PORTLAND – A blog belonging to a Canadian man accused of shooting two sex offenders in Maine underscored his interest in guns as well as his disdain for pedophiles. Stephen A. Marshall included links to his favorite guns as well as a guide to spotting… Read More
In a run-down trailer off a dirt road in rural Washington County, Russell – a registered sex offender – lives an almost anonymous life. “People don’t really care for sex offenders out in this neck of the woods,” said the 27-year-old Russell – not his… Read More
Part 3 of 4 WASHINGTON – Setting high expectations for students has become such a priority that Congress passed a law about it. Now schools must make sure all children succeed in math and reading, no matter what their language barrier or level of poverty… Read More
CUTLER – The former U.S. Navy base in this eastern Washington County town is ready for a new inspection. Within six weeks, 62 housing units will be available for sale as customized condominiums: four-bedroom town house-style units starting at $99,000 on a 31-acre residential parcel. Read More
EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – More arrests are likely on both sides of the Maine-Canadian border in what authorities are calling a major drug smuggling operation supplying large Northeast American cities with methamphetamine, Ecstasy and marijuana. Police have seized more than 3,000 pounds of drugs and… Read More
A Spring Fling to benefit Robert and Mary’s Place of Ellsworth has been postponed. The event was mentioned in Joni Averill’s column in Friday’s State section. A different event, the Robert and Mary’s Place Benefit Concert, is scheduled for May 5 at The Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth. Details… Read More
AUGUSTA – Responding to the killings of two sex offenders living in Maine, a legislative committee has scheduled a public session for next week in which it will be briefed by top law enforcement officials on the investigation. The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee… Read More
The AP-AOL Learning Services poll on public attitudes of 1,085 parents and 810 teachers about standardized testing and student expectations was conducted online Jan. 13-23 by Knowledge Networks. Members of the Knowledge Networks Internet panel were recruited by telephone polling methods, and panelists who were not online were… Read More
Demographics and details of the AP-AOL Learning Services poll of parents and teachers about standardized testing and schools meeting deadlines set by the No Child Left Behind law. The survey information comes from a poll of 1,085 parents of school-age children in kindergarten to grade… Read More
It is not necessary to win a war for a veteran to find honor in serving in one. These days, I hear many people saying we have to win in Iraq, or else those who died, or have been injured, will have done so in vain. I don’t… Read More
While an isolated crime – no matter how sensational – doesn’t necessarily mean laws should be rewritten or public policy revamped, lawmakers are rightly reviewing the state’s sex offender registry after two men included in the online database were killed Sunday morning. Such reviews should… Read More
At a time when much attention is focused on both the growing American obesity epidemic and the loss of open space amid suburban sprawl, it is troubling that the Bush administration has included no funding in its budget for a program that helps communities build parks, ball fields… Read More
Poor video quality in banks and credit unions should be a thing of the past. Looking at the latest video of a credit union robbery it’s hard to tell what or who it is – it could be a gorilla! Look at the video from… Read More
Being a retired law enforcement officer of 30 years from Florida, now living in northern Maine, I was disturbed when reading the article, “Hampden man gets 50 years for raping Bangor woman” (BDN, April 21). If there is an argument for the death penalty, that… Read More
Regarding the re-vote next week on whether or not to close one or two schools, the SAD 37 school board has known for more than a year that it is facing serious budgetary problems because of reduced state funding and the consequences of increasing valuations. Read More
Upon first reflection, I was thinking of the rape of the Passamaquoddy Bay region. On second thought, I realized she is being pimped. Her natural beauty of which others are jealous, tresses of Northern Lights and galaxy of stars, adornments of eagle-studded tree-tops, teeth of rocky shorelines, lifeblood… Read More
Money. That is what the Federal Aviation Administration says it is about. Run it like a business is the new management mantra. Retirements, pay cuts, new hires and national security are really what it is about. What is the cost of the air traffic controller… Read More
It was, in the immortal words of former New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra, “d?j? vu all over again.” I was sitting in my den talking with a friend Tuesday morning when our conversation was stopped dead in its tracks by a wicked big bang… Read More
A resident of a Maine town still feels like a citizen, not a “consumer” of government services. In Maine, our town is our town, we own it. Its faults reflect our faults. Its virtues reflect us. Its government is there to educate our children, plow our roads and… Read More
