BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci is banking on Maine’s biomedical research industry to help regenerate the state’s economy, beef up the status of its flagship university, and improve the health of its residents. It’s a tall order, but the governor’s enthusiasm for biomed is shared… Read More
AUGUSTA – Acknowledging some sizable accomplishments over the last two years, Gov. John E. Baldacci told Mainers Tuesday more must be done in the months ahead to establish the state as a national leader in job creation and access to health care. Aired on television… Read More
ROCKLAND – A recovery team using chain saws cut through the foot-thick ice atop an abandoned limestone quarry Tuesday, and then a diver slipped beneath the surface and quickly found the body of a local woman whose Chevy Blazer had plunged into the water five days earlier. Read More
An article published Saturday about Penobscot River Restoration workshops gave the incorrect time for the economic visioning session. The session will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Veazie Community School. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
WASHINGTON – Poor information-sharing both inside and outside government is threatening homeland security, congressional investigators said Tuesday. Additionally, U.S. Comptroller General David Walker said federal agencies – including the Homeland Security and Defense departments – may need to declassify some security intelligence to break down… Read More
BANGOR – A proposed biomedical partnership holds the potential to pump millions of private and federal dollars into the region, its architects predict, giving eastern Maine a needed shot in the economic arm. Gov. John Baldacci, who announced the initiative during Tuesday’s State of the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Laura Fortman, Maine’s Labor Commissioner, announced Tuesday that the state’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in December. The seasonally adjusted rate was above the November rate of 4.5 percent, below the Dec. 2003 rate of 5.2 percent, and below the national rate of… Read More
SOUTH PORTLAND – Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. reported Tuesday that its fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled as the company increased its sales of power products. The chip maker said its quarterly income grew to $15.8 million, or 13 cents per share, up from $5.3 million, or 4… Read More
AUGUSTA – The state Department of Labor wants businesses who lay off a significant number of people without giving them severance pay to explain why the workers didn’t get a check. At issue is the state’s laws regarding severance pay and who is entitled to… Read More
AUGUSTA – Individuals and businesses seeking protection from termination and late fees on credit cards instead may end up with advice – “caveat emptor” or buyer beware – from the Legislature’s Insurance and Financial Services Committee. On Tuesday, the committee heard testimony on two bills… Read More
Following are petitions for bankruptcy filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor: Kelley A. St. Lawrence, disabled, no dependents, Bangor: assets, $2; debts, $13,160. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
On the front-page of the Jan. 13 edition of the Bangor Daily News there was a picture of Dr. Erik Steele stretching out a long-tailed bill that he claims was the result of someone being in an automobile accident because the individual was not wearing a seat belt. Read More
After decades of climbing, the number of women in the state house – in Maine and nationally – has leveled off. Researchers have yet to determine why, although term limits and recruitment efforts may play a role. If there are barriers that are preventing women from running for… Read More
In choosing an incremental approach to tax relief rather than something more dramatic such as the voter-rejected Palesky initiative, the Maine Legislature can’t claim they delivered massive tax cuts to property tax payers. But they did achieve reasonable savings after several attempts for more ambitious cuts failed. More… Read More
I want to make it perfectly clear that I harbor no ill will toward the citizens of Maine. As a matter of fact, I have an aunt, uncle and cousin buried in Gardiner. My beef is with your state senator, John Martin, D-Eagle Lake. In… Read More
Regarding the article, “SAD 1 anticipates budget shortfall/State aid insufficient to maintain programs, school official says” (BDN, Jan. 21). Not mentioned in Assistant Superintendent Jeff Bearden’s fixes for the budget shortfall is consolidation. There is no reason for these many separate school districts with this… Read More
Recent articles in the Bangor Daily News bring up the subject of communications between responding agencies in the event of any disaster. Millions of dollars are proposed for a statewide radio system that would allow communications anywhere in the state. Due to the limited number of frequencies such… Read More
The pictures and story concerning the funeral of the Very Rev. Richard E. Harvey were wonderful. But it was in very poor taste to put the story of a defrocked priest on the same page. Shame on you. Many people are complaining about this. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
On a bleak day in the capital, George W. Bush was sworn in as our country’s president. During his inaugural speech, he mentioned “freedom” 27 times. A more pertinent word that was left out, however, was “imperialism.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
I found the president’s speech full of religious rhetoric and devoid of spiritual understanding. The last four years of his leadership are proof of his lack of spiritual depth. He has already violated all of the very things he spoke to. It is arrogant to… Read More
My colleagues and I aren’t prophets, but we can see the handwriting on the wall; and we predict there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth across the state three years from now. Why? Because 2008 is the first year Maine students will be required to meet… Read More
