You don’t have to look hard to see that the last five years have brought change to Bangor. For starters, the city has seen a flurry of commercial and residential building, some of which has led to increased traffic. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Sunshine Week: Using the Freedon of Information Act Many federal agencies fall far short of the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, repeatedly failing to meet reporting deadlines while citizens wait ever longer for documents, an Associated Press review has found. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
AUGUSTA – A survey of Maine’s foster parents indicates widespread concern with the state’s commitment to its more than 2,500 foster children. The results trouble lawmakers on a legislative panel still struggling to improve the system that children’s advocates say is plagued by fundamental problems. Read More
BANGOR – Catholics in Maine can relish their corned beef this St. Patrick’s Day free of fear that they’ll be doing penance come Sunday for eating meat on a Friday during Lent. Bishop Richard J. Malone informed parish priests earlier this year that he was… Read More
A Saturday story on page C5 misidentified a man who was killed while harvesting logs in St. Albans. The victim was Newman Gee. Read More
NEW YORK – Consumers can find news in many more places these days, but paradoxically are seeing fewer stories covered with less depth, a study issued on Sunday has concluded. The Project for Excellence in Journalism found the trend on television, in newspapers and in… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Office of Energy Independence and Security survey of home heating oil prices last week found the current statewide average cash price for No. 2 heating oil to be up 3 cents since the week before, at $2.33 per gallon, and $0.28 higher than last year… Read More
AUBURN – Two former paper mill workers diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease have filed separate lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and suppliers. James Crowley, who worked at the former Oxford Paper Mill in Rumford for three years in the 1960s, and Emile Richard, who worked at… Read More
Keeping pace with increasing costs has renewed interest in alternative fuels such as wood, coal, propane and natural gas. Each Monday on the Business page, the Bangor Daily News is featuring timely and relevant stories and graphics devoted to topics that matter to motorists, homeowners and businesses. Most… Read More
As many Mainers are fast becoming aware, individual and corporate cell phone call records are readily available for purchase over the Internet. Many consumers are unaware, however, that hard-wired telephone records are also being sold without the knowledge or permission of the account holder. It would seem a… Read More
PORTLAND – A retired business executive’s lawsuit accusing bank officials of giving him bad financial advice that cost him millions of dollars goes to trial today. Darrell Mayeux, who filed the suit in 2003 against Fleet Bank, which later was acquired by Bank of America,… Read More
Dear Jim: I have seen some reasonably priced sauna kits which use electricity for the heat. Do these consume much electricity and what designs should I consider in a kit big enough for one or two people? – Scott W. Dear Scott: Using a small… Read More
“I don’t drive as much, and I combine my trips.” Diana Wolf, Bangor 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… Read More
As a member of a military family, I found Todd Benoit’s column, “Risky talk for democracy,” distressing” (BDN, Feb 25-26). This month, Mainers are practicing democracy in its purest form at annual town meetings. The meetings may become lively, to say the least, but these… Read More
For years, liberals have been saying the tax cuts under President Bush wouldn’t have much of an effect on the economy but would drive up the deficit. Congress largely ignored them while the White House trumpeted the growing economy as proof that the cuts worked. But with more… Read More
The fight over Gov. John Baldacci’s DirigoChoice health coverage has come down to a debate over who pays for the subsidies in the plan. At stake is the coverage for 14,000 individuals and 2,000 small businesses and the future of the program itself. But so far, neither the… Read More
I have taught at the Lamoine Consolidated School for 32 years and I support the governor’sinitiative setting the minimum teacher salary at $30,000. Union 92-SAD 26 in which I teach comprises six rural schools within a 25-mile radius and the starting salaries begin at $24,000. Read More
This March, Women’s History Month, is a time to reflect upon the contributions women have made to all aspects of American society. As we have learned the last few weeks, these powerful women need to be not only remembered but others must step up to make sure theirlegacies… Read More
I’m a little confused about this free speech stuff. In a U.S. government hearing recently, House members berated Microsoft Corp, Yahoo Inc., Cisco Systems and Google Inc. for censoring Internet access in China. “Your abhorrent actions in China are a disgrace,” pontificated Rep Tom Lantos. Read More
It is with considerable sadness that I announce the National Youth Sports Program will not take place at the University of Maine this summer. NYSP, which has served children in central Maine for the past 13 years, was among the programs eliminated in recent federal… Read More
Kudos to the Bangor Daily News for its March 3 editorial, which made it clear that the constant ranting of Maine’s Democrats about alleged federal funding cuts to the state is exactly what Republicans have said it was: completely bogus. In 2002, when John Baldacci… Read More
