WARREN – Some 500 inmates at the new Maine State Prison have seen the light and aren’t happy about it. Until recently, prisoners who got the top bunk in the medium-security cells had to endure 7-watt night lights just two feet from their faces. The… Read More
AUGUSTA – A daylong stalemate in the Maine Senate ended Tuesday evening when Republicans finally agreed to seat the apparent Democratic winner of a hotly contested election in southern Maine. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., Michael Brennan of Portland was sworn in by Gov. Angus S. Read More
AUGUSTA – Thousands of out-of-work Mainers will get help and Maine’s economy will get a significant boost from the 13-week extension of unemployment benefits passed by Congress last week. The total cash infusion into the state will be about $65 million. “We are estimating 23,000… Read More
A story about Mace’s Store published in the March 6 issue of Maine Day should have indicated that the store has been in the Mace family, of which Melody Knadler is a member, for the past 150 years. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
WASHINGTON – Layoffs and an ill-equipped Navy are the major weapons the U.S. shipbuilding industry and its unions are brandishing to get their point across: More money from the 2003 fiscal budget needs to be allocated to the industry – or else. President Bush’s budget… Read More
BANGOR – Andrea Tupper, a senior tax specialist with the Internal Revenue Service, will present “Tax Education and Communication for Family Business” at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Center for Family Business at Husson College. Cost for the event is $25 and includes lunch. Reservations can… Read More
PORTLAND – The Maine International Trade Center will sponsor two presentations this month involving business dealings with other countries. The first, “Mexican American Seafood Seminar,” will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 15, in the MITC offices at 511 Congress St. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
We planned to kick off the 2001 United Way of Eastern Maine campaign on Sept.13, 2001, and then the tragic events of Sept. 11 happened. We, as a nation, were devastated by the events that occurred on that fateful day. We, as a community, thought what should we… Read More
The address Monday by the leaders of Maine Indian tribes to both houses of the state Legislature emphasized the need for mutual respect. It is an especially fitting topic after years of strain from the land claims settlement act of two decades ago, but mutual respect might come… Read More
During the 1996 referendum campaign on Maine’s Clean Election Act, proponents argued that the system of publicly funded campaigns would do two things to decrease the cynicism infecting politics. It would increase participation by enhancing the ability of lesser-known newcomers to run for office. It would shut off… Read More
I recently listened to a number of young, single mothers at the University of Maine in Orono express their frustration and concerns at the recent budget proposal to cut child care at the university. It is my understanding that the governor of Maine and a number of significant… Read More
Anyone who liked Vietnam must love Bush’s foreign policy. The United States is now committed to intervention in four civil wars that have been running for at least a decade: in Afghanistan, Colombia, the Philippines, and now Georgia (the war in Chechnya). When the United… Read More
Protect our children from sexual predators. I thought that sounded like a good idea until I learned more about a proposed law before our state legislators. LD 1983, An Act to Protect Children from Sexual Predators, will raise the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to… Read More
George Danby’s editorial cartoon of “the confessional booth” (BDN, March 9-10) was callous, in very poor taste and a mockery in light of the recent events that have rocked not only the Catholic churches in the Diocese of Portland, but throughout New England and the United States. Would… Read More
A state university of New York trustee’s statement that black studies are “flabby feel-good programs that carry an anti-American bias and do little to advance knowledge” only further validates the need to keep them on college and university campuses. Indeed African-American studies, like women’s studies,… Read More
After reading of the passing of Doris Twitchell Allen this weekend, I was moved to look and think about the ways that the ideas and dreams of that great lady changed my life. When Doris founded the Children’s International Summer Village (CISV) program I wonder if she knew… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Molly Molasses’ peaked woolen cap has made a long journey home. The traditional beaded ceremonial cap was worn by the legendary Penobscot trader and shaman in the photographs she sold on the streets of 19th century Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
BANGOR – With one of its massive street-level windows smashed and cordoned off with yellow caution tape, the former Dakin’s Sporting Goods building has seen better days on West Market Square. The downtown landmark has stood vacant for the better part of 15 years other… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine’s Learning Results progressed further Tuesday when a legislative committee recommended that the full Legislature approve the financial plan that would pay for the new academic standards. By passing LD 2103, the Education Committee agreed to begin the process of setting up the… Read More
