BANGOR – Federal charges have been dropped against a Chicago investment banker who claimed last February he had been kidnapped by Arabs and forced onto a Moroccan-bound flight that was diverted to Bangor because of a bomb threat. Zubair Ali Ghias, 28, was charged with… Read More
BANGOR – Don’t go to the airport on Sunday. Area residents who want to welcome home the 112 members of the 152nd Field Artillery unit who served in Iraq are reminded that they won’t be able to greet the soldiers on Sunday afternoon at the… Read More
Christina Makrides and her daughter Kathleen had no trouble leaving the driveway of their Essex Street home in Bangor on Friday morning, despite the massive snowstorm that blanketed Maine on Thursday and Friday. Upon returning from their daily errands, however, they encountered another situation entirely. Read More
When Randy Gravel and his wife, Jean, became first-time home buyers a few years ago, they had the usual concerns about such a considerable investment. They worried about unexpected repairs, keeping up with their loan payments and the rising cost of property taxes. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
A news item in the State section of some editions Friday gave the wrong postponement date for Rockland Rotary’s annual Midcoast Winter Carnival. The event is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at Snow Marine Park in Rockland. Read More
There are many benefits to owning a home, an investment that usually increases in value over time. Here are some tips that first-time home buyers should consider before making the final purchase: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
Snow accumulation totals for eastern and northern Maine, as of 6 p.m. Friday Dover-Foxcroft: 32 inches 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… Read More
I am not an advocate for sex offenders, but these new bills that Sen. John Nutting and others want passed are ridiculous. First, if someone is that much of a threat why are they out of jail? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Health and Human Services Commissioner Jack Nicholas emphasized to lawmakers that of the cuts proposed to his agency “there is nothing so bad in these recommendations that couldn’t have been worse.” He could have been speaking for state human-service commissioners nationally; shortfalls exist in most states. But the… Read More
As a child, my summers were spent in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, which is across the St. Croix River from Calais. I moved to Calais in 1992. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
I am sure many of the patients and former patients of Dr. Michael Solomon will agree that he was the most consoling and caring physician to those of us who were lucky enough to have had him for our doctor. Those in the Bangor area… Read More
I wonder if Gov. Baldacci has stopped to think of the tremendous favor landowners do for Maine by allowing hunters on their property six days a week, during the various hunting seasons. If Sunday hunting should become legal and that seventh day is no longer… Read More
I can’t help but respond to the comments made by James Cressey in the letter, “People’s wishes ignored” (BDN, Feb. 3). As a state Senate candidate going door to door last fall, I came to recognize that people were skeptical about the Legislature’s ability to… Read More
Regarding the article, “Bikers mob hearing, pan proposed helmet law” (BDN, Feb. 9). To quote Nancy Findlan, executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Maine: “Is it the public’s choice to have to financially support the increased medical expenses and perhaps long-term reliance on… Read More
If they gave a prize for the best-kept secret of the 20th century and beyond, surely the identity of “Deep Throat” – the anonymous source used by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein to bring down President Richard M. Nixon and his co-conspirators in the infamous… Read More
It may be that readers will be able to get a better perspective on homelessness in America if they can see how the homeless are treated in other industrialized nations. I reviewed several books on European homelessness for the “Homelessness Marathon” being broadcast on Feb 14 on many… Read More
What the hell are we going to do,” asks state Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville, rephrasing a question Maine has thought about, acted on and backed away from for a half century, “with these piles of brick and glass and mortar in the woods?” He means your local… Read More
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Without saying who is to blame, a report released Thursday by an independent panel concluded that a combination of rushed work and inadequate planning was the cause of bungled repairs on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. At least $7 million worth of repaving… Read More
It’s good to know the ropes and who to talk to in Augusta when looking for state help with economic development projects such as revamping Brewer’s defunct Eastern Fine Paper Co. mill site or revitalizing the city’s waterfront. Now that the city has announced its… Read More
The following petitions for bankruptcy have been filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor: Kristine L. Joyce, disabled, no dependents, Rockland: assets, $4,435; debts, $59,095. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
PORTLAND – The case of Bob’s versus Bob’s entered Round 2 with Connecticut-based Bob’s Discount Furniture asking a federal judge to order Lewiston-based Bob’s Discount Off-Price Superstores to stop using the Bob’s name – permanently. Bob’s Discount Off-Price Superstores has been in business in communities… Read More
THOMASTON – Some folks in nearby Waldoboro are creating a church from scratch. But first, they need to take Dave’s Restaurant apart. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
