedly writing several checks valued at more than… Read More
    ORONO – The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Maine a $475,000 grant to purchase a scientific instrument that could help unearth clues to geological mysteries. Known as an electron microprobe, the device uses a focused electron beam and X-rays to gather information from spots as… Read More
    People who visit the Friars Bakehouse in Bangor are just apt to see a “wish list” posted there that isn’t for Christmas. Brother Don and Brother Kenneth are traveling to Mexico in January, and they’re hoping to take a good collection of medical and school… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local Union No. 334 has voted to endorse U.S. Rep. John Baldacci as the next governor of Maine, U.S. Rep. Tom Allen for re-election to Maine’s 1st District, and former state Sen. Chellie Pingree as the next U.S. Read More
    DOVER, N.H. – Chad Evans’ lawyers rested their case Monday in the trial over whether he killed his girlfriend’s 21-month-old girl, Kassidy Bortner. Closing arguments were to begin Tuesday morning. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    SABATTUS – Jim Dougherty is thumbing through a folder full of pictures from his past. “Here are the horns of a mule deer I shot on a trip in Colorado,” says Dougherty, 80, holding an old hunting photo. “Here’s a picture of Norma Jean when… Read More
    ANTRIM, N.H. – Maybe Franklin Pierce could have been a better president if he had paid more attention in class. The pages of Pierce’s science textbook from his days at Bowdoin College are filled with scribbles and sketches. Many feature his signature, practiced over and… Read More
    SIDNEY – Vera Heckerd didn’t think twice when she received a call asking her to contribute to an organization billing itself as the Maine Volunteer Firefighters Fund. She had already received a “Firefighters’ Dependents Fund” sticker in the mail and sent off her $25 contribution… Read More
    MISS RENEE’S MICE, by Elizabeth Stokes Hoffman, Down East Books, Camden, 2001, 32 pages, $15.95. M-i-c-e spells trouble. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length;… Read More
    S IS FOR STAR, by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds, illustrated by Pam Carroll, Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, Mich., 2001, $18.95. Are your children coveting just about every toy hyped on the Saturday morning cartoons and the holiday specials? Do their lists for Santa look like they’d… Read More
    CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL, by Kathryn Lasky, Scholastic Inc., New York, 2001, 185 pages, $10.95 If ever there was a book perfectly suited to its time of publication it is Kathryn Lasky’s “Christmas After All: The Great Depression and Minnie Swift.” Although separated from us by… Read More
    SNOW DAY, by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by Hideko Takahashi, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2001, $16. I sure hope it snows. 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
    LOS ANGELES – The combat thriller “Black Hawk Down” and the somber family drama “In the Bedroom” led nominees for the American Film Institute awards, with five nominations each, including for best picture. Six other movies had four nominations apiece: “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Lord… Read More
    CALAIS – Lanna Martin didn’t mean to spoil the surprise when she walked into the Calais High gym Monday afternoon and saw the painted banner hanging above the bleachers. Only the presence of the sign was a surprise. Its message, which congratulated guard-forward Martin and… Read More
    ORONO – University of Maine football players Chad Hayes, Stephen Cooper and Lennard Byrd were selected on Monday to the Sports Network All-American teams. Hayes, a senior tight end, and Cooper, a junior linebacker, were second-team selections. Byrd, a senior return specialist, was a third-team… Read More
    COLLEGE Amanda Leavitt googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    A Thorne fan wonders I am a big fan of National Hockey Night and watching you [Gary Thorne] and Bill [Clement] call the game. Not many fans will admit it, but the broadcasting team has a lot to do with how entertaining an event can… Read More
    LUBEC – Katie Griffin tossed in 24 points to help propel the Jonesport-Beals Royalettes past the Hornets 69-59 in schoolgirl basketball action Monday night. Ashten Smith tallied 17 for Jonesport-Beals while Shafay Look added 12. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    BLUE HILL – Michala Bunten scored 10 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter as well as pulling down 10 rebounds to lead host George Stevens Academy to a 44-40 schoolgirl basketball win over Searsport Monday night. Laurie Allen scored six points and added… Read More