WASHINGTON – Honoring the bravery of native son Lt. Col. William T. McKinnon during the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon when he helped save the life of a badly burned fellow officer, Bangor officials presented to him a key to the city on Tuesday. Read More
First, wild Atlantic salmon were declared an endangered species, raising the specter of increased federal regulation of the aquaculture and blueberry industries in economically depressed Washington County. Then the state proposed to buy thousands of acres along the Machias River, and many people in the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Construction formally began Tuesday on a new 92-bed state psychiatric hospital that will replace the 162-year-old Augusta Mental Health Institute. Gov. Angus S. King led a groundbreaking ceremony for the newly named Riverview Psychiatric Center, which is scheduled to be completed in August… Read More
ORONO – Voters re-elected incumbent John Bradson and elected newcomer Geoffrey Gordon to three-year terms on the Town Council in the annual municipal election Tuesday. Bradson got 314 votes, Gordon received 242 and a third candidate, Scott Thomas, received 198 votes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BANGOR – A 16-year-old from Corinna faces at least two felony charges and likely additional charges after leading police on a chase Sunday that ended in Newport with police deflating three tires on the stolen car the boy was driving. After his initial appearance in… Read More
VEAZIE – The Veazie Garden Club has established the Veazie Community Improvement Award to be given annually to a business or a public or private organization that has made a significant improvement to a property within the town, either through renovation or new construction, within the previous 12… Read More
OLD TOWN – The River Coalition received a $10,000 grant from the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation to benefit Crossroads Ministries. The River Coalition is a group of residents from Alton, Bradley, Greenbush, Indian Island, Milford and Old Town who work to ensure safe communities, drug-free schools, and support… Read More
BANGOR – The Green Independent Party of Maine will hold a municipal caucus for the city of Bangor from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, located at 170 Park St. For information, contact Matthew Tilley at 945-0101. Read More
BANGOR – Twenty-three high school math teams from around the region will compete from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. today in the Eastern Maine Math Team Competition at Bangor High School. A total of 100 teams will compete statewide at other locations. Read More
EDDINGTON – The Eddington School will hold kindergarten registration for children from Eddington or Clifton on Tuesday, April 9, at the school. Call the school at 843-6010 to make an appointment. Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Courthouse may have a slightly different look by the end of the year. The flat-roofed building, which according to historic postcards once had a pitched roof and a bell tower on the front, again could have a pitched roof as… Read More
ORLAND – The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has reviewed a report from the state’s Transportation Department, but will need more information about wastewater being dumped on the grounds of the DOT garage in Orland earlier this year. “We’ve received a lengthy explanation from DOT… Read More
Cranberry Isles Voters on Monday approved a budget totaling $763,238 at the annual town meeting, Town Clerk Frances Bartlett said Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
ELLSWORTH – University College will hold a degree fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Mill Mall. Representatives will be available to discuss and answer questions about 15 University of Maine System degree and certificate programs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Dental Access Coalition quarterly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in the Downeast Health Services Conference Room on the Christian Ridge Road. The coalition works to promote and advocate the importance of preventive and comprehensive oral… Read More
STEUBEN – An early morning chimney fire Tuesday destroyed a section of a home on the Harbor Road. Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ginn said the structure owned by Mary Adair and Pakkam Rajasekaran actually was two houses connected by a breezeway. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
STEUBEN – An early morning chimney fire Tuesday destroyed a section of a home on the Harbor Road. Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ginn said the structure owned by Mary Adair and Pakkam Rajasekaran actually was two houses connected by a breezeway. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
