AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s recent failure to lower property taxes has raised the hopes of those backing a tax relief proposal that will be decided at the ballot box a little more than a month from now. Although Question 1A received the most votes last… Read More
    Some superintendents are basing their local budgets on the wrong amount of state funding, municipal and education officials said Monday. The Legislature voted late last week to set the 2004-2005 school subsidy appropriation at $740.4 million. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    AUGUSTA – In a society that often discriminates against rather than respects and reveres its elderly, it is more important than ever that the state begin a crusade to protect some of its most vulnerable residents, Maine’s attorney general said Monday. At what may have… Read More
    A nationwide shortage of milk has pushed the prices paid to farmers to $22.10 a hundredweight, almost $5 a hundredweight more than the federal pricing order has set for a bottom-line price and more than $10 a hundredweight more than they were getting during the recent two-year dairy… Read More
    Referring to the recent article (BDN, April 19) regarding the “christened” USS Nitze Destroyer at Bath Iron Works, I would like to point out that Christ, for which the word christen originates, has nothing whatsoever to do with the naming, blessing or launching of any warship. Read More
    Properly, the Bush administration is moving to punish officers who supervised the abuse and humiliation at Abu Ghraib detention center, west of Baghdad, the place where not long ago many thousands of Iraqis were taken during the rule of Saddam Hussein and never seen again. But it should… Read More
    It is odd that a few months after Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton touted the importance of restoring the Penobscot River – in part to provide habitat to Atlantic salmon – a service she oversees now wants to cut $70,000 out of Maine hatchery budgets, meaning fewer… Read More
    Although I generally agree with David White’s column (BDN, April 24), I think White, along with most of the general public, is not looking at the entire picture because the press is neither giving us the entire picture nor are they connecting the dots. As… Read More
    Cal Thomas’s post-Earth Day column, (BDN, April 23) cites a recent Gallup poll as evidence of a faltering environmental movement. Thomas told only part of the story. Gallup ranks concern about the environment at tenth on a list of 11 problems facing the country. However, that list also… Read More
    We are writing to support the candidacy of George Jacobson, who is running for the District 30 state Senate seat in the June 8 Democratic primary. Jacobson has been a faculty member at the University of Maine for 25 years and a past director of the world-famous Climate… Read More
    The long-running and ever-changing challenge of where to place our city offices and community center in Old Town has taken a new twist. Now, it seems that the city is considering, and most probably will, move the city offices to the Herbert Sargent School location in Stillwater. For… Read More
    Every year the Maine Department of Environmental Protection allows more than 1,000 tons of particulate matter and harmful gases to fly out of a 225-foot high stack in Orrington. This smoke comes from one of the largest garbage incinerators in the Northeast. It is operated by the Penobscot… Read More
    Presidential politics is often as edifying as soap operas. Partisanship has become an exercise in demonology where policy disagreements often take a backseat to moral attacks on political leaders. Political discourse becomes obsessed with the personal background and character of the leader or would-be leader. Cathy Young, a… Read More
    Maine has taken an important step to strengthen democracy and improve access to the ballot box with the approval of a new law, sponsored by Rep. Hannah Pingree, approved by the Legislature and just signed by Gov. John Baldacci. “An Act To Ensure the Accurate Counting of Votes”… Read More
    INDIAN ISLAND – Police are still searching for a girl believed to have been abducted by her father late Friday night or Saturday morning. Original information led police to believe that Amanda Francis, 13, had been taken by her father, Bert Francis, 45, and the… Read More
    The Wall Street Journal, which does a fine job keeping me abreast of how the other half lives, recently published an enlightening report suggesting that not all is sublime in the paradise inhabited by the nation’s aging moneyed class. If you didn’t see the story,… Read More
    Maine’s laptop computer program will not be expanded into high schools this fall as Gov. John Baldacci had hoped. But the administration apparently intends to spend $8 million to put the wireless infrastructure in place in hopes of winning approval in the next legislative session. Read More
    The John Kerry for President campaign will roll out two new television ads today as part of a $25 million buy in 19 battleground states, including Maine. The media blitz, the single largest advertising buy to date, comes six months before the November election and… Read More
