AUGUSTA – Talks aimed at hammering out a $2.5 million loan to reopen bankrupt Eastern Pulp and Paper Corp. stalled on one unspecified technicality Thursday afternoon. In the meantime, the company’s workers are preparing for life after the mills just in case the facilities in… Read More
    FALMOUTH – In the past two years, 83 percent of Maine’s factories, mills and sewage treatment plants illegally polluted the state’s water, yet fewer than 6 percent of these facilities ever paid fines, according to Department of Environmental Protection records. A group of environmental and… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine House gave all but final approval to the Baldacci administration’s $109 million supplemental plan in a 75-61 vote Thursday night that divided along party lines. “We’ve preserved the Dirigo health plan instead of using one-time money as recommended by Republicans,” said… Read More
    The Human Resources Association of Eastern Maine recently became a nationally affiliated chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. The Charter Presentation Ceremony was held January 8 at the Holiday Inn-Odlin Road in Bangor. Gary Thornton, head of the organization in Maine, made the… Read More
    INDIANAPOLIS – Health insurer Anthem Inc. on Thursday posted a 21 percent increase in its fourth-quarter profit and boosted its earnings forecast amid a pending merger that would create the nation’s largest managed-care company. Anthem reported net income of $208.8 million for the October-December period,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A federal bankruptcy judge was asked Thursday not to order payment of just about all of Katahdin Federal Credit Union’s claim to $3.1 million that it lent the former owner of Great Northern Paper Inc. almost three years ago. Portland attorney Daniel Amory,… Read More
    My hat goes off to Mitch Lansky in his Jan. 24-25 column, “Test your logging labor economic IQ,” about why there is a shortage of loggers in the Maine woods. His seven points hit the nail on the head as to why so many loggers have left the… Read More
    The evidence continues to mount that Maine’s school laptop program is working. Report after report has found that students are more interested in their studies, do better work and can access a wider range of materials. The latest study, by the George J. Mitchell Scholarship… Read More
    Perhaps the walls of security going up around Maine’s border are required to alert the state to how much it depends on a region that is not defined by state or national boundaries. But just as some Maine residents living along the border with Canada need to move… Read More
    At least a portion of the high cost of medical care seems to go hand-in-hand with management and insurance go-between companies. I have been watching as the story of Eastern Maine Medical Center’s management company’s problems unfold. Now comes an interesting aspect on an insurance… Read More
    I wish to clarify inaccuracies in the article, “Democrats to focus on campaigns, caucuses” (BDN, Jan. 13), which stated that “the Democratic caucuses offer the only official opportunity to register one’s presidential preference.” As chairman of the Maine Green Independent Party, I feel obliged to… Read More
    There must be a reason the media ignored the song by Willie Nelson, “What Ever Happened to Peace on Earth.” Probably the same reason the media ignore the hundreds of American soldiers being killed in Iraq, the thousands of American soldiers being wounded in Iraq, the tens of… Read More
    Maine has more than 270 public libraries that are providing library services to the citizens of our state. When those citizens voted $1 million in bond money last November to assist libraries with construction projects the Maine Library Commission set criteria by which libraries would be eligible for… Read More
    It is absolutely unacceptable that a public communications corporation, CBS, is capable of censoring a political ad. Not only has CBS refused to run advertising that has garnered great admiration by its quality (unlike most ads), a 30-second ad by MoveOn.org Voter Fund, but it has accepted ads… Read More
    It has occurred to me that the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution – the Bill of Rights – no longer fit the times. In short, they are in need of updating. Traditionally, the government and people have generally worked to reflect the spirit of the… Read More
    Local communities, neighborhood schools and direct democracy; these important Maine institutions are under assault by those who mistakenly believe we can save money by remolding Maine to fit the Wal-Mart model. These attacks are on all facets of local government, but the stakes are highest in the battle… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The new town manager of Etna pleaded no contest Thursday to a charge of criminal invasion of a computer that occurred when he was employed as code enforcement officer in Bar Harbor. Robert Sharkey of Lamoine did not appear in Hancock County Superior… Read More
    CARIBOU – A Washburn man was found guilty Wednesday by a Maine Superior Court justice of attempted gross sexual assault and solicitation of a child by a computer. Joel Clark, 47, was tried last week before Justice E. Allen Hunter in a jury-waived trial in… Read More