ELLWORTH – Child and Family Opportunities Inc. of Ellsworth is beginning its initial recruitment for all age-eligible children for its 2002-2003 Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Washington and Hancock counties. Head Start is a free, early care and education program for children… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The annual meeting of the Downeast Chapter of Maine Audubon will feature a special presentation, “Important Bird Areas of Maine,” by Judy Walker, staff naturalist for Maine Audubon. Important Bird Areas is a new program for conserving bird species’ habitat areas. The meeting… Read More
PITTSFIELD – SAD 53 administrators feel they have a leg up on adopting the state Learning Results because much of the work already has been done. For years, SAD 53 has been assessing its curriculums and building a program that doesn’t just turn out good students but also… Read More
PITTSFIELD – SAD 53 residents concerned about the district’s unique calendar will have to wait another month for a decision by school board members regarding whether to retain the calendar or modify it. Because of a lengthy discussion by residents, teachers and parents Monday night… Read More
Island Falls The town’s dilemma of single-handedly keeping an ambulance service running was highlighted by taxpayer concerns at Monday’s annual town meeting. 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
HOULTON – Houlton Regional Hospital will open a new clinic for physical, occupational and speech therapy this fall in the former Payless Shoe store at the Houlton Plaza on North Street. Barbara Bossie, administrative director for ancillary services at the hospital, said Tuesday that the… Read More
HOULTON – The Town Council on Monday voted 4-1 to create the new post of assistant director for the Public Works Department, but decided to wait to create two new positions at the Recreation Department. The three positions had been recommended in a management study… Read More
CARIBOU – A local man has been charged with gross sexual assault stemming from alleged incidents involving children about two years ago. Hartley Damboise II, 40, was taken Monday night to the Aroostook County Jail after Caribou police executed a search warrant at about 7… Read More
BREWER – United Cerebral Palsy’s eighth annual line dance to benefit programs for children and adults with disabilities will be held Saturday, April 6, at the Brewer Eagles Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Headed by volunteer Ken Ruby, the dancers have raised thousands… Read More
FORT KENT – The University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni will hold their annual meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in the Alumni Conference Room in Nadeau Hall. The regular business meeting will follow. The public is invited to both events. For information,… Read More
FORT KENT – Fort Kent Elementary School will hold Maine Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the school. The event will feature hundreds of Maine displays throughout the school, samples of Maine foods, and raffles for Maine-made products. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
HOULTON – The Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to appoint Joseph M. Skehan to fill a vacancy on the council. Skehan, a member of the town’s board of budget review and a past member of the SAD 29 board, will replace Charles Daly IV,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Brewer residents awaiting a decision on the fate of the local water district will have to stay tuned. During a hearing Tuesday on a bill aimed at dissolving the district, members of the Legislature’s Utilities and Energy Committee asked the two parties to… Read More
Less than 40 minutes after Bangor police removed John Toolin from his former girlfriend’s home Monday night, officers were called back to the Sunset Avenue residence. Toolin had returned, forced his way in and assaulted the woman, according to police. Bangor police officers first were… Read More
BANGOR – He’s back. Former Penobscot County Sheriff Timothy Richardson on Tuesday announced his bid to reclaim his former seat. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
BELFAST – George Seeley of Belfast’s Frank D. Hazeltine American Legion Post was awarded a gold medal for his work with Maine Special Olympics. At the annual ceremony earlier this month, the Special Olympians created the Special Olympics Heroes Award Program to honor those veterans… Read More
CHESTER – Residents will consider a proposal to continue improving fire protection during the annual town meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the Marianne Municipal Building. Selectmen are seeking voters’ permission to spend $6,000 to purchase a parcel of land to install a… Read More
WINN – In an effort to save money on solid waste disposal costs, residents will consider a new agreement with the Penobscot Energy Recovery Co. during Monday’s town meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. at the community hall. For some time, the town… Read More
LINCOLN – The Lincoln Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a comedy basketball game featuring the “Harlem Rockets” vs. the Lincoln All-Stars at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Mattanawcook Academy. The seventh- and eighth-grade boys basketball teams from Lincoln and Schenck High School… Read More
SWANVILLE – Shirley Ellis, the newest member of the Board of Selectmen, was sworn in Tuesday and one of her first official acts was to vote herself a raise during the annual town meeting. Ellis won election to a three-year term on the board by… Read More
