FORT KENT – Dana Pinette, one of nearly 500 volunteers working for the Biathlon World Cup competition, was moving snow around the staging area Friday as the final details of the ski-and-shoot races came together. Kelly Martin, the volunteer coordinator for the first Biathlon World… Read More
    At a time of continuing budget shortfalls, a $50 million pot of money is tempting to lawmakers trying to balance the books. In this case, the pot of money is the Fund for a Healthy Maine, an entity set up in 1999 to manage Maine’s share of the… Read More
    The most encouraging sign from a Senate Armed Services hearing Wednesday on reports that dozens of servicewomen in the Persian Gulf area and elsewhere were sexually assaulted or raped by fellow troops was the expression of outrage by the senators themselves. Committee members should follow up their displeasure… Read More
    Taxes. We go through our lives paying taxes only to discover come retirement time that even our pension does not escape the attention of the tax collector. Is there no end? In a system where the wealthy have been enjoying special tax breaks, the resulting… Read More
    Thank you to the Bangor Daily News for the beautiful picture taken by Gabor Degre of the Calvary Chapel Christian School Basketball team published Feb. 23 after their 86-80 overtime win over Central Aroostook High School. Thank you to the BDN for putting it where it belongs –… Read More
    President Bush, please bring our troops home immediately to save us from the world’s largest “terrorist organization” – the 2.7 million members of the National Education Association. Ted Carter googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    I am writing to express my opposition to a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage. Our venerated U.S. Constitution, our most important legal document, should not be used as a tool for political leverage or as an exclusionary device. The Constitution outlines our rights as citizens,… Read More
    This letter is in response to the editorial, “The Nader Question” (BDN, Feb. 24), on the Ralph Nader presidential candidacy. Nader is a well-known consumer product safety advocate and has earned the respect and gratitude of Americans. He is a senior statesman who is motivated… Read More
    I don’t remember that we had winters as severe as this last spell we had in January. When I was in high school in Bangor we used to skate a lot on Kenduskeag Stream just below the Maxfield slaughterhouse. We played hockey a lot. Full moon was a… Read More
    President Bush should come to Maine and tell the thousands of unemployed workers that our economy is getting better. Maine is just one state in trouble. There are 15 million people in this country out of jobs. It doesn’t seem to matter whether there is… Read More
    It seems odd that 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud should try to blame NAFTA and foreign imports for the economic troubles in northern Maine. There is no doubt these have had an impact, but it seems he has forgotten that he served in the Legislature and that he… Read More
    No doubt you heard the news. A recent study declared Maine has a heavy business-tax burden, among the heaviest in the country if looked at from a certain angle. Except that probably the study didn’t measure business taxes accurately because it assumed that nearly all property taxes here… Read More
    Temporary brainlock is a condition that afflicts most newspaper columnists from time to time and there is nothing much to be done about it, save perhaps have a good laugh and get on with one’s life. Last week, it was my turn (again) to exhibit… Read More
    Last weekend’s op-ed by Tarren Bragdon, of the Maine Heritage Policy Center (MHPC), regarding Medicaid, was blatantly misleading and purposefully frightening. It suggested that Maine’s Medicaid program needs $150 million more because of growth. He conveniently fails to mention that about $60 million of the… Read More
    Can you remember watching Walter Cronkite anchoring the nightly news discussing the issues around the OPEC oil embargo in the ’70s? I remember wondering whether the long gas lines would still be there when I got my driver’s license. I fully expected our country’s leaders to take us… Read More
    WASHINGTON – A merger creating the nation’s largest managed care provider received approval from federal regulators Friday. The Justice Department declined to block the multibillion-dollar deal between Anthem Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. on antitrust grounds. The cash and stock deal was valued at… Read More
    BANGOR – News that alcohol sales remained virtually the same after smoking bans went into effect in El Paso, Texas, adds to the growing body of evidence that smoke-free workplace laws do not hurt business, according to a new study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control… Read More
    After the Bangor City Council’s flip-flop votes this week on the local adult-entertainment ordinance – the first that unleashed a firestorm of anti-nudity protest and the second that quickly snuffed the flames – residents are left to ponder a couple of conclusions about the people who are running… Read More