If Maine had a Toyota Town, it just might be Brewer. The city is home to Down East Toyota, the biggest of Maine’s nine Toyota dealerships, and also boasts two companies, ZF Lemforder and Brewer Automotive Components, that are major producers of suspension parts for… Read More
One of the more egregious exhibits of distracted driving I’ve ever witnessed involved a young woman with an itchy elbow. The woman, driving in the lane beside me on a busy Bangor street, suddenly yanked her left arm from the steering wheel, her eyes from… Read More
AUGUSTA – Even as some farmers vow never to open their farms to state agriculture inspectors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has released an ambitious timetable for its national animal identification program. The program proposes to tag all domesticated livestock and fowl in order to… Read More
AUGUSTA – Proponents of a $60 million transportation bond proposal launched a full-court press Friday in an effort to convince lawmakers to ignore their leaders and support improvements to Maine’s highways. During meetings in Bangor and Portland, Maria Fuentes, of the Maine Better Transportation Association,… Read More
Watch out. The state Department of Transportation is taking aim at teenage drivers in a bid to help them help themselves by measuring their aptitude for highway safety. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
LINCOLN – R. George Keegan made a wry joke of it, at first. The 53-year-old businessman was at lunch with friends at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Wing Wah on Main Street when he saw on the TV news that an $800,000 winning Powerball… Read More
AUGUSTA – For years, more people have left Maine than have moved here. But that pattern has been reversed, U.S. Census Bureau figures show. A migration report issued this month says that between 2000 and 2004, the average number of people moving into Maine each… Read More
Following are divorces granted from in February and March in 1st District Court at Fort Kent and Madawaska on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Duane T. Yankowski, Madawaska, and Sharon A. Yankowski, Frenchville, married June 25, 1993, in Madawaska. Two children to live with their mother. Read More
An Old Town woman didn’t go quietly when she and others were told to leave Barnaby’s after the nightspot at 357 Odlin Road in Bangor had closed early Thursday morning. Jeannie Chapman, 26, had been walking away at about 1:40 a.m., the last of those… Read More
KNOX – A Maine State Police cruiser was damaged Thursday afternoon while a trooper was on patrol. Trooper Mark Barney, 38, was traveling along Baileyville Road around 4:30 p.m. when the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria he was driving hit a washed-out area of the road,… Read More
BANGOR – A day after an Eagle Lake man was sentenced to two years in federal prison on gun charges, he was sentenced Thursday in Aroostook County Superior Court to 10 years with all but four suspended on drug charges. Michael Fournier, 49, was ordered… Read More
CALAIS – A 70-gallon diesel-fuel spill along Route 1 on Friday highlighted the problem of relying too heavily on one main highway connection to nearby Baileyville and Route 9, the state’s famed Airline. Traffic was backed up past the Charlotte Road for more than an… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – A dog and cat owned by a local family had to be euthanized this week because of poisoning, the town’s animal control officer said Friday. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or… Read More
BELFAST – In a spending package he described as a “work in progress,” City Manager Terry St. Peter has submitted a proposed budget for the coming year of $7,268,506. It represents an increase of $363,254, or 5 percent, over last year’s budget of $6,905,252. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Melissa, 16, is an insightful, forthcoming person who is able to make good choices. She is intelligent, caring, thoughtful and spiritual. She has a realistic view of the world and is able to adapt to new environments. This teenager is very friendly and likes to… Read More
UNION – State Rep. Stephen L. Bowen rear-ended a sport utility vehicle Thursday with his pickup truck while traveling along Route 17. Bowen, 36, of Rockport was driving a 1998 Ford pickup truck west on Route 17 behind a 1994 Ford SUV driven by Carrie… Read More
BANGOR – Bangor author J. Michael Hileman will read from his novel “VRIN: Ten Mortal Gods” at 2 p.m. today at Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St. Hileman also will hold a book signing at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Borders Books, Music and… Read More
BLUE HILL – Selectmen are looking into a state funding program that could help improve the intersections at each end of Beech Hill Road and possibly ease residents’ concerns about planned town improvements on that road. The intersection improvements could include a redesign of the… Read More
NEWPORT – When the town’s comprehensive plan was crafted 11 years ago, it limited growth up Route 7, the Moosehead Trail. In an attempt to avoid sprawl, Newport focused its growth downtown and has been making strides. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
ST. GEORGE – There’s more than one way to recycle. And when it comes to recycling, St. George always comes up with a twist. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
