A Page One story in Thursday’s Bangor Daily News described a Wednesday conversation as taking place between Democratic leaders and Rep. Joanne Twomey behind closed doors. The conversation, in fact, took place in a hallway and was between just Twomey and a legislative committee chairman. Read More
    Children of women who maintained high Vitamin D levels while pregnant have bigger, stronger and more calcium-rich bones than those of other children at age 9, new research finds. The study suggests Vitamin D levels in pregnant women may have a greater impact on children’s… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The heavy spring and fall rains – and summer’s dramatic jump in gas prices – washed away some of 2005’s anticipated tourist business on Mount Desert Island, according to local entrepreneurs. “Obviously we had a very wet spring, which always slows things… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Technology, marketing and policy will take center stage this year at the state’s 65th annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show, a three-day event held Tuesday through Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center. “Efficiency and prosperity are the focuses of the various trade associations and… Read More
    The inch count for fallen snow isn’t the only thing that has gone up in eastern Maine this past week. Heating and motor fuel prices are creeping back above pre-Katrina levels. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    FREEPORT – Holiday sales at L.L. Bean rose 17 percent over 2004 figures, giving the company a strong showing compared to the 3-4 percent sales increase retailers reported nationwide. The Freeport-based outdoor sporting goods and clothing company attributed the sharp rise to its offer to… Read More
    The following recalls have been announced: . About 5,232 jars of Fisher Brand Deluxe Mixed Nuts, distributed by John B. Sanfilippo and Son Inc., because the product contains undeclared peanuts, a known allergen. The recalled 32-ounce plastic cans bear a best-by code of 110506 S1. Read More
    The logging industry wants “to hook” more young people into being loggers (Page One, BDN, Jan. 7-8). The industry’s strategy is to get high schools to train loggers for them, then subsidize employers to hire the graduates. Training young people is a good idea. But… Read More
    Jeff Tuttle’s summary of Rep. Michael Michaud’s town meeting on the war in Iraq (BDN, Dec. 22) fails to document what actually happened, apart from one central dynamic: the opposing sentiments of two soldiers’ fathers. The story goes much broader and deeper, but space was… Read More
    Given the proverb, “The second rat gets the cheese,” it seemed LNG developer Dean Girdis was presenting himself as a very different alternative to developer Don Smith. Smith has been arrogant, disdainful and patronizing, while Girdis appeared to be friendly, open and approachable. As time goes by, however,… Read More
    Last Saturday’s editorial, “Highway, not Byway,” was right on target. Heavy trucks have no place on either rural two-lane blacktops or running through our towns and cities. Unfortunately, our own government has been promoting the use of oversized trucks. There is an emergency bill in… Read More
    There are encouraging signs that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon may recover from the massive stroke he suffered last week. Such a recovery, his doctor warned, will likely be limited to “basic functions,” leaving a return to politics extremely unlikely. What Israel needs now is a leader who… Read More
    With so many Maine residents having declared their ambition to become governor, former Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood might have had the right idea Monday: It’s easier for those not running to announce their non-candidacies. But Mr. Chitwood’s unusual press conference barely diminishes the potential demand on public… Read More
    Having recently returned from a successful trade mission to Cuba, I was surprised to hear criticism directed toward Gov. Baldacci for leading the official visit. As a businessman, I appreciate the efforts of the governor to expand opportunities for family-owned companies such as my own. Trade with Cuba… Read More
    In the Dec. 15 issue of the Bangor Daily News, Maine’s taxpayers learned that $43 million more is needed because this state’s shrinking public school enrollment isn’t shrinking fast enough. For those who spent decades in school administration, “that does not compute!” What is surprising… Read More
    Shooting wars often hide many domestic sins of commission and omission. Nonetheless, as the war in Iraq drags on, the administration’s cavalier attitude toward civil liberties has become a concern. The media have reacted with surprise and alarm to the latest revelations about the National… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A 54-year-old convicted child sex offender who fled from Maine while on probation is going back to prison for 15 years. Kennebec County Superior Court Justice Nancy Mills sentenced Eugene Trundy on Friday to 15 years in prison followed by 14 years of… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Members of grass-roots environmental groups from throughout Maine met Monday morning outside the State House not only to protest the burning of construction and demolition debris, but to raise awareness about several solid waste issues now facing the state. Although they have similar… Read More
    PORTLAND – The former tough-talking police chief of Maine’s largest city said Monday he has decided against running for governor of Maine and will remain in his current law enforcement job in Pennsylvania. Michael Chitwood said that informal polling showed he would be “unbeatable” in… Read More
    BREWER – Federal officials came to Brewer on Monday night hoping to hear how an expanded natural gas pipeline in Maine could affect the environment. What the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission representatives primarily heard, however, was how much of a boost the construction project would… Read More
