BANGOR – As jurors were deliberating the fate of accused murderer Jeffery Cookson last December, a Maine state firearms examiner who provided crucial testimony that helped convict Cookson was realizing he had made a big mistake. On Thursday, Bryan Bachelder, a firearms examiner for the… Read More
AUGUSTA – A number of health care programs facing significant reductions under Gov. Angus S. King’s supplemental budget will be reinstated as the result of new state revenue projections delivered Thursday. The state Revenue Forecasting Committee agreed revenues will be $91 million higher than originally… Read More
The state has asked a judge instead of a jury to decide its case against a Hermon man accused of running a pyramid scheme, and prosecutors have moved a second case involving a so-called NASCAR Racing Gifting Club to Washington County. Meanwhile, the state Attorney… Read More
A group of employers have helped broker a deal that means those with CIGNA Health Care of Maine health insurance won’t have to quit using hospitals or doctors in the Maine Health Alliance next week. The insurer had threatened to sever its relationship with the… Read More
Eastern Maine Class D Semifinals, Boys No. 1 Bangor Christian 74, No. 3 East Grand 68 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… Read More
In the story “Taking Back Her Life,” which ran in Thursday’s newspaper, it was stated that Maureen Fortin had described “having had problems with alcohol.” Fortin said those problems were actually within her family. She said she never had a problem with alcohol herself. —… Read More
WASHINGTON – American troops surprised U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe in Uzbekistan on Thursday when hundreds gathered for breakfast to sing her “Happy Birthday.” The Republican senator from Maine, who was on a six-day fact-finding tour that took her to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan this week… Read More
PORTLAND – The partnership that has offered to buy bankrupt Biddeford Textile Corp. said Wednesday the deal could collapse if workers do not drop some of their claims on the group. The struggling blanket maker’s employees are seeking some $1.4 million in back pay and… Read More
ALFRED – Forty-five former employees of Vishay Sprague in Sanford are suing the company for severance pay after being laid off last year. The workers argued in a complaint filed in York County Superior Court that Vishay Sprague is violating the Maine Severance Pay Act… Read More
ORLAND – Maine could generate 95 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. “There is really good potential here in Maine,” said Matthew Davis, the New… Read More
Robert E. Baldacci Jr. of Bangor, a real estate developer and economic development specialist, is moving to Portland to join Pierce Atwood Consulting, a public affairs and economic development consulting group. Baldacci will lead the firm’s economic development activities. The brother of 2nd District U.S. Rep. John Baldacci… Read More
AUGUSTA – “Show me the jobs” was the refrain Thursday as members of the Legislature’s Business and Economic Development Committee discussed Gov. Angus King’s $31 million economic bond proposal and the need for additional development programs. “We need to see if we can set some… Read More
The op-ed commentary by Sen. Richard Bennett comparing Maine with New Hampshire (BDN, Jan. 12-13) was enlightening and points out some interesting facts, such as New Hampshire has a better business climate, a 29.6 percent higher gross state product rating, and a 30 percent higher productivity index. Another… Read More
Congratulations to John Alexander (BDN op-ed, Jan. 25) for his successful service on committees that attempt to fairly regulate tax rates and increase truck-weight fines to an excessive and gross level. The evidence is clear. Mother Nature is in very close competition with grossly overloaded… Read More
The urchin license story would have benefited from additional research into definitions. The writer writes: “Urchin roe – the gonad of the tiny invertebrate – is considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine.” Indeed it is that, but the Japanese know they are eating urchin eggs, not what are… Read More
In your Feb. 13 article, “Urchin license process faulted,” I find it interesting you chose to document the fact that one fisherman is not going to be able to urchin fish, in this case it seems unfairly. In the last term of Gov. Angus King and his hand-picked… Read More
Scientific research has identified more than 4,000 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke, 43 of which are toxic and carcinogenic – a factor that makes smoking the most dangerous and harmful form of tobacco use. In addition, recent research indicates more than 40 percent of America’s 47 million smokers… Read More
As friends and allies of Israel, Americans must speak out against the occupation of Palestine. The code of silence must be broken. To say there is no linkage between Sept. 11 and decades of brutal, thinly veiled expansionist policies in Israel is a dangerous denial. Read More
