AUGUSTA – The Baldacci administration’s bill to rein in slot machine operations at the state’s harness racing tracks found itself on the slow road Wednesday, with lawmakers raising concerns about some of its attempts to regulate the fledgling industry. “There has been so much rush,… Read More
    BANGOR – It’s not just cold out. It’s dangerously cold out. Health experts say the deep-freeze temperatures we’re experiencing in northern Maine this week pose a real threat, not just to our comfort and convenience, but to our safety and well-being. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    Brutally cold air descended on Maine Wednesday, contributing to dozens of accidents as cars careened on frozen, wind-whipped roadways, keeping students and teachers home from schools, and inflicting frostbite on several firefighters who braved the below-zero temperatures to battle a fire in Aroostook County. It… Read More
    CONCORD, N.H. – Lawmakers are considering a bill that says New Hampshire no longer recognizes the federal anti-terrorism Patriot Act because it endangers freedoms. The measure, House Bill 1246, was discussed Tuesday before the New Hampshire House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The air drifting from Skyway Industrial Park may smell a little fresher if a unique machine being installed at the Tatermeal Inc. plant works as planned. McCain Foods, which acquired Tatermeal Inc. in the mid-1980s, is spending approximately $1.5 million to install… Read More
    Maine’s wild blueberry growers face a deadline next week to apply for cash benefits under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Trade Adjustment Assistance program. Sign-up for the program is through Tuesday, with meetings to provide technical assistance scheduled for next month. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    The long-term viability of Old Town and surrounding communities is at stake. The state has proposed an expansion of the dump in West Old Town. Picture the dump in Hampden. Now picture the same in Old Town. If the application is accepted, waste will increase from 50,000 tons… Read More
    There is no higher calling in life than that of being a parent. It is a blessing from God. It is unthinkable that we are living in an age when the government is trying to persuade us to believe otherwise. To deny young mothers the greatest privilege they… Read More
    As I read the newspaper each day, confusion develops, as there are questions with no apparent answers. There is no help for pantries and food kitchens. Federal and state budgets are being cut with no end in sight. Taxes are cut for the large, financially secure element of… Read More
    Re: Patrick Walsh’s letter to the editor (BDN, Jan. 1). Several years ago a tractor trailer loaded with fuel oil overturned in front of my home. The fuel began running out of the large tank, into an adjacent ditch, and made its way into an… Read More
    The Rev. Edwin Atlee Garrett III (BDN, Jan. 6) deftly pens an ad hominem view about Pope John Paul II without ever using the Polish-born pontiff’s name. For some non-Catholics and Catholics alike, John Paul II is the Vicar of Christ, regardless of Karol Wojtyla’s view of himself,… Read More
    Spurred by shrinking school enrollments and tight budgets, education officials have for years talked about consolidating schools. The talk was just that, however, and there has been comparatively little action. That should change with the recommendations from a governor’s advisory committee. The committee of education… Read More
    Lawmakers have tried before to square the volumes of Maine laws pertaining to veterans’ benefits, from property tax breaks to burial in a veterans cemetery. But despite the effort, scattered throughout Maine are veterans who fall through the loopholes in these laws, confused and sometimes bitter that, while… Read More
    Less than a year ago, as Gov. Baldacci spoke about the promise of the Dirigo Health Plan and universal health care coverage, he advocated for increasing the investment in primary and preventive care services, increasing case management, and decreasing the cost shift that occurs in today’s health care… Read More
    When I got up on Wednesday morning, the thermometer on my porch told me it was 10 degrees below zero. A dramatically cold reading, to be sure, but not the true measurement I would need in order to know how to dress properly when I… Read More
    CALAIS – A group of community leaders trying to bring a drug treatment program to Washington County is talking with two private companies about opening an outpatient center in Calais by summer. Leaders of Washington County Continuum of Care, a community group working with the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The judge presiding over the class action lawsuit that last year found Maine’s three largest blueberry processors guilty of price fixing on Wednesday denied the processors’ bid to keep the growers from acquiring liens on their assets to ensure payment of the $56 million judgment. Read More
