Maine hospitals will come under intense scrutiny in the coming year as the administration of Gov. John Baldacci works to rein in Maine’s per capita health care expenditures, the 10th-highest in the nation. Hospitals won the first round in the governor’s recently enacted Dirigo health… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Never mind. That was the message state Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Cantara sent to 132 Maine cities and towns Thursday after announcing a day earlier that Sunday sales of liquor in their communities were illegal – and had been for more… Read More
    BELFAST – The Waldo County Jail failed to follow 11 of its own standards on the night an inmate hanged himself in 2002, says a state Department of Corrections report released Thursday. The report also cites crowding at the jail as a contributing factor. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BROOKSVILLE – The pupils of the Brooksville Elementary School, as part of their fund-raising campaign to build a gym and art room at the school, will present “Wade Dow and Friends Country Show” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the school. Donation is $6… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Emery Science Grants Program advisory committee has awarded grants totaling more than $7,000 to seven educators seeking to promote the study of science on Mount Desert Island. Bonnie Burne and her pupils at the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor will be among… Read More
    LEWISTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe on Thursday focused on the struggling manufacturing sector as she convened the first field hearing of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Responding to Maine’s loss of manufacturing jobs, including the loss of 17,300 jobs between July… Read More
    MEDWAY – In developing his retail valve and engineering business from a dining room operation to a six-person concern in southern Maine, founder and CEO Terry Ingram has built a strong client base in the past two years with a focus on “value-added” services. Now,… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – After providing new small businesses with technical and networking advice, the Eastern Maine Incubator Without Walls program is helping them to overcome marketing and sales barriers. Small businesses that have graduated from the incubator program have been invited to sell their products or… Read More
    I share much of Jerry Parks’ dismay in the article, “When no illusion is left behind” (BDN, Sept. 26), at the requirements of the landmark federal legislation No Child Left Behind (NCLB). However, I wish to correct two factual errors in his article. First, contrary… Read More
    We’ve heard raves about coffee from Guatemala, from Hawaii, from Brazil, from Jamaica, from Guatemala. But never from Cambodia, the poor little country that hardly knows how to export anything but tears. Well, Cambodian coffee may be on its way to the world market, thanks… Read More
    A proposal to require affluent Medicare recipients to pay more for the health insurance has been around for several years, but it gained fresh importance last week as Congress tries mightily to find a compromise Medicare reform that will pass. Means-testing premiums – not benefits – has been… Read More
    Your description of Question 1A was complete (BDN, Sept. 27). The conclusion was accurate. The same conclusion would occur with Question 1B. Higher taxes will come as new sources of revenue will be needed. The real answer is a vote for Question 1C. This will… Read More
    The Bangor Daily News’ depiction of Jon Reisman in the article, “A class of his own UM-Machias professor embraces political incorrectness” (BDN, Oct. 4), is truly puzzling. Far from possessing independence of thought, his so-called politically incorrect list of opinions perfectly mimics those of the right wing and… Read More
    I can’t help but be curious. Twenty-five years ago when a resort casino was proposed for Old Orchard Beach it was rejected handily. There was no question then that Maine values were not for sale. So what has changed? Every other frame of the pro… Read More
    Ambassador Joseph Wilson is a hero and true patriot who dared to tell the truth. The fact is Vice President Cheney requested that the CIA verify if Saddam Hussein was linked to buying uranium (yellow cake) from Niger. The CIA then sent Ambassador Wilson as its overt envoy… Read More
    The editorial “Old Before Its Time” (BDN, Oct. 2), urged Maine to encourage young people to stay put and also attract those from other parts of the United States and abroad. Any number of incentives, such as paying off student loans through a bond issue,… Read More
    We believe that it is our job as parents and responsible adults to teach our children by example. Most people would agree with this. So, we wonder why every day we see examples of adults showing poor behavior? We are appalled by the way politicians… Read More
    Editor’s note: This is the second of three commentaries marking Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11. Our brains are intricate 3-pound masses of more than 100 billion nerve cells and their connections are laid down in a remarkably intricate and complex yet flexible system. The… Read More
