I would like to voice my concern about the cuts, both financial and positional, taking place at Togus VA Hospital and the many veterans’ centers around the state. The federal government praises the veterans, past and present, with one hand and cuts or severely diminishes… Read More
    Simply accounting for a way to pay the state’s bills does not make for an adequate budget, yet that’s what legislative Democrats are planning to do to avoid compromising with Republicans. It is a shortsighted plan, one that badly serves Maine because it does not prepare the state… Read More
    By rejecting President Bush’s cuts to Medicaid, the Senate Thursday revived hope that states would be able to continue programs that deliver health care to the poor and those just above the poverty line without health insurance. The vote on $14 billion worth of Medicaid cuts was a… Read More
    A typographical error changed part of Beth Kidder’s letter in Friday’s edition. The sentence in question should have read, “When we moved here six years ago I noticed that for the first time my two cats acted tired and very sick for a full day after getting their… Read More
    The photo by Kevin Bennett on the March 16 front page (“A town in turmoil,” concerning Willimantic), is great! I expect to see it in your yearly review of the top images. So much emotion, tension, body language – “one picture is worth a thousand words.” So true. Read More
    I was pleased to see the Page One article on March 15 concerning long-distance care giving. Many families in Maine, including in our part of the state, are dealing with the care-giving stresses of trying to help a senior remain safely within their own home in the community. Read More
    James Fay, a professor emeritus from MIT, states publicly that, in his opinion, a liquefied natural gas terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay poses a huge risk to the area, and that he is, therefore, opposed to such a project. To provide a counterpoint to this argument,… Read More
    I am writing to express my concern about the “Tax and Match” program being imposed on Maine’s hospitals. Last year, the state of Maine imposed on all hospitals a tax, with the promise that this tax would be “matched” by the state by using a complicated formula to… Read More
    In January I heard, for the first time, the saying, “God created March for people who don’t drink, so that they’d know what a hangover is like.” In January, that was funny. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    Usually when I receive an oil delivery a ticket is left with the total volume delivered, the price per gallon and the total cost of the delivery detailed. This past week I received an oil delivery where only the number of gallons delivered was detailed… Read More
    Thursday’s congressional hearing on the reported use of illegal steroids by major league baseball players hoping to gain a competitive edge was a fascinating diversion from watching the snow melt in anticipation of the imminent arrival of spring here in the northern climes. The daylong… Read More
    Here we go again. We have yet another commission to study Maine hospitals. As before, it starts with the conclusion that high costs are due to inefficient and self-serving hospital administration. Yet again it arrives at the same conclusions that were arrived at 30 years… Read More
    When I got up to go to work on March 8, I left the house with one thing on my mind: the critical meetings I had scheduled that day. When I got into my truck, as is my habit, I switched on the radio, buckled my seat belt… Read More
    What an unhappy coincidence to have a survey exposing that superintendents dislike and distrust the state’s school-funding model just as the Legislature’s Education Committee reaffirms that this is the formula Maine will be using for quite a while. A hostess tip: If you’re planning a dinner party this… Read More
    Dare I mention this? We could get another snowstorm in the next couple of weeks, after all, in which case I could be justly accused of raising hopes that are so easily dashed. And frigid wind could also sweep down from Canada and cause the… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Republicans and Democrats at the State House continued Friday to stake out opposing strategies for Maine’s next two-year budget cycle, but without the acrimony that has marked similar disputes in previous legislative stalemates. In fact, lawmakers received a not-so-gentle reminder of last spring’s… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Lawmakers are being asked to allow special license plates or plate decals for certain veterans, agriculture, education, retired firefighters, another higher education plate and a plate for members of the National Rifle Association. Maine already allows 22 decals and has nine separate plate designs. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – With the opening of Presque Isle Middle School just months away, SAD 1 officials announced at Wednesday night’s meeting more changes to the middle school reorganization plan. SAD 1 officials tweaked the plan after last month’s school board meeting, where board members… Read More
    A college student from Egypt claimed he was arrested Thursday because of his nationality and race, but Bangor police said it was because he was intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. Bassem Amin, 21, a Husson College student from Egypt, drove through an intersection… Read More
    BANGOR – Since its inception 10 years ago this month, the city’s Park Woods Transitional Housing program has helped nearly 450 homeless families with shelter, case management and other forms of support, often in collaboration with area education and service agencies. More than three-quarters of… Read More
