ATLANTA – Smoking among U.S. high school students has dropped to its lowest level in a decade, the government said Thursday, crediting steep cigarette taxes and school programs that discourage youngsters from taking up the habit. Just 28.5 percent of high-schoolers in a nationwide survey… Read More
BANGOR – The second day of the theft trial of a former Millinocket town manager was filled with contention and included a stern warning from the judge to the defense attorney for “inappropriate” tactics. The state on Thursday took direct aim at 45-year-old James Kotredes… Read More
CORINNA – Pesticide contamination from the now defunct Eastland Woolen Mill has been found in bass in the east branch of the Sebasticook River, the river that feeds Newport’s Sebasticook Lake, according to federal officials. The contamination, mostly the pesticide Dieldrin, has been found in… Read More
A story in some editions Monday about a man who drowned Sunday in Marsh Stream in Frankfort incorrectly spelled his name and listed the wrong residence. The victim, Michael Merithew, was from Stockton Springs. – googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
NEWPORT – In its 20th year of a major quality restoration program, Sebasticook Lake is in fair condition, David Courtemanch of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday. Aside from keeping tabs on contaminants slowly leaching from the Corinna Superfund site upstream on the… Read More
AUBURN – White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card said Thursday that Sept. 14 is more memorable to him than the day three days earlier that’s etched in the memories of most Americans. In a speech to a Maine business group, Card recalled in detail… Read More
BANGOR – During separate gatherings on May 29, businesses in Maine and the Maritimes hope to receive specifics on trade policies between the United States and Canada in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Three broad prospective policies have been discussed in the… Read More
WASHINGTON – Wal-Mart has agreed to a new contract with the C.F. Hathaway Co. of Waterville, which will extend production at the facility until August and which may buy the shirt-maker enough time to negotiate other deals that could save the company. The deal announced… Read More
Should I respect more those politicians who own stock in pharmaceutical companies and who belong to the political party that routinely works to stop any kind of meaningful drug-pricing legislation, or do I respect more someone, like Chellie Pingree, who may own pharmaceutical stocks, but who is working… Read More
Quietly but efficiently, an ambitious campaign is taking shape to close down the school vending machines that peddle sodas, chips and other high-calorie, high-fat and high-caffeine products that often start kids on a lifetime of bad teeth and overweight bodies. A task force of Maine… Read More
Those needy hordes of Canadians pouring across the border in search of the kind of medical services their government-sponsored system fails to provide may be a lot less horde-like than previously believed. The results of a study described this month in the health care policy journal Health Affairs… Read More
An otherwise valuable article by Misty Edgecomb on illicit stocking of fish in our rivers and lakes (BDN, May 13) was marred by a factual error. Peter Bourque [of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife] apparently claimed that our “salmon and trout fisheries developed for millions… Read More
The story on illicit stocking made me want to question the wisdom of our state biologists. They killed everything in Durepo Lake in order to make sure fishermen caught the correct fish. I realize bass do not belong in trout and salmon waters, but surely all the amphibians… Read More
Day after day we read appalling news about some priests in the Catholic Church. The media have seized upon this story and report the tragedies suffered by children and families. As a Catholic, I am saddened and sickened by these crimes against children, confused by the role of… Read More
I would like to commend the music teachers at Bangor High School for their fine efforts, providing a bold, bright and beautiful spring concert at Peakes Auditorium. Under the direction of Scott Burditt, Charles Kadyk and George Redman, the band, orchestra and choruses displayed talent, ability and endless… Read More
Let’s vote for [2nd District congressional candidate] Mike Michaud. He’s done a good job for us in Augusta; he’ll do a great job for us in Washington. He’s honest, reliable, and he listens to your problems. There are three kinds of people – people who… Read More
Michael O’D. Moore should win an award for his May 14 piece in the Bangor Daily News on catastrophic health insurance. Keeping this serious problem in the public eye and moving a specific story into the consideration of a much larger phenomenon shows responsible journalism. Read More
