ORONO – Two years after it was created, the Honors College at the University of Maine is growing by leaps and bounds, attracting an increasing number of academically motivated students seeking small classes, challenging courses and opportunities to work closely with faculty. An outgrowth of… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – When the Presque Isle Housing Authority board hired the son of its director to be its accountant two years after he was convicted of embezzlement, not an eyebrow was raised. But in so doing, the housing authority’s board of commissioners violated its… Read More
Alan Johnston has seen the two sides of Iraq firsthand. As a private security contractor who has been in the Middle East for more than a year, the Greenville native has seen friends die and witnessed bodies on the side of the road, and he’s… Read More
BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, Fla. – Richard Curry remembers when the waters in this 173,000-acre preserve were teeming with fish and vibrant corals. “It was gorgeous. There were fish all over the place, lobster all over the place; there was color in the corals,” said Curry,… Read More
An engagement announcement that ran in the Oct. 16-17 Style section contained incorrect information. Joshua M. Day graduated from Eastern Maine Technical College. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
SHANGHAI, China – GE Energy signed two contracts worth $38 million Monday to supply equipment and services for two new hydroelectric plants in China. GE Energy will provide four turbine-generator sets for the new Xi Xia Yuan hydroelectric facility on the Yellow River. The plant… Read More
PORTLAND – Specialized jobs and higher pay have more Mainers spending long hours on the road and commuting to jobs out of state, a new study about commuting trends found. The study by MassINC, a nonprofit public policy research firm, found that the average commute… Read More
PORTLAND – Banknorth Group Inc. reported Monday that its net income rose 8 percent for the third quarter of the year over 2003. The banking company reported income of $97.8 million for the three months that ended Sept. 30, up from $90.3 million a year… Read More
The two major party presidential candidates offer some very different choices for voters regarding their positions on various important issues. Four more years of President Bush will translate to more lost jobs, lower wages, questionable Social Security, limited health care, overpriced prescription drugs, a further… Read More
When 18 soldiers in Iraq refused an order to join a fuel convoy, the Army immediately locked them up and questioned them. It is unclear if the soldiers’ concerns – that they were being sent on a dangerous mission in poorly maintained trucks lacking armor – got such… Read More
For motivation, nothing works like the threat of a crisis. Towns statewide have organized themselves as never before to persuade voters to reject the proposed 1 percent tax cap on the Nov. 2 ballot. They have warned of danger and doom, of reduced emergency services and cancelled high-school… Read More
University of Southern Maine Professor and State Economist Dr. Charles Colgan’s economic impact study shows that Maine would lose $62 million annually if the bear referendum passes. I was particularly concerned to see that almost $40 million of this loss would occur in already depressed Aroostook, Washington, and… Read More
Maine is fortunate to be a referendum state. In New England only citizens of Maine and Massachusetts can place popular issues, such as the property tax cap, on the ballot in a general election. Maine citizens have asked for property tax relief over and over… Read More
It is natural to support the presidential candidate who most closely supports our individual professions. Seven out of 10 jobs in the United States are created by independent small businesses. Independent business owners like my family overwhelmingly support President Bush. Bush is for independent business… Read More
Over the past few months I have observed people walking into the police station at all time of day and night, regardless of weather. This is considered by many to be a place of safety and refuge when needed. In most areas the police station… Read More
Nov. 2 is a crucial day in the future of Maine. We must send the right people to Augusta. We cannot sustain another two years of more of the same. I thank A.J. Higgins of the Bangor Daily News staff for his article in the Saturday edition, “Candidate… Read More
With the election nearing, lobbyists routinely grade the performance of incumbents. Many pro-business lobbies assess legislators’ contributions to the “business climate.” This phrase has been bandied about so long that we forget its metaphorical status. The conditions under which business thrives cannot be measured in… Read More
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – Divers today will try to find the body of Emil Lin of Hampden two days after he drowned in the pounding surf off Otter Cliffs while trying to retrieve a climbing boot. Rough seas Monday prevented divers from entering the water. Read More
PORTLAND – The fate of the Bangor Waterworks rests with the seven justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Maine Central Railroad is asking the court to reverse a decision that granted the city of Bangor a public crossing at the site of the decaying… Read More
To the average American teenager, being told by your parents that you will suddenly be uprooted from your home, school and friends to spend five months living in a primitive dwelling among the peasants of a Central American village might be considered justifiable grounds for youthful rebellion. Read More
FORT KENT – Residents of northern Maine received little new information Monday night from the candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat, except maybe from the Socialist Equality Party candidate. Incumbent Democrat Michael Michaud, Republican hopeful Brian Hamel and Carl Cooley of the Socialist Equality… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Baldacci administration on Monday released figures showing a brighter fiscal forecast for the next two-year state budget, with the gap between anticipated revenues and expenditures shrinking by more than $50 million. New estimates released by Finance Commissioner Rebecca Wyke show a $785… Read More
