ORONO – The University of Maine will make up for a midyear loss of $923,000 in state appropriations with tuition generated from increased enrollment and by leaving some faculty and staff positions unfilled, the interim chief financial officer said this week. The loss is the… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Remaining true to his inaugural pledge, Gov. John E. Baldacci signed his first executive order Thursday, launching the complicated process of trying to provide health insurance for all Mainers. With a stroke of his pen, Baldacci created the Governor’s Office of Health Care… Read More
    MACHIAS – Hundreds of men carrying thousands of dollars in cash jammed early meetings of the NASCAR Racing Gifting Club, witnesses in a Superior Court civil trial said Thursday. The state is suing John Neddeau of Baileyville for violating the Unfair Trade Practices Act by… Read More
    On the Style-Calendar page Thursday, a photo caption with a story about swing dance failed to say swing dancers and teachers Chuck McKay III and Summer Sunderland are with the Back Door Dance Studio of Eddington. Cafe Dry Dock in Southwest Harbor also should have been listed among… Read More
    BANGOR – Great Northern Paper Co.’s decision to file for bankruptcy protection Thursday had congressional and legislative officials scurrying to try to secure financing to reopen the company’s two plants already shut down for more than two weeks. U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, an employee at… Read More
    BANGOR – The state Department of Labor’s Rapid Response team, which assists laid-off employees with unemployment and job retraining benefits, will be at the Katahdin Area Training and Entrepreneurial Center today and will be available to speak with Great Northern Paper Co.’s workers. No time… Read More
    WASHINGTON – In the old days, the “women of the Senate” were the wives of the men who traditionally ran the institution. Times have changed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    WOONSOCKET, R.I. – CVS Corp. agreed Thursday to pay $1.1 million to settle claims it violated consumer protection laws in nearly 20 states, including Maine, by allegedly charging full price for partially filled prescriptions. Attorneys general in 18 states and the District of Columbia claimed… Read More
    Many people have watched with great interest as Lewiston has planned a peaceful response to the white supremacist group’s visit this weekend. However, many of us cannot attend the rally. To show our support why doesn’t all of Maine light an outside candle today from… Read More
    Recently there has been a renewal of commentary about the need for a community college system in Maine to change the unhappy fact of low college attendance in our high school graduates. Several years ago, then Gov. King spoke about the promised solution to this problem he discovered… Read More
    Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi is no longer the Senate majority leader. His past caught up with his present and he could not take back the things he said or the evidence of his racist record. Sen. Lott’s gaffe was one of speaking his true feelings in public. Read More
    Almost every day I travel a short, well-worn route in Old Town. It’s the most convenient way to any of my destinations and it’s the only way. Some people call it College Road. Until recently, the sign at the Gilman Falls end said it was… Read More
    A chill ran through my heart and down my spine when I saw members of the World Church of the Creator on television waving the Nazi salute and planning their march Saturday in the name of racial hatred. Their aim is to inflict fear and pain on a… Read More
    John Baldacci began his tenure as governor of Maine impressively. His inaugural address Wednesday was clear in its message, inspiring in its tone, tempered by experience and plainspoken in a way certain to build confidence in the state he will lead. It was an encouraging start to confront… Read More
    As our troops prepare for a probable war in Iraq, Americans can agree on one thing. We must continue to do everything possible to shore up our nation’s security, and reduce America’s vulnerability to attack. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much agreement in Washington… Read More
    WINTER HARBOR – A Franklin man faces a charge of attempted murder after a shootout Wednesday night that injured a local man. David Baker, 37, turned himself in Wednesday night to officers at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department after the shootout, according to Stephen McCausland,… Read More
    PORTLAND – A court ruling last month has cost about 36,000 low-income elderly and disabled Mainers their eligibility for discounts on certain medicines under the state’s Drugs for the Elderly program. The program will continue to offer 80 percent discounts on certain drugs for 14… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate resolved on Thursday an election that had been in dispute since Nov. 5, affirming a one-seat Democratic majority in the 35-member chamber. Democrats claimed their 18-17 edge with the seating of Christopher Hall in Senate District 16. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    A Machias couple apparently tried to make a political statement earlier this week by rigging a fake bomb in their checked luggage at a San Jose, Calif., airport. Paul Kenneth Donahue, 50, and Teresa Marie Wood, 46, had been scheduled to fly from San Jose… Read More
