A caption was inadvertently left out of today’s ShopGirl column in the Living section. The outfit on the model at the bottom left of the page is from Old Navy. The postcard-print skirt costs $22.50, the cardigan costs $29.50, and the tank costs $10. —… Read More
    Aidan Quinn (photo) pleaded guilty to drunken driving while he was in Maine for the filming of the HBO movie “Empire Falls.” Quinn didn’t appear in Kennebec County Superior Court in Augusta on Thursday, where his plea was entered through his lawyer, Michaela Murphy. Quinn, 46, was ordered… Read More
    The book, “Changing Members: The Maine Legislature in the Era of Term Limits,” referenced in Friday’s editorial “Time to End Term Limits” was also authored by Matthew Moen, a political science professor at the University of South Dakota. Read More
    Shipbuilding in Maine was given a reprieve this week when the Pentagon overruled the Navy’s request to award the construction of the next generation of destroyers to a single shipyard. However, the Pentagon’s decision is not final and will be subject to further review. Officials at Bath Iron… Read More
    The president’s plan to change the federal Social Security regulation is another gimmick to primarily benefit the wealthy. Both the people who are wealthy along with most large income earners actually perceive no need for Social Security benefits upon retirement. Because of the fact that… Read More
    I write to take exception to remarks made by reviewer Helen York regarding the Bangor Symphony Orchestra program on Sunday (BDN, April 18). She did not speak for our group of five who drove 45 miles from Castine to attend. We definitely were happy to be at Hutchins… Read More
    Of course the fear of terrorism dominated the 2004 presidential election. It did so because our current administration framed the debate that way. I can see why President Bush would want us to channel all our anxieties toward an outside enemy to the point where… Read More
    Not all of us are glad to hear of Miller’s Restaurant closing. This is just one more restaurant that has closed in my lifetime, after the closure of the Penobscot Exchange Hotel, Brass Rail, Brountas, Pine Tree, Ye Olde House, Pilots Grill and Oscar’s Restaurant. Read More
    Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway is dying. John Martin, LURC, Nugent’s Sporting Camps, outboard motors, Jalbert’s Sporting Camps, hot tubs, Taylor’s Sporting Camps, six bridges, buildings, ranger camps, fire warden camps, Forest Service camps, fire towers, junk locomotives, trestles, tramways, railroad tracks, dams, roads and easy… Read More
    Regarding Pamela W. Person’s op-ed, “Improving the energy bill” (BDN, April 15). Many people in Maine love the idea of clean, carbon-free energy produced by hydro power and wind power. They feel it would be good to see an increase in such activity. It is… Read More
    It could happen at any time. Say you are rolling along with a big balance on your credit card, paying the minimum on time every month and comfortable with a low annual percentage rate. Suddenly you are hit with a change to a high rate of 20 or… Read More
    Thankfully, Gov. John Baldacci has truly asked the right question: “What’s best for students and the community of central Maine?” He signed an executive order appointing a task force which includes University of Maine System trustees as well as University of Maine at Augusta students, faculty and local… Read More
    Considering the sorry state of popular culture these days, a story in Tuesday’s newspaper reporting the rapid proliferation of profanity among high school students – and the seeming inability of teachers to do much of anything about it – probably came as no great revelation to many readers. Read More
    Explanations are in order if the Baldacci administration continues to be strongly committed to a $5.7 billion biennial budget that needs $447 million in borrowing simply to make it balance. We haven’t heard any viable explanations, only repeated political pandering to Democratic cronies for passing… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine’s unemployment rate increased slightly from February to March, but still remained well below the national average, the state Department of Labor announced Friday. “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.7 percent for March 2005 differed little from the rate of 4.6 percent… Read More
    PORTLAND – Nearly $18.8 million have been paid out in lump-sum payments to five top executives at TD Banknorth from a long-term incentive plan triggered by the bank’s sale earlier this year. The incentive plan called for accelerated payouts in case of change in ownership,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine is one step closer to requiring a minimum number of “clean” cars on the state’s roads by 2009. Friday, a majority of legislators on the Natural Resources Committee voted in favor of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s plan to follow California… Read More
    STAMFORD, Conn. – Forest products company International Paper Co., which has mills in Jay and Bucksport, Maine, said Friday earnings rose more than 5 percent for the first quarter as the company took in higher prices for its products in North America. Net income rose… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine supreme court on Friday ruled that the state must make public investigative records about 18 now-deceased Roman Catholic priests who were accused of sexual abuse of minors. In a split decision, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled 4-3 that the attorney… Read More
    If I were elected pope, the first thing I’d do is dash off an encyclical that would attempt to put an immediate end to all of the goofy so-called sightings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus among my flock. Before the white smoke had cleared… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine’s role in helping the state’s economy to grow was underscored Friday during celebrations of two new campus buildings designed to encourage manufacturers and student entrepreneurs and strengthen businesses. “The University of Maine is making sure families have opportunities for… Read More