It goes without question that the Maine Learning Technology Initiative will create many new opportunities for learning in our schools. But there’s another positive aspect of providing our students with personal computer equipment and Internet access that may not be instantly obvious – the impact this innovative program… Read More
On May 3 several Maine veterans representing all services demonstrated their loyal support to Dick Campbell by joining him on stage at the State Convention in Augusta. As Maine veterans, we believe it to be very important that all veterans from the 2nd Congressional District know what Dick… Read More
PORTLAND – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is opening two new inspection posts in Maine as a way to stop contaminated imports at the Canadian border. Inspections began last week in Houlton and will start next week in Calais, said Willis Cobb, a supervisory… Read More
Twenty minutes before addressing the Republican state convention earlier this month, a relaxed Stavros Mendros roamed the crowded hallways with his nephew, who stuck close to the congressional candidate. “You know better than to ask for a copy of the speech,” Mendros, putting his arm… Read More
ELLSWORTH – After two hours of discussion Thursday morning, the Hancock County commissioners decided that some complaints filed against the district attorney by a county employee had merit, and they reiterated the county’s policy of maintaining a professional workplace atmosphere. The three-man panel issued a… Read More
AUGUSTA – The medical director at the Augusta Mental Health Institute, who was praised for improving patient care during his 21/2-year tenure, is resigning effective Friday. Dr. Benjamin C. Grasso has accepted a position as medical director of community clinical services in psychiatry at St. Read More
BUCKSPORT – There are angels missing in Bucksport these days. During the past week, residents reported that statues of angels and the Virgin Mary had been stolen, two of them from grave sites at local cemeteries, and two from the home of the town’s mayor. Read More
ORONO – Residents on the University of Maine campus may end up paying to use the town of Orono’s ambulance services because the university is cutting its annual service payment to the town. Last month, UMaine officials proposed reducing last year’s $659,436 payment in lieu… Read More
STONINGTON – The Island Head Start program will hold an open house and enrollment fair from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 30. Staff will be available to assist parents in completing applications for next year’s Head Start program to begin in September. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
HAMPDEN – The SAD 22 board of directors Wednesday approved a $17.6 million budget, 4.87 percent higher than last year’s budget. The proposal includes $61,000 to phase in all-day kindergarten at Newburgh Elementary School, Smith School in Winterport and McGraw School in Hampden. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – Traffic was detoured on outer Hammond Street on Thursday evening for several hours after a tractor-trailer truck hit a utility pole as it was making a turn, breaking the pole and causing sparks to fly. The truck was heading toward Bangor when it… Read More
BREWER – Complaints about dogs owned by a city councilor and his son dominated the public comment period of a lengthy City Council meeting this week. During the public comment period Tuesday night, Goupee Street resident Cathy Munroe expressed her frustration with barking dogs. Several… Read More
BANGOR – Bangor International Airport Director Rebecca Hupp will be the featured speaker at Tuesday Forum’s next luncheon meeting from noon to 1 p.m. May 21 at Geaghan’s restaurant on Main Street. Hupp will discuss issues surrounding the airport. Price of the lunch is $7. For information call… Read More
BANGOR – Green Independent Party gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Carter will speak at the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, located at 170 Park St., from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19. The event is open to the public. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
WASHINGTON – Maine’s congressional delegation announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $2,168,732 for security upgrades and runway improvement at Bangor International Airport. Specifically, the federal funding will support the purchase and installation of fingerprinting equipment, which is required under security measures… Read More
MOUNT DESERT – The chief opponent to a controversial 10-lot subdivision near Somes Sound is an Ohio family who last September bought 57 acres abutting the project site for three times its assessed value. Ellsworth attorney Michael Ross, who represents the abutters, said Thursday that… Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – There are few guarantees in the business of securing state money for school construction and expansion. But when the Department of Education ranks a project No. 1 – as it did this week for the application to replace the Lincolnville Central School –… Read More
