BANGOR – Great Northern Paper Inc.’s unsecured creditors are preparing to fight a $91 million bid from Belgravia Paper Co. Inc. to buy the bankrupt company’s two mills because it could discourage better offers from other suitors. “We find it problematic,” said Jay Geller, an… Read More
    BANGOR – Bankrupt Kent Inc., a manufacturer of infant and toddler sleepwear, will receive funding to keep its Fort Kent mill open for the next two weeks. But the company still must find an investor to remain in operation after the two weeks have passed. Read More
    Former U.S. Senate candidate Chellie Pingree has been chosen president and chief executive officer of Common Cause, a nationwide watchdog group boasting a membership of 200,000. “I don’t think I’ve ever been called ‘president’ before,” Pingree said Wednesday from her Washington office, calling the appointment… Read More
    A Page One story about the bid for Great Northern Paper Co. in Wednesday’s editions incorrectly spelled the name of one of the paper companies expected to visit GNP. The correct spelling is Kruger. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    People affected by the Great Northern Paper shutdown who need assistance should contact the following: Food: 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… Read More
    BANGOR – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regional office here is slated to close Friday, the regional administrator has confirmed. However, where the operation will set up next remained unclear Wednesday. Until the matter is resolved, calls to the Bangor OSHA office automatically will… Read More
    HOULTON – Region Two Adult Vocational Education announces a 45-hour personal care attendant course, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Feb. 25, at the Region Two Adult Vocational Center. Call 521-3154 to register. Read More
    The sagging financial markets have made housing a more talked about investment alternative, yet the most active players are still the usual suspects. According to some of the nation’s top real estate analysts, aging baby boomers and recent retirees are looking sooner to the second… Read More
    AUGUSTA – In a reflection of the hard economic times facing Mainers, the state is providing information about its health insurance programs in 24 of the Labor Department’s Career Centers, where displaced workers look for jobs. “We’re bringing something that is incalculable to people –… Read More
    PHILADELPHIA – The nation’s persistent economic slump and rash of corporate scandals that have drained cash from pension plans and 401(k) accounts are eating into yet another piece of retirees’ livelihood: their health benefits. Thousands of retired workers who were promised lifetime health care coverage… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The future of tourism, arguably Maine’s largest industry, is as much in the hands of people who serve on local planning boards as those who own motels and campgrounds. Speaking Wednesday at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Augusta Civic Center,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – More than three-quarters of Maine residents would like to buy more Maine food at their local supermarkets, a survey released Wednesday revealed. Commissioned by the Maine Department of Agriculture, the survey was planned to assess consumer attitudes and beliefs about buying food and… Read More
    I cannot imagine a better candidate for commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife than Roland “Danny” Martin. I first knew Danny 30 years ago, when he was a young artillery officer. Focused on the job at hand and concerned about his men,… Read More
    Medact, the United Kingdom affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, has released a new study based on evidence from the Gulf War. The study states that 111,000 innocent civilians were killed. Wars generally cause twice the number of wounded as those… Read More
    The State of Maine Board of Education showed no shame in hiring two supposedly objective consultants, at taxpayer expense, to evaluate Penobscot Valley High School’s educational programs. Numerous errors were found in this report, yet neither of the two individuals who wrote that document contacted PVHS to make… Read More
    If that voice on the tape really turns out to be Osama bin Laden, and if the disdain for Saddam Hussein on it (for instance, the reference to “infidel regimes in all Arab countries, including Iraq”) is overlooked and it is accepted that the mere mention of Iraq… Read More
    As a gift to the timber industry, riders placed earlier this week on the omnibus appropriations bill about to be passed by Congress were lavish, extravagant even. As an example of legislative process, however, the decision to attach with minimal debate highly contentious amendments to a bill that… Read More
    Francis Whittier (“Spare your sympathy,” Feb. 12 letter) has a right to his opinion and now I’ll give him mine. Great Northern Paper employees did make good money, but that was considered good money quite a few years ago. These people have not had raises… Read More
