ORRINGTON – Six-year-old Ciarra Boucher took time away from her playing and photography Saturday to help a friend tie his shoe. It took her a minute, but she tied his shoestrings together in a perfect knot. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
AUGUSTA – Budget documents filed by state agencies indicate current law and existing program levels will require $785 million more than state taxes are expected to generate over the next two-year budget cycle to pay for state government. “No decisions have been made,” said Finance… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – George Bush and John Kerry might want to stop in this town if they plan on being president next year – if only for superstition’s sake. Voters in this riverside Waldo County village – like only four other Maine towns – have… Read More
Congress expanded universal telephone service to schools and libraries in 1996 because it wanted them to have access to the Internet. Under a provision in the Telecommunications Act, it even outlined a way to help fund these connections. Ratepayers may not like the method – a charge on… Read More
A highly informal poll shows that most folks have a terrible time opening the plastic packages that hold most consumer products these days. What touched off the inquiry was the purchase of a small computer gadget called a “flash drive” at RadioShack. It came nestled between two sheets… Read More
Would you want to live an area with the following characteristics? Limited arts education. No school athletics. No after school programs. No recreation department. Needed teachers laid off. Town and city officials laid off. Un-funded fire protection, police protection, ambulance services, garbage collection, snow removal, and library services. Read More
Two quick observations concerning the Op-Ed piece by Sean Casten and Larry Ambs (BDN, Sept. 29) and their arguments in favor of Eastern Maine Medical Center’s plans for leaving the Bangor Hydro system and generating its own power. First, the authors appear to assume that… Read More
MADAWASKA – The Irving Oil Co. is looking to lease company-owned convenience stores in northern Aroostook County, leaving the outlets to fly the company logo for gasoline and oil products. A spokesperson for the company would not confirm or deny reports this week that the… Read More
FORT KENT – The International Logging Association, a group of Aroostook County loggers and truckers who organized a strike against Irving Woodlands last winter, is still around, but in recent months the group has changed its purpose. The loggers have been busy creating bylaws and… Read More
“The greatest oak was once just a little nut that held its ground” is the motto of Northeast COMBAT Consumers Of Maine Bringing Action Together, believed to be the oldest consumer advocacy group of its type in the United States. Since this column is about consumer information and… Read More
The proposal described in a recent op-ed, “Generate clean, cheap, local power” (BDN, Sept. 29) to use waste heat from the Eastern Maine Medical Center’s heating and cooling plant to produce electricity is exactly the sort of highly efficient combined heat and power facility that the Conservation Law… Read More
Thanks for the recent article on Carol Palesky. It was good to find out more about her background as we go to the polls next month. As a homeowner I am all for property tax relief and want to see town government use fiscal responsibility. Read More
Karl Rove, President Bush’s puppeteer and slogan master, is hoping to convince female voters that the “W” initial in Bush’s name stands for “women.” This is based on the Bush administration’s insulting belief that American women are so ignorant that they will ignore the obvious – that is,… Read More
I am campaigning for President Bush in Bangor. I am very worried for the safety of my two children. Many people think that our president has not done his job, and that has forgot about us. I do not believe this to be true. For… Read More
In the October 5 vice-presidential debate, Vice-President Dick Cheney asserted that he had never attempted to draw a connection between the government of Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida. There is only one problem with this assertion – it is untrue. Ever since September 11, and… Read More
It’s been repeated many, many times: consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds. During the entire first presidential debate, President George Bush had one central theme: consistency. Consistency is fine in it’s place but the president invokes it, well, consistently, and for everything – it’s become his mantra. Read More
BREWER – When asked, neither proponents nor opponents of Carol Palesky’s tax cap initiative could say for sure if the homestead exemption many Mainers use to reduce their property taxes would continue if the cap is passed by voters in November. Members of both sides… Read More