    BREWER – In an effort to spur economic development, the owner of the Brewer Farm and Garden closed the business’s doors Saturday. “I closed the Agway [known also as the Brewer Farm and Garden],” said owner Joe Muner. “We closed it in anticipation of some… Read More
    BANGOR – City officials are considering adding outside legal counsel to their small stable of racino experts. Earlier this week, city councilors agreed to hire Maine Tomorrow, a Hallowell firm specializing in government relations and lobbying, among other things, at a rate of $150 an… Read More
    GUILFORD – To ensure the SAD 4 board of directors is in compliance with the “one man-one vote” principle, directors on Tuesday voted to file with the Department of Education a request for reapportionment. That move was made after Superintendent Paul Stearns noted that the… Read More
    A car struck a pedestrian Wednesday night in Brewer and then drove off, police said. Brewer police Sgt. Chris Martin said the accident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on South Main Street near Miller’s Discount Store. A witness said a small sedan traveling south hit… Read More
    BANGOR – Waterfront development, regional dispatch, a strategy for Bass Park, the coming racino, city sidewalks and providing appropriate habitat for people and wildlife were some of the issues residents discussed during a neighborhood meeting Wednesday night. The session, the first of two the City… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Pilotage Commission will hold a regular meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Planning Conference Room at the Maine Department of Transportation Headquarters Building on Child Street. The meeting agenda includes election for officers, review and approval of the… Read More
    MANCHESTER – A husband and wife who serve as state legislators from Skowhegan were injured in a highway accident Wednesday and admitted to an Augusta hospital. Sen. Pamela Hatch was driving when her car collided with a vehicle on U.S. Route 202, police said. Hatch… Read More
    DEXTER – Firefighters on Wednesday afternoon responded in subzero temperatures to a structure fire at a Free Street home. Velma Brasier was alerted to the fire by a passer-by, who noticed smoke coming from the two-story home, according to Dexter Fire Chief Melvin Wyman. Wyman… Read More
    HAMPDEN – A Hampden Planning Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday to discuss a development project on Main Road South has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the municipal building. The meeting was postponed because of the cold weather, according to city officials. Read More
    PITTSFIELD and NEWPORT – Separate benefit suppers are planned for 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, for two area men. In Pittsfield, a spaghetti supper at the Elks Lodge, jointly hosted by American Legion Post 32, will be held for the Fred Allen Jr. family. Allen… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The state has concluded hearings on three Atlantic salmon farm applications for the waters of Blue Hill Bay and could issue a decision in the next two months, according to the hearing officer. Meanwhile, the salmon farmer, Erick Swanson of Mount Desert, predicted… Read More
    CALAIS – Near-blizzard conditions and slippery roads kept parents from venturing to a Calais School Committee meeting Tuesday to share their concerns about a drug and alcohol prohibition policy that some have said is too harsh. The committee agreed to set up a subcommittee to… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Stabilizing property taxes, redeveloping Tillson Avenue and dealing with the eventual closing of the city’s landfill are on a list of possible goals city councilors will tackle early next month. When the five councilors drew up the list Jan. 5, they came up… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Though Hancock County’s 911 emergency answering center has been operating for nearly a year, county officials are trying to smooth out its organization and at the same time anticipate some changes it might be required to make, according to county officials. Linda Dunno… Read More
    BELFAST – The city has an opportunity to add another unwanted school building to its list of public properties it may want to dispose of. SAD 34 directors Tuesday voted to turn ownership of the Gov. Anderson School on High Street to the city on… Read More
    Counterfeit $20 bills surface in Ellsworth ELLSWORTH – Some phony $20 bills have turned up in the city, and businesses should be on the lookout for people trying to pass off the sham money as the real thing, according to local police. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – A five-car accident Wednesday morning injured three people and shut down a portion of Route 15 for almost two hours. Amy Heath, 26, of East Orland was traveling north on Route 15 near Hurds Brook Hill at about 8 a.m. when her vehicle… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Two vehicles were demolished Wednesday morning when they collided on Route 1A, but the drivers had only minor injuries, according to police. Theodore Cake, 24, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 1987 Ford van at about 8:45 a.m. when he pulled out of… Read More