    A couple of years ago there were budget surpluses everywhere we looked. What a reasonable person should do with surplus money is pay off debt, save for a cushion and retirement, spend some to enjoy life and understand that surpluses are not the norm. What politicians do is… Read More
    Connie Molinski wrote in her Feb. 8-9 op-ed commentary of the negative effect on the town of Cutler from the lack of taxes paid by the Navy while they occupied the base and asserts the Lighthouse Corp.’s proposal will continue that pattern. Perhaps the decision… Read More
    Acid rain; climate change; mercury in fish; new techniques for monitoring dioxin; Atlantic salmon as endangered species; drought; drinking water quality; sludge disposal; lake eutrophication; water quality at Acadia National Park. Each of these water-related issues affects Maine’s economy and environment and is a current… Read More
    Saddam Hussein is a brutal dictator who does not care about the welfare of the people of Iraq or neighboring countries. In fact, many of us in the peace movement feel more strongly about this than do policy-makers in Washington. We questioned why Washington, the military and certain… Read More
    It is well known that Maine lags behind the rest of the country in terms of economic prosperity. In 2000, Maine ranked 36th among the 50 states in per capita income; 14 percent below the national average, and 29 percent below the New England average. Read More
    While walking in my neighborhood the other day, I saw a guy I’ve known for years driving toward me. I looked at him as he approached, gave him a little smile and a wave, but got no response. I’d swear that he looked straight at… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A jury on Wednesday acquitted Robert Burpee, 20, of Hermon of two counts of gross sexual assault after a three-day trial in Hancock County Superior Court. The jury of nine men and three women deliberated for about 90 minutes before returning the not-guilty… Read More
    Maine neared uncharted territory with two more snowmobile fatalities, one in Washburn and the other in Turner, officials said Wednesday. One of the accidents happened in Washburn when a sled went airborne for 190 feet before crashing onto the frozen Aroostook River and the other… Read More
    Sub-zero wind chills and steady snow contributed to a slick day of driving and dozens of accidents Wednesday in central and coastal parts of the state. The National Weather Service in Caribou issued a winter weather advisory for snow in eastern Maine, as well as… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine’s new governor is committed to correcting the state’s health care crisis, but at least one group says John Baldacci’s proposed biennial budget is steering health costs in the wrong direction. The Maine Hospital Association said Wednesday the governor’s plan to flat-fund Medicaid… Read More
    BREWER – Trying to strike a balance between compassion for injured animals and keeping an eye on the bottom line, the Brewer City Council on Tuesday approved an adjusted way of doing things with the city’s fledgling Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic at Twin City Plaza in Brewer. Read More
    ORONO – The town appears to be the second municipality in the state to pass a resolution opposing a pre-emptive invasion of Iraq by the United States. While noting the urgent need to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, the Town Council passed a resolution Monday… Read More
    CORINNA – Three of the four dogs rescued from a home in Harmony by state officials have been adopted. The fourth, a 4-year-old German Shepherd named Checkers is still looking for a family. A spokesperson at TJ Farms Sanctuary in Corinna said Checkers has been… Read More
    BREWER – High schools in the economically strapped communities of Millinocket and East Millinocket will receive donations from the Brewer City Council to help defray graduation costs this spring. The Council voted Tuesday to donate $500 to Schenck High School in East Millinocket and $500… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – A proposed municipal spending plan for 2003-2004 that closely matches last year’s budget has been presented by town officials. Accounts were pared as much as possible to offset increases in fixed costs and for equipment purchases in an effort to maintain the tax… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen this week signed a fire protection agreement with the town of Atkinson under which the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department will continue to share coverage of the town with the Milo Fire Department. The agreement calls for Atkinson to pay Dover-Foxcroft $1,562 for coverage… Read More
    BANGOR – Protesters urged the repeal of the Patriot Act during a rally Monday outside the Bangor Public Library. Even with blowing snow and temperatures that hovered at minus 13 degrees with the wind chill, nearly 50 people on the front steps joined in chastising… Read More
    Sumner Memorial High School, Sullivan Second 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
    THORNDIKE – The faculty of Mount View High School has selected Good Students of the Month for January. They are freshman Ben Rehmeyer, son of Barbara and Joe Rehmeyer of Liberty; sophomore Barbara Thompson, daughter of Ginny and David Thompson of Waldo; junior Lacey Stark, daughter of Ival… Read More
