A photo in Monday’s sports section incorrectly identified Eric Anderson of Smyrna, whose canoe capsized last Saturday during the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race. Read More
    AUGUSTA – The sale of bankrupt Great Northern Paper Inc. to Toronto-based Brascan Corp. is slated to close Tuesday, setting the stage for hundreds of mill workers to return to their jobs. Gov. John Baldacci and company officials planned to meet with reporters in Portland… Read More
    PORTLAND – Allen Cameron retired abruptly as president of Bath Iron Works on Monday in a move seen by one close observer as a shakeup of the shipyard’s leadership. General Dynamics, the shipbuilder’s parent company, announced that Cameron has been replaced by John “Dugan” Shipway,… Read More
    “Perhaps this is a world in which children suffer, but we can lessen the suffering of children and if we do not do this, who will?” – Albert Camus. State budget shortfalls are happening all over America. Maine addressed its budget without raising broad-based taxes. Read More
    Some day soon a guy with scant hair but more testosterone than God gave stallions is going to stand up in the leaking ship of Maine’s health care system and lay claim to the title of captain. He is then going to suggest to the crew that they… Read More
    I believe in freedom of speech just as much as the next person. Our First Amendment right needs to be safeguarded and defended along with the rest of our amendment rights. Our country is built on that very freedom. Without that, we would not be any better off… Read More
    A recent poll shows that about one-third of nonsmokers would be likely to spend more time in bars or taverns if smoking were banned there, while only a tiny percentage of smokers said they would spend less time as a result of a ban. The poll, by Critical… Read More
    Whenever you go to a hospital, doctor, dentist or pharmacy these days, you get a fresh batch of privacy notices and you have to sign an acknowledgment that you have been handed the documents. This is one more case where the cure seems worse than the disease. Read More
    Well, it has happened again. Can you spell “discrimination”? The University of Maine is giving a layoff tuition break to those who have been affected by layoffs in larger companies. Do they think the students from families affected by layoffs in small companies have no need? This is… Read More
    Sounds to me like somebody has an ax to grind, or they are blind in one eye. Life has changed. Gambling is everywhere, even in Maine, and has been since the beginning of time. Are pools halls, Beano, the lottery and scratch tickets not gambling?… Read More
    It is the right of every citizen to speak out when they disagree with the actions of the government. It is why we live in this country and why our soldiers have fought and died in Iraq and in many other places throughout history. Not speaking out would… Read More
    From what I could see from the [Dixie Chicks] interview, it made many people happy to have someone to hate again. Bill Clinton was the object of this hatred for many years. As I saw the violent reactions, I could understand why the Ku Klux Klan was so… Read More
    The main reason for the Pilgrims’ journey to America was freedom of religion. Many churches were founded and no one was forced to join one of them. Then, after a lot of happy, friendly years among the churches came an atheist, Madalyn Murray O’Hare, who,… Read More
    It is deplorable that our president, as part of his proposed tax cut, would reduce federal funding for veterans’ health benefits. If our president’s proposals go through, then all those yellow ribbons, flags and complaints about those of us who work for peace won’t help our veterans and… Read More
    Great Northern Paper Co.’s recent bankruptcy has left the Millinocket area without hundreds of jobs. In its wisdom, the Millinocket Town Council suggested the municipal department budget and the school department budget be cut by 10 percent. The municipal department bit the bullet and achieved… Read More
    At the end of a recent news story about U.S. troops and journalists being investigated for trying to take contraband from Iraq was this interesting historic footnote. Whether it’s called souvenir hunting or looting, reported USA Today, bringing back items from a war is a… Read More
    The lobster on Maine’s newest license plate is still dead. But the Maine Lobster Promotion Council hopes the specialty plate – which will cost drivers an additional $20 in the first year of use – will help keep the state’s highest-profile fishery alive and well. Read More
    FRIENDSHIP – An explosion Monday destroyed a 36-foot lobster boat and a boat workshop owned by the town’s oldest active lobsterman, family and fire officials said. Nobody was home when the explosion occurred, and nobody was hurt, said Fire Capt. Kyle Martin. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A new law prompted in part by a questionable transfer of money in a state department will require accounting training so the governor and Legislature aren’t kept in the dark on how public money is being used. Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill… Read More