    BANGOR – As aircraft landed and took off in the background, representatives from local, state and federal government gathered on the outside ramp near the Telford Aviation hangar Thursday to celebrate the completion of the long overdue runway reconstruction project at Bangor International Airport. According… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Trenton man accused by police of running a “pawn shop” type of illegal drug operation was indicted Wednesday by a Hancock County grand jury on charges of hindering apprehension and violating bail. Hancock County Sheriff William Clark has called Darrell Dolliver, 33,… Read More
    BELFAST – Frank Brown may not care much for NASCAR star Jeff Gordon, but he won’t mind driving his car. The 30-year-old Morrill man won a Jeff Gordon-model 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo while attending a race at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H., in… Read More
    Acknowledging the need for “gender balance” on the University of Maine System board of trustees, Gov. John Baldacci has withdrawn the names of the men he recommended last spring and nominated two women instead. Announced Thursday, the nominees are Victoria McCammon Murphy of Portland and… Read More
    Following are divorces granted in 4th District Court in Calais on the grounds of irreconcilable differences: Muriel J. Kierstead and Ralph E. Kierstead III, both of Eastport, married at Eastport on July 4, 1992; Muriel Kierstead to change name to Muriel Jean Randall. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – An effort to recall seven of Bangor’s nine city councilors ended Thursday when members of a local taxpayers’ group failed to gather the minimum number of signatures needed to force an election. Spearheaded by Bangor resident Arvilla Verceles, the initiative was launched on… Read More
    CORINNA – As the final load of contaminated dirt from the former Eastland Woolen Mill site was being treated this week, Corinna residents took a major step forward toward redeveloping their empty downtown. Scott Braley of Plymouth Engineering presented two options Thursday night for creating… Read More
    Bangor police arrested a man on a charge of operating under the influence early Thursday. Officer Jason Stuart reported that at about 2 a.m. he noticed a black Toyota Tacoma with its plate light out. Stuart said he followed the truck without using his blue… Read More
    SHERMAN STATION – The Penquis Community Action Program is offering an “Incubator Without Walls” small-business course from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 18, at Katahdin High School. The free program helps individuals start and expand businesses with five or fewer employees and teaches… Read More
    MACHIAS – It seems more like a toss of the dice, because no one is betting on the outcome of a November referendum that would make casino gambling legal in Maine. Right now the vote is just too close to call. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Sept. 23-Oct. 6, 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 () { //… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A Caribou driver suffered minor injuries when she collided with a moose Wednesday night just north of the city on Route 1. Patricia Kelly, 54, of Caribou was northbound on Route 1 at about 11:15 p.m. when a moose crossed the road,… Read More
    BANGOR – The Eastern Maine Camera Club will hold a gala show of more than 250 slides gathered by club members from around the world at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Bangor Public Library. The public is invited to this free event. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – Peace through Interamerican Community Action’s Clean Clothes Campaign is seeking entries for a “Holiday Season of Conscience” poster contest. Designs should highlight the mission and themes of the Bangor Clean Clothes Campaign, including ending sweatshops, community action, fair trade, hope and global sustainability. Read More
    BANGOR – The Penquis Community Action Program and the Husson College Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business are offering an “Incubator Without Walls” small-business course from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 9, at Husson College, 1 Husson Circle. The free program helps… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – An expert with the Maine Department of Economic Development will be the featured speaker at the “Issues and Eggs” breakfast meeting 7 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Covered Bridge Restaurant, sponsored by the Southern Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce. Local Piscataquis County… Read More
