CALAIS – Stepped up screening of travelers slowed traffic to a crawl at Maine’s border stations earlier this week, creating long lines and causing some U.S. merchants to see red. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials increased their frequency of identification checks last weekend, saying… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Democratic bids to restructure the administration and financing of the Dirigo Health program ran aground Wednesday as Maine lawmakers slogged through their final chores for the 2006 regular legislative session. The death of Dirigo legislation represented setbacks for Gov. John Baldacci, who has… Read More
    CAMPOBELLO ISLAND, New Brunswick – Diane Woodworth, a teacher at the Campobello Consolidated School, has many reasons to cross the border at Lubec. “We have to get gas,” she said, noting that the last gas station on Campobello closed about 15 years ago. Islanders have… Read More
    OLD TOWN – In response to the Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill closing, the Penobscot County Transition Team is offering workshops to the public free of charge. The transition team includes local organizations, business leaders and lawmakers whose goal is to help workers recover from layoffs and… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Susan Collins, Olympia J. Snowe, Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) have introduced an amendment to the immigration reform bill that would increase the types of identification documents to satisfy the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or “passport rule.”… Read More
    CINCINNATI – Federated Department Stores Inc. will sell nine department store locations in six states – including two stores in Maine – to General Growth Properties Inc. as it continues to rid itself of duplicate stores gained in last year’s acquisition of the May Department Stores Co. Read More
    BURLINGTON, Vt. – A Boston financial firm is ending a program that was to have provided up to 200 well-paying jobs to Vermonters who were to work out of their homes. The state provided almost $300,000 to help Putnam Investments set up the program, which… Read More
    WINSLOW – A manufacturing company that got its start in a garage in Liberty and now operates out of a former paper mill projects year-end revenues of $25 million, a jump of more than 30 percent. Thule Trailers Inc., formerly known as C&C Distributors, produces… Read More
    MILWAUKEE – For the 50th year in a row, Wisconsin was the top producer of paper in the nation, the Wisconsin Paper Council said Monday. State mills generated more than 5 million tons of paper in 2003, the most recent year for which data were… Read More
    NEW YORK – A civil rights group filed complaints in more than 20 states Wednesday over allegations that phone companies shared customer records with the government’s biggest spy agency. The American Civil Liberties Union believes the phone program was the latest example of “a longer-term… Read More
    The following petitions for bankruptcy were filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor during October 2005: Lorrie Ellen Pinkham, customer service representative, two dependents, Bangor: assets, $133,955; debts, $137,962. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Acting FEMA director R. David Paulison took questionable deductions on three years of tax returns, the agency acknowledged Wednesday, but the chairman of the Senate panel considering his nomination predicted it would not hinder his approval as permanent chief. “I think it’s important… Read More
    The media have focused on the fate of 10 million to 12 million illegal immigrants who will get the chance at citizenship if the Senate immigration bill, S. 2611, passes. Evidently they are overlooking a much bigger issue, namely the massive increase in legal immigration visas which the… Read More
    In his commentary, “Democratizing telecommunications” (BDN, May 16), John Buell discussed pending federal legislation which would greatly amend the current process for granting cable television franchise agreements. The commentary presented many of the concerns that Maine municipalities have with the federal proposals which undermine municipalities’ historic right to… Read More
    This Monday, on my way to my office by car, I came upon the protest by the faculty and staff of the University of Maine System. While I firmly believe in the faculty’s right to protest, what I encountered was less than friendly. As I… Read More
    I was recently in a feed store in Bangor and noticed that goats as young as 2 to 3 days old were being sold. I asked an employee, “Don’t you think they are a little young to be taken away from their mothers?” The employee said it was… Read More
    The municipal group, Our Town-Thomaston, appreciates the coverage the Bangor Daily News has given to our effort to limit the size of retail development along Route 1 in Thomaston. Leanne Robicheau’s reports are accurate and timely. As a member of Our Town-Thomaston, I am, of… Read More
    Having warmed a few hearts and many homes with his discounted oil to states last winter, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is reportedly making a similar offer for next winter to Europeans who struggle to pay their heating bills. Meanwhile, the Bush administration recently took the largely symbolic step… Read More
