BREWER – Three years after he helped bring Western law enforcement standards to a war-torn Bosnia, Brewer Police Chief Steve Barker was shopping for “gallons of sunblock,” hats and sunglasses as he prepared Wednesday to head off to the world’s latest hot spot, Iraq. Like… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Severance packages for former workers at the Georgia-Pacific paper mill were agreed upon Wednesday by company officials and PACE Local 80 union representatives. The packages will be voted on during two meetings Sunday by all production, maintenance and clerical union members. Laid-off… Read More
    An article in the State section of April 17 editions confused two pending bills before the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee. To clarify, LD 1545 would fund the Animal Welfare Program through an increase in pet and kennel licensing fees, while LD 1215 proposes a tax on pet foods. Read More
    Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean on Wednesday called for Republican Sen. Rick Santorum (photo) to resign his leadership post after the lawmaker compared homosexuality to bigamy, polygamy, incest and adultery. “Gay-bashing is not a legitimate public policy discussion; it is immoral,” Dean said. Santorum, Pennsylvania’s junior senator, is… Read More
    WATERVILLE – An Arizona developer has sent a letter to Waterville officials threatening to do business elsewhere if the city doesn’t accept his offer to buy the former C.F. Hathaway Co. building. The handwritten letter from Michael Peloquin states that he is willing to pay… Read More
    BANGOR – A Maine-owned communications company is in negotiations to purchase Prexar, an Internet services company with headquarters in Bangor. The services to be offered by a potential new owner would be decided through negotiations, according to John McCatherin, director of public affairs for Prexar. Read More
    BANGOR – Some local businesses that have dealings with Georgia-Pacific Corp.’s Old Town mill are maintaining a wait-and-see attitude about eliminating jobs and implementing other cost-cutting measures. “Georgia-Pacific basically is my business, and at this point in time I don’t know what is going to… Read More
    It used to be that lower interest rates, coupled with consistent appreciation, floated all boats. Rising home values not only covered possible mistakes in the buyer’s original purchase price but also provided additional equity to pay bills not even associated with the home’s principal, interest,… Read More
    PORTLAND – Organized labor is willing to throw its support behind development of a $650 million casino in York County if casino owners reach an agreement with trade unions. The executive board of the Maine AFL-CIO voted recently to back the casino campaign by the… Read More
    In a time of little or no economic growth, increasing job loss and government budget shortfalls, state borrowing to encourage economic growth can be a difficult idea to sell. But it is exactly what Maine should be doing to grow out of its current slump, and the $60… Read More
    A quick exit from Iraq, which some White House and Pentagon officials envision, would be a mistake. A hasty departure from Baghdad would no doubt avoid complications and save money. But rebuilding the country’s political system – a task that must be done with international oversight and assistance… Read More
    If Diane Sawyer feels the need to interview the Dixie Chicks and give them another opportunity to say they are ashamed of the president, that is her right. It is, however, my right not to subject myself to their anti-American views. I am ashamed the Dixie Chicks are… Read More
    I was intensely interested in the column by Thomas Duchesneau regarding tuition at the University of Maine (BDN, April 12-13). He made the point that colleges with the highest state appropriation, for the most part, had the lowest tuition. He mentioned several notable exceptions to this rule, one… Read More
    “Efficient Maine” (BDN editorial, April 12-13) is voodoo economics. I get to pay another few bucks for my power and somehow “Maine would save $80 million”? Do I get my money back? Who gets these “savings”? Let the people who own inefficient, power-consuming appliances take action to cure… Read More
    After reading last month’s article about impacted groundwater monitoring wells in Sangerville, I felt compelled to clarify some of the facts and add perspective as to why the project was initiated. The short paper fiber and biosolids were not dumped as reported, but utilized in… Read More
    I read the April 12-13 article about the problem with arrogance in youth on Mount Desert Island. How can you pick out one high school and say it has more problems with disrespect than any other? While I believe arrogance has become a growing problem in youth across… Read More
    I regretted to read in the April 16 Bangor Daily News that Michael Heath, executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, was not welcomed at the fifth annual Civil Rights Team Conference in Augusta. This seminar was supposed to promote tolerance for diversity. Read More
    The recent announcements of the plans for the Bangor waterfront on the Penobscot River and the desire to build a new civic center auditorium look wonderful. Brand new commercial and retail space, an amphitheater, a new motel-convention center, a new civic center and open green space along the… Read More
    Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is known and feared for his scorn. Underlings tremble. The press wilts. In our new Sound-Bite Millennium, nothing succeeds like mockery, and Rumsfeld has established himself as its most expert political practitioner. Recently and famously, he dismissed most of a continent as “Old… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, a rare Republican holdout against President Bush’s tax cut proposal, earned a reputation as a tightwad during his years as Ohio governor. He shined his own shoes, bought his clothes on sale, and when he learned public money was… Read More