If you’re a parent who’s concerned that your teenage driver is putting herself at risk by yakking on a cell phone while barreling down the highway, here’s a zinger of a line that might finally cause her to rethink her distracted ways. Tell your happy-go-lucky… Read More
BANGOR – As the two-day nor’easter left Maine on Friday looking like it was at the heart of a shaken snow globe, one segment of the state’s population – the homeless – was concerned, as usual, about survival. “I think we had 31 [beds occupied]… Read More
PRINCETON – A group of conservation aficionados with plans to buy Greenland Point Center and restore it as a conservation camp for youths is still pursuing its dream – in spite of two serious setbacks. The Greenland Point Coalition formed last summer after learning that… Read More
ETNA – Ask any elementary school pupil where manure comes from, and in all likelihood the correct answer will be provided: a farm. The state of Maine, however, through a ruling of the Maine Revenue Services division, has determined that the removal of manure is… Read More
BREWER – Valentine’s Day may be Monday, but those interested in taking their date out for a gala soiree will have to wait until Friday, when Brewer kicks off its third annual Penobscot River Winterfest. A black tie dinner and dance and a cappella music… Read More
PARKMAN – An Old Town man was arrested and charged Friday for the attempted burglary of a camp off Route 150. Police said William Sibley II, 30, allegedly tried to pry open a door to the camp with a shovel but fled the scene after… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Women, Work and Community is offering a seven-session “Assertive Communication Training” course starting Tuesday, Feb. 22, and running through Tuesday, April 7. The sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at the Women, Work and Community office on Balsam Drive. Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – The Lincolnville Central School capital campaign has completed its fund raising for the new school. The building is under construction on Route 235. The old school, a kindergarten-through-eighth grade facility, was closed in 2000 when mold was found in parts of the building. Read More
Bar Harbor District Court Cases Jan. 1-29, 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
MACHIAS – The state Department of Health and Human Services is searching for families who want to add new members through adoption or foster care. The department has many children waiting for adoptive families. Children who are adopted through the department qualify for health insurance… Read More
ROCKLAND – A local teenager was accused of stealing food, candy and cash Thursday after allegedly breaking into two businesses. Lance Chipman, 18, was charged Thursday with two counts each of burglary and theft, Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
MACHIAS – The University of Maine at Machias diversity committee announces a showing of Ziad Hamzeh’s “The Letter” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Portside, Kimball Hall. “The Letter” won the Best Documentary category of the 2004 Boston International Film Festival. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
CALAIS – The Calais office of the Department of Health and Human Services will host a public meeting about adoption and foster care from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. Those considering adoption or foster care through the department are encouraged to attend. For… Read More
PERRY – In memory of Jim Pottle and in recognition of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, Stronghearts will sponsor the third annual Winter Sport and Fun beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Pottle Tree Farm. Stronghearts is a Perry-based foundation established to… Read More
CARIBOU – Viking Video Productions, a program of the Caribou Regional Technology Center, could be on its last legs if high school students in the vocational region don’t participate. Last month, the Caribou Board of Education voted to eliminate the program if enrollment is not… Read More
A beautiful girl with blond hair, captivating eyes and a wonderful sense of humor, Lydia loves to laugh and play. She is kind and nurturing with younger children and loves to help out. Lydia, 9, and her three siblings came into the care of the… Read More
MACHIAS – A 22-year-old Calais man, was sentenced Thursday to 16 months without probation for, among other charges, twice leading police on chases. Appearing in Washington County Superior Court, David Townsend pleaded guilty to two counts of the Class C crime of eluding an officer,… Read More
Houlton District Court Cases Jan. 1-31, 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 Slot… Read More
HOULTON – Now that Southern Aroostook Development Corp. has secured money from the town, its leader says the economic development organization is refining its focus. Executive Director Jon McLaughlin said earlier this week that the organization would concentrate on core projects. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request that will allow plans to move forward for a new Subway sandwich shop on Main Street, according to a city official. The board reviewed during its Tuesday night meeting a setback variance request for… Read More
BELFAST – SAD 34 will be taking kindergarten registrations for the 2005-06 year for children who will be 5 by Oct. 15. The district comprises Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Northport, Searsmont and Swanville. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
HOULTON – It is up to town councilors Monday to decide whether those who follow in their footsteps should get more money for serving the public. Residents will have a chance to voice their opinions during a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14,… Read More