CARIBOU – An accident that caused the death of a 13-year-old Caribou Middle School pupil on Friday remained under investigation Sunday with little new information being released. Investigators involved in the case were off duty Sunday after working on the case through Friday night and… Read More
BANGOR – Like any model, Jude had to be just right for the judges who would be casting a critical eye on everything, from how muscular and supple he looked to how he walked and whether his tail bent properly. Yes, his tail. After all,… Read More
The candidate, admittedly a little nervous, fumbled a bit with the microphone upon taking his place behind the podium during a recent speech at the University of Maine in Orono. “It’s time to reject the Republicans and the Democrats,” Carl Cooley, a socialist running for… Read More
BANGOR – Democrats played a pair of kings – singer-songwriter Carole King and former Maine Gov. Angus King – this weekend to rally campaign workers in their effort to trump the re-election bid of President Bush. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and the… Read More
BANGOR – The daughter of a former president and the sister of the current president, Doro Bush Koch went door-to-door in Maine over the weekend urging voters to re-elect her brother. In Presque Isle and later in Bangor on Saturday, Bush Koch, her sister-in-law Trisha… Read More
ORONO – The Orono Republican Town Committee will host a “Meet Your Republican Candidates Evening” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the Orono Town Council chambers. Brian Hamel, candidate for Congress, will attend, as well as Anita Peavey Haskell, who is running for Senate… Read More
ENFIELD – A three-car accident at the intersection of Dodlin Road and Route 2 Friday afternoon has left one elderly leaf-peeper hospitalized, two others slightly injured, two vehicles totaled and one miniature black poodle lost in the woods. Jean Devereux, 70, of West Penobscot had… Read More
A Bangor man riding a Harley-Davidson came too close to the pavement for comfort on Odlin Road on Sunday morning. Richard Ellis, 62, had a green light to proceed at 10:15 a.m., but so did another driver. In order to avoid a collision, Ellis leaned… Read More
CAMDEN – A firehouse shuffle was put into action Saturday when fire and EMS departments from seven towns provided mutual aid for a fire at Marriner’s Restaurant – a Main Street landmark. The 60-year-old eatery was extensively damaged by an accidental fire that started in… Read More
FORT KENT – The Maine Department of Transportation will be holding a public meeting Wednesday, Oct. 13, to discuss future improvements on Route 1 from Frenchville to Fort Kent. The meeting will be held at the Fort Kent municipal center at 7 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
MILLINOCKET – The Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council received a national honor with a grant from the Kodak American Greenway Awards Program based in Arlington, Va. The award is given to community groups that work to expand open spaces, develop trails and greenways, and… Read More
BREWER – The Abnaki Girl Scout Council District 6 fall meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Abnaki Girl Scout Council Carriage House. At the meeting, members will elect voting representatives for the annual meeting of the Abnaki Girl Scout… Read More
HAMPDEN – Hampden Academy will hold an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the school. At 5:30 p.m., parents of freshmen will meet in the new gym to receive an update on new graduation requirements and the laptop program. Parents… Read More
HOLDEN – The Holden council meeting scheduled for today has been canceled. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 25. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The nationwide shortage of flu vaccine will delay the scheduling of flu shot clinics this fall at physician offices in Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter, Milo, Guilford and Corinna associated with Mayo Regional Hospital. Mayo’s flu vaccine supplier will not be able to provide area physician… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliaries will sponsor the 26th annual patriotic art contest for students in grades nine through 12. The Lee-Doncet VFW Auxiliary No. 9955 is working with the art department at Maine Central Institute to make this opportunity available… Read More
BANGOR – The fall foliage tour at Thomas Hill Standpipe has been called off by the Bangor Water District’s board of trustees. The tour, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 13, was canceled because of roof repairs that will not be completed until November. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
ORLAND – Community radio station 89.9 WERU-FM is looking for a few good volunteers. The station is holding two new volunteer orientation training sessions for those interested in working with the radio station in any capacity. They will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. Read More
