BELFAST – MBNA’s new owner, Bank of America, said Monday it will vacate its 130,000-square-foot office complex along U.S. Route 1 and consolidate its 1,700 Belfast employees in a newer, bigger complex next door. The company also reaffirmed its plans to keep its offices in… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Key figures in a phone-jamming scheme designed to keep New Hampshire Democrats from voting in 2002 had regular contact with the White House and Republican Party as the plan was unfolding, phone records introduced in criminal court show. The records show that Bush… Read More
    An April 7 Page One story about the herbicide Agent Orange having been sprayed at the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick mistakenly attributed an incorrect rank to the base’s commanding officer. He is Col. Ryan Jestin. Read More
    AUGUSTA – An absence of Republicans during a crucial House vote gave Democrats the smallest of all possible margins Monday to preserve a bill boosting the state’s minimum wage to $7 per hour in 2007. After the 72-71 House vote, LD 235 now goes back… Read More
    OLD TOWN – As the state is continuing to search for a buyer for the Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill, the Penobscot County Transition Team is preparing for the needs of laid-off workers. The transition team is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. today at the Earland… Read More
    A retrofitted henhouse that provides chickens a cage-free environment is up and running in a pilot project to produce millions of cage-free eggs for New England consumers. The henhouse at Dorothy Egg Farms in Winthrop is longer than a football field and looks like a… Read More
    The people of Maine, and especially the people of northern Maine, owe Gary Pelletier a huge debt of gratitude. The great variety and depth of input from many sources set the stage for the recent legislative work session where the true nature of the Allagash region will be… Read More
    A glowing description on the Internet of something called Guaranteed Returns Diversified Inc. says that it can accept only 17 more investors in its newest hedge fund. It predicts a return of 22 percent for the first three months and at least 32 percent later on. It claims… Read More
    Lawmakers in the Maine House have rejected a legislative committee’s notion that a bill requiring lobbyists to disclose their work with government agencies was a solution in search of a problem. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, members of the House saw this bill for what… Read More
    On the surface, LD 1900, An Act to Allow the Importation of Wine, and LD 560, An Act to Permit Interstate Wine Sales and Delivery to Homes, look like good things for Maine. As some have said, direct shipment of wine satisfies both demand and means of delivery… Read More
    With job loss resulting from outsourcing increasing in our county, very few people can deny the global changes that have taken place in the area of economic development in recent years. Technological advances have facilitated the transfer of information and creative ideas and have connected the world on… Read More
    My reaction to your April 5 editorials (“Maine’s Torture Connection” and “The Hammer Departs”) left me in a dilemma – I didn’t know whether to be angry or to laugh. The terrorists must get a laugh at what the left labels “torture.” Gen. Georges Sada’s… Read More
    In Augusta there is often intense political debate and controversy surrounding the state’s Medi-caid program known as MaineCare. But a recent survey suggests there is no debate; the majority of Maine people have made up their minds – health care should be provided to everyone and lawmakers should… Read More
    Once I am crowned King of America all TVs and computers will be run off generators attached to treadmills; in order to get some screen time you will have to put in a workout (unless, of course, you can get your dog or your kid to do it… Read More
    A growing numbers of farmers and companies, stung by concerns increasingly raised by both the public and the medical community, are kicking the antibiotic drug habit. It’s been a long time coming. Decades ago, scientists discovered that routinely feeding antibiotics to healthy livestock, including pigs,… Read More
    Maine’s annual flu season got off to a late start this year and is lingering on into warmer weather. According to the weekly report from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is currently widespread in Maine and laboratories last week reported small… Read More
    Newly elected Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Dudley said Monday he thought the party’s role in a recent fundraising controversy would have little effect on its efforts to retain control of the governor’s mansion and both legislative houses. “I think it’s minimal,” Dudley, of Portland,… Read More
    I’ll admit to being something of a tool guy. I can’t claim to be nearly as passionate about power tools as that guy on the 1990s hit comedy TV show “Home Improvement” – I don’t make primitive-sounding growls when I’m working with my circular saw,… Read More
    New England may need to expand its natural gas supply, but the area’s largest regional environmental advocacy group says doing so raises “significant public safety and marine and coastal environmental issues.” The Brunswick-based Conservation Law Foundation is calling for a regional approach for siting of… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Eighty years after he started a local business that grew from its humble beginnings to become a prominent East Coast construction company, the founder of that firm has died. Herbert E. Sargent, who started H.E. Sargent Inc. in 1926, died peacefully Sunday… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A Maine-based Army National Guard unit, the 152nd Maintenance Company, has returned to the United States after a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq, the state adjutant general said Monday. Maj. Gen. John Libby said 129 members of the 152nd returned to Fort… Read More
