WASHINGTON – Support for legalizing lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada is growing in Congress amid an election-year clamor from states, lawmakers and the elderly. The White House and Republican congressional leaders remain opposed, saying there is no way to ensure safety. Nonetheless, proponents contend that… Read More
PORTLAND – New life may have been given to abandoned Eastern Pulp and Paper Corp. after a federal bankruptcy judge Wednesday said he would allow attorneys to present on April 30 a $23.725 million offer to him for consideration. However, the prospective buyer, First Paper… Read More
AUGUSTA – In its cleaner rivers and less acidic lakes, Maine is starting to reap the rewards of decades-old federal pollution control laws, but in a world where the next century’s wars may be over water, the state cannot afford to rest on its laurels, former U.S. Sen. Read More
An explosion on a road in northern Iraq hit home hard Wednesday. Twenty-four hours after cryptic reports of death and injuries began spreading among families with loved ones in the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion, the official announcement was blunt – and specific:… Read More
A story Tuesday in the State section about automatic aid agreements between the Brewer Fire Department and other area fire departments contained a spelling error that changed the meaning of the quote. The correct quote from Brewer Fire Chief Rick Bronson is: “We are beginning to send out… Read More
CHICAGO – Attorneys for a white supremacist leader charged with trying to have a federal judge killed urged jurors Wednesday to look beyond his hateful rhetoric and scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, particularly tapes recorded by an FBI informant. Matthew Hale, 32, is charged with soliciting… Read More
The doors to the new Save-A-Lot store on South Main Street in Brewer opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday to a trickle of shoppers looking to find exactly what the store is offering, but by 10 a.m., the parking lot was full. “We’re a full-service supermarket… Read More
PORTLAND – A new survey of disability insurers finds UnumProvident has kept its lock on a quarter of the disability insurance market. A 2003 market survey by Portland-based John Hewitt and Associates found UnumProvident had 24 percent of the short-term disability policies in force and… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The International Paper Co. mill has begun hiring temporary paper workers to fill in for vacationing employees this summer. The hiring program is seen as a cost-saving measure at the mill, according to mill spokeswoman Kelly McFarlane, and also is providing work for… Read More
BANGOR – Edwin N. Clift, president and chief executive officer of Merrill Merchants Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Merrill Merchants Bank, has reported quarterly net income of $1.1 million, or earnings per share of $0.33 for the three months ended March, 31, as compared to $1 million,… Read More
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – A big increase in sales fueled by acquisitions led to a strong first quarter for defense conglomerate General Dynamics, which earned $269 million in the first three months of 2004, a 22 percent increase. The earnings of $1.34 a share easily… Read More
An editorial in the April 16 Bangor Daily News, “Yes to a Land Bond,” incorrectly stated the number of years the bond would fund the Land for Maine’s Future program. The $60 million bond now being considered by the Legislature would fund the program for three years. We… Read More
I am a former town manager of Madawaska, and I have been reading the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the north-south highway. I am bothered by the fact that we paid a healthy sum of money for the study and now the Maine Department of Transportation is not… Read More
That was certainly a successful and well-orchestrated SAD 48 budget election last week. After six defeats at the polls, SAD 48 had to find a way to keep as many voters away from the meeting as possible and since by law they can hold it at the time… Read More
Where is the outrage from the American people? When are they going to stand up and say, “Enough is enough”? Week after week our young people are coming home in body bags or being maimed physically and mentally for life, also committing suicide because they can’t endure the… Read More
I am writing in response to the article, “24 dead deer discovered in St. Croix River” (BDN, April 9). These deer were chased onto the thin ice by coyotes. I am a sportsman, and I believe the reason for this is the recent ban of coyote snaring in… Read More
The current slot-machine debacle is making me angry. It would seem the governor is being a sore loser and is trying to rewrite the rules of the game. Slot machines may not be what is best for Maine or for Bangor, but the majority of… Read More
The Law of the Sea Convention has a 19th-century-sounding name and a crucial role in the 21st. If the Bush administration had its way, the United States would have passed this important agreement by now, including this nation in the international discussions and debates over ocean navigation, use… Read More
President Bush will mark Earth Day in Maine, a state known to many visitors for its picturesque landscape and relatively unspoiled environment, by touting the partnerships that have preserved land across the state. Today, the president will visit the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm, a… Read More
Maine is blessed with one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States, and fortunately a growing number of Mainers are advocating for protecting our wild places. Increasingly, however, citizens of our state are also speaking up for protecting wilderness outside of Maine. One focal point… Read More
In March 2003 the Bush administration proposed a change in the way employers are required to pay overtime to workers. The standard, since the passage of the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, has pretty much been that nonsalaried employees must be paid time and a half for all… Read More