    The Maine State Society Foundation of Washington, D.C., will award four to five scholarships of at least $1,000 to students attending Maine colleges or universities. Applicants must be Maine residents who already have completed at least one academic year at a Maine college or university and have a… Read More
    ORONO – The Maine Writing Project is accepting nominations of exemplary teachers for its annual Summer Institute scheduled for June 30 to July 18 at the University of Maine. A spring workshop on effective writing instruction and an advanced institute focusing on adolescent literacy are also on the… Read More
    THOMASTON – The findings of an audit of SAD 50 accounts, including almost $30,000 in “questionable” items, were turned over Thursday to Thomaston police for a criminal investigation, according to Chief Kevin Haj. The district’s accounting-food service director, Kathleen Wright of Hope, who was placed… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Despite a marathon session that stretched from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the city’s planning board reached no decision on two separate applications. Once again, the board tabled the application from Patrick Downey for a subdivision on Shore Road and also tabled a… Read More
    EAST MACHIAS – A Trescott man who allegedly called in the bomb threat that closed Washington Academy on Thursday has been arrested. Lt. Michael Riggs of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department said he and Sgt. Donald Smith arrested Joseph Keene, 18, after tracing the bomb… Read More
    CAMDEN – A straw poll of Camden firefighters taken this week showed a majority doesn’t want to use air packs supplied by CairnsAIR. The town bought 25 packs and 50 replacement air bottles from the New Castle, Del., company for $73,585 in 1999. Since then,… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Selectmen will discuss the status of the Rockport Boat Club when they meet Monday but will not have an attorney present. Town Manager Ken Smith raised the issue of the boat club’s use of town-owned land on the harbor at a meeting last… Read More
    UNITY – The Unity College Women’s Environmental Leadership Program has announced its first Student Leader Award, designed to honor female high school seniors who show a serious commitment to a better environment. WE Lead is seeking nominations of female high school seniors who show promise… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Union Trust Co. of Ellsworth announced the availability of charitable distributions to organizations that work primarily either with battered women or abused children. The company, a trustee of the Crosset Charitable Trust, invites those charitable organizations interested in receiving information regarding the January… Read More
    CALAIS – The Valley Gospel Singers of the St. Stephen area of New Brunswick will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Calais Elementary School. The event is sponsored by the Second Baptist Church. Read More
    ROCKLAND – A Waldoboro man was arrested Thursday after three police officers chased him on foot for allegedly stealing $80 worth of clothing from the gift shop at Trade Winds Motor Inn. Otto Miller, 30, was taken to Knox County Jail, where he was charged… Read More
    LEWISTON – Reacting to this weekend’s scheduled white supremacist rally, the Maine Legislature on Thursday passed a resolution condemning hate and bigotry while business leaders ran newspaper advertisements touting the area as welcoming to people of all ethnic backgrounds. About 1,100 Somalis have moved to… Read More
    HOULTON – Efforts to put together a deal to help a New Jersey firm expand to Houlton are progressing, Town Manager Peggy Daigle told the Town Council during a special Thursday afternoon meeting. Though final details with Melton Sales and Service of Bordentown, N.J., have… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Presque Isle police have charged seven people in connection with a burglary last fall at a local convenience store. Sean Waddington, 19, and Amy Bloomer, 18, both of Presque Isle, have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and theft at the… Read More
    Houlton District Court cases Dec. 30, 2002-Jan. 3, 2003 Alan G. Quint, 57, Houlton, passing stopped school bus, $250. 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;… Read More
    CALAIS – About 40 area college students had a few anxious moments last week when they learned that grant money they needed to buy books and pay for child care and transportation had dried up. The loss of federal funds from the state Department of… Read More
