Concerned for the welfare of the state’s most vulnerable elderly and disabled residents, a Maine advocacy group has joined a federal lawsuit aimed at preserving people’s access to the medications they need while a complicated new federal drug program goes into effect. The Maine chapter… Read More
    OLD TOWN – As news of the sale of Georgia-Pacific circulated Monday, residents expressed a mix of surprise and trepidation over what the deal will mean for a city that relies so heavily on one paper mill. “I don’t know much, but it looks pretty… Read More
    WASHINGTON – On your mark, get set … stop. Enrollment begins today for a new Medicare prescription drug benefit, and officials say it’s time for beneficiaries to think about signing up – but not necessarily to decide right away. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    The caption with a photo on Monday’s State page showing a boy playing with a football contained an error. Nick Lewis was playing in Chapin Park. — googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled Monday that parents of special education students disputing proposed instructional plans for their children have the burden of proving why the plans are inadequate. The case, brought by a Maryland couple who wanted the burden of proof shifted to… Read More
    ALBANY, N.Y. – Western Union Financial Services will post prominent warnings to customers about fraudulent telemarketers who are increasingly requiring consumers to wire money because it is harder to trace, according to an agreement Monday with New York, the six New England states and 40 other states. Read More
    LEWISTON – More than 4,400 employees of Maine’s largest 50 companies qualified for and received some form of state assistance last month, according to state Department of Health and Human Services records. The figures also show that two of the top three companies with the… Read More
    HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia saw a dramatic 13 percent decline in the number of American visitors this year, a 25-year low, Tourism Minister Rodney MacDonald announced Monday. The province could face even further declines if Washington proceeds with a plan requiring American citizens… Read More
    The single loss among bond questions last Tuesday was for a combined $9 million in repairs within the University of Maine and Community College systems. The loss can be explained several ways, and higher-education officials in Maine have been explaining at length. It was the last bond on… Read More
    Seniors may have a tough time fighting through the tangle of regulations, choices, plan lists, special provisions, penalties and warnings of the new Medicare D prescription drug program, for which signups start today and extend to May 15, 2006 without penalty. If they make it… Read More
    Monday’s letter by Richard Barclay, concerning Exxon’s most recent quarterly profit, contained a mathematical error. The sentence in question should have read, “That’s $9.9 billion – or, in another term, $33 for every man, woman and child in the United States.”… Read More
    The article, “Brewer man pleads guilty in drug case” (BDN, Nov. 9), left little to the imagination. The article would have been just as effective without the graphic details of Joshua W. Delmonaco’s criminal act. It’s fair to report about the crime, allowing people to… Read More
    My sincere thanks and appreciation to all who supported my campaign for Belfast City Council. While too numerous to mention by name, I would like to thank those who encouraged me to run and also those who assisted with making signs, writing articles, offering suggestions and just being… Read More
    The bashing of Dan Rather by letter writer Rick Robinson (BDN, Nov. 9) is classically Republican. As for manufacturing a story about George Bush, that is debatable. And isn’t it funny that it is questionable for a reporter to repeat from his sources, but OK for the president… Read More
    The “yes” side’s disgruntled reaction to the outcome of the gay rights bill vote leaves one amazed at this particular faction’s inability to accept the fact that the majority of Mainers do not share their opinion and fears concerning gay rights. Wasn’t it the same… Read More
    Santayana once opined, “Men who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.” I wonder if the 55 percent who voted not to repeal the so-called gay rights law have considered what their vote means. First, this vote means that Gov. Baldacci has disenfranchised… Read More
    The Bangor Daily News’ insulting Nov. 9 editorial titled, “Health Care Politics,” was, among other things, misguided, irresponsible and in bad taste. To claim the only reason Republicans don’t like the Dirigo Health program is because its success could help Gov. Baldacci’s chances to a second term is… Read More
    Opinions vary on how to use and protect natural resources. That’s why solid science, not opinion, is the basis of good environmental policy. As an associate professor of wetland ecology at the University of Maine, I’m confident that a “homework” assignment to review widely available research would show… Read More
    Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection should adopt California’s carbon dioxide vehicular emissions standards. It won’t happen nationally. The Bush administration ignores climate predictions of the overwhelming majority of Earth scientists, as it ignored National Weather Service warnings for three long days before Hurricane Katrina. This… Read More
    Historically, most Americans have worshipped the free market. If poverty becomes widespread, liberals blame poorly funded schools. They reason that as long as children have access to good public schools, anyone who works can succeed. Conservatives fault the moral character of the poor. Or, like President Bush, they… Read More
    The positions of Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins on Judge Samuel Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court will indelibly define their records not on politics but on ethics. As two members of the so-called gang of 14 that can prevent filibusters of judicial nominees, they have an… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Sangerville man claims that a lengthy prison term for his role in a 2003 armed home invasion in LaGrange is unconstitutional. His attorney, Kirk Bloomer of Brewer, told the state’s highest court Monday that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year overturning… Read More