OAKLAND – From their home, Carol and Delmont Wyman anxiously await news, any news, of their son, Army Spc. Craig Ardry, one of four members of a Maine Army National Guard battalion injured in an ambush in Iraq. “It’s very nerve-wracking that we can’t see… Read More
UNION – Carl and Maria Nickles’ son, Spc. Dwight Nickles, left a message on their answering machine Tuesday. He let them know “he was not dead and he was OK,” his mother said Wednesday at the family home, nestled in the hills off North Union… Read More
BANGOR – More than a thousand Mainers are expected in Washington, D.C., this weekend to protest the Bush administration’s conservative agenda on reproductive rights. State organizers say all seats are filled on at least nine chartered buses bringing Maine residents to the March for Women’s… Read More
When you’ve been in the animal-control business as long as Pat Pinkham has, you learn to expect the unexpected when you set out for work each day. “Not much surprises me anymore,” said Pinkham, who has been Bangor’s sole animal-control officer for the last 21… Read More
AUGUSTA – Aiming to save money and provide better quality education, more and more schools are looking to the state to help them put regionalization and consolidation plans into place, Deputy Commissioner Patrick Phillips said recently. “There’s been a real flurry of people requesting guidance… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – There were more questions than answers Wednesday at the first of two daylong Aroostook County forums on the University of Maine System draft strategic plan which proposes, among other things, to merge the universities at Presque Isle, Fort Kent and Machias into one University of… Read More
EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – A New Brunswick woman was sentenced Wednesday to two years of house arrest for the 2002 hit-and-run death of a Maine woman that police at first blamed on the driver’s boyfriend. Vicky Madore Fraser, 29, was sentenced in Provincial Court by… Read More
HOULTON – They’re coming home. Word traveled all around town in just about two hours Tuesday afternoon, so scores of residents, business owners and emergency responders worked together to arrange a celebration for three area soldiers returning from active duty in Kuwait. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BANGOR – City councilors meeting as the transportation and infrastructure committee decided Tuesday to recommend that the full council consider forming a special committee to study competition issues facing Bangor International Airport. At issue are pre-clearance services. BIA is one of a select group of… Read More
BANGOR – Georgia-Pacific Corp. handed out thousands of cases of paper products to nonprofit organizations on Wednesday. The mill recently came into an overabundance of toilet paper and napkin products, G-P administration manager Kelli Manigault said Wednesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
CORINTH – Kevin M. Brown has been promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. Brown is stationed in Korea. A 1976 graduate of Central High School, Corinth, and a 1980 graduate of the University of Maine, he is the son of Bertina… Read More
BANGOR – The Fields Pond Audubon Center and Bangor Area Residents for Responsible Development are teaming up to present the sixth annual spring cleanup of areas along the Penjajawoc Stream. The cleanup, an Earth Week activity, will run from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Saturday at several locations,… Read More
EDDINGTON – A clause added to the three-year agreement Clifton signed with Eddington for fire coverage Tuesday night calls for annual town approval of the contract amount. “They talked it over and added a clause,” Janice Tutt, Clifton administrative assistant, said Wednesday. “They signed it… Read More
ORLAND – A fire that burned about four acres on Mason Mountain Sunday likely started from sparks from a nearby permitted burn, the town’s fire chief said. A brand from that fire would have had to travel about 150 yards, John Gray said Wednesday, but… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Hancock County officials are hoping to arrange a meeting of federal, state, and county law enforcement officers to discuss ongoing security concerns at the county’s airport in Trenton. Ralph Pinkham, director of the county’s emergency management agency, and Hancock County Airport Manager Bob… Read More
Ellsworth District Court Cases Feb. 24-April 15, 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
ELLSWORTH – A woman 37 weeks pregnant was taken to Maine Coast Memorial Hospital after a car accident Wednesday on Route 1A. She is not believed to have suffered any serious injuries, according to police. Rebekah Winslow, 22, of Ellsworth was still being examined Wednesday… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department intends to resume seasonal roadblocks in order to get impaired drivers off the road, according to a press release from Hancock County Sheriff William Clark. Clark indicated in the release that each driver going through a random checkpoint… Read More
DEXTER – A sixth-grade pupil at Dexter Middle School has been named the Northeast Division winner in the Daughters of the American Revolution American history essay contest. Kristin Dillon, daughter of Paul and Genie Dillon of Exeter, had the winning entry for New England and… Read More
BANGOR – Plans for a restaurant chain famous for its baby back ribs, a new office building and a project that will help preserve a historic downtown structure were among the matters the city’s planning board tackled Tuesday night. The panel approved a site development… Read More
CALAIS – Often children who are the subject of abuse find themselves being questioned by a uniformed officer who only adds to their anxiety. Not now, at least in Washington County. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
HOULTON – While the town struggles with a way to handle public comment at council meetings, governing boards north of the Shiretown have established policies similar to Houlton’s that command free speech for everyone involved. “We took the position many years ago to invite public… Read More