    PORTLAND – Otis Elevator Co. will launch a national safety campaign for old elevators with swinging doors as part of a settlement with the family of an 8-year-old boy who was crushed in an elevator in Maine. Jeffrey and Mary Smith of Bel Air, Md.,… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – More than 20 residents, school officials, town leaders and interested parents gathered Thursday night to reignite the desire for a local community center. The Community Center Task Force was created, a group that will unfortunately be starting nearly from scratch even though a… Read More
    BANGOR – Local dignitaries and members of the harness racing community were among the more than 50 people who turned up to mark the official opening Thursday of Bangor Historic Raceway’s new downtown office. The office at 52 Main St. has been open since last… Read More
    GREENVILLE – Rather than overtax the current public works crew, selectmen this week agreed to look into contracting the snow removal of sidewalks. The move this week came on the heels of a discussion to purchase a machine to clear the sidewalks. Currently, the town… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Aroostook County has been losing population for 40 years. Between 1990 and 2000 alone, it lost 13,000 people, a decline of 15 percent. Business, economic development and education leaders and others from across The County will meet later this month to come… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – At a time when more people in the Penquis region are requesting assistance to help feed their families, local food cupboard operators are faced with a shortfall in federal aid funds. Last year, the four local food cupboards received a total of $12,285… Read More
    BANGOR – Members of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission said Thursday that they would have liked more time to consider redevelopment plans for the aging Waterworks complex. They would have preferred that the distinctive smokestack and the filter house, both targeted for demolition, be preserved. They also would… Read More
    DEXTER – SAD 46 directors Wednesday extended Dexter Regional High School Principal Bruce Bailey’s contract by one year. The action was taken after an executive session to evaluate Bailey’s performance. His salary will be determined, along with those of other administrators, during the budget process. Read More
    BANGOR – Bangor area residents wishing to publicly protest Saturday’s World Church of the Creator’s white supremacist event in Lewiston have a couple of options. Despite the arrest Wednesday of its leader, Matthew Hale, on charges of soliciting the murder of a federal judge, the… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – M. Michaela Murphy, the attorney for accused cabdriver killer Derek-Finn Wilhelmsen, said her client will go on trial in May and that psychological and psychiatric testing done by the state will show that her client was unable to control his behavior. Wilhelmsen’s tests… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Interviews to fill the position of the director of Public Works are scheduled for next week, according to City Manager John Lord. Four candidates are slated to meet with a panel of interviewers. The meetings are not open to the public and the list of… Read More
    DANFORTH – At least four people were left homeless when a chimney fire led to the destruction of a Calais Road home Thursday afternoon. The two-story farmhouse from the early 20th century was owned by Tabitha and Jamie Shay, who lived with their daughter, Haleigh,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A North Haven family is suing the island town for alleged physical and verbal abuse by “town agents” during a dispute over ownership of an extension of Bartlett Harbor Road. David B. and Linda S. Haskell and their son, Ryan Haskell, assert the… Read More
    PORTLAND – High school students from the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf will attend Portland High School this fall because the state says the Baxter program does not meet state standards. Ten to 12 students will attend Portland High School but will retain their… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation that would help states with their budget problems by increasing the federal government’s share of each state’s Medicaid costs and provide block grants for social services. The bill would provide $10 billion in designated… Read More
    FORT KENT – Fort Kent Community High School band and chorale students have been chosen to play at a reception honoring Gov. John Baldacci and first lady Karen Baldacci from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Blaine House in Augusta. The program… Read More
    HOULTON – SAD 29-70 Adult Education announces that computer, CPR and first aid courses will be held beginning Jan. 14 at various locations. For more information, including registering for any of the classes, call 521-3154. Read More
