Interest in Maine’s state-subsidized DirigoChoice health insurance plan is growing steadily with about 1,500 applications requested by small businesses since Oct. 4. That’s the date Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, the investor-owned company that contracted with the state to administer the program, started taking applications. Read More
CONCORD, N.H. – James Tobin, President Bush’s New England campaign chairman, has stepped down after state Democrats accused him of involvement in the jamming of their telephone lines on Election Day 2002. The Bangor, Maine, resident announced his resignation Friday in a statement that also… Read More
LAMOINE – The state has reopened 6,300 acres of fishing grounds around the south end of Mount Desert Island, including some areas that have been closed to shellfish harvesting for more than two decades. It is the largest reopening of fishing territory in Down East… Read More
PORTLAND – A Roman Catholic bishop and an Orthodox Jew on Friday urged lawyers and judges in Maine to better integrate their religious and professional lives. That theme dominated the sermon Bishop Richard Malone, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, delivered during the… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Democratic state senator seeking re-election to his midcoast district is cranking up anxiety levels by promoting funding cuts to state programs in northern and eastern Maine as a way to reduce taxes. Sen. Chris Hall, D-Bristol, confirmed Friday that during campaign speeches… Read More
Lily Christian, an actor in “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” by Ten Bucks Theatre Company in Brewer, was misidentified in a caption on the Thursday Calendar page. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
AUGUSTA – A delegation of Iraqis who could play more prominent roles in the war-torn country’s future will visit Maine’s capital and Portland as part of a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. The nine-member delegation will visit Augusta on Oct. 26, with tentative… Read More
OLD TOWN – American Indian tribal leaders from across the state gathered Friday to show support for presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John Kerry. “I believe that Kerry and Edwards are the people that are going to make a difference, not just for Native Americans, but… Read More
WESTBROOK – Republican governors from Hawaii, Ohio and Rhode Island toured a manufacturing plant here Friday to rally support for President Bush as a leader with a consistent vision for the nation’s future. Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft and Hawaii Gov. Read More
There is a newly created proposal to move our fifth-grade students to the Hermon Middle School. I have spoken with many parents who are, as I am, uncomfortable with such a change. Several parents have stated, “I’m afraid it’s a done deal.” However, I urge all of you… Read More
New England groundfishermen, already upset that the number of days they are allowed to net their catch were reduced by a quarter last year, were further angered earlier this month when the National Marine Fisheries Service closed a large portion of Georges Bank to fishing. The order is… Read More
Congress is moving toward a major overhaul of the nation’s intelligence network, a reform urged by the 9-11 Commission and, by most reports, entirely necessary. But it has stopped short of true reform unless it also changes the way it oversees the 15 agencies within Intelligence, a step… Read More
I found the article, “Labor head goes door to door to plug Kerry” (BDN, Oct. 4), both amusing and somewhat confusing. John Sweeney, president of the national AFL-CIO, said, “workers are facing … the threat of their jobs being moved to other countries…” while campaigning… Read More
I am writing as a senior citizen and a resident of the Northern Bay Living Center in the Penobscot Nursing Home complex. I am also a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. I am concerned that the re-election of President Bush with any sizable mandate… Read More
The other day an elderly lady approached me and asked if I would like to join a “no carb” diet. She showed me a piece of paper that read: “Come and join us in our new 2004 No Carb Diet googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
When some fanatics from Saudi Arabia rammed a plane into a building in New York, President Bush attacked Iraq. Today there are people in Peru who thank God that the men steering the plane weren’t from Ecuador. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
It is amazing what lengths the media will to in an attempt to assassinate someone’s credibility, hence the front-page article (BDN, Sept. 30) on Carol Palesky’s past. Despite what we have been told by many special interest groups ad nauseam, our private lives do matter to the media. Read More
Regarding the article, “Bear baiting worth millions, study says” (BDN, Oct. 1). Recently, I read that a processed gall bladder from a bear sells in the Orient for $5,000 (American dollars) and that bile from this same bear is sold in many Chinatown markets all… Read More
