From the building of ball fields at home to the rebuilding of villages and defending themselves on battlefields abroad, the mission of the Maine National Guard is undergoing a fundamental change, prompting authorities to rethink deployment strategies and some soldiers to rethink plans for re-enlisting. Read More
    AUGUSTA – House Republicans and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland chastised majority Democrats on Friday for passing a domestic partnership law that extends inheritance benefits to same-sex couples under limited circumstances. The diocese and GOP lawmakers claimed the initial 72-60, party-line vote on LD… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Wearing a dusky blue sports coat and dark pants, with handcuffs on his wrists and shackles on his ankles, Edward Hackett made one request Friday morning of Justice Donald Marden: He would plead guilty to killing a 21-year old Colby senior last fall “as long as… Read More
    An A-Section article and a photograph caption in the Wednesday paper about the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion misspelled the name of Spc. Ken Lackie of Burnham. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    DURHAM, N.C. – An antiques store in Maine shipped two blowpokes to the home of novelist Michael Peterson late last year, as his lawyers tried to discredit a prosecution theory that Peterson used such a tool to beat his wife to death, the Herald-Sun of North Carolina reported… Read More
    The United States invaded Iraq a year ago amid a mix of support and suspicion at home, outrage abroad, objections at the United Nations, with a single substantial ally and the apparent belief that U.S. troops would be greeted as liberators. Even the small majority of support from… Read More
    In October 2002, MaineCare was expanded to adults without children. The cost of serving this group was much higher than anticipated. Excessive spending on this group raises concern about the new intended expansion to occur in conjunction with Dirigo. Despite the knowledge of this unseen spending increase, Gov. Read More
    An explanation from someone in the know: We pay sales tax on the purchase price of our vehicle, but we pay excise tax on an unrealistic sticker price, regardless of the price paid for the vehicle. Isn’t that akin to paying income tax on income… Read More
    According to the recent Eddington town report, the connector road that was being planned from I-395 in Brewer to Clifton and Route 9 has been put on hold. However, the state admits to having spent $1.7 million for a study to give tourists arriving at Bangor International Airport… Read More
    As we mark the first anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, I grieve for America and for our military. I grieve for those lost and those currently endangered. I am outraged that we have all been so egregiously misled by this administration. Read More
    I am writing as one of the millions of Americans laid off during our nation’s jobless recovery. Since being laid off from Great Northern Paper, I have looked for a job for many months but there were no good jobs to be had. I decided… Read More
    When my daughter was 4 she took a candy bar from the shelf of a CVS store where we were shopping. When we got home, she took it out of her pocket and told me the “store man” gave it to her. It was the occasion for our… Read More
    Bus in a thousand people to describe the details of what would happen if they lost Medicaid coverage and the Legislature will listen closely. So will the governor. They will listen to accounts of pain, suffering, exhaustion and life-giving treatment that could become out of reach. They will,… Read More
    My wife, Eliza, and I were watching cable news the other night when Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz came on and repeated the now-incredible assertion that the lesson of Iraq, one year later, is that the United States will confront and disarm tyrants who harbor weapons of mass… Read More
    In an effort to focus on global climate change, some in Augusta fail to recognize the need to change Maine’s business climate. The last thing our state’s economy needs right now are more burdensome regulations that threaten long-standing job-creating industries. The Maine Greenhouse Gas Initiative,… Read More
    When a delegation of Maine Korean War veterans contemplated returning to Korea as guests of the South Korean government and the Korean Veterans Association last fall, a half-century after they had been there on more serious business, it may have crossed their minds that it’s sometimes best to… Read More
    FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – Harrison McCain, a New Brunswick farm boy who became the king of the frozen french fry, died late Thursday night in a Boston hospital after a long illness. He was 76. McCain made his home in Florenceville, New Brunswick, a sleepy… Read More
    BANGOR – Edwin Clift, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merrill Merchants Bancshares Inc, the parent company of Merrill Merchants Bank, announced Friday that the company had declared a 3 percent stock dividend to all shareholders of record as of March 29, 2004, for distribution on April 12,… Read More
    BANGOR – Roscoe Sargent was found guilty Friday of murdering his pregnant wife by Maine Superior Court Justice E. Allen Hunter. Hunter rejected the defense team’s argument that Sargent was guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter because he suffers from an abnormal brain condition. Read More
    Tony Aman was canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway with a friend on Sept. 11, 2001, and blissfully unaware for the next two days that terrorist attacks had ushered in our new age of terrorism. As the tragic aftermath unfolded and the bombs began to rain… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci’s supplemental budget package came under a new round of criticism Friday as legislative committees issued their analyses of its provisions. After reviewing major elements of the 2005 budget-balancing plan, the Health and Human Services Committee registered opposition to at least… Read More