BAR HARBOR – The geological forces shaping the Maine coast will be the focus of an international conference at the Atlantic Oaks by the Sea, Thursday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, Oct. 17. More than 50 scientists plan to attend “Quaternary Land-Ocean Interactions: Driving Mechanisms and… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Candidates running for the state Legislature in Maine’s coastal districts have been invited to attend the fall meeting of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at City Hall auditorium. Lobstermen are strongly encouraged to attend. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BLUE HILL – The public is invited to a trail opening at the Kingdom Woods Conservation Area at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Jim Dow, executive director of the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, and Erika Rowland, stewardship coordinator, will lead a walk around the newest… Read More
BLUE HILL – Friends of Blue Hill Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural ecology, traditional marine fisheries and beauty of the bay, has launched a new logo and Web site. The Web site is a comprehensive information center for scientific research, articles… Read More
BANGOR – Bangor High School’s Students Ending Environmental Destruction Club will spend the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 12, cleaning handbills and litter off downtown light poles. SEED already manages Bangor High’s paper recycling program. The group will repeat efforts to clean up downtown on a… Read More
You may have seen them – miniature motorcycles, known as pocket bikes or minimotos, zooming around town. The machines are 2 feet tall or less and generally weigh less than 25 pounds. The operator often dwarfs the machine and rides extremely close to the ground, which undoubtedly is… Read More
SANGERVILLE – The Maine Department of Transportation will begin repairs to the Knowlton bridge on Knowlton Mill Road on Tuesday, Oct. 12. The repairs will address deterioration of the bridge’s concrete wearing surface. It will be necessary to close the bridge, and traffic will be… Read More
BANGOR – A military tribute to honor service members and to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, at the Spectacular Event Center. The event is part of the Maine State Grange annual convention. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BANGOR – The Maine Progressive Caucus says a film will be shown Tuesday about media and Fox News. “Outfoxed” will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
NEWPORT – The Woman’s Club will hold an antique appraisal show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Higgins Gym in the Newport Elementary School. Al Sale of Eastern Antiques in Ellsworth will be the appraiser. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – An 84-year-old Princeton man was injured Saturday when the vehicle he was driving rolled over on Route 1. Around 12:20 p.m., Leroy Kelley was traveling north on Route 1 toward Princeton when he apparently blacked out. His vehicle went off the road and… Read More
PORTLAND – The Maine Sunday Telegram, awarding both George W. Bush and John Kerry high marks for public service and leadership while giving both of their campaigns poor grades for content, has endorsed Kerry for president. “Each man has an impressive record of public service. Read More
Waldo County Superior Court 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
Rockland District Court Cases Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 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
The following divorces were granted recently in 13th District Court in Dover-Foxcroft on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Richard L. Murray and Christine L. Murray, both of Sangerville, married at Dexter on Nov. 11, 1972. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
ASHLAND – Despite quick action by Ashland volunteer firefighters, an early morning house fire Sunday took the life of an 18-year-old millworker. Mike Bolstridge most likely died of smoke inhalation, Ashland Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ned Labelle said Sunday afternoon. He lived at the Bragdon… Read More
CALAIS – The board of directors Saturday began its search for the perfect candidate to operate the Downeast Heritage Center. The new executive director will be responsible for overall management and supervision of the $6 million cultural center located next to the St. Croix River. Read More
ROBBINSTON – Maine State Police continue to investigate a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning that injured two people and left police looking for the driver of the car. Around 3 a.m. Sunday, police were in the process of investigating a car off the road at… Read More
