WASHINGTON – The Bush administration, facing complaints from border-state lawmakers, is considering scaling back strict passport security requirements for people who infrequently travel between the United States and Canada. The concession may not be enough for lawmakers who want to delay rules requiring passports or… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Three federal judges reacted skeptically Monday to a conservative group that wants to air an advertisement around election time singling out Maine’s two U.S. senators on the issue of same-sex marriage. The Christian Civic League of Maine is challenging a provision of federal… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Venezuela will expand its discounted oil program for poor New Englanders next winter under a politically sensitive new deal brokered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, D.-Mass., and former congressman Joseph Kennedy. The flow of additional cut-rate oil to the… Read More
    WINSLOW – A mail-order seed company that germinated and sprouted in the Kennebec River Valley three decades ago is being sold, but it appears unlikely that it will be uprooted by its new ownership. Johnny’s Selected Seeds, which has offices in Winslow and its research… Read More
    Editor’s Note: April Forristall will graduate from the University of Maine in May and is writing a series of columns, appearing Wednesdays, about her and classmate’s job-hunting experiences. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to write. My mother still has stories, complete with… Read More
    BANGOR – A new version of the Nyletherm, Nyle Special Products’ heat pump hot water heater, is now being manufactured, and the company expects to be hiring more employees within the next week or so to help with production, company officials announced. “We’ve already starting… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The state is taking a tourism marketing cue from the Caribbean: entice cruise ship passengers to return to Maine for extended vacations via land-based travel. It’s called FreeStayMaine and it aims to set sail in May. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    The Bangor Mall Cinemas 10, which is jointly owned by the Epstein family of Bangor and Boston Culinary Group, has announced the completion of renovations at the Stillwater Avenue Theatre. The project involved adding stadium seating and premium digital DTS sound to two auditoriums, bringing the total number… Read More
    Dr. Jim Rittenburg, a University of Maine graduate and vice-president of Authentix Corp. of Dallas, is scheduled to be the guest speaker Friday, April 28, at a biological sciences seminar at the University of Maine. Rittenburg will talk about commercial applications for authentication, a practice by which forensic… Read More
    The following petitions for bankruptcy were filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor during Oct. 2005. Todd C. Benoit, sternman, and Linda C. Benoit, security specialist, no dependents, Corea: assets, $434,752; debts, $918,275. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    The Home Depot is one of 11 major U.S. corporations that has been paying its chief executive officer astronomical salary and “incentive benefits” while its stock has gone down. The CEO got more than $50 million in total compensation in the past two years while total stockholder value… Read More
    With the closure of the Georgia-Pacific mill, Old Town is grappling with a large hole in its school budget. Neighboring Orono also has budget trouble, mostly because the number of children in town is declining. These problems present an opportunity for the towns to consider school consolidation, from… Read More
    In an April 21 Bangor Daily News article, Defense Attorney Don Brown reports that his client, convicted rapist Robert Fiorentino, was “thrown to the wolves.” That man was not thrown to the wolves – society’s gates were repeatedly opened to a malicious creature who should have been locked… Read More
    In America we are becoming experts at writing flawed scientific studies to justify some abuse by big business. The problem is that a majority of people believe what is published. We knew in the 1920s that nicotine caused lung cancer but it took until 1995 to prove it… Read More
    I am writing to offer another viewpoint regarding a letter written by Frederick H. Holmes Sr., a retired law officer from Florida, now living in Maine, who argues for the death penalty in our state (BDN, April 22-23). One of the reasons I live in… Read More
    I had the opportunity to read the op-ed by Charles T. McHugh, “Restore railroad to help Down East Maine” (BDN, April 17). I am impressed with McHugh’s concern for Down East and his understanding of transportation economics. During the late 1980s, I wrote a study-proposal… Read More
    A friend forwarded Duncan Beaton’s op-ed (BDN, April 6) to me for two reasons. First, she knows I share his opinion, and second, I just spent five months living alone in Aroostook County. I want to second Beaton’s call for the two important and strong Maine senators to… Read More
    Kristen Andresen’s article, “Ladies’ Night: Rise in drinking rate among young women alarms public health experts nationwide” (BDN, April 13), was engaging and beautifully written and simply brought to light a national cultural trend and put it in a local context. It was well researched and supported from… Read More
    CALAIS – The state, which is quick to collect money from taxpayers, is lagging way behind when it comes to paying its own bills – Medicaid bills that is, the board of directors at Calais Regional Hospital learned Monday night at its annual meeting. But… Read More
    WATERVILLE – For sale: more than 30,000 laptops. Gently used? Well, not exactly. But the price is hard to beat. Maine’s seventh- and eighth-graders are getting new Apple laptop computers this fall. That leaves about 30,000 old Apple iBooks, and schools are being given the… Read More
    BANGOR – Speaking quietly but clearly Tuesday, Angela Reynolds, 23, of Eddington pleaded not guilty to charges that she struck and killed a man last summer with the vehicle she was driving while she allegedly was intoxicated. Reynolds is charged with manslaughter and operating a… Read More
    HOLDEN – The Penobscot Valley Chapter of Maine Audubon will present a forum on the future of Moosehead Lake at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Fields Pond Audubon Center, Holden. Plum Creek will present an overview of its revised plans for development on its… Read More
