AUGUSTA – Repeat drunken drivers will face up to five years in prison under a measure approved by lawmakers in the closing hours of the session and signed by Gov. John Baldacci. “While we have made great progress in getting repeat offenders off the road,… Read More
TOWNSHIP 5 RANGE 8 – There are stereotypically soaring pines and lazy moose loping down dirt roads. Trout streams foam into gold as they tumble over 500 million-year-old rocks. The cloud of black flies and mosquitoes puts a coastal pea-soup fog to shame. But these… Read More
DIXMONT – As an ambulance rushed to a hospital in Bangor on Sunday, medics inside sought to resuscitate a Troy man whose body had been submerged underwater for about an hour. “As soon as he was taken out of the water, [emergency medical service personnel]… Read More
TOPSHAM – A school bus transporting youngsters from a summer camp in Belgrade to an amusement park in Saco rolled over Sunday on Interstate 295, injuring several passengers. The 37 girls and boys, ages 12 and 13, along with 10 counselors and the bus driver,… Read More
Editor’s Note: Second story in a three-part series examining security on U.S. borders. HARLINGEN, Texas – Several times a day, a chain-link gate rolls open and dozens of illegal immigrants stroll out of the U.S. Border Patrol station here, blinking into the hot Texas sun… Read More
On the site of a former hat factory in Danbury, Conn., a stand of genetically altered cottonwood trees sucks mercury from the contaminated soil. Across the continent in California, researchers use transgenic Indian mustard plants to soak up dangerously high selenium deposits caused by irrigation… Read More
AUGUSTA – Milk has always been what retailers call a “loss leader” – a product that can be priced low to entice customers into a store. That, of course, is why milk is always placed the farthest distance from the front door, forcing buyers to walk past all… Read More
How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Dan Casavant of Waterville has had his… Read More
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – CVS Corp. has proposed a $3 million payment to settle a class-action lawsuit over its 401K and employee stock-ownership plans. CVS, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement, filed Friday at federal court in Boston. The… Read More
With the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in Kelo v. City of New London, Conn., eviscerating Americans’ Fifth Amendment protections against seizure of property, it is time to ask: Whose government is it? Is it now Of the Government, For the Government, By the… Read More
Below is an excerpt from the document this holiday is about. Two hundred and twenty-nine years ago, representatives in the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and adopted their Declaration of Independence. It expressed frustration and anger with the policies of Great Britain and its king. Read More
While reading the Associated Press article (BDN, June 29) about using fresh peaches for fruit bruschetta, warmed up with whipped cream and for ice tea, my mouth watered. In our household, we love ripe fresh fruit, especially peaches. But the reality is that being able… Read More
V. Paul Reynolds (BDN, June 29 letter) is surely correct in contending that the proposed base closings in Maine are largely political in nature. But his chastising of Sens. Collins and Snowe for daring to vote against President Bush every so often and for thus being partly responsible… Read More
The president is still trying to connect his war on Iraq with the disaster of 9-11. But no matter how often he tries to tie these two events together it is still a lie and a misrepresentation. There is no connection. As to his constant… Read More
David Manski, chief of resource management at Acadia National Park, has been cutting down the lupines because – according to him – “they don’t belong here.” Well, just as soon as the feathers are ready and the tar warms up he will really know who doesn’t belong here. Read More
The turmoil surrounding the status of Lupine (native or non-native, invasive or noninvasive) has been interesting to watch. I think the plants we know as Lupine are called Bluebonnets in Texas, held in high regard throughout that state. They carpet many areas in the late… Read More
I have to take strong exception to Ed Rice’s June 29 “Guard and Reserve in decline?” opinion piece. One might think an English professor would be more careful with his facts. For example, Rice calls the IRR the “Inactive” Ready Reserve. In reality, by performing a simple check… Read More
Mandy Shaw of Hudson sat at a flimsy card table at Fort Knox in Prospect on Saturday afternoon, a deck of tarot cards spread in front of her. The air inside the cool, dim officers quarters fairly hummed with energy as table tilters, psychics, palm… Read More
PORTLAND – One month ago the Roman Catholic Diocese released the names of deceased priests accused of sexual abuse of minors. On Sunday, as an addition to the previous list, the diocese released the names of those deceased priests who, as the diocese said in a press release,… Read More
