Thursday’s Style story on “The Nutcracker,” which will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, incorrectly stated that Kelly Holyoke is co-artistic director of Robinson Ballet Company. She resigned the post in 2002. Read More
    Founded: 1958 Members: 35 million 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… Read More
    I have been reading with personal interest all the op-ed pieces and letters that have been appearing in the paper on the subject of bear baiting. As one of 500 volunteers who collected signatures all day on Nov. 4 for the Fair Bear Hunting referendum,… Read More
    The danger of arsenic was brought home to Mainers earlier this year when 16 people were sickened and one died after drinking coffee tainted with the chemical in New Sweden. However, it doesn’t take intentional poisoning, as was the case this spring, for arsenic to cause harm. The… Read More
    The latest numbers on poverty in Maine look a lot like previous numbers – Maine is worse off than the nation and Washington County is worse off than Maine. And so, to a lesser degree, are Aroostook, Somerset, Piscataquis, Franklin and essentially every place north of Augusta. The… Read More
    This Dec. 1 is the first in recent history that doesn’t signal the beginning of coyote snaring in Maine. Is this because our Legislature chose to stop wasting state money on this cruel, futile attempt at predator control? No. Is it because they chose to vote with the… Read More
    I will never understand the citizens of Maine. They turn down the casino bill, yet pass all the bonds. Where do they think this money is going to come from? Now I hear the lawmakers are trying to get the state into Power Ball and… Read More
    If we are going to bring in millions of mostly impoverished immigrants year after year to perform low-wage labor for us, then we need to be responsible about meeting their basic needs for housing, health care, food and education. The alternative, to bring in millions and shirk this… Read More
    I just finished writing to our two senators about privatizing Social Security and Medicare. I said it made about as much sense as privatizing Congress. That idea just occurred to me as I wrote. Maybe it isn’t logical. Then again, maybe I’m onto something. Merle… Read More
    In recent years, Connecticut has earned the dubious distinction of being the “gambling capital of New England.” I would like to publicly applaud the voters of Maine who chose not to allow the development of casinos in your fine state. As a small business owner,… Read More
    Regarding the recent seminar on hunting ethics at the University of Maine given by Cornell University instructor Jim Tantillo (“Hunter: Ethics twist bear-bait debate,” BDN, Nov. 4), I applaud UMaine’s Department of Wildlife Ecology for sponsoring such a stimulating program. However, as a UMaine alumnus,… Read More
    Recently, The New York Times’ auto section highlighted the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Grand Marquis is large, functional, and hasn’t changed stylistically since its creation in 1975. The results are predictable: The average buyer is 67 years old. Interestingly, in the same paper, the Times… Read More
    Maine has a chance right now to transform its Department of Human Services from a secretive, defensive child-protection agency that is the constant object of sound criticism and crackpot accusations to one primarily known for helping children and saving families. The chance arrives during a terrible budget crunch… Read More
    Your editorial, “Conflicts of Interest” (BDN, Nov. 22-23), was short, sweet … and superficial. In fact, by its very nature as a community-owned institution, the potential for the appearance of a number of deep and diverse, if not real, conflicts of interest amongst those who serve on the… Read More
    This elongated holiday weekend, when the clientele is distracted in pursuit of some final folly before the onset of Inevitable Winter, would seem to be an ideal time to unload one of those semi-annual three-dot columns that purge the files of accumulating trivia while simultaneously fulfilling my contractual… Read More
    In a move that was expected, credit-card lender MBNA Corp. said Friday that chief executive Charlie Cawley will retire Dec. 30. Cawley, 63, a founder of MBNA, which is based in Wilmington, Del., will continue to work with the company as a senior adviser. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Leah Cohen Lamkin, associate AIA, has joined Smith Reuter Lull Architects, a Lewiston-based firm that provides a wide range of planning and design services to its clients throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Formerly of Bangor, Lamkin joins Smith Reuter Lull Architects after three years of internship with architectural… Read More
    VAIL, Colo. – The powder is already deep on Vail’s double-diamond run Prima and at many other Western ski resorts, raising hopes of another boom year for the industry after 2002’s record season. Most resorts opened early in Utah, which led the nation with more… Read More
    For many people in the Bangor area, she is one of the enduring symbols of the Christmas season, a presence nearly as familiar as Santa Claus himself. There are people who seek her out every year, this tiny, silver-haired figure in the blue uniform of… Read More
    BANGOR – Author Stephen King was in good spirits Friday morning, according to Bangor attorney Warren Silver. King, 56, was hospitalized Sunday at Eastern Maine Medical Center after pneumonia, first diagnosed in his right lung, spread to his left lung. A thoracotomy was done Tuesday… Read More
    Two East Millinocket hunters who failed to return in time for Thanksgiving dinner prompted a search in the darkness by family members and wardens and turned up safe Friday morning. Meanwhile, another search started and ended late Friday afternoon in the Bradley-Milford area after a… Read More