    Five camps on the Zion’s Hill Ride side of Lake Wassookeag were broken into over the weekend. Dexter police were alerted by a camp owner who had gone to check on his camp and discovered the break. Police then inspected nearby camps and found they also had been… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Harbor Management Commission will take a peek tonight at two requests for proposals related to future use of the city-owned building formerly occupied by the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce. A small portion of the building remains in use by the harbor… Read More
    Two men were arrested early Monday and charged with breaking into Newport Citgo on Route 2 and stealing $500 worth of alcohol, lottery tickets and cigarettes. Russell Lawn II, 19, of Newport and Jason Temple, 19, of Detroit were charged with burglary and theft and bailed from the… Read More
    FORT KENT – The Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold Cabin Fever, a day of customer and member appreciation, from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at its office on 24 Sweden St., Suite 101. The event will include refreshments and door… Read More
    HOULTON – GED Focus classes, to help people study and learn at their own pace, will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Houlton Higher Education Adult Learning Center, 18 Military St. For information, contact the center at 521-3154. Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A free college-planning workshop for adults considering college, sponsored by the Maine Educational Opportunity Center, will be held at the following times and locations: . 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Madawaska Adult Education, 135 Seventh Ave. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – “Bells for Babies,” a national public remembrance for babies who have died in the United States over the last 33 years from surgical abortions, will be held at noon Sunday, Jan. 22, at St. Mary’s Church. The church will ring its bells… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A free self-esteem workshop series sponsored by the Women, Work and Community Center will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Northern Maine Community College in Aroostook Hall. Participants will learn ways to affirm and express their… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A first aid and CPR class held by the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the branch office, 141 State St. Preregistration is required. For information, contact Judith Greenier at 762-5671. Read More
    FORT KENT – Kelly Sibley has been named manager of Northern Maine Medical Center’s surgical services. Sibley is a graduate of the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s nursing program and worked in the operating and recovery rooms at Cary Medical Center for five years. Read More
    BENEDICTA – The fourth annual Benedicta cross-country ski day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Benedicta Elementary School, at the winter adventure terrain park. The event will include a ski clinic, snowshoeing and outdoor games. Healthy eating… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – Mount Desert Island’s Quietside went over to the dark side Monday night after a pickup truck hit a utility pole, leaving two men in the hospital and parts of five towns plunged into darkness. The crash happened at 5:40 p.m. on Route… Read More
    CALAIS – “You’re never too old to learn” is the new mantra at Washington County Community College, and the city school is putting its pen to paper with some courses directed at senior citizens. The “College for Seniors” program kicks off later this month with… Read More
    BANGOR – Things are going to get busier this summer at the Bangor Waterfront. With two cruise companies planning to use the city’s waterfront in 2006, city councilors Monday night accepted another federal grant that will be used to build a heavy vessel dock. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ENFIELD – An Enfield man remained hospitalized in Bangor as he struggled to recover from a snowmobile accident on Cold Stream Pond a week before, officials said Monday. Brandon Reed, 19, was in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Eastern Maine Medical Center… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigator Scott Richards was on the scene Monday morning of an overnight apartment fire on North Main Street that forced four adults and four children to flee into the night. No one was injured in the fire, which was… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Turning Tide Inc. turned a corner Monday, gaining City Council approval to open a methadone clinic here after more than a year of controversy and legal wrangling. Instead of 77 Park St., where Turning Tide originally sought to open, the clinic will be… Read More
    BELFAST – Residents of Waldo County pursuing their education in a health care field may be eligible for scholarships awarded by Waldo County General Hospital. Awards are granted to graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates pursuing careers in health care-related fields including, but not… Read More
    FORT KENT – Roofs are expensive projects for schools, especially in school districts like SAD 27 with four elementary schools and a large high school complex. SAD 27 is starting to look into the cost of repairing roofs at Community High School. The district is… Read More
    ST. JOHN PLANTATION – Accessibility has long been an issue for business and public agencies, but few people think about accessibility problems at home. Life is unpredictable; disease or accidents can shift access needs in the home at the drop of a hat. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Tom Iverson Jr.’s initiation in January 2005 as Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency director included an ice jam on the Piscataquis River, a heavier than normal rainfall, and a major snowstorm. At year’s end, Iverson, 58, contended with a lengthy power outage in… Read More