Health care is clearly a top issue for Mainers, as for all Americans. Unfortunately, much of the presidential campaign has been about personalities and attack politics, instead of informed policy debates. Politics of negativity and cynicism serve a purpose; it keeps public attention away from the policies that… Read More
There are a number of important issues that have not been fully discussed in the debate over the Palesky tax cap. Evaluating the merits of the proposed law requires an understanding not only of its tangible budgetary effects but also of some important but not easily quantified aspects… Read More
Wednesday evening’s final presidential campaign debate between President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry – or “Alfred E. Newman” and “Lurch,” respectively, as an irreverent colleague refers to the political duo – was a real test of the television remote control gizmo’s durability. That’s… Read More
BANGOR – Penn National Gaming announced Friday that it has entered an agreement regarding the sale of The Downs Racing and its subsidiaries to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. According to a press release issued from Penn National’s corporate headquarters in Wyomissing, Pa., Penn anticipates… Read More
You’ve probably driven past Susie Saver on outer Broadway in Bangor on the way to Glenburn or Kenduskeag or Dover-Foxcroft. You’ve probably been at least a little curious about the alliterative name, the logo and the emphatic sign. You may even find yourself wondering just exactly what’s inside. Read More
FREEPORT – L.L. Bean is making plans to open three to five new retail stores along the eastern seaboard in 2006 as part of its plan to increase revenues from retail stores and become less reliant on catalog sales. The company said the rollout is… Read More
HOLDEN – Communication issues seemed to be the biggest concern during a focus group session held Friday as the first part of the Maine Department of Education’s review of SAD 63. The Education Department’s inspector, who hosted the gathering, later said the meeting was productive. Read More
BREWER – Communities representing more than half of the residents in Maine are demanding that the state pay its fair share of education costs. More than 110 cities and towns have signed resolves loosely based on a Brewer resolution that devotes additional funds made available… Read More
BUCKSPORT – Jim Hammond works in the air and lives on the water. He uses dry land just to get back and forth between the two. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
They poured into the parking lot of the Hannaford Supermarket on Union Street in Bangor throughout the early afternoon, a steady stream of the elderly with their walkers and canes, mothers pushing infants in strollers, young and old in wheelchairs and sickly people breathing from oxygen tanks. Read More
BANGOR – A Corinna man who eluded police for six weeks in Maine, Colorado and Kansas pleaded guilty Friday and was sentenced to 13 years in prison for what authorities said was one of the largest seizures of cocaine in the state. By pleading guilty,… Read More
MONTVILLE – Arrests were expected late Friday in the burglary and vandalism of a Montville summer home that resulted in damage amounting to more than $30,000. Chief Deputy Bob Keating of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department said officers answered a complaint made Wednesday evening by… Read More
CARIBOU – The public library is sponsoring a book sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Adult and children’s books, videos, magazines and audio books will be available. Call 493-4214 for more information. Read More
Ellsworth District Court Cases Sept. 1-30, 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 Slot… Read More
HOULTON – Although no one has walked on it yet, vandals already have targeted the town’s pedestrian footbridge. The 187-foot bridge is still under construction, but that didn’t keep someone from spraying graffiti on several portions of the cement base that will hold the bridge. Read More
HOULTON – As a large crowd gathered at the vigil for the Aroostook County Battered Women’s Project on Thursday evening, speakers talked of both a feeling of celebration and sadness. The celebration was geared toward honoring the 25 years that the project has been aiding domestic violence victims. Read More
A Portland lawyer is among five lay Catholics announced Friday as members of the National Review Board, which monitors the church’s reforms to prevent sexual abuse. Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, chose five new lay appointees to three-year terms,… Read More
BANGOR – Instead of being sentenced on drug charges as expected Friday in U.S. District Court, Robert Brewer, former owner of the Diamond Connection in Bangor, was allowed to go home with his family. The complicated and bizarre turn of events stems from the ongoing… Read More
Willetta Gaston of 5 Belanger Road in Caribou writes: I would like a pattern for a knitted child’s poncho, size 4 or a little longer. I would appreciate if anyone has this and would share it with me. I will pay the cost of copying and postage. Read More
