BANGOR – More food. More Porta-Potties. More crafts. More people. And more important, more music. That was the message at Tuesday’s news conference announcing the first eight performers for the 65th annual National Folk Festival, to be held Aug. 22-24 along the city’s waterfront. The… Read More
AUGUSTA – State revenue estimators offered yet another downward forecast for Maine’s economy Tuesday, sending the Baldacci administration scrambling to find another $17.3 million in savings before the current budget cycle ends June 30. Following the recommendations offered last month by the Consensus Economic Forecasting… Read More
AUGUSTA – More time, money and expertise are needed to put Learning Results into place, according to a legislatively appointed task force charged with reviewing schools’ progress on the state’s new education standards. The group agreed Tuesday to ask the Legislature to give school systems… Read More
A teaspoon of bee pollen with each meal – and an occasional nip of whiskey in the morning – is the secret to a life spanning parts of three centuries, said America’s oldest man. “It’s helped my rheumatism and my arthritis. I know it hasn’t… Read More
AUGUSTA – Public schools long have profited by catering to students’ taste for soft drinks, candy bars and other high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks, using proceeds from the sale of such sugary treats to support extracurricular programs. But under the provisions of a bill currently before the… Read More
Tuesday’s story on the latest Kids Count report contained an error. The statement about gender differences in children with special education needs should have read: Of the 36,580 children with special needs, 69 percent are boys and 31 percent are girls. Read More
KeyBank, the Rotary Club of Bangor, the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Presque Isle will sponsor a series of presentations in March on how companies are using the Internet to succeed. Read More
SANFORD – Atlantic Precision Products Inc. is closing its plant, putting dozens of people out of work. Atlantic Precision’s parent company, Allied Devices Corp. of Hicksville, N.Y., last week filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
TORONTO – Talks on resolving the U.S.-Canadian trade dispute over softwood lumber have broken down over money issues, Canada’s international trade minister said Tuesday. Pierre Pettigrew said negotiations stopped after the two sides failed to make progress on two issues in the dispute over punitive… Read More
Michael D. Stang of Holden has been named operations manager of Eastern Paper’s coated products division, which is based at the company’s mill in Brewer. Stang is a veteran paper manufacturing executive who joins Eastern Paper from Wausau Mosinee’s Otis mill, where he was technical manager. Before that… Read More
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Shareholders have gone to court against UnumProvident Corp., charging that the disability insurer made misleading statements and improperly denied some claims to artificially inflate its stock price. At least two complaints seeking class-action status have been filed since the company announced Feb. Read More
An article in the Feb. 8-9 Bangor Daily News indicated that, in an attempt to balance the budget, many public safety jobs are slated for elimination. The article stated none of those positions included state police officers. Perhaps this is an attempt to make the public feel their… Read More
“Give peace a chance” once again appears on placards during anti-war demonstrations throughout this country, reminding us of our trip to New York in 1967 to take part in a massive anti-Vietnam War protest. Back then, we protested what we perceived to be a policy of suppression of… Read More
Americans are being deceived and lied to by our own. Any United Nations council decision on whether Iraq is a threat will be ignored. The decision has already been made. Troops, tanks and aircraft carriers are being sent to the Gulf for one purpose – war. Read More
In the Jan. 29 Bangor Daily News, an article on Rep. Michael Michaud stated he looks forward to continuing to push Maine projects such as the east-west highway. Push he will, along with supporters like Gov. Baldacci and former Maine Transportation Commissioner Jane Lincoln. But Mainers who know… Read More
I feel bad for the Cutler residents who may be left as dead fish to linger for some time (BDN, Feb. 14). Good old-fashioned face-to-face talk will result in a mature solution. One thing I feel comes to the minds of Cutler residents is bringing… Read More
Much has been said about the state of the budget deficit and I along with all Mainers have been waiting for the hard remedies that would be proposed to balance the budget or at least eliminate most of the deficit without an increase in taxes. However, I was… Read More
A report just published by a privately funded task force points the way toward a possible peaceful resolution of the escalating confrontation between the United States and North Korea. The 36-page report by the Washington-based Center for International Policy says the current confrontation is heading toward either a… Read More
