FREEDOM – A Portland-based energy broker wants to install three wind turbines on a ridge in this western Waldo County town that would provide enough electricity to power 2,000 houses. The $10 million project proposed by Competitive Energy Services LLC would consist of three 260-foot… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine and four other states sued the U.S. government Friday, challenging the constitutionality of federal provisions requiring them to pay part of the cost of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe and Gov. John Baldacci said the state… Read More
    The board of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems has named a new CEO and president to replace Norman Ledwin as head of the growing regional nonprofit corporation. Michelle Hood, who now serves as president and CEO of a three-hospital system in Montana, will assume the leadership position at EMHS… Read More
    LEWISTON – Sahra Habib still speaks English in short bursts, with pronouns missing and verb tenses sometimes mangled. But, after a job search in which she was rejected by four employers, there is at least one Americanism she can now repeat from memory. “Don’t call,”… Read More
    Trying to build a nonsectarian government while sectarian violence rages is the new conundrum facing the United States in Iraq. The situation is made worse by the United States’ tenuous relationship with neighboring Iran. Nearly 400 people have been killed since Feb. 22 when a… Read More
    A great opportunity to fulfill Gov. Percival Baxter’s vision by adding a key parcel to the park he created appears to be unraveling in Augusta. While it is unfortunate that sportsmen have convinced many lawmakers to oppose the deal, further compromise may be necessary to complete the complex… Read More
    In response to the letter, “Not one senior driver” (BDN, Feb. 23), Guy and Fran Grant claim to look at the age group of all 200 cases in the recent Ellsworth court ticket “blitz” story to see if there are any seniors. Look at all… Read More
    I wonder why, if the Conovers were facing an emergency situation, they didn’t just turn back instead of cutting a trail in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway? Mary O’Shea googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    Arrogance reaches a new level as the self-proclaimed saviors of the North Woods cut their way through the Allagash (BDN, March 2). Let me get this straight; [Maine Guides] Garrett and Alexandra Conover state they had an “emergency situation” that gave them the right to do whatever they… Read More
    I would like to add one point to your article, “Vatican defrocks two priests from Maine” (BDN, March 1). While most professionals have the legal obligation to report to the Department of Health and Human Services information of “reasonable suspicion of child abuse” even if obtained in confidential… Read More
    In all the hue and cry that is Washington and the circus mirror that is the media, some essential facts are being “misplaced.” The almost unbelievable debt that is being piled on the people by Washington and how various states are having to deal with it is largely… Read More
    Yesterday I found the perfect bumper sticker. The caption, the words of historian and activist Howard Zinn, reads, “There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.” I could add to the shame of killing innocents, both American and Iraqi… Read More
    I am self-employed and buy health insurance from Anthem that covers my family for about $980 a month with a $500-a-person deductible we first must meet. I received notice that the monthly premium will soon increase to $1,200. In two years, I have seen my monthly premium soar… Read More
    Having just finished work on the current year’s federal budget, Congress is already setting the framework for what will happen this fall. The Senate Budget Committee is meeting to establish principles for a budget resolution. Last year’s budget decisions led to serious reductions in federal… Read More
    Legendary country singer-songwriter Merle Haggard’s 1973 hit song “If We Make It Through December” is about a poor working stiff who has just been laid off down at the local factory – not the greatest time to be out of work for a man who had planned to… Read More
    Last Monday, the Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee held a public hearing on the plan to include the 6,000 acres surrounding Katahdin Lake in Baxter State Park. Everyone who testified seemed to believe that these lands are worthy of protection. The devil, as they… Read More
    MONMOUTH – A Maine-based company has signed a contract to supply fire-barrier cloth to Airbus, an aircraft manufacturing company in France. Tex Tech Industries announced it will provide Airbus with enough of its fiber product to line the cabins of the 3,980 aircraft that Airbus… Read More
    BAILEYVILLE – Tim Lowe has been named general manager at the Domtar Industries pulp and paper mill, Washington County’s largest employer. The announcement came Friday from Roger Brear, Domtar’s senior vice president for paper manufacturing, based in Montreal. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    The dollar value of reported lobster landings in Maine hit a record high in 2005 despite a decrease in the reported amount of lobsters that were caught, according to preliminary numbers released this week by the state Department of Marine Resources. In 2004, the first… Read More
    BANGOR – A local institution reopened its doors Friday, giving diners a chance to see the renovated Baldacci’s Restaurant and a new generation of the well-known family the opportunity to serve the public. Though the Baldacci family is known for its involvement in politics, its… Read More