    BANGOR – A recommendation supporting the building of a new courthouse at Washington and Exchange streets has been accepted by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, it was announced Friday. The proposed location, a city-owned parcel overlooking Kenduskeag Stream, was chosen at a hearing April 15,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Proponents of a people’s veto on a portion of the state budget can start gathering signatures Monday now that Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap has formulated the question that will appear on the referendum petitions. Dunlap submitted the question Friday to petitioners,… Read More
    MONSON – The town will offer extended hours at its transfer station for Clean-up Week. The station will be open at its regular time, including May 13, 14, 20 and 21. The station also will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Read More
    HARTLAND – A May basket bingo will be held at noon Saturday, May 14, at the Town Hall. Tickets are $15, and all proceeds will benefit the Hartland Fire Auxiliary. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – The Millinocket Regional Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a “Books are Fun” book fair from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the hospital lobby, 200 Somerset St. Hundreds of books, mostly hardcover, best sellers, children’s books and others will be offered… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Center invites artisans and entertainers to participate in an Artisans’ Market on Thursdays from June 17 through July 21. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.downtownbangor.com or by calling 992-4234. Read More
    A recent string of live-lobster thefts in Hancock County has investigators searching for nighttime thieves who, knowing they were being videotaped, wore ski masks and large hoods when they hit up three lobster wharves for more than $20,000 worth of shellfish. Two people have been… Read More
    “A scientist in the making” best describes Kyle, who has a strong interest in geology and a large collection of gems and minerals, and a wealth of information about each one. Kyle also is knowledgeable about dinosaurs and enjoys collecting dinosaur figurines. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    HOULTON – It will not be long before residents will hear the clatter of skateboard wheels pummeling the asphalt in Community Park. Houlton Parks and Recreation Director Bernard Reece estimated Friday that the town’s new skate park could open by late May. Officials are waiting… Read More
    Penquis Valley School, Milo Third 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
    ROCKLAND – A woman who allegedly hit her 7-year-old daughter on the head with a 5-pound cast-iron frying pan Feb. 20 pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted murder by reason of mental disease or defect. Natalie C. Hall, 34, of Union is charged with one… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – A 27-year-old Hermon man was arrested Thursday morning on a charge of gross sexual assault. Police said Charles D. Scott II was arrested at 2:30 a.m. in a reported sexual assault that allegedly occurred in Bucksport earlier Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    Stearns High School, Millinocket Third 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
    Neighbors of a Bangor man told police late Thursday night that he had been unruly, again. When police arrived at the Court Street apartment building they spoke to a neighbor and then to the subject of the call, Robert Westhoff, 49, who Bangor police Officer… Read More
    Penobscot Superior Court Cases Feb. 1-28, 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
    BANGOR – Reid’s Distribution Center will host its 2005 Buying Expo on Monday at 74 Down Road. The expo is designed to offer a broad-based representation of convenience store owners and independent operators throughout Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    NEWPORT – A meeting is planned next week for parents of student members of the Nokomis Regional High School marching band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, show chorus and jazz chorus. The meeting concerns the groups’ coming competition in the Apple Blossom Festival in Virginia. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – UBuildIt will offer a free home-building seminar for people interested in learning how to manage and control the building process of their new home or remodeling project. The session will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Isaac Farrar… Read More
    BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation Department will offer family photo album workshops from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, April 27-May 18, at the Brewer Auditorium. The program will teach participants how to organize and preserve photos, give information on photo-safe materials, and cropping… Read More
    BANGOR – Photographer Bob Thayer will present “Acadia: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, in a public meeting of the Eastern Maine Camera Club at Bangor Parks and Recreation in the armory on Main Street. A native of Bangor,… Read More
    EDDINGTON – The Eddington Historical Society will present the Boston Post cane to Clinton Ackley at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Airline Home Care, Main Road. For more information, contact Gloria Andrle at 843-7494. Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – The East Millinocket Recreation Department will offer a lifeguard course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11, 12, 18 and 19, at 53 Main St. The fee is $175. Participants must be at least 15 years old and course space is… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – The East Millinocket Recreation Department will offer an American Red Cross water safety instructors course from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29, at the East Millinocket municipal swimming pool. The fee is $175. Participants must be… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Feb. 28-March 25, 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