    BAILEYVILLE – Town councilors want to hear more about a possible 340,000-acre conservation easement proposal that would include some 8,000 acres of the town, but a conservation group has put them off until after its June announcement. Stephen Keith, executive director of the Downeast Lakes… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The trial of a Lamoine man accused of discharging a rifle outside his home in 2001 to scare trespassers off his property is expected to begin today in Hancock County Superior Court. A jury was picked Monday for the trial of Clifton Bradford,… Read More
    BANGOR – The Insurance Women of Eastern Maine are sponsoring a yellow ribbon campaign and tree-decorating ceremony Thursday to honor all of the National Guard members from Bangor area communities who are in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beginning at 5:15 p.m., 300 yellow ribbons will be attached… Read More
    GUILFORD – A first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. April 30 and May 2 at Piscataquis Community High School, sponsored by SAD 4 Adult Education and Mayo Regional Hospital’s Heartwise program. Will Hesketh, a Heartwise instructor, will… Read More
    HUDSON – A small forest fire that investigators are calling suspicious destroyed a vacant mobile home and trailers Monday, spreading to junked cars and sending up noxious black smoke. With the wind blowing in their favor and aided by natural and man-made ditches of standing… Read More
    BREWER – A 64-year-old woman from Fredericton, New Brunswick, apparently ran a red light and was injured when she was struck by a delivery truck on the corner of North Main and State streets in Brewer at 10:40 a.m. Monday. “She was traveling north on… Read More
    Plum Creek Timberlands LLC of Fairfield has agreed to pay a $9,000 civil penalty for clear-cutting violations under the Forest Practices Act. The violations occurred on a parcel of land in West Middlesex Canal Grant (T1 R3 NBKP) in Somerset County just west of Moosehead Lake. Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci signed into law a bill that preserves Maine’s coyote snaring program, which has been labeled by opponents as unethical and inhumane. The bill, LD 237, sets new conditions and requirements for state Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department agents who use… Read More
    AUGUSTA – An autopsy conducted Monday confirmed that the weekend deaths of a Lewiston couple were a murder-suicide. Dr. Margaret Greenwald, chief medical examiner, found that Billie Jo Smith, 22, died from multiple stab wounds and that Raymond Tripp Jr., 30, died from a single… Read More
    CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy students, officers and crew will depart at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 11, aboard the training ship State of Maine for its annual two-month training cruise to foreign and domestic ports. The training cruise will begin Sunday, May 4, for a… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge will sponsor a trail trimming day Saturday, May 3, on refuge lands in Milford. To participate, meet at the refuge office at 9 a.m. on Route 2 in Old Town. Participants should bring a handsaw, loppers to cut brush, rubber… Read More
    A veterans services officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be available from 9 a.m. to noon at the following locations to assist veterans, widows and dependent children in filing for state and federal benefits. . Thursday, May 1, Millinocket District… Read More
    HOULTON – Three adult education programs are set for the Houlton area: . The University of Maine at Presque Isle, Northern Maine Technical College and Adult Education are sponsoring a free, pre-college math assessment session 3-6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the Houlton Higher Education… Read More
    LORING – The TAMC Health Group Bowlathon held recently at Evergreen Bowling Center for the Lifeline Emergency Response System raised almost $2,000. The tournament winners from First Citizens Bank were Sue Oldenburg, Julie Howlett, Sheree Sweeney and Beth Michaud. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Police said Monday that Rockland District High School’s cafeteria was broken into sometime during the weekend and ransacked. A broken window was reported Monday morning, said Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    FRENCHVILLE – A local man awakened by a noise at about 3 a.m. Monday was able to get his two children out of their burning Route 1 home before it was destroyed. Dale Boucher thought he may have heard a prowler when the noise woke… Read More
    FORT KENT – Rachel Albert, director of the nursing division at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, has been selected by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to serve as a team evaluator. CCNE is a national organization responsible for accrediting college and university… Read More
