PORTLAND – U.S. Rep. Tom Allen can no longer claim to oppose the Iraq war in his bid for re-election, independent challenger Dexter Kamilewicz charges. Kamilewicz, a lifelong Democrat who supported and even volunteered to make phone calls for Allen in earlier campaigns for the… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A Holden legislator has submitted a bill that would make it illegal to screen students applying to a public school. State Rep. Darren Hall, R-Holden, said he sponsored the legislation, titled “An Act to Prohibit Admissions Screening by Public Schools,” as a response… Read More
    A story published on the Local and Regional pages on Aug. 24 about the Center Theatre contained an incorrect name. Jim Annis’ wife is Mary Annis. Read More
    WASHINGTON – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced plans to hire 1,400 border guards and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, addressing longtime criticisms that his nation’s immigration policies have made the country a haven for terrorists. Harper’s plan, unveiled Wednesday and Thursday, also calls for… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Consumers can claim a standard $30 to $60 refund next year for a tax on long-distance telephone calls that the government declared invalid, the Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday. Telephone customers had been paying the 3 percent federal excise tax on local and… Read More
    PORTLAND – It may not be the day music died, but a lawsuit means the music will be more expensive for a Portland nightclub. The former owners of the Big Easy, a nightclub in the city’s Old Port, were sued last week in federal court… Read More
    TORONTO – The Liberals are set to join the New Democratic Party in voting against a softwood lumber deal with the United States. But it is doubtful that the two parties can muster enough votes to kill the deal. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – The closing of the Brunswick Naval Air Station is several years away, but a hotel that served military families and the local community for 40 years isn’t waiting to find out how the base closing will affect business. The Atrium Inn and Convention… Read More
    A recent report on broadband access in Maine is a welcome primer on the state’s options as it watches other states expand opportunities for residents (and potential residents) to do business, send large computer files and generally stay connected to the rest of the world. As Maine continues… Read More
    Hezbollah and Iran didn’t mean to flatter the United States by imitating its Marshall Plan, they are simply using a technique that has proven to work by handing out money to Lebanese residents whose homes were ruined in the month of fighting with Israel. The perplexing thing is… Read More
    Having been a volunteer the past five years for the Folk Festival in Bangor, I have tried to come up with a letter to describe my feelings after each year’s festival. Perhaps what an out-of-state visitor said to me Sunday evening is the best way… Read More
    Todd Benoit’s column, “The shape of schools to come”(BDN, Aug. 26-27), is my read-ing assignment to all of you out there with kids attending Maine’s public schools. Ten years ago when I retired as a high school teacher of nearly 34 years experience there were… Read More
    Sympathy is with the Nickerson family of Holden on their well contamination (“Tainted well pits couple vs. DEP,” BDN, Aug. 4). Nobody should live in chemical contamination. But does it take a close friendship with our governor for him to demand actions against contamination? googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    If I’ve broken a law, I am understandably nervous around law enforcement and I might be hesitant to call for assistance if I need it. After all, I might be discovered and arrested. This is true whether my offense is driving an unregistered car, trespassing or entering the… Read More
    The University of Maine System belongs to the people of Maine and is managed for the people by the UMS Board of Trustees, those who administer in its name and the governor and Legislature who nominate and confirm board members and allocate funds for to help support Maine’s… Read More
    SOUTH PORTLAND – A union representing 25,000 current and retired educators is endorsing U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe in her re-election race against Democrat Jean Hay Bright. The Maine Education Association said Snowe, a Republican who is seeking a third term, has a record of support… Read More
    BANGOR – A Bangor man accused of beating, hogtying and smothering a Carmel man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Penobscot County Superior Court to killing Michael Demmons, 47, in June. Peter Tuller, 33, pleaded not guilty to intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BATH – Tax reform crusader Carol Palesky was sentenced Thursday to 16 months in prison for stealing $41,000 from one of her accounting clients. Justice Thomas Delahanty sentenced Palesky, 66, in Sagadahoc County Superior Court, The Times Record of Brunswick reported on its Web site. Read More
