It’s become the spectator sport of investors – watching the volatility of Wall Street, much like a hotly contested athletic event. But with so much riding on the market – from retirement accounts to college education funds or simply financial peace of mind – investors… Read More
AUGUSTA – The source of a mysterious food-borne illness continued to elude state health officials Monday who were awaiting laboratory results expected to identify which item at a Newport church supper sent 38 people to area hospitals. Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer, the state epidemiologist, said the… Read More
STONINGTON – When a fishery is in trouble, the source of the problem is often identified as “too many fishermen.” For Stonington lobsterman Marsden Brewer and a growing number of Maine fishermen, however, the recent decline in the scallop fishery has more to do with… Read More
A story in the State section of Monday’s paper misidentified an occupant of a Houlton home damaged Saturday by a fire. The occupant’s name is Paul Folsom III. Read More
WASHINGTON – The hot-button election year issue of prescription drugs reaches the Senate this week as lawmakers debate making lower-cost generic drugs more available and expanding Medicare to help the elderly pay their pharmacy bills. Senators in both parties would like to fulfill promises from… Read More
PORTLAND – The bus line that shares a new Portland terminal with Amtrak’s Downeaster says the rail passenger service that began last December has boosted ridership on its own runs between Portland and Boston. “The train has brought such pizzazz to the area that it… Read More
CONCORD, N.H. – A Florida utility told New Hampshire regulators Monday that its plan to buy a majority stake in the Seabrook nuclear power plant would lead to lower electric rates. Florida Power & Light hopes to buy an 88 percent stake in Seabrook for… Read More
Following are petitions for bankruptcy filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor: William Fowlie, part-time laborer, Lynda Fowlie, disabled, no dependents, Willington: assets, $44,590; debts, $303,996. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy’s shares continued to fall Monday as three brokerage firms downgraded its stock, saying they were concerned about federal investigations into the utility’s energy trading practices. The company also said it placed an unnamed senior manager in its trading division on… Read More
I found George Danby’s editorial cartoon of “inocket” to be in very poor taste (BDN, July 13-14). I find the editorial staff that would support the bashing of 200 laid-off workers through an editorial cartoon guilty as well. I can’t think of a more inappropriate time to bash… Read More
The United States regularly urges diplomatic solutions to difficult international issues no matter how many decades of talks may be required – witness the Koreas, Northern Ireland, Israel. But no one expects the Bush administration to negotiate with Saddam Hussein. This is partly because the Iraqi leader has… Read More
When applying for a first job, it is important to make a good first impression. That means, for one thing, dressing appropriately. If a Maine woman can’t afford a new outfit, fortunately she has a place to go for help: Well Suited – “Clothing That Works” – has… Read More
I am not surprised that Washington County gets short shrift on the new “Why Move to Maine” Web site that the state has launched. From what I can gather the rest of Maine hardly knows where Washington County is. However, some of us in the lower 47 know… Read More
What a slap in the face for the residents of Millinocket. Since 1986 we have been feeling the effects of downsizing. Taking the mill out of Millinocket will not destroy the spirit of the people. This town has provided a lot of tax revenue for… Read More
Bravo to state Reps. Phil Cressey and Brian Duprey. Many people don’t want to see millions spent on laptops when we’re facing a huge deficit, which will take years to recover from. Let’s hope legislation can break the contract. I just might send a sympathy card to the… Read More
Referring to the June 25 letter about ruining Route 1 in Warren, it is too bad losing all those trees. Forty years ago the Department of Transportation rebuilt Main Street in Patten. They only built sidewalks as far as Route 159. To the north of… Read More
Here’s a gender gap: Insider trader A, female, clears $200,000. Insider trader B, male, takes home $848,000. Which one is mocked and ridiculed across America and threatened with jail? Which one not only escapes punishment but poses as a corporate reformer? googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
I paid my Visa bill yesterday. I have to write my account number on the check. It’s 16 digits long. It’s so long it runs into my signature. There are some 6 billion people in the world. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe 16… Read More
