AUGUSTA – It appears that a Pennsylvania developer’s proposal to build a $60 million sawmill in Sapling Township in Somerset County has been scrapped. Edward “Ted” Marra, president of SMIS Group LLC of West Chester, did not exercise his sales option for the purchase of… Read More
    A story in Friday’s State section about a coming hearing on a pet ordinance in Presque Isle requires clarification. The air temperatures of 32 and 90 degrees mentioned in the story are used in the city’s definition of inclement weather. The definition also includes factors besides air temperature… Read More
    Get over it? Don’t tell that to citizens devastated by the election. We’ll get over it when the Justice Department is not run by a torture advocate, when the aberration of faith-based government disappears, when the Iraq war is over, when the all-out assault on… Read More
    Meg Haskell’s coverage of the Eastern Maine Healthcare corporators’ meeting on Nov. 17 to vote on acceptance or rejection of a “… controversial set of [new] bylaws…” concisely and well reports the outcome. She is to be complimented particularly, however, for quoting the comment (post vote) of former… Read More
    What about that enormous, unlicensed, uncapped, toxic dust pile? This is what I asked myself when I learned that Gov. Baldacci and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Dawn Gallagher recently awarded Dragon Products an environmental award for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. While I acknowledge the… Read More
    Todd Benoit’s post-election commentary (“In the hands of an angry electorate,” BDN, Nov. 6-7) exudes the same stale air of moral and intellectual superiority that proved so costly to John Kerry and the Democrats. Here’s the cruel irony for advocates of same-sex marriage: Their across-the-board… Read More
    Congratulations and good luck to Brewer’s new mayor, Joe Ferris, and a round of applause to Michael Celli who is handing him his gavel. Mayor Celli and the Brewer City Council, in a proclamation to Operation Community Support, represent the first municipality to pledge their… Read More
    “If the Red Sox can win the world championship, Maine can win on jobs and development.” – John Baldacci, on yesterday’s announcement that T-Mobile USA would be establishing a customer-service center in Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    The narrow difference in the vote Wednesday by corporators of Eastern Maine Healthcare to accept bylaw changes that reduce their role and emphasize a more regional system sent an unmistakable message to the health care system’s board: The plan should go forward, but the community demands and deserves… Read More
    One of H.L. Mencken’s more cheerfully inane quotes is making the e-mail rounds, the one about how as democracy is perfected, the office of president more closely represents the inner soul of the people, so that one day “the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”… Read More
    The Associated Press news story in Tuesday’s newspaper told of the turmoil inside the Central Intelligence Agency following the resignation of Stephen Kappes and Michael Sulick, the top two officials in the agency’s clandestine service. It ran for roughly 15 column inches, ending with a… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The wireless service provider T-Mobile USA Inc., said Friday it plans to open a new customer service center in Oakland in time to make calls next summer. It eventually could employ 700 people. Maine advocates of the project said T-Mobile plans to invest… Read More
    MILAN, Italy – Members of Maine’s trade delegation to Europe arrived in Italy after a successful stop in Germany and went right to work selling the state to businesses in Milan. With only a few days remaining on the weeklong mission to Europe, many members of the delegation… Read More
    The Salvation Army, which receives all donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund, is appreciative of the most recent gifts that have arrived. Thanks go out to: Mr. and Mrs. George Payzant, Machias, $20; Rick Richards, in memory of his wife, Rita, Orrington, $100; Anonymous, Dedham,… Read More
    PORTLAND – Portland High School is not a potential Columbine, its principal says, despite photos posted on a Web site that showed students posing with handguns. Mike Johnson sought to allay fears about school safety after Police Chief Michael Chitwood displayed the pictures and said… Read More
    When the people at the Katahdin Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America first approached Dr. Fred Hutchinson about their 2004 Distinguished Citizen Award, the former University of Maine president was more than happy to oblige. He told them he’d be glad to serve… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Secretary of State’s Office wrapped up recounts for 15 legislative races Friday, leaving the apparent outcome unchanged in two House districts. Three other House races remain unresolved. Incumbent Rep. Earl E. Richardson, R-Greenville, picked up a handful of votes Friday to… Read More
    ASHLAND – A Presque Isle man was being held in Aroostook County Jail on Friday on several charges stemming from a bar fight the night before involving guns. After leaving the bar, the man was the subject of a manhunt involving 19 police officers that ended in the… Read More
    Millinocket District Court Cases Nov. 2-17, 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