BANGOR – Jason knows Bob’s secret. He just doesn’t know what, if anything, he should do about it. 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++)… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Two masked protesters disrupted an informational meeting Saturday at City Hall and attacked two state agriculture officials with cow manure. No one was seriously injured, and the pair of assailants escaped. State veterinarian Dr. Don Hoenig and Shelley Doak, director of animal industry… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The local water district is working to educate its customers about lead in drinking water as it tries to find a solution that will help bring down lead levels in some homes. The Presque Isle Water District recently sent a notice to… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Regional farmers voiced their opposition Saturday to state and federal plans to mandate a livestock identification and tracking program. Opponents of a proposed bill now before the Legislature met with state agriculture officials during informational sessions in Columbia Falls and Ellsworth on Saturday. Read More
Kassidy Thibodeau, 12, of Bangor says the best part of being a Girl Scout is the trips. Last year her troop, Orono’s 497, had a sleepover at the Bangor Mall and traveled to Acadia National Park and Boston. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
ORONO – Once all the cakes were counted, there were even a few to grow on as the town celebrated its 200th birthday Sunday afternoon at the Asa Adams School. Residents were asked to bring cakes with dates important to their families or the community… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Agriculture Committee is set to review this week a new state food policy, which includes provisions for creating a food council, rejuvenating the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund and infusing the Farms for the Future Program with new funds. The overall goal,… Read More
NEWPORT – Kate Burgess and John Rush had to go far from home to meet, fall in love and then realize they needed to come back home again. The young couple recently opened Evolo Home Center LLC on busy Route 7 in Newport, the Moosehead Trail. Read More
NEWPORT – Linda Cayford was divorced, drinking too much and feeling pretty bad about herself a few years ago. But she found her way to recovery and promised that she would do the same for other women, her “sisters of the heart,” as she calls them. Read More
NEWPORT – Lisa Copeland of Sebasticook Street is offering a $100 reward for information regarding the death of her pet sheep, Barbie. Copeland had been keeping quiet since the animal was discovered bludgeoned to death in late February in her backyard, hoping someone would come… Read More
ATHENS – “The town has spoken,” Athens resident John Chapman said Saturday after a town meeting vote of 119 in favor to 66 against a 180-day moratorium on the proposed GenPower LLC biomass incinerator project. “This was a mandate,” Chapman said. “We’ve got momentum going… Read More
HOULTON – A local man remained Sunday at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton after he and his uncle sent two employees of a local bar to the hospital after a bar fight, according to a Houlton police officer. Rodney Polchies Jr., 22, of Houlton… Read More
CARIBOU – Five people accused of involvement in a northern Maine methamphetamine distribution ring were indicted Friday by an Aroostook County grand jury on charges of trafficking the drug. Clyde Malone, 42, of Houlton and Bruce Gustafson, 46, of Caribou were indicted on charges of… Read More
NEWPORT – In the wake of their annual town meeting and elections, the town’s selectmen will hold their initial, organizational meeting this week. In last week’s elections, Christopher Dow was chosen to fill Eric Shorey’s seat after Shorey declined to run again, and Al Worden… Read More
Two dogs perished in a house fire on Riverview Heights Road in Winterport on Sunday afternoon. Scott and Anne Dunham returned home at 3:15 p.m. to find smoke coming out of their house and their dogs inside. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
LINCOLN – Myke Spencer had what she considered a fairly full day. The fitness instructor drew as many as 20 new customers to Curves, met some fellow Lincoln businessmen for the first time and, best of all, she heard Baxter roar. Baxter, it should be… Read More
HOWLAND – Even after almost 12 years in office, Frank Kirsch still talks about “if” he gets re-elected. “I am going into my 12th year if I get it,” Kirsch said Sunday. “When I started 12 years ago, I said ‘your problems are my problems’… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – In two weeks, nine finalists will take the stage at the Caribou Performing Arts Center in an event that will simultaneously name the top vocalist in the region and help raise an estimated $33,500 to assist those most in need in Aroostook County. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Two local educators recently were rewarded for their efforts outside the classroom through a new faculty incentive grant program implemented by the Northern Maine Community College Foundation. Foundation officials recently developed the NMCC Foundation Incentive Grant for Faculty Scholarship program to encourage… Read More
MADAWASKA – A local couple lost the Main Street building that housed their bowling alley when the roof caved in on Friday evening, sending debris flying about 30 feet, according to the town’s fire chief. Jerry and Jane Carter owned and operated Carter’s Bowling in… Read More
From Heather Hathorn we learn that Blackbear United Football Club is a nonprofit youth soccer organization for youngsters 5-18. This Adidas Premier Club offers coaching for nine teams in addition to a youth academy, serving youngsters from 48 towns who live within a 50-mile radius… Read More
The 2006 Regional Maine Drama Festival was held March 10-11 at nine locations throughout Maine, with 3,000 students from 79 high schools competing in order to advance to the state finals March 24-25 at Camden Hills Regional High School. Regional site: Caribou High School googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
TOWNSHIP 29 – An Orrington man suffered minor injuries Saturday when he was shot in the buttocks by a fellow hunter while rabbit hunting. Stephen R. MacMillan, 55, of Orrington was hunting along Buffalo Stream in Township 29 with dogs and eight other hunters when… Read More