MDI Regional High School MOUNT DESERT ISLAND – Honor parts for the 34th commencement at the Mount Desert Island High School have been announced by Principal Robert Liebow. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Michael Finnegan, director of the Maine State Housing Authority, will be the guest speaker at the Hancock County Planning Commission’s annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the Ellsworth Public Library meeting room. Finnegan and commission members are expected to discuss… Read More
Nokomis Regional High School, Newport Third quarter honor roll googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Garden Club has scheduled a two-day bus tour of Down East gardens in Lubec on July 20 and 21. There are 30 seats on the bus available to the public. The tour will start in Pittsfield and travel first to a… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Garden Club will hold its annual fund-raiser plant sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Hunnewell Square. The sale will include more than 400 perennial plants dug from garden club members’ personal gardens. The event will be held rain… Read More
Linneus Voters at the May 13 annual meeting approved a right-of-way or easement allowing resident Michael Lane to cross town-owned property to access a landlocked parcel he wants to buy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Houlton District Court Cases May 6-10, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
VAN BUREN – The National Tree Trust has awarded the town of Van Buren a 2002 Community Tree Planting Grant. The grant consists of 600 tree seedlings that will be planted in the community. NTT’s Community Tree Planting program makes it possible for community groups… Read More
GREENVILLE – Municipal officials were notified this month that Greenville Steam Co. has filed an appeal with the state Board of Property Tax Review over the valuation of its 15 megawattt steam plant. The company wants the $4.3 million valuation reduced to $2 million. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
CALAIS – It did not require a federal loan or state money – just a cherry picker to repair the high-rise residence that belongs to a pair of majestic raptors. For the 12th year in a row, a pair of nesting eagles has opened up… Read More
Machias District Court Cases April 1-30, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
GREENVILLE – When Acadian Railway’s inaugural train rolls into Greenville Junction next month, a hearty welcome is planned for the passenger train’s operator and guests. Municipal officials, in conjunction with Eastern Maine Development Corp., are planning a reception for developer John “Randy” Parten, president and… Read More
WARREN – Health insurance premiums and salary increases are behind the 6.9 percent jump in the SAD 40 budget for 2002-03, which totals more than $17.8 million. Voters in Friendship, Union, Waldoboro, Warren and Washington will go to the polls June 11 to decide on… Read More
Belfast District Court Cases March 25-29, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
BELFAST – A judge was unmoved Thursday by the argument that a high bail would keep drug trafficking defendant William Stevens in jail for months. Justice Donald Marden agreed to set bail for Stevens, 63, of Frankfort at $200,000 cash or $500,000 single surety, as… Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – Tax disputes between the town and its largest taxpayer are piling up. For the third year in a row, Great Northern Paper Inc. is disputing its tax bill. This year GNP is asking the town for a $1.6 million refund, which brings… Read More
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to restore at least $21.5 million in formula highway funds for Maine during the 2003 fiscal year. Overall, the Highway Funding Restoration Act (HR 3694) would offset $4.4 billion of a nationwide cut in highway funding contained in… Read More
ARUNDEL – A 25-year-old woman from Biddeford and Lyman is free on bail after being charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. Molly Schoff knew the family of the boy she is accused of abusing last December at her parents’ house in Lyman. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
TOPSHAM – Maine Coast Heritage Trust has received a $50,000 gift to its Campaign for the Coast from Oakhurst Dairy. The trust recently purchased 125-acre Whaleboat Island, the largest undeveloped, unprotected island in Casco Bay. It was the fourth Casco Bay island purchased by MCHT… Read More
BANGOR – The last of three gender discrimination lawsuits against WLBZ 2 television and its owners has been settled for an undisclosed amount. Filed by Vicki J. Williams of Alton, the civil suit was settled in late April. Williams was one of three long-term employees,… Read More
The week of May 19-25 is Emergency Medical Services Week, and part of the local celebration of that event will be an EMS open house to which the public is invited. Sponsored by Capital Ambulance and the Bangor Fire Department, the EMS open house runs… Read More