CALAIS – Emily Smith’s earliest memory of middle school is of ceiling tiles falling on her head. The 17-year-old senior has spent a lot of her education in temporary housing. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
ORONO – The Northern Maine Children’s Water Festival will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the University of Maine. Festivities include stories about the Penobscot River and the Penobscot people, presented both in the Penobscot language and in English,… Read More
Thanks to the individuals and business owners in Eastern Maine, support for the American Heart Association annual Heart Walk, “Go Red for Women,” has been outstanding. In fact, AHA regional director Deb Farnham said, “The response this year has been phenomenal. It’s going to be… Read More
MIAMI – A 51-year-old Florida woman on the run from authorities for 26 years after failing to appear for her murder trial was arrested in Maine, officials said Saturday. Lynn Smith was arrested Friday night at her home in Standish, Maine, by a task force… Read More
STAMFORD, Conn. – A new book on convicted killer Michael Skakel says the Kennedy cousin described being covered in blood the night of his neighbor’s murder. Skakel, who was convicted in 2002 of Martha Moxley’s 1975 murder, allegedly made the incriminating comment to a counselor… Read More
MIAMI – A quirky little storm named Nicole sent gusty winds across Bermuda on Sunday and could trouble parts of eastern New England and Canada’s Maritime provinces by Wednesday. Nicole has a chance to build and strengthen as it merges with another Atlantic system on… Read More
AUGUSTA – Providing graduating seniors with a seamless transition from high school to college is seen as a crucial step if the state wants to improve economic opportunities. To accomplish that, Gov. John Baldacci and members of a task force he formed to create a… Read More
AUGUSTA – The former director of the Maine AIDS Alliance has pleaded guilty to theft and the state has moved for dismissal of charges of falsifying private records and misuse of entrusted property. Sentencing for Randall Norcross, 64, of Augusta was continued Friday in Kennebec… Read More
WATERVILLE – Studs Terkel, a common man who rose from the Depression-era streets of Chicago to give voice to the everyday people that helped defend and rebuild a nation, is the 2004 recipient of Colby College’s Lovejoy Award for journalism. The 92-year old Terkel is… Read More
HALLOWELL – Four area people received the MaineGeneral Medical Center’s “Overcoming Barriers” Achievement Awards at a recent luncheon at Granite Hill Estates. The award honors individuals who have overcome severe injuries, illnesses or congenital conditions and have regained their independence. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
SCARBOROUGH – Hannaford Supermarkets has announced that flu clinics scheduled for 121 of its stores would continue. However, only those priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be eligible for the $20 vaccine. According to the CDC, that group includes:… Read More
A half-day town hall meeting on the problem of lead poisoning will be presented from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Bangor City Hall. The event – sponsored by the Coalition for Environmentally Safe Communities, the Maine Bureau of Health, the Maine Department of Environmental… Read More
The Maine Educational Opportunity Center will offer several free workshops for adults considering college. Locations, days and times are as follows: . 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 14, at Katahdin Regional Higher Education Center in Millinocket. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
AUGUSTA – The tax amnesty program Gov. John Baldacci offered as part of his strategy to reduce a budget shortfall last year brought in $37.6 million, more than twice its original goal, according to final figures released last week. A report prepared by Maine Revenue… Read More
BANGOR – Freshman tailback Mike Prentiss rushed for 274 yards on 33 carries and scored all four touchdowns while leading the Eagles to the first football victory for the modern era Husson College program Saturday: a 28-14 triumph over fellow second-year program Southern Virginia University. Read More
ORONO – Four years ago, classy North Dakota hockey coach Dean Blais had his players wear jerseys with the name “Walsh” on the back of them for their Friday night game in Orono to honor Maine head coach Shawn Walsh, who was in California undergoing treatments for kidney… Read More
RICHMOND, Va. – Ron Whitcomb hit Josh Radulski on a 2-yard touchdown pass with 5:56 to play Saturday, lifting the 12th-ranked University of Maine to a 29-25 Atlantic 10 victory over Richmond in front of 5,031 fans at UD Stadium. UMaine improved to 3-2 overall,… Read More