The Legislature’s Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation Committee has held public hearings on four bills designed to restrict the twice voter-approved Land for Maine’s Future program. Three have received unanimous or nearly so “ought not to pass” recommendations from the committee. The fourth should as well. Read More
Editor’s note: This is the first of three parts of a commentary on the benefits and risks of the nation’s smallpox vaccination plan. I am a dermatologist, and in the 1960s and ’70s during my training and days at Massachusetts General Hospital as an instructor… Read More
AUGUSTA – Nearly 500 people crowded the State House on Tuesday afternoon for the public hearing on two bills that seek to end coyote snaring. The crowd overflowed five hearing rooms and a hallway. The bills’ sponsors, Rep. Linda McKee, D-Wayne, and Rep. Tom Bull,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Like the state itself, the seven-campus University of Maine System faces a severe shortfall between current funding and what it would cost to maintain present services, Chancellor Joseph Westphal told the Legislature on Tuesday. A combination of reduced state funding and increased insurance… Read More
BANGOR – Family, friends and other supporters lined outer Hammond Street early Tuesday to bid Godspeed to the 170 Maine National Guard members leaving the state in anticipation of assisting in a possible war with Iraq. Maine Army National Guard officials say the deployment is… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine voters will likely be asked to decide Nov. 4 whether to approve separate gambling initiatives, one backed by Indian tribes and the other by the harness-racing industry. State election officials said Tuesday a sufficient number of voter signatures has been certified to… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday gutted a bill that would have forced the state’s police departments to provide officers with mandatory training about Maine’s Freedom of Access Act, the law that defines what information must be made public upon request. The… Read More
AUGUSTA – The giant chemical maker Monsanto has failed in its attempt to convince the state of Maine to abandon its Quality Trademark Seal program for milk, which the state adopted in 1994. Maine Attorney General G. Steven Rowe has informed Monsanto that the use… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – The Stockton Springs Community Library was awarded a cash gift from the library at the American International School in Israel. The $400 gift from librarian Andrea Staples will be used to buy children’s books for the library. The gift was matched by… Read More
Veazie police arrested a woman after she reportedly elbowed a man in the stomach Monday night. Officers Ryan Welch and Todd Jamison responded to the call at 10:15 p.m. and met a man at a pay phone. The man said he had had a verbal… Read More
Orono High School 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
NEWPORT – With only four days left until the annual town meeting, Newport budget committee members held an emergency meeting Wednesday night and slashed $161,008 in proposed spending from the 2003 budget. The committee’s action was in reaction to a predicted shortfall in SAD 48… Read More
DEXTER – Education Commissioner J. Duke Albanese has invited Penquis area superintendents and school board members to meet with him at 6 tonight at Dexter Middle School to discuss the potential for regionalization and consolidation efforts. The meeting is a result of Dexter Middle School… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Neighbors of developer Steve Gillespie are poised to appeal the planning board’s approval of his Gold Coast subdivision on Fernald Point Road, according to a spokesman for the opposition. Stephen Homer, a leader of the Fernald Point Neighbors Association, said Monday that… Read More
Warren Residents will have a selection of candidates to choose from for three selectman seats when they vote March 24. Some are former board members. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
TREMONT – Selectmen have refused to give up their stake in a 55-acre parcel in Bar Harbor that the MDI Housing Authority hopes one day to develop for housing. The land, located off the Crooked Road in the village of Town Hill, was awarded through… Read More
NORTHPORT – The Waldo County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a weekend break-in at the Northport Diner that netted about $80 in change. Chief Deputy Robert Keating said the break-in was reported at 11:21 p.m. Friday by Peter Moran, son of the diner’s owners. Moran told… Read More
ROCKLAND – City police arrested a local man for the second time this year after spotting a speeding car on Camden Street. Police said Craig Davis, 39, of Rockland was arrested Friday, traveling on Camden Street at about 60 mph in a 30 mph zone. Read More
ROCKPORT – The Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce will hold a legislative forum to discuss state and midcoast issues from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Farmhouse Conference Center on Route 1. On hand will be state Sens. Christine Savage, R-Union, and Carol… Read More