    BANGOR – In 1981, then-City Councilor Barbara McKernan wondered aloud whether the councilors were a bunch of “nervous Nellies” as they tackled the growing and controversial issue of nudity in bars. More than 20 years later, city councilors are still wrestling with the issue of… Read More
    CARMEL – Army Sgt. Duane W. Walton has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Walton is an attack helicopter mechanic regularly assigned in Illesheim, Germany. He is the son of Duane C. Walton of Carmel and Diane… Read More
    ROCKWOOD – A Woburn, Mass., man was lucky enough Thursday night to rescue himself from the cold waters of Moosehead Lake after he and his snowmobile plunged into open water where Moose River dumps into the lake. This is about the seventh snowmobiler this season… Read More
    NEWPORT – As the debate from kitchen table to board room continues in SAD 48 over whether a sixth proposed budget should be passed on March 9, teachers and staff at the district’s eight schools are working hard to keep the controversy from affecting their students. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – An endowment of $100,000 from the estate of John and Ann Urban of Monson has been donated to the Piscataquis Regional YMCA. The gift is one of the largest the organization has ever received. Read More
    GUILFORD – The SAD 4 Adult Education program will offer beginning computer, quilting, CPR, first aid, computer-aided drafting and a defensive driving course starting in March. For more information or to sign up for any of the courses, contact June Ladd at 876-4625. Read More
    ROCKLAND – Police have arrested a 14-year-old male in connection with last week’s theft of $3,000 worth of cigarettes from the C.N. Brown Mobil station and convenience store on North Main Street. They expect to make another arrest soon, according to police Detective Christopher Young… Read More
    VERONA – A representative from the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will address the Verona comprehensive plan committee in a presentation called “Beginning With Habitat.” The discussion will focus on natural resources and the importance of balancing recreation, sustainable forestry and agriculture. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BEALS – Two of Beals’ three selectmen positions are up for nominations from the floor at the annual town meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Beals Elementary School. Lenore Faulkingham, currently a selectman, will run again for her seat, which expires at this… Read More
    BEALS – A study group told to look at options for the three schools in Union 103 learned Thursday that Beals and Jonesport could realize a combined savings of nearly $400,000 if Beals Elementary School were closed and its pupils sent to neighboring Jonesport Elementary School. Read More
    ELLSWORTH – With February almost over and warmer weather approaching, local officials are hoping they can arrive at a compromise with state officials on a state plan to build a public landing on the western shore of Branch Lake. Three Ellsworth city councilors, the city… Read More
    ORONO – Camp To Belong, a summer camp that reunites brothers and sisters separated by foster care for a week of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection, is coming to Maine in August. As part of a statewide program to raise public awareness and funds… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – As part of the Maine Highlands Guild’s “Artists of the Maine Highland Series,” the community is invited to an art reception from 6 to 8 p.m. March 3, at Abel Blood’s Pub and Restaurant, to view the work of local artist Alan Bray. Read More
    SANGERVILLE – The Sangerville Public Library will offer its after-school program in May. The Rose and Samuel Rudman Trust Fund granted $1,000 for the after-school program to bring live, educational entertainment to children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Southern Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce will introduce its first ever visitors guidebook to the general public at the chamber’s annual meeting on May 19. The full color, 48-page guidebook is devoted exclusively to the Southern Piscataquis County region, said Dennis Lyford,… Read More
    Brewer police arrested a Portland man Friday afternoon after an off-duty officer recognized him driving with a suspended license. Officer Paul Gauvin said that Cpl. David Lord, who was off duty, was in his car at about 2:30 p.m. when he recognized another driver as… Read More
    MEDWAY – Potential upgrades proposed by the Department of Conservation for the state’s boat launch facility on the Penobscot River’s East Branch will be the topic of a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Medway Middle School. After looking over the… Read More