    BAILEYVILLE – St. Croix Federal Credit Union announced Friday that the 65-year-old institution has a new name, Down East Federal Credit Union. David Tozier, president and CEO, said the credit union was established in 1941 by the employees of the former St. Croix Pulp and… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Lobstermen were told Friday to expect additional regulation by state and local governments despite healthy lobster populations off Maine’s coast and a record-setting harvest last year. Government regulations and the challenge they pose to commercial fishermen were once again hot topics during the… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – It used to be that Maine’s vast Unorganized Territory was dotted with seasonal camps owned by local people who neither wanted or expected municipal-type services. That traditional, local use, however, has shifted over the years as properties have changed ownership. Many of those… Read More
    STEUBEN – The old adage spoken around many of Maine’s small towns – “If you close the school, you lose the heart of the community” – will get a test Down East on Monday. The town of 1,000 will have the opportunity to cast votes… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The courtroom was solemn Friday as a jury foreman read aloud each verdict in the trial of Douglas Dyer, accused of gunning down his Vinalhaven lover. Murder: guilty. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    Maine health care providers are more than a little upset over the latest chapter in the drawn-out saga of the state’s dysfunctional Medicaid billing computer. A letter sent last week from the Office of MaineCare Services indicates that providers – doctors, dentists, counselors, physical therapists,… Read More
    With more than 200 million Americans using cell phones these days, many of them inappropriately, it was bound to come down to this eventually. There’s a cell phone backlash reverberating across the land. It’s coming not just from individuals who have long sought relief from… Read More
    PENOBSCOT – There are two contested races in the municipal elections at the annual town meeting this year. Incumbent Selectman Bing Gross will face challengers Glen Ashe and Peter Colman for the three-year term as selectman. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BANGOR – The following are city meetings and other activities for the week ahead. All will be held in City Council chambers at City Hall unless otherwise indicated. . Monday: 4 p.m., parks and recreation advisory committee, 647 Main St., agenda includes report on dog… Read More
    Dillon, 11, is an active boy who loves to play outside. He likes in-line skating, skateboarding, riding a bike, swimming and playing most sports. Dillon also enjoys drawing and making crafts. Dillon would like adoptive parents who spend time with him and tell him jokes. Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – The most hotly debated issue at next week’s town meeting likely will be whether or not residents should vote for a $1.25 million bond that will fund three infrastructure construction projects, including about $1 million for sewer improvements. “The sewer is the… Read More
    BANGOR – City councilors this week agreed to seek state approval for a tax-increment financing and development district that would help fund improvements in the downtown-Main Street-waterfront corridor. The idea behind the district is to allow tax revenue created by new private development in that… Read More
    HOLDEN – The numbers are all preliminary, but it looks as though the SAD 63 budget will increase by $336,573, or 4 percent, for 2006-07, the draft budget indicates. Business manager Yvonne Mitchell is going through the district’s eight-page draft budget line by line with… Read More
    FORT KENT – The University of Maine at Fort Kent is accepting registrants for a 72-hour Wilderness First-Responder course slated to be held 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15-23. The course has been approved by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services for 72… Read More
    BARING – Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is looking for students interested in participating in the National Youth Conservation Corps work program for the summer of 2006. Requirements for the position are: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – The Sebasticook Valley Hospital Diabetes Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9, Cianbro Conference Room, 1 Hunnewell Square. Jill Leach, Senior Spectrum customer service representative, will speak on community resources available through the Senior Spectrum and the state. The public… Read More
    DEXTER – The Dexter Regional Music Boosters will hold a cabaret dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at the Dexter Regional High School cafeteria. The dinner is to raise money to send the high school band to New York to attend a band competition. Read More
    DEXTER – Dexter Regional High School students will perform “Annie Get Your Gun” at 6 p.m. Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25. The cost is $3 for students and $5 for adults. Sales for advanced-seating tickets will begin March 17. Tickets can be purchased… Read More
    ORONO – A “Real Security” discussion will be held 12-5 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Neville Hall. The session will include testimony about the effect of current policies on social, physical, environmental and economic security as well as proposed alternatives. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    CLINTON – The Somerset and Kennebec Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Services will present Peter Wright, state conservation engineer from New York, to speak on methane and biodigestion at 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, at the Iron Workers Union hall. For… Read More
    Cambridge Residents will decide today whether to spend $16,400 to replace the leaking roof over the Town Hall during the annual town meeting at the Town Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    ST. ALBANS – Voters turned out in record numbers Friday to elect three selectmen from a field of seven candidates. Perley Martin and Kurt Lombard defeated former board members Wolfgang Fasse and Dan Hanson by a margin of more than 100 votes. Fasse and Hanson… Read More