Attorney Sharon Tisher’s attack on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s long history of safe and effective food regulation (BDN, Feb. 15) obviously aims to influence debate in the Legislature as a bill banning genetically advanced salmon moves toward introduction. Tisher serves up a suggestive mixture of lurking… Read More
No one knows better than Superintendent Matthew Oliver of SAD 4 how Maine might integrate laptops in schools to provide students with opportunities for learning they otherwise would miss. His recent report on the experiences of teachers and eighth-graders at Piscataquis Community Middle School, which has… Read More
The great thing about expanding Medicaid coverage in Maine is that not only do more people get health care but the federal government pays for two-thirds of the cost. The danger of this coverage is that it can outrun Maine’s ability to pay physicians a fair rate, pushing… Read More
AUGUSTA – Members of the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation killed a proposed bill Thursday afternoon that would have expanded the state’s dangerous-dog law. Rather than create and install complicated legislation, the committee opted to send a message that dog owners must accept responsibility for their… Read More
BAR HARBOR – An elderly couple who became lost Wednesday while traveling from Old Town to Mount Desert Island were found early Thursday morning, out of gas on Interstate 95 near Kittery, Bar Harbor police said Thursday. State police found the two Bar Harbor residents,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Having turned down a proposed moratorium on new leases, the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources postponed a final vote on proposed changes to Maine’s aquaculture laws Thursday. It will take up the legislation again Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
HOLDEN – The number of viable Interstate 395-Route 9 connector road alternatives the Department of Transportation is willing to retain for further study plunged Wednesday night from nine to two in a move that took many by surprise – including members of the project’s public advisory committee. Read More
ELLSWORTH – Crime doesn’t pay – it costs money, especially when the crime is buying and using illegal drugs, according to police. An increase in illegal drug use in Hancock County has resulted in a rising level of money-related crimes as users of illegal drugs… Read More
BLUE HILL – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it has granted a water quality permit to Acadia Aquaculture to operate a salmon farm near Dunham’s Cove off Long Island in Blue Hill Bay. It is the first comprehensive net pen permit of… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Board of Environmental Protection on Thursday conditionally allowed a Bangor conservationist group opposed to a planned Wal-Mart Supercenter near the Penjajawoc Marsh to participate in the board’s hearings on the project. The board’s 9-0 vote came over objections from the project’s New… Read More
AUGUSTA – Mainers soon may be able to commemorate the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 in the shade of oak trees in Augusta. State senators voted Wednesday in favor of creating a living memorial in Capitol Park in honor of the victims and heroes of… Read More
BLUE HILL – A concert of the Liberty School Ensemble and Saturday Conservatory Chamber Orchestra will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Outer Union Street. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, households in Maine are required to recycle mercury-containing fluorescent tubes, thermostats, thermometers, and medical or scientific instruments. The Hancock County Planning Commission is now working to educate the public about proper disposal and to explore affordable options for communities… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for the 2002 spring plant sale. Proceeds will benefit the education program of the district. Order deadline is March 7. Pickup dates are May 3 and 4. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor a forum for landowners and all-terrain vehicle owners at its annual banquet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. For information, call the district office at 664-7496 from 8 a.m. to 4:30… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A meeting Thursday night on a proposed rail and trail system stretching from Brewer to Calais showed that some of the people involved believe it might end up being a system for rail or trail, but not both. Proponents for either mode, along… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The Association of Concerned Taxpayers will have a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the American Legion Road. On the agenda is the lease of the Harbor House, Pemetic school budget and the fire station. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The final seven members of a poaching ring in the Starks area pleaded guilty last week to charges of illegal hunting. Their pleas came at the end of a string of court appearances by 17 people, which resulted in more than $37,000 in fines, fees and… Read More
