A story published Saturday about the guilty verdict in the Roscoe Sargent murder trial misquoted defense attorney Christopher Largay of Bangor. Largay said that a life sentence would be inappropriate in Sargent’s case, and that he would “vigorously oppose” a recommendation by prosecutors for a life sentence. Read More
    Conversations with a dozen Mainers about the purpose of America’s continued presence in Iraq bring a bevy of responses, much like the weather: Some say the reasons are clear; others say they are still cloudy. How individuals react to daily developments in Iraq depends on… Read More
    The voting booth could prove the most unpredictable battlefield of the Iraq war, with Americans conflicted over supporting a tenuous democracy and opposing what some consider an unjust war. “This one has clearly divided the country,” said Howard Segal, a University of Maine history professor,… Read More
    Months after the military began scrambling to equip soldiers serving without body armor in Iraq, many of those now being deployed are opting to buy their own rather than trust military reassurances they will have the gear by the time their boots hit the battlefield. Read More
    Sen. Olympia Snowe: “While today is a day to pay tribute to those nations who gave so much to liberate a brutalized Iraq, we also call upon others in the international community to join us in bringing true, lasting democracy and stability – free from… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Kennebunk woman whose 51-year-old husband was killed in Iraq last summer says she is losing hope that she will ever learn more about the circumstances of his death. First Sgt. Christopher Coffin, one of the oldest U.S. casualties in the war, died… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine hospitals are considering four sites in three central Maine towns – Pittsfield, Palmyra and Newport – as potential locations for a sterilization plant to handle all of the state’s medical waste. The plan was developed as a cost-saving venture by the Maine… Read More
    Perhaps you can’t “take it with you,” but you can be certain that if you leave anything behind, someone will be after it – and survivors must protect themselves. The disgusting practice of preying upon shattered and grieving Maine families has become more of a problem every year… Read More
    Homeland security regulations could prevent some immigrant workers from holding many of Maine’s seasonal tourism jobs, a change that could result in staffing shortages in the state’s multibillion-dollar industry. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that, for the remainder of the fiscal year, it… Read More
    The recent criticism of a plan to build energy-generating wind turbines on Mars Hill is unfortunate but not unexpected. Last week, the Audubon Society and Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife raised concerns that the 400-foot-tall wind power towers proposed for the Aroostook County mountaintop could pose a… Read More
    Where does the finessing of a state budget stop? New revenues on sin – alcohol, gambling, tobacco – spending cuts systemwide (but not on K-12 education), transfers from rainy day accounts and trust funds, cuts to municipalities and higher education and further shortfalls brought about by Medicaid costs. Read More
    Recently, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins demonstrated their concern for American taxpayers and understanding of environmental issues by voting to reinstate the polluter-pays fees formerly used to fund the now bankrupt, federal Superfund hazardous waste cleanup program. The measure, which failed to pass in… Read More
    What is happening to Maine? Where is the compassion for people that the governor expressed in his speech Feb. 5, 2002? (“Third, I tried to develop this budget with compassion. Our focus must be on our fellow citizens who need our help the most.”) It seems compassion was… Read More
    The governor’s office and Legislature are scrambling to devise new bookkeeping atrocities, which they believe will achieve a “balanced” fiscal year budget. Maine politicians are blessed with unique creative powers enabling them to invent previously unknown accounting methods and principles. The implementation of these economic horrors and hybrid… Read More
    You have probably heard in the past few weeks the charge that the federal marriage amendment, which would define marriage in the U.S. Constitution as the union of one man and one woman, would write discrimination into our country’s founding document. Don’t believe it for a second. Read More
    If we can’t get a mandatory helmet law passed in this state perhaps we should give snowmobile riders a choice: Wear a helmet and receive Medicaid benefits when you need them, or don’t wear a helmet and forfeit your rights to that care. Randy D. Read More
    Remember Carolyn Chute and the Wicked Good Militia? People had a good laugh at its expense, calling them “redneck rebels” and “backwoods hippies.” Remember what they stood for, what they warned us against? They tried to get us to see the rising tide of corporate… Read More
    It is interesting that the commentary by Don Meagher of Casella Waste Systems would appear under the headline “Landfill fact and fiction” (BDN, March 13-14). Wasn’t it Meagher who claimed in a recent WABI interview that Casella would not allow any out-of-state waste into the West Old Town… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Town officials this week will consider a 5,200-acre expansion of the municipal boundaries, which could net approximately $150,000 in property-tax revenues, although landowners aren’t impressed with the potential tax hike. During the March 11 meeting, Councilor Jimmy Busque proposed annexing a portion of… Read More
    HOULTON – A chance encounter with a basketball and a coach who thought he could achieve great things brought David “Hunter” Cotton to the old Ricker College in Houlton. Now, after spending more than 50 years working for the school and its still-active scholarship program,… Read More