STONINGTON – Boaters could find improved access to the public landing this summer thanks to a $46,500 state grant. The grant comes from the Department of Transportation Harbor Improvement Fund and will be combined with funds from the town’s harbor reserve account to fund removal… Read More
The following divorces were granted in 13th District Court in Dover-Foxcroft during November and December on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Ronald J. Mitchell and Sabrina J. Mitchell, both of Abbot; married in South Portland, June 29, 2002. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
OLD TOWN – The Old Town School Department will hold kindergarten registration 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. March 1-11, at the Old Town Elementary School. Hours will be extended until 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its board of supervisors monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the district office on Pine Crest Drive. The public is encouraged to get involved in conservation efforts by attending meetings,… Read More
WINTERPORT – The Leroy H. Smith Elementary School will hold kindergarten registration for the 2005-06 year from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 7, in the library. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be age 5 by Oct. 15 and be a… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Pine Tree Hospice workshop for volunteers will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Sebec Room at Mayo Regional Hospital. The program, titled “Rejuvenate Your Hospice Thinking,” will feature guest speaker Dr. Lesley Fernow. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
FRANKFORT – The community is seeking volunteers and drivers to assist with a bottle drive to benefit the John and Laura Fund, set up after a fire destroyed a family’s home. Proceeds from the bottle drive will benefit John and Laura Drob, whose home on… Read More
PALERMO – The Palermo Library Guild board of directors is recognizing the services of two of its directors, Cheryl Parkman and Lillian Fitch, whose terms both end in March. Parkman began her services in 1996 after attending an open house at the Palermo Community Foundation… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – Amid a winter storm, a special town meeting scheduled for Friday was rescheduled until Monday. Town Manager Joe Hayes said the meeting was to be convened formally Friday with a moderator and selectmen, as required by law, but continued until 7 p.m. Read More
BLUE HILL – The Blue Hill Congregational Church will host a cabin fever reliever and potluck supper from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 in the church’s Jonathan Fisher Hall. A variety show featuring some of the Blue Hill peninsula’s performers will provide entertainment. For more… Read More
BANGOR – While other people were curled up on their couches with a cup of hot cocoa during Friday’s snowstorm, Ronnie Kittredge was making sure a woman on Fourth Street received the medication she needs. Kittredge is a delivery driver for Miller Drug in Bangor… Read More
PORTLAND – A Superior Court judge said Friday he has probable cause to hold Brandon Mills on a murder charge but also would consider a defense attorney’s proposal for allowing Mills to be released while awaiting trial. Justice Thomas Warren said he would take the… Read More
Have you ever considered that purchasing a cookbook could help a member of the military, or members of his or her family? Well, it can, and here is how. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
Thousands of people, including a teen from Old Town, are finding ways to help tsunami victims in Asia. Some are donating money. Others are sending supplies. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
CALAIS – Washington County Republicans are invited to the Washington County Republican Committee’s Lincoln Day Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, at the Calais Motor Inn. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. County chairman Arthur Carter… Read More
MACHIAS – The Chocolate Fling and Old Timers Band dance that was scheduled for Friday has been rescheduled for today as a result of the snowstorm. The fund-raiser takes place at the Carter’s Banquet Hall from 4 to 7 p.m. (chocolate event) and 7:30 to… Read More
ADDISON – The Pleasant River Historical Society will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Indian River Grange Hall. Meetings will be held throughout the rest of the winter months to plan for the next season’s programs. Meetings are held… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – The Margaret Chase Smith Library has announced its annual Margaret Chase Smith essay contest. In light of world events and in honor of the 50th anniversary of an extensive global journey Smith embarked upon in 1954 and 1955, students are invited to submit… Read More
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe received the Patsy Mink Award this week for “courage in advancing opportunities for women and girls in sports” from the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Coalition. “I look forward to working with members of the coalition… Read More
February is National Heart Awareness Month. The human heart beats an average of 103,680 times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, for every year we are alive. Without holidays, lunch breaks or comp time, our hearts pump life through our veins,… Read More
When Boston won the World Series in October, Red Sox fan Gordon Paul of Jefferson had more on his mind than celebrating. During the long, hot days of summer, Paul had cut himself a deal: If the Red Sox won the World Series, he would… Read More