An editorial (BDN, June 24) criticized Maine’s response to the OxyContin epidemic, referring to the state’s approach to prevention as anemic. The paper’s characterization of the state’s response thus far is accurate, but it is incorrect to suggest that new initiatives have not been proposed. Read More
With the impending bankruptcy of WorldCom, workers have even more reasons to worry about retirement. Enron had already highlighted risks in some pension plans, but most subsequent coverage has obscured the depth and breadth of the problem. More than half of U.S. workers didn’t even have pensions to… Read More
Recent coverage of the Telstar anniversary (BDN, July 11 and 12) is sufficiently misleading as to require clarification. In late 1960 NASA called for proposals and bids for an electronic system to relay TV signals between the East Coast and Europe, based on geosynchronous satellite(s). Read More
Several readers have asked for non-Internet contact information for candidates running for Congress and the governorship. The addresses below should help. Candidates for governor googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
The family summer road trip is one of the most satirized of American institutions, a comedy of errors whose potential for misadventure was only mildly exaggerated in the Chevy Chase movie called “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” If not for the part about poor dead Aunt Edna… Read More
Josh Parker and James Raynes, both 18, recently completed a unique 10,000-mile sea voyage they say gave them skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. The young men, both veterans of Maine foster care, took part in Experience At Sea, a fledgling program that mixes academics,… Read More
The two candidates vying for Maine’s open 2nd Congressional District seat are lining their campaign coffers, gearing up for their November showdown to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. John Baldacci. Democrat Mike Michaud raised – and spent – more than Republican opponent Kevin Raye in the… Read More
ROCKLAND – The nonjury trial of a former Riley School science teacher accused of unlawful sexual contact with a 9-year-old boy he was tutoring began Monday in Knox County Superior Court with testimony from the alleged victim. Robert G. Middleton, 56, of Rockport, charged with… Read More
PORTLAND – The trial of a Massachusetts man linked by DNA evidence to the rape and murder of a South Portland woman began Monday in Cumberland County Superior Court. Foster Bates of Attleboro, Mass., is charged in the killing of Tammy Dickson, 22, whose body… Read More
TRENTON – The Jackson Laboratory is in discussions with two business partners about possibly leasing the former Display Concepts Inc. building on Route 3, officials confirmed Monday. Michael Bierman of Hancock said he and his partner, Tryg Olson of Danville, Calif., have put money down… Read More
NEWPORT – A free health seminar focusing on ionic coral calcium will be held Friday, July 19, at the Apostolic Baptist Church on Route 7 in Newport. Ionic coral calcium is taken as a supplement to help strengthen bones. The afternoon session will be from 1 to 4… Read More
A Brewer man was arrested Sunday after he allegedly assaulted his ex-wife’s boyfriend at an Orrington house, then nearly hit two pedestrians as he drove away. Andrew Hewes, 41, was charged with two counts of assault and a count of terrorizing, driving to endanger and… Read More
LEWISTON – Rather than relax during the lazy days of summer, Nora Armstrong finds herself in the middle of Lewiston-Auburn College’s study area. A thick anatomy and physiology textbook and scattered notes are by her side. Armstrong, 48, has a class to attend. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced Monday that the Maine Department of Corrections will receive $1,999,936 to support prisoner re-entry initiatives within the state. The award, given by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice programs, was among 68 grants totaling $100… Read More
AUGUSTA – The state released a new homeland security strategy Monday, which results from meetings in May involving all levels of government, businesses and trade associations. Maj. Gen. Joseph Tinkham, Maine’s adjutant general, said the plan lays out objectives to be achieved by 2005. It… Read More
ALFRED – A New Hampshire woman accused of trying to drown her two children in the Piscataqua River in Kittery pleaded innocent Monday to attempted murder charges. Traci Brennan, 38, appeared in York County Superior Court, where she faces one count of aggravated attempted murder,… Read More
MOUNT DESERT – Selectmen inched closer Monday to establishing the town’s first-ever user-fee system for sewer service, hoping to shift the cost to only those who benefit from the service. Town Manager Michael MacDonald, on the job for less than a year, is spearheading the… Read More