    HERMON – A town constable deputy could return to work as early as today after the cruiser he was driving rolled over Saturday while he was trying to stop an erratic motorist. Noel Santiago, a full-time deputy in Hermon, suffered minor injuries late Saturday night. Read More
    BANGOR – City councilors voted unanimously Monday night to pursue a series of improvement projects and related design work for Bangor International Airport. In all of the cases, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program would cover 95 percent of the cost, while the state… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – After one school year on the job, Scott White has resigned as principal of Warsaw Middle School. White cited his daily three-hour commute from his home in Waldoboro as the reason for his leaving. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    SURRY – Voters at the annual town meeting Monday night passed a $2.4 million school budget and amended several articles that came before them. But they learned that, when it came to most budget items, they couldn’t choose to increase the amounts proposed. They could… Read More
    BLUE HILL – It costs $92 a day to house an inmate at Hancock County Jail, or about $34,000 a year. The Volunteers for Hancock Jail Residents think that money could be better spent by treating incarcerated criminals rather than by simply dumping them in… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The city council Monday opened the taxi business here to free enterprise, ending a long-standing cap on the number of cab licenses allowed in town. But the council ended the free ride on trash disposal at the city’s municipal solid waste station by… Read More
    CALAIS – They register cars, renew licenses and offer road tests, but if the state decides to revamp its branch offices, customers might find the city’s Motor Vehicle Office closed a few days a week. Right now the Calais office is open Monday through Friday. Read More
    CALAIS – They may not be as famous as their eagle neighbors, but the ospreys that regularly summer Down East are fun to watch. Motorists who travel Route 1 and Charlotte Road can now see the smaller birds sprucing up their houses at Moosehorn National… Read More
    OAKFIELD – Town officials in Oakfield received an abrupt surprise when they came into the town office Monday morning – a curt note from Town Manager Darrell Williams saying that he had resigned. “We don’t have a real letter of resignation,” Selectmen Jerome Collier said… Read More
    EASTON – If state figures hold out, Easton school officials are hoping to keep the education mill rate at the same level for the third year in a row, according to Superintendent Frank Keenan. Keenan said Monday that the school department still does not have… Read More
    SULLIVAN – While other high-profile road construction projects along Maine’s coast have garnered much attention, an under-the-radar project on Route 1 in southwestern Hancock County could have just as much impact for summer travelers. The Maine Department of Transportation next week will begin reconstruction of… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The local assessment moratorium, an increase to the teaching salary minimum, and labor negotiations within the University of Maine System were the hot topics of discussion Monday when Gov. John Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron met with Maine Education Association members. Read More
    GREENVILLE – Town officials are taking a second look at the curbside pickup of recyclables. The town budgeted $7,400 in 2005-06 for a service that is underused, Town Manager John Simko said Monday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    HOLDEN – Unanswered questions about the proposed debt service for the planned public safety building have kept town budget figures fluctuating. According to the draft budget given out Monday at the Holden Town Council meeting, the total municipal budget for 2006-07 could rise to $2,043,914. Read More
    ORRINGTON – Hard economic times have forced Selectman John Hannington to resign his post effective immediately, according to his resignation letter, which was accepted with regret on Monday by the four remaining selectmen. “My family and I have made every attempt to make a life… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Selectmen voted Monday to approve a majority of town meeting warrant articles bearing significant price tags, but became bogged down on a $1,000 request from the local historical society. As usual, each of the warrant articles will carry the recommendations of the budget… Read More
    An Augusta man boasted that he had done 145 mph on Interstate 95, but his boast came early Sunday morning as he was sitting awaiting booking at Penobscot County Jail. Shortly after 3 a.m., Bangor police Officers Steve Jordan and Shawn Green spotted a car… Read More
    BREWER – Outgoing Police Chief Steven Barker will be recognized during tonight’s City Council meeting for his nearly 30 years of service in law enforcement. Councilors are then expected to confirm Lt. Perry Antone as his successor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Two more vehicles parked on Samoset Road near the breakwater were broken into over the weekend, Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower said Monday. “Rockland Police Department will be aggressively taking steps to find the people responsible for the recent four vehicles [burglarized],” Tower… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Police arrested two adults and summoned 18 teenagers over the weekend for alcohol-related charges at two gatherings – one an 18th birthday party with invitations asking guests to bring $20 for alcohol. At 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Officers William Smith and Nellie Waterman initially… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – For Limestone native Jeff Witherly, coming home is about opening new doors for area students. The top-level professional with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., returned to Aroostook County Monday to talk about genomes and career opportunities in science with… Read More