MARS HILL – Changes in town property valuations expected to be made this year won’t be implemented until 2005 because there isn’t enough time to finish the necessary assessment work, Town Manager Ray Mersereau said Wednesday. Councilors on Monday night approved the delay. The council… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – McDonald’s and other lunchtime eateries soon may be off-limits to local high school freshmen and sophomores if the SAD 1 board of directors approves a proposed policy. The board is considering a phased-in implementation of a closed campus for ninth- and 10th-graders… Read More
CORINTH – Alice Page of Corinth was among 47 women heart patients who completed the first-ever Advocacy Institute, held March 27-31 in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Page and the other women heart disease patients learned about the… Read More
Ellsworth District Court Cases Feb. 24-April 15, 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
BAR HARBOR – The Town Council will meet in a special session next week with the Transportation Task Force to decide whether to abort a plan to increase parking fines and enforcement this year. The council-appointed task force decided last week to completely reverse itself… Read More
ELLSWORTH – With the resignation of a city councilor, voters will fill four of the council’s seven positions at municipal elections in November. Leigh Guildford has decided to resign as city councilor because he is moving to the town of Hancock, Guildford wrote in an… Read More
BELFAST – The City Council has authorized Police Chief Allen Weaver to apply for a federal grant to station a police officer at the Belfast Area High School. The council voted 4-1 Tuesday to allow Weaver to apply for a $125,000 grant under the Community… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Residents will be called to a special town meeting, perhaps as early as June, to consider borrowing up to $800,000 to fix the crumbling retaining wall at the town beach. Although Town Manager Dana Reed offered ways to shift capital improvement money… Read More
NEWPORT – After a brief executive session to negotiate Wednesday night, the Newport Board of Selectmen approved the sale of a lot in the town’s industrial park to a local construction company. Building Construction Services, which employs eight people, expects to add four new employees… Read More
People who enjoy handbell music have two opportunities to hear the Auburn Methodist Ringers and 4 Park Avenue, a handbell quartet, both from United Methodist Church of Auburn. The program is directed by Presque Isle native William Buzza. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
AUGUSTA – A proposal to merge the Millinocket School Department with School Union 113, which is composed of East Millinocket and Medway, suffered defeat last week at the hands of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. During an April 13 work session,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Nearly 25,000 music compact discs, from classical to rap, are expected to be shipped to Maine schools and libraries this spring as a result of a national class-action lawsuit against some of the nation’s largest music companies. “This is really good news,” said… Read More
BREWER – Call after call for space to hold large gatherings persuaded Muddy Rudder owners to finish renovating the restaurant’s second floor, and could mean at least 25 new jobs. The restaurant opened last year. The space, which can accommodate groups from 40 to 120… Read More
BIDDEFORD – A 78-year-old man who has been volunteering at Southern Maine Medical Center for 19 years was recognized Wednesday as Maine’s volunteer of the year. Preston Powell was honored by Gov. John Baldacci with the state’s top award for an individual volunteer. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
AUGUSTA – Democratic and Republican leaders of the Maine House of Representatives met Wednesday to discuss possible areas of agreement when the Legislature reconvenes next week. The exploratory talks were inconclusive, according to participants from both sides, but further consultations are expected. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
PROSPECT – In its own version of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” the Maine Department of Transportation is making plans to play host to two birds. In preparation for the expected return of a breeding pair of peregrine falcons that last year established a nest… Read More
BANGOR – Drug charges against a former Bangor man are expected to be dismissed now that Michael “Gizmo” Melendez is serving a life sentence in Pennsylvania for murdering his mother in a fight over drugs. Assistant Attorney General Bill Savage said Wednesday he has filed… Read More
A theme runs like a well placed basting thread though “Calico & Chintz: Early American Quilts from the Smithsonian American Art Museum” on view at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland until June 6 – the 22 quilts in the exhibit embody not only the artistry of… Read More
Some fishing trips turn into major productions. That’s half the fun, I figure. We brainstorm all winter, think and rethink, and then … finally … meet with our fishing buddies and begin working on our official master plan. We compile lists of gear and tackle,… Read More
Cherryfield’s Andy Santerre will begin his quest for a third consecutive Busch North Series points championship when the 15-race tour opens the season at Lee USA Speedway (N.H.) on Sunday. “I think we’ve got a pretty good shot at a three-peat,” said the 35-year-old Santerre. Read More
ORONO – When asked what stood out about Wednesday’s baseball game between the University of Maine and Husson College, Black Bears coach Paul Kostacopoulos tipped his cap to the opposition. “They came out competitively and played,” Kostacopoulos said of the Division III Braves from Bangor,… Read More
