Plum Creek Timber Co. submitted its revised plans for the Moosehead Lake region to state regulators Thursday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated battle over the largest development proposal in Maine history. Plum Creek officials delivered the updated plan – more than 1,000 pages… Read More
    INDIAN ISLAND – Representatives of Maine’s Indian tribes, part of a delegation of more than 60 Americans who recently visited Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, expressed gratitude for the South American leader’s consideration of poor people beyond his country’s borders. In the contracts signed in January… Read More
    WASHINGTON – A Senate inquiry into the government’s Hurricane Katrina failures ripped the Bush administration anew Thursday and urged the scrapping of the nation’s disaster response agency. But with a new hurricane season just weeks away, senators conceded that few if any of their proposals could become reality… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Members of the House rejected a $60 million transportation bond for the second consecutive day Thursday while the Maine Senate followed suit by the smallest of margins. The House voted 82-63 against the version of the $18 million supplemental transportation budget bill containing… Read More
    Howard L. Dunn, president and chief executive officer of the University Credit Union, is retiring after 27 years with the organization. Dunn joined the credit union in 1979, when it had less than $1 million in assets and two full-time employees. Today, UCU is one of Maine’s largest… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Bush administration announced Thursday that it had reached a tentative agreement to settle a three-decade-long battle with Canada over softwood lumber. The initial reaction from the U.S. timber industry was favorable, but some Canadians complained that the proposed settlement represented too much… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Burly work crews are busy this week painting, prying wooden shutters off boarded-up restaurants and otherwise sprucing up the resort community. It’s April, so it must be the time of year when sleepy wintertime Bar Harbor wakes up, stretches in the spring… Read More
    Maine-built boats will be featured next month when Maine Maritime Academy’s training vessel State of Maine docks in Barcelona, Spain. Paul Rich, president of Maine Built Boats, will join the State of Maine in Barcelona May 16-19, when local dignitaries, politicians, business leaders and educators are welcomed aboard… Read More
    The following petitions for bankruptcy were filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor during October 2005: David Walter Owens, tool designer, and Julie Winn, disabled, one dependent, Bangor: assets, $213,075; debts, $318,657. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Ten states, including Maine, fired a new legal salvo at the federal government Thursday in a long-running court battle over global warming and pollution from power plants. The states, joined by environmental groups, sued the Environmental Protection Agency over its decision not to… Read More
    Over the length of his term as chancellor of the University of Maine System, Joseph Westphal has earned a salary of more than $800,000, plus benefits. Now he is retiring. The job of chancellor of a large university system must be very demanding and stressful. Read More
    Maine businesses got more than they could have hoped for even if it wasn’t all they requested in the elimination of the business-equipment tax approved by the Legislature’s Taxation Committee this week. As important, the Legislature got over a hurdle it had failed to clear for a decade. Read More
    Briefly, after Hurricane Katrina knocked out some of the Gulf Coast’s oil infrastructure, President Bush promoted energy conservation. Unfortunately, that newfound conservation appreciation was short-lived. With gas prices again hovering around $3 a gallon, the president’s solution centers largely on getting Americans to buy new cars – hybrids… Read More
    The Bush administration manipulated information about weapons of mass destruction and took our country to war pre-emptively, which is against the Geneva Accords and certainly hasn’t created peace or security. We have lost more than 2,300 American soldiers and countless others are injured physically and… Read More
    In response to Edwin Dean’s April 27 BDN op-ed concerning poverty. The best way to kill poverty is to WORK it to death. Dana Kadey googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    It was encouraging to see your April 21 editorial, “Law and Odor,” addressing Bangor’s pet excrement problem, particularly in light of the ever-increasing numbers of dogs present in our public areas. I have lived in the Chapin Park area of the city’s east side most… Read More
    Last Saturday’s BDN editorial, “Fight Fat, Fund Parks,” clearly states the need for continued funding of the LWCF program. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 provides 50 percent matching grants to the states, and through the states to local governments, to conserve land and to… Read More
    Maine is moving forward on health care reform, and the Dirigo health program has been a key component of tackling the toughest challenge: providing quality, affordable health insurance to families and local small businesses. In the Bangor area alone, more than 100 small businesses are now able to… Read More
