WARREN – Come September, all 400 children in SAD 40’s Miller School will go nut-free, seed-free, pit-free and bean-free as part of a food ban designed to save a fellow pupil’s life. That means no more peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches and no hot dogs with beans… Read More
Despite reductions in mercury, pesticides and other pollutants being deposited in U.S. lakes and rivers, the number of fish becoming contaminated only continues to grow. More than 3,000 water bodies nationwide were under fish consumption advisories in 2003 – an increase of almost 10 percent… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Cruise ship business in Maine continued to grow in 2003, generating almost 600 jobs and $31 million in direct spending, according to a new study released Tuesday. By far, the busiest port of call continued to be Bar Harbor, which welcomed 78… Read More
WASHINGTON – Senate leaders on Tuesday named a bipartisan working group of senators to come up with better ways for the chamber to oversee the nation’s intelligence and homeland security communities. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and Democratic leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said the… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine is among the world’s 100 most powerful women, according to Forbes Magazine, which recently released its first such ranking. Snowe is ranked 58th on the list, which is topped by Condoleezza Rice, President Bush’s national security adviser. Read More
The Penobscot County Superior Court listing for Dale Braley in Monday’s State section should have been for a probation violation charge, which was withdrawn in May. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Interstate Bakeries Corp. is closing a bakery in Buffalo, N.Y., and eliminating 200 jobs in its latest effort to turn around soft sales. Production will be shifted to Biddeford and other plants. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Recent news reports state that: “Almost one in every six soldiers arriving home from duty in Iraq is showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or anxiety.” The reports lead one to question how well the Veterans Affairs Department is prepared to reach out… Read More
The only real losers in the fight over whether consumer advocate Ralph Nader should appear as a presidential candidate on the ballot in Maine and other states are the voters. Democrats charge that Republicans are financing and sometimes staffing signature gathering efforts for the Nader campaign. Republicans complain… Read More
Palestinian officials have called on the Bush administration to clarify its position on the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. It must. Last week, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced that it will solicit bids for the construction of 1,001… Read More
On Aug. 18, the Bangor Daily News reported that, at a Cadillac Mountain press conference the previous day, James Connaughton, “chief environmental adviser to President George Bush,” claimed the administration’s so-called “Clear Skies Initiative” would reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury by “about 70 percent… Read More
Because of a severe case of multiple sclerosis, I am confined to an electric wheelchair. Last spring, I made the mistake of driving to the post office, using the sidewalks. The trip to the post office and back to the Freese’s building cost me $186 in repairs to… Read More
Once again the Republican minority leadership has managed to drop the ball and in the process caused the people of Maine to spend more money. This is in reference to the Republican refusal to compromise on a proposal, the much-needed bond issue to be voted… Read More
I noted with interest the Associated Press article, “DEP calls for review of Penobscot dam pact” (BDN, Aug. 18). Most disturbing, however, is that the reckless commentary of Maine Rivers in the form of a quote by its executive director, Naomi Schalit, serves to characterize… Read More
The citizens of Old Town have a difficult decision to make in the next few months. Our landfill situation has become an issue of statewide importance. It all began in the early 1990s when the city has to consider whether to allow the Old Town… Read More
In his recent presentation to the corporators of Eastern Maine Healthcare, James Orlikoff, an expert on these matters, described the EMH corporators as “the sleeping bear.” While it was not altogether clear in what way the corporators might turn out to be a sleeping bear,… Read More
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection faces significant funding shortfalls in its air emissions and wastewater discharge programs by next year, according to the department’s director of policy. The shortfalls are still being calculated, but as of three weeks ago the deficit in the air program… Read More
BANGOR – A referendum question asking city voters to ratify debt already authorized by city councilors is headed for Bangor’s Nov. 2 ballot. The Bangor ballot measure aims to address a wrinkle created by another ballot question, namely the Palesky tax cap. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BANGOR – The state is doing a lousy job of educating vehicle owners about a year-old tire regulation, according to staff at many Maine tire companies and other industry businesses, and it is forcing them to turn customers away. “Just this morning I had three… Read More
PLEASANT POINT – A retired MIT professor said there could be serious safety consequences if the Passamaquoddy build a liquefied natural gas terminal on reservation land, a Canadian Broadcasting news story reported Tuesday. Several months ago, the tribe entered into an exclusivity agreement with a… Read More
BANGOR – Penobscot County commissioners said Tuesday they support a feasibility study for a regional jail with Waldo and Knox counties, but Penobscot’s offer of funding for the study fell short of the amount requested. “We just don’t have the funding to do it,” Dick… Read More
HAMPDEN – It was just another sunny, late summer Tuesday morning around the patio set at the home of and Chris and Shannon Cox. Typical, that is, had it not been for the television cameras, the congressman, the former Clinton administration official and the protesters. Read More