MARS HILL – Thirteen people were left homeless Tuesday morning after a fire ripped through an apartment building where they were residing on U.S. Route 1. The blaze was reported at the two-story building on 22 Benjamin St. just before 7:30 a.m. The structure was… Read More
AUGUSTA – The state is alerting cell phone users that 911 has supplanted 77 as the number to dial to get help during an emergency. U.S. Cellular already has phased out 77 and the state’s other cell phone carriers will follow suit over the next… Read More
CASTINE – Selectman Kenneth R. Eaton is scheduled to appear in court next month in connection with an incident earlier this month in which he allegedly struck a man and brandished a handgun in a local restaurant. Eaton, 59, was arrested on Jan. 4 after… Read More
AUGUSTA – Game wardens and wildlife and fisheries biologists can relax, secure in their jobs for at least two more years. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife budget for fiscal years 2006-2007 was able to meet Gov. John Baldacci’s flat-funding requirement without proposing… Read More
KENDUSKEAG – Fire destroyed an old home Tuesday and likely killed two dogs, but the worst fear of family members, that a relative remained inside, was unfounded. Heather Watson, 21, watched as the Ames Road home where she had lived since she was 5 years… Read More
Meddybemps junkyard owner Harry Smith Jr. has been missing for nearly two years and now his picture has been added to the Maine Most Wanted Web site. And the state Attorney General’s Office wants to get its man. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen expressed concerns during their Monday night meeting over not fully understanding what the town’s financial obligations would be if SAD 68 residents approve construction of a new elementary school in Dover-Foxcroft. SAD 68 officials attending the meeting said the entire $10.7 million… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Residents will be asked next month to support the application for a Community Development Block Grant to help the Dover-Foxcroft Water District make $2 million in improvements to its system. The improvements also will help Pleasant River Lumber Co. with its fire protection… Read More
SAN ANTONIO – Nicholas Smith has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base. A 2004 graduate of Schenck High School, he is the son of Lynn and Sterling Smith of East Millinocket, Maine. Read More
HUDSON – Rescue workers removed the roof of a car Tuesday in order to extricate a passenger injured when the vehicle he was in went off Route 221 in Hudson and struck a utility pole. Both the driver of the car, Bobbi-Jo Arey, 34, of… Read More
TRENTON – If local residents go along with it, the gateway community to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park might have a new town center by the end of the decade. As part of a $75,000 study, planners have come up with a scenario… Read More
ROCKLAND – A Knox County Jail corporal has been promoted to sergeant. Maj. John Hinkley, the jail administrator, announced the advancement of Cpl. Robert Grierson of South Thomaston. County commissioners confirmed the promotion earlier this month. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
ROCKPORT – Damage from a pipe that froze and burst at Rockport Elementary School’s east campus during the weekend closed the school for the rest of the week. The pipe was in a wall between two classrooms, flooding an entire wing. SAD 28 officials concluded… Read More
ORLAND – Homemakers Organized for More Employment Inc. will hold an informational meeting at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, on Schoolhouse Road about a trip to Emmaus San Juan Comalapa. The meeting is open to anyone interested in helping at the Emmaus Center in Guatemala. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Police are still searching for two people who forced their way into the Riverside Inn late last week but botched an attempt to carry off the restaurant’s cash register. Presque Isle police Detective Sgt. Bill Campbell said Tuesday that investigators continue to… Read More
FORT KENT – The new year brings budget development pressures to municipalities, and it doesn’t look as if it will be an easy year for town managers and their councils. Fort Kent Town Manager Donald Guimond said Tuesday that budget figures he has received from… Read More
MADAWASKA – An armed man who arrived and left on foot stole more than $1,000 from the Daigle Oil Co. gas station Monday night. The lone 19-year-old male attendant was not injured, and no one else was around at the time, Madawaska Police Chief Ronald… Read More
HOULTON – The project is 75 percent finished, but town councilors still had questions Monday evening about the future of the municipal geographic information system project. The group was given an update on the $82,000 initiative by Ray Corson, who is overseeing the project for… Read More
HOULTON – With a nearly $8 million municipal budget tentatively scheduled for approval next week, town councilors urged residents Monday evening to come out in force to express their opinion about the fiscal forecast. “Come out and participate in the budget process,” Councilor Carl Lord… Read More
FORT KENT – The St. John Valley’s New Year’s baby made a fashionably late entrance this year at Northern Maine Medical Center. Cassandra Casey Caron, daughter of Josee and Norman Caron, was born at 1:40 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8. She weighed in at 6 pounds,… Read More
FRENCHVILLE – SAD 33 is holding pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration for 2005-2006 from 1:15 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Dr. Levesque School. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old before Oct. 15, 2005. A pre-kindergarten pupil must… Read More
VAN BUREN – SAD 24 is holding pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration for 2005-2006 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Gateway Elementary School. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old before Oct. 15, 2005. A pre-kindergarten pupil… Read More