    HOLDEN – Councilor John Bryant has created a two-pronged draft strategy for the town to use in the ongoing debate concerning a proposed Interstate 395-Route 9 connector designed to improve traffic flow between the Canadian Maritimes and the Bangor area. Bryant’s draft strategy recommends that… Read More
    PORTLAND – Service on the Downeaster passenger train could be extended from Portland to Brunswick as soon as 2010 if federal funds for the project become available later this year. The Maine Department of Transportation is seeking $1 million to $2 million from the upcoming… Read More
    Waldo County Superior Court, Belfast BELFAST – The following cases were disposed of at Waldo County Superior Court, Jan. 9: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
    CAMDEN – SAD 28 has formed a committee to oversee its architectural firm’s efforts to design an expansion of Rockport Elementary School West. The district hopes to seek voter approval in the spring for a plan to add onto the building, which is the former… Read More
    BELFAST – The Healthy Living Project is reminding the community that the week of Jan. 15-21 is designated as Healthy Weight Awareness Week. This week celebrates healthy lifestyles, focuses on preventing eating disorders, and promotes a shift to health and total wellness. Healthy Weight Awareness… Read More
    CASTINE – The U.S. Maritime Administration will honor the efforts of the State of Maine, the training ship for Maine Maritime Academy, and her crew for the work they did last year providing support in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. John Jamian, acting maritime administrator… Read More
    ST. GEORGE – Two people were injured Sunday in a one-vehicle crash on Route 131 caused by slippery road conditions, according to a report by a Knox County sheriff’s deputy. Leasha M. Albany, 41, and David Albany, 13, both of St. George, were taken by… Read More
    BLUE HILL – A Red Cross blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the cafeteria at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. Anyone age 17 or older is encouraged to participate. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, contact the hospital’s community… Read More
    CAMDEN – A discussion on “The Ivory-Bill and the Boreal: Lessons and Legacies” by Dr. Jeffrey Wells will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Picker Room at Camden Public Library. Wells is a senior scientist at the Boreal Songbird… Read More
    CHERRYFIELD – Bangor Hydro Electric Co. will temporarily interrupt electric service between 12:30 and 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, along Route 193 from the Deblois substation to the intersection of the Ridge Road in Cherryfield. The interruption is necessary to safely replace a broken pole at the Ridge… Read More
    EASTPORT – A safe-boating course for kayakers, canoeists, anglers, hunters and recreational boaters will be held this year by the Quoddy Bay Flotilla 103 of the United States Coast Guard. For more information, contact Doug Gaither at 853-2319 or Jeff Barnea at 945-9326. Read More
    Air Force Airman Brian J. Harp has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Dawn Manton of Morrill, and a 2005 graduate of Belfast Area High School. Read More
    ORLAND – A local man was injured early Monday morning as he escaped from his burning home on the Hatchery Road. Michael Darragh, no age available, woke at about 3 a.m. to find his home in flames, according to Orland Fire Chief John Gray. He… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Public Library on State Street will showcase paintings and drawings by five local students now through Jan. 31. The artwork is on display in the library’s Riverview Room. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    Reservations are now being accepted for the 2006 New England Spring Flower Show bus trip sponsored by Bangor Garden Club. Caroline Tully of Bangor reports it is time to mark your calendars and make your plans for this special event, which will be held Tuesday,… Read More
    BANGOR – A longtime University of Maine public administration professor who taught Gov. John Baldacci and served as chairman of the Orono Town Council in the late 1970s and early 1980s has died. Professor James Horan, 70, died Jan. 8 as the result of injuries… Read More
    If your New Year’s resolution is to learn to knit and-or crochet, “Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting” may be the only book you’ll need to move out confidently onto the Yellow Brick Road of needlework. There are several reasons for this. The book is set up like a… Read More
    COLLEGE Alyssa Burns 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
    FORT KENT – Andy Shepard couldn’t have been prouder. Seven of the nine berths for the U.S. Olympic biathlon team decided last week at the 10th Mountain Ski Center went to athletes with some kind of connection to the Maine Winter Sports Center, of which… Read More
    ORRINGTON – Peter Pickering tossed in a game-high 18 points to lead the Lee Academy Pandas to a 67-40 high school boys basketball win over the Calvary Chapel Christian Sabers Monday night. John Konnick added 13 more for the Pandas, who outscored Calvary Chapel 21-11… Read More
    Media spin on Pats qualifies as fawning I feel compelled to present the other side to Andrew Neff’s drippy article (BDN, Jan. 9): “Willingness to do any job.” Patriot fans up here are a very nice bunch who love their team, (rightly so!) but this… Read More
    ASHLAND – Shanna Martin tallied a game-high 18 points to lead the Southern Aroostook Warriors to their ninth win of the season, 53-46 over the Ashland Hornets in high school girls basketball action Monday. Audrey Charette added 11 points for the Warriors, who outscored the… Read More
    EAST SULLIVAN – Amanda Chandler nailed two free throws with 10.5 seconds and Crystal Bridges hit two with 1.7 seconds left as the Sumner Tigers edged the Orono Red Riots 44-41 in high school girls basketball action Monday. Bridges paced the winners with 11 points… Read More