    The Maine AIDS Alliance has announced the first Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, set for Friday, March 10. The alliance, in conjunction with AIDS service organizations and the state of Maine HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Program, will host a number of statewide events during the course… Read More
    BANGOR – Penquis Community Action Program will hold a free lead-based paint homeowners awareness course 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 20, Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St. Registration is required. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    LAMOINE – Residents will vote next week on a proposed $2.8 million budget, which tallies up to be a 1.4 percent, or $37,769, increase over last year’s total. Voters also will decide whether or not to ban motorized vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and trucks… Read More
    STONINGTON – Voters will decide whether to require a site plan review for certain commercial and industrial developments when they meet at the annual town meeting Monday. A proposed site plan review ordinance is one of several ordinance issues on the warrant for the town… Read More
    MACHIAS – With all mill rates equal for all the Washington County municipalities, Baileyville, Milbridge, Steuben, Jonesport and Calais will end up paying the most in county tax this year. That was determined Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Washington County commissioners who voted… Read More
    CALAIS – The third annual art show that showcases the talent of students, faculty, staff and family members will be held at Washington County Community College, from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the college’s assembly room. Sponsored by TRIO and the WCCC… Read More
    DEER ISLE – Voters will face a slight increase in the municipal budget when they gather for the annual town meeting Monday. According to Selectman Neville Hardy, the budget will increase almost $10,000 to $917,365 if all articles pass as proposed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    SEARSPORT – Five candidates are on the ballot for two seats on the town’s Board of Selectmen. The election is next week. Residents may vote at the Public Safety Building from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – University of Maine at Presque Isle students in the Physical Education Majors Club have organized a play day for area children 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Gentile Hall. UMPI Fun and Fit Day is geared for pupils in first through… Read More
    ST. AGATHA – The SAD 33 Wellness Team has begun offering a five-week evening adult volleyball scrimmages. The program started Tuesday, Feb. 28, and will run through the end of March. All games will be played at Wisdom High School and are free and open… Read More
    HOULTON – Adult and Community Education will hold intermediate computer classes at the Houlton Higher Education Center 3-5:30 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, March 6-20. The course fee is $30 for each course. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    HOULTON – Houlton Adult Education and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a 12-hour hunter safety course 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 7-21. The course fee is $3. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – When most people think of taking a nearly 2,000-mile trip, they picture making the jaunt comfortably tucked away in their vehicle or flying to their destination in an airplane. But that wasn’t the case for Ohio residents Skip Schafer, 53, Jack Wiess,… Read More
    HOULTON – Early last December, town officials closed the newly opened pedestrian footbridge to traffic during the winter. While some felt that the Gateway Crossing bridge should be open year-round, others simply ignored the town’s decision and jumped the cement barriers that blocked both entrances… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A Massachusetts twosome suspected of robbing banks in that state were nabbed at a Presque Isle motel Friday morning. Massachusetts State Police Lt. Al Zani, who is assigned to the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force, said in a press release that arrest… Read More
    Patty Michaud, R.N., has been named nurse manager of the Northern Maine Medical Center’s Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Services. Michaud received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 1986. With an interest in the community,… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Gov. John Baldacci showed his support Friday for a drunken-driving education project geared toward high school students when he announced the state will foot the bill for part of the program. Old Town police Officer Debbie Holmes, who started the national Every… Read More
    Plans are under way for the H.O.M.E. spring mission trip April 3-11 to Guatemala, and Sister Marie Ahern hopes she won’t be taking this journey alone. Individuals wishing to represent H.O.M.E. Inc. of Orland and bring funds for medical and school supplies to residents of… Read More
    BANGOR – A federal judge instructed a court clerk on Friday to enter not-guilty pleas on behalf of a local chiropractor charged with tax evasion when the doctor, who is representing himself, seemed unsure of what to do. Richard J. Thomas, 61, who operates Thomas… Read More
