WASHINGTON – The number of people receiving welfare is declining, government statistics show, although the federal Health and Human Services Department statement indicated Maine’s welfare rolls increased over the past year. HHS said Wednesday the number of individuals on welfare dropped more than 4 percent… Read More
    Saturday’s religion calendar contained the wrong date for the 50th anniversary celebration of Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Bangor. The event, with guest speakers and reminiscences, will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Penobscot Christian School, 1423 Ohio St. Read More
    ROCKLAND – A new weekly newspaper will be introduced to just about every household in Knox County beginning next week. Village Soup Times, the paper being launched by the 6-year-old Village Soup community news and information Web site, will be mailed to 15,421 households, Publisher… Read More
    PORTLAND – Banknorth Group Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire First & Ocean BanCorp for $51 million in cash. First & Ocean, of Newburyport, Mass., owns First & Ocean National Bank and has $274 million in assets. In a press release Wednesday, Banknorth said… Read More
    LIMESTONE – Loring Development Authority and the Pattison Sign Group Inc. signed a lease on Monday that will bring 50 jobs to the former base with a sign-making and assembly plant. While initial discussions began 20 months ago, the plant first was proposed last December… Read More
    AUGUSTA – State regulators want to know whether there’s a need to require hundreds of contractors in Maine’s home building and repair industry to be licensed to work legally in the state. The Professional and Financial Regulation Department is conducting its review in response to… Read More
    Following are petitions for bankruptcy filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor: Steven Roberts, parts counter sales, Angela Roberts, fka Angela Wilkinson, administrative support, no dependents given, Waterville: assets, $6,060; debts, $57,732. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    Back when President Bush was candidate Bush, he made a point of promising to eliminate the maintenance backlog that existed within the National Park Service. Now that promise has moved into “managing” the backlog. Our national parks have shifted perilously close to the crisis stage. Read More
    In his article “Regime change plus 50” (BDN, Aug. 21), George Will presents his assessment of the Aug. 19, 1953 coup d’?tat orchestrated by the CIA that overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mossadegh in Iran. Will claims the coup’s purpose and the CIA’s role were… Read More
    I was pleased to read (BDN, Aug. 26) that the fight over the ice cream trucks’ music ended before the summer did. I don’t understand how it reached this stage. Surely Bangor has more pressing problems, such as those awful roads. When is outer Broadway going to be… Read More
    I am responding to Christopher Smith’s review of “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (BDN, Aug. 29). His review describes the character of Gollum, a poor, abused creature, as a “shrunken, bipolar freak, a monster divided between the good and evil boiling within himself.”… Read More
    Dr. Ronald Trowbridge (BDN op-ed, Aug. 27) wonders whether the teaching of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” in our public schools creates a breach in the wall of separation between church and state. The fact remains that John Milton invariably appears in the curriculum of all countries, Christian or… Read More
    The arrest of an 8-year-old boy [for aggravated assault in Veazie, BDN, Sept. 3] all by itself is shocking and how that boy’s life will be affected by such action cannot be measured. But what was the point of the addition to the article of saying the mother… Read More
    The Bush administration’s announcement yesterday that it wants to grant the United Nations greater roles in peacekeeping and in forming a new government in Iraq marks an important change in U.S. policy for the better. The proposal, in the form of a U.N. resolution, could draw badly needed… Read More
    Now that the kids have headed back to school, it won’t be long before they start complaining about the heavy load they have to bear – not all the academic work, but all the books they have to lug around. The overloaded backpack is a real pain, they… Read More
    The pink ribbon is the symbol of survivorship for those who have overcome breast cancer. Survivors wear this color proudly as a symbol of the war called breast cancer. It is a war that sometimes alienates and separates us, not only from families and friends but also from… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Urging parents to employ as much foresight as possible in preparing for future college expenses, Gov. John E. Baldacci chose to personally lead the way Wednesday by enrolling in a state-sanctioned saving program for his son. Baldacci used the occasion to highlight programs… Read More
    LUBEC – Teens from four Down East communities are showcased in a 30-second rap video that is being aired this month on television and radio stations around the state. Students from Lubec, Eastport, Washington Academy in East Machias, and Cutler are featured in the rap… Read More
    BANGOR – It’s an unthinkable catastrophe, unless your job is preparing for the unthinkable. Many injured patients require immediate medical attention while hundreds of psychiatric patients funnel unrestrained onto Stillwater Avenue. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    VERONA – Crews from Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield have started adding supplemental cables that will strengthen the Waldo-Hancock Bridge as union ironworkers stationed at both ends of the bridge protested the nonunion company. Carrying signs targeting the Maine Department of Transportation and Gov. John Baldacci,… Read More