    Many of those who benefit from your donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund struggle day by day to feed and clothe their families. As the winter season and the holidays approach, this struggle only intensifies. Christmas is an especially difficult time for these families, according… Read More
    Amid all those inflatable pilgrim and turkey lawn ornaments that begin to appear the day after Halloween, the annual TV broadcast of “The Wizard of Oz” remains our most delightful reminder that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. When the L. Frank Baum classic showed… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – An out-of-control, speeding driver struck an Eagle Lake Road house early Sunday morning with his borrowed vehicle, destroying the car and causing an estimated $10,000 in damage to the home. No one was seriously injured in the accident. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – With its harshest critics noticeably absent, the Town Council’s new majority formally assumed power Monday night, promising an end to the strife that dogged the council over the last year concerning an economic development organization called MAGIC. After being elected unanimously to his… Read More
    MADAWASKA LAKE – The Maine State Police are investigating a series of six seasonal camp burglaries that happened sometime during the night Saturday along the South Shore Road of Madawaska Lake in Township 17 Range 4. While most of the camp owners have not inventoried… Read More
    CARIBOU – The Maine Winter Sports Center has moved its headquarters from rented facilities at the Loring Commerce Centre in Limestone to a fully owned building in Caribou. The facility at 552 Main St., near the Caribou School Department superintendent’s office, will house staff and… Read More
    EASTON – A long-term problem with the elementary school’s roof is nearing resolution as contractors prepare to recap sections of the cover, according to a school official. Easton School Committee members discussed the school’s roof during their November meeting last week, receiving an update from… Read More
    MARS HILL – Noting that area students earned more than $80,000 this year during the fall harvest break, school officials voted last week to continue the district’s three-week recess next year so youth can participate in the potato harvest, according to a school official. The… Read More
    CARIBOU – An inordinately high number of indictments handed down by the Aroostook County grand jury this term have been drug-related, and there seems to be no end in sight, at least in the eyes of the county’s district attorney. Twelve of 50 indictments handed… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The number of Knox County households experiencing hunger is on the rise, a community group said Monday. The number of cases of hunger in the county is higher than the national average two years ago and is higher than Maine’s 2001-2003 averages, according… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Town officials will seek state funding to make improvements to the Miles Lane walking trail. Councilors last week authorized an application to the Bureau of Parks and Lands for between $10,000 and $30,000 for the project, which will include improvements to the drainage… Read More
    The first time Bangor police officers stopped a pickup truck late Sunday night, the two passengers inside were intoxicated while the driver was sober, although his license was suspended. The second time they stopped the truck – about a half-hour later – a passenger was… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – It’s due to happen in seven months, but planning for the town’s celebration of its 100th birthday starts today, town Administrative Assistant Shirley Tapley said Monday. Tapley told the Board of Selectmen on Monday night that a committee has formed with the… Read More
    BANGOR – The city’s new council chairman set an ambitious course for the coming year during a postelection organizational meeting Monday at City Hall. John Cashwell III, 58, was the nine-member council’s unanimous choice and only nominee. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    GREENVILLE – A Hermon company’s request to rezone land in Beaver Cove to pave the way for a 70-lot subdivision will be aired at a February public hearing. The Land Use Regulation Commission has scheduled the hearing for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Greenville. Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine sent a campuswide e-mail alert after receiving reports from students who believe drugs may have been slipped into their drinks at area bars. Robert Dana, UM dean of students, called the e-mail “a public health approach to prevention.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ORRINGTON – After consulting the town charter, selectmen decided to appoint Chairman Paul White and Town Clerk Anita Demmons as temporary town managers until a full-time manager is hired. According to the charter, the chairman of the board or any qualified town employee can fill… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – After unanimously approving a Webb Road facility as the new home for a portable toilet business, town planners Monday night set up a timeline for reviewing and possibly amending the town’s 7-year-old comprehensive plan. Bill Najpauer of the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments… Read More
    Pupils in Brewer are still collecting money and water for victims of recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. The effort began after Hurricane Katrina hit in October. It will continue until the goal is reached, Ken Bonstein, fifth-grade teacher and Community of Caring coordinator for the school department,… Read More
    A local man who was convicted of two domestic assaults faces a third count in connection with an incident that occurred Saturday in Milo. Patrick Hathorne, aka Micky Burgoyne, 32, also was charged with escape and two Class C violations of bail. He made his initial court appearance… Read More