    Fort Kent Community High School Third 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
    ROCKLAND – Three weekend burglaries are believed to be related, police said Monday. The burglaries occurred at Harry French’s Garage, Little Piggy’s and the Keag Store in South Thomaston, according to Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A man who was among six family members accused of harassing and terrorizing State Street residents last week has pleaded not guilty in District Court and is scheduled for trial next month. Albert Fogg, 39, was arrested Wednesday night when police said he… Read More
    HOLDEN – The public advisory committee for the I-395 connector project will next meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Holbrook School in Holden. The group, given the task of advising the Department of Transportation on a road project that has… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Town councilors voted to condemn two trailers at the Crestwood Mobile Home Park, but gave the park’s owner a brief reprieve: 60 days to fix one of the trailers or remove it. The council found that both trailers were a nuisance and dangerous… Read More
    GREENVILLE – Dr. Everett L. Parker, a local historian, has authored his third book about the history of the North Woods. “Seboomook: From Native Americans to POWs, A History of Northwestern Moosehead Lake,” presents the most complete details available about the Seboomook POW camp, and… Read More
    BANGOR – The school department “isn’t intimidated” by the new federal No Child Left Behind Act and its emphasis on accountability and teacher quality, the superintendent said Monday. Because academic achievement always has been “a core value” in Bangor, the school system is “well-aligned” with… Read More
    ADDISON – State police on Monday were investigating break-ins at the town post office and at a residential center for people with disabilities. Trooper Barry Curtis said the intruders entered the post office Sunday night by breaking a back window in an employee restroom. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – It’s been more than two years in the planning, but the town of Bucksport is now ready to begin broadcasting live on cable TV. The town has had a community bulletin board on the air for about a month or so, and has… Read More
    CALAIS – Police said Monday that a rash of vandalism has occurred in the Milltown area. Beginning around 2 a.m. and continuing for the next five hours, police believe, juveniles vandalized several private and commercial properties. Milltown is a village located just north of the… Read More
    CALAIS – Police on Monday were investigating an accident over the weekend in which an Eastport woman was injured. Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Mandy Penney, 24, was driving a 2000 Pontiac when, according to Calais police, she fell asleep at the wheel and the car… Read More
    Manna Ministries of Bangor, and all who take advantage of its services, hope you will respond to its recently mailed spring fund-raising letter. Executive director Bill Rae told me this important facility needs to raise “$25,000 for our spring and summer budget. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    Morris Fer had never heard of aunts, uncles or cousins before he was 6 years old. His best friend, Fred, a Roman Catholic, had plenty of them in the working-class Boston neighborhood where the boys lived. Fer understood why Fred’s family had a Christmas tree… Read More
    ORONO – The Eastern Maine AIDS Network will premier its latest educational video, “Living With a Legacy,” at 7:15 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the Donald P. Corbett Auditorium at the University of Maine. The video provides a realistic look at the lives of children… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – A $31.4 million hangar being built at the Brunswick Naval Air Station could help preserve the base during the next round of base-closing deliberations in 2005, defense analysts say. Construction is now getting under way and should be completed next year, said John… Read More
    PORTLAND – A program offered by a consortium of seven prescription drug manufacturers that provides deep discounts to income-eligible Medicare enrollees has been virtually ignored in Maine. About 54,000 Mainers are eligible for Together Rx, but only 1,410 have signed up since it was introduced… Read More
    PORTLAND – Passengers at the city’s airport and train station have more transportation options with Monday’s announcement of new bus and van links with Auburn, Freeport and Topsham. Mermaid Transportation has begun offering daily van service from both Topsham and Auburn to the Portland International… Read More
    WATERVILLE – The 14th annual Run-Walk for Empowerment 5K to benefit Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Colby College Field House. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $10 for individuals, $6 for… Read More
