After two meetings of a special joint committee of physicians and Eastern Maine Medical Center trustees, some problems raised by doctors last fall have been better identified and are beginning to be addressed. EMMC trustee Chairman John Woodcock said that the hospital has moved to… Read More
EASTPORT – All of the farmed Atlantic salmon are gone from Cobscook Bay, but removing them was just the first step in containing a deadly virus that is threatening Maine fish farms, according to the veterinarian overseeing the cleanup. More than 1.5 million fish have… Read More
BANGOR – Acadia National Park needs an additional $7.3 million annually to protect the park’s resources more effectively, according to a business plan released Friday. The plan – the first independent business study ever conducted for the park – warned of “significant shortfalls associated with… Read More
BANGOR – A man who confessed to lawyers and police that he killed a young woman and a small child in Dexter two years ago took the stand Friday and said he didn’t do it and that Jeffrey Cookson, the convicted killer, offered him money to last a… Read More
In the war on terrorism, the White House and Congress have marched as one. In the war on recession, partisan squabbling is so fierce that Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan now says the two sides ought to just retreat and let recession defeat itself. Now,… Read More
For all the wheels within wheels that spin out budget numbers in the state’s General Purpose Aid to Education and make the K-12 budgeting process so difficult to understand, one recent addition to the funding formula is clear enough and wrong enough to create something of a crisis. Read More
I don’t know how many deer we have in Maine, or how many coyotes we have either. Neither do I know how many deer coyotes kill or how many are killed by man, whether legally or illegally, humanely or inhumanely. Does anyone? I do know that a coyote… Read More
Information, like stories, can take many forms. “And the enormous mother whales lie dreaming, suckling their whale tender young and dreaming with strange whale eyes wide open in waters of the beginning and the end.” D.H. Lawrence. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
I have been following the debate in the media the past few months over the proposal by the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIFW) to expand the snaring of coyotes. Having lived most of my life (70 years) growing up in northern Maine, I… Read More
I approve of most of the cuts in the Department of Behavioral Services. The cuts in the children’s section are appropriate, not because of the children, but because of the many counselors who tend to leech off the Medicaid and state system by offering services, even coercing their… Read More
Members of Congress recently gave themselves a substantial raise, then went on a month’s vacation. They traveled all over the world at taxpayer’s expense. I would like to know how much these trips cost the taxpayers and I wonder why the validity of these trips weren’t questioned by… Read More
Many of us are familiar with the 1891 oil painting by Sir Luke Fildes “The Doctor,” in which a desperately ill child lies with arm outstretched toward her physician who sits beside her, leaning forward with hand on bearded chin. His intense gaze is fixed on the child… Read More
Though an early supporter of Gov. King’s plan to provide Maine seventh- and eighth-graders with laptop computers, my view of late has changed. This rectification is timely – coming just as the Legislature also is turning its back on something it recently embraced – and is the result… Read More
If you watched “City Confidential: Bad Medicine in Bangor” on the A&E cable channel Wednesday night, you perhaps emerged from the one-hour session, as I did, thankful that Bangor is not located on the coast. Because if that were the case, the producers of this… Read More
DENVER – American Skiing Co., whose stock has fallen so dramatically it may be delisted, has completed a deal to sell its Steamboat Springs ski resort to Triple Peaks, LLC. Triple Peaks is a consortium of investors led by Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of… Read More
Sitting at the far end of the Sklar Big and Tall sales floor, David Sklar beams about the poster of James Dean hanging on the wall in his open-front office – a throwback to Sklar’s high school days of turned-up collars and greased hair. But… Read More
BREWER – The manager at Eastern Fine Paper Inc. has stepped down. Robert Sullivan, who had served as general manager and executive vice president of the Brewer paper mill for the past 4 1/2 years, resigned Wednesday morning, according to Doug Walsh, vice president of… Read More
Maine’s two Democratic congressmen Friday criticized President Bush’s proposal to cut education and research projects that already have been approved. “We object to President Bush’s proposal to take $3 million of vital education and research funding away from Maine in order to pay for other… Read More
No matter what else people might think about the curving steel-and-aluminum sculpture that sits in Bangor’s West Market Square, it has become almost as familiar a city landmark as the statue of Paul Bunyan. For 30 years, “Continuity of Community” has served as the centerpiece… Read More
Bangor-area schools could lose more than a half-million dollars in state aid for special education if a proposal by the Department of Education goes forward, Bangor Superintendent of Schools Robert “Sandy” Ervin said this week. The Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities –… Read More