    BANGOR – Noise was the No. 1 issue that downtown residents, merchants and others gathered Friday would like to see addressed as part of the city’s effort to improve its nighttime atmosphere. The purpose of Friday’s meeting, held by Bangor Center Corp., was to identify… Read More
    BREWER – Most of the questions asked during the Public Utilities Commission water rate increase review Friday were geared toward finances and the history behind the rate increase request. The city requested a 15 percent water rate increase in July, which spurred ratepayers in August… Read More
    HOULTON – Two years ago today Houlton residents watched helplessly as a 137-year-old landmark was gutted by an early-morning fire leaving two people homeless and destroying three businesses. Today nothing is left of the 4 1/2-story Smith Building at 1 Market Square, but the case… Read More
    BENEDICTA – In many ways, Shelly Lane, the principal of the Benedicta Elementary School, is on the outside looking in. The administrator said Friday that she was just as shocked as the other staff members and parents to hear the school will be closing in… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Electrical power was out for two hours and traffic was routed around an accident site Friday morning in Presque Isle where a car hit a utility pole. Sgt. Erik Erickson said Jason Corey, 20, of Caribou was heading east on Outer State… Read More
    UNION – The Vose Library will hold a “meet the author” session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 27, featuring Union native Matt Watier’s first book, “A.N.T.S. (Another Nice Tasty Sweet).” The children’s book, illustrated by Watier, 25, and adapted from a story by… Read More
    An energetic and charming 10-year-old, Robbie likes to show off with poses and facial expressions. Once he warms up to a situation, he is very engaging and can relate to adults easily. Robbie is intelligent, as seen through his strong verbal skills and ability to read at a… Read More
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    ROCKLAND – It’s not just a facade. Besides making downtown businesses and properties look better, dressing up storefronts really makes a difference in drawing customers to the area, say members of the city’s economic development advisory committee. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    Ian C. Perry has been promoted to senior airman in the U.S. Air Force. He was promoted while deployed to Kuwait in support of the war in Iraq. He is the son of Joseph W. Chasse and Jill B. Perry of Owls Head. He is… Read More
    HOULTON – It has been nine months since town councilors voted to fund an $82,000 geographic information science mapping project, or GIS, for the town. This week, an official from the agency responsible for implementing the system said that the project is proceeding as scheduled. Read More
    CARIBOU – A 26-year-old Fort Kent man was indicted by an Aroostook County grand jury for manslaughter Friday in the death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son last September. Scott Saucier had been free on $50,000 surety bail since his arrest on a charge of manslaughter… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Three vehicles struck a moose Thursday night. One driver received minor injuries. The 900-pound moose died. According to a police report, Jessica Bresett, 26, of Caribou was traveling south on Route 1 about 6:30 p.m. when she struck the moose that was… Read More
    CALAIS – A grass-roots organization that for the past three years has battled an opiate problem plaguing the area has a new program coordinator. Patricia Giero of Perry is ready to begin her duties for Neighbors Against Drug Abuse. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    Easton High School First quarter honor roll 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
    CAMDEN – Author Ellen Cooney of Phippsburg will be at the Camden Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, to speak about her new book, “Gun Ball Hill.” Cooney’s fifth novel is set in Maine during the American Revolution. Her previous novels include “All… Read More
    UNION – The Union Historical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, in the Robbins House on Union Common. President Suzy Shaub will conduct a short business meeting to be followed by “Number, Please,” a video about telephone switchboard operators. Read More
    CALAIS – A benefit concert for the 2nd Baptist Church will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, with a supper to follow. Golden Harmony and The Ascensions are among the featured performers. Read More
    VAN BUREN – A Van Buren man whose minivan fell onto him Thursday as he was doing mechanical work was treated at a Caribou hospital and released. James O’Hare, 43, was found pinned beneath his vehicle by emergency personnel of the Van Buren Fire and… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A Mapleton man was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital Thursday after he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a utility pole. Matthew Gardiner, 21, was headed south on the Mapleton Road, just before the Presque Isle… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Penobscot Bay Medical Center recently announced that neurologist Bruce Sigsbee has joined its medical staff, sharing a practice with Drs. Robert Stein and Judd Nelson at Penobscot Bay Neurology. Sigsbee received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and was a resident in… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The city’s longtime assessor was elected president of the Maine chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers last week during the organization’s annual meeting. Marian Robinson, 65, of Thomaston, who has been city assessor since February 1987, said the organization of assessors… Read More