    As the U.S. Senate reconvenes to consider immigration reform, we should all be thinking about the principles that should guide this debate, and convey these to our legislators. The Drum Major Institute (DMI – a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank) offers two “middle-class” tests that any… Read More
    OLD TOWN – Outdoor enthusiasts visiting wildlife refuges across the state may find the protected lands maintained less due to a federal budget crunch in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Budget limitations have left Maine refuges scrambling for funding, and the U.S. Fish and… Read More
    TREMONT – The kids piled out of the school bus Thursday afternoon and stormed the town pier in Bernard. Already wearing their orange life jackets and carrying an array of scientific paraphernalia, the 13 seventh-graders looked ready for just about anything. But what they were… Read More
    CORINTH – Outside Tilton’s livestock auction barn on Thursday was the Beefmobile, a van decorated with huge images of steaks that is funded through the national beef check-off program and has logged 124,000 miles traveling across the country to promote beef sales. But what got… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A sobering mental picture was painted on Thursday for a group of Piscataquis County residents who likely will help develop a county preparedness and response plan for pandemic influenza. Federal and state officials believe it’s only a matter of time before H5N1, an… Read More
    Mattanawcook Academy, Lincoln 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
    Houlton High School Third quarter honor roll 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
    Following are divorces granted in 5th District Court in Belfast during March on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Paul T. Fowler Jr., Camden, and Margaret S. Fowler, Lincolnville, married at Belfast Dec. 13, 1997; shared parental responsibility for one child. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    MADAWASKA – The Madawaska School Committee voted Wednesday night to reopen their search for a superintendent of schools, a position that has been open since former Superintendent Dr. Danny R.P. Michaud resigned last fall. The previous search had narrowed a field of eight applicants to… Read More
    CARIBOU – About 1,200 concerned parents and community members packed the Caribou Performing Arts Center Wednesday night – and when there was no room left, they packed the nearby cafeteria – to participate in “Taking Back our Communities from Drugs.” The event, hosted by the… Read More
    SEDGWICK – The supplemental state budget has provided some additional state subsidy for the school department that has helped ease financial pressures on the system. Local officials, however, remain concerned about continuing, long-term cuts in state aid and continue to plan for a community forum… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Residents will have the chance next week to vote for three Town Council members and consider adopting an annual budget of $11.84 million for the town’s government and elementary school. But the issue likely to stir the most controversy is the question… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – After a discussion on Wednesday night about the 10-year lease the city has with a local homeless organization, the City Council made plans to talk next week with organization officials about the 2005 lease payment, which has not been paid, City Manager Tom Stevens said… Read More
    OLD TOWN – The Old Town Republican Town Committee meeting will be held Monday, May 1, at the home of Catherine Martinage. The meeting will discuss plans for the coming month, including Relay for Life. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    BLANCHARD TOWNSHIP – The Blanchard Preservation Society will hold its annual membership meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the town hall. Members are encouraged to attend, as elections will be held. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    A woman tried to pass off counterfeit money at two McDonald’s restaurants in Bangor Thursday, but was successful at only one. The manager of the Broadway fast-food restaurant told police about 1:40 p.m. that it had been busy and a counterfeit $20 was accepted as… Read More
    A water main broke Thursday afternoon on Sunset Avenue. A passing motorist noticed water bubbling from under the asphalt in the middle of the street and reported it. The Hampden Water District and Sargent Corp. of Stillwater worked for four hours, digging to the old pipe that had… Read More
    UNITY – The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad is back on track and poised for renewed summer excursions. Reorganized as the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Preservation Society, a nonprofit corporation, the railroad will begin excursion runs June 17 from Unity to Burnham Junction. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Town Manager Jim Hancock, 48, is retiring, and although Thursday was supposed to be his last day, a replacement hasn’t been found. “I’ve agreed to stay on until they do seat a new manager,” Hancock said. The search process is under way, and candidate interviews are scheduled to… Read More
