The new school year is approaching, but area superintendents are finding themselves grappling with many of the same old concerns. Stretching scarce finances, filling teaching vacancies, dealing with declining enrollments, and developing student curriculums and assessments were some of the issues on their minds during… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The state wants to build a new Waldo-Hancock Bridge over the Penobscot River by July 1, 2005, a transportation official told legislators Wednesday. But a completion date in 2006 is “probably more likely,” Deputy Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note said during a hearing. Read More
    A story on Page B1 Wednesday about the Stepping Stones program in Houlton gave an incorrect job title for Luanne Dwyer. She is the youth drop-in center coordinator. Read More
    WASHINGTON – An international trade panel ruled Wednesday that U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber may be too high, but it rejected Canada’s claim that there’s no basis for the duties. The panel, set up under the North American Free Trade Agreement to deal with… Read More
    BREWER – Unfair trade agreements are robbing Maine workers of their jobs and could lead to economic devastation for not only the state, but the country, according to Congressman Mike Michaud. In a presentation at the Greater Bangor Central Labor Council on Wednesday, Michaud denounced… Read More
    Due to an editing error, the final sentence in a letter from Charles P. Pray of Millinocket in the Aug. 8 [sic] edition was changed. The sentence should have read: I hope our representatives in Washington, whether they support President Bush’s routing of “evil-doers” or not, would support… Read More
    The first question senators should ask Michael Leavitt, the Utah governor President Bush has nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency, is why he would want to head a department that has been disregarded and disparaged by an administration that is viewed as hostile to environmental concerns. The… Read More
    So much of government spends so much time reacting to today’s crisis and trying to fend off tomorrow’s that planning often seems like a luxury it cannot afford. But Maine can, and wisely has an agency devoted to the task. In his comments Tuesday introducing his choice to… Read More
    I’m concerned about the future of funding for cancer research and programs to prevent, detect and treat cancer. After several years of strong and consistent growth in cancer and other medical research funding, the president and House of Representatives have slated the National Institutes of Health for just… Read More
    Lamees Hanna is on shaky ground in taking President Bush to task for his supposed failures in Iraq (BDN letters, Aug. 5). Those who have raised a seemingly endless series of questions and objections before, during and after the invasion of Iraq have posed no solution or alternatives… Read More
    Thank you. Thank you for your hospitality. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for all the welcomes, the fun food, the overtime, the extra stocking of supplies, the impromptu drink stations, the traffic updates, and the waves as we passed. Although the weather was uncooperative at times… Read More
    It has been reported that the new proposed route to connect I-395 to Route 9, dubbed 3EIK-2, would impact the homes and families of Holden less. What about the families that will be impacted? Contrary to the belief of many, 3EIK-2 does not avoid all major neighborhoods. In… Read More
    The Bangor Daily News recently published an excellent article on one man’s relentless search for wolves in Maine (BDN, July 7). A confused reader responded by expressing outrage at Dana Smith’s motives. I’m writing to express full support for Smith’s efforts and to applaud his… Read More
    The importance of China in negotiations with North Korea over its efforts to build nuclear weapons cannot be understated..China’s potential role in bringing North Korea to heel is an example of why it behooves the United States to work with other countries. Some countries have a more immediate… Read More
    With all the buzz about Mars in the news lately – how the planet will be closer to the Earth on Aug. 27 than it’s been in nearly 60,000 years – I figured there’d be a run on telescopes down at the Wal-Mart in the next two weeks. Read More
    PORTLAND – Supporters of a proposed $650 million Indian casino in southern Maine have expanded their advertising campaign in advance of a November state referendum on the issue. The pro-casino group called Think About It took out full-page ads in several newspapers this week and… Read More
    BANGOR- Acadia Hospital, which provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental illness and substance abuse, has become the first psychiatric hospital in the nation – and the only facility in Maine – to be designated a “magnet hospital” by the Washington, D.C.-based American Nurses Credentialing Center. Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – It’s tough earning a living as a freak these days. There’s just too much competition. But members of what may be the nation’s last carnival sideshow are trying not to dwell on their industry’s decline in an era of myriad entertainment options. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    PORTLAND – Eleven married couples have gone to court to challenge Portland’s domestic partnership ordinance, saying it conflicts with a state law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Plaintiffs in the Cumberland County Superior Court lawsuit include members of… Read More