    ROCKPORT – In recent years, massive forest protection easements have been the stars of Maine’s conservation world, bringing in millions of dollars to preserve ecology and recreation alongside logging on hundreds of thousands of acres. To ensure that Maine’s shoreline isn’t gobbled up by private… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Voters re-elected two incumbents to the Town Council and overwhelmingly endorsed eight changes to the land-use ordinance, according to Town Clerk Patricia Gray. Councilor Valerie Scott received 273 votes and Councilor David Bowden garnered 238 to win three-year terms. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BANGOR – Residents will need to raise less money for education next year thanks to a higher than expected state appropriation. Superintendent Robert Ervin said Monday that he drafted his preliminary budget for 2004-2005 using Education Commissioner Susan Gendron’s proposed $734 million state appropriation. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Community members are getting another opportunity to take part in the city’s Canoe Hullabaloo celebration. The Old Town Canoe Outlet Store has donated 100 canoe paddles to the Old Town Library and the River Coalition, the organizers of the weeklong event in… Read More
    BANGOR – Concerns about a Canadian competitor’s bid to provide some services now provided by Bangor International Airport has prompted city councilors to establish a special study panel. At issue are pre-clearance services. BIA is one of a select group of airports authorized to provide… Read More
    Bangor police arrested a man Sunday afternoon after noticing his hand-drawn inspection sticker. Officer James Dearing reported that at about 5 p.m. he and Officer Steve Jordan were leaving a gas station on State Street when they noticed a car, also leaving the gas station,… Read More
    HOLDEN – Although the final state education budget passed the Legislature at the end of last week, SAD 63 leaders have not received official state subsidy figures, according to Superintendent Louise Regan. At Monday’s SAD 63 school board meeting, Regan said tentative numbers indicate the… Read More
    MACHIAS – The sound of history filled the hall at the Centre Street Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon, when about 175 concertgoers heard the tones of the newly refurbished organ. “We were surprised at the big turnout,” said Robb Cook, the church’s organist. “It was… Read More
    NORTHPORT – Despite extensive searches of both sides of U.S. Route 1, authorities said Monday they have found no trace of a local man who disappeared nine days ago. Jeremy Alex, 28, of Northport was last seen April 24, running into a patch of woods… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The state has released an environmental report on its plans to build a new boat launch on Branch Lake, but city officials aren’t happy with the assessment. Stephen Gunty, Ellsworth’s city manager, said last week that the city might go to extraordinary measures… Read More
    STONINGTON – A local man faces a charge of drunken driving after his car went off Route 15A on Saturday and he was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to a Bangor hospital, according to police. A nursing supervisor at Eastern Maine Medical Center said Monday that… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Steuben woman remained hospitalized Monday after she was injured Sunday in an accident on Route 1, according to officials. Clover Gay, 22, was in serious condition at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth, a nursing supervisor said Monday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    HOULTON – The Court Jesters comedy basketball team will take on the Houlton Police All-star Team at 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Houlton High School. The event is part of the Houlton Police Association’s annual fund-raising campaign. Tickets are $10 at the door and… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Three people injured Friday in a fiery collision on Route 1 in Hancock remained hospitalized Monday, one of them in critical condition, according to hospital officials. Richard Pung, 52, of Franklin was in critical condition Monday at Eastern Maine Medical Center, a hospital… Read More
    HOULTON – Local police have nearly completed their investigation into former SAD 29 Superintendent Susan Johnson’s alleged misuse of the district credit card, officials said Monday. Detective Staff Sgt. James Skehan, who is conducting the investigation, said he plans to turn over the results of… Read More
    HOULTON – State and local officials met last week to discuss how to assist the water company with a cost-effective wastewater disposal option that will prevent possible contamination of the town’s drinking water. Discussion ceased after an hour, however, when the group concurred that representatives… Read More
    HARRINGTON – Will Stanley, a fourth-grade pupil at Harrington Elementary School, was asked to write an essay about how he would train to win an Olympic medal in the sport of his choice. Because his aunt has a pool in her yard, he chose swimming. Read More
    HOULTON – There was a lot of action at the former Borderland Drive-In late Sunday evening, only this time it wasn’t taking place on the gigantic picture screen of the former theater. Houlton police, firefighters and ambulance personnel responded to the scene of a grass… Read More