    ROBBINSTON – The clam diggers are happy. No one can remember exactly when the flats were closed, but most know it’s been for a long time. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    MACHIAS – University of Maine at Machias graduating senior Malcolm Holmes already has had the experience of making his way in the world. Holmes, 48, is a nontraditional student with Washington County roots and, hopefully, a Washington County future. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Residents will gather next week at the annual town meeting to vote on a proposed $5.36 million combined municipal and elementary school budget. With additional appropriations of $1.05 million for Mount Desert Island Regional High School and $289,000 for Hancock County, the… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Dustin Harris lived in Patten and was killed in Iraq, but he was born at Millinocket Regional Hospital, and his loss was keenly felt in all of the Katahdin region. That’s why the Town Council and three local veterans groups honored the late… Read More
    The local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, Business Women of Bangor, was just chartered in May 2005 and now has more than 50 members. On behalf of those members, Jan Currier invites you to attend the group’s second annual spring fashion show, dinner… Read More
    Commencement activities at Maine Maritime Academy will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Alexander Fieldhouse on the Castine campus. Bob Dickinson, president and chief executive officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, will address the graduating class at the school’s 63rd commencement. He… Read More
    EDDINGTON – Firetrucks will lead the funeral procession for Arnold Grover, a 31-year veteran town firefighter and former chief, who died early Wednesday morning after a long illness. Grover was 70. “He was very active in this town for many, many years,” Town Manager Russell… Read More
    CASTINE – Folks who work at and visit The Reef, the town’s landmark waterfront bar, are breathing a little easier now that they know the pub will continue to operate. The Reef’s future was up in the air this week when the building’s owner objected… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A proposal to curb Maine’s most dangerous drivers, prompted by a fatal accident last summer on the Maine Turnpike, is up for final enactment votes today after winning House and Senate endorsements earlier this week. Gov. John Baldacci “absolutely” will sign the bill,… Read More
    EASTPORT – The state’s Down East boat school has taken a shot in its stern and is listing, but supporters said Thursday they hope to keep it from sinking during legislative maneuvers in Augusta. Officially called the Marine Technology Center, it is widely known simply… Read More
    DEXTER – More groundwork is expected to be done this spring at the former Fayscott Inc. plant to correct a contamination problem. Water from storms overloads a treatment system on site, which causes contaminated water to overflow into a nearby bog and stream, according to… Read More
    Lists aren’t the most glamorous part of a newspaper. They don’t feature the descriptive prose that makes the writer proud, nor do they delve any deeper than the most basic information about the nature of the listings themselves. But traditionally readers find such staples as… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Old Town 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
    MAINE VS. BINGHAMTON Time, site: Friday, 3 p.m., Saturday (2), noon; Sunday, noon; Varsity Field, Vestal, N.Y. 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
    BANGOR – Adam Sheehan socked an RBI double to cap a four-run sixth inning as the Husson College baseball team took the second game of a doubleheader from Thomas College of Waterville 10-6. The Terriers captured the first game 6-2. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    CARIBOU – Travis Brooker pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out eight batters to lead the Presque Isle baseball team to an 8-0 high school win over Caribou on Thursday. Matt McGlinn slammed a two-run homer and Derek Belanger added two singles for Presque Isle. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    EAST SULLIVAN – Kayla Higgins slapped an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to give the Sumner Memorial High School Tigers a 6-4 high school softball victory over Orono Thursday. Lona Sargent doubled and singled while Angela Leach singled twice for the winners. Read More
    DEER ISLE – Phil Dougherty hit a two-run homer, a two-run double, and a single, driving in five runs, to lead Bangor Christian past Deer Isle-Stonington 15-7 in high school baseball action Thursday. Josh Frost and Micah Dougherty chipped in with two singles and two… Read More
    “Greatest Hits Volume 1” (Arista Nashville) – Phil Vassar Some might consider it a bit presumptuous to release a greatest-hits compilation as only the fourth CD of your career. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    Rick Charette, with or without his Bubblegum Band, has been writing music for children since 1983, when his first album, “Alligator in the Elevator” was released. “Alligator,” along with his nine other albums and his parent-friendly live performances, helped Charette become one of the most beloved children’s musicians… Read More
    Derek Williams, son of the recently deceased Orono restaurateur Frank Williams, is carrying on his father’s legacy by keeping the music coming at the Blues Cafe. The elder Williams’ death in late March was a great loss, not just because he was such a well-known… Read More
    In theaters AMERICAN DREAMZ, written and directed by Paul Weitz, 107 minutes, rated PG-13. 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()) {… Read More