    UNI0N – A three-vehicle accident Tuesday on Route 17 injured two people and caused $12,000 in damage. Stephen M. Stimpson, 44, of Bangor and Ashley N. Gale, 20, of Thomaston were treated at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport and released, according to a hospital… Read More
    BANGOR – During a special meeting Wednesday, city officials signed off on a state liquor license application for the new owner of Benjamin’s After Dark, the sole beer and wine vendor for the National Folk Festival. The council’s decision to recommend approval to the state… Read More
    BANGOR – During their meeting this week, city councilors heard a Court Street man’s complaints about noise generated by patrons of downtown bars in the wee hours of the morning. Gerald Oleson, spokesman for a group called Court Street Committee for Quality of Life, described… Read More
    TRENTON – Voters at a special town meeting on Tuesday approved numerous changes to the land use zoning ordinance and voted to accept a national building code for town structures. The minor zoning changes were “basically housekeeping” matters, Town Administrator Janet Muise said Wednesday, including… Read More
    INDIAN ISLAND – The Penobscot Indian Nation received nearly $170,000 in grants for two economic development projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday. Penobscot Chief Barry Dana said the money will have a positive impact on the Nation. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    MADAWASKA – Residents are looking at the same property tax rate for 2003, $22 per $1,000 in valuation, as they did last year. The Board of Selectmen approved the rate Tuesday night. It was one of 11 possibilities presented to the board by Town Manager… Read More
    TRENTON – A group of residents has formed the town’s first historical society in hopes of collecting and preserving the documents and artifacts that tell the story of a seaside community founded more than two centuries ago.Documents dating to the incorporation of the town in 1789 never have… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A Sunrise Terrace property owner is suing Thomaston over her tax assessment, claiming the town unfairly assessed residential properties by not including commercial real estate in the update. Mary Strong filed the lawsuit last week in Knox County Superior Court. She claims unjust… Read More
    Veazie police summoned a Bangor man for possession of a concealed weapon early Wednesday. Officer Michael Adams reported that he clocked a passing car at 51 mph in a 35 mph zone at about 1 a.m. and pulled the car over. He issued a speed… Read More
    MEDWAY – A passion for maintaining the quality of life in the Katahdin area is going to be integral in deciding what steps, if any, should be taken to consolidate public safety services. Repeated more than once during Wednesday night’s informational meeting at Medway Middle… Read More
    Belfast District Court Cases Aug. 4-8, 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
    ROCKLAND – A motorcyclist was slightly injured Wednesday when his bike rear-ended a Maine State Prison transport vehicle on Old County Road. Austin Foster, 24, of Warren was treated for minor injuries, according to police Lt. William Donnelly. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    TRENTON – The Maine Parent Federation of Hancock County and the Committee on Transition of Hancock County will hold their annual family picnic this weekend. The picnic will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Thompson Island, the link between Mount… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Anyone who saw the world premiere Tuesday night of “Misprision,” an independent film made by two recent Maine Central Institute graduates, didn’t have to know that the two young men who created it are honest, hardworking people. They didn’t have to know that they both have… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Members of the Chamber of Commerce voted to buy the Log Cabin restaurant on Route 3 for $800,000. The deal is contingent on the town and the Mount Desert Island Housing Authority also approving the project, which will cost a total of… Read More
    OLD TOWN – The River Coalition Inc. was recently awarded $75,000 in federal funds to help keep youth off drugs by providing an after-school program. The River Coalition sponsors after-school programs in eight area elementary schools and the Leonard Middle School in Old Town with… Read More
    The nonprofit Dreams for Maine Kids, founded in 2001, grants wishes of children ages 5 to 15 with life-threatening illnesses. One of its founders, colleague Jack Gifford, wants readers to know if you are interested in having a wish granted or want to refer someone,… Read More
    GEORGETOWN – A former Maine radio broadcaster was killed late Tuesday night in a one-car crash in Georgetown. Brian McGarry, 53, died at Maine Medical Center after his car went off a curve on the Five Islands Road and struck a tree. The accident was… Read More
    DRESDEN – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department was conducting an accident reconstruction Wednesday following a head-on collision that killed two people and injured two others. The accident happened Tuesday evening when a Volkswagen Jetta crossed the centerline and collided with a pickup truck that was… Read More
    UNITY – For the second time in a week, a 14-year-old girl has been charged with assaulting her mother. Waldo County Deputy James Porter arrested the girl after being called to the family home by the mother about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ORONO – The annual George Mitchell Scholarship Brunch sponsored by the former senate majority leader will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Wells Catering and Conference Center at the University of Maine. Mitchell will be the keynote speaker for the event,… Read More