    CALAIS – The title “Arte Affaire” may sound like a gala New York event, but the show that begins Friday at the Down East Heritage Museum is more about showcasing talented local artisans. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and… Read More
    CALAIS – Volunteers are needed to help with future trail work, interpretive planning, site landscaping, maintenance and development of picnic areas and future trails at the Devil’s Head Conservation Area off Route 1. A meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Richard Cost believes that one of the best ways for Maine university students and professors to understand the global economy may be to take a trip to France. Cost, who is president of the University of Maine at Fort Kent, will speak… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A Knox County sheriff’s sergeant was dragged 45 yards alongside a vehicle Saturday as a driver tried to flee in his Honda Accord after being stopped for speeding. Sgt. Steven Burns suffered back and muscle strain, Chief Deputy Todd Butler said Monday. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A 1992 Oldsmobile sedan wound up inside a flower shop late Sunday night when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign on Sherer’s Lane. Lonnie Harrison, 24, of Rockland was traveling east on Sherer’s Lane around 10:30 p.m. when he failed… Read More
    BELFAST – A patron of the Lookout Pub on Front Street apparently grew tired of waiting for a ride home Friday and took a van in the parking lot. Police Chief Jeff Trafton reported Monday that Jonathan Avery, 24, of Belfast was charged with unauthorized… Read More
    MACHIAS – A Machias woman celebrating her 63rd birthday with her family collapsed and died at a bar Saturday evening. Neither Machias police nor officials from the state medical examiner’s office would release the woman’s name until the investigation is complete. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – Park rangers watched Monday afternoon as three people drank alcohol inside a vehicle at Thompson Island and started to drive away. The trio, however, didn’t get very far. Ranger Neal Labrie stopped the car and found that driver Kathryn Doan, 24,… Read More
    BANGOR – School committee members Martha Newman and Phyllis Shubert were unanimously re-elected chairwoman and vice chairwoman respectively during an organizational meeting Monday at City Hall. “I look forward to a very difficult budget year. I’m afraid of this year,” Newman said during the meeting. Read More
    LINCOLN – With the Fire Department needing a new tanker truck, fire and town officials want to go shopping for a used replacement, Town Manager Glenn Aho said Monday. “It’s an older model with a gas motor that has not functioned very reliably in the… Read More
    Members of the Mount Desert Island Hospital Auxiliary are nearly ready to host their Christmas Fair, Luncheon and Boutique, and they hope you will help them help the hospital and community by taking advantage of their offerings. This is the auxiliary’s largest fundraiser. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    CONCORD, N.H. – Some backed building an off-road vehicle park in Berlin to boost the poor city’s economy. Others testified Monday that ATV riders have paid fees unfairly to build state trails when few have been built. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    BANGOR – A Bar Harbor man and woman were indicted last week on drug charges by a federal grand jury. Jessica Nickels, 28, and Adam Vinson, 25, are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Bangor on one count each of conspiracy… Read More
    STEUBEN – More study is needed to determine what caused the death of a 32-year-old man whose body was found Sunday, a state medical examiner’s office spokeswoman said Monday. David Nason, 32, had been missing for nearly a month when his body was found Sunday… Read More
    History has seemed to be more of an impediment than inspiration for Brewer High School’s football team, but not anymore. As much as Brewer’s development from also-ran to playoff team and title contender is physical in nature, it was the mental part that propelled the… Read More
    The state championship experience is becoming quite familiar to the Foxcroft Academy football team, but the Ponies’ third trip to Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium in the last four years will mark their first night-time quest for statewide supremacy in Class C. In 2003, when Foxcroft defeated… Read More
    Pat Keliher traveled to Brewer on Monday night hoping to hear what Bangor-area anglers thought about the possibility of opening the Penobscot River to Atlantic salmon fishing. “We want to hear anything that you think,” said the executive director of the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission. Read More
    COLLEGE Calt Cleaver 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
    NEW YORK – Aaron Peirsol and Katie Hoff were selected athletes of the year Monday night at the Golden Goggle Awards, USA Swimming’s annual gala honoring the top swimming performances of 2005. Portland native Ian Crocker was honored for the male performance of the year,… Read More
    JACKSON, Miss. – Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd surrendered Monday to federal agents in Tupelo to face charges he threatened a former girlfriend. John G. Raucci, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi, and U.S. Attorney Jim M. Greenlee… Read More
    Although they had no assurances they would even be playing another game, the Maine Maritime Academy Mariners held a full week of practice last week after finishing the regular season. That decision paid off Monday when the Eastern College Athletic Conference announced its 2005 postseason… Read More
    LEE – Charles Cole scored his only field goal and what proved to be the game-winning shot to put Eldon Academy up by one in the fourth quarter en route to a 79-78 postgraduate basketball victory over Lee Academy Monday. The Lee postgrads were playing… Read More
    Shooting albino deer cost others rare sight Instead of praising “Caesar” for what he did, he should have been told of what he cost the rest of us. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More