    Gov. John Baldacci this week announced the creation of a groundfishing task force aimed at saving the traditional marine industry. On Wednesday, he announced a dozen proposed members, nearly all of whom have connections to the fishing industry. Scientists and environmental advocates are conspicuously absent… Read More
    Carl Dumont would rather not break the record for hitting the greatest variety of wild animals with his car. But there’s no denying that over the last 15 years or so, large game animals have made a habit of dashing in front of Dumont’s cars… Read More
    CALAIS – The City Council has been up to its neck in water problems, and Tuesday night councilors made it clear they don’t think their engineer is meeting the city’s needs. On Wednesday, City Manager Linda Pagels said she plans to speak with A.E. Hodsdon… Read More
    Bangor police summoned a man Tuesday after he allegedly dumped trash in a city cemetery last week. Office George Spencer reported that Neal Currie, sexton for the city of Bangor, complained on Aug. 27 that a pile of trash had been dumped in the Oak… Read More
    HERMON – Discussed for years, once again the town may consider bringing the Hermon Ambulance under the umbrella of the fire department. Later this month, active and lifetime members of the privately run rescue unit are expected to vote on whether to come into the… Read More
    NORTH HAVEN – Five teenagers were injured Tuesday night in a car crash on Crabtree Point Road. Four were flown to the mainland for medical attention, but all were released after treatment. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    BLUE HILL – An Ellsworth man has been arrested after police allegedly found him with drugs hidden in his pants at the Blue Hill Fair, according to police. Michael Church, 31, was spotted by police on Monday at the fair apparently trying to conceal something… Read More
    ORLAND – Fall classes in adult basic education will begin Monday, Sept. 8, at the H.O.M.E. co-op on Route 1. Ending Dec. 19, classes will include GED preparation, reading, grammar, math and foreign languages. An introduction to stained glass and a nutrition and food dehydration… Read More
    SURRY – The Surry Community Improvement Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the Surry School gymnasium. Florence Reed, founder and president of Sustainable Harvest International, will discuss her organization’s role in working with Central American communities to implement sustainable land-use practices. Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – Selectmen have approved major equipment purchases and authorized town officials to seek bond bank approval for up to $4.4 million for the town’s sewer system improvements, Town Manager Michael MacDonald said Wednesday. The town already has borrowed almost $300,000 in interim financing… Read More
    FRIENDSHIP – Three motorcycles, a van and a pickup truck were involved in an accident Tuesday evening on Waldoboro Road that resulted in two drivers being taken to a hospital. Christina A. Campbell, 29, of Friendship and George C. Davis, 38, of Waldoboro were taken… Read More
    EASTON – Roadwork has begun on Station Road, Richardson Road and Route 10 in Easton, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. The project area begins on Station Road at the Conant Road Extension and extends south for nearly 11/2 miles to Route 10, then… Read More
    HOULTON – The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians were awarded a $357,414 federal grant by the Office of Native American Programs under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant will be used to assist in modernization and construction of low-income housing, housing… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Maine Parent Federation has established an Aroostook County outreach office. MPF is a private nonprofit that provides information, support and training to families and individuals with disabilities, educators, service providers and other professionals. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Local control of education and the ability to offer a quality curriculum might become critical issues as residents of the Katahdin region consider the possibility of pooling school system resources. During Wednesday night’s informational meeting at Stearns High School, Superintendent A. Keith Ober… Read More
    Aroostook County Superior Court The following cases were disposed of recently in the Aroostook County Superior Court by Justices E. Allen Hunter and John R. Atwood: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    EASTPORT – Succulent salmon and zesty Maine beer will be the main features at the 16th annual Maine Salmon Festival on Sunday. Yet the festival is really two days long. Other activities will begin with a breakfast on the breakwater at 7 a.m. Saturday. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Nautical chart reading, course plotting, use of the marine compass and related tools will be covered in the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s navigation course, which begins Sept. 23. Classes will be held 7-9 p.m. on eight successive Tuesdays through Nov. 18 at the Camden… Read More
    ROCKLAND – With a little nudge from residents, the City Council agreed Wednesday night to put a citywide property revaluation on the fast track. A half-dozen people at the special meeting told councilors they needed to act quickly to fix the inequity among residential property… Read More
    WALDOBORO – All is not well in SAD 40, some district residents told the state’s commissioner of education during a Wednesday night forum that is tied to a state evaluation of district operations. After more than an hour of listening to people’s concerns, Commissioner Susan… Read More