    BANGOR – G. Clifton Eames was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the corporation’s annual meeting. Eames is the immediate past president of the 175-year-old Bangor facility. Other elected officers include: Kenneth Huhn, vice president, Debbie… Read More
    DEXTER – SAD 46 kindergarten registration for the 2004-05 school year will be held 3-7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, and noon- 3 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the Dexter Primary School. Parents should bring their child’s legal birth certificate and immunization record. Children must be… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Several sexual assault awareness groups have announced that Locally Central Maine Skydiving will be the drop zone for a nationwide sky-diving event to benefit sexual assault awareness and victims. Operation Freefall, which will be held April 24, is backed by Speaking Out About… Read More
    CORINTH – There will be a public hearing to review the proposed revisions to the town of Corinth’s mobile home ordinance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at the town office conference room. A copy of the proposed revision is available at the town office. Read More
    BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare will hold its monthly diabetes support group meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Building 1, 900 Broadway. Featured speaker Elaine Bisbee, R.N., at St. Joseph Hospital’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center, will present “Navigating… Read More
    ORONO – Parents and teens are invited to attend a “Parenting Around Substance Abuse: An Orono Community Dialogue,” meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Orono Community Center. Facilitated by Deb Burwell of Facilitation and Strategic Planning, attendees can participate in conversation about… Read More
    OLD TOWN – A benefit spaghetti supper and dance to help the Fowler family in their efforts to reopen their family business, the Yankee Shoe Repair shop, destroyed in the Jan. 15 Bangor Masonic Hall fire, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Elks… Read More
    ABBOT – Those who fish the bodies of waters in southern Piscataquis County are invited to share their experiences, and express their concerns and expectations for fishing in their favorite ponds or lakes at a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 17, at the Abbot town office. Read More
    BANGOR – The next meeting of Mesa Hispanica will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 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 Bangor Public Library will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 100th birthday at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Story Room of the library. WLBZ 2’s Ric Tyler will be the guest reader, and refreshments will be available at the event. Participants plan to wear bow… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Highlands and the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau have teamed up with Eastern Maine Community College and the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board to offer line-level restaurant server and bus person training in March. Built to meet the needs of industry… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A firefighter who has donated his time and his bone marrow to help others and a judge who wanted to continue his family’s tradition of service were honored at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards banquet. Fred… Read More
    Dover-Foxcroft District Court Cases Jan 27-Feb. 19, 2004 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
    EAGLE LAKE – State Sen. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, has invited high school juniors and seniors in Senate District 1 to submit applications for the Maine State Senate Shadow Program. The program is designed to gain response from high school students on possible changes to the legislative process. Read More
    ROCKLAND – Six U.S. Coast Guardsmen were awarded special commendations this week for their efforts in New York during a high terrorist alert. Rear Adm. Vivian Crea, commander of the 1st District, which stretches from Eastport to the northern part of New Jersey, pinned the… Read More
    ORNEVILLE – Police are investigating a break-in and vandalism at a seasonal home on Route 16 reported to the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 21. It appeared that the vandals shimmied up a porch to the second floor to gain entry to the building,… Read More
    Through Friday, Feb. 20, the Eastern Food and Fuel drive headed by the city of Brewer to assist displaced mill employees had received slightly more than $8,000, wrote Brewer Economic Development Director Drew Sachs. Those contributions, collected on behalf of 240 millworkers who were displaced… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Pamela Ames, the lawyer representing accused killer Edward Hackett, says the state’s deadline to provide evidence in the case has passed, so she expects to spend the weekend reading more than 1,500 pages of documents. The documents include interviews with witnesses and Hackett,… Read More