    ORONO – Four days after an attempted abduction of a female student at the University of Maine, the manhunt for the suspect continued Wednesday. “We’re continuing to work the case but there is nothing new to report,” Chief Noel March, director of the university’s Department… Read More
    BANGOR – A Woodland man who robbed the Irving Mainway convenience store in Fort Fairfield at gunpoint was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to 91/2 years in prison and three years probation. Timothy Frost, 19, of Woodland and Richard Allen Clements, 24, of Caribou… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor YMCA has announced that its director of operations, Brian DuBois, recently resigned his position at the local community center. DuBois has accepted the job of executive director at the Wendell T. Clark Memorial Community Center in Winchendon, Mass. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    WATERVILLE – An unemployed dance instructor has been charged with setting a fire under the stage at the Waterville Opera House during a youth dance troupe rehearsal in May. Police say Cynthia Angela Davidson, 42, of Belgrade, faces a Class A felony charge of arson,… Read More
    PORTLAND – High water levels on the rain-swollen Saco River have prompted canoe rental companies and police to warn recreational boaters to avoid the stretch of the Saco that runs between Conway, N.H., and Fryeburg. The National Weather Service in Gray said the headwaters of… Read More
    MONHEGAN ISLAND – An invasive plant has infested almost 40 percent of the 360 acres of forest on Monhegan Island, according to a report by two University of Maine scientists. Japanese barberry, a non-native plant, is already forming an impenetrable thicket in some areas, the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A Camden attorney laid out her case Wednesday for seeking class-action status for her clients against a former funeral director accused of mishandling mortuary trust funds. Andrew Pratt, former owner and director of Laite & Pratt Funeral Home in Camden and Gray &… Read More
    WINDHAM – A high school Latin teacher resigned Monday hours before the school board was scheduled to vote on whether to fire him for alleged sexual misconduct with a student. James V. Bourget, 34, of Poland, was charged this summer with three counts of unlawful… Read More
    PARSONSFIELD – State police are requesting help from the public in locating a man whose home and only vehicle were destroyed by fire more than two weeks ago. John J. Hannemann, 41, was last seen three days before the fire on July 24. A search… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Trustees of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory have chosen a new chairman and three new board members. The chairman is Terence Boylan of Rhinebeck, N.Y., founder and executive director of the John W. Boylan Foundation for International Medical Research. The foundation… Read More
    MADAWASKA – A state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife hearing on moose-related collisions will be held at the Madawaska Safety Complex at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. IF&W Commissioner Roland D. Martin, as well as department biologists Gene Dumont, Sandy Ritchie and Richard Hoppe,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine contestant in the Miss Teen USA pageant made it into the round of 15 Tuesday but failed to survive the cut to the top 10. Ashley Alden, 18, of Augusta, participated in the pageant in Palm Springs, Calif., after being chosen… Read More
    Editor’s Note: The following piece is one in a series of short stories profiling performers in the 65th National Folk Festival Aug. 22-24 in Bangor. Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian and his Middle Eastern ensemble will be at the National Folk Festival spreading Armenian culture. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Lumberjacks signed lefthander Brian Ford to bolster a bullpen depleted by the loss of Brandon Bowe, who is on the disabled list with a knee injury. Bangor also has received the Jack Timber bobblehead dolls which were supposed to be given away Aug. 8. Read More
    PORTLAND – Eric Jorgensen fired an 8-under-par 64 Wednesday at Riverside Municipal Golf Course to take a one-stroke lead in the first round of the 85th Charlie’s Maine Open Golf Championship. Augusta amateur Jason Gall and Bolton, Mass., pro Kirk Hanefeld are tied at 65. Read More
    HERMON – Mike Cust of Brewer picked up his first victory of the season when he won the truck feature during Wednesday night racing at Speedway 95. Cust led wire-to-wire in the 20-lap event, but he was pressed the whole way by Dana Harlow of… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan State Fair has been named a 2003 winner of the U.S. Trotting Association’s Blue Ribbon Fair Award for its harness racing program. Skowhegan was one of three fair harness racing programs honored nationally. Also recognized were Humbold, Iowa, and Van Wert,… Read More