    ROCKPORT – The proposed town budget for 2004-05 is down from the current year, though more money will be raised from taxes to cover expected increases in school and county budgets. Town Manager Bob Peabody said Monday that the budget that will go before voters… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Town councilors authorized on Monday a public hearing to discuss the town’s flood-plain management plan, which state officials said is outdated and, without adjustments, could prompt residents to lose their flood insurance. Investigating a request to place some fill along a private property… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – SAD 53 school board directors who were expecting a final budget proposal Monday night didn’t get one. Since final funding figures are not available yet from state officials, a special meeting will be called within a week. But budget implications were very clear. Read More
    KENDUSKEAG – Corinth and Glenburn rescue workers extricated two people from a car wreck Monday afternoon. Maine State Trooper Paul White said Brittany Wilson, 17, of Glenburn was driving south on Route 15 near Pray’s Auto Sales when she lost control of her car and… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, met with the junior U.S. history class from Schenck High School of East Millinocket last week during its visit to the nation’s capital. The 11 students were accompanied by their teacher, Robert Marquis, to learn more about the… Read More
    GUILFORD – Piscataquis County deputies charged a local man Monday with leaving the scene of an accident that demolished a car. David Denty, 22, lost control of his car at 4:40 p.m. Sunday on North Guilford Road, according to Investigator Guy Dow of the Piscataquis… Read More
    PATTEN – Katahdin Valley Health Center will hold a Food for Thought brunch about smoking cessation noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, in the conference room. The new Medication Voucher Program for Smoking Cessation, in which the health center is participating, will be discussed. Read More
    WILLIMANTIC – A father and son were injured late Sunday night when their pickup truck rolled over and struck a tree on River Road. Investigator Guy Dow of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department said Adam Hunt, 30, of Willimantic received broken bones, and his son,… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Police and deputies crashed a weekend party of underage drinkers at the home of James and Sherry Bishop on Medford Road. Three people under 18 and minors ranging in age from 18 to 20 were charged late Friday and early Saturday with illegal… Read More
    NORTHPORT – Though residents attending the annual town meeting decided against entering into a joint agreement with neighboring Lincolnville for shared police coverage, when it came to another public safety issue, they opened the purse strings and voted overwhelmingly to purchase a new pumper truck for the Fire… Read More
    ROCKLAND – City councilors mapped out a full agenda Monday for next week’s session, which includes eliminating a police position and authorizing pedestrian-oriented signage for Main Street. The regular meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday, May 10, in council chambers at City Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    THORNDIKE – An SAD 3 building committee agreed Monday night that a new kindergarten through 12 school would fit on the site of the present school, with the addition of some adjacent acreage. The full school board will consider that recommendation when it meets Monday,… Read More
    CALAIS – In a little more than a month, dignitaries from as far away as France will visit Down East to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the French landing on St. Croix Island. Last week, National Park Service officials were overseeing the cleanup of the… Read More
    BANGOR – A Penobscot County Jail inmate awaiting trial for assaulting his girlfriend and leaving her in a ditch on New Year’s Eve was indicted Monday for smuggling drugs into the jail. Another male inmate and the girlfriends of the two men also were indicted… Read More
    CASTINE – Rep. Tom Allen Monday urged graduates at Maine Maritime Academy to make a difference in what increasingly is becoming a global community. Allen was the commencement speaker at the 61st graduation ceremony at the academy and was awarded an honorary degree of doctor… Read More
    Everyone associated with the University of Maine Center on Aging in Orono and Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor is excited about “A Celebration of Generations,” a gala fund-raiser for programs of those two agencies. I know that because Carol Higgins of EAA called me… Read More
    NAPLES – The owners of the Songo River Queen II, a longtime tourist landmark in the Sebago Lake region, plan to sell the 92-foot paddle-wheeler for the second time. Frank Gerrish, 76, and his wife, Diana, 62, say they’ve reached an age where they are… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Town meeting voters decided Monday they want to bond for a new $500,000 firetruck rather than continue the community’s tradition of saving money every year toward future big-ticket items. Although $40,000 will still be put into the firetruck reserve, selectmen had wanted… Read More