    DEER ISLE – Maine State Police are investigating a string of break-ins at vacant homes in the Deer Isle-Stonington area. All of the 15 break-ins have occurred within the last few days, and most were in summer homes, according to Trooper Tom Pickering. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    LAMOINE – Robert Orzel found out Thursday that not only can you fight town hall, you can win. Selectmen awarded Orzel $458 to pay for two wheels and tires he said were ruined when his 1992 Volkswagen Jetta struck an unmarked pavement cut on Sept. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Foxcroft Academy received $247,795 in charitable gifts in the 2002-03 year. The annual Giving Campaign, which helps support the operational budget, raised a total of $58,680 and $189,115 was received to support designated academic, athletic and scholarship programs. “We are and have always… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Town councilors will be looking for funding for projects on Route 46, Main Street and the waterfront when they meet with Transportation Commissioner David Cole next week. The commissioner will be in town Wednesday afternoon at the council chambers, and the town hopes… Read More
    Dover-Foxcroft District Court Cases Sept. 24-Oct. 9, 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 () { //… Read More
    ORONO – The search for a town manager continues in Orono as three candidates vie for the position, which was left vacant in July. One of the candidates is from Maine and the other two are from elsewhere, said acting town manager David Struck. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    UNITY – Plans for a pedestrian and bicycle link between Unity College and downtown Unity will be unveiled at a public hearing on Thursday night. A nonprofit civic booster organization, the Unity Barn Raisers, has been working on the plan for several years. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Using rubber gloves, hip waders and elbow grease, community members are planning to clean up years of trash and debris from a one-mile stretch of Millinocket Stream on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18. Organized by the Katahdin Time Dollar Exchange, the cleanup… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Some Pittsfield residents are fed up with roaming cats defecating in their gardens, damaging their screen doors, and urinating – or worse – on their porches. One resident was so frustrated that a request was filed recently with the Town Council to install a leash law… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County commissioners will begin their 2004 budget review process next week, starting with the Registry of Probate, Registry of Deeds and Emergency Management Agency departments. Also to be reviewed are the budgets for service program requests for donations. These include the… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Downtown Business Association is holding a morning coffee reception from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, when former business owners and downtown employees will be honored. The event will be held in the Skowhegan municipal building council room. Gov. John… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield recycling committee will meet in the municipal building at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, to complete plans for Trash to Treasure Day, Make a Difference Day and other community beautification efforts. Members will discuss a national gardening grant. The public is… Read More
    HAMPDEN – SAD 22 Superintendent Rick Lyons will deliver the annual district status report to the public at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Reeds Brook Middle School. Refreshments will be served. The district consists of Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Gov. John Baldacci is expected to act next week on the Piscataquis County Republican Party’s nomination for the vacant county commissioner seat, his spokesman, Lee Umphrey, said. The seat became vacant upon the death of Ruel Cross of Dover-Foxcroft, a Republican who represented… Read More
    WASHINGTON – A total of $383,993 in federal funding will be shared among three children’s services programs in Maine to assist in recruitment and training programs for social workers in the state. The following organizations were awarded federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Right to Life organization will hold its annual convention from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Senator Inn & Conference Center. Featured speakers will include: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    SANFORD – Pro-casino group Think About It Maine will hold two “job opportunity days” to inform workers about the types of jobs available at a resort casino, should Mainers approve the project at the Nov. 4 referendum. The first session will be held in Sanford… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Penquis Community Action Program has been awarded $48,770 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help develop a comprehensive training program on starting or expanding a small business, specifically in communities around East Millinocket and Dover-Foxcroft. “In our efforts to address the… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A judge indicated he’ll probably order the attorney general to release details of sex abuse allegations made against Roman Catholic clergy, even those who are no longer alive. Superior Court Justice Kirk Studstrup said the public’s right to know may outweigh the privacy… Read More
