Federal legislators heard from a Bangor economic development official Wednesday as he testified in favor of a bill aimed at bringing more federal financial assistance to the Northeast. Jonathan Daniels, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Development Corporation, told members of the House of Representatives… Read More
    SCARBOROUGH – Cabela’s Inc., which has been scouting out potential sites in southern Maine, has settled on Scarborough for its foray into L.L. Bean territory, according to application materials submitted to the town. A proposed project featuring office buildings, a 200-room hotel, restaurants and a… Read More
    RANGELEY – State development regulators have given the owner of Saddleback ski area approval to expand the resort with 18 new condominiums and five house lots as early as this summer. The projects approved by the Land Use Regulation Commission are part of a larger… Read More
    One can only conclude that the real purpose of the massive Israeli invasion of Gaza is not simply to free two soldiers and stop ineffective homemade missiles (“Olmert: Gaza action to last a ‘long time’,” BDN, July 10). Rather, its objective is to destroy the Palestinian government by… Read More
    The work of a recently formed committee on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway has been made more difficult – perhaps impossible – by the actions of two northern Maine lawmakers. Sen. John Martin and Rep. Troy Jackson used a bulldozer to reopen a road on the waterway that was… Read More
    An unsurprising but important study from the Business Roundtable concludes the nation is unprepared for a major natural or manmade assault on the Internet. The economic costs of a broad failure of the Internet for weeks would be huge, as would the government’s ability to direct services for… Read More
    In response to Peter A. Brown’s op-ed, “To combat global warming focus on China and Asia” (BDN, July 11), I would like to say that although I understand his point regarding loss of jobs for Americans, we need to think in broader terms. We have… Read More
    It was with gratitude, and no small amount of incredulity, that I read Renee Ordway’s column, “Stories give a purpose to tragedy” (BDN, July 7). I was grateful for Ordway’s willingness to write about her sister-in-law’s tragic death at the hand of her sister-in-law’s husband. Read More
    Too bad a recent letter writer has lost faith in Sen. Olympia Snowe (“For Jean Hay Bright,” (BDN, July 10). At least Snowe is a realist like so many of us in America. We had plenty of provocation to liberate Iraq – 17 times Saddam Hussein disregarded U.N. Read More
    I stopped by the Patten Cemetery to visit my family’s graves. When I turned off Route 11 the most spectacular sight was before me. I jammed on my brakes and sat there with tears streaming down my face. There were seven flagpoles, the tallest flying… Read More
    Tuesday’s awful rush-hour bombings of trains in Bombay raise an important and ominous question: How far can India be pushed? In December 2001 India and Pakistan almost went to war when a group of militants, based on Pakistani-controlled territory, attacked the Indian Parliament, killing nine… Read More
    A recent Federal Reserve report on the economy correctly pointed out that 2005 was a flat year in terms of economic growth for New England and particularly for Maine. However, taking this one year out of context ignores the progress that has been made in the past three… Read More
    Regarding Robert Klose’s op-ed commentary, “Iraq is the war that keeps on giving” (BDN, July 8-9); I’ve learned that whenever anyone tries to make a political point, beware of references to George Orwell’s “1984” – it’s likely someone who read the book in the 1960s and ’70s that… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development has been told by its accrediting agency that it must focus more on promoting racial diversity. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has continued the college’s accreditation with the condition that… Read More
    OK, I have to admit it. I tell my share of male-bashing jokes. My favorite this week was one my sister sent me. So the husband says to his wife: “How could God have made you so beautiful and so stupid at the same time?”… Read More
    ORONO – Area middle school students found their collective muse this week as they sat among the flowers in a garden at the University of Maine, watching the squirrels and birds, inhaling the sweet, summer air and scribbling happily in their green spiral notebooks. Janet… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Hoping to obtain from a legislative advisory committee a level of accountability that it couldn’t get earlier this year from the state ethics commission, the Natural Resources Council of Maine highlighted certain flaws and limitations in the state’s ethics laws Thursday during a public hearing. Read More
    GREENBUSH – Maine Department of Transportation officials knew the 30-foot rock wall along U.S. Route 2 would tumble – they just didn’t know when. It turned out to be Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The newest addition to the Mount Desert Oceanarium’s lobster colony looks half-baked. But it’s nothing personal. 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;… Read More
    Rockland District Court Cases July 3-12, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
    HERMON – Councilors left Thursday night’s special meeting disappointed, saying the Maine Department of Transportation’s proposed resurfacing of Route 2, outlined by the commissioner during the meeting, is merely a “band-aid” that will continue to prolong the real problems on the broken roadway. The DOT… Read More