SEDGWICK – A local man is being called a hero for his efforts Sunday to rescue an accident victim from a burning vehicle. Kevin Smart, a pastor at a local church, rushed to an accident scene and helped to pull an unconscious teen-age driver from… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A Levant man has been charged with assault after a minor accident Monday afternoon on High Street, according to police. Stephen Straight, 35, pushed an Ellsworth man down when the man tried to intervene in an argument between Straight and a New Jersey… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A riding mower worth $2,800 was stolen from a local business sometime over the weekend, according to police. The mower, a John Deere LX266 model, was taken from Greenway Equipment Sales on Route 1A between 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, according… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Local police said Monday evening that they are looking for two vehicles that were seen leaving the scene of an apparent fight. Ellsworth police Officer James Butler said witnesses heard a woman scream and spotted a man on his hands and knees bleeding… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Portland man charged with murder in the gunshot slaying of a cabdriver in Pittsfield entered dual pleas Monday of innocent and not criminally responsible. Court proceedings stalled after Derek Finn Wilhelmsen was found incompetent to stand trial in April, but his pleas… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – With its focus on Maine’s economic future, the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council’s executive committee this month voted unanimously to endorse the economic development recommendations of “No Place to Hide,” a recently released report from the Institute for a Strong Maine Economy. The… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – HORIZONS Health Services will offer six free glucose screening clinics throughout Aroostook County. All clinics will be offered between 8 and 10 a.m. at the following locations: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
FORT KENT – A representative from the Maine Veterans Service will be available 1-4 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays at the Fort Kent Armory and from 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Houlton Armory. The representative will help… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – In response to recent concerns about hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, The Aroostook Medical Center Women’s Health Center and HORIZONS Health Services will offer a free community lecture between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. The lecture will be held at Gould Memorial Hospital,… Read More
BANGOR – Last month the Bangor School Committee voted to hire Theolyn Staples as principal of Downeast School and Lynne Coy-Ogan as principal of Vine Street School. On Monday, the committee formally welcomed the system’s newest elementary school administrators. Staples, who will replace Dorothy Pratt,… Read More
MACHIAS – The Washington County grand jury has indicted Bradley Demolet, 18, of Calais on a charge of gross sexual assault. Demolet was indicted on July 11, but the information could not be released until Monday because of a problem with paperwork, Assistant District Attorney… Read More
Phillips Exeter Academy Fourth 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
HOWLAND – The fact that SAD 31 is on the state’s priority list for school construction does not guarantee the district will receive state funding for a new high school, according to a state education official. Yellow Light Breen, the Department of Education’s director of… Read More
BREWER – The Brewer Parks & Recreation Department and the Brewer Police Department will hold a Bike Safety Rodeo starting at 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, at the Brewer Auditorium. Members of the Police Department and other law local law enforcement-safety agencies will perform safety… Read More
WASHINGTON – The Penobscot Indian Nation will receive $4,000 in grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support the tribe’s library on Indian Island, according to members of Maine’s congressional delegation. IMLS is an independent federal agency that serves museums and… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The U.S. Coast Guard Group Southwest Harbor will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at CG Group Southwest Harbor on Clark Point Road. The open house will feature a 1:30 p.m. flare demonstration as well… Read More
HERMON – A Hermon family is asking the public for assistance in locating a runaway girl. Erika Jacobsen, 14, last was seen near her family’s home at approximately 3:30 a.m. last Friday. She has since been in touch with friends by e-mail but her family is worried about… Read More