    WASHINGTON – In his record-breaking campaign fund-raising effort last year, U.S. Rep. Michael H. Michaud proudly touted the fact that he raised 85 percent of the total from sources within the state. This year, now that he is the incumbent, Michaud has started his fund-raising… Read More
    WASHINGTON – After losing a close election last year for one of Maine’s two congressional seats, Kevin Raye already is weighing the option of running again in 2004. “I’m going to consider it,” Raye said in a phone interview Tuesday. “Lots of people are urging… Read More
    Holly Pelkey would be the first to say that her daughter’s cancer has dramatically altered her whole family’s outlook on life. Change is only natural, of course, considering the hardship the Pelkeys endured when 11-year-old Elizabeth was diagnosed with leukemia in 1999 and underwent an… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci’s long-promised health care reform package is almost ready to see the light of day. Speaking on Wednesday evening at the annual meeting of the Maine Health Access Foundation, the governor said he’ll unveil his universal health care plan next week. Read More
    ROCKLAND – A former Maine State Prison guard who pleaded guilty last week to selling marijuana to inmates while he was working at the Thomaston prison was sentenced Wednesday to six months behind bars. After the sentencing, Douglas Vincent Bickford, 37, of Cushing was taken… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The local school board has presented to the City Council a proposed budget that would require a $377,000 hike in city taxes, according to the superintendent. The projected overall increase in the 2003-04 budget is $777,000, school Superintendent Jack Turcotte said Wednesday. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    CALAIS – Gov. John E. Baldacci will be the keynote speaker Saturday at the Washington County Business Conference and Expo. The event will be held from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Washington County Technical College. Read More
    HANCOCK – Two vehicles were demolished but no one suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday afternoon in a collision at the intersection of Route 1 and Thorsen Road. Geneva Spoon, 27, of Ellsworth was driving a 1991 Pontiac east on Route 1 around 3 p.m. when she… Read More
    LEVANT – The Levant Historical Society elected officers and discussed the continuation of the scholarship awarded to an outstanding senior from an area high school at its April 14 meeting at the Minerva Grange Hall. The group welcomes new members. For more information, call Don… Read More
    Veazie gardens wanted for inclusion on tour VEAZIE – The Veazie Garden Club is seeking gardeners from Veazie who would like to include their gardens in the club’s garden tour Friday, July 10. The tour is part of the town’s 150th celebration. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    GLENBURN – Nomination papers for the Glenburn Town Council and school committee may now be obtained at the town office. The election will be held Tuesday, June 10. There are two three-year positions available. Papers must be returned to the town clerk no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Police continue to scramble to keep up with a rash of vandalism throughout the city, which this week involved shootings at parked vehicles in residential neighborhoods, Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower said Wednesday. On Tuesday, four vehicles had windows smashed out and were… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – A local firm, the Frank W. Woodworth construction company of Detroit, was the apparent low bidder Wednesday on the Pittsfield Municipal Airport renovation project. Woodworth bid $2,230,337, or $155,337 over the project budget, and was one of three bidders. H.E. Sargent Inc. of… Read More
    AUBURN – Concerned about their northern neighbors, a group of Lewiston-Auburn residents hopes to raise $10,000 to help people affected by the 119-day shutdown of bankrupt Great Northern Paper Inc. Ed and Sheila Desgroseilliers and a dozen of their friends, who call themselves Twin Cities… Read More
    BANGOR – The Husson College International Club will put on a fashion and talent show from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Bangor Mall. Bangor Mayor Nichi Farnham has declared Sunday as Husson College International Club Day in Bangor. Other countries represented… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor High School Music Boosters will present Pops Night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the high school. Performances will be by the Bangor High Jazz Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Fiddlers, and the Cohen School Jazz Band. Tickets are $4… Read More
    LINCOLN – Two teams of students from Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln earned first-place titles at the regional and state competitions in March for Destination Imagination, a worldwide creative problem solving organization that was formerly known as Odyssey of the Mind. The Global Destination Imagination Finals,… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – The First Congregational Church will hold a special brunch in honor of the Rev. Andrew Gibson after the 10 a.m. service Sunday, April 27. Gibson is leaving First Congregational Church after 11 years of service to become a full-time chaplain with the Maine… Read More
    BANGOR – The annual fashion show fund-raiser sponsored by Altrusa International Inc. of Bangor will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the Husson College campus center. The show is hosted by Jan Smith of WVII 7. Tickets are $12. For information, call… Read More