BROOKS – The vehicle frame lay in the middle of the road, the vehicle body dangled on the side of the bridge, and the engine lay at the bottom of Marsh Stream. The driver – miraculously – was seen pacing on the roadway when neighbors… Read More
HODGDON – The metal siding isn’t back, but the pace of the project is. Thieves who stole more than $700 worth of materials from a 4-H barn construction site in Hodgdon may have been out to hinder the project, but group leader Carmen Fitzpatrick said… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield councilors have a brief, mostly housekeeping agenda set for 7:30 tonight in the council chambers of the municipal building on Park Street. Although the agenda includes a lengthy list of updates on a wide variety of projects and town accounts, votes are… Read More
MONSON – To maintain the momentum in the town’s beautification efforts, town officials are hoping that residents will embrace some building-design standards next week during a special town meeting. The town meeting will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 28, in the municipal building meeting room… Read More
BUCKSPORT – Concerned about the impact of a proposed home construction plan from the Washington Hancock Community Agency, councilors have postponed a decision on whether to back the agency’s grant proposal for the project. WHCA officials have asked the town to sponsor its application for… Read More
HOULTON – It has been more than nine months since National Guardsmen from the 152nd Field Artillery Unit left for Iraq. With the soldiers’ return home not scheduled until their 18-month deployment ends next September, family and friends are working to assure that support on the home front… Read More
AUGUSTA – It may have been a room full of librarians Monday night at the Augusta Civic Center, but they were far from quiet. They clapped and cheered and stood in appreciation as individual librarians and libraries were honored at the Maine Library Association annual convention, including Calais… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A couple from Bangor is facing charges in Hancock County after they allegedly stole $11,000 from a local business and took a bus to southern Maine. Richard J. Hatch, 24, and Melissa Anderson, 25, were on a bus in Wells when they were… Read More
MOUNT DESERT – Selectmen on Monday signed on to a new mandatory recycling program but balked at the idea of charging residents a per-bag disposal fee for the rest of their trash. However, selectmen have little final say over the policies of the Acadia Disposal… Read More
HERMON – An informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at the Hermon Elementary School cafeteria about the proposed relocation of the elementary school’s fifth-grade class to Hermon Middle School in 2005. All community members are invited. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The need for stepped-up enforcement of speed limits was driven home Sunday when a speeding motorist struck a stop sign and ran across a lawn, damaging lawn and garden equipment while eluding police. For weeks now, Dover-Foxcroft police and selectmen have heard complaints… Read More
GLENBURN – Potential cuts to the town’s budget, while not as large as in some communities, will have a substantial impact on residents if the proposed Palesky tax cap passes, according to findings reported by the Glenburn Tax Cap Information Committee. The nonpartisan committee, which… Read More
VEAZIE – Transient Ricky Block appeared on the Brewer Police Department’s “Most Wanted” list but the 38-year-old man was wanted in many other communities as well. Block remained at Penobscot County Jail on Monday night on a probation hold, although he has been implicated in… Read More
MONTVILLE – Two Montville residents were arrested Friday for what law enforcement officials say is their role in the burglary and vandalism of a Montville summer residence last week. After a search of a home on Route 220, Waldo County Sheriff’s Department officers arrested Abraham… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield residents have a chance to make a real difference in their community next weekend, Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said Monday. “Make a Difference Day” is celebrated nationwide on Oct. 23, and in Pittsfield, the celebration will be a makeover of Hathorn Park. Read More
SEARSPORT – The Department of Transportation wants to give Searsport first crack at plans for Sears Island. That’s the word from Fred Michaud, a land use planner with the DOT. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
ORONO – The council unanimously approved at Monday night’s meeting three-year contracts between the town and the police and fire departments. Contract negotiations went “extremely well,” Orono Police Chief Bob O’Halloran said Monday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
CARMEL – A public hearing held Monday night about the anticipated effects of the Palesky tax cap was labeled a scare tactic by some residents and good planning by others. At issue were two referendum questions town residents must vote on come Nov. 2 in… Read More
BANGOR – The new pre-kindergarten program here is off to a successful start, according to teachers, who said Monday that after only six weeks their 4-year-old pupils can identify letters, point out the seasonal changes, and understand social skills. “They’ve learned to sit still, pay… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – For a brief period Monday night, it appeared that the mill rate to support Piscataquis County government in 2005 would decrease from $1.82 to $1.77 per $1,000 valuation. But that announcement to the Piscataquis County budget advisory committee Monday was quickly revised to… Read More
BURNHAM – Thomas Condon, 45, of Burnham was arrested and charged with trafficking in drugs on Saturday after a search of his Brandy Lane residence. Waldo County Sheriff’s Department detectives Jason Trundy and Greg Stearns and deputies Merl Reed and Gene Rega obtained a search… Read More
BLUE HILL – The land isn’t new, but the public access is. Blue Hill Heritage Trust has opened more than 3 miles of new hiking trails surrounding Fourth Pond off Kingdom Road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
FORT KENT – Two 15-year-old girls were charged with false public alarm Monday afternoon for allegedly making a bomb threat at Community High School. The two students were released in the custody of their parents after they were questioned, Police Chief Kenneth Michaud said Monday… Read More