LAMOINE – A snowmobile safety course will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Lamoine Consolidated School. The course, called “Ride Right, Ride Smart,” will be preceded by a potluck supper. Both events are free and open to the public. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BELFAST – The Attorney General’s Office has found no grounds for filing charges against Waldo County Commissioner John Hyk for his part in a traffic accident that killed a Stockton Springs woman last summer. Assistant Attorney General William Stokes said the agency’s finding in the… Read More
ROCKPORT – The 74-foot schooner Timberwind came close to sinking at its mooring in Rockport Harbor on Tuesday, but the quick actions of the harbor master and the U.S. Coast Guard saved the boat from damage. Robert Tassi of Rockport, captain of the schooner, called… Read More
MACHIAS – A University of Maine at Machias physics professor and his niece will discuss the historical, cultural and political ramifications of a divided Korean peninsula during a potluck supper sponsored by the UMM International Club. The supper will be 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1,… Read More
CALAIS – In the mood to order a police officer around? On Friday, Calais police and dispatchers will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Calais Motor Inn to raise money for the eighth-grade class trip. The 47 pupils hope to raise enough money… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen on Monday reviewed a proposed public participation policy that is expected to be adopted at next month’s meeting. The board modeled the policy after a similar one in use by SAD 68 directors, but refined it to be less restrictive to the… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Two men were injured Tuesday morning when their vehicles collided on Route 2 in Pittsfield. Donald Butler II, 23, of West Athens was taken to Sebasticook Valley Hospital in a private vehicle for minor injuries, while Cory Plaisted, 25, of Ellsworth was taken… Read More
WALDOBORO – A man and a juvenile were charged with burglary Monday after allegedly breaking into Medomak Valley High School early that morning. Eric Rytky, 18, of Warren was arrested and an unidentified male juvenile was released to his parents, after charges of burglary, according… Read More
GREENVILLE – A Greenville man has been charged for criminal threatening with a firearm after an incident on Depot Street on Sunday. Two young local men alleged that Joseph Benosky, 55, pointed a gun at them after an argument while they were on the street… Read More
BAR HARBOR – The warrant committee will recommend that residents reject a resolution condemning a possible war with Iraq when they meet for a special town meeting next week. The committee, after extended discussion Monday, narrowly voted against the resolution written by the grass-roots group… Read More
GREENVILLE – A local woman received a head injury Tuesday when a sheet of ice from a passing vehicle struck her while she was walking on Pritham Avenue. Joy Henderson, 42, was taken by ambulance to Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital after the 9:35 a.m. Read More
CARIBOU – The Maine Veterans Services will be closed Friday, Feb. 28. The service will be moving from the Sincook Street location to 37 Lombard Road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Cuts beyond 10 percent from the current school budget will result in four to 10 school furlough days, according to Superintendent Brent Colbry. The uncertain future of bankrupt Great Northern Paper Inc., the town’s largest taxpayer, prompted some members of the Town Council… Read More
LINCOLN – The locomotive leading an eight-car Springfield Terminal Railway train derailed early Tuesday morning in North Lincoln. Police reported no injuries. Cynthia Scarano, a Springfield Terminal spokesman, said the train was traveling from Bangor to Mattawamkeag about 6:40 a.m. when four of the lead… Read More
BANGOR – In appreciation of creations and characters invented by Theodor Seuss Geisel, the Bangor Public Library will hold a Dr. Seuss’ 99th Birthday Party at 4 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the library’s lecture hall. The Young Adult Advisory Board will host the program… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield police Officer Jeff Vanadestine on Tuesday morning recovered a 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier stolen from a Bangor front yard the night before. Brian Wheeler Jr., 18, of Bangor and a Pittsfield juvenile were charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after they… Read More
DEXTER- The North Country Riding Club will meet at 6:30 tonight at the Wassookeag Snowmobile Club on Number 10 Road. Members will discuss and vote on committees, high school scholarships, programs, class schedules and more. Participants do not have to be a resident of Dexter,… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Bell Ringers of Dover-Foxcroft will perform at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Thompson Public Library. The free performance is sponsored by the Friends of Thompson Free Library. Light desserts will be available. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