NEWPORT – SAD 48 Superintendent William Braun on Thursday described the difference of opinion regarding budget procedures between SAD 48 directors and representatives of the six district towns as “a simple misunderstanding.” Municipal Officers Voice in Education is a grass-roots coalition made up of selectmen,… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Maine Thyroid Support Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at 3 North Lancey, Room 6, in Pittsfield. For information, contact Jane Woodruff at 487-3343. Read More
WATERVILLE – A Fairfield man pleaded guilty Wednesday to the murder of a 37-year-old Benton man who died from hammer blows to the head. Smoky Heath Jr., 25, admitted killing Mark Derosier after a dispute last March over the sale of a pickup truck. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Fort Kent District Court Cases Jan. 5 to Feb. 14, 2002 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
ALFRED – A judge on Tuesday refused to lower the bail for a Biddeford man accused of causing a crash that claimed the life of a motorist who was returning home to his first evening of retirement. The decision by Superior Court Justice Paul Fritzsche… Read More
Bridgewater The proposed $10,741 increase in the municipal budget being prepared for the annual town meeting on Monday, March 25, shouldn’t change the town’s tax rate, according to Donna Kingsbury, town clerk and treasurer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
AUGUSTA – U.S. Rep. Tom Allen joined legislative Democrats on Thursday in denouncing President Bush’s proposed budget, saying it would siphon off millions of dollars in state revenues while hurting Maine’s sick, jobless and poor. But Republicans countered that Allen’s appearance in the State House… Read More
BIDDEFORD – A notorious stretch of highway in southern Maine has recorded its first significant accident of the year. The three-car crash occurred Wednesday on the 15-mile stretch of Route 111 between Arundel and Alfred. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
BANGOR – A Canadian woman charged with illegally trafficking in the painkiller Dilaudid pleaded not guilty Wednesday to importing the prescription drug into the United States and distributing it. Shyanne Rector, 25, of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, was returned to jail after an arraignment Wednesday… Read More
ORLAND – A Glenburn woman with facial injuries was taken Thursday to a Bangor hospital after she was involved in an accident on Route 1, according to police. Clara Gatcomb, 29, was riding as a passenger in the front seat of a 1992 Oldsmobile driven… Read More
CARMEL – Even though the town manager opened Thursday night’s informational meeting declaring, “It’s not going to be a debate,” it sounded a lot like one several times during the two-hour session. About 80 people filled the Carmel Elementary School gym to meet the candidates… Read More
BREWER – Water district trustees voted Wednesday to oppose proposed legislation that would dissolve the district and give responsibility for the community’s water supply to city government. Trustees also retained the law firm Curtis Thaxter Stevens Broder & Micoli of Portland and Augusta and two… Read More
A 37-year-old motorist stopped for speeding Wednesday night on Ohio Street in Bangor admitted that he had been drinking and went as far as to tell the Bangor police officer, “I’m drunk,” and that he should take him in. William G. Osgood of Bangor was… Read More
BANGOR – A Penobscot County jury took about two hours to find a Brewer man innocent Thursday of charges that he robbed two women at gunpoint in Hampden last summer. Jeffrey Simpson, 36, was acquitted of two counts of robbery in connection with the July… Read More
BELFAST – The Hutchinson Center of the University of Maine will hold a meeting from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, for people interested in the bachelor’s degree in university studies. For information, including registration, contact the Hutchinson Center at 338-8000. Read More
PORTLAND – Guns seized during a domestic assault investigation are back in the control of a Baldwin man, but he still can’t bring them home. The extensive collection including museum pieces and ready-to-fire machine guns have been placed in control of William Bloomquist’s lawyer. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
LEWISTON – The chief of staff for Maine Senate President Pro Tem Michael Michaud is drawing criticism for receiving state pay while serving as manager of Michaud’s 2nd District congressional campaign. Peter Chandler earns $75,000 a year as chief of staff for Michaud, a Democratic… Read More