    AUGUSTA – After a debate that at times centered on whether they should be debating the subject at all, House representatives endorsed a resolution Friday urging Congress to make sure anti-terrorism legislation such as the Patriot Act does not compromise civil liberties. The House adopted… Read More
    An unknown Packers fan stole a cordless drill from a Bangor convenience store Wednesday afternoon. An employee of the Main Street Irving Mainway store told Bangor police Officer Wade Betters that at about 5:15 p.m. two men came into the store. One of them picked… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Five warrant articles await voter attention at a special town meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Thompson Free Library. Residents will act on an order dealing with the Pine Tree Development Zone and the inclusion in that zone of 135… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – An informational forum on the bear-baiting issue will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Schenck High School. Organized by the Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council, the forum will include a presentation on bear populations by a state biologist and a question… Read More
    CARMEL – Kindergarten registration for the 2004-05 school year will be held Wednesday, April 1, at Carmel Elementary School, Route 69. Children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15, 2004, are eligible to register. To schedule an appointment, call 848-3383. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BREWER – Capri Street School will hold kindergarten registration for the 2004-05 school year 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 12, at 49 Capri St. Children who will be 5 by Oct. 15 are eligible to register. Parents are advised to bring their child’s birth certificate, social… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library will host a discussion of “Alone Across the Arctic,” chronicling the perils and joys of being the first woman to traverse the Arctic Coast alone, by author Pam Flowers at 7 p.m. Monday, March 29, at 145 Harlow St. Read More
    CARMEL – Now through the end of the month, for each gallon of retail heating fuel sold at Brown’s Cash Fuel in Carmel the owner will donate 5 cents to a special fuel fund established to help the unemployed Eastern Fine Paper Co. workers in the Bangor area. Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine Page Farm and Home Museum will sponsor several events in celebration of spring that will provide an entertaining and educational look at an age-old tradition in Maine – making maple syrup. Maine is one of the biggest producers of… Read More
    DEXTER – A Dexter man has been charged with aggravated criminal mischief in connection with a 2003 fire that heavily damaged a vehicle he owned. Jesse Curtis, 28, is expected to make his initial court appearance on the Class C felony charge March 24 in… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Bangor man was arrested Thursday on three counts of burglary. Chad Kimball, 30, formerly of the Sangerville area, has been charged with entering a house in Parkman and a home in Dover-Foxcroft over the past two weeks. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – The Board of Selectmen on Monday night elected John Rouleau to serve as chairman in light of last week’s resignation of former board chairman Clint Linscott. Rouleau will serve as chairman until the town meeting May 17, according to interim administrative assistant… Read More
    PARKMAN – The death of a Parkman man remains under investigation. An autopsy was conducted on the body of Arthur Bailey, 74, who died last week, but the results are pending further study, according to a spokeswoman at the state Medical Examiner’s Office. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Educational Opportunity Center will offer a workshop on “The Essentials of College Planning,” on the following dates and locations: . 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 30, at the Training Development Corp. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    ROCKLAND – If terms of a first refusal agreement to buy the Center for Health and Healing are acceptable to Knox County commissioners, a pending appeal against the city will be dismissed and seven more parking spaces will be created near the courthouse. The pending… Read More
    Jeremy Newman has graduated from the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Daleville, Ala., and was appointed to the rank of warrant officer one. He is the son of Andria Fitzgerald of Lubec. Air Force Capt. Kathy Martin has been named company… Read More
    Washington Voters in this Knox County town will consider getting rid of one ordinance, adopting some new ones and vote on the municipal budget during the annual town meeting Saturday, March 27. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    BAILEYVILLE – Three juveniles and an adult face drug charges after an arrest by the police officer at Woodland High School earlier this week. In an incident Thursday afternoon, a faculty member alerted Officer Shawn Newell after watching suspicious activity among three students. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Maine Coast Memorial Hospital will offer free screenings during Community Health Day from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at 50 Union St. Walk-ins are welcome for diabetes, blood pressure, and foot and lung function screenings. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    STEUBEN – Kindergarten and preschool registration screening for children attending the Ella Lewis School for the 2004-05 school year will be held Wednesday, April 14. Pupils registering for kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15, 2004, and be in compliance with… Read More
    BELFAST – The Waldo County Republican Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, at the Troy Howard Middle School. Republican incumbent legislators and candidates attending will be asked to provide an update on their activities. All registered Republicans are invited to attend. Refreshments… Read More
    CALAIS – Randy Bumps, executive director of the Maine Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign, will be the guest speaker at the Washington County Republican Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Calais Motor Inn. A social hour and dinner will precede the business meeting. Read More