    PORTLAND – From its earliest days, Maine’s salvation has been the forest. Making sleds, toothpicks and reams upon reams of paper has sustained generations of families. But today, the forest products industry is being transformed by development sprawl and global economic pressures. Whether the industry… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A local woman charged with receiving stolen goods after snowy footprints from a burglarized apartment led to her back door pleaded guilty Thursday to the crime in Hancock County Superior Court. Kim Stoeckel, 43, who is serving an unrelated sentence at the Maine… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Taxpayers in Camden, Rockport, Hope and Lincolnville have no reason to be down in the dumps about their solid-waste district. The nonprofit Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corp. set its budget for 2004-05 Wednesday night, and the numbers show a $78,000 reduction in the assessment… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The city’s animal control officer resigned recently during an investigation into the death of a stray cat. John Conway, 36, of Rockland was involved in an investigation, which is still under way, by the detective division when he resigned last week, Police Chief… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The arrest of a 29-year-old transient Wednesday night on an outstanding warrant led to numerous drug charges against the man. Eugene W. Neild, no known address, was nabbed outside Fieldcrest Apartments on Rankin Street at 11:34 p.m. by Knox County sheriff’s deputies and… Read More
    ORONO – Two Maine Maritime students were summonsed by University of Maine police on Wednesday for damage they caused on the UM campus on Dec. 7, 2003. Nathan Cerato, 20, and Erik Babajko, 20, both of Castine, are scheduled to appear at Bangor District Court… Read More
    TRENTON – Electrical service will be interrupted from noon to 1:30 p.m. today with a bad weather date of Tuesday, Feb. 3, according to Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. The area affected will be Oak Point Road from Route 3 to Bayside Road up to and including… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Aquatic Invasives Working Group will hold a meeting to begin planning its “Lake Survey Week,” a countywide event scheduled for the week of July 18. All are welcome to attend the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at Ellsworth… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Popular local bar and Thursday night karaoke hot spot Number Ten North Main, legally referred to as the Wel-Com-Inn, has been issued a temporary liquor license by the state while the building is brought up to code. After receiving a report from… Read More
    MEDWAY – A worker collapsed while cleaning the Maine Department of Transportation garage in Medway on Thursday morning, and hazmat personnel were called to the building. The hazardous material tests came back negative and the worker was able to return home after his stay in… Read More
    NEWPORT – From one end of the SAD 48 six-town district to the other, interest has peaked in open positions on the board. Eight people are seeking four seats on the board, with the exception of Plymouth where the deadline for filing nomination papers is… Read More
    HERMON – From the length of town office hours to elderly housing, from curbside recycling to cell phone service and construction projects, Hermon town officials want to know what residents think on a variety of issues. A three-page survey is expected to be distributed to… Read More
    BANGOR – Bangor High School guidance counselors will offer a general orientation for parents and students from outlying schools at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Peakes Auditorium at the school. The presentation will cover the overall program of studies, course leveling, academic planning… Read More
    LINCOLN – A representative from the Department of Human Services will be on hand to assist residents who are interested in applying for food stamps or TANF 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Penquis CAP building, 119 Main St. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – There are still openings for Caring for Kids, an introductory class in baby-sitting. The three-day session will cover the various responsibilities of a baby sitter, as well as child development and first aid. It will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and… Read More
    EDDINGTON – Bob Duchesne, a naturalist for the Field’s Pond Audubon Center, will give the presentation “Common Backyard Birds” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the East Eddington Grange meeting at Comins Hall in Eddington Village. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and all are welcome to… Read More
    GLENBURN – Penobscot County Child Development Services will sponsor a free developmental screening for 3-and 4-year-olds, as well as 5-year-olds not yet eligible for kindergarten, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Glenburn Elementary School, 991 Hudson Road. To schedule an… Read More
    BANGOR – The next meeting of Mesa hispanica will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Borders on Bangor Mall Boulevard. Mesa hispanica, organized by the Hermon High School Spanish Club, gives area hispanophiles the opportunity to meet, converse in Spanish and share their experiences with… Read More
    BANGOR – The Penquis Community Action Program Resource Development Center is offering training in “Weaving Diversity into Our Work with Children and Families” for child care professionals. The workshop will take place 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Old Town-Orono YMCA. In… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – The Sangerville Library is part of the L.A. Theatre Works’ Library Access project that reaches more than 700 underserved libraries. Funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts. All libraries participating in the project recently received a copy of John Steinbeck’s “The… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The American Cancer Society will conduct its Daffodil Days the week of March 22 in Piscataquis County. Fresh daffodils will be available for $7 per bouquet at all Hannaford stores. Volunteers are needed to help sell, pack, sort and deliver flowers during the… Read More