    SANFORD – School officials have notified parents that an elementary school pupil has been hospitalized after being diagnosed last week with bacterial meningitis. Those who came in close contact with the girl have been given antibiotics to protect against the disease that state officials say… Read More
    BANGOR – Xiao-Lu Li, the music director and conductor of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday and will be unable to perform during Sunday’s “Celebrate Leap Day with Beautiful Live Music” at Husson College. “Maestro Li was on his… Read More
    PHILLIPS – The former president of the Phillips Historical Society faces a felony charge arising from the disappearance of rare collectibles that included 19th century stock certificates for the Sandy River Railroad. Kenneth Teele, 63, formerly of Phillips and now living in Gray, was charged… Read More
    LIMESTONE – Brian Hamel, president of the Loring Development Authority, has officially taken unpaid leave from the organization to pursue a run for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Rep. Michael Michaud. Hamel is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Michaud, a first-term Democrat. Read More
    AUGUSTA – A new interactive, Web-based program will put Maine’s students in the shoes of a cybersleuth as they put together the puzzle of the state’s history, using their laptops as tools. DiscoverME is being tested in schools now – including Vassalboro Community School –… Read More
    Editor’s Note: Voices is a weekly commentary by a panel of Maine columnists who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life. My earliest childhood memories were of stories of a family that survived Soviet communism, the German invasion of their homeland and Nazi forced labor. Read More
    When you consider buying a house that’s built into a large, semi-steep hill, a few negative thoughts are bound to run through your mind. “Erosion may be a problem,” for instance. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    BANGOR – Erskine Academy has been open since 1883. Finally it has a gold ball. 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
    The Bangor Lumberjacks released veteran outfielder Lorenzo de la Cruz, the Northeast League club announced. He has one year left in his contract. Signed to a new deal prior to the 2003 season, de la Cruz had a disappointing year, batting .256 with eight home… Read More
    Sugarloaf/USA-sponsored Seth Wescott captured a silver medal in the FIS World Cup Snowboarding Cross on Thursday, Feb. 26, in Niigata Joetsu-kokusai, Japan, in his best finish of the season on the World Cup circuit. Fellow American Nate Holland finished third in the first of two… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL Penobscot Valley Conference Class C/D All-Star Teams 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
    BANGOR – Three minutes into Friday’s North Atlantic Conference semifinal, the Husson Braves were down 6-1, not hitting any shots, committing numerous turnovers, and getting swallowed up by Mount Ida College’s full-court press. In came Holly Gracie, and all that changed in an instant. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    NEWTON, Mass. – The University of Maine-Farmington and Husson College were both eliminated in North Atlantic Conference semifinal games Friday night. Lasell defeated UMF 86-74 and Castleton State beat Husson of Bangor 75-62. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    BOSTON, Mass. – The University of Maine baseball team was selected second in the 2004 America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll announced on Friday. The Black Bears received four first-place votes and 57 points overall. The Northeastern Huskies, who won the America East Tournament a year… Read More
    ORONO – Tristan Desnet netted the only two goals of the game to lead the University of Maine women’s hockey team to a 2-0 victory over Boston College at Alfond Arena Friday night. Kelly Law added an assist for 10-14-4 Maine, and Lara Smart saved… Read More
    Earl Anderson knows most people assumed he would leave his post as Nokomis girls basketball coach after the 2002-03 season. After all, the Warriors of Newport graduated all five starters from group that won a Class A state title, two Eastern Maine crowns, and one regional runner-up plaque. Read More
    ORONO – Heather Ernest, Julie Veilleux, and Melissa Heon arrived at the University of Maine at the beginning of a transition period for the Black Bear women’s basketball program. During the last four years, that talented trio has helped coach Sharon Versyp re-establish UMaine as… Read More
    WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MAINE vs. VERMONT 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
    Wildlife should be managed for all Coyote shooting is superior to the cruel death by snaring that has been stopped by dedicated efforts and which must never be restored. Shooting provides a humane death and properly teaches coyotes to fear and distrust man and avoid… Read More