ORONO – The Orono Republican Town Committee recently unanimously approved a proclamation supporting President Bush and U.S. military service men and women as they prepare for possible war in Iraq. The proclamation, written by Chairperson Mary K. Drew, expressed gratitude to the armed forces “for… Read More
BELFAST – Regardless of the cost or criticism, the Waldo County commissioners are committed to building a new sheriff’s office and 70-bed jail. That was the message delivered to the Belfast City Council on Tuesday as commissioners briefed the members on the county’s plans for… Read More
ELLSWORTH – After a decision Tuesday night by the city’s appeals board, a Lamoine tow truck driver will be suspended from the city’s rotation list for towing disabled vehicles, according to a city official. The Ellsworth Appeals Board voted Tuesday that Clifton Bradford twice last… Read More
CALAIS – Reinvigorating the city’s business community is a priority, and if the City Council and Chamber of Commerce can’t do it, who will? That was the premise of a meeting Tuesday night between members of the Calais Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City… Read More
Ellsworth High School 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
Beddington The annual town meeting and election of officers will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Town Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
WARREN – SAD 40 directors have given tentative approval to a security proposal that would allow school property, including lockers and desks, to be searched at any time without notice. The board approved the proposal on first reading Monday, but a final decision will be… Read More
FORT KENT – The town’s 134th annual report will be dedicated to the Northern Maine Medical Center. The Town Council approved the dedication Monday night. The hospital, which opened its doors in September 1952, celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Garfield John Orcutt, a first selectman for 25 years, doesn’t expect much change in the budget for running the town and paying county taxes and the town’s share of education at SAD 32 in Ashland. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
HOULTON – Town councilors on Monday discussed what that board’s role should be in the evaluation of municipal department heads. The issue was raised by Councilor Michael Carpenter, who said the evaluations were a major part of the town manager’s job. Not knowing how the… Read More
CARIBOU – Some uncertainties remain in Caribou’s budget, but the City Council has approved a preliminary estimate of $6,735,570. The budget will be revisited in May, before establishing the city’s 2003-2004 mill rate in June. By May, the city hopes that the school budget will… Read More
PROSPECT – The Friends of Fort Knox will hold a film-lecture series on weekends throughout March at the Fort Knox Visitor and Education Center, Route 174. The series features “The Civil War,” a film by Ken Burns, which will be shown in several segments. Lecturers… Read More
From Alma Johnson comes word that Ofelia’s Food Cupboard & Thrift Store in Glenburn celebrated its first anniversary in January, and that the organization is now serving “nearly 1,600 people from 44 towns.” Ofelia’s is located at 831 Pushaw Road, and “food pass-out days” are… Read More
BANGOR – The testimony of the father and son owners of a Deer Isle boatyard Tuesday filled the second day of a civil trial in U.S. District Court. Standard Fire Insurance Co. of Hartford, Conn., and One Beacon Insurance of Boston are suing Jericho Bay… Read More
WASHINGTON – With more than 5 million veterans now in the Veterans Affairs system, Maine resident Edward Heath said, about 200,000 wait six months or longer for medical treatment. Hundreds of members of the Disabled American Veterans were here Tuesday as DAV national commander Heath… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The condition of a Presque Isle man assaulted with a baseball bat over the weekend was upgraded Tuesday to serious, according to a hospital representative at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Darryl Currier, 28, was flown to the hospital Saturday after… Read More
LEWISTON – A Bates College student is among the nearly 200 people injured in last week’s nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., that claimed 97 lives. Philip Barr of Lincoln, R.I., a junior at the liberal arts college, was listed in critical condition at Rhode… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Harvest Fund at Maine Initiatives is making grants of up to $2,000 to projects aimed at keeping food in Maine healthful, plentiful and grown within Maine’s borders. The application deadline for spring grants is April 2. Small-scale projects are welcome. In the… Read More
ORONO – Beta Theta Pi, a University of Maine social fraternity, is holding its 10th annual sleep-out to raise money and awareness for Rape Response Services of Bangor. Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes from Bangor businesses until Friday, Feb. 28, in the Memorial… Read More
BANGOR – A U.S. District Court judge Tuesday ended a malpractice trial a day and a half into testimony when he granted a defense motion for judgment. Judge D. Brock Hornby agreed that plaintiff John Little, 58, of Presque Isle had not presented enough evidence… Read More