    LEWISTON – The 20th annual Maine State Parade will be held at noon Saturday, May 3, starting on Main Street. More than 120 units, including 40 floats and eight marching bands, are scheduled to participate. This year’s parade is sponsored by Androscoggin Bank and Central Maine Medical Center. Read More
    Television coverage over the weekend showed sailors returning to jubilant cheers and tears as their ship docked in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after an absence of almost 10 months. In San Diego, two other Navy missile cruisers that took part in the war with Iraq came… Read More
    We’re looking ahead to the 2003 National Folk Festival on Aug. 22, 23 and 24, but we would like to invite you to look back – to last year’s festival. If you have a special memory to share with readers, we would like to tell your story in… Read More
    Dear Jim: Even though we drink municipal water, I am concerned about its purity and bioterrorism. I want an effective, high-quality filter system, not just a little carafe unit. What types are available? – Candi M. Dear Candi: There has been a definite spike in… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine baseball team has reached the halfway point of the America East season and the Black Bears find themselves in a familiar position. Coach Paul Kostacopoulos’ ballclub, which boasts a 26-11 record, has grabbed a share of first place in… Read More
    Saturday morning dawned gray and chilly – the kind of salmon-fishing day that would have tested the mettle of anglers in years past. Jeff LaPointe of Orrington looked up from his plate of eggs, ham and home fries and explained the lengths fishermen like him… Read More
    High school At 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] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Belfast 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
    COLLEGE Annette Caswell 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
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    COLLEGE At Williamstown, Mass. 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
    Green Valley Golf Course in Enfield is opening today at 9 a.m. No carts will be allowed and there may be temporary tees. Those seeking more information may contact Kimberly McLaughlin at 732-3006. Piscataquis Country Club in Guilford is also opening for walkers only. Call… Read More
    PHILADELPHIA – Former Ellsworth High School star Ben Shorey and Mt. Blue of Farmington graduate Adam Staier recorded victories at the Penn Relays Sunday. Shorey, a sophomore at Wisconsin Parkside, won the open 10-kilometer racewalk with a time of 42 minutes, 10.97 seconds, while Staier,… Read More
    LIMESTONE – Lillian Stimpson of Bangor won the Pepsi-Cola State Championship tourney in the ages 11-and-under division Sunday with a 681 series at the Loring Bowling Center. Stimpson, a first-year 10-pin bowler, was awarded a $100 scholarship and a jacket. She is the daughter of… Read More
    BELFAST – Morgan Crandall pitched a shutout, striking out six and allowing four hits and a walk to lead the Belfast Lions to a 12-0 schoolgirl softball win over the Maine Central Institute Huskies Monday. Crandall also led the offense with a grand slam, a… Read More
    FORT FAIRFIELD – Aaron Kenneson struck out 10 and walked three in five innings to lead the Fort Fairfield Tigers to a 12-2 schoolboy baseball win over the Katahdin Cougars Monday. Kenneson also sparked the offense with three RBIs on a double and a single. Read More
    MAINE vs. COLBY Time, site: Tuesday, 6 p.m., 9 innings; Mahaney Diamond, 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… Read More
    DEXTER – Dexter’s Sara Carnes outdueled Bangor Christian’s Kara Hartman with a three-hitter, striking out 14 batters and walking two, to lead the Tigers to a 3-1 schoolgirl softball victory Monday. Brittany Veazie was the game’s lone multiple hitter with two singles. In the third,… Read More
    What’s in a name? Well, if it’s the name of the new left field wall standing 37 feet high and sporting fresh coats of green paint at Portland’s Hadlock Field, there are 721 suggestions and a whole lot of interest in it. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    Hurricane Swim Club loses YWCA pool time I am writing this as the wife of a coach and mother of three swimmers on the Hurricane Swim Club. On Thursday, I learned that after the end of July, 18 years of collaboration with the Bangor-Brewer YWCA… Read More
    PORTLAND – Justin Headley hit three doubles, scored three runs and drove in two as the Portland Sea Dogs defeated the Reading Phillies 7-1 Monday in the Eastern League. Jeremy Owens homered and Trace Coquillette homered, doubled and drove in three runs for the Sea… Read More
    BURLINGTON, Vt. – Lauren Dulkis belted a double in the top of the fifth to drive in Nicole Taylor and provide the winning run in the University of Maine softball team’s 3-1 victory over Vermont in the first game of a Monday doubleheader. The Catamounts won the second… Read More