MILLINOCKET – A Canadian power conglomerate officially has become the new owner of Great Northern Paper Inc.’s massive hydroelectric system located on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Great Northern officials Friday told workers the sale was complete. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Kenny McLaughlin didn’t have to come back to Maine. McLaughlin, 30, formerly of Stonington, was known in Florida as a good employee, a considerate tenant and an all-around solid citizen. He never got in trouble and, having settled down near the Gulf of… Read More
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chellie Pingree outpaced incumbent Susan Collins in the last period of fund raising, but the Republican still holds the lead in overall campaign dollars, according to records filed this week. Pingree, a former state senator from North Haven, raised $768,916 during… Read More
BROOKLIN – Voters at the April town meeting likely will be asked to approve funding for a new fire station. The selectmen will discuss the matter when they meet Tuesday. They are expected to decide whether to place an article on the town meeting warrant… Read More
MILBRIDGE – A 52-year-old Addison man was killed Friday afternoon when the vehicle he was in was struck by tractor-trailer. Robert Jellerson was pronounced dead at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
MOUNT DESERT – The sole town to reject a regional solid waste disposal plan in 1994, Mount Desert plans to be the first on board as the new Acadia Disposal District starts its operations this summer, Public Works Director Tony Smith said Friday. Mount Desert… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The town’s housing committee has been conducting a survey among a variety of community leaders and groups to gather information about the housing needs in the area. The information will be included in an application for a state grant that would fund a… Read More
ORLAND – An Orland man escaped injury Friday afternoon when his vehicle rolled over on slippery Route 1. Raymond Baron, 60, of Orland was heading west on Route 1 just past the four-way intersection near H.O.M.E. Inc. about 2:30 p.m. when his vehicle skidded and… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The second annual Citizen of the Year Award for 2001 will be presented during the Southwest Harbor-Tremont Chamber of Commerce’s Equinox Celebration from 6 to 11:30 p.m. on March 23 at the Deck House. The award is given to a person, group… Read More
NEWPORT – Snowmobilers were arriving in Newport by the dozens Friday, boosting the local economy and participating in a dozen events aimed at funding the Pine Tree Camp. Red, white and blue could be seen everywhere as the patriotic theme for this year’s event, the… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Town officials are seeking the owner of a friendly, well-cared-for dog that was struck by a car last weekend and has not been claimed. The dog, a black Labrador female between 6 and 10 years old, was struck by a vehicle about 9… Read More
Eagles build nest in Pittsfield Planning board to discuss protection of site along Sebasticook River
PITTSFIELD – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently notified Pittsfield officials that a bald eagle nesting site has been confirmed on the Pittsfield side of the Sebasticook River near the intersection of Route 100 and Snakeroot Road. The state now is establishing… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County Republicans will hold a Lincoln Day dinner Friday, Feb. 22, at the Candlelight Restaurant in Skowhegan. The keynote speaker will be Sen. Susan Collins, who has visited Afghanistan and will update members on the war effort against the al-Qaida forces. Read More
CANAAN – The largest addition to Lake George Regional Park was accomplished recently with the addition of 37 acres, including 2,000 feet of shore frontage on the eastern side of the park. The 319-acre park surrounds Lake George and is shared by the communities of… Read More
ST. ALBANS – The St. Albans selectmen will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at the Town Hall to sign the town meeting warrant and the warrant for municipal elections. Town elections will be held March 1, according to Town Clerk Stacey Desrosiers, with… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Participants of the Sebasticook Farms Senior Enrichment Program recently finished a volunteer project for the grass-roots community group, Voices In Action. The volunteers put together 500 business cards and magnetic “to do” lists that will be used by VIA at local health fairs… Read More
FAIRFIELD – Fairfield’s fledgling biotechnology industry received a huge boost recently, a $50,000 federal grant. The grant, announced by Rep. John Baldacci, will assist Fairfield’s Biotechnology Park, which is part of the International Northeast Biotech Corridor, to continue to recruit international businesses and create new… Read More
FORT KENT – Dr. Tolga Taneli, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, has met examination requirements for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Certification assures Taneli has met a certain standard of excellence with respect to specialized knowledge and skill related to child… Read More
FRENCHVILLE – The continuing issue of local costs for education in SAD 33 has been pushed back to April when a representative of the Maine Department of Education can meet with municipal officials of the two towns involved. Last month, a cost-sharing committee was dissolved… Read More