    BANGOR – The Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine will hold a walk for peace beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at Davenport Park. The 3-mile walk will go from the park to Eastern Maine Medical Center. The public is invited to gather at the… Read More
    BELFAST – After more than an hour of wrangling at its meeting Tuesday night, the SAD 34 board finished its budget proposal for 2006-07 at $22.5 million, an increase of a little more than 8 percent more than the current spending plan. The budget goes… Read More
    HOULTON – If it were possible, one of the best ways that the town could gauge the economic development progress it has made in the past few years would be by finding a film that was recorded in the downtown area three years ago and compare it to… Read More
    WOODLAND – Agents with the state Animal Welfare Program are awaiting the results of a necropsy that they believe will determine what killed one of three dogs that were slain in this rural Aroostook County town earlier this month. The three dogs, two wrapped in… Read More
    HOULTON – A discussion during an executive session held after a Town Council meeting Monday evening touched upon “prospective business opportunities” and other bright spots for the town, officials said Tuesday. The session was held after the council’s regular meeting to discuss economic development. Officials… Read More
    CARIBOU – Local organizers are hoping to fill the Caribou Performing Arts Center tonight when they host the first regional meeting ever to tackle the issues of drug abuse in the area – specifically in terms of prescription drugs and methamphetamine – and how to combat the problem… Read More
    CARIBOU – The Caribou Choral Society will present its 30th anniversary spring concerts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Presque Isle Middle School Auditorium. The public is invited. Donations will… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Women’s Leadership Project, a unique training opportunity for women in northern Maine that is sponsored by the Maine Women’s Policy Center, will have four workshops on May 16-17 and June 20-21 at Northern Maine Community College. The project is co-sponsored by… Read More
    ISLAND FALLS – The Island Falls Republican Committee will host a meet the candidates potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, in the Island Falls municipal building. Rep. Henry Joy, Sen. Dean Clukey and Senate candidate Roger Sherman will be present. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Marie-Jo Silver will be at the University of Maine at Presque Isle to give two presentations regarding the French culture. The first, “Incomparable Josephine,” will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 28. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – University of Maine at Presque Isle students are planning a service learning program for people in the community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, in Gentile Hall. The purpose of the event is to celebrate diversity within the community… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Northern Maine Community College will hold electrical-electronics student games at 1 p.m. today in the Edmunds Conference Center. The games will involve students enrolled in the computer electronics, industrial controls and measurement technology, and electrical construction and maintenance programs. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    FORT KENT – Northern Maine Medical Center will hold the following events during May: Cardiac support group meetings, smoking cessation classes, Heartsaver CPR/First Aid courses, diabetes classes, Alzheimer’s support group meetings, nutrition classes, cancer support group meetings, and a lecture on post-traumatic stress disorder. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    The Maine Education Opportunity Center will hold essentials of college planning workshops in Presque Isle, Houlton, Fort Kent, and Madawaska during May. For the workshop in your area and to register, call (800) 281-3703. Read More
    VEAZIE – Nomination papers are available for council and school board positions. One three-year council term is available, with Councilor Helen Cheney’s term ending. In addition, one one-year and one three-year school board seat are open to fill the positions of Julia Hathaway and Kim… Read More
    ORRINGTON – The municipal budget is going up, but with projected increases to town revenues, taxpayers should see minimal changes on their tax bills, Town Manager Carl Young is predicting. “They really had a bare bones budget for this year,” the new town manger, hired… Read More
    NEWPORT – The owner and cook at Lucky’s Tavern and Restaurant have entered not-guilty pleas at Newport District Court to charges of assault, and a trial has been set for May 24. Paul LaChance, 40, of St. Albans, the bar’s owner, and Brian Craigue, 25,… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – Matthew Chandler, the pandemic flu coordinator for the Maine Center for Disease Control, rocked those gathered Tuesday at an avian flu planning summit by presenting statistics to which they could relate. Even as Chandler praised Somerset County representatives for their aggressive attitude, concern… Read More
    EAST MACHIAS – Trustees of the private-public Washington Academy will vote Thursday evening on whether to approve a plan to add a 44-bed dormitory for boarding students and reverse the projected enrollment trend over the next 10 years. The school has a current enrollment of… Read More
    ORONO – A Bangor man fled from police late Monday night, prompting an extensive search through fields and along the Stillwater River, although he was located later in the drive-through of a Dunkin’ Donuts. David Allan Desjardins, 41, was charged with violation of bail conditions… Read More
    ORRINGTON – Selectmen have been working for years to resolve space and code violation issues at the town hall, and after meeting on Monday with residents, they removed one of the three options under consideration. Building a new facility, renovating the current building or building… Read More