    Voting, and registering to do so, has been made a lot easier in Bangor, leaving little reason not to cast a ballot in the upcoming elections. To streamline voting and perhaps save the city some money, Bangor has gone from eight to four polling places,… Read More
    Some politicians and analysts claim that China’s rapid economic growth and its surging exports to the United States are depriving millions of American workers of jobs and threatening our living standards. Don’t believe them. China’s growth helps many more Americans than it harms, and those… Read More
    The quality of public education is primarily at risk as a result of inadequate funding and a lack of science and mathematics teachers. These problems are especially acute when mills are closing and more people are stepping into the unemployment line. While all Americans want… Read More
    CALAIS – Two people were injured Wednesday when the 10-foot-high balcony they were standing on apparently broke away from its anchor bolts and crashed to the ground. The two – a man and a woman – were listed in fair condition at Calais Regional Hospital… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Earlier this month members of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence were upset and angry with the apparent demise in the Legislature of a bill aimed at warning Mainers shielded by a protection from abuse order should the abuser try to buy a gun. Read More
    AUGUSTA – In votes that fell largely along party lines Wednesday, the Maine House and Senate approved legislation requiring the state to pick up 45 percent of the health insurance costs for retired municipal police and firefighters until they are old enough to qualify for Medicare benefits. Read More
    It’s probably safe to say that the average American motorist feels quite capable of performing the simple task of filling up his car with gas at the local self-serve pump. You just pull up, unscrew the gas cap, perhaps insert a credit card into a… Read More
    PRINCETON – State wildlife officials are recommending the addition of a dozen animals and invertebrates to Maine’s list of endangered and threatened species, including the New England cottontail and a type of owl known to breed in only two places in the state. Modeled after… Read More
    AUGUSTA – For the second year in a row, Maine has been recognized for setting high educational standards for its students in math and reading. The state was one of only five to get a grade of A from the scholarly journal Education Next, published… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Taxpayers shouldn’t expect to see a large increase in their local taxes, thanks to a proposed $15 million budget that council and school board members will be reviewing at a budget adoption meeting today. The proposed 2006-07 municipal and school budget increases about… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board took steps Wednesday to give credit where credit is due. “I don’t believe the governor’s ever been given the credit he deserves,” George McHale, who also heads the Maine Harness Racing Commission, said after a… Read More
    WEST ENFIELD – As state investigators continued Wednesday probing for what caused a fire that devastated a town lumber company last month, the company laid off six more workers this week and began salvaging scrap metal and other debris from the company’s destroyed sawmill. The… Read More
    BANGOR – A panel set parameters for a marketing campaign to boost recycling in the city on Wednesday night. The Recycling Committee plan first will target people who don’t recycle and second will appeal to their economic sense by conveying the financial rewards of recycling. Read More
    BELFAST – For the second time in a week a member of the SAD 34 board has resigned. Coming on the heels of last week’s resignation of Nathan G. Spectre, Belfast representative Alan Wood announced his decision to quit the school board after Tuesday night’s… Read More
    WALDOBORO – A Gardiner woman was flown by emergency helicopter to a Lewiston hospital Wednesday evening with a serious head injury after her vehicle struck a railroad utility truck head-on on Route 1 near the Wooden Screen Door Co., according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Kenyon, who… Read More
    Houlton High School HOULTON – Marty Bouchard, principal of Houlton High School, has announced the honor parts for the Class of 2006. 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
    HANCOCK- An aluminum shell was all that remained Wednesday afternoon after a fire destroyed an auto body shop about a mile off U.S. Route 1. Fire crews from several Hancock County towns responded at about 2 p.m. to Richard’s Garage on Route 182, but they… Read More
    FORT KENT – Drug money, confiscated in an arrest along the St. John River last year, will be paying for a new police cruiser to be delivered this fall. The Fort Kent Town Council approved the purchase of a 2007 Ford LTD police cruiser Monday… Read More
    BANGOR – There was no reason to be alarmed early this morning if you live by the airport and were awakened by a loud roar. Six U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter jets landed at the Air National Guard base early Tuesday evening and were expected… Read More