NEWPORT – Many of Newport’s businesses were looking forward to the snowy season since thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts pass through the town on Sebasticook Lake on major state trails. The businesses also were expecting a $20,000 boost this weekend when more than 70 dog sled… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Mayo Regional Hospital has 200 flu shots available and has scheduled a public clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the hospital’s Resource Center. Clinic participants should park in the Dwelley Avenue lot behind the hospital and… Read More
MILLINOCKET – The Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council, Bangor Savings Bank and Eastern Maine Development Corp. will hold a seminar at noon Friday to help entrepreneurs write successful business plans. The seminar titled “Business Plan from a Financial Prospective” will be held at MAGIC’s… Read More
CAMDEN – The Community School has received a $5,000 endowment to create the Next Step Fund for school graduates who want to further their education. The Next Step Fund will augment the Outreach Program the school already offers to former students by providing them with… Read More
Planners expand blueberry festival Lobster dinner, jazz band among activities added to Machias event
MACHIAS – The Machias Blueberry Festival, a staple of the summer calendar Down East, will always have its down-home feel. But this year, its 30th, it takes on an ambitious expansion to cover a full weekend, Aug. 20-21. While the bulk of the blueberry-related fun… Read More
CASTINE – The Castine Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Emerson Hall on Court Street. After a short business meeting and lunch, author Todd Nelson will speak about his life and work. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
ELLSWORTH – City officials will continue discussing a proposal to charge impact fees from new developers during a special meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at City Hall. The City Council is considering adopting an ordinance that would charge all new developers in Ellsworth… Read More
BELFAST – Two emotional issues dominated discussion at the SAD 34 board meeting Tuesday night, one involving the fate of a building, the other the fate of a dog. The board voted 10-4 to retain the George Robertson School property, and 14-0 to direct a… Read More
Belfast District Court Cases Jan. 10-14, 2005 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… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Gov. John Baldacci, snow floats, snowmobile races, a big bonfire and chili cookout, ice fishing, a whole bunch of spaghetti and hundreds of snowmobiles will be among the things that will draw thousands of people to the Katahdin Area Winterfest next month. Only… Read More
HARMONY – The damage to Ralph-O’s Laundry and Car Wash on Monday was so extreme that a state fire official has been unable to determine where the fire started and how it began. The two businesses were demolished during a fast-moving fire that was fanned… Read More
ORONO – A broken sprinkler valve at the Orono Pharmacy on Monday night caused extensive damage to the store’s back office area, according to the owner. Burby and Bates, a wine and beer store, located below the pharmacy, also had water damage to its redemption… Read More
PORTLAND – The Maine Civil Liberties Union has chosen a woman who grew up in eastern Maine to be its new executive director. Shenna L. Bellows now works with the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, D.C., where she is the national field organizer, according… Read More
More dippers are encouraged to join our own hearty, caring and slightly foolish Bangor Daily News staffers Jeff Strout, John Holyoke, Diana Graettinger and Aimee Dolloff when they brave the frigid waters of Passamaquoddy Bay to raise money for Ronald McDonald House of Bangor. The… Read More
DEDHAM – State troopers will increase patrols along a 3.5-mile section of Route 1A in an effort to slow traffic through the area where the Maine Department of Transportation is preparing the road for widening. According to Lt. Peter Stewart of the state police, the… Read More
PORTLAND – As the Maine Turnpike prepares to convert to the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system, turnpike officials say they are open to exploring new ways to generate revenues outside of tolls. Maine Turnpike Authority spokesman Dan Paradee said the idea that most interests turnpike… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Piscataquis County deputies knew they eventually would discover who was responsible for seven break-ins reported on Tuesday morning – they just didn’t think it would be that easy. An abandoned vehicle left at the scene of one of the break-ins and footprints led… Read More
BEAVER COVE – The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed concept plan that would affect Foss Pond, Hilton Ponds and portions of Whetstone Ponds at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the town hall at 795 Lily Bay Drive. Read More
BANGOR – A Veazie man was sentenced Tuesday in 3rd District Court in Bangor to four years in prison with all but nine months suspended after he pleaded guilty to a burglary spree as a juvenile that included stealing five handguns. Lance Bradford, who has… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Veterans Services officer from the Department of Defense will be at the following locations to assist veterans, widows and dependent children in filing for state and federal benefits: . 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 2, and Wednesday, Feb. 16, Penquis CAP building, 50… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Human Rights Commission ruled Monday that no reasonable grounds existed in the following cases. Complaints initially are investigated by a commission staff member, then are brought before the full commission. The commission identifies only home states, not towns, for out-of-state complainants. Read More
