BANGOR – Scores of teen-agers and adults gathered throughout the day Sunday in a Webster Avenue yard, placing mourning flowers or carving their initials in a pine tree where a truck carrying five Brewer High School students crashed after a police chase, killing the driver and injuring the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Roadside signs warning of repairs ahead are a sure sign of spring. But how well is Maine doing in taking care of its highways and bridges? Better than you might think after that last pothole you hit. “Maine’s roads are in pretty good… Read More
There are basic rules protecting all consumers and one of the most important is the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule. If you buy something at a store and change your mind, you may not be able to return the merchandise. But if you buy an item in your… Read More
WINTERPORT – Stevedores descended Sunday on Winterport Terminals to unload a shipment of squid from the Falkland Islands. The 1,000-metric ton frozen cargo arrived on the freighter Frio Poseidon after a journey from the bottom of the globe to this port on the Penobscot River. Read More
Does the city of Bangor need a new auditorium? The answer is no. We already have an auditorium; a building constructed from brick and steel, and less than 50 years old. In the city there are many wood frame houses that are 100 years old… Read More
In light of recent letters to the editor by Jane Sanford (BDN, April 3) and Tonya Troiani (April 10), I should state it is my opinion that while they both have the right to and enjoy the freedom to express the opinions that they feel so strong about,… Read More
In response to David Wilson’s letter of April 8, wherein he decries accusations of moral turpitude against President Bush and asks where these accusers were when Clinton was attacking Third World countries, I’d like to say we were right where we should have been; supporting Clinton. Lest we… Read More
It is no secret to anyone the economy of Maine’s 2nd District is in poor shape and it is worsening by the day. As this year’s primary elections approach, it is imperative all residents of the 2nd District take an active role in determining who is the best… Read More
Some people will do anything to get their name in the news; what is Chellie Pingree doing on a bus with Maine citizens riding to Canada to buy their prescription medications? She supposedly saved everyone in Maine with prescription drug rebates from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Our… Read More
Recently, American Rivers placed the Allagash River on its endangered rivers list, ranking it the eighth most endangered river in the nation. The Allagash River was one of a few select waterways to be classified as “wild” among the Wild and Scenic Rivers System in the 1970s. The… Read More
The findings of a new National Institutes of Health report on alcohol use among college students are at once unsurprising and shocking. Everyone knew the use was substantial; few could have guessed the results were so devastating. The report, “A Call to Action: Changing the… Read More
President Bush was speaking directly to doctors, scientists, religious activists and disabled people last week when he urged a broad ban on cloning. Indirectly, he was trying to pressure the Senate to follow the House in supporting his ban. The Senate should consider doing so – but only… Read More
The following commentary was presented March 2 at the Hearing on Real Security, at the William S. Cohen School in Bangor, which considered alternatives to a purely military strategy for achieving security, looked at the root causes of terrorism and some of the economic effects of the war… Read More
My remarks about math last week caused quite a few people to stop me in the corridors at Orono and even in the local drug store to strike up a conversation that eventually came round to admitting (or were they boasting?) that they “can’t do math.” The number… Read More
Having taught school in Maine and New Hampshire for 28 years, I have seen “educational” fads come and go: Transformational Grammar, The New Math, Back to Basics, Values Education, Career Education, Character Education, and now Learning Results and the standardized testing movement. Like the proverbial bad penny, these… Read More
AUGUSTA – More Mainers are jumping on the electronic tax filing bandwagon. Dennis Doiron, director of the state income tax division of Maine Revenue Services, said he expects about 160,000 Mainers to file their taxes electronically this year – nearly a 40 percent increase over… Read More
ORONO – What do you get when you combine theater, science and a healthy dose of humor? A good time, according to the 700 youngsters who took part in the Destination Imagination competition at the University of Maine on Saturday. Students in grades two through… Read More
BANGOR – Despite the wet weather outside, many gardeners are worried about the drought and the toll it will take on their plants this summer. The key to keeping plants from drying out, said experts at the Bangor Garden Show this weekend, is to mulch,… Read More
WINTERPORT – While the environmental group working to remove the West Winterport Dam waits for the project to win federal approval, it is preparing to hand-lift spawning fish over the dam. Facilitators Improving Salmonid Habitat, known as FISH, notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last… Read More