Ashley is a beautiful, bright and energetic 12-year-old with blond hair and bright blue eyes. She loves to be active and enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics, listening to music, spending time outdoors and hanging out with her friends. Ashley’s desire to be “active” was a perfect… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Pemetic School Committee member Jay Carroll has resigned his seat on the board, effective immediately. The board accepted his resignation with regret earlier this week, according to Union 98 Superintendent Robert Liebow. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
NEW SWEDEN – The New Sweden Lutheran Church will hold a food and crafts autumn sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the church hall. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The SAD 1 School Farm apple orchard will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16 and 17, at the top of State Street hill. Free containers will be provided at this one-weekend-only event,… Read More
HOULTON – Adult education students may enroll in the Class A commercial driver’s license truck driving course through Friday, Oct. 22, at the Region 2 Adult Vocational office on Bird Street, or by calling 532-9541. Read More
HOULTON – The enrollment period for pre-college algebra and Microsoft Word, offered by Adult Education, have been extended until Friday, Oct. 22. The algebra course will meet 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, and the Microsoft Word course will meet 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Both courses will meet at… Read More
CARIBOU – A debate between Sen. John Martin and Cathy Bouchard Martin, candidates for state Senate District 35, will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Senior Citizens Hall. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Because of the national flu vaccine shortage, The Aroostook Medical Center will not offer the flu vaccine at its annual health fair from 8 a.m. to noon today at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. At the event, hospital staff will… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – More than 230 Lifeline clients and their medical support staff attended The Aroostook Medical Center Health Group 20th year celebration and Lifeline appreciation dinner Thursday, Oct. 7 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center. The Lifeline program is a… Read More
CARIBOU -The Caribou Widows’ Support Group will meet at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s parking lot. From there, the group will carpool to a farm to enjoy a fall picnic, a hayride through the pumpkin patch and ice cream. The excursion costs… Read More
THORNDIKE – Seventh grade – for many, the phrase conjures up all kinds of remembered horrors, many linked to the awkwardness of the age. On Friday, though, Mount View Junior High School Principal Ozzie Crowley was feeling pretty good about his 130 seventh-graders. The young… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce will host an economic breakfast briefing at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at White Birches restaurant. Maine Economic Research Institute President and CEO Ed McLaughlin and Vice President Glen Foss will be the featured speakers. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
AUGUSTA – Lamoine Historical Society has received $1,327 from the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board to preserve and provide better access to its historical collections. A recent report to the Legislature suggests that many of Maine’s historical collections are in danger of being lost to… Read More
CALAIS – The Washington County Democratic Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 31 Calais Ave., in Calais. Ron Green, president of the Bangor Firefighters Local 772, will address the Palesky tax cap referendum on the Nov. Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – After suffering the quiet agony of having a son stationed in the heart of a deadly combat zone, Greg and Mary Libby will be happy to see Christopher. U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Libby’s flight from Camp Pendleton in California will touch… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Union 98 Superintendent Robert Liebow predicted “some big gutting” in school spending if the so-called Palesky tax cap passes on Nov. 2 and is found to be constitutional. If a key portion of the tax cap language is found to be illegal,… Read More
HOULTON – Town officials are gearing up for a public forum on the 1 percent tax cap referendum that will kick off at the town office this coming Monday evening. The forum, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will be televised on the town’s public… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The town will join three other towns in a legal challenge to a portion of the Palesky tax cap proposal if voters approve it next month. Councilors on Thursday authorized the town to become a party to the suit being prepared by the… Read More
Man arrested after struggling with Husson College security, Bangor police and damaging cruiser A Rhode Island man struggled with Husson College campus security and a Bangor police officer late Thursday night before being taken into custody. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
One week from today, Saturday, Oct. 23, is national Make A Difference Day. That day, I will devote my column to those who have made a difference in the lives of others through the words of individuals who have written the Bangor Daily News to… Read More
