The early evening sun shone like a spotlight Friday as the crowd enveloped the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue. At one point, lime-green plumes and mirror-studded turquoise headdresses were all you could see of the group, but the groan of tubas, shriek of whistles and lively beat of drums let… Read More
BANGOR – The man who was handcuffed and removed from a trans-Atlantic flight diverted to Bangor International Airport on Friday frequently left his seat and wore a shiny purple shirt but made no threatening gestures, passengers said. American Airlines Flight 55, a Boeing 767, was… Read More
WATERVILLE, Vt. – With its tidy brick farmhouse and adjacent red barn, Old Homestead Farm looks more like a New England postcard than a crime scene. But it’s one of the latest victims in a bizarre string of thefts. Someone scaled the barn roof, possibly… Read More
BANGOR – Denver resident Kelli Whitehall credited an American Airlines crew with keeping its cool and alleviating passenger concerns during a flight that was diverted to Bangor International Airport on Friday. About six hours into the flight from Manchester, England, passengers of Flight 55 were… Read More
HOUSTON – Seven unrelated security incidents disrupted U.S. air travel Friday, and one was especially worrisome: the discovery that a stick of dynamite had been aboard a flight from Argentina to Houston. There was no indication terrorism was involved in any of the incidents, scattered… Read More
Opponents of the Baldacci administration have been making misleading claims, in an effort to portray the governor and Democrats in the Legislature as wasteful of taxpayers’ money. Actually, such charges could not be farther from the truth. In his inaugural speech, Gov. Baldacci promised to… Read More
Untangling Maine’s largest computer snarl – its semi-serviceable Medicaid reimbursement system called the Maine Claims Management System (MECMS) – is expected to take another year, longer than anyone imagined when the system went online and promptly crashed in early 2005. Nor did the state envision the cost of… Read More
Beach visitors typically aren’t concerned with what’s in the water, unless it’s a shark or jellyfish. Increasingly, however, beaches in Maine and across the country are closed because of bacterial contamination, often from overflowing or outdated sewer-treatment facilities. Although the state is working to upgrade municipal wastewater treatment… Read More
Regarding the editorial, “Lieb-erman & Cheney Inc.” (BDN, Aug. 18). The editors’ naivete about American national politics almost makes me wish they wouldn’t bother commenting. Recent polls indicating that 50 percent of Americans believe that weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq and that Joseph Lieberman is… Read More
I visited the Brewer Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 6 and went with the president to greet the troops as they disembarked for a three-hour stay at Bangor International Airport. It turned out these were older, professional soldiers who had been broken up into teams and disbursed throughout… Read More
Voters in this fall’s elections should consider the parties and not just the candidates. That’s because the parties now stand for very different things. Maine has a proud tradition of bipartisanship. And “voting for the candidate, not the party” makes sense when both parties share… Read More
I am concerned by the recent arrest of an out-of-state sex offender in Ellsworth. The man, who had been arrested at least twice in his home state of Indiana, was caught taking photographs of children at a popular swimming hole. Police found that he had not registered with… Read More
Certainly one of the more shopworn of the stock of compact discs that rattle around inside my well-traveled pickup truck features the dulcet tones of recording artist Michael Martin Murphey, who began singing cowboy songs while sitting around the campfire at a Texas ranch when he was 15… Read More
I was extremely interested to read the article, “Veteran transportation player sees need for container port” (BDN, Aug. 18). Either as a consultant or as chief of the Maine Department of Transportation, John Melrose has been involved in this issue for nearly a quarter of a century. If… Read More
Over the last 10 years, state and local governments have increased the amount of money applied to schools in Maine by 60 percent even as the number of students fell by about 10 percent. Maine now ranks eighth in the country for the amount it spends on education. Read More
The winds and floods of Hurricane Katrina have long since abated, but the legacy of suffering Gulf Coast residents and devastated communities persists. Katrina was painful proof that our country was ill-prepared to respond to a catastrophe. On the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many Americans are asking:… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Local business owners and restaurateurs are still mad about the night the lights went out in the downtown district. It happened between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 4, the prime dining period on an evening when tourists and people from all over… Read More