    Penobscot County Superior Court Cases May 1-31, 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 () { // Define… Read More
    Police believe a local plumber had more than pipe wrenches on his mind when he fixed a problem in Bangor last week. The resident of a Cottage Street apartment told police the plumber had worked on a problem in his bathroom last week while he… Read More
    The town mill rate has been set at $20 per $1,000 of valuation, with the approval by residents of the SAD 23 budget in June. The rate remains the same as last year, which pleased Town Manager Jim Collins, he said. Although the overall budget went up, so… Read More
    Even though the Chalila House, an apartment house for people who struggle with both mental illness and homelessness, opened late last year, a ribbon cutting was held Thursday, and Gov. John Baldacci was the keynote speaker. “I knew MaryAnne [Chalila] very well,” Baldacci said. “I know she’s smiling… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – After nearly two hours of debate and passionate discussion about a Lowe’s home improvement retail store coming to town, the city’s planning board on Wednesday postponed approval of the developer’s plans on a technicality. Planning board chairman John Fink said his committee needs… Read More
    CARIBOU – Authorities are asking the public for help in identifying two people who reportedly led a Caribou police officer on a chase through the city and into the town of Fort Fairfield early Thursday morning. Officer Kevin St. Peter said the incident began shortly… Read More
    Two men are stepping forward as willing candidates to fill vacancies for the Democratic ticket for the state Legislature in the general election Nov. 7. Harold Prescott of Whiting will run in District 32, which has 10 municipalities that stretch from Machias to Eastport. If… Read More
    TENANTS HARBOR – “Fur, Feathers and Feet,” an introduction to birds and mammals, brings a live mallard duck and prairie dog as part of a free hands-on program for children and adults presented by the Chewonki Foundation. It will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Read More
    PORT CLYDE – Jackson Memorial Library and Herring Gut Learning Center invites the public to “A Fish’s Life,” an educational program designed to explore the features of fish. It will run from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Herring Gut Learning Center… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Pine Tree Landfill has filed an application to accept 3,500 tons of waste annually from a New Hampshire waste handling company. United Oil Recovery of Newington, N.H., seeks to dispose of oily debris, which includes dirt and sludge contaminated with oil, as well… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Town officials have taken full advantage of a federal program that provides matching funds for public sewer improvements. For the second consecutive year, the town was approved for a matching 40 percent grant and 60 percent loan through USDA Rural Development for a… Read More
    PALMYRA – A Sorrento-based rubbish collector served notice of claim to the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday night, stating that he would sue the town for “unjustified termination” of his contract. Marc Calcia is asking for $42,582, which he claims is the balance of his… Read More
    ORONO – Poop seemed to be everywhere Thursday during a sustainable agriculture field day at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Rogers Farm. Composting expert Mark Hutchinson shoved a thermometer into a compost pile, calmly discussing the addition of manure while students dug through the… Read More
    WARREN – Sandwiched between two communities that recently endorsed commercial growth, Warren will soon tackle options for regulating its own development. On July 25 residents will decide at a special town meeting whether to enact a six-month moratorium on buildings 35,000 square feet in size… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A group of residents concerned about an apartment complex taking shape in their neighborhood has been vocal at several planning board meetings but hasn’t had much luck halting the project. Maybe they will have a better chance in court. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    Penobscot County Superior Court Cases May 1-31, 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 () { // Define… Read More
    MATTAWAMKEAG – Mattawamkeag Community Pride will hold a day of fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 15, near the town’s recreation hall. The event will include a parade, a concert and a barbecue. Volunteers to help with children’s games are needed. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    MACHIAS – Bangor artist Rebecca Krupke will display original hand-pulled prints July 14-Sept. 15 at the University of Maine at Machias art gallery. An opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. takes place today at the gallery in Powers Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BREWER – The new street under construction near Exit 5 of Interstate 395 is nearing completion and soon will have a name. “We have three different names that were given – Liberty Drive, Waring Drive and Shurtleff Drive,” City Assessor Mary Lynne Hunter, a 911… Read More