    BANGOR – Several planning board members took city officials to task Tuesday night for their handling of a controversial development project. At issue Tuesday was a proposed amendment to the city’s land development code that in effect would pave the way for a 3,000-seat baseball… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – A Steuben girl suffered minor injuries on Monday night when her car struck a granite stone on the side of Route 3, according to police. Tess Bickford, 17, was driving home from work at a Bar Harbor restaurant around 10:30 p.m. when… Read More
    FORT KENT – Lynn Beaulieu has been named administrator of Forest Hill, a 45-bed rehabilitation, skilled and long-term-care nursing facility. Beaulieu will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling operations based on policies established by the Northern Maine Medical Center board of trustees. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    WALTHAM – An Osborn man who was seriously injured in a truck accident on Sunday remains hospitalized in critical condition, a Bangor hospital official said Wednesday. John Reed, 22, suffered a broken back and a head injury in the accident, which occurred around 1:45 a.m. Read More
    MILFORD – Town Treasurer Dawn Cyr was chosen by Milford town selectmen on Tuesday to serve as interim town manager. She replaces Vance Merritt, who stepped down in June and left the office at the end of August. Merritt served the town for three years. Read More
    VEAZIE – When pesticides or other chemicals are used to kill bugs at the Veazie Community School, several new policies will come into play, said Superintendent Thomas Perry. “The Maine Board of Pesticide Control has established some new regulations that impact schools all over the… Read More
    ENFIELD – Drug enforcement agents last Thursday afternoon charged a Dodlin Road resident with cultivating marijuana after finding 37 marijuana plants on the man’s property. Acting on a tip from the Lincoln police, agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A jury in Piscataquis County Superior Court on Wednesday found a Monson man guilty of theft but not guilty of burglary in connection with a break-in at a local convenience store. Police arrested Alex Hansen, 42, in connection with the Aug. 2001 break-in… Read More
    NEWPORT – When Newport Town Manager James Ricker researched the cost to build a special viewing window at the town’s fishway in North Street Dam, the $160,000 to $180,000 price tag stopped him cold. “Even if other funding agencies paid the bill,” Ricker told his… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Police have recovered checks stolen last month from a Southwest Harbor store but are still looking for a man accused of participating in the theft, according to a police officer investigating the case. Acting on information they had received, police found $7,000 worth… Read More
    FARMINGTON – A 22-year-old man accused of attempted murder in the shooting of his mother has pleaded not guilty. Joshua Osborne of Farmington was charged in early July with shooting his 47-year-old mother Jannette in a dispute over the family’s farm. The son wanted to… Read More
    BANGOR – Developing long-term solutions to problems facing Maine communities is the goal of the United Way of Eastern Maine’s Community Investment Model – Surrounding Issues program, said President Jeff Wahlstrom. “The basic concept here is that we need to bring more than funding to… Read More
    BELFAST – A 3-year-old boy was killed Wednesday when the lawn mower on which he was riding with an adult rolled over, pinning him beneath. Police Chief Allen Weaver said the accident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at a home on the Perkins Road. The… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – Former Gov. Angus King is going back to college. But he’ll be delivering lectures, not taking notes. King has been appointed distinguished lecturer at Bowdoin College and will teach a class called “Leaders and Leadership” next spring, Dean of Academic Affairs Craig A. Read More
    PORTLAND – A Roman Catholic priest who created a sexually explicit Web site for gay clergy has taken a leave of absence following allegations of nude swimming, boating and hot-tubbing with minors, a diocese spokeswoman said Wednesday. The Rev. John Harris, 48, was a newly… Read More
    PORTLAND – Two lawyers leading class-action lawsuits attacking Poland Spring Water Co. say they will oppose the proposed $12.1 million settlement of another class action suit in Illinois. Thomas Sobol of Connecticut and Garve Ivey of Alabama – who together account for six class action… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – His trademark may have been the unlit cigar stub he clenched between his teeth, but his legacy was his civic-mindedness. Ruel Cross, 77, a hard-working man who spent a lifetime serving the public, died of cancer Sunday surrounded by his family at his… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A local man charged with possession of sexually explicit material, including child pornography, had his case dismissed this week. The charge against Roy Crockett, 31, was made in March 2002 in connection with an undercover sting investigation into a Texas-based child pornography business. Read More
    AUGUSTA – Efforts by the Eastern Maine Medical Center to prevent a disorder that weakens the legs of its victims were recognized Wednesday by the governor, who urged all Mainers to be aware of the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. In a brief ceremony attended… Read More