    HOULTON – Vital Pathways of Southern Aroostook will hold its January coalition meeting 7-8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Houlton High School library. Vital Pathways is a Healthy Communities coalition working with the Maine Bureau of Health and local agencies and businesses. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    PORTLAND – An Old Orchard Beach man faces up to 10 years in prison for possession of pipe bombs. Matthew Olson, 28, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to possession of two pipe bombs, according to U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    One of newly inaugurated Gov. John Baldacci’s first official duties was to hand his wife Karen some work. The first lady, who is a teacher in Bangor, “will focus on the critical issues of childhood literacy and nutrition,” Baldacci said in his inaugural speech Wednesday. Read More
    LOCKEPORT, Nova Scotia – A fire forced two fishermen to abandon their boat Thursday off Nova Scotia’s south shore. The men aboard the vessel Our Mac were picked up by another boat, Little Razz, said a spokesman with the Canadian Coast Guard. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A nightlong standoff ended early Thursday morning with the suicide of an Ellsworth man. Russell R. Curley, 46, shot himself in the chest with a handgun while talking on a cell phone from his home with a state police negotiator. Curley died at… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Mount Desert police Officer Troy Cleaves entered a not guilty plea Thursday on a charge of operating under the influence of intoxicants. District Court clerk Cheryl Tims said Cleaves entered his plea via letter though his attorney, Steven Juskewitch of Ellsworth. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    The save-the-same-date approach taken by volunteers last year at the Curran Homestead in Orrington apparently worked so well they’re doing it again for 2003. This year, however, it’s called “Save Your 16s” with activities planned on that day in January, February and March. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    This is a very personal column. It is one in which I find very little middle ground and very little gray area. The topic is a hot button growing by the minute. The topic is one where you stand up and join the fight and participate in administering… Read More
    BANGOR – Thirteeen months ago, Brewer High School’s Josh Caldwell scored with five seconds remaining in regulation to give the Witches a 3-2 win over Bangor that ended six years of futility against their arch-rivals. The senior center came through in dramatic fashion yet again… Read More
    ORONO – Getting to the foul line often and taking advantage of those opportunities are two key ingredients for winning basketball games. The University of Maine women proved that Thursday night, converting 27 of 33 foul shots on its way to a 67-55 America East… Read More
    BANGOR – The last time the Bangor and Nokomis boys basketball teams met, the game went down to the last shot. Thursday night at the Bangor Auditorium, the second encounter of the season between the schools was virtually decided by the first shot, a baseline… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Hermon Mountain 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 Dover-Foxcroft, Wednesday 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 Husson College, Bangor 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
    CASTINE – Erinne Magee scored 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds Thursday night to lead the Maine Maritime Academy women’s basketball team to a win over UM-Fort Kent. Julia Knights scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the Mariners. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    MARS HILL – Alicia Rideout buried a game-winning 3-pointer with about 10 seconds to left in the first overtime to lift the Central Aroostook girls basketball team to a 46-45 victory over Washburn Thursday in high school action. The Panthers trailed by 13 after three… Read More
    HARRINGTON – Linny Barbee hit a 3-pointer with four seconds to play in the fourth quarter to lift the Narraguagus girls basketball team to a 52-51 victory over Calais Thursday in high school action. Crystal Martin of Calais hit one of two free throws with… Read More
    LEE – Shelby Pickering tossed in 22 points and grabbed 22 rebounds as the Lee girls basketball team topped Woodland 48-35 Thursday in high school action. Samantha Cole chipped in with 10 points for Lee, which avenged an early-season loss and picked up a point-worthy… Read More
    University of Maine senior center Marty Kariya has been an offensive catalyst for the men’s hockey team ever since he set foot on the Orono campus. He has averaged nearly a point per game (.985 to be exact). googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    Maine vs. Northeastern Time, site: Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday, 7 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) {… Read More
    In theaters ADAPTATION. Directed by Spike Jonze, written by Charlie Kaufman and Donald Kaufman, 114 minutes, rated R. Starts tonight, Railroad Square Cinema, Waterville. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
    Midseason is a time of diminished expectations on television (that’s why cable premieres many of its original series around this time). Even dubbing these shows “replacements” implies they’re something less than the new shows that debut in the fall. That’s why two series premiering tonight… Read More