VATICAN CITY – The Vatican singled out divorcees who remarry and Catholic politicians who support abortion on Thursday in criticizing the faithful who continue to receive Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin. The lament came in a new document on the Eucharist… Read More
State and local officials are taking added precautions in the wake of Thursday’s bombings in London, although there has been nothing to indicate similar attacks are intended for Maine. “There’s no information to suggest that we’re at a substantial risk,” Bangor Police Chief Don Winslow… Read More
An Associated Press story in the State section of Thursday’s paper requires clarification. The 40th annual Yarmouth Clam Festival will be held July 15, 16 and 17. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
GLENBURN – Steven Smith, 46, spent all day Thursday doing exactly what thousands of frantic people in London were doing – desperately trying to reach loved ones who possibly were hurt or killed by the four explosions that ripped through underground trains and a double-decker bus in the… Read More
ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland – Ocean temperatures in the North Atlantic hit an all-time high last year, raising concerns about the effects of global warming on one of the most sensitive and productive ecosystems in the world. Sea ice off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador… Read More
BANGOR – A flurry of development is occurring throughout the city in 2005 with many new businesses scheduled to open in the coming months in the Bangor Mall area and on Main Street and Broadway. The Parkades minimall development, located on Stillwater Avenue across from… Read More
PLEASANT POINT – If a proposed $200 million liquefied natural gas terminal is built at Split Rock, expect to see one or two ships docked a half-mile offshore 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the project’s developer said Thursday. At a news conference… Read More
FREEPORT – Outdoor goods outfitter L.L. Bean is taking steps to shift its advertising strategy as it looks for a new ad agency. Bean wants to change the emphasis from catalog sales to a growing string of stores and the Internet, a company spokesman said. Read More
WATERVILLE – T-Mobile’s call center project in Maine is going ahead full steam, despite a published report that its owner is considering selling the company, the wireless operator’s Oakland project manager said. Brian Brueckman called reports in the Wall Street Journal’s Europe edition speculation. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BATH – Bath Iron Works’ plan to replace some union custodial jobs with a cleaning services subcontractor has been put on hold for three months while talks continue between the Navy shipbuilder and its largest union. The Machinists Union threatened to picket the christening of… Read More
Now that Robert Kennedy has been confirmed as president of the University of Maine, he has the opportunity to do what his predecessors failed to do – to put the renovation and expansion of Fogler Library at the top of his list for future funding. Read More
Once protesters cut in on the industrialized world’s gigantic photo-op that is the G-8 summit, there seemed like even less purpose to it than before. Nations go, however, as they have gone this week, because it would be bigger news not to go, and there is the outside… Read More
New York Times reporter Judith Miller went to jail this week rather than reveal a news source while Matthew Cooper of Time magazine escaped imprisonment after he agreed to testify. The case is far from simple. Communications lawyers, news organizations and even reporters disagree on… Read More
Rose Kouroyen said in the article, “Tax hike angers smokers/Critics say increase hits poor Mainers hardest” (BDN, June 27), that she has been smoking for 47 years, and says her doctor said she “… obviously takes good care of [her]self.” I was surprised to read… Read More
In a June 22 commentary concerning an absence of news coverage of tribal meetings regarding LNG, Robert Godfrey wrote, “If this were happening in another country, U.S. politicians and human rights organizations would be speechifying on how terrible it all is. They’d be sending in elections observers and… Read More
How many of you have the feeling that you can’t fight city hall? A $1.5 million expenditure to move Brewer City Hall to the former Eastern Fine Paper building is a huge expense. At its present location it is centrally located and better serves the… Read More
I must object to your headline, “Foreigners responsible for most suicide attacks in Iraq” (BDN, July 1). This, like much of the “news” we get about Iraq, has already been spun by the military, who are trying to suggest that Iraqis are satisfied with the… Read More
The June 29 editorial cartoon featuring a man watching Bush’s speech on television and commenting about President Johnson seems most appropriate. This is exactly what crossed my mind as I watched President Bush’s recent televised address to the nation. Johnson and his advisers, like Robert… Read More
Social Security has undergone many constructive changes since its inception in 1935, but the changes proposed by President Bush are not desirable or necessary. SS was proposed and enacted during the Depression when four of five seniors were living in poverty. Senate Democrats voted 60-1… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Two Presque Isle teenagers, who were accused of cutting, beating and stabbing a dog to death in a case that drew global attention, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of animal cruelty and theft by unauthorized taking. Benjamin Benedict, 16, was sentenced in… Read More