    BANGOR – A Randolph Drive resident is demanding a public apology from the City Council’s chairman after the chairman attempted Monday to put a time limit on comments from the public. Councilor Dan Tremble, chairman of the nine-member council, said he would respond in writing… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – Selectmen are taking a wait-and-see attitude on a building in the village in need of improvements. After complaints were aired to selectmen about the condition of a building owned by Raymond Coffin on Main Street, the board began discussions with Coffin and his… Read More
    NEWPORT – Conceptual plans for several parks and a river walk along the Sebasticook River in downtown Newport were met with overall approval Wednesday night by a small but enthusiastic group of residents. The public hearing was offered by James Carlson of Coplon Associates of… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A veterans services officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be at the following locations to assist veterans, widows and dependent children in filing for state and federal benefits: . 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 14, Milo Town Office. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Penquis Community Action Program will offer three free Incubator Without Walls small-business courses for individuals interested in starting or expanding a small business. One class will meet 6-9 p.m. every other Wednesday, Jan. 14-April 21, at the E&R building in Millinocket. Another… Read More
    DEXTER – As part of their fund-raising efforts to send the Dexter Regional High School Band and Chorus to Williamsburg, Va., in the spring for a music competition, the Dexter Regional Music Boosters will hold a Basket Bingo at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, at Dexter Regional High… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Drummer Odo Addy of Ghana will perform two concerts of West African music this month at Colby College. Addy has performed internationally for 30 years and currently teaches music at Lewis and Clark College and Portland State University. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The handful of residents who turned out to the Knox County Charter Commission’s first public hearing Wednesday night liked the concept of consolidating services at the county level but were wary of any radical restructuring. The commission, formed by a referendum in November,… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Nov. 14 -Dec. 31, 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
    VAN BUREN – Hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage was done Wednesday in a potato storage house fire that destroyed a storage facility and more than 10,000 barrels of potatoes, a fire official said. The fire broke out at 10 a.m. at a… Read More
    ORONO – The Orono Public Library will feature “The War in Iraq: A Doctor’s Report on the Impact on Civilians” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. The program includes a presentation and a discussion led by family physician Peter Millard. Topics to be discussed include the health situation… Read More
    HODGDON – Region Two Adult Vocational and SAD 29-70 Adult Education will hold a CPR and first aid class from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Hodgdon Fire Station. Fee is $20 for one night, $35 for both… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Aroostook County Democratic Caucus convenors will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Northern Maine Community College. Democrats will caucus Sunday, Feb. 8, in each town to help determine the Democratic nominee for president, select delegates to the Democratic State… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross will offer first aid and CPR classes at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the branch office at 141 State St. Preregistration is required. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BREWER – Capri Street School will hold kindergarten registration for pupils who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15 from 7:30-10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4; and 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Parents are advised to bring their… Read More
    BANGOR – Republicans in Penobscot County will have the opportunity to participate in the 2004 caucus at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Center for Family Business at Husson College. Caucus kits will be available during a caucus training workshop at the Penobscot County… Read More
    BANGOR – All Saints Catholic School will hold an open house and registration for kindergarten pupils 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at St. Mary’s campus, 768 Ohio St. Prospective pupils must be at least 5 years old by Oct. 15, 2004, to… Read More