    WINTERPORT – The Waldo County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a reported theft of $2,500 from a parked camper at the Winterport Dragway during last weekend’s races. Nancy Saunders, owner of the Scrapbooking Store in Bucksport, told Deputy Dale Brown that the store’s receipts were taken… Read More
    In 1968, Greg Jordan of Guilford won his first club championship across town at Piscataquis Country Club. Jordan, 52, has won at least one in every decade since then, a very unusual event. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Houlton CC, par 36 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
    HIGH SCHOOL At Hodgdon, 2.1 miles 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
    If you ask fourth-year University of Maine men’s soccer coach Travers Evans who his starters will be for this weekend’s St. Bonaventure Invitational Tournament (N.Y.), he probably can’t tell you yet. That’s because he used 18 field players in last weekend’s two games and feels… Read More
    WASHBURN – Lindsay Michaud’s unassisted goal about 12 minutes into the second half broke a 1-1 tie and lifted the Central Aroostook Panthers of Mars Hill to a 2-1 schoolgirl soccer win over Washburn Wednesday. Alisha Boyd scored off an assist from Stevie Fletcher to… Read More
    This coming Sunday in Hermon, you can support cancer research and be a part of a Maine road racing tradition. The Run for Hope 5-kilometer race will be held at the Best Western White House Inn, located behind Dysart’s off exit 44 of I-95, continuing… Read More
    BREWER – One of the highlights of this year’s Brewer Days Festival Sept. 12-13 will be a pet parade sponsored by Bear Brook Kennels. Pets of all sizes and varieties are welcome to join, and are eligible for prizes in a number of categories, including most unusual, most… Read More
    BANGOR – Ken, Walter, Laura and Pam know Zoidis Park on Central Street from the ground up. Literally. For the past two years, they have worked as a team of Northeast Occupational Exchange volunteers to care for the park, now in its 10th year. The park grew from… Read More
    BANGOR – Sometimes a tragic death gives birth to something new – something with the potential to shift public perception. The vehicle in this instance is a play that has drawn a major sponsorship from Acadia Hospital because of the author’s efforts to use his work to help… Read More
    What did you do on summer vacation? “I went to Cleveland, Ohio, for family stuff.” 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
    “Books live here, for you to read, for you to borrow, for free” is the new mission statement of the Bangor Public Library. It may sound retro in this techno age, but books, even with computers, the Internet and DVD’s, are still the most used items in the… Read More
    Homeschool group BREWER – Lighthouse Homeschool Group, a community of families who are homeschooling high school-age students, will offer academic and elective classes at their co-op, including biology lab, chemistry, algebra, Spanish, American literature, creative writing, U.S. history, Maine studies, theater, newspaper and yearbook, and… Read More
    Real estate transfers recorded with city of Bangor in 2002 and 2003: To Harry Simmons, Bangor, from Cezar I. and Ada M. Cimpeanu, Bangor, Dec. 11, 87 Packard Drive, $170,000.To City of Bangor, Bangor, from Erin Inc., Portland, Dec. 13, 76 Dutton St., $650,000. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ORONO – Twenty-three exemplary educators completed the 2003 Maine Writing Project at the University of Maine this summer. Sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development, the invitational program is providing a force of highly trained writing instructors for Maine students and for other teachers. Read More
    ORONO – Observations from the University of Maine’s football opener against Montana at Alfond Stadium … Turning right onto College Avenue, I’ll have to admit to not being prepared for what we met – a line of traffic. Now wait a minute, was Cindy Blodgett… Read More
    Brewer Modern Woodmen of America 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 – Bay League Baseball, a college age and adult league in its second year, started with four teams in 2002. It has expanded to six teams, with this year’s champion, Quirk Auto Park of Bangor, finishing with a 12-3 regular season record, and a… Read More
    BANGOR – Penobscot Bay Sail and Power Squadron will hold a boating safety course at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 1, at Bangor High School. The class will meet for seven weeks. Over the past five years, 229 people have completed the course in the… Read More
    Diabetes support group BANGOR – The diabetes support group will feature J.P. La Tour of Aventis Pharmaceuticals, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Building 1, St. Joseph Healthcare Park, 900 Broadway. The topic will be “Insulin: How It can… Read More
    3rd District Court, Bangor 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… Read More
    Bangor Art studio tour 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 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
    It wasn’t too many decades ago that the term massage conjured up visions of wealthy women at exclusive spas, or heavyweight champs getting a rubdown after a particularly tough match. Fast forward to today. What was once reserved for “someone else” is now available to… Read More
    BANGOR – After a year marked by tremendous community support that enabled the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to reach 100 percent of its fund-raising goals, the orchestra is anticipating a buoyant 108th season. The classical series begins on Sunday, Sept. 21, and offers a wide range… Read More
    3rd District Court, Bangor 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… Read More
    (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Sept. 4, 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