    BANGOR – The second time was a charm for Brody Winn, 13, of Old Town. After finishing as the runner-up at last year’s state spelling bee, Winn won this year’s title on Saturday afternoon during the Maine State Spelling Bee at Rangeley Hall at Eastern… Read More
    HOULTON – Faced with a $29,000 budget shortfall, Greater Houlton Christian Academy officials announced at Thursday they will be raising tuition for the coming school year. The tuition will be raised by $30 per month for each student attending the academy the next school year,… Read More
    OWLS HEAD – The Owls Head Transportation Museum will present “Lincolnville to Florida in a Model T” as part of its winter education series, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 3. Written and produced by local auto restorer, historian and part-time thespian Rosey Gerry, the performance… Read More
    CALAIS – The DNA Life Print Child Safety Program will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Pratt Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac Inc., 143 River Road. The program, endorsed by America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh, is being provided by donations from Pratt… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Hospice of Hancock County will hold a nine-week hospice volunteer training program 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning April 13, at Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave. Volunteer training includes an introduction to hospice philosophy, caring for the emotional, social and spiritual needs of… Read More
    MACHIAS – The USDA Washington County Local Work Group has several cost-share and incentive programs for blueberry growers in the area. Surface and groundwater quality as well as air-quality issues are being addressed by promoting integrated pest management, obstruction removal, mulching, irrigation, firebreaks and other… 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
    DOVER, Del. – Department of the Air Force Civilian Denise K. Serenson has been named the 436th Component Maintenance Squadron and Maintenance Group Civilian of the Year for 2003. Selection for the award was based on duty performance, job knowledge, leadership, significant self-improvement and other… Read More
    HOULTON – A Silver Ridge man and a Houlton teenager were injured Saturday morning in a two-car collision on North Road, according to Houlton police. Roy Young, 66, and Jesse Degenhardt, 17, were taken by Houlton ambulance to Houlton Regional Hospital shortly after the 9:30… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle has signed a construction manager at risk contract with Pizzagalli Construction Co. for the construction of the new health and physical education complex. Pizzagalli Construction Co., headquartered in Vermont with regional offices in Maine, has… Read More
    St. Agatha Polls will be open for town residents to vote on the budget and elect officials. 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++)… Read More
    HOULTON – The proposed north-south highway continues to be a hot topic in The County, and some participants at a Southern Aroostook Development Corp. meeting Thursday said that miscommunication might be fueling the controversy. “The one thing that I don’t think the Maine Department of… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – SAD 53 will hold kindergarten registration for the 2004-05 school year at the Manson Park School, 22 Lacey St. Screenings will be held Thursday, May 6, and Friday, May 7. Children who will be 5 by Oct. 15 are eligible to register. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – Maine Public Radio’s weekly radio call-in program “What’s On Your Mind?” recently received a grant of $245,523 from the Langeloth Foundation to support production costs of the program for the next three years. “What’s On Your Mind?” explores the human mind and psychological… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The G.E.A.R. Parent Network will offer Parenting with Dignity classes 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, April 7, at the United Methodist Church, 38 East Main St. Registration deadline is March 24. For more information or to register, contact Helen at 564-3361 or (800) 264-9224. Read More
    TRENTON – The Brain Injury Association of Maine will hold its second annual Maine Country Music Benefit Show at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at American Legion Post 207. “Country from the Heart” will feature 10-year-old country-music recording artist Melissa Lynn and her family, along… Read More
    GUILFORD – The 22nd annual Penquis Valley Region Expo scheduled for April 2 and 3 at Piscataquis Community High School will feature musical entertainment, a free health fair and historical exhibits. More than 70 displays from local businesses and organizations and 15 first-time displays will… Read More
    BANGOR – The local Masons’ Scottish Rite hopes to meet in fellowship and induct new members Saturday, March 27. The January fire that destroyed the organization’s downtown location, however, also destroyed the group’s records. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    HERMON – A Carmel man died Friday night after his pickup truck flipped over into a field off U.S. Route 2. Jay Foresman, 34, died at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Foresman was alone in the vehicle, according to Deputy Sean McCue of the… Read More
    A Brewer man suffered only a cut to his face Sunday after the bicycle he was riding struck a stopped vehicle on Wilson Street, breaking the car’s rear window. Brewer police said inattention and chili appeared to be the causes of the accident. According to… Read More