    World series notebook BANGOR – The road map leading Calgary, Alberta’s Centennial Little League all-stars to their appearance in the 2003 Senior League Baseball World Series is quite different from those of their American counterparts. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    HAMPDEN – For Tammie Browning, the Maine Renaissance Faire is an opportunity to inhabit a different era – and just a little bit more. Browning has sewn the elegant gowns she wears each weekend during her summer stint at the event in Lebanon. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – Penobscot Job Corps will hold its ninth open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, with events such as face painting, a blueberry bake-off, children’s games and a nail-driving contest. The nail-driving event involves hammering three nails in the fastest… Read More
    NEWBURGH – Creatures, men, landscapes, animals, bugs and aliens all top the list of the prominent clay images created by youngsters at the Windover Art Center. The students are working on short animated Claymation films in addition to an extensive film production of “Why Grandfather… Read More
    Do you think there were more or fewer tourists this year? “More.” 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
    Schools Junior Classical League 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 – Darling’s Honda of Bangor has donated a 2003 Honda Civic to United Technology Center. The school will use the car as an instructional aid in the automotive technology program. As part of an ongoing effort to maintain its capability in automotive technology, American… Read More
    APPALACHIAN TRAIL – Anyone who is heading out to hike the Appalachian Trail in Maine might run into an Old Town resident who’s been trekking the trail for five months. Arick McGowen, 24, started hiking the AT March 3. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    OK, I’ll admit it. Despite becoming more cynical, skeptical and sometimes a little downright grumpy about being a Boston Red Sox fan over for the last 30 years or so, and despite an almost programmed mentality of not getting too excited over any winning streak or high point… Read More
    Middle school football BREWER – An organizational meeting for seventh- and eighth-graders who wish to play football will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Brewer Middle School gym. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    BANGOR – Frank Perenick started reading more after his retirement from the publishing business, but traditional bookmarks just weren’t cutting it. So Perenick, 75, of Bangor took it upon himself to design a superior, place-marking alternative, “The Most Accurate Magnetic Bookmark Ever and Ever,” or MAMBEE. Read More
    Bangor Energy assistance program 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
    One of the phone numbers in an Aug. 7 story on the Women’s Leadership Project was incorrect. Those interested may call Louise Franck Cyr at (800) 287-0274 in Orono, or Deb Burwell at 338-2162 in Belfast. Read More
    Bank promotions BANGOR – Bangor Savings Bank has announced the promotion of Jim Timmins, vice president, Investment Services Group, to senior trust officer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    BANGOR – A special lamb was auctioned Aug. 1 at the Bangor State Fair for the Azure Dillon Scholarship fund through the Maine 4-H Pine Tree Foundation. Dillon, the daughter of Paul and Genie Dillon of Exeter, who was an active member of the Penobscot… Read More
    Real estate transfers recorded with town of Hampden in 2002: To Michael O. and Debra L. Wedge, Hampden, from Michael O. Wedge, Hampden, July 3, 18 Wheelden Heights, deed to create joint tenancy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    BANGOR AREA – Al-Anon meetings, for family and friends of problem drinkers, (800) 344-2666. BANGOR AREA – Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, for those who have a desire to stop drinking, AA hot line, (800) 737-6237, or www.aamaine.org. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    Advertisements are firmly in place touting “back to school” sales. Most of them show children loading up on new clothes, pens and notebooks. But the back to school sentiment isn’t just for children anymore. The Penobscot Valley Senior College, an affiliate of the University of… Read More
    (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Aug. 14, 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()) { if… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Small to medium-sized organizations involved in indigenous, ethnic, or rural arts programs or projects, particularly those that serve areas with limited access to arts activities, are encouraged to apply for funding from the Maine Community Foundation’s Expansion Arts Fund. Applicants must be incorporated… Read More
    Bangor Lions Club 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
    If you peer down into the depression beside a large strawberry field in Hermon, it is surprising to see a large glistening pond. The pond is festooned with floating chairs and a dock for diving but it has a more utilitarian purpose that is evident from the large… Read More
    3rd District Court, Bangor Cases July 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… Read More
    ORLAND – Spirit Words. “Home Words.” The names are synonymous with poetry. Together, since 1998, they have sponsored a Poetry Fest during H.O.M.E. Inc.’s Craft Fair. This year’s event is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in the chapel at H.O.M.E., Route 1 in Orland. Read More
    BANGOR – Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy D. Lawrence, 22, of Bangor and 133 of his fellow sailors left recently for a six-month deployment onboard the USS Los Angeles. The nuclear-powered attack submarine left Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, its home port, to conduct missions in support of the… Read More