WINSLOW – It’s third and long, but Steven Siviski has no worries. The sophomore quarterback from Winslow High School simply passes the ball high and sometimes far, content in the knowledge that only one player on the field will be in position to catch it… Read More
VASSALBORO – When the last of Brewer’s individual scores was posted on the cork leaderboard outside Natanis Golf Course’s clubhouse Saturday afternoon, it looked as though the Witches would have their first – and Eastern Maine’s only – state title at the Maine Schoolboy Team Golf Championships. Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At East Machias 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
COLLEGE At Standish, Saturday 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
LOCAL At Mount Desert Island 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
HIGH SCHOOL State Team Championships 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
ORONO – The University of Maine volleyball team won its 10th straight match with an America East conference victory over University of Maryland Baltimore County Saturday. Brittany Howe of Columbia had 18 kills and sophomore Shelly Seipp tallied 52 assists to help lead the Black… Read More
DEXTER – Eric Day booted five extra points, scored on a nine-yard touchdown run and fired a touchdown pass to lead the Dexter Tigers past Maranacook of Readfield 35-20 in Saturday football action. Day finished 4-for-7 for 107 yards passing along with 44 yards rushing. Read More
BELFAST – Kelsey Jacobson scored on a penalty stroke with 16:25 remaining in the first half to lift the Belfast Lions to a 1-0 field hockey win over Mount View of Thorndike Saturday. Liz Anderson stopped both shots she faced for 13-0 Belfast. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Greg Whittaker tallied two goals and an assist as the Presque Isle Wildcats rolled to a 5-0 boys soccer win over Orono here Saturday. Chris Carlin notched a goal plus an assist for 10-2 PI while Sam Mathers and John Wildeman added… Read More
MACHIAS – The University of Maine-Machias Clippers blanked the College of St. Joseph (Vt.) 6-0 on Saturday and edged Lyndon State College 2-1 on Sunday. On Saturday, Mike Zeibler had two goals and an assist for 8-3-1 UM-Machias while Galen White had a goal and… Read More
STANDISH – Michael Erickson scored twice and Kyler Hengst had a goal plus an assist to lead Saint Joseph’s College to a 3-0 men’s soccer win over the University of Maine-Presque Isle Saturday. Brian White (five saves, nine shots) got the shutout for the hosts… Read More
WINTERPORT – Craig Cousins of Hermon edged out Mike Reynolds of Bangor to win the Super Pro/Pro Eliminater Overall Final. Cousins advanced to the round by winning the Super Pro Eliminator and Reynolds won the Pro Eliminator at Winterport Dragway this weekend. OTHER WINTERPORT RESULTS… Read More
WATERVILLE – Quarterback Justin Smith threw for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns Saturday as Colby defeated Wesleyan 23-0 in a New England Small College Athletic Conference game. Colby’s defense held the visiting Cardinals to 211 total yards with six interceptions and six sacks. Read More
INDIANAPOLIS – Ian Crocker set a world record in the 50-meter butterfly and the United States avenged an earlier loss to Australia with a victory in the women’s 400 freestyle relay at the Short Course World Championships on Sunday night. The Americans won two of… Read More
The musical, a theatrical genre associated with Broadway, has in recent years stretched to accommodate a wide range of themes besides boy meets girl. Today, witches, Bombay dancers, vampires, puppets and the city of Brooklyn are all subjects of musicals in New York City. And they are immensely… Read More
Every season is a contradiction, but none so much as autumn. Our dying summer gardens remind us to steady ourselves for the icy grip of winter, yet children jump into piles of orange leaves and prepare for joyous Halloween. In this bipolar mood, it was… Read More
The ivory-billed woodpecker flourished in the swamp forests of the Southeast, inspiring such awe that people who saw one unfold its 3-foot-wide wings and swoop up to sink its razor-sharp claws into a cypress tree could only exclaim, “Lord God.” The ivory-bill had dozens of… Read More
A century ago today, the first and only battleship ever built in Maine slid down the ways at Bath Iron Works into the Kennebec River. The USS Georgia one day would sail around the world, but never fire a shot. Maine already had bragging rights… Read More
In theaters LADDER 49, directed by Jay Russell, written by Lewis Colick, 120 minutes, PG-13. 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
What wonderful news it is that the Acadian Archives has opened its own building on the University of Fort Kent campus. What started out in 1990 as a small room in the Waneta Blake Library is now a two-story, 7,600-square-foot facility between Powell Hall and… Read More