    CALAIS – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine will present a grant to Calais Elementary School for its Lifelong Physical Fitness Program at noon Monday, March 22, at Calais Elementary School. RMHC of Maine will present a $5,464 check for the purchase of cross-country skis… Read More
    MADAWASKA – It will be two weeks before Madawaska’s town manager knows his future with the town. That’s when negotiations will be held between Arthur Faucher and the Madawaska Board of Selectmen, Chairman Vernon Doucette said Friday. Faucher remains as town manager until June 30. Read More
    MADAWASKA – The Madawaska Board of Selectmen on Wednesday night agreed to fund operations and use money to fund the design and permitting expansion plans and modernization at the Northern Aroostook Regional Airport at Frenchville. The consensus vote approves placing an article in the June… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Classroom switching in SAD 1’s two Presque Isle elementary schools is expected to run smoothly with the board of directors’ approval on Wednesday of a grade-level transition plan. The board last month approved grade leveling in Presque Isle for the 2004-05 school… Read More
    FORT KENT – Special pictorial cancellation postmarks featuring images of the Biathlon World Cup are available for a limited time at the Fort Kent post office. Interested people can send in stamps to the post office and have them marked with the cancellations. There is… Read More
    FORT KENT – Aroostook County Judge of Probate Jim Dunleavy has filed his petitions in Augusta to run as a Democratic candidate for his eighth term as probate judge. Dunleavy, a Marine Corps veteran, is a graduate of the University of Maine Law School and… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A Community Clean Up Day at Riverside Park is scheduled for 8 a.m.- noon Saturday, May 1. Trash bags can be picked up at the City Office before the cleanup day or picked up at Riverside Park the day of the event. Read More
    ASHLAND – SAD 32 will hold a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten registration program 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at the Ashland Central School. Children 4 years old on or before Oct. 15 are eligible for pre-kindergarten, and children who are 5 before Oct. 15, 2004,… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – The Washington Hancock Community Agency will hold an informational kick-off meeting to promote its Incubator Without Walls program now being offered in the Greater Bucksport area, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 29, at the Bucksport Town Office, 265 Main St. The free program offers… Read More
    Air Force Airman Johanna M. Johnston has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Johnston is the daughter of Wesley and Marilyn Johnston of Fairfield. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    BANGOR – Three new supporters have joined Operation Community Support, the grass-roots community effort supporting families of Maine citizen soldiers serving overseas. The Bangor Garden Show, The Bangor-Brewer YWCA Spring Fair and Liberty Mutual have provided free admissions to local offerings. Family members of deployed… Read More
    A Maine game warden found a missing autistic Levant boy Thursday afternoon, about 45 minutes after the boy got out of his fenced-in yard. Warden Kevin Adam was driving along Horseback Road in Levant about 4 p.m. to join state police in the search for… Read More
    WATERVILLE – More than 200 business leaders from around Maine will meet at Colby College on Wednesday, March 24, to discuss the development and promotion of regional collaborations. The annual Colby Institute for Leadership, now in its 53rd year, will include keynote addresses by John… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – Residents will decide at the March 27 annual town meeting if they want to raise funds for the neglected former drugstore located downtown. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the fire station. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    Alton Alton will hold its annual town meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at the Municipal Building. Voters will be asked to appropriate $22,900 from property taxes for firetruck payment and $5,000 from surplus for landfill legal fees. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    BANGOR – The owner of a Union Street apartment that was the scene of an explosion on March 2 has been summoned to court on three criminal counts. John Karnes III, 35, has been charged with Class D reckless conduct, Class E unlicensed practices in… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A deal might be forthcoming in which a retired dentist would give land to Ellsworth in exchange for the city granting him a right of way to remove wood off his property, according to city officials. Richard Whitney, who owns a large chunk… Read More
    WINTERPORT – A design firm concluded that a 14-acre parcel of town-owned land was “moderately suited” for development as a commercial district, residents were told this week. In a public hearing Thursday, Town Manager Leo LaChance said Ames A/E Architects and Engineers of Bangor conducted… Read More
    Jonesboro Residents face a short list of warrant items Monday, March 22, when they gather for their annual town meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Jonesboro Elementary School. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – John D. Linnehan Jr., a local businessman and lifelong Ellsworth resident, is running for the District 28 seat in the Maine Senate. Newly reapportioned District 28 includes Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Central Hancock, Cranberry Isle, Deer Isle, Ellsworth, Frenchboro, Gouldsboro, Hancock,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The James Russell Wiggins Down East Family YMCA fourth annual Battle of the Bands is slated for 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Grand Auditorium. Tickets are $8 in advance, available at the YMCA or the Grand Auditorium, and $9 at the… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A camp-in at the Museum of Science in Boston is planned during April vacation, April 22-23. The James Russell Wiggins Down East Family YMCA is offering the program to second- through fifth-graders. The cost is $90 and includes transportation, museum program fee of… Read More
