BANGOR – Returning to U.S. soil after a second tour of duty in Iraq, U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Ruschenberg used a cell phone provided by troop greeters at Bangor International Airport on Monday night to call his mother in Texas. With former President Bill Clinton… Read More
District Courts around the state are about to get blitzed. During February and March, about 14,000 motor vehicle violation cases are scheduled to be heard in the state’s 31 District Courts. The cases are a result of a 10-month backlog of contested traffic tickets. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
A Wilton lawmaker involved in the recent shake-up at the Department of Environmental Protection has requested the state Ethics Commission investigate allegations that he used his political position to benefit his employer, International Paper. Rep. Thomas Saviello also has asked House Speaker John Richardson to… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine, which a decade ago had the nation’s highest teen smoking rate, has become the first state to win a perfect score from the American Lung Association for its tobacco-fighting efforts. The health group awarded Maine A grades in four categories in its… Read More
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
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Following through on a pledge to shed most of its merchant power plants, Duke Energy Corp. said Monday it will sell its North American wholesale power generation assets outside the Midwest for about $1.5 billion to a subsidiary of LS Power Equity Partners. 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
AUGUSTA – It has been a tough 42 days for Democratic House Speaker John Richardson. With two party defections over six weeks, the presiding officer was never exactly sure on any given day whether his party still held a majority. So it’s time to consider… Read More
BANGOR – Low levels of a chemical used in aircraft de-icing fluid are present in a small tributary of Kenduskeag Stream near Bangor International Airport, according to a state official. Propylene glycol was detected in water samples from Birch Stream that were taken last month… 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
A public informational forum scheduled for this week at City Hall to discuss Essential Programs and Services – the state’s new education funding formula – has been postponed. The forum, which was to have taken place Wednesday, Jan. 11, has not yet been rescheduled. 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
PRESQUE ISLE – The Presque Isle Middle School will hold a PTO meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the school library. 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
LINCOLN – Four town areas popular with youth will be named “Safe Zones” if residents of those areas OK the idea. The Town Council voted 4-1 Monday night to tentatively approve naming Prince Thomas Park, Ballard Hill Community Center, the Washington Street playground, and the… 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
HARRINGTON – Parents from two towns whose elementary schools are on a list for potential closure next year for budget reasons are expected to turn out in force this evening for a special meeting of the district’s board of directors. The Columbia Falls and Cherryfield… 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
One of the television ads over the past holiday season showed Santa on the rounds of his North Pole workshop getting gruff when he encounters elves trying to make digital cameras out of wood and “pixel dust.” He gives his pointy-eared assistant the go-ahead to purchase everything at… Read More
In 1974, a group of five male dancers, dressed as ballerinas, put on a show in a loft in New York City’s Greenwich Village. They wore tutus and did releves en pointe. The men had more comedic ability than dance talent, but they were all students and lovers… Read More
Comfortably nestled in their camp chairs – she in her Scooby Doo winter cap, he sporting a classically stylish ice fishing hat with ear flaps – the Hammonds arrived a Pickerel Pond ready for a full day of ice fishing action on Saturday. “You know… Read More
This is the time of the year when people sit down and attempt to institute wholesale changes in their behavioral habits. Changes in the sports world should be encouraged and given the same fervor that day-to-day transitions in our behavior are given. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Despite a disappointing loss to Presque Isle Saturday, the Mount Desert Island girls basketball team is excited by its 7-1 start to the season. Although girls basketball success at the school is nothing new, the Trojans are winning in a different way – with relatively… Read More
CASTINE – Both Colby College and Maine Maritime Academy were looking for a spark and some much-needed momentum heading into the exclusively conference-play portion of their schedules, and Monday night’s men’s basketball game at Margaret Chase Smith Gymnasium offered a chance for both. The visiting… Read More
WENGEN, Switzerland – The head of U.S. skiing on Monday called Bode Miller’s comments about drinking and racing “unacceptable” and “irresponsible,” and he plans to meet with the champion skier. Bill Marolt, the president and chief executive of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, released… 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