BELFAST – As inspectors combed thorough City Hall looking for violations Tuesday, the city planner was in the state capital taking the code enforcement officer test. The city’s oversight of the $1.2 million renovation project at City Hall has come under heightened scrutiny after it… Read More
ROCKLAND – Knox County commissioners will not create a county administrator position this year, despite support for it by two of the three commissioners. Creating the position has been under discussion since last fall, when Commissioner Bob Duke, then chairman of the commissioners, asked the… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, 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
St. George Two veteran selectmen will rejoin the board as a result of Monday’s town election, and a newcomer will fill a vacant seat on the SAD 50 board of directors. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Feb. 13 to Feb. 19, 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
SEARSPORT – The Searsport Rotary Club has donated $200 to the Stockton Springs Community Library. The Searsport Rotary was established two years ago with the purpose of providing service and support to its community. The club has 25 members and its meetings are held at… Read More
ROCKLAND – Knox County Probate Judge Carol Emery, R-Tenants Harbor, has announced her bid for re-election. Emery was appointed probate judge in the spring of 1990 by then Gov. John McKernan. She was then elected to a four-year term later that year and re-elected in… Read More
ROCKLAND – An Owls Head man, whose 67-foot fishing dragger sank at the Rockland Fish Pier last month, has filed a notice of claim with the city, seeking more than $500,000 in damages. Gary Hatch, owner of the fishing vessel Sailor, has accused the city… Read More
GUILFORD – Like many of her friends who are seniors at Piscataquis Community High School, Brittany Burnett has no plans to remain in Piscataquis County after graduating from high school. Once she gets her degree in paralegal studies from Husson College, the 17-year-old Abbot resident… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A local man became the latest Mainer to face charges in connection with an undercover sting investigation into a Texas-based child pornography business. Roy Crockett, 31, pleaded not guilty Monday in 13th District Court to possession of sexually explicit material including child pornography,… Read More
CHARLESTON – A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Town Hall to discuss the possible withdrawal of Charleston from SAD 68. The hearing is a direct result of the district’s attempt earlier this year to close the Charleston… Read More
MACHIAS – For the second time in six months, the University of Maine at Machias is reporting increased enrollments. As of the end of February, UMM had 960 full- and part-time students – up from 880 students at the same time last year, according to… Read More
EAST MACHIAS – Neighbors Helping Neighbors will be host of some community meetings in East Machias and Lubec to explain this summer’s housing rehabilitation program for Washington County residents from Whitneyville to Lubec. The first meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14,… Read More
CALAIS – It may be in a former retail store, but University College at Calais-Unobskey School is a distributor of education. It is also a lifeline for some eastern Washington County students who can’t or won’t attend a traditional college. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
MACHIAS – The ethics director for the American Psychological Association will speak on “The Law, the Mentally Disabled and End-of-Life Care for the Elderly” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the University of Maine at Machias. Dr. Steven Behnke teaches psychiatry at Harvard Medical School’s Division of… Read More
WILTON – Two elderly sisters were bound with duct tape and robbed by masked intruders who stole their life savings, police said. The sisters had lived through the Depression and kept their money at home rather than in a bank, Wilton Police Chief Jim Parker… Read More
The small Washington County community of Jonesboro retains the major distinction of being home to Maine’s oldest continuous Parent Teacher Association. The nationally chartered Jonesboro PTA was founded in 1947 and today boasts an active membership of 25 that includes parents, teachers and teacher-parents such… Read More
GUILFORD – Valerie Farnham will likely be one of hundreds of people in the Penquis region tuning to a new local weather radio frequency that is expected to be on air by June. The new frequency, one of a handful that will be added throughout… Read More
KENNEBUNK – A Kennebunk man died Monday after his car swerved out of its lane and struck an oncoming vehicle. Police said John McKay, 24, was driving north on Ross Road around 4:45 p.m. when he lost control of his 1995 Dodge Neon. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Agriculture has approved a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the state of Maine in response to continuing drought conditions, according to U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee. All counties – except Franklin – have… Read More