Tucked into the hills of the Madison business park, a small brick building is one of the best-kept secrets in central Maine. Madison Electric Works, which has been in business since 1888, provides electricity, at the lowest rates in New England, to most of Madison and parts of… Read More
AUGUSTA – Members of Maine’s congressional delegation are supporting legislation that would regulate the oil futures market the same way as other commodities, but some economists are skeptical of the proposals. “What we are now discovering is that many traders are avoiding oversight by the… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Kevin McCartney freely admitted Friday: He’s sorry to see Pluto fall from grace. But McCartney, a professor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, also sees an opportunity in this week’s decision by astronomers to downgrade Pluto from “planet” status to… Read More
AUGUSTA – It’s not a perfect match, but there are some striking similarities between this year’s race for the Blaine House and the simultaneous referendum campaign on taxes and the gubernatorial campaign and tax initiative battle of 1982. That election year nearly a quarter of… Read More
KENNEBUNK – Several family members of five soldiers killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, said they were happy President Bush took time to meet with them at the start of his weekend trip to Maine. Nancy Kelley, whose son,… Read More
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Maine nearly $1 million to protect habitat critical to some of the state’s threatened and endangered species. The $945,760 grant will help fund conservation projects through Maine’s Landowner Incentive Program, which works with private property owners to… Read More
INDIAN TOWNSHIP – Federal investigators have been on the reservation all week asking questions and looking into how the governor has been spending federal tribal funds, two tribal officials said Thursday. But Gov. Robert Newell on Friday adamantly denied he was the target of the… Read More
Medical research has long suggested that most of us go through life using only a small percentage of our potential brainpower. Just look at Rush Limbaugh, who readily admits that he makes a living with half his brain tied behind his back. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
MADAWASKA – The school department, which has been without a permanent superintendent for more than a year, will have yet another temporary administrator, starting Aug. 30. Raymond Freve of Plymouth will step in as interim superintendent replacing Interim Superintendent Carlton Dubois who is ending his… Read More
MILO – Police weren’t expecting an explosive situation when they went to issue another summons to a Milo man for marijuana cultivation Friday night. While issuing the summons they encountered a small pipe bomb. Nathan A. Pearl, 25, was issued a summons a month ago… Read More
BANGOR – Members of the city’s commission on cultural development and a group seeking to memorialize the victim of an infamous hate crime are nearing agreement. The Charles O. Howard Memorial Foundation is seeking to erect a memorial to Howard, a 23-year-old gay man who… Read More
SWANVILLE – An open house is planned today at a Waldo County development called Oak Hill Estates. The open house will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today on Oak Hill Road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
Kenny is a handsome, 12-year-old boy who likes to please those around him. He enjoys biking, camping, swimming, ice skating and doing family activities. He really likes to play with his Legos, and he is learning to play ice hockey. Kenny values one-on-one attention from… Read More
MADAWASKA – The school committee declared Thursday there are two vacancies on the five-person board, despite the efforts of two members who resigned earlier this week to rescind their actions. The move led by Yves Dube, chairman of the school committee, laid the groundwork for… Read More
ASHLAND – A second Aroostook County school district, SAD 32, is looking for a superintendent of schools. The school board accepted the resignation of Roland Caron, who had been in the position since July 2000. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
UNION – The thrills ain’t gone yet. Union Fair-Maine Wild Blueberry Festival ends today, but it’s not too late to check out Winn’s Galaxy of Thrills’ high-flying stunts show, which performs at 2 and 6 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A Virginia man accused of having stolen more than $68,000 from a nonprofit organization in Orland pleaded innocent to the crime Friday in Hancock County Superior Court. Randy L. Eldridge, 50, of Arlington, Va., appeared without an attorney as he was arraigned on… Read More
HOULTON – After nearly two years of sporadic debate on the subject, town councilors are poised to make a definite decision Monday night about whether to ask taxpayers if they deserve a pay raise. During the upcoming meeting, the group will hold a public hearing… Read More