AUGUSTA – Is it a battle to enhance Maine’s business climate and, ultimately, protect the availability of jobs? Is it a scheme to promote hysteria as a way of boosting insurance industry profits or aiding employers at the expense of employees? Whatever the answer to… Read More
ROCKPORT – The odds of a new village springing up in Maine are about as likely as new waterfront property emerging. Despite such odds, Richard Remsen of Rockport and Richard Aroneau of Camden are betting that state cartographers will have to revise their maps in… Read More
ELLSWORTH – It’s been a long time coming, but the last phase of the dredging of the federal channel up the Union River is almost completed. On Saturday, Mike Damp, secretary of the city’s harbor commission, and Bruce Chandler, the city’s dredge coordinator, joined the… Read More
Drug treatment program to begin soon in Machias Lubec center to administer $100,000 counseling grant
MACHIAS – Washington County is still awaiting word on whether it will receive a $1.2 million federal grant to address an epidemic of opiate abuse, but there was some good news last week. Intensive outpatient counseling for the county’s growing population of heroin and prescription… Read More
LUBEC – After 21 years at the Regional Medical Center at Lubec, Ken Schmidt has left to start his own nonprofit organization in Bangor. Schmidt’s resignation as the senior executive officer for Health Ways Regional Medical Center at Lubec became effective last week. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
DURHAM – Two men face drug charges after a police raid at a home investigators suspect may have been used as a drug lab. Monday’s raid came after undercover drug buys that were linked to a six-week investigation into the source of heroin being used… Read More
UNITY – The Waldo County Arts Discovery Project will bring its Spring Show and Tell to the Unity Center for the Performance Arts on Sunday, April 28. The arts center will be blooming and booming with exhibits, demonstrations and performances by artists and craftspeople from… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Millinocket Regional Hospital may be joining the ranks of six other small hospitals across the state by changing its operating status to improve financial viability. MRH is looking to change its operating status from an acute care facility to a critical access hospital,… Read More
Lincoln panel eyes $3 million spending plan Property taxes would increase under proposed town budget
LINCOLN – Members of the budget committee will begin deliberations on a $3 million municipal budget proposal Thursday. Town Manager Glenn Aho estimates the tax rate could increase by 30 cents, from $19.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $19.60. A resident with a… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Lewiston man was sentenced Friday to 50 years in prison for his third rape conviction in 22 years. Michael Commeau, 48, allegedly forced his way into a woman’s car as she left her Monmouth workplace in October 2000, made her drive to… Read More
LEWISTON – A Lewiston man pleaded innocent Friday to manslaughter in the December slaying of a handyman found dead in his apartment. Keith Doyon, 25, was charged Thursday with beating to death his former roommate, Gregory Stewart Rowe, 44. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The third annual Mount Desert Island Roadside Cleanup will be held 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, April 27. Last year, more than 500 bags of garbage were collected along 34 miles of roadside. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
BANGOR – The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for the onslaught of last-day tax filers by extending the operating hours of the customer service window of the Bangor post office, located at 202 Harlow St. in Bangor, to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. This year… Read More
ORLAND – Community Clean Up Day will be held 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, located on Hatchery Road, just off U.S. Route 1 in East Orland. Refreshments will be provided. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
BANGOR – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Maine is looking for new members to join the state’s group of Earth Team volunteers. “Volunteers – The Heart of America” is the theme for NRCS National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, as the Maine NRCS tries… Read More
LEWISTON – A Lewiston teen-ager has pleaded innocent to the murder of Bates College senior Morgan McDuffee. Brandon Thongsavanh appeared Friday in Androscoggin County Superior Court, his head bowed and his hands clasped, after being indicted Thursday in the March 3 stabbing death of McDuffee. Read More
LEXINGTON, Mass. – Just before dawn, after the gun smoke clears from a salvo of British musket fire, eight men will lie motionless upon the Lexington Battle Green, as has happened in every annual re-enactment of the April 19, 1775, skirmish between British regulars and colonists. Read More
PORTLAND – The state supreme court has ordered a new trial for a Hallowell man convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend by putting a loaded gun in her mouth and demanding sex. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the judge at the trial of Gary… Read More