    Looking for a girl who wants a family to call her own and who loves to share one-on-one time? Then Crystal, 10, is the right child for your family. Crystal is very intelligent and creative. An active child who enjoys physical indoor and outdoor activities,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – An attempted-murder charge against a Rockland woman accused of trying to smother her boyfriend with a pillow has been dismissed. Kellie King, 18, of Rockland Street was released from Knox County Jail at 2:05 p.m. Thursday, a jail sergeant said Friday, because the… Read More
    CUSHING – A one-vote margin between two candidates for a one-year selectman’s seat prompted a recount Friday, which ended with the same results. On Monday, Peter Haviland garnered 124 votes to his opponent Keith Feyler’s 123 votes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – It’s been on their wish list for the past few years, but school officials couldn’t make it work financially – until now. The school committee recently gave its approval to the city’s first all-day kindergarten program. The vote to begin the program this… Read More
    WARREN – Seventh-grader Adrienne Horne spelled “indigo” correctly to win first place in the Knox County spelling bee this week. Adrienne, 13, attends Appleton Village School, where her favorite subjects are math and writing. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A police check on a man threatening to commit suicide took a strange turn Thursday afternoon when the Presque Isle man claimed he would shoot an officer with a crossbow if she tried to enter his apartment, according to local police. Venance… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – SAD 1 administrators are sharpening their pencils as they prepare to slash $1.2 million in expenditures from the 2005-2006 budget. After receiving direction from school board members, officials noted on Wednesday night during the board’s March meeting that they were working to… Read More
    BANGOR – Following are city meetings for the week beginning Sunday: All will be held in the City Council chambers at City Hall unless otherwise indicated. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    FRENCHVILLE – Work needed to upgrade the sewer lagoon caused the most discussion at the annual town meeting Tuesday night. Elections held during the day were quiet. Two incumbents did not have opposition. Bert Paradis was elected to another three-year term on the Board of… Read More
    MADAWASKA – The Madawaska Police Department was still looking Friday for the person responsible for a bomb threat at the Madawaska Middle-High School. Police Chief Ronald Pelletier said Friday that no charges had been made against anyone for the Tuesday afternoon incident. Police, rescue and… Read More
    Abbot Residents will decide at the annual town meeting whether to enter into a three-year or a six-year contract for winter road maintenance. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, at the town hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BELFAST – City planners have been given details about an eight-unit housing project proposed for a small lot adjacent to Belfast Commons. City Planner Wayne Marshall said Friday the planning board conducted its sketch plan review of the Bay Commons project, which is being proposed… Read More
    BANGOR – Police raided a home Friday where they believed cocaine was being sold and took one man into custody. They later arrested another man who they said showed up to buy drugs. Richard Sacco, 40, was charged with unlawful furnishing of cocaine after members… Read More
    JONESPORT – The annual Michael Ashmore Junior High Math Meet will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Jonesport Elementary School. Seventh- and eighth-graders are invited to participate in the meet, which has a new format this year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The second forum of the Striking a Balance series, which will focus on affordable housing and development, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the White Birches Motel. Panelists include Dale McCormick of the Maine State Housing Authority,… Read More
    MACHIAS – Down East Community Hospital has extended its Free Care income guidelines to include people with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For information or to request a copy of the federal poverty guidelines, call 255-3356. Read More
    JONESBORO – Parents who live within the geographic jurisdiction of Maine School Union 102 but have children attending private or parochial schools are being alerted that it is the responsibility of the Union 102 schools to locate and evaluate all children in need of special education and support… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Washington County Republican Committee will meet to discuss the Taxpayer Bill of Rights at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Blue Bird Ranch Restaurant. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a Dutch treat dinner will begin at 7… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Mainers will likely retain their right to gather signatures for referendum drives at polling places. A legislative committee voted in favor of a bill that would tighten rules on collecting signatures at polling places. But language banning signature gatherers from polling places was… Read More
    People interested in end-of-life planning should take advantage of a series of free educational presentations offered by Caring Connections, a women’s health program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center supported by fund-raising efforts of Eastern Maine Charities. “Getting Your Stuff Together or… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Gambling Control Board will conduct a meeting next week in Bangor, which is poised to become the site of Maine’s first racetrack casino. Municipal officials from Greater Bangor, area legislators and county officials have been invited to attend the meeting, which… Read More
    ORRINGTON – Some of the 30 foreign exchange students who spent Friday with Center Drive School pupils were dressed in traditional garb from their home countries. Others wore their national flags. The rest could have passed as typical teenagers from the area, if you disregarded… Read More