    BANGOR – Seven families who lost their homes in fires over the past 72 hours around the state are receiving emergency disaster relief from the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross. Fires in Garland, Mars Hill, Orland, Limestone, Orono and Caribou took place… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Knox County commissioners voted unanimously Friday to halt payment of a $35,000 settlement to outgoing County Administrator Jane Desaulniers. Desaulniers resigned last month, just shy of completing a six-month probation period. Commissioners agreed at the time to pay the administrator $35,000. The cost… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine will discuss U.S. ports security this Sunday morning on the ABC News program “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” Several lawmakers, including Collins, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, have questioned the Bush administration’s approval of a… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Joseph Crawford, 41, of Pittsfield was arrested early Friday and charged with operating after suspension, illegal attachments of plates and failure to provide proof of insurance. There were also two warrants out for Crawford from Kennebec County for operating without a license and illegal attachments of… Read More
    BANGOR – Phoenix Mental Health Services will offer a free screening for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse, eating disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The screening, offered to those age 18 and older, will be held 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at PMHS, 444 Stillwater… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled this week that juries may be told the full decision of pretrial screening panels when they issue split findings. In the short run, the court’s 4-3 ruling – itself a split decision – means a Winter Harbor… Read More
    PORTLAND – At least 14 patients at three Maine hospitals may have received bone grafts from tissue that was never screened for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, WCSH-TV reported Friday. The tissue was supplied by New Jersey-based Biomedical Tissue Services, which faces a… Read More
    PORTLAND – Steven Clark told his father that he fired the shot that killed his friend and former employee Robert Wagner as the two were arguing after a night of drinking, according to a police affidavit released Friday. The document filed in District Court shed… Read More
    With 38 middle-school and high-school students sitting, lying or sprawling at his feet, Dave Goldsworthy paced back and forth, flip-flops flipping, and reinforced the lesson of the day to an attentive group. Make that mostly attentive. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine Black Bears will host a Hockey East quarterfinal series next weekend but they lost a valuable point Friday night. UMass junior left wing Chris Capraro’s power-play goal with 2:58 remaining in regulation gave the Minutemen a 2-2 tie in… Read More
    BANGOR – The Mountain Valley boys basketball team held Maranacook of Readfield star Ryan Martin 13 points under his tournament scoring average at the Bangor Auditorium on Friday night. But the Rumford-based Falcons had no answer for another Black Bear sophomore, as Will Bardaglio made… Read More
    BANGOR – The Presque Isle girls basketball team has experienced the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs at the Bangor Auditorium. For two years in a row, the Wildcats left the Auditorium after losses in the Eastern Maine Class B quarterfinal… Read More
    FORT KENT – Three-time Can-Am Crown winner Martin Massicotte overflowed with enthusiasm Friday at the chance of matching the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race record of his friend Andre Nadeau by winning his fourth crown this weekend. Massicotte, 37, of St. Tite, Quebec, is… Read More
    COLLEGE Ben Bishop 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
    HIGH SCHOOL All-Aroostook Teams 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
    CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Dominique Cyr, a sophomore at Carrabassett Valley Academy, will travel to Sun Valley, Idaho, to compete in the J2 National Championships for Alpine skiing after the Van Buren native won the Eastern Super G Championship at Sunday River on Tuesday. The national… Read More
    GORHAM – Ashley Marble tallied a game-high 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the University of Southern Maine women’s basketball team earned an 81-41 over Maine Maritime Academy in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament. Katie Sibley, Megan Myles, and Shannon… Read More
    PORTLAND – Alice Evans and Grace Needleman will have to get a new date to the Cape Elizabeth High School spring prom. The high school seniors had been hopeful that Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein would escort them after saying he’d try while chatting… Read More
    All season long, Valley girls basketball coach Gordon Hartwell has had some boys, either on the Valley varsity or past players come to his practices to work with the Cavaliers. Hartwell is hoping that preparation will pay off Saturday as Western Maine champ Valley of… Read More
    BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Senior guard Ernest Turner of the University of Maine was named to the All-America East men’s basketball second team Friday. Turner, a Camden, N.J., native who transferred to Maine from Nevada-Las Vegas, led the Black Bears in scoring in 14 of 27… Read More
    America East Tournament Men’s basketball 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… Read More
    University of Maine women’s hockey team center Cheryl White has been playing in pain since suffering a knee injury at the University of North Dakota in November. But she hasn’t let that deter her from having a productive senior season. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    Trekking for animals School vacation week brought many young visitors to the Fields Pond Audubon Center and we were happy to see all of them! Some of the visitors were students taking part in our Winter Vacation Camp. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More