    TREMONT – The Maine Department of Marine Resources will hold a public hearing Feb. 19 on a Southwest Harbor businessman’s plan to raise Atlantic salmon off Tinker Island. At the same time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened the public comment period on… Read More
    CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy is seeking nominations from the public for student awards recognizing outstanding service and leadership to the academy or the community at large. Community members are invited to submit nominations. Students may be long-standing volunteers, club or group leaders, or an… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Child and Family Opportunities RDC will offer a free, six-week course from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Feb. 25, at the Department of Human Services building, 17 Eastward Lanes. A light lunch will be supplied. The training, designed for child care providers,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Hancock County Democrats, meeting Jan. 16, elected Kent Price of Orland as chairperson and Dexter Bellows of Hancock as vice chairperson for the next two years. The Hancock County Democrats meet the third Thursday of each month at the Ellsworth City Hall. Although… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – V-day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-day Ellsworth will present a one-night-only benefit production of “The Vagina Monologues” featuring Women with Wings choral group at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Grand Auditorium. Tickets are $15… Read More
    CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy’s division of continuing education will sponsor a 72-hour, hands-on, wilderness first response course. The five-week course will be held from March 3 to April 15 at MMA. The course is recommended for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts who spend time in… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A workshop on new storm water regulations and nonpoint source pollution will be held by the Hancock County Planning Commission and the Union River Watershed Coalition from noon-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 18, at Ellsworth City Hall. The workshop fee of $7 covers printed… Read More
    FORT KENT -Heavy snow damaged a section of flat roof at SAD 27’s Community High School causing classes to be canceled Wednesday. Classes will resume today, but some sections of the school, where steel beam reinforcement is needed, will remain closed until repairs can be… Read More
    MADAWASKA – Maine’s congressional delegation has added its voice to a request by Gov. John Baldacci to have Aroostook County declared a disaster area because of record-setting snowstorms at the beginning of the month. In a letter to President George Bush, the delegation said the… Read More
    SACO – A group of anti-casino activists have taken the unusual step of trying to raise $100,000 from southern Maine municipalities. Casinos No this week asked for a $10,000 donation from Saco officials, and it hopes to receive similar contributions from towns in York County,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – York County District Attorney Michael Cantara won a legislative committee’s backing Wednesday to become commissioner of Maine’s Public Safety Department, which oversees state police and other law-enforcement agencies. With the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee’s 11-0 vote, Cantara is positioned to receive… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Maine Public Service Co. has announced a new education program designed to keep young adults in Aroostook County for education and future employment. To counter the loss of the young people, MPS has designed its Career Exploration Program to entice students to… Read More
    Police arrested a woman in Bangor on Tuesday night for violation of a protection order. Waynette Walters, 41, was arrested after a brief foot-chase and struggle with a police officer who had attempted to put her under arrest. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BANGOR – A Nevada developer has hired a city councilor to help bring about a multimillion-dollar entertainment complex at Bass Park. Councilor David Nealley told his colleagues Monday night that he has been hired by Capital Seven LLC, the firm that runs the harness racing… Read More
    MEDWAY – Members of the School Union 113 Joint Board on Tuesday agreed to delay negotiations for a new elementary tuition contract until they know more about the future of bankrupt Great Northern Paper Inc. Five years ago, the towns of East Millinocket and Medway… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – The uncertain future of bankrupt Great Northern Paper, the town’s largest taxpayer, has prompted town officials to delay the annual town meeting. Typically, the meeting is held in May, but it will be held on June 24 this year. Municipal elections will… Read More