HOULTON – Although town councilors are not completely sure of the amount of in-kind labor that the town’s Public Works Department will contribute to the Riverfront Bridge project, the council guaranteed on Monday evening that the employees will do something to help. After nearly an… Read More
CARIBOU – A Crystal husband and wife claim an Augusta tractor-trailer driver was negligent in January 2002 when his truck struck the wife’s car and then pushed it half a mile along Main Street in Presque Isle. Joan and Peter Main, formerly of Caribou, are… Read More
BANGOR – A review of the year-old smoking ban on Penobscot County property was knocked down Tuesday, but not out. Commissioner Peter Baldacci, a Bangor attorney, brought the prospect of reviewing and modifying the prohibition on smoking to the table during Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, although… Read More
BANGOR – City councilors agreed on Monday night to contribute $15,000 toward the cost of this fall’s premiere of a major musical work about the Penobscot River and its people. They also agreed to waive the up to $5,000 fee for the use of the… Read More
HOULTON – This November, taxpayers in the state will vote on the proposed 1 percent tax cap referendum, and the outcome will have lasting effects for towns across the state. In Houlton, municipal officials are preparing for whatever the outcome of that vote may bring. Read More
ELLSWORTH – The city’s appeals board decided Tuesday to allow a Kenduskeag woman to treat her property on Green Lake as three separate lots. Mary Ellen Hunt bought the land, which previously had been laid out as three adjacent subdivided lots, in September 2002 and… Read More
DEXTER – Police are investigating the theft of $1,016 in cash taken from Dexter Boarding Home on Main Street on Saturday. Someone entered the office and broke into a drawer where the cash was kept, Dexter Police Chief Arthur Roy said Monday night. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – The black-and-orange traffic sign at the corner of Harlow and Central streets is a flashing harbinger of about six weeks of traffic disruption, starting Monday, while the Maine Department of Transportation is doing repair work on the bridge over Kenduskeag Stream. Local merchants… Read More
BELFAST – After a delay of more than a year, the Belfast Area High School Class of 2003 has its yearbook. Through a series of missed deadlines and misunderstood communications, Assistant Principal Bruce Mailloux said, the publication of the yearbook was delayed. School staff have… Read More
LIBERTY – A Morrill man was arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman and attempting to drown the family dog in Stevens Pond. Chief Deputy Bob Keating of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday a witness called the department at about 4 p.m. Read More
CAMDEN – Camden Fire Chief Steve Gibbons believes preventing fires is the best way to fight them. To that end, the department has launched a Web site offering practical information to make homes and businesses safer, while also preparing people to respond appropriately in an… Read More
STONINGTON – A diesel fuel pump valued at $30,000 apparently was destroyed during the weekend by vandals, according to police. The diesel pump recently had been installed at the end of the Stonington town pier for use by boaters, Hancock County Deputy Sheriff Shane Campbell… Read More
Traditional medicine workshop to be held PERRY – A workshop on the traditional medicine of the Passamaquoddy will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at Pottle’s Tree Farm. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
The office of the Superintendent of Maine Indian Education in conjunction with the Maine Humanities Council will launch a children’s literacy training program that will be offered to a select number of elementary school teachers and child-care providers on Aug. 26. Educators and child-care providers… Read More
WARREN – P is for prisoners planting peonies. S is for Seeds of Change – a partnership program aimed at teaching Maine State Prison inmates how to read through gardening as well as how to be good parents and integrate into their communities when they… Read More
GOULDSBORO – A Hancock man was honored Tuesday at a local campground for the volunteer work he has done promoting and supporting the scientific study of lobsters. Herbert Hodgkins, 70, is one of 11 recipients this year of Yankee Magazine’s Barn Raiser Award, according to… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – He may be the new town manager, but Scott Harriman is a familiar face to people in Washington County. Harriman, 34, who has held similar public offices in Calais and Machias, accepted the job offer Tuesday at a salary of $48,000. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – Black bands are adorning the arms of Bangor’s bachelorettes today, and local maidens are weeping in despair. The city’s most eligible bachelor is officially off the market. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
Two women were charged with theft within a few hours of each other at Wal-Mart on Monday. Officer Ed Mercier of the Bangor Police Department responded to a call from Wal-Mart loss prevention Monday evening. Upon arrival, Mercier met with Chad Bowley of loss prevention,… Read More
BANGOR – It may not be the hottest of summers, but getting air conditioning into the Bangor Public Library still is a high priority. Thanks to donations from the community, the library is well on its way to reaching that goal, with only $36,680 out… Read More
OLD TOWN – The council voted on Monday to enter into a contract with Bangor Savings Bank to lease office space for temporary City Hall headquarters at $2,700 a month for two years, according to Joe Schlick, finance director and acting city manager. After the… Read More
The seventh annual Acadia Area ATV-ers’ Charity Ride will be held a little later than usual this year. But that only means participants will enjoy the beginning of our beautiful Maine foliage season on the ride that benefits the KISS 94.5 Christmas is for Kids… Read More