BANGOR – Mayor John Cashwell has proclaimed Monday as Arbor Day in Bangor. To mark the occasion – and the first anniversary of Bangor’s designation as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation – residents are invited to attend a tree planting… Read More
ORLAND – A motorist and two passengers were taken to a Bangor hospital for treatment of injuries they suffered Friday in a two-car crash on heavily traveled Route 1. Taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center were Billie-Jo Frates, 30, of Orland, her brother and passenger,… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Somerset County’s emergency management director is hoping for a large turnout Tuesday for a countywide pandemic flu planning meeting, hosted by the local emergency planning committee. “We are trying to make people aware just how important this is,” said Director Robert Higgins on… Read More
Maine’s health care system is like Swiss cheese, riddled with unmet needs and barely there services. Each year, the Ellsworth-based Maine Community Foundation gives out about $1 million to help fill the gaps, and each year a special little chunk of that money comes from the Penobscot Valley… Read More
VERONA ISLAND – Crews from Wardwell Contracting will begin preliminary work on the approaches to the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge next week. It will involve intermittent traffic delays. Work is scheduled to begin Monday at the Dr. Thegan Bridge between Bucksport and Verona Island and… Read More
Today, let’s see if we can solve the mystery of the missing camera. Have you ever taken a trip and lost your camera? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
OLD ORCHARD BEACH – For years, a dilapidated restroom at the foot of the town pier has provided relief for beachgoers. That will end if the town gets its wish to raze the building near the site of the $20 million Grand Victorian condominium and retail project. Read More
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Roman Catholic ministry that bills itself as the largest global religious media network kept a priest on its staff for almost seven years despite knowing of his history as an admitted child abuser while serving in Maine and Massachusetts. The Birmingham-based… Read More
PORTLAND – Two men who were the target of a drug investigation beat up an undercover drug agent and threatened to kill him, officials said Friday. Harold J. Ferrar, 27, and Ryan Hunt, 24, both of Portland, were arrested as they tried to flee Thursday… Read More
Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill officials have sent documents outlining the provisions for selling the Old Town facility to potential buyers. They will begin working with interested parties as responses are received. Nine potential buyers were sent asset-purchase agreements that outline the framework under which someone would buy the facility,… Read More
AUGUSTA – A daylong conference for people with cancer, their families, friends and medical professionals will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Augusta Civic Center. Morning keynote speaker and former Maine governor Angus King will share his experience… Read More
AUBURN – A Sabattus man convicted of raping a Bates College student in 2002 was sentenced Friday to 20 years in prison after a jury decided the crime did not meet the standard for being among the “most heinous.” Superior Court Justice Thomas Delahanty II… Read More
If he were alive today, Homer would really irritate Pat Robertson. Seriously, Homer should be glad he’s dead. Pat Robertson can leg-press 2,000 pounds. His Web site says so. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… 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: 2 p.m., Arbor Day tree planting ceremony, Paul Bunyan Park; 5:30 p.m., City Council, executive… Read More
BANGOR – Now that he’s met his initial fundraising and job-creation targets, city councilors are ready to consider a long-term lease, purchase option and a $200,0000 business development loan for Duane Hallowell, president and chief executive officer of Hallowell International LLC. Hallowell International is converting… Read More
PITTSFIELD – The ceremony marking installation of a new priest for the recently burned St. Martin’s Episcopal Church of Palmyra has been moved to St. Agnes Catholic Church in Pittsfield. The ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
BANGOR – Though the zone-change request fell flat when it was presented to the city’s planning board this week, representatives of the Bangor YMCA will get another shot during Monday’s City Council meeting, set for 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. At issue is the group’s… Read More
Bangor Raceway’s 123rd season officially gets out of the starting gate Friday, but there will be plenty of on-track activity Saturday as the newly-refurbished and renovated track hosts qualifying runs. Horsemen will get their first up-close look and exposure to the improved paddock and grounds. Read More
ORONO – When Scott Robinson took the mound Friday evening for the 77th time in his career, he tied the University of Maine career record for appearances. The Black Bears provided the senior righthander with offensive support befitting one of the most durable and versatile… Read More
CORINTH – It’s a virtually new Central of Corinth baseball team this spring, with just three seniors and a couple of returning starters on the roster. But so far, so good for the Red Devils, now 2-0 after defeating Piscataquis of Guilford 11-4 in a… Read More