    MILFORD – Penobscot County Child Development Services and the Union 90 School Department will hold a free developmental screening from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Lewis S. Libby Elementary School, 8 County Road. To schedule an appointment, call 947-8493, Ext. 10 or 17. Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Ken’s Celebration Center, Madison Avenue. Honorees will include Richard Carrier Trucking Inc., The Blueberry Cupboard and Karen Hart, along with the volunteer, director and junior… Read More
    HAMPDEN – The Hampden Kiwanis Club will hold its monthly baked bean supper 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Hampden Kiwanis Civic Center. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Home delivery available. For information call 862-3700. Read More
    Since last spring, members of the Old Town Grange No. 52 have been working to raise $5,000 to purchase a “Hazard House” to donate to the Old Town Fire Department “for use in teaching the hazards of fire and safety” in homes, wrote Grange secretary Yvette Herbert of… Read More
    PORTLAND – Maine has taken some steps to bolster security at courthouses, but efforts have been sporadic. Last year, state courts received $540,000 from the federal Office of Homeland Security, enough to buy 28 metal detectors and 10 X-ray machines to augment about a dozen… Read More
    LEWISTON – Natural gas was the cause of a spectacular explosion that injured five people and blew out windows along Lisbon Street in the downtown area, investigators said Wednesday. Fire Chief Michael Lajoie said the gas was traced to a Northern Utilities distribution pipe that… Read More
    BANGOR – A registered nurse Wednesday pleaded not guilty in federal court to two counts of tampering after she allegedly stole and consumed morphine prescribed to a patient in a Howland nursing home. Nancy C. Dean, 43, of Bangor was indicted by a federal grand… Read More
    BANGOR – A Milo woman has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing a local police officer of using excessive force when he arrested her along with her husband two years ago. Donna Bubar, 33, last week filed a lawsuit against the town, the police… Read More
    BANGOR – Dogs at the Bangor Mall’s Get-A-Pet store are no longer under quarantine. After seeing several cases of kennel cough in dogs that were bought at Get-A-Pet, Dr. James Meiczinger of the Penobscot Valley Veterinary Hospital wrote a letter to the state, suggesting that… Read More
    NAPLES – Detectives are investigating the death of an 18-year-old man who was found dead Wednesday morning at a Naples residence. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that deputies responded to a call at 10:21 a.m. that Michael Laflamme of Westbrook was… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A program that provides a laptop for every student at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford has benefited all but has been a particular boon for low achievers by helping to improve their interest, quality of work, and classroom participation, according to an interim report presented… Read More
    BANGOR – United Way of Eastern Maine announced Wednesday that it has exceeded its campaign goal of $2.4 million. “Thanks to the donors and volunteers, I am truly proud to report that we have raised $2.5 million this year,” John Simpson, 2003 campaign chair and… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A priest who was accused in a sex abuse case has been ordered to pay a $500,000 settlement to a man who made the charges in a civil suit. Superior Court Justice Kirk Studstrup’s order Friday ends the case against the Rev. Raymond… Read More
    BANGOR – A recipient of the Maine Army National Guard’s soldier of the year award has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that MBNA denied him a promotion because of his potential deployment as a guardsman. Joey Ouellette, 28, of Portland alleges in the… Read More
    GUILFORD – SAD 4 directors on Tuesday voted to give Superintendent Paul Stearns a raise. With the board’s action, Stearns’ salary will increase from $68,000 to $74,000. He also was given a $3,500 stipend in lieu of insurance for 2004 and his contract was extended… Read More
    DURHAM, N.H. – University of Maine senior guard Eric Dobson took over the game with 18 minutes left and led his Black Bears to a 70-58 America East men’s basketball victory over the University of New Hampshire at Lundholm Gym on Wednesday night. Dobson finished… Read More
    ORONO – With two of America East’s top post players squaring off Wednesday night, it might have seemed logical to think Heather Ernest of the University of Maine or New Hampshire’s Maren Matthias would be the big difference. Instead, it was the Black Bears’ speedy… Read More