BANGOR – Husson College split a college softball doubleheader with visiting Thomas College on Wednesday, winning the opener 5-4 but dropping the second game 12-7. In the first game, Jen Webster pitched a complete game and Carolyn McAvoy went 4-for-4 for the Braves. Sara Agouab… Read More
DEXTER – Justin Day hit a two-run homer and Whitney Slike added an RBI single to power the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx to a 3-2 schoolboy baseball victory over the Dexter Tigers on Wednesday. Steve Whitney added a double for Mattanawcook of Lincoln. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
About 230 of Maine’s young gymnasts will gather this weekend in Old Town for the YMCA state championships. The competition, which is being held at the Old Town-Orono YMCA, starts at 9 a.m. Saturday when the gymnasts in Levels 7, 8 and 9 will compete. Read More
WINTERPORT – Fifty-nine-year-old Odessa Smith never got to know her siblings after her parents divorced when she was an infant. Over the years she’s tried to find them, wanting to know more about them and to make a family connection. But until recently, those attempts… Read More
BANGOR – Like many young people, Rita Sullivan, Aram Khavari and Jody Crouse couldn’t wait to leave Maine when they graduated from Bangor High School 12 years ago, making them a part of what has been referred to as the ‘brain drain’ that occurs every September when students… Read More
Talk, even briefly, with Bobbie Fowler and you’ll find yourself instinctively peeking over her shoulders in search of angel wings. While they’re not quite visible to the human eye, Prince knows they’re there. The stray dog, dumped by college students and forced to live six months on the… Read More
What makes the Bangor area an attractive place to live? “The waterfront, the amount of green, trees and flowers that the city has been able to preserve. And it’s a safe, hospitable place to live.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
JONESPORT – Following are results from the Michael Ashmore math meet held April 15 at Jonesport Elementary School. Team scores were determined by adding the top five pupil scores. The highest possible combined score was 125. The top three eighth-grade teams were SAD 37, with… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The ninth annual Card Brook cleanup, sponsored by the Union River Watershed Coalition and the College of the Atlantic, is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 15. Several local businesses have donated supplies, snacks, drinks, a meeting and gathering space, as well a… Read More
ROCKLAND – The city was awarded a $10,000 grant this week through the state Department of Economic and Community Development to fund a redevelopment plan for the Tillson Avenue area. The city provided $2,000 in matching funds, Community Development Director Rodney Lynch said, and the… Read More
Talent filled the room when students participated in the county-district competition of the Modern Woodmen of America School Speech Contest on April 8. The students were winners of a previous speech contest sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America. Seventh-grader Amanda Hall of Bangor Christian Schools… Read More
HOLDEN – Six elementary pupils from Holbrook School placed first in the Destination ImagiNation regional competition in Rockland, competing in the elementary division of Cartoon Dimension. The team also placed second statewide and now plans to go on to Tennessee for Destination ImagiNation Globals May 26-29. Read More
Schools Kindergarten screening 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
ORONO – The National Youth Sports Program will hold its 12th annual six-week summer camp at the University of Maine, which will enable children ages 10 to 16 to attend the camp free of charge. Stephen Butterfield, project administrator, said that campers will swim nearly… Read More
Real estate transfers recorded with city of Bangor in 2003: To Todd A. Hanscom, Bangor, from Todd A. and Shannon M. Cassidy, Bangor, Oct. 9, 24 Prentiss St., $42,500. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
10 years ago – April 22, 1994 (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 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
Bangor Spring auction 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
Winterport Antiques shop expansion 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
When you hear the word “autism,” do you think, “Rainman”? If you do, you’re not alone. However, that Hollywood portrayal is a narrow depiction of a person with autism. Autism falls into a spectrum and it varies drastically in severity. People with autism may display… Read More
ORONO – Esther Eayres Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met April 5 at the Orono United Methodist Church to honor DAR Good Citizen award recipients Hannah Marquis, Old Town High School; Lura Raymond, Orono High School; and Nancy Hallett, Penobscot Valley High School in Howland. Read More
BANGOR – The University of Maine Center on Aging on the Orono campus and Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor are partnering for a gala swing dance fund-raiser, A Celebration of Generations, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Bangor Elks Club, Odlin Road. Read More
St. Joseph volunteers BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare honored 86 volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon April 22. Volunteers donated 20,258 combined hours of service, which represents a value of $335,075. They are: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Bangor Maine Invites You! 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 city of Bangor in 2003: To James F. and Gwendolyn F. Baines, Glenburn, from James F. Baines, Glenburn, Oct. 24, 80 Bolling Drive, deed between spouses. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
BANGOR – Books for camp and books for the beach, books for visitors and books for the kids, books for the hammock and books to keep. If you are looking for a source of good books at a good price, try the annual Friends of… Read More
3rd District Court, Bangor Cases March 22-26, 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 () { //… Read More