VATICAN CITY – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, the Roman Catholic Church’s leading hard-liner, was elected pope Tuesday in the first conclave of the new millennium. He chose the name Benedict XVI and called himself “a simple, humble worker.” Ratzinger, the first German pope in… Read More
    VATICAN CITY – Two images of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stood in sharp relief during the mourning period for the pope he would eventually succeed. With his wispy silver hair blowing in the wind, the German prelate stood before the world’s political and spiritual leaders at… Read More
    An April 15 story on Page B8, “Micmacs’ case sent to federal court/Decision’s language strongly implies tribes are not subject to state law,” may have given the erroneous impression that the Micmacs are contemplating developing a casino. According to Douglas J. Lockerman, attorney for the tribe, he is… Read More
    PLEASANT POINT – Nearly a year after the Passamaquoddy Tribe agreed to partner with a development company in the hope of building a $400 million liquefied natural gas terminal on tribal land, details of the agreement were made available by tribal officials for the first time to all… Read More
    KITTERY – Union members, politicians and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers are expected to turn out Saturday for a five-town, two-state “rolling rally” that will mark the last major public plea to keep the Kittery yard open before a new closure list comes out. The rallies… Read More
    Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has muddled the constitutional separation of church and state by joining with conservative Christian leaders in a campaign aimed at “reining in our out-of-control courts.” That phrase is from a Family Research Council announcement of a huge nationwide televised protest… Read More
    Gov. John Baldacci has two helpful initiatives under way. One seeks to increase the state’s production and use of alternative energy, including wind power, and the other hopes to improve cellular phone reception across Maine. So, why not marry the two? The primary hurdle to… Read More
    Plum Creek’s proposal for development on the pristine shores of Moosehead Lake at first glance looks good for the town of Greenville; more jobs, more people and more money. Take another look. More people mean more taxes and eventually those without a lot of money… Read More
    The Plum Creek development proposal in Greenville serves as a very real model for the future of Maine. Residents of the North Woods refuse to consider a national park because it will change the way we enjoy access to land which we do not own. The only alternative… Read More
    Another one of Bangor’s fine family restaurants goes down for the count, to be transformed into a slots parlor. In an interview, John Miller said he was sure some of his customers would not be happy. He was right. My wife and I have enjoyed dining at Miller’s… Read More
    I applaud Sen. Susan Collins’ record in voting strongly and consistently in favor of legislation and budgetary issues that support sound environmental and social responsibility. However, Collins must consider reversing her vote on the federal budget when it comes out of committee, specifically with regard… Read More
    There have been a lot of articles in the news lately about the need for changes in medical malpractice insurance. In the 58 years I’ve been around I can honestly say that I don’t know anyone or have never met anyone – that I am aware of –… Read More
    India is quietly but swiftly developing as a critically important player on the world stage. Like China, India is home to a quarter of the world’s population. But there are important differences. India is the world’s largest functioning democracy. Its population is highly literate; English is spoken almost… Read More
    Second of two parts Public higher education is a fragile institution. To work properly, all of the participants must assume a critical role and play that role consistently and with great respect to the other participants. The students, those for which the system is maintained,… Read More
    MONROE – As sculptor Forest Hart sifted through the ashes of his home, studio and gallery Tuesday, he remembered something Thomas Edison did when his factory burned. “He had a blueprint drawn up right after the ashes cooled down,” Hart said a day after he… Read More
    MACHIAS – The University of Maine at Machias is poised to refocus and move forward after an unsteady two years under three interim presidents, said Stephen W. Greiner, one of four finalists for president of the Down East campus. Currently the president of Virginia Intermont… Read More
    PRINCETON – A coalition interested in preserving the Greenland Point Center on Long Lake as a conservation camp for Maine’s youth has succeeded in receiving a purchase-and-sales agreement from the camp’s owner, the University of Maine System. UMS has asked the coalition not to reveal… Read More
    ST. STEPHEN, New Brunswick – Canadian police swooped down on 22 suspected drug dealers across the province and seized Ecstasy, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine and the prescription drug OxyContin popular among American drug addicts, Royal Canadian Mounted Police officials said during a press conference Tuesday. Dubbed… Read More
    BANGOR – If the state wants to pay millions of dollars to move its courthouses away from Hammond Street, the public should have a say in the deal, a legislator said Tuesday. “If they want to spend $35 million on a courthouse, then we need… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – City officials are working out a payment schedule with the Presque Isle Housing Authority, which requested a three-year extension on a municipal property payment. Councilors on Monday night took no formal action on the request to postpone the initial Payment in Lieu… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – New sidewalks that connect Presque Isle Middle School to the city’s bike path soon may be a reality now that city officials have received initial approval from the state Department of Transportation for a $112,000 grant. Councilors received word of the grant… Read More
    ALLAGASH – When Roy Gardner relaxes about the condition of the St. John River at Allagash, it’s a good sign. Gardner has been a river watcher for years and has worked in that capacity for federal agencies in Canada and in the United States. He… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Councilors are getting closer to choosing one of the two options under investigation for the reuse of Cunningham Middle School on Third Street. The council Monday night heard updates on efforts to interest potential buyers for the property and on gathering cost… Read More