PORTLAND – Three Sudanese refugees who allegedly bit and punched Portland police officers who were trying to subdue a family member was scheduled to go on trial today. Alba Okot and her daughters Alice and Susan face assault and obstruction of justice charges in Cumberland… Read More
AUGUSTA – Legislative negotiators sought comment from the rank and file Tuesday on a supplemental budget package that would use more Rainy Day Fund money and less money from the Fund for a Healthy Maine than Gov. Angus King has proposed. “We just view it… Read More
BANGOR – Three more people were indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges of importing the painkiller Dilaudid from Canada into the United States. The indictments bring to 12 the number of people formally charged with the federal crime in the past few weeks as part… Read More
OTTAWA – New Brunswick’s population has dwindled by about 9,000 in the last five years, according to 2001 Census results released Tuesday. The Maritime Province saw its population fall to 729,000 from 738,000 between 1996 and last year, a drop of 1.2 percent. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
WEST BATH – The 15-year-old brother of a Topsham boy shot in the face last month denied responsibility in District Court on Monday. Jason Steinle, making his first court appearance for aggravated assault, reckless conduct and theft of a firearm, asked a judge for permission… Read More
With doughnuts, it’s all about the hole. No hole, no doughnut. That little circle of nothing means everything. Otherwise, it’s a cruller, or a Bismarck, or a beignet, or a churro, or any of those words that mean a fried piece of dough but not a real, all-American… Read More
When I was a teen-ager, I dreaded St. Patrick’s Day and the inevitable corned beef and cabbage that Dad would boil up for dinner. He’d slice it and I’d dissect it, trying to separate the fat from the meat. (If you’ve ever eaten corned beef, you know this… Read More
PORTLAND – Dimensions in Jazz Alliance will collaborate on AprilFest, a monthlong celebration of great jazz at selected Portland sites. Venues ranging from the Skinny to the Center for Cultural Exchange to Starbird Music’s recital hall will be host to performances by legendary tuba virtuoso… Read More
Surfing for seafood Looking to flex your mussels in the kitchen? Visit Great Eastern Mussel Farms’ new Web site, www.eatmussels.com, for cooking tips, nutritional information and recipes, including 28 by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. You also can sign up for the recipe of the month,… Read More
Johnny Pesky could always hit. At age 82 he still can. During a workout at Fort Myers, Fla., last week, Pesky hit fungoes, [practice fly balls] to outfielders for an hour in 80-degree heat. He is a special assistant coach to the team. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
ORONO – When the University of Maine men’s hockey team visited Merrimack College on Feb. 9, the Black Bears were still smarting from a 4-3 loss to Boston College the previous night that ended their seven-game unbeaten streak (5-0-2). Merrimack, loser of six straight, appeared… Read More
A $5.5 million lawsuit has been filed against the state of New York and the New York State Athletic Commission on behalf of Lewiston boxer Joey Gamache and his ex-wife Sissy. Attorney Scott Bermack of the New York City law firm of Callan, Koster, Brady… Read More
Corey Violette loves seafood. In fact, each summer the Gonzaga University basketball player comes “home” to Maine to spend a few weeks at the family cottage on Portage Lake to see family and for a little home cooking. “I just hang out in the outdoors. Read More
The Eastern Maine Class A champion Brunswick Dragons have put three members on the NEWS 2002 EM Class A All-Tournament team. The talent present on Brunswick’s balanced, star-laden lineup, featuring offensive firepower and versatility, is quite evident upon examination of the team. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Let’s face it, playoff hockey is decided by goaltending. Every goal is magnified. So is every save. The magnification is even more pronounced in college hockey because, after the league quarterfinal series, everything is single elimination. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
VOLVO NEW ENGLAND J2 XC SKI FESTIVAL 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… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL Maine Swim League 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
Mt. Blue of Farmington senior racewalker Adam Staier had an outstanding weekend as he won a gold medal at the Nike Indoor Championships in Landover, Md., Saturday and then took home another at the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championships in New York City on Sunday. Read More
TAMPA, Fla. – Trent Boeckman hit two home runs and drove in three runs to lead the Defiance (Ohio) College Yellow Jackets to a 12-5 baseball victory over the Husson College Braves Tuesday. Craig Harvey paced Husson with a two-run homer and a solo blast. Read More
Maine skiers fared well in top-notch competitions over the weekend contested in Idaho and at Sugarloaf/USA in Carrabassett Valley. Anna Sprague of Stockholm, a freshman at the University of Utah, captured first place Friday at the Junior Olympics in McCall, Idaho. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More