CARIBOU – A Caribou youth remained in critical condition Tuesday at a Bangor hospital with injuries he suffered Sunday when he was struck by lightning. Steven Crowley, 15, was sliding with friends at the Caribou Country Club when he was struck at about 3:45 p.m. Read More
WASHINGTON – Gov. John Baldacci asked Maine’s congressional delegation Monday for more funding for homeland security, special education and health care for the poor in Maine. Baldacci, in Washington for a National Governors Association meeting, spent a morning session at the White House with President… Read More
LITTLETON – The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians has been awarded a $50,000 grant to develop a pilot program to increase awareness of domestic violence within the Indian community. The Maliseets are one of six American Indian pilot sites chosen across the country to develop… Read More
BREWER – Verna Boynton of Lincoln took in a young foster child eight years ago who stabbed her cat his first day in her home and killed the animal the second day. Now 14, the boy remains severely disturbed, yet Boynton remains committed to him… Read More
While you were out buying duct tape and plastic earlier this month, I was worrying about food. Good little citizen that I am, I responded to the heightened terrorism alert and possibility of war with alarm and fear. It’s all still nebulous in my mind what these scenarios… Read More
ORONO – Eldritch is a dying Midwestern town. Most of the inhabitants have been forced to desert it to find jobs and fulfillment. Both are sorely lacking in Eldritch, which derives its name from a Scottish word meaning unnatural, hideous or weird. Yet, what happens… Read More
Inn the kitchen If you needed another excuse to get away in March, two of New Hampshire’s most acclaimed country inns, the Manor on Golden Pond and the Rabbit Hill Inn, will host Cooking “Inn” Style classes from March 23 to 26. Chefs from each… Read More
BREWER – It won’t go down as the most beautiful game of hockey ever witnessed at T.J. Ryan Center but it will go down as a Brewer win. The third-seeded Witches received a pair of goals apiece from Robbie Hayes and Ben Caldwell and knocked… Read More
Big time players come up with big time performances at big moments. All three of this year’s William C. Warner Most Valuable Players did just that in their respective Eastern Maine tournament championship games. Winslow’s Micah Grant scored 26 points in the Black Raiders’ Class… Read More
ORONO – As a University of New Hampshire alumna and the daughter of former UNH coach and athletic director Andy Mooradian, Jody Mooradian couldn’t help but wonder what her deceased dad would think about her being a finalist for the University of Maine’s athletic director’s position. Read More
BANGOR – Mount Ararat High School junior right wing Josh Bartlett said he hasn’t converted a breakaway all year. He picked an opportune time to break that trend. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
ORONO – United Parcel Service (UPS) has brown. The University of Maine men’s basketball team has Brown and White. In terms of delivering, both seem to be very reliable right now. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
The NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams this season. There will be four, four-team regionals, two in the East (Providence, R.I., and Worcester, Mass.) and two in the West (Minneapolis and Ann Arbor, Mich.). Will the NCAA… Read More
COLLEGE Randy Fletcher and Gary Dussard 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
HOULTON – The Houlton Police Association is sponsoring a benefit basketball game in which they will take on the Harlem Court Jesters comedy basketball team. The game is scheduled for April 26 at 7 p.m. at Houlton High School. In addition to the game, autographs… Read More
MAINE vs. ALBANY Time, site: Wednesday, 7:30 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()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
ORONO – The winning streak has reached 15 games for the University of Maine women’s basketball team. It is the longest for the Black Bears since the 1995-96 squad won 19 consecutive games on its way to the conference regular-season and tournament championships and a… Read More
CASTINE – Levant’s Erinne Magee and Brookton’s Julia Knights each scored 18 points to help Maine Maritime Academy win the North Atlantic Conference women’s basketball quarterfinal game 77-43 over Lesley College Tuesday night. Amanda Johnson chipped in with 11 points for the winners and Meghan… Read More
Eastern and Central Maine student-athletes Julia Knights and Jed Johnson have been named North Atlantic Conference basketball players of the year. Johnson, a graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield, set school career records with 1,411 points and 1,014 rebounds. Johnson is the fifth recorded… Read More
The No. 7 Hampden Academy Broncos edged the No. 10 Lawrence Bulldogs of Fairfield 42-40 in an Eastern Maine Class A girls basketball prelim Tuesday night. With the win, the Broncos advanced to Saturday’s 9:35 a.m. quarterfinal round at the Bangor Auditorium against the No. Read More