    MACHIAS – A Meddybemps man whose junkyards have been the site of federal and state cleanup operations for more than 20 years was found guilty Wednesday of violating Maine’s hazardous waste laws. A Superior County jury of seven men and five women deliberated for just… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Forty Mount Desert Island residents took 45 minutes Wednesday to approve a $6.9 million budget for the regional high school. The new budget plan, for the 2003-04 school year, increases spending by $543,577 and increases the local share of the cost by… Read More
    ASHLAND – Two Ashland residents have been arrested in connection with a burglary that occurred sometime late last summer or fall in that town. Christopher Willette, 28, and Sabrina Adams, 25, were arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary and theft. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    Presque Isle District Court Cases Jan. 1-31, 2003 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
    When Mary Cameron of Bangor graduated from high school in June 2000, one of our subscribers wrote us lamenting her departure because she had been such a wonderful Bangor Daily News Sunriser for that family. Now I’ve heard from Mary’s dad, Gary Cameron of Caribou,… Read More
    Littleton Town officials have shaved about $12,000 from the proposed municipal budget to be offered to voters at the annual town meeting Monday, March 17. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    HOULTON – U.S. Customs officials will hold public meetings next week in Aroostook County to discuss the agency’s plans to use gates after hours at some remote ports of entry starting March 15. Meetings have been set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the… Read More
    AUBURN – A Lewiston man accused of murdering a Bates College student was the only person seen with a knife before, during and after the fatal stabbing, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday. In addition to having the knife, Brandon Thongsavanh was seen “wrapped up” with… Read More
    PORTLAND – An engine cowling fell off a small passenger jet Wednesday morning but the aircraft with 53 people aboard continued its flight and landed safely at Dulles International Airport near Washington, officials said. The cowling tumbled to the ground as United Express Flight 625… Read More
    BANGOR – A Croatian merchant sailor was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to 53 months in federal prison for importing the stimulant drug Ecstasy into the U.S. more than a year ago. Oliver Kragic, 47, also was sentenced by Judge George Singal to three… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The new chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee indicated Wednesday that he isn’t interested in the efforts of U.S. senators from the Northeast who are seeking to reduce air pollution from Midwest power plants. In fact, Sen. James M. Inhofe,… Read More
    PORTLAND – A ferry captain who has been fired twice, first for alleged workplace intimidation and again for allegedly leveling a false intimidation claim against a co-worker, has lost his latest appeal to return to the job. Casco Bay Lines originally dismissed Adam Nice back… Read More
    Caswell The proposed budget to operate the town of Caswell is up about $10,000 over last year. 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
    BOSTON – The death of three monkeys that had gotten an AIDS vaccine in a Boston lab suggests that a closely watched strategy intended to blunt the deadly progression of HIV may not provide total protection from the disease. For several years, researchers have concentrated… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe warned Wednesday that how the Coast Guard balances its new homeland security duties with its traditional missions will be closely monitored by Congress. Snowe’s warning came as the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries, which… Read More
    PORTLAND – Additional security measures put into place at the Portland International Jetport because of the nation’s heightened terrorism alert could cause a parking crunch during school vacation week. Last week, the federal government raised the national terrorism alert from yellow to orange, prompting security… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A company that bought the assets of Biddeford Textile is moving its corporate offices from Florida to Biddeford, Gov. John Baldacci and officials of Microlife Corp. announced Wednesday. In moving to Maine, Microlife will bring five executive positions with it. In addition, Microlife… Read More
    Back in October, The Boss waved his magic job-wand and made me an outdoors columnist, much to the chagrin of my mom (who thought I’d get lost), and many readers (who thought they should get the job instead). Since then, life has been busy. First,… Read More
    ORONO – Shooting, rebounds, assists, defense … Other than turnovers, the University of Maine men dominated Wednesday’s game in almost every conceivable way against an undermanned Northeastern University squad. Seniors Justin Rowe and Rickey White were virtually unstoppable against the smaller Huskies’ lineup as they… Read More
    ST. MORITZ, Switzerland – Bode Miller became the first American man to win three medals in a world championship. He is the first to capture two golds. He’s also the first American to win the giant slalom world title in 21 years. Yet Miller, a… Read More