    BAR HARBOR – College of the Atlantic will hold a series of workshops on pinhole cameras 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 4; 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 6; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Pinhole cameras are an old form of camera that involves poking a… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – College of the Atlantic and the Bar Harbor Women’s Collective will host an afternoon of exploration into feminism from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the college’s Gates Center. Lael Stegall and Lucy Creevey, both of whom have worked internationally… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth School Department will hold kindergarten registration and screening on Tuesday, May 24, at the Dr. Charles C. Knowlton School. Children who will be 5 by Oct. 15 are eligible, and birth certificates and immunization records must be brought with the child. Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Breakwater Teen Shelter will hold its second annual Run for Shelter at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9. The run will benefit the shelter, which provides a safe place for teens to stay when they have nowhere else to go. The run is… Read More
    Whitney Bouchard of Fort Kent was selected from more than 1,700 applicants to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy’s summer seminar program in Colorado Springs, Colo. The program gives high school students the opportunity to experience the academy’s environment. Bouchard, the daughter of David and… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – A two-pronged expansion effort had a statewide health agency poised Friday to bring 20 new jobs into downtown with another project pending that is 10 times the size of the first. Katahdin Valley Health Center of Patten announced Friday it plans to turn… Read More
    HOULTON – The Town Council will take a crucial step Monday evening toward revitalizing the historic downtown, when it adopts a plan for mapping out how to make the rebirth happen. Councilors will be presented with a draft of the Houlton Downtown Revitalization Plan, which… Read More
    HOULTON – The anniversary of the town’s founding is more than 600 days away, but that has not stopped an increasing number of people from coming forward with ideas to make the 2007 bicentennial celebration a success. Chris Batby, administrator for the Greater Houlton Chamber… Read More
    ST. GEORGE – Drivers using Route 131 in St. George and South Thomaston can expect to encounter construction equipment and workers between now and mid-August, according to the state Department of Transportation. Improvements to 6 miles of Route 131, beginning at Watts Avenue in the… Read More
    NORTHEAST HARBOR – A free training session to enhance partnership skills for youth and adults of Mount Desert Island will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Neighborhood House. The session will help youths and adults strengthen communication and listening… Read More
    UNION – The People’s United Methodist Church will hold a benefit lasagna supper at 5 p.m. Friday, April 29. The money raised will benefit church member Karen Kelly, who recently experienced financial troubles because of health problems. The supper will feature lasagna, bread, salad, beverages… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold two pickup days for those who ordered plants during the tree and shrub sale. Orders will be available at the district office on 190 Bangor Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday,… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The Mount Desert Island and Ellsworth Housing Authorities have announced the opening of the shared-use component of the Healthy Life Cafe community kitchen. The kitchen is a fully licensed commercial kitchen equipped for catering, food preparation and production of specialty food products. Read More
    HOULTON – A Houlton firefighter and ambulance emergency medical technician will be arraigned in District Court on Tuesday on charges of gross sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor. Steven E. Dewitt, 33, of Woodstock Road in Houlton was placed on paid administrative leave… Read More
    MACHIAS – Five years after Washington County’s leaders sat down and discussed the local economy, they are ready to do it again. An “economic summit” open to the public is being planned for November at the University of Maine at Machias. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – College of the Atlantic students Jessica Glynn and Juan Pablo Hoffmaister attended the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development this month in New York City. The commission seeks to develop a global plan to promote economic, social and balance equity. The delegation… Read More
    Friends of Acadia will hold a trash cleanup day April 30 at various points on Mount Desert Island and elsewhere in the region. Volunteers will clean up roadsides on MDI, Trenton and the Schoodic area. Participants will receive a free T-shirt. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    SEARSPORT – The Penobscot Marine Museum announces publication of Laura S. Saunders’ “Island Sail Ferry Days,” a booklet detailing the history of the last schooners that ran mail, passengers and freight to Deer Isle, Isle au Haut, the Fox Islands, Criehaven, Matinicus and Monhegan islands. Read More
    SURRY – The 17th annual awards dinner sponsored by the Surry Community Improvement Association will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 9, in the Surry School gymnasium. A pasta dinner will be served. Awards will be given to Surry residents for service to the… Read More