    THOMASTON – Dragon Products Co. can move ahead with its $50 million expansion after receiving a building permit Wednesday. Code enforcement officer Peter Surek confirmed that Dragon officials had presented all the required information on their application and the company was issued a building permit. Read More
    ROCKLAND – A Camden man who was stopped by police Wednesday morning did not recall hitting a utility pole guy wire with his vehicle, according to the police. Corwin Olds, 23, was traveling south on Broadway in a 1997 Chevrolet sedan when the vehicle left… Read More
    THOMASTON – A 2001 white Pontiac Grand Prix SE was reported missing Tuesday from the Rockland Ford sales lot. The four-door sedan was taken sometime in the past week, Police Chief Kevin Haj said Wednesday, noting that the vehicle was last seen in the parking… Read More
    Three fire departments showed up after a report of a fire at the Holden Irving gas station on Route 1A Wednesday night. About 8 p.m., two clerks saw the lights in the store flicker and go out, and smelled smoke coming from the electrical room. Read More
    MACHIAS – Down East Community Hospital ended the first quarter of 2003 with a net profit of about $250,000, and is moving ahead with a plan to enhance services, an official said Wednesday. Mary Jo Gripp, the hospital’s human resources chief, said the hospital is… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – A faulty baseboard heater caused a Tuesday morning fire in an apartment in the Swimming Club on Manchester Drive, Fire Chief Chris Farley said Wednesday. The building, open only during the summer months, has little insulation, and heat is provided with 2-foot… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Planning for Prosperity Steering Committee has set its second meeting for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the Hancock County Technical Center on Boggy Brook Road. The public is invited. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Annual weather-spotter training by the National Weather Service is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26, at the City Hall auditorium. The weather service uses spotters throughout the year for reports of severe weather such as thunderstorms, flooding and significant snowfall. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Business owners in Aroostook County told Sen. Olympia Snowe on Wednesday that rising health care costs and retail trade discrepancies with Canada are among their biggest concerns. Just as she was told Tuesday in Portland, Snowe again heard that rising health insurance… Read More
    LIMESTONE – A local couple known for volunteering on behalf of education, the local library, youth, the elderly and their church were named the town’s Citizens of the Year on Tuesday night. Bob and Dot Phair were lauded by the Rev. Ellen Cleaves of the… Read More
    Houlton District Court Cases April 14-18, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
    CARIBOU – A Madawaska man was released from custody Tuesday after his initial appearance in District Court on charges of assault and two counts of criminal threatening. Jean Hebert, 53, was summoned on the charges after an alleged altercation with his landlord and part-time employer,… Read More
    LIMESTONE – A lawmaker gave community leaders a succinct explanation Tuesday night for the state’s budget squeeze: “We have tried to do too much for our Maine people. There are too many programs and not enough money to go around.” State Rep. Florence T. Young,… Read More
    MADAWASKA – A seminar for cancer survivors and family called “Living with Cancer” will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, at Roland’s Rendez-vous. The seminar, an annual event of the Edgar Paradis Cancer Fund, will feature keynote speaker Jackie Pauli-Ritz, a social worker. Read More
    FORT KENT – The Battered Women’s Project will offer free training for community members in the St. John Valley interested in volunteering to answer their hot line. The 30-hour training for assisting victims of domestic violence will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read More
    Waldo County Superior Court Cases April 21-23, 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]… Read More
    HERMON – Cars slowed and sometimes stopped along Route 2 on Wednesday as motorists sought to catch a glimpse of the smoldering remains of what had been the familiar home of a well-known family. Little more than the shell of the former farmhouse remained standing… Read More
    When the bright red word “highest” appears on your e-mail priority list, you might be skeptical about its contents, but this time it was appropriate. Mike Gleason wrote: “Our ball was dropped,” and a flier “thought to be in the works googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    PORTLAND – Reports of a Marine who got a late notice about a parking ticket while he was fighting in Iraq got the attention of officials in Los Angeles, where the ticket was issued. The mayor’s office and transportation department said they would look into… Read More
    PORTLAND – A convicted sex offender was arrested after police discovered him selling ice cream to children from a Good Humor truck outside an elementary school. Robert Andre Bouthot, 34, is classified by Biddeford police as a “sexually violent predator” because of a 1999 assault… Read More
    SURRY – The state Medical Examiner’s Office determined Wednesday that drowning was the cause of death for a 38-year-old woman whose body was discovered washed up on the beach. It appears Beth Ellen Spain’s death was a suicide, said Maine State Police Trooper Cliff Peterson. Read More
    PORTLAND – The controversy over whether the man recognized as Portland’s founder owned a slave is resurfacing two weeks before a replica of the slave schooner Amistad visits Portland Harbor. City officials have decided Amistad will berth at the city-owned Maine State Pier during its… Read More
    COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Limited-government advocates have their eyes on Idaho. Or Montana. Or Maine. All are among 10 lightly populated states known for small-government politics that could end up being a Libertarian utopia. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    ALBANY, N.Y. – Choking back tears for the friends who never left Somalia alive, Lt. Jeff Quinn was presented the Bronze Star on Wednesday, almost 10 years after the U.S. military’s humanitarian mission left 18 servicemen dead in an assault chronicled in the film “Black Hawk Down.”… Read More
    ORONO – If there is one thing the Husson College Braves couldn’t afford in their baseball game against the University of Maine Wednesday night, it was to give the Bears extra outs. The Braves committed five two-out errors in the fifth inning leading to five… Read More
    You’d think a guy who was voted the Atlantic-10 Conference’s defensive player of the year for the last two seasons would have a pretty good shot at hearing his name called sometime during the two-day, seven-round NFL Draft. But if you’re a University of Maine… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL Camden Hills boys (1-0) 4, Oak Hill (0-1) 1 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
    COLLEGE Emily Kirkland 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
    The University of Maine women’s basketball team and friends group will host the second Lobster Fest “Fun” Raiser at the Lobster Pot in Ellsworth on Saturday, June 7. The social begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. The event costs $45 and… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Portland Sea Dogs will salute a common household tool in Saturday’s game against the New Haven Ravens at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs will host the Salute to Duck Tape, in which fans are encouraged to dress up in clothing and accessories… Read More
    SACO – Matchups for Saturday’s Maine Open candlepin championships at Vacationland are set. Casey Murray of Bangor-Brewer Lanes will face Kelly Ames of Oxford Hills at 11 a.m. and Jim Singleton of Good Time Lanes will meet Al Joy of Vacationland. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    TURKU, Finland – Kimmo Rintanen and Teemu Selanne scored third-period goals as Finland beat the United States 4-2 Wednesday in an exhibition for the World Hockey Championships. Rintanen broke a 2-2 tie at 11:39 and Selanne finished the scoring with a power-play goal five minutes… Read More
    April 24, 2003 BOYS 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
    The University of Maine field hockey program, which posted a 15-4 record and earned a berth in the America East championship game last fall, has received six National Letters of Intent as it looks to replace five starters and three of its top four scorers. Read More
    BOSTON – Julie Henneke pitched a one-hit shutout as Boston University topped the University of Maine 2-0 in the first game of a Wednesday doubleheader and won the second 3-0 for a sweep. In the first game, Henneke doubled and singled for Boston. Abbey Pauley… Read More
    BANGOR – The Eastern Maine Camera Club will present a program by nature photographer Bill Silliker at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Bangor Public Library. The public is invited. “No telephoto lens can offset a lack of technique at getting close to wildlife,” said… Read More
    “It would be nice if they’d win the World Series.” Cindy Skidgell, Holden 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
    BANGOR – The traditional folk music group Generations will highlight the Peace and Justice Center’s ninth annual HOPE – Help Organize Peace Earthwide – Festival, set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Brewer Auditorium. Arnold Neptune, a Penobscot elder, will perform the opening ceremony. The festival… Read More
    GLENBURN – How do you bring computer technology and Internet service to a small rural town in Maine when the costs can wreak havoc with the pocketbook? Glenburn has come up with a program that not only keeps costs down for residents, but provides service… Read More
    Schools Center Drive School 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
    Promotion MONTEREY, Calif. – Marine Corps Pfc. Matthew Schaefer, son of Cheryl Schaefer of Bangor and Thomas Schaefer of Orrington, was recently promoted to his current rank while serving with Marine Corps Detachment in Monterey, Calif. Schaefer is a 2002 graduate of Orono High School. Read More
    Heather Clark is not your typical friend. She may be a regular high school student like you and me, but she’s a regular high school student who holds school records in the 800, mile and 2-mile; the Eastern Maine Indoor Track League mile record; a… Read More
    Bangor National Dance Week 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
    BANGOR – The Calix Society has announced the formation of the Calix-Bangor Unit. The Calix Society is a fellowship of Catholic men and women, and other people of good will, who, while continuing to accept God’s ongoing and life giving gift of sobriety, through affiliation with and participation… Read More
    BANGOR – Promising Maine poets seeking to develop their skills are encouraged to apply for a Martin Dibner Fellowship through the Maine Community Foundation. Filmmakers in the early stages of their careers may apply for the Maine Community Foundation’s Jane Morrison Film Fellowship. One or… Read More
    Bangor Movie screening, discussion 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
    (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – April 24, 1993 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
    May is upon us and that can only mean one thing: The May Festival is imminent. And why not? May is, after all, Older Americans Month. Sponsored by the University of Maine Center on Aging, with a healthy dose of good will and hard work… Read More