Not every case at COMBAT involves fly-by-night outfits. We are frequently called upon to stand toe-to-toe with big, well-established, respected companies. In fact, sometimes it is easier to communicate with larger companies that take customer satisfaction seriously and have highly specialized representatives to resolve consumer complaints and inquiries. Read More
    A recent article, “Belfast man escapes electrocution in brush with power line” (BDN, Sept. 18) might give some readers a false sense of security about working near power lines. Although the article suggested that a baseball cap might have protected a worker no one should ever assume that… Read More
    The Food and Drug Administration is right to be concerned about the sharp rise in the number of counterfeit drugs being sold in the United States, but the federal government should not confuse the increase in these drugs with the reimportation of lower cost prescriptions. Read More
    At the risk of sounding ungrateful for the federal assistance going toward the economically straitened Katahdin region and elsewhere across Maine: Could the feds hurry things along? The National Emergency Grants from the Department of Labor have been hugely appreciated. Maine in the last year… Read More
    Both sides of the hyperbole of the casino issue are misleading, relying on emotions rather than fact. The pro group says that Maine will benefit from the creation of thousands of new jobs. I sincerely doubt that any of them will be in Aroostook County. Read More
    As a student at the University of Maine I am upset that the university spends my tuition dollars to further the political ambitions of one party. Gov. Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico) [who spoke at the university last week], the United Nations and many of its member nations failed… Read More
    As the controversy over snaring coyotes goes on to the federal level, to our sure national disgrace, one might wonder how it all began in the first place? The state department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife works for the people of the state of Maine… Read More
    The BDN recently ran an article titled “Casino a moral issue?” (Oct. 7) According to the article, only 15 percent of people polled are morally opposed to commercial gambling, and political groups on both sides of the debate have shied away from ethics, emphasizing either the jobs to… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine Supreme Judicial Court this week will hear the appeal of a former Millinocket town manager convicted last year of theft for misusing the town’s credit card. James Kotredes, 46, of Brewer was sentenced in May 2002 to 354 days in jail… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine is losing as much as $100 million per year in sales taxes that aren’t being paid on products bought over the Internet or by mail order. Legislation being considered in Congress this month could help Maine and other states collect the tax,… Read More
    DIXMONT – An elderly man died Friday apparently when he fell off a ladder while painting his house on the North Road. Myron N. Gray Sr., 79, was found by a relative Saturday morning, according to Maine State Trooper Forrest Simpson. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library will hold a discussion of Helen Keller’s book, “The Story of My Life,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the lecture hall. Kathleen Ellis will lead the discussion, which is part of a schedule of activities surrounding the… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – Eight undergraduates from the Bangor area were honored as Sarah and James Bowdoin Scholars on Friday, Oct. 10, at Bowdoin College for excellence in scholarship. Students recognized were: Catherine A. Del Vecchio of Holden; Robert A. Kinney of Bangor; Erin A. Lucey of… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine’s Onward Program will hold two open houses at the Onward Building on the Flagstaff Road, between Murray Hall and Jenness Hall. Open houses will be held 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 13. Refreshments… Read More
    Dover-Foxcroft District Court googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    The following divorces were granted in 5th District Court in Belfast during September on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Bruce Benjamin and Jacqueline Benjamin, both of Morrill; married at Belfast on June 28, 1986; shared custody of three children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    Machias District Court Cases Sept. 1-30, 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
    AUGUSTA – A Maryland woman has been chosen to oversee the Augusta Mental Health Institute, even as the state sought to delay having the psychiatric hospital placed in receivership. Court master Daniel Wathen said Friday he has chosen Elizabeth Jones, 56, to become the official… Read More
    HOULTON – No charges have been filed yet in connection with the accidental shooting of a local man Sunday morning, according to officials at the Houlton Police Department. The man’s injuries were not serious and he did not require medical attention, Police Chief Dan Soucy… Read More
    Police are investigating three fatal accidents that happened Saturday morning. A 32-year-old man was killed early Saturday when his motorcycle went off the road on a curve in Boothbay, authorities said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Portland man who claimed he was beaten up by employees of a McDonald’s restaurant in Westbrook after he argued with a server over the bill was awarded $25,000 in damages Friday at the close of a weeklong trial. Jurors found that TMM… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and University of Maine Cooperative Extension will be hosts for the annual Farmer to Farmer Conference Oct. 31-Nov. 2, at Atlantic Oakes-by-the-Sea hotel. Farmers and agricultural experts will discuss sustainable agriculture in Maine and will… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Federal grants totaling more than $1.3 million to assist in technology and resource center programs have been awarded to the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Parent Foundation and the Communities for Children initiative in Maine. The specific projects awarded federal grants, according… Read More
    WASHINGTON – A $432,840 grant from the Economic Development Administration will help finish construction of the Thomas M. Teague Biotechnology Park in Fairfield, according to U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud on Wednesday. He estimated the park would create 250 local jobs. “This is a tremendously positive… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Colby College will hold its sixth annual Children’s Halloween Extravaganza, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Page Commons Room of Cotter Union. The event, which is free of charge, is open to all community children 2 to 10 years old. It will feature activities such… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Court Jesters comedy and basketball team will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Foxcroft Academy gymnasium. The Piscataquis Regional YMCA has collaborated with community members to form the Dover-Foxcroft Dream Team, whose show will feature fast-paced basketball and comedy routines. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Midsummerlike weather kept many people outdoors this weekend, but the Northern Maine Forum still managed to entice more than 10,000 visitors to its 19th annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair. James Kaiser, director of the civic center, said Sunday that the warm… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Six local fire departments will receive federal grant funding to enhance their abilities to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities. Fire departments that received Assistance to Firefighter Grants include: Brewer Fire Department, Bradford Volunteer Fire Department, Dover-Foxcroft Fire and Rescue,… Read More