    CARIBOU – One of two men Caribou police were seeking for forgery and theft turned himself in on Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon, Joshua Virtanen, 18, was being held on charges. He was transferred to the Aroostook County Jail during the afternoon. If he could not… Read More
    BANGOR – Maine Troop Greeters dance around obstacles nearly every day that could prevent them from welcoming troops at the Bangor International Airport with warm smiles and hugs, but Wednesday evening the greeters were dancing the “twist,” Chubby Checker style. BIA staff threw a recognition… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – There’s gonna be a rumble on Main Street. The Jets and Sharks from George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill are ready to bring their version of the Broadway musical “West Side Story” to The Grand Auditorium this weekend. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – If it’s spring, it must be time for the annual Westside Ride bicycle race. But this time around will be extra special, as this year’s event celebrates 25 years of speeding down the bumpy roads of Mount Desert Island’s Quietside this weekend. Read More
    FRANKLIN – A car trying to make a U-turn collided late Wednesday morning with a dump truck, causing the truck to tip over and spill its load of dirt on a narrow stretch of Route 182. Both drivers were taken to a local hospital, but… Read More
    SULLIVAN – A husband and wife from Corea remained hospitalized Wednesday after they were injured Tuesday in an accident on U.S. Route 1. Barbara Bianchi, 63, was listed in fair condition at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    CLIFTON – A Brewer man was killed in an accident early Wednesday on Route 9 that sent his passenger to a Bangor hospital where he was being treated for injuries. Adam Carlisle, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene, on Route 9 about 11/4-miles east… Read More
    BANGOR – The group of elderly people took their time Wednesday afternoon climbing the 100 steps to the top of the Thomas Hill Standpipe, but the effort was well worth it, even with cloudy skies masking the view of Mount Katahdin. “I think this is… Read More
    Members of the Ruggles House Society invite you to its fourth annual Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 27, at the historic facility located at 146 Main St. in Columbia Falls. Nancy Herr reports that perennials, annuals, seedlings and vegetable starts will… Read More
    BANGOR – The Massachusetts ringleader of a cocaine distribution network in Bangor was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to 14 years in federal prison on drug charges. Randy “Big” Brimley, 26, of Roxbury, Mass., also was sentenced to four years of supervised release after… Read More
    BANGOR – A Charleston man pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography. Carey Gonyer, 37, faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Memorial Day parade, 7:45 a.m. May 29, begins at the Togus Building 205 parking lot, and proceeds to the Togus National Cemetery. Local veterans organizations, Maine National Guard and Togus staff will participate in wreath laying ceremonies in the cemetery. For more information,… Read More
    BANGOR – A Parkman man pleaded not guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to gun charges. Charles Maloon, 47, was indicted in March after his neighbor reported that Maloon pointed a gun at his home. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    PORTLAND – Ninety seven members of the University of Maine School of Law’s graduating class are expected to participate in commencement exercises beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Merrill Auditorium in Portland City Hall. Peter Pitegoff, the dean of the Maine School of Law, will… Read More
    BANGOR – Tuesday night’s performance by Willie Nelson at the Bangor Auditorium certainly had all the ambience and atmosphere of a concert, but at times it seemed to play second fiddle to everything else going on. It was almost as if the 4,000-plus fans went… Read More
    On Tuesday, June 1, Open Door Recovery Center will host a mental health and substance abuse forum for military veterans and their families. The public also is welcome and encouraged to come. This will be an opportunity to learn about post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other war-related… Read More
    There is a frenzy going on right now as in the final shopping days before Christmas. Everywhere you look, folks are straight out, either toting rosebushes or reaching for hanging baskets spilling with ivy geraniums or petunias, or grabbing flats of impatiens or verbena. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    America’s “Easternmost 10K,” and one of Maine’s fastest road races, is right around the corner. Next Sunday, June 4, the 15th annual Cobscook Bay 10K and 5K will take place in the Washington County town of Pembroke, roughly halfway between Machias and Calais. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BURLINGTON, Vt. – When Kevin McAvoy arrived at the University of Maine last fall, the Black Bears really weren’t looking for a third baseman. Once first-year coach Steve Trimper got a good look at McAvoy, he had a feeling he would have to find a… Read More
    A few of the state’s sporting clubs show their gratitude to the state’s warden service each year by inviting the men and women in green (and a few lucky writers) to have a meal and share a few tales with members. I’ve been lucky enough… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Presque Isle 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