BANGOR – After 13 years in more than a half-dozen locations, Bill Rae feels comfortable in saying that his safety net soup kitchen Manna is finally home. “It feels peaceful here,” Rae said this weekend from Manna’s Main Street address on the first anniversary of… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Shortly after lunch one May afternoon, a 15-year-old Pittsfield girl collapsed in her high school classroom. The girl ended up hospitalized with alcohol poisoning and a blood-alcohol level four times the limit set for drunk drivers. She got the alcohol from a fellow student, chugging it… Read More
EAST SANGERVILLE – Sid Stutzman agonized last year when he discovered that his Farm Share allotments would fall short for the need in the region. Having operated a farm stand for years, Stutzman said he had watched seniors on fixed incomes scavenge for discounted items… Read More
LAMOINE – Police have determined the contributing factors to a June 20 accident that claimed the life of a teenaged bicyclist. Janina Haslam, 14, was headed for the beach along Route 184 when she was struck from behind by a car driven by Natalie Barr,… Read More
Dexter Regional High School Fourth 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
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Piscataquis Community Middle School teacher, a product of the adult education system, has been tapped to serve as regional adult education coordinator for SADs 4, 68, and 41. Thelma Regan of Wellington will begin her duties in the newly created position July… Read More
MACHIAS – After 35 summers of providing children’s theater and entertainment within Hancock County at the Farmstead Barn in Sullivan, organizers of the series of four fun days in July are extending the program into Washington County. Free performances will take place at 10 a.m. Read More
EASTPORT – A 34-year-old sailor aboard the USS Ramage got a homecoming welcome like he could in no other port in America. Jonathan Fuller, who grew up in Lubec, saw his father board the destroyer last Friday as part of the welcoming party from the… Read More
SOLON – A collaboration between the public library and the Solon Elementary School has received a grant of $2,000 from Maine Reads, a community literacy project sponsored by first lady Karen Baldacci. The goal of the grant is to foster a relationship between schools and… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The Beth C. Wright Center in Ellsworth will offer skin care, cosmetic and hair tips for women experiencing the side effects of cancer treatment from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 18, at the Somesville Union Meeting House. The program, called “Look… Read More
MACHIAS – Ginny Little, owner of The Sow’s Ear, is thrilled that her gift shop in Machias reached its 25th year last Friday, July 1. But she celebrated the memories from a distance, because she is now living at Dirigo Pines, an assisted living facility… Read More
BELFAST – Concerned that the referendum process may be used for personal gain, City Councilor James Roberts says he wants to amend the city charter to prevent use of citizen initiatives to change land use rules. Roberts said he was concerned when the city’s zoning… Read More
Penquis Valley School, Milo Fourth 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
SEARSPORT – Selectmen have named James Gillway town manager, saying they liked his ties to the community. Gillway, 41, has been a police officer and then chief in town for 15 years. Selectmen tapped him as interim town manager when Sandra Blake resigned and vacated… Read More
Penobscot County Superior Court 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 slot_sizes… Read More
A Pittsfield woman was injured in a Saturday night accident on Interstate 95. According to State Trooper Scott Hamilton, Laura Parkinson, 19, said she was driving her 1994 Mazda four-door down the exit 167 northbound off ramp in Etna when a deer jumped out in… Read More
BREWER – Representatives of labor, farmers and small businesses today will launch an effort aimed at reversing what organizers said is the rise of corporate giants and globalization at the expense of the local economy. Called simply Farmer-Labor-Small Business Alliance, the fledgling organization emphasizes the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Seniors’ nutritional benefits and farmers’ up-front capital will suffer this harvest season in the wake of changes in the federal rules for Maine’s Farm Share program, according to state officials. In each of the past five years, Maine’s seniors could receive a $100… Read More
Today is the Fourth of July: The day we celebrate the joys and freedom of living in a wonderful republic founded by brave and brilliant men 229 years ago. While enjoying traditional parades, picnics and barbecues during the day, and fireworks lighting up our nighttime… Read More
The following is a list of events scheduled for Monday, July 4. BANGOR – The city’s Fourth of July parade, led by Maine troop greeters as grand marshals, will begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of Acme Road and Wilson Street in Brewer. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BAR HARBOR – As Officer Shaun Farrar slowly navigated his police cruiser Friday night through the throngs of pedestrians and vehicles that choked Cottage Street, his eyes darted from side to side. It was the beginning of Fourth of July weekend, Bar Harbor’s busiest time,… Read More