    CALAIS – The new Downeast Heritage Center will be the subject of a public meeting for residents of Charlotte County, New Brunswick, and Washington County at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Calais Motor Inn. The center is a $6.5 million project being built… Read More
    MILBRIDGE – The public is invited to a dinner meeting for the Pleasant River Historical Society at 5:30 tonight at the Red Barn Restaurant. The society is raffling off a framed picture of a typical Down East schooner to raise money for a building project. Read More
    MACHIAS – A public lecture, “Memory, Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease,” will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Down East Community Hospital in the front lobby of the Larson Building. Speaking at the event will be Lucie Arbuthnot, a statewide education and training specialist… Read More
    MILBRIDGE – The Down East chapter of TRIAD will hold a free luncheon for seniors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the fire station. The event is in honor of Senior Appreciation Day and will feature entertainment and information about scams that target seniors. Read More
    BAILEYVILLE – Domtar Industries Inc. will donate copies of J.K. Rowling’s book “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” to area schools and libraries. Domtar, which was one of the manufacturers of the paper used for Rowling’s book, has promoted literacy for more than… Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE – Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center will be host of a workshop on trail maintenance and bridge building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Lincolnville section of Camden Hills State Park. Participants in the workshop will be able… Read More
    ORONO – Strange faces are popping up all over Orono. Some are of cloth, some are made from bags, and others faces are made from milk jugs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    PORTLAND – A nearly $87 billion package to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan won approval from the House Appropriations Committee but has drawn criticism from Maine’s two congressmen. Reps. Tom Allen and Michael Michaud, both Democrats, said they’re troubled by some aspects of the… Read More
    Not only does this serve as a reminder that Women Work & Community is celebrating its 25th anniversary and its new location with an open house, but it also is a request to help the women who have been able to improve their lives through this program. Read More
    AUGUSTA – Three youths were handed two-week jail terms and ordered to perform community service for stealing 50 American flags from the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery and dumping them in Cobbosseecontee Stream in Gardiner. The sentence was part of a plea agreement crafted by Maine… Read More
    PORTLAND – An estate in York that Bowdoin College has used for nearly 30 years for retreats and classes will be put on the market later this month for more than $5 million. The Breckinridge Public Affairs Center, known locally as the River House, was… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Mike Prentiss is putting up rushing numbers worthy of consideration for the Fitzpatrick Trophy. But Bangor High School’s senior tailback, who has run for more than 1,150 yards, realizes he owes much of his success to a cohesive offensive line. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    COLLEGE Roger Williams Invitational 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
    SOMESVILLE – A group of four men from Aroostook County took first place in the Acadia Triathlon Saturday. The men, who made up the Living Loungers team, were Justin Easter of Presque Isle, Von L. Perry of Easton, and Fred Ludwig and Stephen McAleer of… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Natanis GC, Vassalboro 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
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    HIGH SCHOOL At Woodland 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
    Given the near-perfect weather conditions for Saturday’s state team golf championships, the Bangor High golf team figured it would take a lot of low scores to win the Class A title. The Rams felt they could have shot better in the tournament at the Natanis… Read More
    WISCASSET – They waited and waited in the rain and then sent a fleet of vehicles around Wiscasset Raceway during a brief let-up to try to dry it out. But then the rain started up again. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    Newburgh native Ricky Craven has received a two-year contract extension from PPI Motorsports which will keep him in his No. 32 Tide Winston Cup car through 2006. It was also announced that primary sponsor Tide has extended its sponsorship for two years through 2006. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    FORT FAIRFIELD – Fernando Costa scored the game-winning goal off an assist from Jesse Sayers 1 minute, 17 seconds into overtime as the Fort Fairfield boys soccer team earned a 3-2 victory over Southern Aroostook Saturday in high school action. Brandon Levasseur tied the game… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Jessie Roberts netted two second-half goals as the Bangor girls soccer team rolled to a 4-0 victory over Ellsworth Saturday in high school action. Serena Dubois and Laura Clarke each scored for the 10-1-1 Rams. Ilyse Angst turned away five of seven shots. Read More
    HAMPDEN – The Hampden girls soccer team shows up at all the right times. It happened again Saturday as the Broncos earned a 3-2 victory over Presque Isle, the second time this year Hampden has knocked off an undefeated team. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Andy Brems rushed for 261 yards and four touchdowns as Bridgewater State beat Maine Maritime 56-44 Saturday at Swenson Field. Bridgewater State (3-1, 2-0 NEFC) rallied from a 37-36 second-half deficit on the strength of a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown runs by… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Kyle Harrington had five carries for 45 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead the Oak Hill football team to a 42-14 victory over MDI Saturday in high school action. Adam Labbe completed five of nine passes for 113 yards and two… Read More
    Editor’s Note: Features new books that are either by Maine authors, set in the Pine Tree State or have other local ties. Steve Perrin is a Bar Harbor retiree who enjoys quiet marathon hikes; Stephen Gorman is a Vermont adventurer who seeks out high-octane wilderness. Read More
    Bangor had a bustling port a century ago, something hard to imagine today walking along its bare expanse of waterfront. Shipping reports appeared nearly daily in the newspapers and reporters had to know the difference between a bark and a barkentine. Among the typical arrivals… Read More
    Professor Harold Hill brought his 76 trombones to the Maine Center for the Arts on Sunday for a rousing performance of “The Music Man.” Meredith Wilson’s classic musical about the traveling con man who takes an Iowa town by storm and loses his heart to… Read More
    In theaters KILL BILL, Vol. 1, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, 93 minutes, rated R. 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… Read More