    City councilors on Monday voted to shift the animal control division’s jurisdiction from the city clerk’s office to the police department. One benefit of the move, councilors noted, is that it will relieve the clerk’s office of having to deal with law enforcement issues. It also will provide… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – A log cabin burned down Monday night, leaving three people and several farm animals homeless. The Evergreen Lane fire began shortly before 11 p.m., when one of the home’s three tenants lit a candle that accidentally set the burlap roof ablaze. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    GREENVILLE – Higher than anticipated property sales have sent the state valuation soaring yet another year in this tourist-oriented community. That move causes two blows to the small municipality: The town’s contribution to county government increases and the state’s contribution for education usually tumbles. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Rockland District Court Cases March 20-April 3, 2006 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 () { //… Read More
    CARIBOU – The Community Alcohol and Drug Education Team will hold a town meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. The meeting will address escalating substance abuse issues in Aroostook County. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    PERRY – A mussel dragger on a scientific errand ran aground Monday afternoon near Pleasant Point and was marooned for a full eight-hour tide cycle. The 50-foot Miss Amy, captained by Scott MacNichol of Perry, was towing a research barge to the beach to take… Read More
    MADAWASKA – The first annual Madawaska cancer awareness walk will be Saturday, May 13. All proceeds from the 10-mile walk will be donated to the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Families and Children Together will present a Maine Summit for Grandfamilies from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, in Jewett Hall Auditorium at the University of Maine in Augusta. The event will focus on the mental health and substance abuse challenges… Read More
    BANGOR – Free Shrine Circus tickets are available for military families for the shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Bangor Auditorium and the show at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at the Presque Isle Forum. To reserve tickets, call… Read More
    Are you ready for bluegrass in Pittsfield? The McFravis Family Fiddlers and The Union River Band certainly hope you are, because they’re ready to entertain you at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Pittsfield Community Theater. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    AUBURN – The estate of a retired police detective who was Marilyn Monroe’s first husband claimed a filmmaker who documented the couple’s marriage blew the money on massages, dating services and child support, among other things. An Androscoggin County Superior Court judge granted a motion… Read More
    The Maine Principals’ Association has announced the recipients of the MPA Principals’ awards for 2006: Ashland Community High School, Ashley R. Nemer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
    WARREN – The Maine State Prison inmate accused of assaulting another prisoner last week was identified Tuesday as a Lewiston man serving a 58-year sentence for stabbing to death a Bates College senior during a street brawl. Brandon Thongsavanh, 23, is suspected of stabbing another… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine Gambling Control Board returned to its full complement of five members Tuesday after Cushing Pagon Samp of Saco cleared a Senate confirmation hearing before the Legislature’s Legal And Veterans Affairs Committee. Samp, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon,… Read More
    Brew-ha-ha Sometimes, the perfect pairing starts with the perfect pint. Such is the case at The Edge Oceanfront Dining in Lincolnville, which will hold a four-course Andrew’s Brewing Beer Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Andy Hazen of Andrew’s will be on hand… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Mount Desert Island baseball team was poised to make an early statement against Ellsworth on Tuesday – loading the bases with no one out in the top of the first inning. But Matt Homich would have none of it, striking out the… Read More
    ORONO – Freshman pitchers often have to wait patiently for the right opportunity to showcase their ability. University of Maine lefthander Mitch Clegg took advantage of such a chance under challenging conditions Tuesday night at Mahaney Diamond. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – It’s still early in the season, but the Mount Desert Island softball team has already shown it can win close games. And the Trojans also know with Nia Megquier in the circle, they have a chance to pick up more wins. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    A day of reckoning may be coming July 1 for some of Maine’s golfers. No, nongolfing wives and husbands won’t be mailing their spouses’ clubs to Tibet. Not that I know of, anyway. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
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    BANGOR – The Kenduskeag Slalom, the only slalom race held in Maine, will be held Sunday on the Kenduskeag Stream at 8 a.m. at Valley Avenue and Exchange Street. A two-mile down-river race will be also be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    HOLE-IN-ONE Malcolm Dow 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
    PORTLAND – Interviews are under way in the investigation into steroid use in Major League Baseball, but there is no timeline on when the probe may be completed, former Sen. George Mitchell said Tuesday. “We’ve begun the process,” said Mitchell, who was appointed by baseball… Read More
    SOFTBALL MAINE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY 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
    BANGOR – Saint Joseph’s College scored three runs in the top of the first inning and held on for a 3-1 baseball victory over Husson College at the Winkin Complex Tuesday. A second scheduled game between the teams was canceled due to rain. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    SYDNEY MINES, Nova Scotia – Tears, prayers and forgiveness were offered Tuesday by about 200 mourners who attended a funeral service for accused double murderer Stephen A. Marshall. Under gray skies and light drizzle, his mother, Margaret, and stepfather, Keith Miles, led a dozen relatives,… Read More