MILFORD – The Dr. Lewis S. Libby School will hold registration for new students from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and 22. Those registering must bring birth certificates and verification of immunizations. Rank card and other pertinent information from transferring students is also… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – A New York man spent a long night and morning on a deserted Maine island after his 10-foot dinghy ran aground at dusk Sunday, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard. The crew of the fishing boat Hannah Marie spotted… Read More
CAMDEN – Roberta Smith, a native Mainer now working in municipal government in Rockingham, Vt., was hired Monday night as Camden’s new town manager. The town’s Select Board voted at its regular meeting to sign an employment agreement with Smith, who had signed the document earlier Monday. Smith… Read More
CAMDEN – The Select Board at its Monday night meeting approved spending up to $2,000 to hire architect John Hansen of South Thomaston to work on plans for a new police station. In June, residents defeated a referendum question that sought authority for the town… Read More
THOMASTON – An Owls Head woman was injured Saturday in a two-vehicle accident on Route 1, which resulted in $4,000 damage. Anna Marie Ramsey, 72, was taken to Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport by Thomaston ambulance. She was treated and then released, according to… Read More
APPLETON – A Warren teen-ager was injured Friday night in a one-vehicle crash, which is believed to be alcohol-related. Matthew J. Bean, 19, was traveling on Route 105 at 11:15 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve and went off the right side of… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Mayo Regional Hospital is nearing completion of a 15-month construction-renovation project this summer, capping Phase I of its multiyear facilities expansion plan. The hospital plans an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, as part of the Dover-Foxcroft Homecoming celebration. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
DEXTER – The Dexter Public Safety Advisory Committee, organized to review and make recommendations for the operation of the town’s public safety departments, has been criticized even before its task has been concluded. A letter circulating in the community this week signed by “Concerned Citizens… Read More
BLANCHARD – An Augusta man was injured Sunday when he lost control of the all-terrain vehicle he was driving and the vehicle rolled over him. Brian Crammer, 37, was traveling around a left-hand corner on an old woods trail in Blanchard when the wheels of… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Applications for fall enrollment at Foxcroft Academy, a private secondary school open to day students as well as boarding students, are being accepted. FA offers more than 120 different courses including college preparatory studies, advanced studies and college board-approved Advanced Placement courses. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
GREENVILLE – A train ride through eastern Quebec Province will be offered July 30 by the Moosehead Historical Society. Also included in the escorted bus trip will be a visit to Father Nature and the Eglise de Saint-Georges. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
MACHIAS – A Calais man made an initial appearance Monday in 4th District Court on a charge of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs. Francis Brown Jr., 37, was arrested at 2 a.m. July 12 his North Street home in Calais, Sgt. David Moffitt of the… Read More
Residents and visitors alike won’t want to miss the excitement of the Downeast Center Ring Circus Band, which will perform its annual waterfront concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, on the Bucksport waterfront. Having heard, seen, laughed, clapped and tapped my toes… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci has introduced legislation to help states create or maintain emergency aid programs for veterans. The bill would set up a federal grant program within the U.S. Veterans Administration to help states provide financial relief to veterans who are facing a temporary emergency… Read More
LEWISTON – “Survivor” contestant Zoe Zanidakis has put her 40-foot lobster boat up for sale as she pursues other options aimed at surviving post-reality show obscurity. Zanidakis, 35, of Monhegan island has two books in the works and another calendar under way. She also is… Read More
AUGUSTA – Police on Monday released the names of two motorists killed in a head-on collision last weekend on Route 3 near the Vassalboro line. The victims were identified as Jeffrey Kelly, 19, of New Jersey and Robert Seeley, 54, of China. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
AUGUSTA – The director of the Maine State Planning Office is leaving to take a post at the University of Southern Maine’s Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, the school announced Monday. Evan Richert begins his new job effective July 22, directing the Gulf… Read More