    BANGOR – Bangor Adult Education and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety will sponsor “Driving Dynamics,” 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 5-12, at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway. The course will include crash-avoidance techniques, films, classroom discussion and lectures. Participants completing the course will receive a three-point… Read More
    BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation Department will offer indoor golf lessons noon-1 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 25, at the Brewer Auditorium. Participants of all ability levels will receive instruction and the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming golf season. Fee is $20 for… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A representative from the state Department of Human Services will be on hand to assist residents interested in applying for food stamps 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 and 18, at the Dover-Foxcroft office, 125 Summer St. Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Educational Opportunity Center will sponsor a free Essentials of College Planning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 17 at the Training & Development Corp., 117 Broadway. Open to adults considering attending college, the workshop is designed to help potential students… Read More
    WARREN – More than a dozen people have expressed interest in the SAD 40 business manager’s position, which has been retooled in light of the district’s recent budget woes. By Thursday, the administrative office had received 13 complete applications for the full-time job, according to… Read More
    HOULTON – The seventh annual Moosestompers Weekend kicks off Friday, Feb. 6, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 8. Planning for this year’s Moosestompers Weekend – Houlton’s annual winter carnival – began in March 2003, Chris Batby, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce administrator, said late last… Read More
    Old Town police summoned a Cumberland man on drug charges after he allegedly ran a flashing red light early Thursday. Officer Seth Burnes reported that just after midnight he pulled over a car that he had seen running a red flashing light at the intersection… Read More
    BANGOR – A lighted sign on the roof of the Waterfront Bar and Grill caught fire Thursday night in Bangor. According to Bangor Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Cyr, the fire was probably electrical. The fire was reported at 9:30 p.m., and firefighters arrived a minute… Read More
    ORONO – Two Maine Maritime Academy students were summonsed by University of Maine police on Wednesday for damage they caused on the UM campus on Dec. 7, 2003. Nathan Cerato, 20, and Erik Babajko, 20, both of Castine, are scheduled to appear at Bangor District… Read More
    CAMDEN – At a special meeting Thursday evening, the Select Board seemed receptive to assisting in a developing deal between SAD 28 and the Children’s House Montessori School. SAD 28 wants to buy the Children’s House building and property on Route 90 to serve first… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The Union 98 school committee will conduct a final interview next Tuesday with the leading candidate for the job of superintendent, a school official said Thursday. The final candidate will take a tour of Union 98 schools before the final interview with… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Town councilors took steps Thursday to ready the town for two separate projects set to begin later this year. The council created a Jewett School Renovation Committee to oversee the planned $1,045,000 renovation project at the Jewett School. Although the school department continues… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The two men accused of robbing a Southwest Harbor store of $35,000 last August entered guilty pleas Thursday in Hancock County Superior Court. The men could receive sentences of up to 10 years in prison for the felony charges against them. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    ABERDEEN, Md. – Army Pvt. Andrew T. Pennington has arrived at Aberdeen Proving Ground to complete the wheeled vehicle repairer advanced individual training course. Pennington is the son of Thomas D. and Pamela S. Pennington of St. David. Read More
    AUGUSTA – A legislative panel has unanimously rejected an experimental plan to introduce a species of exotic fish from Siberia and eastern China as a way to rid Maine lakes of invasive plants. “The bill is dead,” said state Rep. Matthew Dunlap, D-Old Town, after… Read More
    PORTLAND – A fiberglass hull is all that separates Mike Mulkern from the icy waters of Portland Harbor. That’s what you get when you live on a 28-foot powerboat in the middle of winter. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    BLAINE – The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department is on the hunt for a local man who escaped Wednesday evening from police custody. John Deveau Jr., 22, of Blaine reportedly bolted out the door of his Robinson Road residence before a deputy could handcuff him, according… Read More