CLINTON – There were a lot more visitors than farmers at Tuesday’s opening of Maine Farm Days, an agricultural trade show held on a working farm. Most farmers were taking advantage of the sunshine and cutting or baling hay. “It has been such a bad… Read More
CARROLL PLANTATION – The 32nd Severance-McLaughlin reunion will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at the summer home of Roger and Monica Severance, located on North Road. Read More
AUGUSTA – The state Department of Health and Human Services has named James Beougher as director of the Bureau of Child and Family Services. “Jim has a national reputation for making innovative changes to child welfare programs that improve outcomes for families,” Health and Human… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Zbigniew Brzezinski, who served as national security adviser to President Carter, will speak at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at the College of the Atlantic’s Gates Center. As part of the Phillip Geyelin Series on public policy offered by Acadia Senior College… Read More
OLD TOWN – A fire thought to have been started by an overheated dryer vent destroyed an Old Town man’s home early Monday morning. With no other way out, former State Rep. Ralph Coffman, D-Old Town, jumped from a second story window in his home… Read More
NEWPORT – The search continued Tuesday for a man wanted on a felony drug trafficking charge, but officials said they have no strong leads. Jason Belmer, 25, of Corinna hasn’t been seen since he ran from police last week into the woods near his grandmother’s… Read More
AUGUSTA – A state police sergeant was legally justified when he shot a man last spring after a chase through several southwestern Maine towns, the state attorney general has concluded. A review of the case also concluded that Sgt. Michael Edes was justified when he… Read More
WATERVILLE – Police have officially listed as a missing person a 54-year-old Waterville man who disappeared more than six months ago and hasn’t been heard from since. Police said Steven C. Brandon last was seen on Feb. 16, when he apparently left without his car,… Read More
Anastasia Kalea didn’t really want to be in the kitchen last Thursday. It’s not that she doesn’t like to entertain – for Kalea, a meal without friends is no meal at all. She didn’t complain as she prepared a glass of cool frappe (pronounced fra-PAY),… Read More
HANCOCK – In their winter place in Montana, Nicole Purslow and Charlotte Humenuk have busy days. Purslow spends hours fly fishing. Humenuk, who is an artist, paints. By the end of the day, they want a good dinner but neither particularly wants to prepare it. Lucky for them,… Read More
TORONTO – Costa Kosilos was asked this spring to “capture the essence of Greece” in a martini glass. Organizers of Toronto’s 11th annual Greek festival were partying at Myth restaurant where he tends bar. The slightly dry, sweet martini took off ahead of the Hellenic celebration, which was… Read More
Beyond two all-beef patties Burger engineers, take note. There’s still time to enter Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger Contest. The event marks the 100th birthday of the burger, but beef is just the beginning – salmon, chicken, veggies and other ingredients could take the… Read More
THORNDIKE – Jim Pettis, the former boys varsity basketball coach at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, has returned to the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference ranks after a one-year absence. Pettis has been hired to the same position at Mount View of Thorndike. He replaces Mike… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine field hockey team reached unprecedented levels of success in the past two years, advancing all the way to the America East conference finals in 2002 and 2003. If the Black Bears are to do it again this fall, it’ll… Read More
PORTLAND – They are lifelong Boston Red Sox fans with a passion for baseball, so perhaps it’s not all too surprising that Dawna Bonneau and Mark Hall plan to step up to the plate Saturday to say “I do.” That’s home plate at Hadlock Field,… Read More
Shortstop-third baseman Paul Powell, who opened the season for Bangor in 2003 before being traded to the Northern League’s St. Paul Saints and returned in an offseason trade, was named the Northeast League’s player of the Week Monday. Powell, who batted .444 (12-for-27) with four… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Fraser Edmundston GC, New Brunswick 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
PORTLAND – John Ford Griffin drove in two runs during a five-run rally in the fifth inning as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats beat the Portland Sea Dogs 6-1 Tuesday in the Eastern League. Fisher Cats pitcher Chris Baker picked up his fifth win of… Read More
Several days before the Northeast League-mandated roster freeze for all teams, the Bangor Lumberjacks front office spent much of its time burning up the phone lines. With numerous injuries to key players occurring over the last three weeks, Bangor has had to make several trades,… Read More
ST. AGATHA – Isaac Ward netted two goals to lead the Ashland boys soccer team to a 4-2 win over Wisdom on Tuesday. Curtis Belanger and Jeremy Baker each scored a goal for the Hornets. Kevin Baker made 15 saves on 22 shots. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Nova Seafood of Portland, for the last four years the best American Legion baseball team in Maine, is now a national champion. Made up entirely of players from the reigning Class A state champion Deering High School team in Portland, Nova Seafood… Read More
BANGOR – One down … Two more to go. The Bangor Lumberjacks accomplished phase one of their three-part plan Tuesday night by defeating the front-running Quebec Capitales 5-1 behind strong starting and relief pitching and a big offensive effort from the lower half of the… Read More
WOODSTOCK, New Brunswick – More than a week after thieves in New Brunswick made off with more than 50,000 cans of Moosehead beer from the back of a transport trailer, police have tracked down the truck’s driver in Ontario. Wade Haines, 30, disappeared Aug. 17… Read More