    BANGOR – Two Bangor-area men already charged with a burglary in Lincoln County face additional charges after investigators linked them to nearly a dozen burglaries in three other counties. Christopher Roderick, 31, of Bangor and Bobby Hafford, 26, of Brewer were both charged with felony… Read More
    A couple of years ago when Janyce Boynton began to find a way to cope with the trauma of being raped more than 10 years earlier, she picked up a pair of scissors, some fabric and thread and a sewing needle. This week, her journey… Read More
    BRADFORD – Fire destroyed a large dairy barn Thursday night and spread to a 19th century farm house, leaving nine family members living in two apartments homeless. “It’s all gone,” said Scott Ouellette, who lived in the first floor apartment of what is known as… Read More
    GLENBURN – The Town Council on Thursday night unanimously decided to continue developing plans for a fire substation in West Glenburn. A rough estimate of the building cost done by Plymouth Engineering Inc. totals $382,000 and involves building a new station across the street from… Read More
    The Sebasticook Lake Association donated $25,000 to the Newport Cultural Center, which will fund the construction of a new building to house the Newport Public Library and the Historical Society Museum. The cultural center already has raised more than $928,000 from other individuals, foundations, organizations, and local businesses… Read More
    Sebasticook Valley Hospital on Tuesday opened a new medical practice which provides a community-based physician and the option of walk-in care for patients. Dr. James Baldwinis the primary care provider for the practice. During the week of Sept. 5-11, the new walk-in center will offer free health care… Read More
    Thirty-seven marijuana plants were seized Thursday from a Glass Hill Road home during a search by the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to the plants of varying heights, deputies found about a pound of processed marijuana and some illegal prescription drugs, Lt. Robert Young said. The property… Read More
    The History Channel awarded The Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine a $10,000 “Save Our History” grant to study how the January 2004 closing of Eastern Fine Paper Co. affected workers and the community. Folklife center personnel will work with Brewer Middle School pupils on the… Read More
    Brewer School Department officials are still working on new teacher contracts, which expired Thursday, Superintendent Daniel Lee said Thursday. “We are still negotiating,” he said. “It’s not unusual during negotiations for contracts to expire.” The Brewer school committee has held several closed-door meetings in recent months to discuss… Read More
    BLUE HILL – It’s Labor Day weekend and all roads lead to the Blue Hill fairgrounds, where the 115th edition of the fair opened Thursday afternoon under blue skies. Thursday is usually the quietest day of the fair, but by suppertime, a steady stream of… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Five people were injured, one seriously, in a head-on collision early Thursday afternoon on the Happytown Road near its intersection with Route 1. Amy Small, 33, of Ellsworth was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where she was… Read More
    BELFAST – City voters will encounter contested races for City Council seats in Ward 1 and Ward 5, while the seat from Ward 2 is uncontested. Residents will also select seven representatives to the SAD 34 board of directors during the Nov. 7 election. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    GUILFORD – An attempt by Abbot town officials to convince a SAD 4 committee that changes should be made in the local education cost-sharing formula has failed to garner support. An 18-member committee of school board members and residents from Guilford, Sangerville, Abbot, Parkman, Cambridge,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – An employee of a popular lunch spot in Ellsworth was arrested this week on charges that she embezzled several thousand dollars from the business. Jody Silk, 25, of Lamoine reportedly altered sales transactions at the Riverside Cafe on Main Street over a period… Read More
    HOULTON – A Merrill man who called police after his company truck went missing on Wednesday discovered that it had rolled down a steep embankment and received about $20,000 in damage, according to Houlton Police Chief Dan Pelletier. Dennis Suitor, 61, called the Houlton Police… Read More
    MILBRIDGE – The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will not be available Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. It will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at the town hall. Applicants who need an… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Hancock County Diabetes Support Group will meet at Shaw’s Supermarket at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, for a free supermarket tour. Cece Ohmart will conduct the tour. Participation is limited to the first 10 people who register. To register, call 664-5475 by… Read More