    HOULTON – Just before dawn breaks on Bangor Street, cars and trucks become partners in an all too familiar vehicular tango. Brake lights begin to flash sporadically, the red lights illuminating the semidarkness. The tiniest cars and the largest sport utility vehicles jerk left and… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Human Rights Commission found no reasonable grounds in the following claims when it met Monday: . Craig White of Brewer v. Hogan Road Motors of Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    She had “such an incredible experience last year” that she is back for more, and her goal this year is to raise $10,000 for the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day Aug 4-6. Cheryl Murphy of Hermon has formed her own team of walkers, MURFS MAINEIACS, to… Read More
    THOMASTON – The man who threatened to shoot himself Saturday may draw a civil charge of creating a police standoff, Police Chief Kevin Haj said Monday. A state police negotiator and tactical team spent five hours that day trying to convince Travis Bishop, 25, to… Read More
    NEWPORT – Police are investigating how a dead dog ended up in a picnic cooler abandoned on Rutland Road, the chief said Monday. Police Chief Leonard Macdaid said the dog was discovered by Officer Allen Graves after a resident reported that a blue cooler had… Read More
    BANGOR – A few years ago, Maureen Walsh received an unforgettable phone call just days before Christmas. The caller, a female, needed somebody to listen, without seeming to judge her. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has signed legislation to give Maine’s coastal fisheries more protection from pesticide drift. The bill, which was signed into law Friday, creates a buffer zone along the coast in Cumberland, Sagadahoc and York counties. It also prohibits most spraying by… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Alewives, shad, blueback herring and Atlantic salmon are expected to benefit when new fish passages on three dams open this spring as part of an agreement signed in 1998. The agreement among the state of Maine, federal energy regulators, hydroelectric dam operators and… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Anti-sweatshop activists have won passage of a bill that sets forth a process to discourage state purchases of clothing and shoes made under unsafe working conditions. A bill that was signed Friday by Gov. John Baldacci sets up a procedure to file complaints… Read More
    PORTLAND – A hundred thousand words. That’s what “In Our Time: The World as Seen by Magnum Photographers” is worth. The show, which is on view through June 4 at the Portland Museum of Art, includes 100 images from members of the exclusive agency. This… Read More
    Ardeana Hamlin’s By Hand column (Aug. 23, 2005) about aprons inspired Donna Brown of Winn to share her memories. My mother [always] wore aprons. She had two kinds – everyday housework aprons and her special fancy aprons to be worn for Sunday dinner, entertaining and… Read More
    Months ago – I’ve forgotten how many, please don’t ask – a colleague gave me a bag of vintage fabric I had no idea what to do with. I stashed it under my desk at work and there it sat. Every so often, my foot would come up… Read More
    When many Mainers ponder the plight of Atlantic salmon, their thoughts immediately turn to the Penobscot River. Others remember the glory days Down East, when they spent wonderful days on the Machias or Narraguagus rivers, tempting the king of game fish. Far fewer, I would… Read More
    Today, weather permitting, the Boston Red Sox celebrate their 2006 home opener at historic Fenway Park. Like most of you, I’m tired of all the steroid talk. Performance-enhancing drugs and the subsequent fines and investigations will do nothing to deter thousands of fans from enjoying… Read More
    The Bangor and Presque Isle softball teams had a scrimmage scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but when it became clear the weather wouldn’t exactly cooperate, the Rams and Wildcats turned to a new resource. The teams played their scrimmage in the University of Maine’s Mahaney Dome,… Read More
    COLLEGE Sarah Bennis 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
    ROCKPORT – BDN sportswriter Ernie Clark and former high school coach and administrator Bill Casavant, now a broadcaster and sports programming director for the Channel X radio network in Caribou, were presented the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association annual media awards for coverage of high school athletics last… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 2006 dinner and induction ceremonies Sunday, June 4, at the Bangor Banquet and Convention Center on the Hogan Road. Inductees include Dick Barstow, Mike Bordick, James “Chico” Hernandez, Brian Higgins, Irving Kagan, Roger Reed… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – J.W. Parks Golf Course is opening for the season today at 9 a.m. No carts will be allowed, but all nine holes are open for play. The greens fees are $15 for all-day play and the course is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call the course clubhouse… Read More
    FARMINGTON – The UMaine-Farmington Beavers racked up 16 hits en route to an 11-2 win over the Husson College Eagles in the first game of a softball doubleheader Monday. The Eagles of Bangor came back to win the nightcap 5-3 in nine innings. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    The University of Maine softball team is hoping a three-game sweep of Vermont last weekend will carry the Black Bears as they approach the toughest part of the their America East schedule. Maine will travel to league rival Boston University Wednesday for a doubleheader, then… Read More
    Damon’s mother also aided son’s success Pete Warner’s page one article (BDN, April 5) about UMaine hockey player Derek Damon was enigmatic: A huge, basically well-written article extending onto two different pages, but not one photo of the subject of the article?! googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More