JONESBORO – Fifty-one years at Blueberry Hill, the University of Maine’s agricultural farm on Route 1, allow blueberry specialist Dell Emerson a perspective that few others have on the new turmoil in the state’s wild blueberry business. The man who has worked in blueberries since… Read More
    A Friday story concerning the possible expansion of the Maine State Lottery included an incorrect number of states participating in the Powerball lottery. Twenty-four states, including four New England states – New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island – participate. Read More
    “We thought that it must be a mistake. People don’t shoot presidents.” Robert Bellefleur, Madawaska. He was a seventh-grader at Madawaska High School. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    John Fitzgerald Kennedy Baxter of Eastport has no memory of where he was when President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated 40 years ago today. But his mother does. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    The tall, slender candidate standing at the microphone kept talking in his Boston Harvard accent, but something wasn’t quite right. A radio technician tinkered with the equipment a couple of times until finally fixing the sound glitch. “That kind of leadership is what we need… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Only weeks after Congress demanded Syria stop supporting terrorism, Sen. Susan Collins is co-sponsoring a similar bill for Saudi Arabia. “We cannot allow countries that are supposed to be America’s allies to play a double game, when they talk about cooperation but in… Read More
    I am amazed by the audacity of the state in the offer it presented to the Sail Inn restaurant in Prospect. How much money has this business paid in taxes over the 55 years its owners have been doing business? How much does a thriving business located on… Read More
    Forced to solve a years’-long problem in a couple of months, the Baldacci administration this week put client care above just balancing its budget to escape a $113 million shortfall at the Department of Human Services. The Legislature can help end this unfortunate episode by offering amendments to… Read More
    The potential for conflicts of interest arise regularly with corporate governance, all the more so in smaller communities, so it was not surprising that the directors of Eastern Maine Medical Center and the trustees of its parent company Eastern Maine Healthcare were concerned recently about a potential conflict… Read More
    It is a hard pill to swallow (I couldn’t help it) but the AARP which in the past has done so much good for seniors has been co-opted by the Republican Party (at least the AARP leadership) and is now doing its bidding by supporting the current Medicare… Read More
    I would like to address a misconception that has been prevalent in the news media for the last two months. It has been repeatedly stated that Edward Hackett randomly terrorized and murdered Colby senior Dawn Rossignol, and that Rossignol was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”… Read More
    In their recent opinion column (“Doughty School caught in technical web,” BDN, Nov. 12), several Bangor school officials argue against the inclusion of students with disabilities in the No Child Left Behind accountability system, stating that “predictably, this subgroup does not meet the state standard used for all… Read More
    The Bush administration pushed the United Nations Security Council to allow the Oil-for-Food program in Iraq to expire on Nov. 21. The United States is insisting on taking over a program that has been operated very successfully since 1995 by the United Nations. Yet no one is accounting… Read More
    With another Thanksgiving Day holiday staring us in the face, I suppose the first thing a guy ought to be thankful for is that he is not one of those well-bred and well-fed turkeys raised on Bob Neal’s farm, as described in an Associated Press feature story earlier… Read More
    The Medicare and energy bills that stand between Congress and its Thanksgiving recess are the best examples yet of Washington leading the nation into ever-more divisive camps that communicate mostly through the shared law firm of Tantrum & Accusation. Both are major bills – reforming the nation’s primary… Read More
    BANGOR – Pan American Airlines has shut down its flights from Bangor to Halifax, Nova Scotia, completing reductions in Bangor flights that had begun months ago. The Pan Am service desk closed at the end of October, taking with it flights to Canada, a link… Read More
    The five stores operated by The Black Stove Shop, Maine’s largest retailer of stove and fireplace products, have been acquired by a New York-based investment firm, S3 Partners LLC. Founded in 1975 by Ray and Candace Manocchio, the Black Stove Shop showrooms in Augusta, Bangor,… Read More
    Luanne Lawrence, a higher-education professional with 12 years of experience in public relations, marketing, community relations and related areas, has been appointed executive director of public affairs and marketing at the University of Maine. She assumed her new duties on Sept. 2. Lawrence oversees a staff of 16… Read More