    The following divorces have been granted in 3rd District Court in Bangor on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Joseph T. McOscar Jr., Bangor, and Barbara A. Cardone, Bangor, married at Bangor on March 21, 1987; custody of two children awarded to mother. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    Officials at the Maine Warden Service called a Patten man lucky Sunday after he struck an ice-covered rock with his snowmobile and was thrown about 160 feet from the sled. Scott Savage, 43, was traveling at speeds of about 80 to 90 mph on Chamberlain… Read More
    Penobscot County Superior Court, Bangor 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
    CLIFTON – The town of Clifton now has four new ordinances that deal with building permits, one ordinance that establishes cemetery lots and fees, another that makes littering a crime and one more that deals with 911 addressing. “We’ve had hearings on all of these,”… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – After more than a decade in the insurance industry, Medway resident Shirley Tapley will make the jump into the municipal sector Wednesday when she takes over as administrative assistant to the Board of Selectmen. Tapley replaces Mary Morris, who stepped down in… Read More
    Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield Second quarter honor roll googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    HOULTON – A Houlton woman who police say reported that her roommate had been kidnapped and a ransom had been demanded for her release was summoned after police determined that she fabricated the whole story, Lt. Daniel Pelletier of the Houlton Police Department said Friday. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Presque Isle Wal-Mart awarded a $500 grant to Camp To Belong Maine. The camp program that reunites brothers and sisters separated by foster care will come to Maine in August. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    FORT KENT – America’s Second Harvest will offer Maine potato farmers the opportunity to donate any surplus product for food banks and rescue organizations. America’s Second Harvest, a national nonprofit organization, encourages farmers to “donate, not dump.” While no direct reimbursement is offered to farmers,… Read More
    CARMEL – 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 Greater Bangor. Read More
    BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare’s Mission Advisory Committee coordinated an employee food drive in honor of Saint Joseph Day on Friday. The committee will distribute the donated nonperishable food items to Brewer’s Union Hall, which will send them to the area’s displaced Eastern Pulp and Paper millworkers and… Read More
    SMYRNA – An early morning fire on Sunday sent one man to the hospital and caused damage to the interior of his two-story home, fire officials said Sunday afternoon. Oakfield Fire Chief Brad White said the fire broke out just before 7:30 a.m. at the… Read More
    BARING – Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is seeking highly energetic students who enjoy the outdoors to participate this summer in the National Youth Conservation Corps work program. Moosehorn NWR is accepting applications for six positions, open to U.S. citizens ages 15-18. Employees are required to… Read More
    Thomas H. Qualey of Sherman Mills and Steven M. Whited of Bridgewater are among the 34 producer members who have been appointed by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Potato Promotion Board. The appointments are effective immediately… Read More
    Editor’s Note: Student Union’s weekly columns are a joint effort of the region’s high schools, the Bangor Daily News and Acadia Hospital. This column was written by Schenck High School students. Their adviser is Charla Lowell Have you ever wanted the chance to contribute to… Read More
    Editor’s Note: Student Union’s weekly columns are a joint effort of the region’s high schools, the Bangor Daily News and Acadia Hospital. The following column was written by Mount Desert Island Regional High School students. Their adviser is Beth Blugermanes. As Americans we all remember… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine’s hockey team may be the top seed in the East Regional at Pepsi Arena in Albany, N.Y. But Friday’s first round match-up against resurgent fourth seed Harvard, 18-14-3, will be a stern test for the 30-7-3 Black Bears. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    MISSOULA, Mont. – Bob Neal doesn’t fly on airplanes. But he’s a huge fan of the University of Maine women’s basketball team. That didn’t present an ideal scenario last week when it was announced the University of Maine women’s basketball team was being sent to… Read More
    ORONO – University of Maine hockey coach Tim Whitehead said he will alter his team’s practice regimen this week to afford his players time to rebound from Saturday night’s triple-overtime 2-1 win over UMass in the Hockey East championship game. Maine will travel to Albany,… Read More
    As excited as we are that beginning in 1850 the U.S. census lists every person by name, we are disappointed that censuses for 1790-1840 list only heads of household by name, clumping the rest of the family together by gender and by age group. So… Read More
    If you didn’t know better, you might think Ballet Jorgen Canada, the Toronto-based company, sneaked in and out of town last weekend on a secret mission. Only a few hundred people at the Maine Center for the Arts attended the troupe’s stellar dance program on Friday, and that’s… Read More
    Henry Knox has never been considered one of the more exciting heroes of the Revolutionary War, even though his talents and influence were considerable. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and a few others have received far more attention from historians and the public. A… Read More
    In theaters TAKING LIVES, directed by D.J. Caruso, written by Jon Bokenkamp, based on the novel by Michael Pye, 103 minutes, rated R. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More