    BELFAST – City Manager Terry St. Peter has recommended a municipal budget of $6.9 million for the coming year. The $6,940,914 proposal represents an increase in spending of $404,210 over last year’s package. That works out to a 5.8 percent increase, compared to the 3.6… Read More
    BANGOR – Penobscot County’s top prosecutor said he is reviewing cases against two drivers who allegedly struck picketers protesting layoffs outside the DHL shipping service offices in Brewer earlier this month. “If picketers are being harassed, they should be protected,” Penobscot County District Attorney R. Read More
    CORINNA – When Elmer Bolstridge, 78, talks about his late wife, Irene, you can hear the love in his voice. That’s why it was no surprise Tuesday when Bolstridge donated $50,000 to the Corinna Historical Society in his wife’s memory. “She could do anything,” Bolstridge… Read More
    HOWLAND – Saying the voters had spoken, the Board of Selectmen opted Monday night not to immediately place buying a new firetruck on the ballot of the June town meeting referendum, so Fire Chief Phil Dawson will be starting a petition to force the issue. Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – In what they are calling “an effort to be as transparent as possible,” the Somerset County commissioners have created a citizens committee that will act as liaison between those involved in building a new jail and taxpayers. In addition, said Chairman Paul Hatch,… Read More
    BELFAST – Visiting the veterans hospital and Gov. John Baldacci and hauling lobster traps were just a few of the things on the schedule for American Legion Auxiliary National President Sandi Dutton during her whirlwind visit to Maine this week. It has been nonstop for… Read More
    BANGOR – Griffin Park resident Ann Birmingham, who earlier this month alerted authorities to a substantial spill of jet fuel at Bangor International Airport, said she is still wondering where the fuel came from and whether it will reappear. So are investigators. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – Town officials are working with two property occupants to see whether the town can avoid finishing foreclosure proceedings and taking three houses on Grove, Spring and Park streets, an official said Tuesday. Administrative assistant Shirley Tapley said the town owns 13 Grove… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Saying that it could bring higher-paying jobs into the area, city officials are considering whether to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that would help a Waltham dock maker set up shop on the outskirts of town. Richard Newman, owner of the… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – At the recommendation of the local marine resources committee, the Town Council voted Tuesday to extend the closure of a local clam flat for another two years. Though Councilor David Bowden eventually voted in favor of the recommendation, he expressed concern about… Read More
    HUDSON – State forest rangers have been called in to investigate the cause of a fire Tuesday that burned a field and came within a few yards of a home. A passer-by noticed the fire at 1876 Hudson Road and called authorities at about 6:15… Read More
    BANGOR – Members of the city’s planning board approved plans Tuesday night for three construction projects, one of them residential and the other two connected to local businesses. . Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Northern New England received approval for a 12,600-square-foot addition to its distribution… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Town councilors gave their endorsement Tuesday night to a local church vestment manufacturer that will enable the company to secure state financing to acquire a competitor. Michael Fendler and Steven Fendler of C.M. Almy Co. held a brief executive session with the council… Read More
    BANGOR – A Bangor man charged with stabbing an Eddington man last week remained at the Penobscot County Jail on Tuesday night, unable to make bail set during his initial appearance in court earlier Tuesday. Brendan Burgess, 18, is charged with elevated aggravated assault after… Read More
    Hope springs eternal, as the saying goes, and one of the most hopeful places to be this weekend is the HOPE Festival. But before you automatically head for the Brewer Auditorium, Ilze Petersons of founding sponsor the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine wants… Read More
    GARDINER – Logan Johnston joined the wireless age two months ago when he bought his first cell phone. Now, he tucks the phone into his shirt pocket whenever he climbs into the cab of his combine to head out to his farm fields for a day of work. Read More
    CONCORD, N.H. – A Maine man wanted in New Hampshire on multiple rape charges was arrested Tuesday at a construction site in Georgia. Bruce Tuttle, 57, is charged with repeatedly assaulting at least two girls under age 13 between 1997 and 2002 in Rochester and… Read More
    Sips of South America Looking to start your week with a little spice? Visit Opus on Monday, April 25, for a “Wines of South America” wine dinner. Chef Roger Gelis will prepare a six-course meal paired with wines from Argentina and Chile. The wines will… Read More
    Trying to touch as many bases as possible. … AUTO RACING: Do you realize that four of the top 10 drivers in the Nextel Cup points chase are at least 46 years old? Rusty Wallace, who is third in points, is 48 as is Dale Jarrett (10th); sixth-place… Read More
    Bill Alfond, son of Waterville philanthropist Harold Alfond, has been added to the board of trustees for the U.S. Biathlon Association. The USBA, which has moved its headquarters to Portland, will hold the 2006 U.S. Olympic Trials in Fort Kent. Larry Pugh and Bill Haggett,… Read More
    ORONO – As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities, Male Athletes Against Violence (MAAV) at the University of Maine is sponsoring Men Take a Stand. The event will be held today at 6 p.m. on the steps in front of Fogler Library on the UMaine campus. Read More
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    NO. WOODSTOCK, N.H. – Turner’s Ben Rowe, who won the 2002 and 2003 Pro All-Stars Series points championship and finished second to Hallowell’s Johnny Clark last year, opened the PASS season by holding off Scott Mulkern to win the Cabin Fever 150 at White Mountain Motorsports Park Sunday. Read More
    PORTLAND – The leader of Maine’s 234,000 Roman Catholics welcomed the election of a new pope on Tuesday, pledging the support and prayers of the state’s faithful as the church faces challenges here and abroad. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany will follow the path of… Read More
    One moment can change a person’s life. That’s the message of “Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story” (the documentary will be shown without commercial interruption, a first for USA). googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More