AUGUSTA – It appears that the airport in Maine’s capital city is headed back to state supervision. The Augusta State Airport has been managed by the city for the past five years. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
HAMPDEN – The Maine State Grange is seeking residents in the Hampden area to reactivate Eastern Star Grange No. 1. The Grange is composed of families and individuals who share a common interest in community involvement and rural issues. Programs, projects and activities offered in… Read More
BANGOR – Dual Recovery Anonymous, a self-help program based on Alcoholics Anonymous for those who experience a dual disorder of chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness, will begin meeting at Acadia Hospital, 268 Stillwater Ave., Bangor. The sole purpose is to help men… Read More
BANGOR – The Maine State Society Foundation, based in the Washington, D.C., area, is offering scholarships of at least $1,000 to full-time students attending Maine colleges or universities. The scholarships will be offered to Maine students enrolled in undergraduate programs at one of the state’s… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The Rodick Inn application sailed through its first planning board review Wednesday. Although the large hotel development has vocal opponents in town, participation in this week’s completeness review was limited to board members, who scrutinized the application, searching for any issue that… Read More
THOMASTON – A public meeting Thursday night concerning a proposed $40 million tax increment financing pact between the town and Dragon Products Co. drew one resident. At the meeting, selectmen voted unanimously to endorse a resolution to establish a TIF district and to hold a… Read More
BELFAST – Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County will conduct a class titled “Helping Children Grieve: Strategies and Resources for Working with Grieving Children and Teen-agers” in a support group setting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Education Center of Waldo County General Hospital on… Read More
UNION – The National Korean War Veterans Association is developing a chapter in the Union area. For information and criteria for membership, contact Gerald Brooks, 52 Heald Highway, Union 04862-3059; phone 785-4224. Read More
ROCKPORT – The Rockland-Thomaston Area and Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chambers of Commerce will conduct the ninth annual Business Showcase from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Samoset Resort, at no cost to the public. For information, contact the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber at 596-0376,… Read More
THOMASTON – The recently closed Maine State Prison will be open for public tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, contact the warden’s office at 273-5300. Read More
CHARLESTON – The biennial caucus of the Republican Party of Charleston will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Charleston Library. All Republicans are encouraged to attend. For additional information, call Alan Gray, Town Republican Chairman at 285-7986. Read More
INDIAN TOWNSHIP – Senior members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe have met with representatives of Washington County’s largest employer to talk about ways to protect a sacred burial ground on an island in Big Lake. The 25-acre island is owned by Domtar Inc.’s pulp and paper… Read More
Stitch by stitch, inch by inch, foot by foot and yard by yard, members of the Bangor Area Chapter of the American Sewing Guild are doing what they can to help people in their community live more comfortable and happier lives. Whether it is the… Read More
TOPSHAM – The 15-year-old Topsham boy accused of shooting another teen in the face has been arrested. The suspect was arrested Wednesday. He was being held at the juvenile detention facility in South Portland pending a March 11 hearing that will determine whether he will… Read More
PORTLAND – Low-income children in Maine involved in divorce or parental rights cases often are denied the benefits of court advocates because their families cannot afford to pay the fees, according to a new report. The report by the Muskie School of Public Service at… Read More
BANGOR – A Bangor man was sentenced this week to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to lying about his felon status on an application to buy a firearm. Robert Gustin, 23, will serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. The… Read More
BANGOR – It first became apparent something was wrong when Woodland players Kaitlyn Leeman and Ashley Marble each took a tumble near the free-throw line on the home end of the court during Thursday afternoon’s Eastern Maine Class D girls basketball semifinal. The Bangor Auditorium… Read More