    School consolidation is a common conversation topic in Maine education circles, a result of the continuing population exodus from northern areas of the state. That same fact of rural life could prompt a case of conference consolidation for all of the Class A programs currently… Read More
    The recent dusting of snow may not have been enough to make snowmobile enthusiasts jump for joy, but organizers of one upcoming event aren’t worried. According to John Monk of Hermon, the Five-Club Poker Run scheduled for Saturday is a go … with or without… Read More
    BOYS Big School (Classes A-B) 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
    HIGH SCHOOL Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance 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
    HIGH SCHOOL At Dover-Foxcroft 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
    Hampden figure skater Tessa McCue has been battling a leg injury, but hopes to return to competition in March, according to her father, Carl McCue. Tessa McCue has been suffering from a nerve injury in her left calf, her father said. She has been limited… Read More
    CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Farmington native Kevin Eastler posted the second-fastest winning time in race history en route to victory in the 30-kilometer race at the National Racewalk Championships on Sunday. Eastler, a 26-year-old Mt. Blue High School graduate who is now a captain in… Read More
    Maine sports fans have known for many years that there is some outstanding basketball played within the state’s borders. A quick look at the latest Division III national top-25 poll lists two Maine colleges among the best in the nation this season. And they’re receiving… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Buddy Leavitt’s 3-pointer from halfcourt with less than three seconds remaining gave Husson a 99-96 men’s basketball victory over Thomas College Wednesday night Leavitt finished with 24 points for the Braves of Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    Dexter center Mallory Ames is just a freshman, but she’s already made a lot of progress from the beginning of the season. That’s according to Mallory’s sister Ashley, a junior center for the Tigers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    What is a claymore? Ask former University of Maine and Boston College football coach Jack Bicknell. 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
    MOUNT DESERT – Shannon Wiggin notched 16 points and Malerie Hall added 14 as their Hermon Hawks downed host Mount Desert Island 64-43 in a schoolgirl basketball clash Wednesday night. Cassie White contributed 12 points and Marissa McLeod scored 10 more for Hermon. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    DEER ISLE – Back-to-back 3-pointers by Tim Carter midway through the fourth quarter helped rally visiting George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill to a 47-44 schoolboy basketball victory over Deer Isle-Stonington on Wednesday night. Carter, sidelined for much of the second half with four trouble,… Read More
    How many times a week do you eat beef? “About one or twice.” 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
    BANGOR – The bells rang, the kettles filled and letters flowed into the stocking of Santa’s Helper. But what does it add up to? A lot of people were helped, according to The Salvation Army Maj. Debbie Burr. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BANGOR – Although they are too young to remember, two New York Medical College first-year medical students, one from Bangor, would wreak havoc on the old television game show, “To Tell the Truth.” Each week the show ended with the well-known line, “Will the real [fill in name]… Read More
    ORONO – The eighth annual Keeping the Dream Alive breakfast will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine. Each year the breakfast is sponsored by the Greater Bangor Area NAACP, the University of Maine Human… Read More
    BANGOR – Ragtime piano player Jazzou Jones from Glenburn and “Mr. Banjo” Mike Gentry from Arkansas, performers on the Mississippi riverboat, Delta Queen, will bring their show, “Revels from the Mississippi,” to Bangor at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 23, at John Bapst Memorial High School. Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li will welcome the Year of the Monkey with a Chinese New Year celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Bangor Civic Center. The Bangor Civic Center will be adorned with… Read More
    BREWER – This will be the third year that the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia has offered a seminar in the Bangor area. This year’s Teaching East Asia seminar has a new cast of scholars from the University of Maine, Colby, Bates and Bowdoin… Read More
    Schools Youth chess tournament 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
    Real estate transfers recorded with town of Orono in 2003: To Nancy J. Robinson, Orono, from inhabitants of the town of Orono, Orono, July 23, Mainwood Avenue, $2,300. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More