PORTLAND – During a tour of the Portland waterfront, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins called for more federal aid to improve security in the nation’s seaports and said she is seeking $4 million to replace Portland’s aging fireboat. “There are real challenges with port security for… Read More
AUGUSTA – Most legislative candidates are already looking ahead to November, but for contestants in a score of races for the House of Representatives and in seven Senate districts, a preliminary showdown comes first. When voters go to the polls June 11 for Maine’s primary… Read More
The Maine Children’s Trust has awarded more than $115,000 in new and continuing grants to various child abuse and neglect prevention programs throughout Maine. “We had over $300,000 in new requests and wish we had the money to fund them all,” said Jan Clarkin, executive… Read More
DRESDEN – A 19-year-old Augusta man was killed Wednesday afternoon in a head-on collision on Route 127. Christopher Worthing was headed north when his car crossed the centerline and hit a pickup truck, state police said. Worthing was dead at the scene. The driver of… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Court System announced Thursday the start of a new service called “PayTixx” that will provide information and allow payment of traffic fines over the Internet with a credit card. The system, which already has been tested, allows users to view their violation records, verify… Read More
BANGOR – The fourth annual Octoberfest will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, in downtown Bangor. Downtown business owner Chris Geaghan (The Whig and Courier Pub), Rick Schweikert (Grasshopper Shop) and Brad Ryder (Cadillac Mountain Sports) are taking the lead to produce the event with Bangor Center Corp. as… Read More
FARMINGTON – A Wilton teen-ager has pleaded guilty to felony robbery and burglary charges for stealing the $20,000 life savings from two elderly sisters. Josiah Russell, 17, appeared Wednesday in Farmington District Court, where he was sentenced to an indeterminate term, not to exceed the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Landmark historic site in Augusta, will reopen for the 2002 summer season from 1 to 4 p.m. May 25-27 and will remain open through July 3. Weekday hours will expand to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning July 4. Admission… Read More
BRUNSWICK – A Durham man died early Thursday morning in a one-car crash that police believe may have been linked to alcohol. Jeffrey J. Profenno, 22, a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene around 12:30 a.m., police said. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
DANVERS, Mass. – More than 150 fishermen, some who drove several hours down the Maine coast, met with the New England Fisheries Management Council on Thursday to discuss responses to a federal judge’s order for tighter controls on groundfishing they say could put them out of business. Read More
PORTLAND – Cumberland County Civic Center trustees have shelved any plans to enlarge or renovate the 25-year-old arena, concluding that it makes more sense to build a replacement. But the board made it plain it was not prepared at this point to ask voters to… Read More
ARUNDEL – A South Portland developer thought it was a good idea: a special park where people can ride their noisy all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles without disturbing others. Todd Erickson still holds out hope of making the park a reality even after his proposal… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. John Baldacci and Tom Allen welcomed the Trezza family to Washington on Thursday, as they prepared to present a Maine-made quilt to officials at the Pentagon. The quilt was envisioned, designed and created by Millie and Frank Trezza of Saco, along with Millie’s co-workers… Read More
PORTLAND – Afghan teen-agers from various ethnic groups will attend the Seeds of Peace program for the first time this summer. Journalist John Wallach founded the program after the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 to bring together youths from warring lands. Since… Read More
LEWISTON – State Rep. Nancy Chizmar of Lisbon, a four-term House member who was running for a Senate seat, died Tuesday at a Lewiston hospital. Chizmar, who was 65, was surrounded by family members when she died at Central Maine Medical Center. She is survived… Read More
ORONO – Even before Brewer broke out to a big lead with 11 runs in the first two innings en route to a 13-5 baseball victory over Orono, the Red Riots had already suffered one of this season’s biggest losses. And this one came before… Read More
HAMPDEN – The way Sarah Metivier was feeling Thursday, the last thing she wanted to do was get on a school bus and play seven innings of softball. It wasn’t just Metivier, Old Town High’s ace pitcher, who felt that way. The whole Old Town… Read More