    ROCKLAND – For three days a year for the past 12, this city is the place where people can come eat fresh lobster, stare at the Atlantic and listen to the best blues performers in the country. The North Atlantic Blues Festival starts today with… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A driver who is alleged to have hit two pedestrians a week ago was arrested Thursday on charges of aggravated assault and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. Mark Humiston, 21, of Rockland remained in Knox County Jail late Thursday afternoon pending $750… Read More
    ALFRED – Law enforcement agencies around New England are reported to be checking for connections between unsolved burglaries and three men accused of breaking into almost a dozen businesses from Maine to Rhode Island and stealing more than $100,000. Police believe they stole the money… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A state trooper who returned fire when a Jay man shot at him during a domestic disturbance last month was legally justified in doing so, the state attorney general’s office announced Thursday. The episode unfolded late on June 6 when officers responded to… Read More
    MANCHESTER, N.H. – A judge gave state Democrats the go-ahead Thursday to question high-ranking Republicans in a civil suit over the jamming of Democrats’ phones on Election Day 2002. Three former GOP officials have already been sentenced in the phone jamming scheme. In the civil… Read More
    CALAIS – An excavator operator narrowly averted being injured Thursday after the boom arm on his machine hit some high-tension wires, showering them down around him. Earl Stanhope Jr. of Robbinston remained inside the cab until a crew from Eastern Maine Electric Co-op was able… Read More
    How nice it was to hear the familiar voice of retired broadcast executive George Gonyar of Orono, relaying information about one of this area’s best auctions. George called to report that the 59th annual Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Charity Auction opens with its yard sale at… Read More
    FALMOUTH FORESIDE – The round wasn’t a thing of beauty, but the result was for Shawn Warren of Windham. Warren finally won the Maine Amateur Golf Championship on Thursday, shooting a 4-over-par 74 at Portland Country Club for a three-day total of 1-under 209 and… Read More
    Several Nextel Cup drivers got their starts driving go-karts. It’s never too late to begin your go-kart career, according to Nate and Marti Anderson, the owners of Thundering Valley Raceway in St. Albans. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    These are the dog days of competitive mountain biking for Adam Craig. The International Cycling Union World Cup schedule that guides his life from early spring to late summer – and that this year already has taken him to Curacao, Spain, Belgium, Scotland and Quebec… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Portland Sea Dogs and the Portland Pirates are teaming up to present the Ameriprise Financial Celebrity Softball Challenge to benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program on Tuesday at Hadlock Field in Portland. The family event is free and open to the public. Read More
    BANGOR – Old Town edged Holbrook 10-9 and Brewer nipped Hampden 7-6 in District 3 Senior League All-Star action at Mansfield Stadium Thursday. In the first game, Tyler Coombs’ RBI triple in the top of the seventh tied the game and Old Town brought in… Read More
    BLUE HILL – Bob Maguire doubled and Tyler French singled twice to lead Bucksport by Coastal 4-3 in District 1 Junior League All-Star baseball action Thursday. Sam Carmichael and Cody Farrell each chipped in a single dor Bucksport. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BANGOR – Tyler Robinson belted a two-run, inside-the-park home run in the top of the ninth to lift Katahdin to a 4-2 win over Hampden in the District 3 Junior League all-star tournament Wednesday night. Andy Kay pitched a complete game with 18 strikeouts and… Read More
    BLUE HILL – Collin Henry smacked a solo home run in the top of the third and Blake Wessell added two doubles, a single and scored two runs to lead Trenton to an 11-0 American Legion baseball win over Waldo Thursday. Lucas Marks and A.J. Read More
    Vinalhaven always has been a memorable place for Thomas Hildreth. Now, through an independent film in which he stars and co-wrote, the Maine native hopes to make others aware of it as well. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    “The True False Identity” (DMZ/Columbia Records) – T Bone Burnett Producer, sideman and – for the first time in 14 years – singer-songwriter T-Bone Burnett returns armed with razor-sharp lyrics and tough, taut guitar tones on “The True False Identity.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    For much of the late 1990s up until recently, Lifetime has been a reliable source for original dramas with female leads, in shows such as “Any Day Now,” “The Division” and “Strong Medicine.” There has been a bit of a lull in the last couple… Read More
    The Cure has had 12 different band members over the years. So has Blondie. Journey’s had 17 since 1974, and Steve Perry isn’t even in the band anymore. And Jefferson Airplane? Well, if you count Starship, then yes, they’ve had as many band members as Paris Hilton’s had… Read More
    PORTLAND – Nickelback gave all the fans packed into the Cumberland County Civic Center their two cents’ worth and then some on Tuesday night It felt like a sauna inside as Hinder, Three Days Grace and Hoobastank warmed up the nearly sold-out crowd. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    In theaters TOP OF THE WORLD, directed by Bill Kern, written by Jon Lonoff and Kern, 70 minutes, unrated. Saturday, 5 p.m. only, Bangor Opera House, Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More