    The holiday shopping season has kicked off with great gusto. With less than a month to go, there is a lot that families want to do or have to do to make the Christmas holiday extra special for their loved ones. As you think about all your activities,… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Trustees of the Pittsfield Public Library will hold the third annual Jill McGowan Designer Clothing sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Congregational Church on Park Street. Shirts, jackets and pants will be available in all sizes at 40 percent to… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor YMCA Child Care Center will hold a breakfast with Santa and craft fair 7:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at 127 Hammond St. Participants will also have an opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa. Cost is $1 per person. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – The Peace and Justice Center will present “Uncovered: The Whole Truth about the Iraq War,” sponsored by MoveOn.org, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at 170 Park St. The event is part of a national screening of the film, and will include a… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A representative of the state Department of Human Services will be at the following locations to assist residents who are interested in applying for food stamps or related program: . 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10 and 24, at the Dover-Foxcroft… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A “walk for DHS accountability” has been set for noon Thursday, Dec. 4, and will end Monday, Dec. 8, on the State House steps in Augusta. Organizers say the walk is designed to convince state lawmakers that the Department of Human Services needs… Read More
    BANGOR – The Eastern Maine Camera Club will hold a meeting, Christmas party and potluck dinner 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Bangor Parks and Recreation Building, 647 Main St. Slides will be shown at the meeting, and all are welcome to attend. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ORONO – Newly hired town manager Catherine Conlow said Friday she is looking forward to putting her experience in local government to use in Maine. Finishing up as public services director in Blaine, Minn., she is slated to begin her new position Jan. 5. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Bangor police arrested a Hermon man Friday afternoon after he allegedly stole a leather jacket. Officer Shawn Green reported that at about 1:45 p.m. he and Officer Myron Warner were on patrol in plainclothes outside the Bangor Mall when Green noticed a man leaving the… Read More
    Rockland District Court Cases Oct. 6-Nov. 21, 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
    George Stevens Academy, Blue Hill 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
    TOPSHAM – The Maine Coast Heritage Trust is featuring an undeveloped island in Harpswell in an upcoming advertising campaign urging Mainers to support land protection in Casco Bay. The trust acquired the 125-acre Whaleboat Island last year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    PORTLAND – Some people accustomed to finding their mailboxes stuffed with catalogs might have noticed a decrease in recent years. For three consecutive years, the number of catalogs mailed across the country has been flat following a period of solid growth, and mail-order companies like… Read More
    STONINGTON, Conn. – Connecticut fishermen say they will suffer from proposed federal regulations that would further limit their days at sea, but don’t know what the toll will be on the state’s lone fishing fleet. “Everyone will take a hit. That’s for sure,” said John… Read More
    BARNEGAT LIGHT, N.J. – Just five years after the commercial scallop-fishing industry in New Jersey appeared near bankruptcy due to overfishing and other problems, it continues to make a stunning economic comeback. In 1998, a time when government regulations allowed fishing boats to spend hundreds… Read More
    BANGOR – Choir members from 17 Catholic churches in Hancock, Waldo and southern Penobscot counties early next month will present “Like Winter Waiting: An Advent Story,” a choral pageant by John Foley. It will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 3 p.m. Read More
    BANGOR – After a two-year national search, Columbia Street Baptist Church found its new senior pastor less than 10 miles away. Peter K. Sprague, 47, was approved by the congregation earlier this month. He will deliver his first sermon from his new pulpit at 10:15… Read More
    ORONO – The tropical memories of Hawaii are still fresh in the minds of players on the University of Maine women’s basketball team. But the Black Bears hope to turn up the heat at Alfond Arena this weekend during the 11th Dead River Co. Classic. Read More
    A couple of weeks ago, as the tales began to emerge and the rumor mill began churning in earnest, the whispers began. Everywhere you went, someone had information. Not necessarily accurate information … but the kind of juicy rural Maine grapevine fodder that quickly changes… Read More
    Piscataquis Community High of Guilford is hosting two benefit basketball games Monday. The PCHS boys will play Lee Academy at 5:30 p.m. and the Dexter girls will battle Lee at 7. All proceeds will benefit the families of Peter Nelson, the PCHS soccer coach who… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Buddy Leavitt poured in a game-high 24 points as the Husson College Braves advanced to the championship game at the Maine Event tourney with an 85-77 win over St. Joseph’s Friday night. Husson will meet host Colby College in today’s 7 p.m. final. Read More
    When the University of Maine men’s hockey team returns to the Alfond Arena ice for practice Monday following the Thanksgiving break, one of its prime objectives will be to improve its power play. After scoring at least one power play goal in a five-game stretch… Read More
    Dead River Co. Classic MAINE vs. COLUMBIA 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
    Wasn’t last Sunday a gem? It started off a tad on the frosty side, but the sun shone and as midday approached, the breezes fell off and the temperature settled in the mid-40s. It turned out to be perfect for a late-season paddle. Wouldn’t you… Read More
    Muzzleloading enthusiasts may want to head to Stetson on Sunday for the Penobscot Longrifles’ monthly black-powder shoot. The games begin at 10 a.m. and a hot lunch is provided. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    It all started with Robert B. Parker and his damned Spenser detective novels. I think the key to my personal addiction was the humor in the detective novels, mostly set in the Boston-Cambridge areas. The laughably tough Spenser, a former professional boxer, had an even tougher alter ego,… Read More
    Dear Santa, My name is Kristen. You may remember me from last year. I left you cookies. I left carrots for Rudolph and Co. I even left a glass of milk, and I don’t even like milk. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    Can you put your finger on one or two observations of nature that have totally transformed the way you look at the world? Was there a time you suddenly noticed, for example, how vulnerable small creatures are and how many forces are at work against their welfare?… Read More