ST. ALBANS – While an investigation by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department is expected to wrap up this week, St. Albans is reeling over last Thursday’s loss of one of its most respected residents, Newman Gee. “This town was just so important to him,” Doug… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Dennis Freda, the man suspected of stabbing his girlfriend in New Hampshire and then setting fire to a home in Bar Harbor last week, remained hospitalized Sunday suffering from smoke inhalation injuries. Freda, 47, of Center Ossipee, N.H., was initially listed in… Read More
AUGUSTA – A legislative committee is supporting a plan to delay for a year implementation of Maine’s Learning Results program to allow time to rework the standards. Teachers and administrators have said that the Learning Results system, which sets academic standards and tests student achievement,… Read More
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Josh Pressley fondly recalls his summers on Goose Pond in East Holden where, on the weekends, he often watched the Boston Red Sox on television. “Growing up, that was really the only games I could watch, so I guess you could… Read More
ORONO – Freshman defenseman Matt Duffy had been a healthy scratch for nine consecutive games. But when junior Mike Lundin suffered a badly sliced pinky finger and a fractured bone four games ago, Duffy received his opportunity to return to the University of Maine men’s hockey lineup. Read More
GORHAM – Most of the members of the University of Southern Maine women’s basketball team don’t wear the rings they received for reaching the NCAA Division III Final Four last year. But Ashley Marble does. She wears her ring every day – except for during… Read More
LEWISTON – It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t pretty, but after 52 shots, 46 saves, 45 minutes, 33 penalties, 18 power-plays, 10 assists, six goals, and three ejections, Cape Elizabeth’s hockey team had its second straight Class B state title. The Capers completed a… Read More
RUMFORD – Team Maine staged a final-day comeback and overcame a 98-point deficit heading into the final event to win the TD Banknorth Eastern J2 (ages 14-15) Championships at Black Mountain Sunday afternoon. Justin Fereshetian of Maine won the overall boys individual title while teammates… Read More
Maine’s top high school swimmers, including Brewer freshman Jessica Hodsdon and several MDI competitors, racked up 14 first-place finishes in Saturday’s New England Swimming and Diving Championships, the first such meet since 1982. Hodsdon’s win in the 100-yard breaststroke and MDI victories in five of… Read More
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Husson College coach John Winkin led the Eagles to a 6-3 victory over Drew University Sunday, posting his 1,000th career coaching victory. Jason Harvey tripled, doubled, and walked twice to drive in three runs for the Eagles, who are now 5-3. Read More
Stockholm native Russell Currier finished first in a 10-kilometer cross country ski race Friday, claiming a national championship at the 2006 Junior Olympics in Houghton, Mich. Currier toured the freestyle race course in 27 minutes, 15.7 seconds. He finished 15.2 seconds ahead of runner-up Justin… Read More
BANGOR – Before the high school girls basketball season ended Saturday, Samantha Allen decided the season would not be complete without one more exciting finish. The Lake Region of Naples star nailed a 25-foot 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to send the Classes A-B… Read More
BANGOR – Brock Bradford put his homecourt advantage to good use Saturday afternoon – even though the Bangor Christian senior was playing his final high school basketball game on a collegiate court. The 6-foot senior guard scored a game-high 20 points to lead the East… Read More
FORT MYERS, Fla. – It isn’t every day you see somebody wearing a license plate as a necklace, but the Boston Red Sox bring out the imagination in their fanatical fans. Jeffrey Brown of Loudon, N.H., showed his enthusiasm for the Sox prior to Sunday’s… Read More
LEWISTON – Sam Johnson scored a power-play goal 13:34 into the first period to break a 1-1 tie and help lead the Cheverus Stags of Portland to their second straight Class A state hockey championship with a 3-1 victory over Lewiston at the Colisee Saturday night. Read More
Here is a list of descriptive words and phrases, just to get them out of my system: exciting, energetic, focused, right on the money, and great right out of the gate. Apply all those words and phrases to Sunday afternoon’s performance by the Bangor Symphony… Read More
The library’s copy of “Last Child in the Woods, Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” by Richard Louv (Algonquin Books, 2005) nudged me to ponder the reality that children play outdoors far less than in earlier times. Some prefer proximity to electrical outlets for their electronic gadgets. Some… Read More
At last it isn’t snow. Still, too wintry to go back to sleeping in their unheated upstairs 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++) {… Read More
Have you checked Pope’s Pioneers? In talking about early settlers of New England, you may hear this question. It refers to two books by genealogist Charles Henry Pope: . “The Pioneers of Maine and New Hampshire, 1623 to 1660: A Descriptive List, Drawn from Records… Read More
In theaters THE HILLS HAVE EYES, directed by Alexandre Aja, written by Aja and Gregory Levasseur, 105 minutes, rated R. 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
The loyal followers of the Ancient Order of Hibernians hung an Irish flag out the window of their Bangor headquarters on St. Patrick’s Day 1906. Mostly old and graying, they turned out to hear Samuel B. Rogers sing “Come Back to Erin” and Cornelius O’Brien render up “I’m… Read More
Booze. Drugs. Rock ‘n’ roll. Not necessarily in that order, and not exactly what a mom wants for her 15-year-old. 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