    Since the 1990s, when a group of local veterans and others realized the necessity of supporting our servicemen and servicewoman returning home from Desert Storm, a group now known as “troop greeters” have been regularly meeting military planes arriving at Bangor International Airport. The BIA… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – The Department of Marine Resources and town officials are looking for a way to protect shellfish eaters from an unexpected and unsavory source of pollution – bird droppings. Starting this year, Maquoit Bay will only be open to shellfish harvesters until Aug. 31,… Read More
    MACHIAS – The American Cancer Society will hold its Daffodil Days the week of March 22 in Washington County, and needs volunteers to sell, pack, sort and deliver flowers. The event will benefit cancer research, education, advocacy, patient services and programs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    LANTANA, Fla. – Two people died when a twin-engine plane crashed into the front yard of a home near Palm Beach County Park Airport. The pilot was identified by his daughter-in-law as 79-year-old Donald Dubois. The passenger was Amy Stevens, 44, she said. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    SACO – A judge’s ruling in a disputed election has given Jeffrey W. Robinson a three-year seat on the school board, proving that a middle initial need not appear on the ballot. The city’s tally of the Nov. 4 election showed that Robinson, with 231… Read More
    BIDDEFORD – The retired four-star general who took office last month as this blue-collar city’s first Republican mayor in 40 years says he never expected to be elected. Wallace Nutting’s party affiliation was at odds with that of most voters in this Democratic stronghold, and… Read More
    Entering this season, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats and the University of Maine had the third- and fifth-best winning percentages in Division I men’s hockey over the previous seven years. UNH had a .717 winning percentage (186-66-25) while Maine’s was .677 (169-72-33). googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Caribou 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
    ORONO – The University of Maine Athletic Department will recognize a record 168 student-athletes as scholar-athletes Sunday during halftime of the 1 p.m. Maine women’s basketball game. All 19 of UM’s varsity athletic teams are represented by the school’s largest group of Scholar-Athletes, which must have achieved a… Read More
    Due to snow conditions, the location for this year’s Super Sunday Ski Race and Tour has been changed to Augusta’s Bicentennial Park, located on Route 3 just east of Augusta. The race will start at 1 p.m. For more information contact Glenn Adams 623-2133 or www.conyboosters.com. Read More
    COLLEGE At Bridgewater, Mass. 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
    HIGH SCHOOL At Old Town 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
    STANDISH – Annie McIntosh’s tip-in at the buzzer gave the Husson College Braves of Bangor a 47-45 victory over St. Joseph’s College here Thursday in women’s college basketball action. Crystal Martin scored 12 points, Holly Gracie added 10, and McIntosh pulled down 10 rebounds for… Read More
    The resignation of Celtic head coach Jim O’Brien this week is a revelation of innumerable points regarding this once great franchise. None of those points is positive at the moment. O’Brien left because he could not work with new director of basketball operations and former… Read More
    The word “dynasty” can be overused, but Maine high school wrestling has had its share of dominant programs in recent years. Noble High of Berwick is the five-time defending Class A state champion. Camden Hills of Rockport has won four consecutive Class B titles, and… Read More
    FORT KENT – Roy Goldstein scored 21 points to lead the University of Maine-Fort Kent Bengals to an 83-78 men’s basketball victory over UM-Presque Isle Wednesday night. Chad Gervais chipped in with 15 for UM-Fort Kent. Shane Durost added 13 and Chris York had 12. Read More
    MAINE vs. NEW HAMPSHIRE Time, site: Friday, 8 p.m., Saturday, 7 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono 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())… Read More
    STACYVILLE – Brian Sullivan hit eight of nine free throws in the fourth quarter to help give the Katahdin Cougars a 61-59 win over Schenck of Millinocket Thursday in boys basketball action. Sullivan ended with 22 points, while Patrick Willett added 14. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT -Brian O’Connell scored 14 points to lead Mount Desert Island to a 53-43 win over George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill in boys basketball action Thursday. Robin Dailey and Kyle Staples each landed 10 points for the winners. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    GUILFORD – Josh Luellen keyed a balanced attack with 16 points for the host Piscataquis boys as they downed Dexter 62-54 in hoop action Thursday. Mike Wharff put in 14 and Joe Jardine 13 for PCHS and Ryan Yeo added 12. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Take an executioner condemned to cut off his own head, a son fleeing the bride chosen by his father and three little maids mixed up with hijinks of the leaders of the town of Titipu and you get this year’s offering from the Gilbert and Sullivan… Read More
    It must be the weather. As winter wears on ever more cold and bleak, I find myself a sucker for live funk. Indeed, for sonically warming the half-frozen backside, there’s nothing like it. I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion either, as when the Motor Booty Affair… Read More
    In theaters CALENDAR GIRLS, directed by Nigel Cole, written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, 108 minutes, rated PG-13. 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;… Read More