BRADFORD – A Storer Road home was ravaged by fire on Sunday afternoon while its owners watched helplessly outside. Erik and Bridget Hanson and their two small children were doing yardwork when the fire started, according to Bradford Assistant Fire Chief Scott Demoranville. The family… Read More
PORTLAND – An Indian Island man, wanted by authorities for allegedly assaulting Indian Island Police Chief Seth Mitchell, was arrested on Saturday by Portland police while reportedly shoplifting. Donald Francis, 50, fled on Oct. 10 from authorities who wanted to question him about the alleged… Read More
VASSALBORO – A pair of robbers made off with an undetermined amount of cash after holding up a credit union Monday, state police said. Two men, each about 6 feet tall, wore ski masks as they entered the Maine Savings Federal Credit Union on Route… Read More
BAR HARBOR – A little student activism can go a long way. Organizers of a weekend conference at College of the Atlantic about the global spread of AIDS hope that students from seven Maine colleges who attended will take this message back to their campuses… Read More
For the past four years, wrote Justine Mencl, the Pittsfield Garden Club has sponsored bus tours throughout New England and Canada which, apparently, have been very successful. For those who’ve taken some of the trips, and for those who would like to see and hear… Read More
PORTLAND – A two-year program designed to get mercury out of Maine schools has uncovered stockpiles of potentially dangerous chemicals that could cost millions to clean up, state environmental officials said. So far, 6,500 pounds and more than 1,000 gallons of hazardous waste have been… Read More
PORTLAND – A former Maine Warden Service pilot today is asking the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to reverse his conviction for bilking the state out of more than $14,000. Jason Bouchard, 39, of Lincoln was found guilty in April 2003 by a Penobscot County jury… Read More
What does it mean to dance? When AXIS Dance Company takes the stage at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the troupe will challenge the audience’s perception of dance, movement, disability and ability. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Some plays can get away with merely good actors. Other plays absolutely require great actors, or they simply fall flat. Hamlet can’t be weak. Blanche Dubois must have pith. “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” by Paul Zindel, falls into the latter category. The Pulitzer Prize-winning… Read More
One August Sunday afternoon when it was raining – again – and I was wandering around the house looking for something constructive to do, it dawned on me that I ought to clean out the cellar way. That would cut down on the risk of catching my foot… Read More
No one knows what to expect. Few have heard it. And most are reluctant to describe its sound and style. Except for the musicians and dancers who have been in rehearsal for weeks, those in the audience will be the first to hear the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, more… Read More
“Curiouser and curiouser!” That’s what Lewis Carroll spoke in the words of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” That’s what some of us say about the political goings-on all around us right now, and we’re not smiling like the Cheshire Cat. Facts are being disputed right and… Read More
University of Maine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead will continue to experiment with his lineup this weekend when the St. Lawrence University Saints invade Alfond Arena for two games. In Saturday night’s 6-2 win over Niagara, only one line and one defense tandem was intact… Read More
When final standings for Eastern Maine Classes B and C field hockey were released Friday, it was clear there has been a changing of the guard. In Class C, teams such as Dexter, Hall-Dale of Farmingdale, and Central of Corinth made the playoffs but are… Read More
Avid bird hunters all across our state have headed into the woods this month, enjoying one of the most spectacular times of the year. Unfortunately, some are having a hard time finding birds. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
With all the hoopla surrounding the University of Maine football team’s victory over Mississippi State recently, I couldn’t help but think about 1965, the year the Black Bears nearly shocked the college football world. According to longtime sports announcer George Hale, “1965 was, combined with 1964 and the… Read More
Jeff Cole knew last week the cancer that had been ravaging his body for the past 3 1/2 years would soon take his life. He had hoped to visit the University of Maine, where the Black Bears’ assistant football coach could talk to his beloved… Read More
WALTHAM, Mass. – Carly Lochala of New Sharon won her second straight one-hour racewalking title in the junior division at the New England championships Sunday at Bentley College. Lochala, a senior at Mt. Blue High in Farmington, covered 10,084 meters in the allotted 60 minutes… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL DAC Championship 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
COLLEGE At Brewster, Mass. 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 At Lubec, DAC Championship 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
COLLEGE Donatas Sumyla googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL Official final standings for soccer 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
BRUNSWICK – Cedar Goldman and Katherine Donoghue each scored two goals to lead Bowdoin College to an 8-1 women’s soccer victory over the University of New England Monday. Rachel Gordon had a goal and two assists while Danielle Chagnon notched a goal plus an assist… Read More
FORT KENT – A former Democratic congressman from Indiana was in northern Maine Monday pushing for the election of Sen. John Kerry as president in order to stem the loss of jobs in the region. Jim Jontz, president emeritus of Americans for Democratic Action Inc.,… Read More
Message and money go hand in hand in a political campaign’s final days, and if the most recent finance reports are any indication, Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud at least has more of the latter. Michaud, serving his first term as the 2nd District congressman, had… Read More