CAMDEN – Merryspring, a horticultural nature park, has received a $4,500 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, to develop a program, in partnership with local schools, to teach pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade about natural science and ecology by studying native plant and animal life. Read More
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – A North Dakota senator wants to beef up patrols of the U.S.-Canada border to include unmanned surveillance planes and the latest high-tech sensors. “One of our nation’s greatest vulnerabilities is the lack of security along our borders,” U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad said… Read More
PORTLAND – A Portland think tank released a report Friday that suggests Maine’s quality of education would deteriorate if voters approve a tax cap referendum. The report by the Katahdin Institute research and education organization examined the effect that California’s Proposition 13 tax cap has… Read More
WATERBURY, Vt. – From the mountains of southern Vermont to the hardwood forests of its Northeast Kingdom, hunters will fan out today at dawn as the state’s annual moose hunt gets under way. An all-time high of 850 permits were awarded for this year’s hunt,… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine has received a $5,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, to expand its “Lake Leaders” educational program. The program already has trained more than 250 property owners in how to protect their lakeshores from threats such as pollution,… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District and University of Maine Extension Service will sponsor a workshop on best forestry management practices to preserve water quality and fish passage, from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 22. The event will cost $5… Read More
PORTLAND – Several businesses have pulled advertising from WGME-TV in response to the station’s plan to televise a critical documentary about John Kerry’s anti-Vietnam War activities. The Lee Auto Malls, and the law offices of Joe Bornstein withdrew their advertising indefinitely. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Not long ago, in Washington, D.C., I visited the Jefferson Memorial and noted this quotation from Thomas Jefferson’s writings: “Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.” I agree with Jefferson that a nation… Read More
On Nov. 2, we will have a very critical presidential election. This election will help determine how our nation will unfold as we progress through this new century. Not only will many internal and national concerns be affected by the results of our presidential choice, our international relationships… Read More
We are now in the final days of preparation for Election Day. Of course, anyone not aware of this has probably had his or her head in a bucket for the last three months. The ads began long ago, folks have been “stopping by for… Read More
Not many pastors I know take sides publicly when it comes to presidential politics. Every pastor I know has strong, carefully considered positions and a strong personal choice of the candidate to vote for. That seems contradictory, but the choice not to advocate strongly for… Read More
MONTPELIER, Vt. – Red spruce trees around New England suffered severe damage last winter, University of Vermont researchers have found. Scientists have not determined the cause of the damage but say a number of factors, including acid rain, may have weakened the trees. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
LISBON – A 42-year-old Lisbon man has won a $4.2 million Tri-State Megabucks jackpot. Ken Plourde can choose between annual payments of $168,000 for 25 years or a lump sum payment of more than $2.5 million, according to the Maine State Lottery. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
PORTLAND – Holiday festivities planned at the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, author of the poem “Evangeline,” will show how Christmas was celebrated in the 1850s. The Victorian home, lavishly decorated for the season, will be open for house tours, children’s activities and the annual… Read More
There’s no place like home. Playing on the road means many complications including the travel, sleeping in strange surroundings, and playing on the opponent’s home field. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
As you may imagine, at this time of year it’s not hard to find plenty of good moose hunting stories to tell. Drive into the woods in a hunting zone or stop by any local tagging station and you’re likely to find something to write about. Read More
AUGUSTA – Friday night’s Pine Tree Conference road game against Cony was already of particular importance for the Bangor Rams. As tight as the PTC standings are, nobody can afford losses this time of the season, but this game also served as a crucial refresher… Read More
ORONO – University of Maine sophomore left winger Brent Shepheard was in and out of the lineup a year ago due primarily to a shoulder problem, appearing in 20 of their 44 games. Shepheard made a statement in his battle to earn a regular spot… Read More