HOULTON – Students can’t learn well if they feel insecure in their schools. Teachers can’t teach properly if they constantly must deal with disruptive behavior. To address those issues, the state Legislature in 1999 enacted a set of laws that specifically requires school boards to… Read More
WASHINGTON – A Maine man has been selected as one of 35 infantry officers who will assume a tactical battalion command for the U.S. Army. Lt. Col. Karl D. Reed of Orrington was on the Jan. 10 command selection list naming officers who will assume… Read More
BUCKSPORT – A 58-year-old Bucksport man died Thursday afternoon in a logging accident off the Jacob Buck Pond Road near his home. Leon Gifford was logging about three-quarters of a mile into the woods when the accident happened, according to Officer Robbie Findlay of the… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Atlantic Challenge Foundation’s Apprenticeshop is kicking off a year of evening and weekend classes for adults and children during the week of Feb. 4. Hands-on courses including half-hull modeling, sail making for children, oar making, hand tool construction and sharpening, and children’s… Read More
LINCOLN – Officials of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at work early Monday morning to help Lincoln business owners who were displaced by two devastating fires. SBA officials will set up shop at 8 a.m. Monday at the town office. Officials will be… Read More
BANGOR – The condition of the 9-year-old Lincolnville boy injured in a snowmobile collision last Saturday has improved to fair. Frank Feener had been listed in critical condition at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor since the accident, which happened on Pitcher Pond in Lincolnville. Read More
BELFAST – An all-points bulletin was issued Friday for Randall Burton, 25, of Bucksport after he escaped from Belfast District Court. Burton, who was at court to answer to drug charges, apparently crawled through a window in an attorney interview room and made his getaway… Read More
TRENTON – Alcohol is suspected as a factor in an accident in which a Trenton man was injured when the pickup truck he was driving flipped over a guardrail on Route 3 Friday afternoon. Wayne Sinclair, 36, was driving south at about 4:15 p.m. in… Read More
FRANKLIN – A 19-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after he allegedly assaulted a state trooper at an accident scene on Route 182, according to police. Michael Chick had been involved in a two-car accident around 8 p.m., shortly before he broke the nose of… Read More
CAMDEN – Weather and forecasting is the subject of the next winter speaker series at Merryspring Nature Park’s Ross Center. Local meteorologist Ken McKinley, owner of Locus Weather in Camden, will share insights on weather forecasting for the coast of Maine, with an emphasis on… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Knox County Democrats are holding a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Grapes Restaurant. Candidates for federal, state and local offices or their representatives will be present to introduce themselves and to gather signatures for their petitions to… Read More
SANGERVILLE – A local man who became impatient while waiting for the man giving him a ride home stole the man’s sport utility vehicle early Friday morning and drove off, wrecking the vehicle several miles away, according to police. Bruce Yonkin, 35, was left with… Read More
PRINCETON – Police have two suspects in an early morning break-in that occurred Thursday at the Irving Mainway on Route 1. During the investigation, a 49-year-old Indian Township man also was arrested after he allegedly struck a deputy sheriff in the mouth with a sneaker. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A Glenburn man suffered a broken arm Friday afternoon in a snowmobile accident near Parsons Road. Stephen Cole, 48, was traveling northwest with a group of five snowmobilers about 1:45 p.m. on state snowmobile trail Route 66. He was slowing down to… Read More
AUGUSTA – The state has set aside $718 million for school funding next year, and legislators are in a heated debate about how that money should be divvied up. Just days before the Legislature’s Education Committee is scheduled to make its school funding recommendation to… Read More
For chocolate lovers, the words “all the chocolate you can eat” are a dream come true. And at what better place and for what better reason would you do that than by attending the ninth annual Chocolate Feast and Silent Auction from 2 to 4… Read More
The nation’s best-selling Bible, the New International Version, is about to get an update using gender-neutral wording, despite criticism of the idea from conservatives. The cautious move by the International Bible Society and Zondervan Publishing House comes seven years after a Bangor scholar was the… Read More
February greeted southern Maine with its first serious blast of winter weather as a storm dropped snow, sleet and freezing rain across large portions of the state. Snowfall totals from the coast to the mountains ranged from 4 to 8 inches Friday, with parts of… Read More
When George Clark of Raymond entered his daughter in her first ski races at Sugarloaf/USA back in the early 1980s, he didn’t do it with the vision of Olympic Games and World Cup podiums dancing in the distance. He didn’t even do it because he… Read More