PORTLAND – The University of Southern Maine is investigating a student’s complaint that a psychology professor made racist and anti-homosexual remarks in his lectures. A four-person committee appointed by USM to look into the complaint against John Broida met for the first time last week… Read More
The Friend of the Eastern Maine Technical College Library have come up with an absolutely delicious fund-raiser that, if it works, could turn into one fantastic annual event. “Books 2 Eat 2002” is an “Edible Book Contest” hosted by the EMTC library friends from 3… Read More
A federal judge in Washington has rejected a request by the pharmaceutical industry to temporarily halt a Maine program that provides drug discounts to more than 120,000 low- and moderate-income residents. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina on Wednesday rejected a request for an injunction that… Read More
PORTLAND – Charges have been dropped against three educators, including the wife of Maine’s attorney general, who were arrested for criminal trespass at a Maine Education Association hearing. Union leaders held a closed session last week to discuss whether to suspend Rosemarie DeAngelis, a former… Read More
BROOKLINE, Mass. – The University of Maine had built a reputation this season as a team destined to rely heavily on its offense to win. But there’s more to the Black Bears, who received steady pitching and outstanding defense over the weekend while posting a… Read More
HAMPDEN – Warm weather, average water levels, and a competitive field in Saturday’s Souadabscook Stream Race provided Ray “Bucky” Owen the perfect opportunity to reunite with his former racing partner. Owen, a 64-year-old racing veteran, hopped back into the canoe with his racing partner of… Read More
Sunday’s opening races for Sebasticook Valley Karting Komplex were posponed due to poor weather conditions. Regular racing in 8 divisions will take place April 21st starting at 12:30 p.m. For more information call Marti Anderson, 938-3007, www.svkkmotorsports.com… Read More
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield College sophomore Josh Chasse, a graduate of Lewiston High School, captured the still rings crown in the USA Gymnastics National Collegiate Championships. Chasse scored a 9.225, edging out Curtis Haines of South Connecticut State (8.925) and Navy’s Dan Finnegan (8.700). Chasse… Read More
SOUTH BERWICK – Justin Bowen of Brewer captured the state youth wrestling title in the heavy-weight division of the Marshwood State Folkstyle Tournament held at Marshwood High School on Saturday. With the win, Bowen qualifies for the state middle school team and will represent Brewer… Read More
Bangor’s Chip Carson leads the field into next Sunday’s Maine State Candlepin Championships semifinals at Bangor-Brewer Lanes. Carson defeated Russ Nealey of Otis Saturday in one 10-string quarterfinal quarterfinal 1,392-1,319 and will face Jim Singleton of Lebanon Valley who edged Ray Dube of Saco 1,199-1,175. Read More
LOCAL UM-Presque Isle Spring Runoff 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
LOCAL Souadabscook Stream googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Hampden 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
ORONO – The University of Maine Black Bears improved their America East conference record to 5-3 by beating Vermont three times in a four-game weekend series at Kessock Field. The Black Bears swept the Catamounts on Sunday, shutting them out 1-0 and 3-0. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
April is National Poetry Month. Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, the monthlong series of events is intended to spur schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers and literary organizations around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. In keeping with that tradition, Somesville poet… Read More
April is National Poetry Month. Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, the monthlong series of events is intended to spur schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers and literary organizations around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. In keeping with that tradition, Somesville poet… Read More
April is National Poetry Month. Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, the monthlong series of events is intended to spur schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers and literary organizations around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. In keeping with that tradition, Somesville poet… Read More
You gotta love Irish music when you hear legendary balladeer Tommy Makem and his three sons – Shane, Conor and Rory – play for three hours at a venue as cavernous as the Maine Center for the Arts, in Orono, where the family foursome performed Saturday. In fact,… Read More
Editor’s Note: Following is the fifth in a 12-part series from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people. Have you ever wondered how to get healthy and productive… Read More
In theaters THE SWEETEST THING. Directed by Roger Kumble. Written by Nancy Pimental. 84 minutes. Rated R. 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++) {… Read More
It was so nice visiting with members of the Milbridge Historical Society last week. I haven’t found Sawyers or Strouts or Ficketts in my family, so far, so I’d have told you I probably didn’t have many cousins in the Washington County town of Milbridge. Read More