    SANGERVILLE – Christi Mitchell, Maine state architectural historian, will present a slide show of local properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Sangerville Town Hall meeting room. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will… Read More
    DEXTER – Fire Departments from the area were called in Friday night to assist Dexter firefighters with a fire at a home near the corner of Dustin Street and Highland Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the garage and firefighters from Dexter were on… Read More
    The Brewer Police Department wants to remind motorists that the city’s winter parking ban is now in force. The ban prohibits vehicles parking on any streets between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Nov. 1 to April 15, said Brewer police Cpl. Levi Sewall. Violators could… Read More
    BANGOR – A proposal to open the city’s second methadone clinic will be the focus of two meetings. The first, set for 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, is for tenants of the Maine Square Mall, off Hogan Road, the site of the proposed for-profit clinic. Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Good things come to those who wait and the good thing Friday was $50,000 from the federal government to develop Mill Pond Park. The town had been waiting for months to hear about the grant, which will provide a parking lot, walking path,… Read More
    GLENBURN – With limited numbers of people and dollars available to patrol a newly resurfaced road near Glenburn School, the town is looking at other ways to slow drivers down. Parents, Teachers and Friends, the school’s parent-teacher organization, recently donated $5,600 – half the cost… Read More
    BREWER – A Volkswagen Beetle struck an SUV that had turned in front of it on Parkway South Friday afternoon knocking the SUV onto its driver’s side and sliding into another vehicle that had been stopped nearby, according to police. The Beetle’s driver, identified as… Read More
    PORTLAND – A lawsuit over the estate of businessman Joseph Ricci, which was scheduled to go to trial later this month, has ended in a negotiated settlement. Ricci, the owner of the Scarborough Downs racetrack and the Elan School for troubled teenagers, died of lung… Read More
    MOREHEAD, Ky. – Regents at Morehead State University hired a Tennessee administrator as president, passing over two other finalists, including former University of Maine President Peter Hoff. Wayne D. Andrews, a vice president at East Tennessee State University, was chosen Thursday to lead the eastern… Read More
    What a treat awaits those who attend the ninth annual Christmas is for Kids Country Music Show & Auction at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at American Legion Post 207 on Route 3 in Trenton. Country musician Tom Salisbury of Ellsworth is understandably excited about… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A state forecasting panel weighed upward revenue adjustments Friday that could ease state budget pressures and appeared poised to boost its estimates by a Dec. 1 deadline. Subject to further review, the six-member Revenue Forecasting Committee is looking at an aggregate hike in… Read More
    BANGOR – United Cerebral Palsy of Maine honored Cynthia Donaldson with the 2004 People and Promise Award at a reception Friday night. UCP of Maine presents the award to a person who has significantly enhanced the lives of people living with disabilities in Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – Penobscot County prosecutors dropped a felony theft charge Friday against a Hampden woman who had been accused of misusing a company credit card and making questionable reimbursements. In court documents, the Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office noted that Lorrie St. Pierre’s former employer… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – A Canaan man who permanently blinded a dog by beating it with a walking stick in June was sentenced Wednesday to 10 months to the Department of Corrections. The sentence meted out to Keith Cordice, 28, will be served concurrently with a 15-month… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Two children who were present when their mother and grandmother were shot to death last summer in Boothbay Harbor will live with their aunt and uncle in California. A two-day placement hearing in Augusta ended Thursday when Probate Court Judge James Mitchell awarded… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Maine Sea Coast Mission’s annual Christmas gift distribution program to Washington County families in need is finding that receiving help from others increases the giving. The past dozen years people dropped off gifts at the mission’s stately waterfront mansion in Bar Harbor… Read More
    Among the most powerful and universal concepts in human culture is “gratitude.” It finds expression in multiple languages, societies, symbolic acts and rituals. It is part of the spiritual “glue” that holds our human family together. It begins perhaps with the wide-eyed stare of the… Read More