    AUGUSTA – State legislators next week will begin tackling bills intended to improve services at county jails, particularly among inmates with mental health issues, while easing the burden on taxpayers. Five bills are slated to go to public hearings before the Criminal Justice and Public… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Lobstermen and federal scientists will face off at the only local public hearing on a federal plan for preserving highly endangered Atlantic right whales. The hearing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 4, at the Ellsworth Holiday Inn. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ORONO – A dryer fire in the basement of a University of Maine residence hall was extinguished early Friday evening before it spread to any of the top floors. The smell of burning metal filled the air around Knox Hall about 5:30 p.m. as a… Read More
    PORTLAND – The state supreme court ruled Friday that Time Warner Cable must turn over account information about the sender of an insulting e-mail in a case that sought to test the waters of Internet anonymity in Maine. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that… Read More
    DEXTER – Two adults and four children escaped serious injury Friday when the vehicles they were riding in collided at the four-way intersection on Spring Street. Kim Gross, 32, of Sangerville was traveling southbound on Spring Street and Faith Gudroe, 32, of Dexter was northbound… Read More
    GUILFORD – Firefighters were quick to extinguish a fire Friday in a small barn off Route 15. Damage from the 9 a.m. fire was confined mostly to the upper half story of a barn owned by Walter Mayo Jr., according to Fire Chief Mike Nichols. Read More
    For more than a week, I’ve been bunking in Fort Kent and writing about a dog sled race and the world Paralympics championships for Nordic skiing. And for the past week, I’ve been discovering – again – exactly why folks from the northern part of… Read More
    MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – Beleaguered backcourt and all, the University of Maine women still managed to mount a late run at West Virginia before the Mountaineers were able to salt away a 74-59 victory in Friday night’s Women’s NIT first-round game. “It was as much… Read More
    BOSTON – The University of Maine men’s hockey team went into Friday night’s Hockey East semifinal against Boston College with its NCAA Tournament destiny in its hands. A win would have clinched the Black Bears’ seventh consecutive appearance in the 16-team field. Instead, they left… Read More
    Briiana Rende had just a few seconds to make a decision to pass or shoot. In this situation – less than 10 seconds left in the third quarter of Monday’s Eastern Maine Class A final – the Cony senior point guard tried both. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Editor’s Note: With the Eastern Maine Class A tournament moving to the Augusta Civic Center next season, the BDN looks back on some of the top Eastern Maine high school basketball teams and players to play at the Bangor Auditorium. Part IV, Boys Players googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    COLLEGE CCM All-American Selections 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
    CHICAGO – Gatorade Thirst Quencher announced South Portland High’s Whitney Morrow as the 2005 Maine Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Morrow, a 5-10 senior shooting guard, averaged 16.6 points, 3.1 steals, 2.8 assists, and one blocked shot per game for the Riots. She has… Read More
    Thirteen coaches who have enjoyed on-ice success in 2004-05 have been named finalists for the Edward Jeremiah Award, given annually to the College Division (NCAA Div. III) Men’s Ice Hockey Coach of the Year. Named in honor of the former Dartmouth head coach, the Jeremiah Award will be… Read More
    CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Dom Cyr of Van Buren won the men’s alpine Super G at the Chevrolet Eastern J3 Junior Olympics. The 16th-seeded Carrabassett Valley Academy freshman finished with a time of 1 minute, 10.62 seconds. Cyr also finished fourth in slalom and 10th in giant slalom during… Read More
    BOSTON – University of Maine freshman right winger Rob Bellamy said he was “devastated” by the broken hand he suffered in practice Wednesday that kept him out of Friday’s Hockey East semifinal against Boston College. Bellamy went down on one knee to block a shot… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Fifty years later, there are still only a couple degrees of separation between the first and last boys basketball state finals for Maine’s largest schools to be played at the Bangor Auditorium. Consider that 6-foot-10 center Jordan Cook, who will lead Hampden Academy… Read More
    NORFOLK, Va. – Junior guard Lindsey Koehn scored 17 points to lead the Millikin University to a 66-60 win over the University of Southern Maine in an NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National semifinal game Friday at the Jane P. Batten Center. With the win,… Read More
    MAINE vs. MONMOUTH Time, site: Saturday (2), noon; Sunday, noon; Monmouth, N.J. 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
    The Husson College Eagles beat Drew University 4-2 and Salem State 2-0 in baseball action in Florida Friday. At Seminole, Fla., Chris McInnis hit a two-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh to lead Husson of Bangor over Drew University… Read More
    Let me be frank. I think Old Navy is the bee’s knees. You all know of my love for Target. And don’t get me started about T.J.s. But there’s something special about shopping someplace other than the mall and its environs. Unique shops – the… Read More
    March brings about a special season here in northern New England. Yes, mud season, but I’m referring to the more pleasant sugaring season. By the thousands, sugar maple trees will be tapped, their sweet sap harvested and boiled into delicious golden syrup. Maples are just… Read More