Two weeks ago, Maine citizens got the chance to voice their opinions on a proposal that would allow Sunday hunting in the state for most of the year. That public hearing lasted for hours, and plenty of folks stepped forward to share their thoughts on… Read More
ORRINGTON – Brock Bradford and his Calvary Chapel Christian teammates have seen every conceivable defensive scheme thrown at them this season. Most of the attention has focused on Bradford, the junior guard who entered Friday night’s Class D matchup against Deer Isle-Stonington averaging 30.6 points… Read More
HERMON – Game sites and matchups for today’s middle school basketball tournament in Hermon have had to be adjusted due to the recent snowstorm. The first six games of the day’s eight-game schedule will be held at Hermon High School, but the last two will… Read More
LIMESTONE – Anna Haller and Julie Peers each scored seven points in the third quarter as the Limestone Eagles pulled ahead to upset Ashland 50-48 in the regular-season finale for both teams. Haller finished with 17 points, Peers contributed 14, and Lindsey Beaulieu added a… Read More
BRUNSWICK – Ashleigh Watson led a balanced attack with 15 points on five 3-pointers Friday night as Bowdoin College beat Middlebury (Vt.) 74-50 in New England Small College Athletic Conference play to earn its 50th consecutive home victory. Erika Nickerson added 13 points, while Julia… Read More
EASTPORT – The Woodland Dragons placed four players in double figures en route to an 81-40 boys basketball victory over Shead on Friday night. Chase Smith topped the Dragon quartert with 15 points, Brandon Tomah posted 13, and Craig Moody and Brent Carlow added 10… Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – Aarika Ritchie scored 12 of her 14 points in the first quarter Friday night to propel Lee Academy to a 71-39 schoolgirl basketball victory over Schenck and an undefeated regular season. Amanda Gifford led the Pandas with 15 points, Shelby Pickering also… Read More
Women’s basketball MAINE vs. ALBANY googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Maine auto racing driver Ricky Craven couldn’t make his way to Daytona before taking care of a little family business: The birth of his third child. Craven’s wife K.K. gave birth to Lydia Cathleen Craven at 8:47 p.m. on Thursday night… Read More
The Maine Baseball Hall of Fame will welcome 11 new members at its annual induction ceremony and banquet to be held on July 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn By the Bay on Spring Street in Portland. Tickets can be obtained by contacting… Read More
Monday morning dawned dramatically, didn’t it. The cold gold glow of pre-sunrise pushed the cobwebs from my early-morning, post-Super Bowl daze. It didn’t take long for the sky’s golds to fade to dusty gray-pinks as the sun rose into a layer of high thin overcast, beginning its push… Read More
Winter doldrums are a common malady of Maine outdoorsmen during many months of cold and snow. Anglers take the edge off their cabin fever by tying flies or building a rod, and many brave the elements to do a bit of ice fishing. Hunters have more difficulty filling… Read More
HIKING MAINE (second edition): by Tom Seymour, Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Conn., 203 pages, $15.95 The days in Maine are still short, dark, and cold. Below- zero temperatures may find you inside planning warmer weather outdoors pursuits. If so, you might have come across “Hiking… Read More
I happened to catch part of the NBC Nightly News earlier in the week. The newscaster prepped the after-commercial-break segment with reference to an “invasion” in the state of Minnesota. I knew immediately what it was about: the mass migration of thousands of great gray owls from their… Read More
Ice anglers looking to enjoy a day on their favorite lake can do so on Sunday … and may have the chance to win a prize. The Mount Desert Island Rod & Gun Club will hold its annual ice fishing derby, and all lakes and… Read More
The menu for Valentine’s Day isn’t like any other holiday fare. It doesn’t come with traditions such as turkey for Thanksgiving or leg of lamb for Easter. There is no corned beef and cabbage like on St. Patrick’s Day or hot dogs on the Fourth of July. Read More
Paging through the newspaper one morning this week, I came across a special Valentine’s Day advertising section featuring local businesses, including an ad from a Bangor jewelry shop. The picture accompanying the ad made me laugh. It’s a photo of a woman with a big smile on her… Read More
In Craig Johnson’s work, art explains life. Johnson, who suffered from bipolar disorder and a traumatic brain injury, spent much of his life creating vibrant watercolors and intricate pen-and-ink drawings of Bangor’s cityscape, the sun, clouds, the seashore, flowers and other subjects important to him. Read More
Peter has always been a proud man. We think it is his Charlestown upbringing. When he came into (don’t ask) a large chunk of money, he decided to buy a vehicle. Now I have just completed my eighth successful purchase of a Honda and I… Read More
Editor’s note: For this week’s column, ShopGirl has teamed up with ShopCrone, a k a NEWS assignment editor Jeanne Curran, who has a passion for fashion, shopping channels, and all things Parisian. ShopCrone: Ah, midwinter and the thoughts of virgins and faux virgins turn to… Read More
Ah, February. Month of teasing thaws followed by freezing rain and snow. Twenty-eight days of schizophrenic weather that leaves even the most hardy of souls reeling. Thank goodness it’s the shortest month. And thank goodness for indoor gardening. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
If you’re the sort of gardener who just adores a “what-in-blazes-is-that?” response to your vegetables from visitors, then brace yourself for a list of curious vegetables to grow this gardening season. Some of these recommended veggies are delectable and colorful; others are downright, well, bizarre. Read More