    GEORGETOWN – Peter W. Cox, a co-founder of Maine Times and an advocate for the state’s environment, died Thursday night after a battle with esophageal cancer. He was 67. In addition to Maine Times, a statewide weekly whose introduction coincided with the birth of the… Read More
    The National Council for the Traditional Arts board of directors announced Friday that it’s longtime executive director, Joe Wilson, has been named chairman of NCTA. The organization oversees the National Folk Festival and will assist Bangor with its American Folk Festival. The position is new. Read More
    BAR HARBOR – College of the Atlantic President Dr. Steven Katona announced Friday that he will retire in 19 months, after the graduation of the Class of 2006. Katona, 61, was among the first four faculty members hired by the college since its inception in… Read More
    BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont has agreed to pay cash settlements to two students who claimed their First Amendment rights were violated after their arrests during last spring’s marijuana smoke-in on campus. Thomas Wheeler and Nikolai Sears, whose claims were represented by the… Read More
    CHESTNUT HILL – With Boston College’s best player out with a possible viral illness and its sixth man out due to disciplinary action, Friday’s regular-season opener provided the University of Maine men’s basketball team with a golden opportunity. A win would be invaluable in boosting… Read More
    In a month or two, a grand jury will study the death of James Griffin Jr. and decide if Adam Nason will face charges and stand trial in that hunting fatality. You don’t have to travel too far, nor talk with too many people, before… Read More
    CALAIS – A former basketball coach wants to know if the color of his skin is why he was not selected to be the Calais High School boys’ varsity basketball coach. Gary Carter, an African-American, asked that question Friday just minutes before the school committee… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL All-Aroostook 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
    Wiscasset Raceway owners David and Sandra St. Clair and their daughter Tammy Reynolds have declared their intentions to continue operation of the raceway for the 2005 season. Reynolds, Wiscasset Raceway’s V.P. of Operations, released a statement on the behalf of the family after a Bangor… Read More
    ORONO – No game brings out more emotion and intensity among the members of the University of Maine football team than the annual renewal of the rivalry with New Hampshire. Today, 14 seniors put on the Black Bears uniform for the final time when the… Read More
    ALBANY, N.Y. – The University of Maine eked out a 15-12 victory in the fifth game Friday night to beat Northeastern 3-2 in the semifinals of the America East Volleyball Championship. Coach Lynn Theehs’ third-seed Black Bears (19-10) won 30-19, 19-30, 30-25, 28-30, 15-12 to… Read More
    BREWER – Fourth-seeded Beazley’s Bowling Center of Nova Scotia from the Holiday Inn Division ended No. 3 Varney GMC Division Maine Heat’s championship hopes by eliminating them in the first playoff round 1824-1753 Friday in the Candlepin Bowling World Team Championship at the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes. Read More
    Women’s Basketball MAINE vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST 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
    UTICA, N.Y. – A tenacious New York curling club fought back from a 6-5 deficit to beat Maine 8-6 in the middle game of the U.S. Curling Association’s National Wheelchair Curling Championships at the Utica Curling Club Friday. Maine, the defending U.S. wheelchair champions, won… Read More
    The Husson College football team’s aspirations to get into a league may gain some momentum Monday at the New England Football Conference meetings. Maine Maritime Academy athletic director Jim Dyer said there is a move on behalf of the Massachusetts State Conference Athletic Conference’s schools… Read More
    Will Rogers (who died in 1935) once advised: “Always drink upstream from the herd.” That was good advice for cowboys then and equally good for hikers and outdoors folks today. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, the odds-on advice is “Don’t drink the water!”… Read More
    I don’t care what the Beatles say. All I need is gloves. And a hat. 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
    I will grant you “Apocalypse Now.” Naturally, “Godfather.” But there are not too many more movies that finish ahead of “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” in Cobb Manor voting. Through the magic of Netflix, I watched the John Huston masterpiece last week for the… Read More
    Win a date with a professional athlete! If it sounds like a gimmick, it is. A National Basketball Association team has seized upon an idea to attract single men and women to its games: sell a few players. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    Hauling in six cords of winter’s firewood, piece by piece, affords the mind time to wander. Some work is joyously mindless, isn’t it? Once the garden’s been put to bed for the season, stacking the firewood replaces the delightfully mindless task of weeding, albeit for just a short… Read More