HAMPDEN – The state Department of Environmental Protection has agreed to process an application to boost capacity at one of the state’s largest landfills, while the company that owns it continues to address groundwater contamination problems. Casella Waste Systems Inc. is seeking to increase capacity… Read More
It used to be that the pint-sized campers at the Maine Discovery Museum could picnic in Pickering Square. The public square in downtown Bangor, after all, is in the museum’s back yard and there are benches and plenty of room to run off all that youthful energy. Read More
BANGOR – A Maine Bureau of Health study released Thursday provided little information about whether residents of Griffin Park have been affected by chemicals – specifically propylene glycol – originating from a stream adjacent to the housing complex. The issue of a potential health risk… Read More
BANGOR – With the price of everything going up – energy, health insurance and even books – the Bangor Public Library is tightening its belt in the face of some funding problems. As the library heads into its annual fund-raiser, the staff is finding it… Read More
AUGUSTA – Bangor Hydro-Electric Co.’s proposal for a new, high-voltage power line through Washington County won’t go through a formal public hearing process before the Board of Environmental Protection, board members decided Thursday. Bangor Hydro has been trying to build a second 345 kilovolt power… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Public Library will begin its summer reading programs at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, for children ages 4 to 7, and 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, for children ages 8 to 12. The special programs will run for five weeks. Preschool… Read More
CORINNA – The Corinna Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the museum. The society holds summer hours from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays. For information, contact Rich at 278-5669. Read More
BANGOR – Windswept Gardens will hold its annual rose sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at its Broadway location. Seminars will be available from noon to 1 p.m. For information, call 941-9898. Read More
DETROIT – Although it was initially delayed by rain, work this summer is progressing quickly at the new Detroit fire station – work that needs to be completed so the department can be back in operation. Once the new station, located on Route 220 next… Read More
BANGOR – The final 10 artists slated to perform at the 2005 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront have been announced. In keeping with the tradition of the National Folk Festival, the inaugural year for Bangor’s American Folk Festival features a diverse group of performers. The newly… Read More
WASHBURN – Boy Scout Troop 177 will hold a spaghetti supper from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Trail Runners Snowmobile Club. Cost is $5 per person or $15 for a family. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Penobscots need money to sustain girls, boys club Initial $20,000 figure not expected to cover costs
INDIAN ISLAND – The campaign kickoff for the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club was a success, but to reach the amount needed to sustain the club is going to take time, Club Director Carla Fearon said Thursday. The campaign will continue throughout the year,… Read More
DEXTER – There was no dispute among six panelists on Wednesday that Maine taxes are too high, although differing views were expressed about which taxes should be adjusted and how. “We are way above average in taxes,” Rep. Doug Thomas, R-Ripley, said Wednesday, during a… Read More
CUSHING – A midcoast man was honored recently at a formal ceremony for his nomination as Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in New York City. A medal was presented to David Farmer, who was chosen because of his efforts on behalf of… Read More
ORLAND – Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust invites the public to paddle to Hothole Pond at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9, beginning at Moosehorn Stream bridge. The two-mile trek can be done with a canoe or kayak. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
HANCOCK – The Hancock County Democratic Committee will hold its second annual auction and lobster bake at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Pierre Monteux School. A $15 donation provides guests with lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw and several appetizers and desserts. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
EASTPORT – A workshop on the basics of solar energy will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the home of Fredda and Leslie Paul at Pleasant Point. Registration is $25 and free to tribal members. For directions or to… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Woodlawn’s Wednesday Afternoon Teas are scheduled for 3 p.m. July 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 10, 17 and 24, at the Surry Road museum. The cost is $15, or $12 for museum members. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
CALAIS – Six pupils from the community have been selected to represent Calais Middle School this fall at the 2005 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. The sixth-graders are Adam Geel, Emily McCadden and Tyler Bridges. The seventh-graders are Emily Ginn, Heath Thompson… Read More