ORONO – Hoping to inspire his team a little bit for Friday night’s game, Orono football coach Bob Sinclair took the Red Riots to see a new movie about high school football. The boys were emotional after their viewing of “Friday Night Lights,” Sinclair said. Read More
FALMOUTH – Bangor figure skater Max Louscher turned in a solid performance at the New England Regional Championships with a sixth-place finish in the juvenile men’s division at the Family Ice Arena Friday. The event, sponsored by the North America Figure Skating Club, also serves… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL Final official standings for field hockey as reported by the Maine Principals’ Association. 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
OLD TOWN – Cassie White scored goals at five and 10 minutes into the game to help the Hermon Hawks beat the Old Town Indians 2-1 in schoolgirl soccer action Friday. Jessie Ford made nine saves on 15 shots for 6-4-4 Hermon. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
ORONO – Marie-Andree Canuel provided a goal and an assist as the University of Maine scored four first-half goals on their way to a 5-0 women’s soccer victory over Hartford on Friday. Laura Harper scored two goals to pace the Black Bears, who improved to… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Jensen Rich scored the winning goal off a Andy Berry assist with 8:14 left Friday, lifting Class B Ellsworth to a 3-2 boys soccer victory over Bangor. Demetrios Katsiaficas and Taylor Wentworth each scored a goal for 11-1-2 Ellsworth. Matt Homich and Pat… Read More
CARIBOU – Sarah Nadeau scored on a Elizabeth Clavette assist with 4:21 left in the first half to lead Madawaska to a 2-0 schoolgirl soccer victory over Caribou on Friday. Erin Pelletier added a goal with 25:12 left in the second half off a Ashley… Read More
Belfast High School field hockey coach Allen Holmes has coached in eight state championship games. He knows what it’s like to play an afternoon state final on a field that’s been put through its paces from other state games earlier in the day. “If you… Read More
All those tough speed workouts and 12-mile runs that cross country teams have endured will pay off in the next three weeks as the championship season gets under way today with the Penobscot Valley Conference meet. The meet will be held on the grounds of… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Marty Quint returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown and caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Victor Quint to help the Maine Central Institute Huskies defeat the Stearns Minutemen 28-12 in high school football action Friday night. Victor Quint also ran 7… Read More
Just because the days are getting shorter and the temperatures cooler doesn’t mean you have to hang up your boat, stow your paddle, and call it quits. There are still some beautiful days ahead and the fall foliage has extended its invitation to get outside and enjoy. Read More
I enjoyed a really great bird hunt last Sunday. You know what they say about Sunday shooting; game is always plentiful and you seldom ever run into another hunter. Yes, I know it’s illegal to hunt wild game on Sundays in Maine, and I’m just pulling your leg… Read More
The Maine Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is holding its second annual meeting at the Penobscot County Conservation Association clubhouse in Brewer on Sunday. The program begins at 2 p.m. and runs through 7:30 p.m., with various presentations planned. Florida Power &… Read More
Crossbills live in Maine (and the entire northern U.S. and Canada) all year long. They have adapted to feeding on the cones of coniferous trees, so they may travel widely to find good cone crops. They time their breeding to the abundance and availability of this food; therefore… Read More
The final major auto race of the season will be held at Unity Raceway Sunday as the Long John 150 will be run with a $6,000 paycheck awaiting the winner. The race had been scheduled for Saturday but a rainy forecast forced it to be… Read More
It’s easy to see where bird sculptor Hugh Verrier gets his inspiration. As he sits sipping his morning coffee at his kitchen table, the grandeur of the Bigelow Mountain range and Flagstaff Lake unfold before him. Within minutes, the birds begin to arrive – a… Read More
You can never tell a book by its cover nor, apparently, a movie by its star. You know how we feel about Jack Nicholson ever since he burst on the screen wearing that wacky football helmet in “Easy Rider.” His personality and vitality made every… Read More
Perhaps we weren’t exactly what Sly Stone had in mind, but when it comes to shopping, it’s a family affair. At least in my family. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
It’s a wonder nature makes autumn hues so warm and vibrant. Why not cool, soft pastels? Blue, lavender and soft pink should, by all rights, segue into winter. Nature’s last colorful hurrah before the inevitably cold months seems so ironically warm and exuberant. This time… Read More
Of all the improbable places to go, Axel Heiberg Island must rank high. Located near the top of the world, just a few hundred miles from the North Pole at 80 degrees north latitude in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, it is a desert – dry, treeless, dark and bitterly… Read More