HAMPDEN – The defending Class A state softball champion is already in mid-season form – for now, anyway. “Right now we’re seeing the ball well. Come the middle of the season, things might change,” said Messalonskee of Oakland coach Leo Bouchard. “But right now the… Read More
On Friday afternoon, Kenneth Casey Dubay-Baker and guide Dean Smith worked their way through the aisles of Dick’s Sporting Goods, picking out the proper pieces of camouflage gear for a first-time turkey-hunter. Dubay-Baker, an 18-year-old from Bangor, wasn’t too particular about most things (though, he’d… Read More
BANGOR – Rod Haney of Brewer bowled his third 300 game 0f 2006 and the seventh of his career during the Thursday Pine Tree Men’s League at Family Fun Bowling Center. It was the 22nd 300 game at the lanes this season. Haney bowled a… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL at Brewer 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
ROCKLAND – David Benner hit a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Rockland Tigers a 5-1 high school baseball victory over the Camden Hills Windjammers Friday. John Coppola added two singles and Mike Marsh and triple and a single… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Jordan McLain scattered four hits, striking out seven and walking one, and helped herself with a double, a single and two RBIs as the Brewer Witches topped the Skowhegan Indians 6-3 in high school softball action Friday. Christine Thoms paced Brewer with three… Read More
GORHAM – Luke Enman’s RBI double in the top of the eighth sparked a three-run rally that lifted the Saint Joseph’s College Monks to a 7-4 college baseball win over the University of Southern Maine Friday. Dustin Spiller gave Saint Joseph’s some insurance with a… Read More
BELFAST – Corey Martin belted a three-run first-inning homer to give Winslow the lead for good and he also added a single later in the game as Winslow held off Belfast 13-7 in high school baseball action Friday. Brandon Weed hit a double and three… Read More
Those interested in the rich tradition of the Moosehead Lake region can find out more on Thursday when Eric Stirling of West Branch Pond Camps presents a program at the Natural Resources Education Center in Greenville. Stirling will talk about the history, lore, and legend… Read More
Vacation brings out children School vacation has been a very busy time at the Fields Pond Audubon Center. In addition to training volunteers to help with Wonderful Wetland school walk programs, we had four different live animal programs – insects, owls, frogs and salamanders, and… Read More
This spring, for the first time, any and all sportsmen who wish to hunt wild turkeys in Maine need only buy a permit. Since 1986, a lottery system has been used to select hunters for a limited number of permits for specific hunting zones. In just 20 years,… Read More
Spring’s arrival means one thing to hikers. It’s time to get outdoors and hike. Time to put away the ice ax, crampons, skis, and snowshoes and swap into trail runners or hiking boots. Nothing says spring to a hiker like putting that winter gear away and hitting the… Read More
As I left the barn late one evening last week, I was reminded of a similar night last fall. The two were almost identical: the sky was bright, the moon close to full. Last autumn’s nocturnal delights included a lone coyote singing out in the… Read More
If you want to make money, it seems that real estate is the market to be in right now. Reality TV didn’t want to get left behind, and with HGTV already running shows all day about buying, selling and fixing homes, Bravo now has jumped on the real… Read More
Andrew Mercure, 6, sits on a stool, tuning his kid-size Fender acoustic guitar. He watches, rapt, as his teacher Jerry Thibault tunes his own. “Ready to rock?” asks the longtime musician, dressed in jeans, a black muscle shirt and cowboy boots. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
I have a confession to make: I’m a closet conservative. As in, my closet is conservative. More so than one would expect from a woman who shops for a living. It has taken me a very, very long time to break out of my usual… Read More
“Aeon Flux”: Acid Reflux. The last time we saw Charlize Theron on DVD, she was a coal miner’s daughter – and a coal miner – in the hard-scrabble “North Country,” which won her an Academy Award nomination. Earlier in 2005, however, she also was Aeon Flux, the hard-bodied… Read More
A month ago we featured a good old-fashioned spice cake. At the time, I remarked that among the recipes I received there were three types. One was a very rich, elegant version, suitable for a special occasion. And here it is. Ruth Thurston of Machias… Read More
My memory was not that good to start with. I used to specialize in forgetting names. I once sent a bouquet of flowers to a new girlfriend and put the wrong name on the card. She didn’t stay a girlfriend for long. Walter “The Mind”… Read More
Change never ceases to amaze me. Although I am more astounded by the things that stay the same. 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
Finally buds are swelling, leaves unfolding. I stroll through Marjorie’s garden with my morning coffee, stopping at each tree and shrub to note the progress made since yesterday. The red elders are advancing rapidly, clusters of purple flower buds surrounded by emerging leaves at the tip of each… Read More