PROSPECT HARBOR – The annual book sale to benefit the Dorcas Library will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at its Route 186 location. A handmade hooked wool rug also will be raffled. Read More
SEARSPORT – The Penobscot Marine Museum will sponsor a series of demonstrations beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, on the museum campus. Demonstrations also will be available at 1 p.m. July 14, 21 and 23. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Brewer police reported several calls Thursday afternoon stating that ducks in the roadway were causing a hazard to drivers, said Officer Nelson Feero. A mother duck and eight ducklings marched across North Main Street in Brewer despite the flow of evening traffic. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
CASTINE – Corn chip art. Not a new wave movement, but a phrase that perhaps exemplifies the process that the late Clark Fitz-Gerald used to create his sculpture featured in cathedrals and colleges around the world as well as smaller pieces that grace his home. Read More
BAR HARBOR – Form definitely does not follow function in the whimsical display of artistically decorated canoe paddles on view through July at the Abbe Museum. The paddles will be auctioned on Aug. 2 to raise money to support the museum’s programming. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
WINTER HARBOR – Residents on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved 43-8 a request from the town’s selectmen to borrow $1,075,000 for much-needed infrastructure improvements. The money will be combined with the $500,000 voters agreed to borrow at the 2004 annual town meeting. Together, the funds will cover… Read More
Lt. Col. Kevin J. Harris will assume command of the University of Maine Army ROTC Battalion in a 10 a.m. ceremony scheduled for Thursday, July 14, in the Arthur St. John Hill Auditorium, 163 Barrows Hall. Harris will replace Lt. Col. Josef R. Hallatschek, who has served as… Read More
Local police have charged one juvenile and plan to charge two others this week with criminal mischief in connection with a break-in at a home on Macomber’s Corner. Two Guilford juveniles, both 17, and a Dover-Foxcroft juvenile, 17, are accused of pushing in a door at the home… Read More
Two burglaries that were reported on Tuesday night are under investigation by the Dexter Police Department. Someone entered a homeowner’s open garage on Beech Street and removed a Black and Decker sander and jigsaw, each valued at $50, according to Police Chief Art Roy. In addition, a vehicle… Read More
HOULTON – Police Chief Dan Soucy told town councilors at a recent meeting that a firearms upgrade was necessary for stopping power and for the safety of town police officers. Despite some initial reluctance, the group eventually agreed to purchase a minimum of 10 and… Read More
BROOKS – Expanding Opportunities is preparing for its annual Nyama Choma Feast, and seeks one or two goats. The goat donor will receive two complimentary tickets to the Sept. 10 feast. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
WALDOBORO – The United Historical Society will present “The Black Pirate” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Town House. Tickets for the film are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Children wearing full pirate costume get in free. Read More
ROCKPORT – The Rockport Public Library will hold its annual book sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9. For information, contact the library at 236-3642. Read More
NORTHPORT – The VFW Hall will be host of a concert from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 16, on Route 1. The Northern Lites Band will provide the entertainment for a $6 admission fee. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
WASHINGTON – The 58th annual Strawberry Festival will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9, on the Village Church lawn. Strawberry shortcake, pie, pizza and sandwiches will be among the festival’s features. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – The 11th annual Strawberry Festival will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at the United Christian Church. It will include a parade, food, games, live music and a church fair. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
ROCKLAND – The would-be developers of a methadone clinic filed Thursday for a preliminary injunction in U.S. District Court in Portland, seeking to nullify amendments to Rockland’s zoning ordinance. The amendments were adopted to block the clinic from opening in the city. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
NEWPORT – Before Nicole Cianchette, 16, even left for ROTC summer camp on Cape Cod recently, she had memorized more than 60 facts about military history, map reading and other skills. Her diligence paid off when she was named leader of her company of 135… Read More
SHEFFIELD, Vt. – Residents in this Northeast Kingdom town are trying to organize their neighbors to oppose a proposed industrial wind farm on a nearby mountain. About 35 people crammed into the town office Wednesday to discuss their concerns about the proposed 24 turbines, sitting… Read More
AUGUSTA – A second round of negotiations among Democratic and Republican legislative leaders Thursday left the two sides planning to meet again next week, with participants from both parties saying an effort to reach a compromise on state borrowing was progressing. Majority Democrats suggested that… Read More
AUGUSTA – Republican David Emery, who announced last month he is exploring a possible gubernatorial bid, is indeed at the exploratory stage. He has asked the state ethics commission “what act triggers a candidacy for regulatory purposes” and how he might begin to organize a… Read More