    WASHINGTON – At the Capitol Thursday about 400 high school students gathered on the floor of the House to question a member of Congress on the war in Iraq, the federal budget and the U.S. Patriot Act. The morning session with Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark.,… Read More
    BUXTON – Thanks to a nurse practitioner from Buxton, residents who can’t afford health insurance but earn too much to qualify for government assistance now have a new health care option. Leavitt’s Mill Health Center, which opened last month in 650 square feet of donated… Read More
    The first Eastern Maine Community College Foundation scholarship dinner and auction in 1997 was seen by the EMCC Foundation board as a “great opportunity for members of the public to visit the college, have them take a look at some of the facilities and learn about the food… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine Turnpike widening is scheduled to be completed next year, but turnpike officials say they still have plenty of other projects in mind for the coming decade. Items included on a list of Maine Turnpike Authority priorities include a new York toll… Read More
    PORTLAND – A routine traffic stop in Dayton led to three drug arrests and the seizure of 24 pounds of marijuana – valued at about $43,000 – authorities said. “This was a routine patrol,” said trooper Jeremy Forbes, who made the stop on Route 5… Read More
    BIDDEFORD – City officials have filed notice of their intent to sue Maine Energy Recovery Co., saying the trash-to-energy plant is violating the Clean Air Act. “Money is not our bottom line. Our bottom line is health and safety,” said Mayor Donna Dion, who claims… Read More
    Is this fun or what? Sox and Yankees are playing over here and the Cubs are still playing over there. Everywhere I travel, it’s the same discussion. “Aren’t you from Maine?” I’m asked. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    What would have been grounds for a modern re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party, with angry cable viewers throwing their TV sets into the nearest lake or river, left thousands of viewers unable to watch their beloved Red Sox Wednesday night. As the first pitch… Read More
    Scott Chubbuck of Wiscasset said he has had an “up-and-down season” in the Pro All-Stars Series. That disappointment could change on Sunday afternoon when the first 400-lap D.N.K. Select Big Dawg Challenge, boasting the richest purse in Maine short track racing, takes the green flag… Read More
    Former University of Maine Hobey Baker Award-winner Scott Pellerin has signed a 25-game tryout contract with the AHL’s Portland Pirates. The 33-year-old winger has 72 goals and 126 assists in 534 NHL games. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    COLLEGE At Castine, Wednesday 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
    BANGOR – Husson College has signed a television contract with St. Croix Video Productions in association with Adelphia Cable to air 10 athletic events. The games will air on Adelphia access channel 12 on a tape-delayed basis. The package includes one volleyball match along with two football, one… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Monty Hankin converted a Brian Kelly pass with 2:35 left in the first half and Ryan Boccuzzi added an insurance goal in the second half as Colby improved to 5-3-1 with a 2-0 victory over the University of Maine-Farmington Thursday. Brian Davidson stopped… Read More
    EASTPORT – Derek Maloney scored off an assist from Payne Joyner with 17:46 left in the game to lift the Shead Tigers to a 2-1 schoolboy soccer victory over the Jonesport-Beals Royals Thursday. Joyner scored the game’s first goal with 12:27 left in the first… Read More
    FORT FAIRFIELD – Justin Lagasse scored off a Myles Morneault assist with 3:02 left in overtime to lift the Madawaska Owls to a 1-0 schoolboy soccer win over the Fort Fairfield Tigers Thursday. Jon Cowie blocked nine of 11 attempts for 10-3 Madawaska and Tyler… Read More
    BANGOR – Sarah Connelly’s goal 2:15 into the second half gave the John Bapst Crusaders a 1-0 high school field hockey victory over the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx Thursday. Erica Getchell assisted on the winning goal and Julie Sleeper made 12 saves on 13 shots for… Read More
    BANGOR – It’s official. The Bangor Lumberjacks can now call Bangor their home. Thursday afternoon’s ceremonial digging of the dirt and signing of papers outside Harold Alfond Field and the John Winkin Sports Complex on the Husson College campus means Bangor will be a professional… Read More
    MAVERICK STAMPEDE Maine vs. Minnesota 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
    A Hermon woman’s invention will be featured on “Invent This!” a new series airing on the TechTV network. Diane Zegarra invented the Study Buddy five years ago to help her daughter learn to read. She got the idea after watching her family members read the… Read More
    GARDINER – Is it possible to live a good Christian life while making a living as a used-car salesman? Clark Bridge, who has puzzled over that question ever since a former roommate went to work selling used cars, now has a chance to answer it… Read More