BANGOR – Lee forward Shelby Pickering may be just 5-foot-9, but she plays like she’s a lot taller. She certainly got the better of Bangor Christian’s taller post players during Thursday evening’s Eastern Maine Class D semifinal. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
BANGOR – Last year, unheralded, underdog Bangor Christian pulled off a big upset by knocking off annual tourney contender Jonesport-Beals in the quarterfinals. Saturday morning, the Royals will be the one trying to pull off a shocker. Jonesport-Beals continued a surprising Eastern Maine tournament run… Read More
SALT LAKE CITY – The Olympics are a wonderful soap opera for those who like their soaps wrapped up in under two weeks. From skating judges to ice hockey, the words fly and the press jumps all over them and runs with them for days. Read More
A night of amateur boxing will take place Saturday at the Multi Purpose Center in Lewiston. The card is being promoted by Joey and Terry Gamache and Bob Roux and features Joey Gamache’s nephew, Ryan Gamache, a New England Silver Mittens champion. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Kevin Switzer was recently named the Breeder of the Year at the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association awards banquet at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Hi There Lady received the two-year-old Trotter of the Year award while Fire When Ready was named the… Read More
BANGOR – Mainelygolf.com, an award-winning website dedicated to golfing in Maine, is now accepting free information listings from golf courses, organizations and tournament directors for the 2002 season. Information can be forwarded by logging on to www.MainelyGolf.com and filling out an online form, by email, info@MainelyGolf.com or U.S. Read More
HIGH SCHOOL Final official standings as reported by the Maine Principals’ Association. Boys and girls basketball points compiled by Bob and Gertrude Butler of York, respectively. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Sunday River, Newry 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
COLLEGE Viktoriya Rybalko 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
FORT KENT – Two teams of husbands and wives and a father- and-son team, all from Maine, will be among the mushers competing against each other and 24 other mushers in the Can-Am Crown’s annual 250-mile sled dog race through the northern Maine woods next weekend. Read More
Maine vs. UMass Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
ORONO – Since Peter Metcalf, Niko Dimitrakos, Matt Yeats and Mike Morrison first stepped onto the University of Maine campus, the hockey program has posted a 95-35-22 record, won a national championship and played in three NCAA Tournaments including two Frozen Fours. And each has… Read More
It is a name that will be familiar to longtime University of Maine hockey fans. University of Massachusetts freshman defenseman Dusty Demianiuk will make his debut at the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena this weekend, the same arena where his dad, Bill, called home for… Read More
Game highs Ashley Marble, Woodland senior, scored 28 points, including a 4-for-6 effort from 3-point range, to lead the Dragons in their win. She also scored Woodland’s first 11 points of the game. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
ORONO – John Giannini will tell you that there are plenty of things his University of Maine men’s basketball team possesses that he loves. He’s got a versatile guard in Errick Greene. He’s got a 7-foot shot-snuffer in Justin Rowe. He’s got game, hard-working players… Read More
NEWRY – The girls and boys teams from Madawaska both posted impressive victories after one day of competition in the boys and girls state Class C skiing championships at the Sunday River Ski Resort. Both teams notched state titles in the giant slalom googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
NEWRY – The girls and boys teams from Madawaska both posted impressive victories after one day of competition in the state Class C skiing championships at the Sunday River Ski Resort Thursday. Both teams notched state titles in the giant slalom googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Editor’s Note: Starting at 6:30 tonight., Bangor Daily News film critic Christopher Smith will occasionally review films nationally for E! Entertainment Television’s “E! News Daily” show (Channel 55 in the Bangor viewing market). The reviews will be repeated through the weekend and at 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30… Read More
CROSSING, by Philip Booth, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, 18 pages, Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass., $16.95. There’s been a great deal of excitement in recent months about the resumption of train service between Portland and Boston. In a serendipitous piece of synchronicity, just as rail travel… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Sunday River, Bethel 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