ROCKLAND – A former bookkeeper at the law firm Strout & Payson has been arrested for allegedly stealing $160,000 from the business. Billie Jean Grotton-Roberson, 29, was in custody at the Williamson County Jail in Taylor, Texas, on Thursday afternoon, Deputy Police Chief Wally Tower… Read More
AUGUSTA – Last year, Maine legislators passed the nation’s first law requiring that television and computer manufacturers help pay for the recycling of the lead and mercury contaminated waste created when the obsolete technology is thrown out. Now, state environmental officials must decide how to… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine students surveyed earlier this year think alcohol advertising makes a strong pitch to youths, raising the potential of problems associated with underage drinking, a youth policy group said Thursday. Survey results released in the State House by Youth Empowerment and Policy Group… Read More
What a special Quietside Flamingo Festival this is going to be as residents of Southwest Harbor celebrate their centennial, and Harbor House Community Service Center celebrates its 40th anniversary. The festival is July 12-18 and begins with a Family Night Pajama Picnic and Pizza Party… Read More
AUGUSTA – Republican legislative leaders who backed an earlier “people’s veto” campaign to repeal a controversial borrowing provision of the state budget are distancing themselves from a new petition drive targeted at other budget provisions. The latest effort is being led by Stavros Mendros of… Read More
PORTLAND – The murder case against Brandon Mills, accused of fatally stabbing a 16-year-old boy during a scuffle last fall in the crowded doorway of his family’s Portland apartment, went to the jury Thursday. Jurors began deliberations in Cumberland County Superior Court after listening to… Read More
After spending more than six months in military hospitals out of state, a Maine soldier who was critically injured while serving in Iraq is scheduled today to return home. Sgt. Harold Gray, 35, of Penobscot is one of three members of the Maine Army National… Read More
University of Maine senior associate athletic director Blake James was named the university’s interim athletic director on Thursday. James will take over while the university searches for a permanent replacement for Patrick Nero, who is leaving UMaine July 23 to become the commissioner of the… Read More
Those who don’t have the cable TV SpeedChannel network haven’t been able to watch the progress of Newburgh’s Ricky Craven, the former Nextel Cup driver who is running in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the first time this season. But race fans will be… Read More
The second half of the major league baseball season should be interesting. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, over the past five years only 15 of 31 teams in first place in the division at the midpoint have been there when the last game of the season was… Read More
PORTLAND – The Boston Red Sox announced that relief pitchers James Mann and Jason Pearson from the Independent Nashua Pride have been assigned to the Portland Sea Dogs. The Red Sox also announced RHP Alex Gonzalez has been transferred to the Gulf Coast League Red… Read More
SINGAPORE – Baseball and softball were dropped from the Olympic program for the 2012 Games on Friday. Each of the 28 existing sports was put to a secret ballot by the International Olympic Committee, and baseball and softball failed to receive a majority required to… Read More
GLENBURN – Charlie Rawcliffe spun a no-hitter, striking out nine and walking only two as Hampden eliminated Glenburn from the ages 11-12 District 3 Little League all-star baseball tourney with an 8-0 victory. Rawcliffe helped his cause with a double and single. Ricky Snow and… Read More
CALAIS – Drew Welch slapped a two-run single to lead the Lincoln Lumber to a 5-4 victory over the Calais Suns in American Legion baseball action Thursday night. Jordan Burleigh and Josh Seeley had two singles apiece for Lincoln. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
HERMON – Bob Seger Jr. of Winterport led from the pole in a borrowed car to win the Big Enduro race on Wacky Wednesday at Speedway 95. Winterport’s Joey Doyon, Mike Lynch, and Abel Leamer finished second through fourth, respectively. Brooks’ Randy Newton was fifth. Read More
Last summer, when the River City Cinema Society took over downtown Bangor’s Pickering Square for six consecutive Friday nights in July through mid-August, Bangor became one tough, ugly place. Guns were drawn at twilight, people were murdered in the streets, wanton women lingered under lamplights,… Read More
For moments, days and weeks after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many Americans sat helplessly and watched the tragedy unfold on TV. Stomachs were churning, hands wringing and hearts breaking. What could regular citizens – so far away, so unprepared and unskilled for emergencies – do to… Read More
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, directed by Sam Wood, written by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, 91 minutes, unrated. Shows tonight only, weather permitting, Pickering Square, downtown Bangor, sundown. Lawn chairs advised. Free. If you’re going to launch a comedy film series and call… Read More
Singer-songwriter Michelle Lewis has had one goal in mind for a long time now: to make a living as a musician. Not always an easy thing to do, especially in the sometimes dog-eat-dog Boston music scene. But Lewis is persevering. Sounding a little bit like… Read More