    GARDINER – The Maine Technology Institute recently awarded nearly $2 million in seed grants and development awards to 21 Maine businesses for research and product development. The recipients represent various sectors of the technology industry, including information, aquaculture and precision manufacturing technology. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    More donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund arrived Friday, bringing the total received to $3,001 towards the $50,000 goal. Individuals and groups contributing include: Gaelen and Roxanne Saucier in memory of Robby Beck, Veazie, $40; Courtland Living Center and Auxiliary, Ellsworth, $25; AMVETS Post 9,… Read More
    BANGOR – Citing insufficient evidence, officials from the Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office have dismissed the arson charge against a 20-year-old Webster Plantation man in connection with a Jan. 20, 2002, fire in Lincoln that destroyed two Main Street buildings and displaced six businesses. The… Read More
    FRENCHVILLE – The story of a County man’s efforts to help children in Iraq has prompted e-mail, contributions and supplies. A front-page story in the Bangor Daily News a week ago profiled 2nd Lt. Jody Daigle, an Army platoon leader in Mosul, Iraq, the country’s… Read More
    LEWISTON – The number of educators and business leaders joining former Gov. Angus King in a move to expand the state’s middle-school laptop program to high schools has swelled. The group hopes to raise enough money to add ninth-graders next year and one grade each… Read More
    Central High School, Corinth First 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
    BANGOR – A Bangor used car dealer pleaded not guilty Friday to charges he threatened and assaulted a competitor who he said was sending him undesirable customers. Donald Swallow, 60, of Bangor is being charged with terrorizing and assault in connection with the Oct. 13… Read More
    GREENVILLE – Sarah and Floyd McNinch receive two tax bills each year on their small, two-story Depot Street home. This past year, the couple received a $117 tax bill from Greenville for the 10 feet of land they own on one side of the house… Read More
    CAMDEN – A Rockport woman was listed in stable condition Friday afternoon after she was struck Thursday by a vehicle while she was crossing Main Street in Camden. Matilda Desorcy, 75, was taken by ambulance to Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Jeffrey Dow has been elected chairman of the board of trustees for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. A board member for the past five years, Dow owns an accounting firm on Main Street in Ellsworth. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BANGOR – A representative from the New England Regional Peace Corps office will be at the Bangor Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 145 Harlow St. Peace Corps volunteer Chris Lins, will be on hand to provide information on volunteering and answer questions… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The following divorces were granted in 13th District Court during October on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Michael Gamblin of Medford and Jennifer Gamblin of Burnham; married at Detroit on Feb. 21, 2000; shared custody of one child. Read More
    Penquis Valley High School, Milo First 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
    GREENVILLE – Town officials plan to send a letter this week to the Department of Transportation to air opposition to an option under consideration that would reduce funds for general aviation projects. Greenville Town Manager John Simko told selectmen this week that DOT is considering… Read More
    BREWER – In the spring, Mary Ellen Bryner was fired from her Ed Tech III position at Brewer High School after several students testified before the school committee that the teacher had been involved in drug-related activities. In August, Department of Labor officials said some… Read More
    BANGOR – With the closing this week of their son’s day care center, Building Blocks in Bangor, Todd and Jennifer Richardson are worried about finding another day care or whether one of them will have to switch shifts or stop working altogether. Todd Richardson said… Read More
    NEWPORT – The greatest challenge facing the cluster of communities in the Sebasticook Valley region is obtaining quality health care in the face of poverty, a lack of transportation and unemployment, according to a recent survey. “Low wages and high unemployment rates pose numerous barriers… Read More
    NEWPORT – Every Saturday morning a handful of dedicated volunteers at the Newport Food Bank pass out food to more than 100 area families. The building is bursting with donations – canned goods, frozen meats, boxes of cereal piled to the ceiling – and this… Read More
    Following are divorces granted in October in 1st District Court at Caribou on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Kirk A. Phair of Limestone and Wendy L. Phair of Mars Hill, married Feb. 14, 2003, at Limestone; one child to live with mother. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BLUE HILL – In an effort to raise money for a trip to Okinawa next year, the Eastern Maine Karate Dojos will offer a seminar from 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (youth training) and from 2 to 5:15 p.m. (adult training) today at the Blue Hill Consolidated School. Read More