ORRINGTON – Snow removal issues topped the list of discussion items at Monday’s selectmen’s meeting. “We’ve been having a lot of problems with snow removal [because of] people parking in the roadway,” Town Manager Dexter Johnson said Tuesday. “We have an ordinance prohibiting parking on… Read More
BANGOR – A Massachusetts woman who apparently never visited Bangor Theological Seminary nonetheless left the 190-year-old institution $1 million. The bequest will allow the seminary to increase by 25 percent the amount of scholarship money it awards students each year beginning this fall, according to… Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – Millinocket has summer theater, youth football and hockey. East Millinocket offers soccer, after-school programs and kayak and canoe lessons. Beach volleyball and swimming in the Penobscot River are among the offerings in Medway. If an idea Recreation and Parks Director Frank Clukey… Read More
EAST MACHIAS – A Machias company with plans to build a business park for itself and other businesses has approached East Machias to see whether a Pine Tree Zone designation for the site is possible. Superlative Technologies – called “SuprTek” locally – holds a contract… Read More
HOLDEN – The town now has a new attorney. One individual and three firms applied for the position to represent the town, and the Holden Town Council on Monday selected the firm of Farrell, Rosenblatt, and Russell of Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
STONINGTON – A 75-foot boat used for hauling home heating fuel was rescued Tuesday off Merchant Island after it lost power at sea, according to a Coast Guard official. The vessel William McLoon was towed into port nearby at Stonington after the crew radioed for… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The towns of Burnham, Pittsfield and Detroit are planning to start a third session of the preschool program from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, beginning in February, at the Manson Park School. Interested parents of children born between Oct. 15, 1999,… Read More
BELFAST – The man accused of robbing Unity Pharmacy with a gun and knife will be held on $100,000 cash bail, a judge ruled Tuesday. Sean Kivlin, 29, of Unity was charged with robbery and eluding a police officer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Montes goes multicultural Pierogies and reubens and stew – oh, my! It’s time once again for the culinary world tour that is Montes’ international weeks. For the next six weeks, the Bangor caterer and lunch spot will offer menus from Germany and Hungary (this week),… Read More
The high school wrestling postseason begins Saturday when the Penobscot Valley Conference and Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference stage their championship meets. Camden Hills of Rockport will seek its fourth straight KVAC title beginning at 9 a.m. at Oxford Hills High in South Paris. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – The final 1 1/2 minutes of the third quarter between Bangor and Brewer seemed to epitomize the way things went for both teams in Tuesday night’s girls basketball matchup at the Bangor Auditorium. The Witches got a spark from a 3-pointer, cutting the… Read More
BANGOR – Challenged by the persistence of its cross-river rivals, the Bangor High boys basketball team finally resorted to a matchup the Witches couldn’t match. That was Mark Socoby on anyone, as the 6-foot-5 junior forward scored on three straight possessions in the low post… Read More
Once upon a time, they were the Boston Patriots. They met Denver in the first ever American Football League game on Sept. 9, 1960. They had these funky red uniforms that some found comical. But nobody is laughing at the New England Patriots any more. Read More
Coming into this season, the University of Maine women’s basketball team had lost only one America East regular-season game during the previous two seasons combined. Thus far in 2004-05, the Black Bears own an 8-8 overall record that includes a 4-2 mark in conference play. Read More
COLLEGE Jeremy Kervin 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 Belfast 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 Official standings 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()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Maine Central Institute will host its MCI Husky Classic Basketball Tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Wright Gymnasium in Pittsfield. The MCI postgraduate team will entertain three other Northeast prep schools that feature several prospective Division I players. MCI takes on St. Thomas More in… Read More
MAINE vs. MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY Time, site: Wednesday, 7 p.m.; RAC Arena, Baltimore, Md. 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
PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Ashley Marble poured in 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to propel the University of Southern Maine to an 85-62 women’s basketball victory over Plymouth State Tuesday night. Megan Myles scored 18 points and Katie Frost provided 13 points, six rebounds and… Read More
FORT FAIRFIELD – Andrea Blanchette and Collette Sloat combined for 15 fourth-quarter points as the Hodgdon Hawks pulled away to upset Fort Fairfield 51-38 in schoolgirl basketball play Tuesday night. Sloat finished with a game-high 17 points for Hodgdon, and Blanchette posted 15. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
CAMDEN – Jamey Davis scored a game-high 23 points and also had five assists to lead undefeated Camden Hills to its 13th boys basketball win, a 60-44 verdict over Mount View on Tuesday night. Cameron Puls contributed 10 points and five rebounds. Nick Tedford and… Read More
ORRINGTON – Brock Bradford scored eight of Calvary Chapel’s 10 points in overtime, including 5 of 5 free throws, as the Sabers knocked off top-ranked Lee 54-49 in Eastern Maine Class D boys basketball action Tuesday night. Bradford finished with a game-high 28 points for… Read More