    The Maine Maritime Academy women’s basketball team is coach Craig Dagan’s “baby.” And though the Mariners’ 7-year-old program is still in its formative stages, MMA is in the midst of a tremendous growth spurt as evidenced by Wednesday night’s 64-63 overtime win over Saint Joseph’s… Read More
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    ORONO – The UMaine women’s basketball team hopes to play in front of a ‘Sea of White’ during Sunday’s noon game against Binghamton at Alfond Arena. The first 500 fans will receive a free UMaine T-shirt courtesy of UNICEL and all fans are asked to wear white to… Read More
    BANGOR – Luke Hayden scored 27 points to lead Nokomis of Newport to a 69-51 boys basketball win over Hampden at the Bangor Auditorium Wednesday night. Ryan McLellan had 16 points for the Warriors and Joey Mullis added 10. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    CASTINE – Freshman Julia Knights fired in a running 3-pointer as time expired in overtime Wednesday night, lifting Maine Maritime Academy to a 64-63 women’s basketball victory over Saint Joseph’s College. Knights finished with 21 points and a game-high 16 rebounds for Maine Maritime Academy. Read More
    BANGOR – The Brewer and Bangor basketball girls teams put on a 3-point shooting show in the first quarter of Wednesday evening’s matchup at the Bangor Auditorium. It was exciting to watch the two teams combine for six long-distance baskets, but for Brewer the key… Read More
    HODGDON – Jimmy Griffin nailed a pair of free throws with five seconds to play Wednesday night, lifting eighth-seeded Hodgdon to a 55-53 Eastern Maine Class B boys basketball preliminary victory over No. 9 Schenck of East Millinocket. The Wolverines’ Tyler Thompson was fouled as… Read More
    The John Bapst of Bangor girls and boys ski teams built large leads in the cross country disciplines and then held on Tuesday at New Hermon Mountain to win the Penobscot Valley Conference Skiing Championships as Hampden Academy charged back in the Alpine portion of the meet. Read More
    AMES, Iowa – Calli Sanders, who has worked at the University of Maine since 2001, has been named associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator at Iowa State. Sanders worked in intercollegiate athletics for 14 years before becoming associate dean of students at Maine. Her… Read More
    Three weeks ago, Husson College men’s basketball coach Warren Caruso wasn’t a very happy or satisfied man. His Braves, one of the favorites to win the Sunrise Conference title this year, had just been upset 88-83 by conference rival University of Maine-Farmington at home. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    What gift would you like to receive for Valentine’s Day? “A dinner out.” 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… Read More
    WINTERPORT – Thirteen-year-old Jessica Gray recalls the time some friends were joking around at school: “This kid said, ‘Jessica’s built just like a Barbie … Oh, wait, except Jessica’s fat.'” For the record, although she’s probably impatient for her adolescent body to start assuming the… Read More
    BREWER – A new winter festival, the Brewer Family Winter Fest, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, on the waterfront and at Doyle Field. An ice-sculpting event is part of the program and Steve Griffith off the University of New Hampshire will create three ice… Read More
    It is the unknown that makes a Class B Eastern Maine Tournament matchup of a Camden Hills and Foxcroft Academy or an Erskine Academy and MDI so intriguing. The teams don’t know each other. They don’t play each other. They don’t see each other. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Want to share something through School News? E-mail it to weekly@bangordailynews.net, or mail it to The Weekly, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or drop it off at the front desk of the Buck Street entrance at the Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St., Bangor. Schools… Read More
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    ORONO – A free program on “Archaeology of the Andean Coast” is set for 7-9 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Bodwell Lounge, Maine Center for the Arts, University of Maine. Three researchers, who are studying a pottery collection from the Galapagos Islands, will give brief… Read More
    BANGOR – Three seasons ago Eastern Maine Technical College had a women’s club basketball team – mostly of non-EMTC players. This season is different. “This is the first ever women’s intercollegiate basketball team,” said coach Will Aldrich of EMTC’s Golden Eagles, now enjoying their first… Read More
    The Mount Desert Island girls basketball team knows how to prepare for the tournament. After all, the Trojans have won two straight Class B state championships and are among the clear favorites to repeat as Eastern Maine winners. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BANGOR – Project organizers for the Challenger Learning Center of Maine gathered at Bangor International Airport last week to express their condolences to the families of the Columbia space shuttle crew who died Feb. 1. The Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education, the national… Read More