The economy has fluctuated since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But it has been business as usual at Jeff Taylor’s Distance Racing Products shop in Fairfield. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
Jody Benner, a veteran assistant coach for the University of Maine women’s basketball team, has been selected as an AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year. The 31-year-old Benner, a native of Wiscasset, is among 524 college and high school assistant coaches, including five from… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Limestone 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 Calais 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
COLLEGE ECAC Division III Championships 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
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus Clippers manager Brian Butterfield was fired Thursday and replaced by former major league slugger Frank Howard on an interim basis. The Clippers, the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate, were 12-25 and had the second-worst record in the International League heading into… Read More
STANDISH – Ohio Dominican eked out a 10-inning win in the opener Thursday, then shut out Saint Joseph’s in the second game to win the NAIA Division II Super Regional. Ohio Dominican won the first game 7-6 and the second 3-0. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
PALM COAST, Fla. – The Husson College golf team struggled a bit compared to the rest of the field Thursday in the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship. Husson posted a team total 318 Thursday at Matanzas Woods Golf Club and fell to 20th place in… Read More
BANGOR – The starting gate will fold away tonight, signaling the start of the 119th season of harness racing at Bangor Raceway. Meet director Fred Nichols had been hard at work trying to prepare the raceway for the opening night card, which begins at 7:15. Read More
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick of Winterport and representatives of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ricky Craven of Newburgh have been contacted by members of the Citizens for a Quality Education about contributing to a $1.3 million project to build new athletic fields and improve the existing ones at… Read More
University of Maine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead received National Letters of Intent from six players as he and his Bears will try to go one step farther next season. Maine reached the NCAA championship game, falling to Minnesota 4-3 in overtime last month. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
MAINE vs. BINGHAMTON Time, site: Friday (2), 2 p.m.; Saturday (2), 4 p.m.; Binghamton, N.Y. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice())… Read More
Tell most nonrunners about an annual marathon that’s held in the western mountains of Maine … and named after a well-known ski resort … and they’ll probably dismiss the idea as pure hilly torture. Tell the 60-mile-a-week crowd about it, and they’ll tell you about… Read More
The Bangor television station having the longest association with University of Maine sports has injected some continuity back into the equation. The university and WABI (Channel 5) announced Thursday that WABI has secured exclusive TV rights to Black Bear sports for the next three years. Read More
HAMPDEN – Shawn Tidwell smacked an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning Thursday afternoon, lifting Old Town to a 10-9 schoolboy baseball victory over Hampden Academy. Chris Guerrette belted a grand slam in the first for the Indians. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
WASHBURN – Freshman lefthander Jason Thompson pitched a six-hitter and fanned 18 in eight innings Thursday and Washburn pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the eighth on two walks and three wild pitches to edge Central Aroostook 7-6 in schoolboy baseball action. Read More
PORTLAND – Common threads will bring together weavers, spinners, quilters, clothiers, papermakers and other artisans for the Maine Fabric and Fiber Arts Festival this weekend. The three-day event at the Cumberland County Civic Center includes a juried exhibition, workshops, a marketplace, a “wearable art showcase,”… Read More
In theaters THE NEW GUY, directed by Ed Decter, written by David Kendall, 100 minutes, rated PG-13. 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
Washington Academy guidance director Kathryn Richmond handed Moremil Clemente a steaming mug of hot chocolate. “This doesn’t happen often, or for just anyone,” she said smiling. “And I’ll need that cup back.” Clemente smiled, turning her attention to her assignment for her English as a… Read More
BANGOR – Maine Public Broadcasting Corp. will broadcast Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s 106th season finale at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. Described by Alicia Anstead of the NEWS as “a concert marked by discriminating musical insight, balance, warmth and excitement,” the May 5 concert features Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.”… Read More