    WARREN – Volunteers are needed to help with this year’s Warren Day. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. Sundays at the Warren Historical Society, and will run through the end of June. Projects include the bed race, the parade, children’s games and the information booth. To… Read More
    UNION – A talk on Harriet Stanwood Blaine, wife of James G. Blaine, the Maine political leader who served as secretary of state and was a presidential candidate in the 19th century, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Old Town House on Town House… Read More
    You certainly have to admire the spunk and determination of 31-year-old Bethany Green Courchene of Caribou, who is going to attempt something she never has done before, and do it alone. Courchene is committed to raising $2,500 and participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a… Read More
    BANGOR – The man who left seven wet and muddy Indian nationals stranded in Houlton was sentenced Friday to nearly two years in federal prison for smuggling aliens and entering the United States illegally. Carlos Galdamez-Guardado, 27, was sentenced to 21 months in prison in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Recognizing Maine’s dubious distinction as the highest-taxed state in the country on a percentage-of-income basis, Republican legislators will observe Tax Freedom Day at noon Monday with a rally on the State House steps. In the event of rain, the rally will be held… Read More
    PORTLAND – Portland police fear that a shooting this week at a tattoo parlor may have been the prelude to a turf war among motorcycle gangs and are planning a crackdown in hopes of preventing further violence. Police Chief Michael Chitwood said he is boosting… Read More
    A proposal that every Maine county should designate a community for the collection of household hazardous waste – items such as paints, cleaners and electronics that would be deemed “hazardous” and be managed under special restrictions at businesses – was voted down in committee Friday. The proposal lacked… Read More
    Members of the Natural Resources Committee said Friday that a 30-cent fee on pesticide sales is not the right way to fund the cleanup of laboratories in high schools and middle schools. The cost of such cleanups is the responsibility of schools, they said, voting to table the… Read More
    MADAWASKA – The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into the death of a Fraser Papers Inc. employee that began this week could take as long as three months. Anthony Lemire, area director for OSHA in Portland, said Friday that one investigator has been… Read More
    BANGOR – As part of its efforts to be prepared for a worst-case-scenario terrorist attack, members of the 101st Air Refueling Wing participated in a mock disaster Friday, testing their ability to respond to such an emergency. The scenario had a troop passenger bus ramming… Read More
    As gardeners, many of us are as passionate about nurturing nature as we are about growing plants. We have linked these two passions, creating gardens that are ecologically functional. In our gardens, harbingers of spring include the first blackbirds creaking from leafless branches of a… Read More
    April 16 was a very good day. The sun was shining, wisps of clouds skimmed across the sky and I was whacking weeds. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick – Amid a larger-than-usual police presence, protesters gathered in Saint John on Thursday to register their disapproval of a tax deal given for a liquefied natural gas plant. About 125 people chanted “fair taxation” outside the offices of Enterprise Saint John,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Don’t wait until you or your loved ones are old or sick; start talking now about your end-of-life wishes. And don’t stop there. Create a legal document that’s as simple or as detailed as you like, have it witnessed and notarized, and keep it where it… Read More
    BANGOR – A Dover-Foxcroft man whose American Kennel Club license already has been revoked for inspection violations has filed a federal lawsuit against state and county officials, accusing them of ruining his reputation as a dog breeder. Mark Hagelin and his father, Burton Hagelin Sr.,… Read More
    CALAIS – An American Indian fishing site at Devil’s Head, a popular hiking trail, is believed to be more than 2,000 years old and may be considered for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission plans to nominate the… Read More
    Passover. This Jewish holiday celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. While the title “Passover” commemorates the act of God as he passed over Israelite households during the tenth and final plague that killed the Egyptians’ newborns and broke Pharaoh’s will, this season has other names: zeman… Read More
    Seamus Griesbach was sharing a pastry and coffee with friends from Sanford earlier this week when the bells of Rome tolled, announcing a new pope. The cafe where the 26-year-old seminarian and his guests were eating was a 20-minute walk from the Vatican balcony where… Read More
    GUILFORD – Investigators are awaiting an autopsy on a Guilford man found dead in his apartment Friday, but a state police spokesman said it appears initially that the death is not suspicious. The body of Alan Mooers, 51, was found by a friend who went… Read More
    BANGOR – Two Bangor men pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography. Patrick James Monahan, 38, and Kenneth H. McLay, 33, each face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing dates have… Read More
    The wind whipped off Sebasticook Lake on Thursday, churning up whitecaps where just a few short weeks ago there was nothing but ice and snow. The sun was out, in that just-for-show, don’t-forget-your-parka way we Mainers have come to expect at this time of year. Read More
    ROCKLAND – John Coppola’s single plated David Benner with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday as Rockland outlasted Winslow 8-7 in a Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B baseball season opener. Benner tied the game in the bottom of the… Read More