    VANCOUVER, Wash. – Relatives of a man who died in the sinking of a submarine chaser off Maine in World War II have been told he will be awarded the Purple Heart. The medal for the late Edwin Frederick Mathys, who died when the USS… Read More
    In the merry month of May, I’d rather be at a feed and seed store than just about anywhere, even if it means maneuvering around potholes in the gravelly road – or around a sleepy black Lab blocking the store’s entrance. The smells from the… Read More
    It’s a concept that goes back to Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney gathering the neighborhood kids to “put on a show.” That can-do spirit lives on in a venture that starts tonight in Aroostook County. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    Dear Jim: We want to build our dream house. We want a strong one to resist tornadoes, storms … other disasters. We thought of the post and beam houses in Europe which are centuries old. Can we build a new house this way? – Ron C. Read More
    Now, when it comes to the human nose, paper products rule supreme. Handkerchiefs have been relegated to the realm of collector’s items, quaint little squares of fabric edged with fine crochet, tatting or machine-made lace. Some are hemstitched, most are white, but others come in flower prints or… Read More
    FORT KENT – Matt Gagnon slammed a two-run homer in the top of the seventh to lift Van Buren a 7-5 victory over Fort Kent Monday in high school baseball action. Gagnon finished with four RBIs and Trevor Hews allowed one hit in six innings… Read More
    The Bangor High softball team held its second practice on its new field Monday despite a light drizzle. Now, the Rams are hoping the weather will cooperate so that field will be ready for the first game there. Bangor is supposed to play a 4:15… Read More
    The effects of the United States’ ongoing effort to battle terrorism are being felt everywhere, even on the baseball diamond. A federal government directive to cap temporary work visas for foreign workers at 66,000 and hold to it is affecting plenty of Maine summer businesses,… Read More
    HERMON – As Travis Estes kept the scorebook for the Hermon baseball team Monday, he didn’t anticipate penciling in his own name. “I really didn’t expect to bat,” said Estes, a freshman, “because in close games usually I just keep the book.” googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    While the rest of the permit-holding public had to wait at least until Monday in order to participate in the state’s wild turkey hunt, one sizeable group didn’t … and they made the most of their opportunities. Back in October, the Maine Department of Inland… Read More
    DENVER – Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Kariya returned to practice Monday for the first time in nearly a month and could be ready for Game 6 against San Jose. Kariya has missed all 10 of Colorado’s playoff games after spraining his right ankle in the… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Fort Kent 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
    COLLEGE Jenna Merchant 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
    Thomas Woehr of Castine won a silver medal at the recent 2004 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y. Woehr, a 41-year-old microcomputer support manager at Maine Maritime Academy, competed in the bronze-level singles event. He is a member of the Hallowell-based Skating… Read More
    Brunswick High football coach Dick Leavitt and Colby College football coach Tom Austin will be recognized at dinner hosted by the State of Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Inc. Leavitt and Austin will join football official Frank Barclay… Read More
    LIMESTONE – The Limestone softball team rallied in the sixth inning thanks to five hits and four walks, picking up a 8-5 victory over Southern Aroostook Monday in high school action. Allison Beaton’s triple triggered the uprising. Megan Pelletier singled her home and, a walk… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Stephanie Shuster rapped two singles and drove in a run to lead the MDI softball team to a 6-5 victory over Hampden Monday in high school action. Nia Megquier struck out six, walked four and allowed seven hits for the Trojans. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    CORINTH – Nicole Daniel singled three times and drove in two runs as the Central softball team knocked off rival Dexter 8-3 Monday afternoon in high school action. Chantel Randall singled twice, driving in two runs for the Red Devils, who also beat the Tigers… Read More
    NEW YORK – CBS News delayed reporting for two weeks about U.S. soldiers’ alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners, after a personal request from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Richard B. Myers called CBS anchor Dan Rather eight days before the report… Read More
    PORTLAND – At 33, Lawrence Roukey wasn’t a fresh-faced teenager out of high school sent to the battlefields of war. When he went to Iraq as a U.S. Army Reserve soldier, Roukey had an established career with the Postal Service and a house in Westbrook… Read More
    SEQUIM, Wash. – When elk amble across Highway 101 here on the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington, radio collars around their necks set off flashing lights up and down the busy road. A continent away, when moose wander across Route 4 in the mountains of… Read More