ATTLEBORO, Mass. – Two members of a religious sect won’t face criminal charges over a controversial pregnancy, a grand jury has determined. Rebecca Corneau’s pregnancy ended in a stillbirth last November, according to a memo released Monday by Bristol County District Attorney Paul Walsh. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
PORTLAND – The number of Maine year-round homes without indoor plumbing is declining quickly, and that means a longtime part of the rural landscape – the outhouse – is quickly vanishing. “There will come a time,” said Nancy Rudolph, who still uses her outhouse on… Read More
NORWAY – More than 40 law enforcement officers raided a home in this western Maine town last weekend during the annual gathering known as Fudafest, where police said marijuana and alcohol were sold. Aaron Fuda, who admitted to police that he had lost control of… Read More
Theatergoers aren’t just an audience in the Belfast Maskers’ latest offering. They are potential backers for a musical extravaganza about the history of the world, budgeted at $83.5 million, with a cast of 318 actors, 6,428 costumes, 1,400 wigs and 302 prosthetic devices. The musical… Read More
It’s hot inside the small bus, and the air smells of sticky vinyl. “Where to?” the driver asks, pulling away from Pickering Square in Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
“Irving had a thing about turtles.” That’s the first thing Bunzy Sherman said about her husband one day last week when a posthumous art show opened in his honor at Vincent’s Ear, a commercial gallery in Deer Isle Village. “I don’t know what it was. But he always… Read More
It’s community theater with attitude: tough, raw and cut-to-the bone about an issue that plagues American Indians across the country – the decline of their language and the resulting loss of Indian identity. For the past three years, the Passamaquoddy Players have been performing plays… Read More
Maybe it was the recent full moon or the summer nights when stars shone in the sky like schools of silvery herring in the sand cove. Something mysterious – but peaceful – has been saturating my soul, soothing it in a way a milk bath… Read More
Dear Jim: I have considered getting a solar water-heater kit to cut my utility bills and protect the environment for my children’s future. How do I know if one will be effective on my house and which type is best? – Megan T. Dear Megan:… Read More
It may still be too early to predict how this year’s change in the ownership of the Boston Red Sox will affect local Red Sox television coverage. That’s the word from New England Sports Network officials as Red Sox ownership tests the broadcast waters to… Read More
Maybe Scott Robbins’ victory in Sunday night’s Oxford True Value 250 has sunk in. Maybe it hasn’t. He isn’t sure. “I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like,” said the 29-year-old Dixfield native Monday, 21 hours after crossing the finish line ahead of veteran… Read More
Non-action at a recent school board meeting and an ad in the Saturday newspaper mean Mike Webb is out as the girls basketball coach at Hampden Academy. Maine School Administrative District 22, which encompasses Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh, advertised both the girls basketball position and… Read More
The University of Hartford, which in March won its first-ever America East Conference women’s basketball championship, has been selected as the host site for the tournament again next season. America East announced Monday that the Hawks will play host to the 2003 Friendship Cottage Cheese… Read More
WEST ENFIELD – In years past, late-summer visitors to Green Valley Golf Course could step up to the tee, let rip, and end up amazed by the results. “The August roll,” says Kim McLaughlin, who owns the course with her husband, Andy. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
HOLE-IN-ONE Chris Shaw 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 At Island Falls 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 Stonington Lobster Boat Races 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
PITTSFIELD – Bo Thomas knocked in four runs on a double and a single to lead the Orono Twins by the Sebasticook Storm 7-4 in an American Legion baseball game Monday. Chris Rand and Ryan Levesque each picked up two singles for the winners. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Biathletes on target Your article in the Sports section, (BDN 10 July) on Maine’s hosting the world biathlon championship for juniors is welcome news. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
BANGOR – Christian Dionne slammed a three-run home run plus an RBI double, totaling four RBIs as Bangor West bounced Holbrook from the District 3 ages 11-12 Little League Baseball All-Star tourney with an 11-4 victory on Monday. Kyle Gallant doubled, singled and knocked in… Read More