AUGUSTA – A traffic accident Saturday in Augusta involving a van and a pickup truck left one man dead and four people injured. Paul Knickle, 48, of Augusta, the lone occupant of the pickup, was killed in the crash at the intersection of Weeks Mills… Read More
SACO – Recreational fishermen on Friday found the body of a 63-year-old Sanford man who disappeared while going fishing on the Saco River. Searchers believed Ron Fernald and his pet Chihuahua somehow ended up in the water after climbing aboard his 6-foot aluminum skiff to… Read More
HIRAM – A 4-year-old boy was crushed to death when part of an uprooted tree being cut up by his uncle fell on him, authorities said. The 4-year-old and his 7-year-old cousin were playing Saturday in the hole made by the tree’s roots. When the… Read More
AUGUSTA – An autopsy is planned on a woman found dead Saturday in a car on Front Street. Police say they are treating the death as suspicious. Lt. Jeffrey Pomerleau said the woman had yet to be identified Saturday night. The body was found in… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – An elderly couple from Jay were killed Saturday morning in a two-car accident near Lake George Regional Park on Route 2. Herman Carlstrom, 71, and Roberta Carlstrom, 65, along with their pet cat, died at the scene after their 2002 Nissan, which was… Read More
Zip, Kip, and Victory Chimes – each a piece of work. Recipe for a lively, long weekend: Mix that trio of pieces with 34 other passengers and nine crew members, blend in sunshine and music, add a large dash of spirits – high. The result is an experience… Read More
HERMON – The outside groove was the fast one at Hermon’s Speedway 95 Saturday night. But Stockton Springs’ Duane Seekins certainly didn’t mind the bottom one. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
PORTLAND – Todd Westfall, who turned pro less than two years ago, has come away with the top prize in the TD Banknorth Portland Open. Westfall, of Clendenin, W.Wa., fired a 3-under-par 68 Saturday at Riverside Golf Course to finish 11 under for the 54-hole… Read More
BALNEARIO CAMBORIU, Brazil – Adam Craig of Corinth matched his career best set last week with a fourth-place finish Sunday in the sixth stop of the International Cycling Union World Cup mountain biking cross country series. Craig, who placed fourth June 25 in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec,… Read More
HOLE-IN-ONE GEOFFREY GOODWIN 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
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Rookie Todd Kluever could feel that change was imminent heading into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Swapping crew chiefs was a risky move on such short notice, but the switch paid off as Kluever had… Read More
BANGOR – Andrew Patterson’s run-scoring double in the top of the eighth inning Sunday scored Mitch Peasley and broke a 13-13 tie that capped a comeback from a 10-run deficit as Brewer rallied to beat Penquis 14-13 in Zone 1 American Legion baseball action. Brewer… Read More
BANGOR – Shawn Murphy hit an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning to drive in Andy Bush and lead Brewer to a 4-3 victory over Bangor in a District 3 Junior League all-star baseball game Saturday at Mansfield Stadium. Eric White hit… Read More
UNITY – Mount Vernon’s Judd Derbyshire took his third checkered flag of the season in the Late Model Pro-4 class, overcoming a mid-race spin and holding off newcomer Tim Robinson of Clinton by two car-lengths Saturday night. It was the second event in the class’s… Read More
Just starting out in genealogy? Still think of yourself as a beginner when it comes to family trees? Then get on the Acorn Track. We’re talking about a series of four presentations scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8, at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield during… Read More
For Carl Karush, patriotism involves a simple, four-letter word: bike. The 60-year-old Hancock resident will tell you that he is fed up with paying exorbitant gasoline prices, so he has adopted a method that saves him nearly $8 each week: He rides his bicycle to work. But Karush’s… Read More
Not Just Kid Stuff,” says the sign in my local library. The sign highlights a selection of novels, some considered “Middle Grade,” for children ages 8-12, and others “Young Adult,” for ages 12-19. The novels are propped atop a bookcase near the adult fiction shelves. The books are… Read More
In theaters WAR OF THE WORLDS, directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Josh Friedman and David Koepp, based on H.G. Wells’ book, 116 minutes, rated PG-13. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
The Fourth of July got off to an early start in Bangor a century ago with a fire in Estabrooke’s cigar store in the Old Jones Block on Hammond Street. It spread into the basement bulging with rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, pinwheels “and every other device that has… Read More