    CASTINE – The Castine Women’s Club is offering two scholarships of $1,000 each. To be eligible, applicants should be starting or continuing their education at college or technical school, or be nontraditional students. Completed scholarship applications must be received by the club by April 30. Read More
    BUCKSPORT – A meeting for potential vendors of the Bucksport Open Air Market will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Bucksport town office. The Bucksport Economic Development Committee is meeting with farmers, artists, bakers, crafters and others to hear the needs… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Hancock County Children’s Council will present a program titled “Parent Effectiveness in Resolving Conflict” beginning Wednesday, March 31. The six-week program is limited to 15 adults. The course is free and classes are from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Machias High School, Court… Read More
    RUMFORD – The longtime athletic director of Mountain Valley High School has been indicted by an Oxford County grand jury for allegedly embezzling more than $86,000 between 2000 and 2003. Timothy McInnis, 52, of Rumford was issued a summons to appear in Superior Court on… Read More
    Thoughtful e-mails, handwritten letters on stationery and lined paper, faxes and phone calls come, with amazing regularity, to this paper. Each seeks the same result: A way to publicly express the gratitude of family members, from across the country, that our Bangor International Airport troop… Read More
    MADAWASKA – Greg Duplessis was presented with a plaque for bravery Wednesday night for his actions in apprehending an armed robbery suspect last year in Madawaska. The Citizens Bravery Award was given to Duplessis, 32, of Grand Isle by Madawaska Police Chief Ronald Pelletier. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – A nightclub in Orono and one in Fort Kent have been cited for violating life safety codes as a result of recent inspections by the state Fire Marshal’s Office. Matthew Haskell, 26, owner of Bear Brew Club in Orono, and representatives of Bee-Jay’s… Read More
    FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – New Brunswick remains opposed to casinos in the province, Premier Bernard Lord said Friday after a meeting with Indian leaders. Nonetheless, Chief Robert Levi of the Elsipogtog reserve said a casino would be built, with or without the approval of the… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has joined Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., in introducing a bill to protect certain funds for veterans’ health care. The legislation would clarify the rules that determine the way the Department of Veterans Affairs distributes funds to support State Veterans Homes… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County sheriff is proposing the county save money on its jail costs by allowing certain inmates to go back to their homes and jobs after serving a third of their sentences. Sheriff Barry DeLong said the plan, which needs approval from… Read More
    A month ago, I received an e-mail from Sa’ad Al-Izzi, the translator who was my constant companion when I was in Iraq in July reporting about Mainers stationed there. “Do you remember when you asked me who is my favorite writer, and I told you… Read More
    BANGOR – The appeal of high-energy work, adrenaline and a bit of danger often is the reason many firefighters and police officers also enlist in Maine National Guard units. “One drawn to one uniform may likely be drawn to another,” said Mike Starn of the… 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 first essay, on Jan. 24, introduced the idea of a Jewish civilization – the Jewish people. The second, on Feb. 21, introduced the… Read More
    The following are gold-medal winners in the Skills USA-VICA competition held March 12 at the United Technologies Center in Bangor: Brian Michaud, Lewiston, courtesy corps; Bethany Brown, Kenneth Foster, pin contest; Justin Rockwell, Caribou, T-shirt contest; Nicole Prescott, Capital Area, CPR-first aid; Jerod Kronholm, Waldo… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, Health and Wellness will hold two events Tuesday, April 6, at the State House Hall of Flags. Legislative Fitness Day will begin at 9:30 a.m., with free health risk assessments available to legislators. Blood pressure,… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Maine State Library has been awarded a $1,063,783 grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services to support library service in Maine. The grants are awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act and are made to each state according… Read More
    A Maine Driving Dynamics course, sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, will be offered at the following locations and times: . Houlton – 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 3, Houlton Higher Education Center. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A series of forums is being held around the state to hear the concerns of Mainers in regard to the proposed merger of the Departments of Behavioral and Developmental Services and Health and Human Services and potential effects on mental retardation services. These… Read More
    BANGOR – Considering the way her basketball season ended, Erika Stupinski was surprised when she heard her name called at the end of Friday night’s Maine Association of Basketball Coaches annual awards evening. Stupinski, who played in just six games for the Mount Ararat of… Read More
    BOSTON – University of Maine freshman Mike Hamilton didn’t play in the Bears’ Hockey East Tournament quarterfinal-clinching victory over Merrimack College last Saturday night. He was a healthy scratch. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    BOSTON – It was instinctive. A hand was offered and Jimmy Howard went to shake it, forgetting he had two bottles of Gatorade to cradle in his arms. One of the bottles of blue liquid slipped out, fell to the floor and bounced noisily as… Read More