    PVC JV CHAMPIONSHIP 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]… Read More
    LOCAL 12th annual Moose River Canoe and Kayak Race 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
    Boys Big School (Classes A-B) 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
    Five University of Southern Maine track and field athletes – one man and four women – earned all-East Coast Athletic Conference honors with their performances in last week’s conference championship meet in Springfield, Mass. Sophomore pole vaulter Adam Haggerty’s sixth-place finish in the event gave… Read More
    AMERICA EAST CHAMPIONSHIP MAINE vs. STONY BROOK 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… Read More
    MADAWASKA – Alex Martin stole home in the top of the fourth to tie the score at 10 them slapped an RBI single two innings later as Van Buren rallied from a 10-5 deficit after three innings to knock off Madawaska 11-10 in high school baseball action Wednesday. Read More
    ORONO – When a young girl dons her first pair of dancing shoes, a new life begins. If the shoes are bright and pretty, they dominate her thoughts and fill her dreams. Hans Christian Andersen wrote a fairy tale about it. The shoes were shiny… Read More
    Question: Who is in your thoughts on Memorial Day? “My dad.” 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
    BANGOR – Memorial Day Parade, 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 29, begins on Exchange Street, Harlow Street, ends at Davenport Park, Main Street. Parade marshal, Col. William Deering; honorary marshal, Gov. John Baldacci. Ceremony of Remembrance after at Davenport Park. Korean War veterans participating in parade may pick up… Read More
    HAMPDEN – For Michael Scott, 17, of Hampden, it was more than a celebration of scouting’s highest achievement. The ceremony on May 13 at Scott’s Eagle Court of Honor marked the fifth Eagle Scout award in the Scott family. Michael joins his 19-year old brother,… Read More
    Schools Etna-Dixmont School 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
    BREWER – Junior Girl Scout Troop 388 and Brownie Troop 732, Brewer, chose the Brewer Christian Food Cupboard to be the recipient of their Gift of Caring cookies this year. While the girls were taking orders for Girl Scout cookies, customers were asked if they would like to… Read More
    Fencing tournament OLD TOWN – The Leonard Middle School After School Program hosted an invitational fencing tournament May 20 in 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;… Read More
    HOLDEN – School groups exploring the wetlands this week have discovered several interesting sights. Along the path to the swamp, a fairly large garter snake has been putting in a regular appearance. This snake has been reported to rise up and look at curious students, as well as… Read More
    HOLDEN – Northeastern Log Homes Inc. donated four dugout kits to the Holbrook School last fall. Community volunteer have completed construction of the dugouts.. The school said that special thanks go to: Belinda Lawrence for securing the donation; Jake Morgan for getting the prep work… Read More
    ORONO – Each year the Orono Bog Boardwalk sponsors a nature walk series for the enjoyment and education of the public. Group size is limited to facilitate communication and observation, and because of the size of the boardwalk. Advance registration is required. To sign up for a walk,… Read More
    10 years ago – May 25, 1996 (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 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
    BANGOR AREA – Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, for those who have a desire to stop drinking, AA hot line, (800) 737-6237, or www.aamaine.org. BANGOR-BUCKSPORT AREA – Al-Anon meetings, for family and friends of problem drinkers; beginners encouraged. Al-Anon, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 40… Read More
    Douglas H. Brown Building BANGOR – The board of directors of Affiliated Healthcare Systems and the Doug Brown family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house May 22 for the Douglas H. Brown Building, a 28,800-square-foot office and operations building at 931 Union St. The… Read More
    I have always liked superheroes. Superman, Underdog and of course, Batman and Robin, whose show I rarely missed as a child. No feat was too tough. They all did the undoable. It is not often in life that you come across someone who is reminiscent… Read More
    Bangor Artisans’ demonstrations 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
    Small-Business Champion HERMON – Harrison Clark’s activities to help improve the climate for small business in Maine have been described as much like a farmer working with brush and boulders, “clearing away the obstacles that impede success for numerous present and future small businesses.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    3rd District Court, Bangor Cases April 24-28, 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
    A court listing for Bangor District Court in last week’s The Weekly gave an incorrect charge for Ashley N. Levesque of Millinocket. The actual charge was possession of drug paraphernalia. Incorrect information was supplied by the court. Read More