BAR HARBOR – A van stolen from an Ellsworth business earlier in the week has been recovered after a hit-and-run accident on Route 3 and the Hancock man accused of taking it remains in jail, police said Friday. Wayne Polley, 31, was driving the missing… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A local woman appeared in court Friday to enter pleas of innocent to charges stemming from an accident that killed a Hancock man in March. Dorothy I. Cook, 48, stood next to defense attorney Daniel Pileggi of Ellsworth and repeated the phrase “not… Read More
WINTERPORT – The Waldo County Sheriff’s Department is on the lookout for a black four-wheel-drive GMC Jimmy that struck a Winterport storefront Thursday night. The driver fled the scene. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
BUCKSPORT – An attorney for a former high school student has sent a formal notice of claim to the Bucksport school department over comments he claims the high school principal made about the student in March. Arthur J. Greif, the Bangor lawyer who represents the… Read More
A new principal has been hired at Orono High School. After serving as principal at Dexter High School for seven years, Bruce Bailey joined Orono’s staff earlier this week. Bailey, who has held administrative positions in a variety of schools in central Maine, succeeds Cathy Knox, who has… Read More
BANGOR – Following is a list of city meetings planned for the coming week. All will take place in the council chambers at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Monday: 5 p.m., City Council, executive session regarding discussion and benefits for certain city employees; 6:15 p.m.,… Read More
BANGOR – The city is hoping Merrill Bank’s new financial center on Main Street will become a poster child for good historic preservation in Maine. During a briefing this week for members of the City Council’s business and economic development committee, city development officer Sally… Read More
ROCKLAND – A St. George woman was arrested Thursday night after leading police on a short chase through town. Carrie Groth, 25, was taken to Knox County Jail, where she was charged with eluding a police officer, Sgt. Daniel Brown said Friday, noting additional charges… Read More
HOULTON – A health care facility that put down roots late last year is rapidly expanding its services throughout the region, so the organization announced earlier this week that it now will offer optometry services. Katahdin Valley Health Center is a Patten-based organization that serves… Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – A canning workshop, hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Participants will can vegetables, jams and pickles. The workshop fee is $10, and registration… Read More
AUGUSTA – Independent gubernatorial candidate John Michael is withdrawing his appeal of the state’s denial of public funding for his campaign, an Ethics Commission official said Friday. Paul Lavin, assistant director of the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, said he was notified of… Read More
PORTLAND – A 19-year-old man was found guilty Friday in U.S. District Court of the lesser of two charges stemming from a fire that destroyed the Fryeburg Academy gymnasium. Jurors convicted Maxx Noble of conspiracy but acquitted him of arson. That means the most he… Read More
INDIAN TOWNSHIP – Five Passamaquoddy tribal members have filed a lawsuit in tribal court, alleging that the tribe and its governor violated their First Amendment rights. The Passamaquoddy five allege that Gov. Robert Newell terminated their employment after they attended a political demonstration more than… Read More
Jennifer Skiff is searching for witnesses. She’s not looking for people who have seen crimes or historic events, but for men and women who have encountered the divine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
AUGUSTA – The mother of a 14-year-old girl who authorities say is the latest victim of a twice-convicted rapist said her daughter was seeking a sense of comfort when she stood outside Kennebec County Superior Court on Thursday after her alleged attacker was led from a courtroom. Read More
CONCORD, N.H. – A former day care worker who pleaded guilty to producing child pornography was sentenced to 21 years in prison Wednesday. Jeffrey Edmunds, 40, admitted to taking pornographic pictures of four children he was supposed to be caring for. Authorities said he created… Read More
BLUE HILL – A U.S. Marine from Blue Hill is recovering in Germany after he was injured in Iraq earlier this week when a roadside bomb exploded beneath the vehicle he was driving. Cpl. Brian D. Smith Jr., 23, the son of Brian and Cindy… Read More
KENNEBUNKPORT – A group opposed to the war in Iraq is planning a demonstration during President Bush’s visit this weekend. Bush arrived Thursday at Walker’s Point, where he’ll spend the weekend with his parents at their summer retreat. Bush will be in town to attend… Read More
MACHIAS – Representing “one community,” Washington County has been selected as one of two pilot projects for Harness the Wealth, a new community initiative from the Maine Rural Partners organization. With the support of the Washington County commissioners, a group of community leaders submitted a… Read More