So here we are, sitting on the brink of Super Sunday, and I’m still scratching my head, figuring that somewhere, somehow, someone’s gonna re-review the replay of the play that put our Patriots into the big game … and wondering how I missed virtually all of this glorious… Read More
ORONO – University of Maine junior center Marty Kariya figures his Black Bears have had their share of bad luck this season. They currently have three regulars sidelined by injury, but the Bears caught a couple of breaks Friday night and it helped them post… Read More
GUILFORD – Tickets for Tuesday’s boys basketball matchup between Valley of Bingham and Piscataquis will not be sold before the day of the game. Spectators can buy tickets at the door starting at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. One ticket will be good for the junior varsity… Read More
GUILFORD – The Penobscot Valley Conference boys and girls junior varsity basketball championship tournaments scheduled for today at Piscataquis Community High School have been postponed. The top four seeds will play out the semifinals and championship rounds on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Boys will play at… Read More
Missy Traversi fondly remembers the day last winter when she got her first look at the University of Maine women’s basketball team when it played at Northeastern’s Solomon Gym. At the time, the Attleboro, Mass., native was one of UMaine coach Sharon Versyp’s prized recruits… Read More
MEN’S BASKETBALL Maine vs. Northeastern 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… Read More
Chances are, if you haven’t heard of Bode Miller, you will before the Salt Lake City Olympics are through. He, after all, is one of the top U.S. medal threats in Alpine skiing. He’ll be competing in his second Olympiad, along with several other athletes… Read More
LEWISTON – Kate Dockery hit two free throws with six-tenths of second left to help the Bates College Bobcats upset the Bowdoin College Polar Bears 56-54 in women’s basketball action Friday night. Bowdoin entered the game ranked second in the nation in the D3hoops.com poll… Read More
For 33 years, Murray Putnam has been giving lessons in life on the baseball field. On July 7, he’ll be rewarded for his efforts with a place in the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
The official opening of the 33,000-square foot multi-sport Maine Sports Complex in Hampden has been pushed back a few days, according to Pete Madigan, the chief executive officer and primary investor. “We hope to be up and running a week from Monday [Feb. 11],” said… Read More
CARIBOU – Fred Bird pumped in 16 points as the Presque Isle boys basketball team held off Caribou 55-52 Thursday in a high school matchup between Aroostook County rivals. Nick Casavant contributed 11 for the Wildcats. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
When people ask me how I like retirement, my immediate answer is, “Better every day.” Small wonder, considering that aside from this column, which I cobble together once a month on my own time, I’m being paid for not working. That’s not to say, however, that I’m entirely… Read More
Hunters who receive an antlerless-only moose permit in the annual lottery are known for being a sad group. But that’s about to change – if things don’t go awry with a new application form. In the past, these hunters could wait years for the chance… Read More
And the fun never ends! Most folks celebrate their birthday once a year. Then there are those who make it a monthlong celebration – any excuse for a party! Of course in this busy era it’s sometimes tough to coordinate the schedules of several families… Read More
The trail conditions report is gathered from the Maine Snowmobile Association’s Web site. The report does not include all the impacts of Friday’s storm. The complete report is available at mesnow.com Overview googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
I worked as a veterinary technician at a small clinic on the coast when I first moved here, and one of the more memorable cases we saw involved a cat. Our feline patient was in good shape despite the presence of four gashes on its… Read More
Dear St. Jude, I understand you are very busy these days, but I come before you this day both to celebrate your glory and to ask a teeny, tiny favor. You are, after all, the patron saint of lost causes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Editor’s Note: In Sound Advice, the first Saturday of every month, veteran NEWS entertainment writer Dale McGarrigle reviews new rock, pop, alternative, country, folk or blues albums. Different NEWS writers contribute reviews from other musical genres. “Rock Steady” (Interscope) – No Doubt googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Though she makes her living as a writer and anthropologist, Bunny McBride felt more like a basket maker as she wove together precious snippets of history to re-create the lives of four American Indian women from Maine featured in a new exhibit at the Abbe Museum in Bar… Read More
PORTLAND – At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Portland Museum of Art will unveil an educational initiative called “Looking to Learn” at the museum’s Evening for Educators program. “Looking to Learn,” a 180-page handbook for teaching from the museum’s collection, was created with the goal of integrating… Read More
Winter can be a difficult season for outdoor plants, but for those we grow indoors, the months of poor light and divergent temperatures can be harsh, as well. The same indoor conditions we find pleasant in winter – warmth and comfort – may well be… Read More