    GREENVILLE – Sarah and Floyd McNinch receive two tax bills each year on their small, two-story Depot Street home. This past year, the couple received a $117 tax bill from Greenville for the 10 feet of land they own on one side of the house… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – Thanksgiving vacation begins today for Mount Desert Elementary School pupils, but not for teachers. Although classes have been canceled for Monday and Tuesday, extending the holiday break to nine days for children, teachers will spend the first part of the week moving… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Don’t tell the linguists, but Latin is alive … and boisterous. At least it was Friday night at Hampden Academy, where more than 450 high school students studying Latin at 16 schools across the state met at the annual fall conference of the… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Oct. 6-Nov. 14, 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]… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A life-size mural created by free-lance artist Marilyn Dowling will be on display 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Ellsworth Early Child Care and Education Center. The 145-foot mural, titled “Main Street,” will be dedicated to George Shepard, a longtime board member… Read More
    Officers from the Maine State Police and Hampden police searched the woods Friday night for a man who fled an accident on Interstate 95. Trooper Daniel Ryan said that at about 7:30 p.m. he was told that a car was driving erratically northbound on I-95… Read More
    OLD TOWN – The Bangor Humane Society has received phone calls on its emergency line to ask about animals it has from the Old Town rescue. Residents who are concerned about these animals should call 942-8902. The number 947-9677 is used only for emergency situations for staff members. Read More
    Hundreds of thoughtful letters arrive at the NEWS with a request to be published so individuals and organizations can publicly thank others for their kindness. Many of those letters, eventually, find their way to my desk. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am proud to… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The following divorces were granted in 13th District Court during October on grounds of irreconcilable differences: William Robert Benson of Warren and Sonia Benson of Parkman; married at Parkman on Nov. 23, 2001. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    AUGUSTA – State investigators have found no indication of wrongdoing by Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies in the death of a 23-year-old woman after her arrest this week in Baldwin. Elaine McGeehan was unresponsive and had stopped breathing when she arrived Sunday night at the Cumberland… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Maine State Planning Office has been awarded a $475,000 grant by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help continue implementation of both the coastal zone management program and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program in Maine. “The preservation and protection of… Read More
    PORTLAND – John J. O’Dea of Richmond has been named the new executive director of the Irish Heritage Center. He will replace Linda Hogan, who has overseen the early development of the Irish Heritage Center and is leaving after 18 months at the helm. O’Dea,… Read More
    RENO, Nev. – Christopher Corbett was chasing down the truth about the Pony Express one day near Mud Springs, Neb., when a local shared some words of wisdom: “We don’t lie out here. We just remember big.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    BANGOR – An Embden man was sentenced to 13 months in prison on federal charges of possessing unregistered firearms. The sentence, handed down Friday in U.S. District Court in Bangor, will be followed by three years of supervised release. On June 9, Alfred Clough, 61,… Read More
    BREWER – To kick off their Solidarity Harvest, members and volunteers from the nonprofit Food AND Medicine organization and the Greater Bangor Area Central Labor Council will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the labor council’s offices at 20 Ayer St. Read More
    BREWER – Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of Burt’s Bees and a private landowner with visions of establishing a national park in the North Maine Woods, will be the guest speaker at the next Industrial Forestry Forum Northeastern Technical Division meeting on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Jeff’s Catering. Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library will host a lecture by Bob Duchesne of the Maine Audubon Society on the care and feeding of birds in the winter at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at 145 Harlow St. For more information, contact Diane at 947-8336,… Read More
    BANGOR – Eastern Maine Healthcare will hold a blood drive 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at 992 Union St. Homemade baked goods and refreshments will be offered to blood or platelet donors. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    Worshippers attending Thanksgiving eve services at Grace United Methodist Church in Bangor will be showered with words of thanksgiving – literally. A mobile made of construction-paper letters spelling out love, prayer, God’s grace and 16 other things congregants are thankful for will hang suspended from… Read More
    BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare and the Felician Sisters celebrated Founder’s Day on Friday by presenting the annual Mother Mary Angela awards to three people. The owner of St. Joseph Hospital says the three continue the mission of Mary Angela, founder of the Felician Sisters… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine Revenue Services has announced that as of Nov. 17, $13,549,860 has been collected through the 2003 Tax Amnesty Program. To date, almost 17,000 taxpayers have participated in the Tax Amnesty program, said Errol Dearborn, director of Maine Revenue Services Compliance Division. Since… Read More
    LEWISTON – After a 20-year run, the Maine State Parade in Lewiston-Auburn is apparently history. WCSH-TV said it will no longer organize and produce the parade, as it has each May since 1983. The event typically involved more than 100 school bands and other groups, attracting tens of… Read More
    Week 12 of the high school football season is Championship Saturday, with six surviving teams set to compete in three state finals at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. Gold Balls await the winners. Class B: Belfast Lions (8-2) vs. Gorham Rams (8-2), 6 p.m.: Belfast is… Read More
    AMHERST, Mass. – It wasn’t a win. But the University of Maine Black Bears did register their first Hockey East road point thanks to sophomore Greg Moore’s late second-period goal and a desperation save by sopohomore goalie Jimmy Howard in overtime. The No. 3 Bears… Read More
    As reported in past weeks, the Humane Society of the United States has thrown itself behind an effort to ban the hunting of bears by baiting or “hounding,” and to also ban the trapping of bruins in the state. The petitions have been signed and… Read More
    Northeast League open tryouts will be held at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 29-30, the league announced Friday. Registration runs from 7:30-8 a.m. on March 29. A limited number of players will be invited back for a scrimmage on March 30. The… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Sarah Davis and Stephanie Noyes scored 12 points apiece Friday night to lead the Husson Braves of Bangor to a 63-59 women’s basketball win over Newbury in the Colby College Tipoff Tournament. Annie McIntosh notched 11 points and 16 rebounds for Husson. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic 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
    The University of Maine women’s basketball team won 21 straight games last season, was undefeated in regular-season conference play, and still failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament at 25-6. This season, coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears plan to attack every game with playoff-like intensity… Read More
    You know you’ve hung around with the younger set too long and way overdone it when three Ibuprofen, two beers, and two buffered aspirin don’t even touch that crippled feeling. As I hobbled about the house last Sunday making a valiant attempt at completing a… Read More
    For decades deer hunters have vigorously debated the subject of best whitetail rifle and cartridge. From gun shops to deer camps across the nation, the controversy rages among sportsmen of all ages and levels of expertise. It’s an unanswered question because hunting rifles are a very personal item… Read More
    A few weeks ago organizers announced an ambitious environmental plan for the Penobscot River. The Penobscot River Restoration project will eliminate dams, improve fish habitat, and allow spawning opportunities in sections of the watershed that have been impassable. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Dan Christianson of Readfield was sworn in by Major Thomas Santaguida as a Deputy Game Warden at the Department headquarters in Augusta on Friday. He will be assigned to the Southern Division and will work under the supervision of Warden Kevin Anderson. Deputy… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Dan Dufault of Turner was recently sworn in as a Game Warden Pilot. Dufault will be based in the southern division of the Maine Warden Service. Dufault will be based out of the Turner Aviation field which neighbors Route 4 in Turner. He… Read More
    It’s that time of year when carols rumble through the store aisles – actually, that was Halloween, too, but who’s keeping track – and people of all ilks pursue a cherished gardening tradition. You know the one I mean. It begins with a C. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    In the latest battle between the two classic rock bands, The Beatles topped The Rolling Stones in the Rolling Stone magazine poll of the top 500 rock albums of all time. The battle between the two English bands was close, with the mop tops topping the Stones 11… Read More
    A red squirrel dashed across the road in front of our car the other day. In his mouth, he carried a pine cone twice his size. Frightened by our looming vehicle, he dropped the cone a few feet short of the edge of the road, dashing alone to… Read More