AUGUSTA – Nearly 38,000 newly purchased Apple iBook computers are largely unaffected by a massive battery recall, the state Department of Education said Friday. Out of 37,961 iBooks that were deployed this month, only four will need to have their batteries replaced, said Bette Manchester,… Read More
PARKMAN – A Bangor man was killed early Friday morning when the logging truck he was driving overturned on Route 150 in Parkman. An autopsy report states that the driver, Terrence Harris, 66, of Bangor, died of a heart attack, Piscataquis County Sheriffs Investigator Allen… Read More
If Maine’s harness racing industry is indeed on a major rebound due to the significant infusion of cash from Bangor’s Hollywood Slots casino operation, further evidence of that should come from an upcoming annual horse auction. The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association/Pine Tree Sales… Read More
ORONO – Defensive players on the University of Maine football team have long been forced to lay off the players wearing the red mesh practice vests. In the past, Black Bear quarterbacks donned the vests as an obvious reminder that those players weren’t to be… Read More
The Penobscot River above the Eddington boat ramp flowed low and slow on Thursday, and few boats or anglers were visible during a brief evening bass-fishing trip. A lone fisherman cast lures from shore, and a friend and his future son-in-law tried their hand with… Read More
STORRS, Conn. – Natalie Berry scored an unassisted goal six minutes into the second half Friday to lift the University of Maine women’s soccer team opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Fairfield University at the UConn Invitational. Christine LaBelle scored on a Marie-Andree… Read More
Women interested in honing their outdoor skills or learning more about outdoor activities are invited to attend a Women’s Outdoor Adventure Weekend at the Greenland Point Center in Princeton from Sept. 8-10. The program will give women the chance to canoe and kayak on Long… Read More
Hanging high over the mantle of my large rock fireplace, in a spot for all to admire, is an original painting by Tom Hennessey. Tom composed this breathtaking piece of sporting art at my request a number of years ago, just after we had spent a week at… Read More
The mist rose off the river, skeins of it moved by aberrant air currents sliding just above the surface of the water. The early morning sun seemed to make it glow, giving the place an ethereal light. We stood on a high bank of the… Read More
KATAHDIN, AN HISTORIC JOURNEY: Legends, Explorations and Preservation of Maine’s Highest Peak, by John W. Neff, Appalachian Mountain Club, distributed by the Globe Pequot Press, Inc., Guilford, Conn., $19.95. Katahdin. The name itself has a long history. Native Americans, the Penobscots, gave it that name… Read More
We know her from her days on “Beverly Hills 90210” and her previous reality gig “Scare Tactics” on Sci Fi. But now Shannen Doherty is hosting and producing her own show for Oxygen all about ending relationships. The show premiered at 10 p.m. Tuesday, and… Read More
Quick! What fights the plague, wards off vampires and turns blah into “bam!” You’ve got it – garlic. 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
As legend has it, when Satan left the Garden of Eden, onions sprouted from his right footprint, garlic from his left. If only it were that easy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is all about tradition. And while I’m not sure anyone would call me folksy, I’ve started a few traditions of my own at the festival. Not surprisingly, many of them revolve around shopping. No visit to the… Read More
York’s Dairy Bar North Road, Houlton 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
Each week, BDN film critic Christopher Smith will review the latest DVD releases “Akeelah and the Bee”: For all its manipulations, “Bee” is a fine movie, one nicely suited for families, with a terrific central performance by Keke Palmer as 11-year-old Akeelah, a South Central,… Read More
It can’t be. Last week there were stories about the 37th anniversary of Woodstock. Thirty-seven years? 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… Read More
A little piece of Maine’s political history floated up with this week’s recipe. Marion Wright in Bangor had written asking about chess cakes, which she remembered her mother making. Marion had the basic process down: line cupcake tins with pie pastry, put in a dollop of jam or… Read More
In my 30 years as a horticulturist, advice on the proper ways to plant and care for trees has changed considerably. New technology informs research, and this leads to better practice, or so it is supposed to go. Our understanding of tree roots, for example,… Read More
“Ain’t no easy way, no, there ain’t no easy way out.” The song from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club rang through my head as I stood in the midst of the pole beans, a claustrophobia-inducing tangle if ever there was one. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More