    ROCKPORT – A vehicle reported stolen Tuesday from a Union Street home was recovered on Samoset Road on Thursday morning. Police spokesman Craig Cooley said the vehicle was not damaged. The keys had been left inside the vehicle, though not in the ignition, Cooley said. Read More
    CAMDEN – The U.S. Postal Service will hold a commemorative cancellation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, near the harbor master’s office in honor of an event paying tribute to William Conway, a Civil War hero from Camden. The cancellation will feature… Read More
    ROCKPORT – A resident of Amesbury Street reported Wednesday that a dog inside the house was stabbed in an apparent burglary attempt. The resident reported the incident about 2 p.m., said police spokesman Craig Cooley. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    NEWPORT – Town officials will look into the cost of purchasing moveable flash boards for the top of the North Street Dam, since it appears that using the gate to raise and lower the lake level is causing maintenance problems. Flash boards go along the… Read More
    LINCOLN – Penobscot Valley Hospital’s new chief executive officer starts his new job today, hoping to continue the hospital’s ambitious renovation program while strengthening its community ties. “We are a community asset,” David Shannon said Thursday. “The community actually owns the hospital, and the board… Read More
    BREWER – Thieves popped out a window-unit air conditioner at Geekxilla sometime between closing time Wednesday night and Thursday morning, and then removed five interconnected Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles from the store, forcing its owners to temporarily close. Geekxilla is a gaming store that opened… Read More
    BANGOR – Penobscot Theatre Company’s producing artistic director Scott R.C. Levy hovered above the crowd Thursday morning as a crane lifted him up to pull the first panel off the Bangor Opera House’s marquee. “Here’s to the beginning of great future memories and remembering the… Read More
    ORLAND – The Orland Historical Society will sponsor a program featuring quilts and antique sewing machines and equipment. The program is open to the public and will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Town Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    EASTPORT – The first Eastport Pirates Festival will be held Sept. 8-9. Festivities will begin with a Pirates’ Ball at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Eastport Chowder House. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed pirate and wench. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    AUBURN – A Lewiston man accused of rolling a severed pig’s head into a mosque was ordered by a judge Thursday to stay away from the mosque and its members. Superior Court Justice Ellen Gorman granted the state’s request for a preliminary injunction in its… Read More
    CANAAN – Maine State Police have nothing new to report in the murder of Cheryl Murdoch, 37, and the mysterious disappearance of Shirley Moon Atwood, 35, both of Canaan. It has been three weeks since the discovery of Murdoch’s body in the Canaan woods, and… Read More
    With the approach of fall and all it entails, from closing up camp to preparing the kids for school and struggling with end-of-summer cleaning, the trustees of the Lura E. Hoit Memorial Pool in Hampden have a suggestion of where some of your excess “stuff” could do some… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – This picturesque town is proud of its heritage, so much so that it has now become one of three Maine settlements designated among Preserve America Communities. That recent designation could bring federal grants to the town for a variety of activities related to… Read More
    TILTON, N.H. – Officials at Winnisquam Regional Middle School will be offering parents more than spaghetti dinners and teacher meetings at an open house – they’ll also be passing out home drug-testing kits. Dave Tryon, the district’s substance abuse coordinator, said there will be enough… Read More
    ORONO – Alumni and other friends donated more than $18 million to the University of Maine in the year that ended June 30. With the exception of 2002, when UMaine received a valuable donated patent, this represents the largest one-year private fundraising total in UMaine’s… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Five grants totaling about $214,000 have been awarded to Maine school and community organizations to help prevent and reduce substance abuse and violence among youths. The awards were presented by Maine’s Office of Substance Abuse with most funding coming from the federal No… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $1,136,437 in funding to fight domestic violence in Maine. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence will receive $900,000 under the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program and Caring Unlimited Corp. in Sanford… Read More
    NEW HAVEN, Conn. – A man who implicated two friends in the 1975 murder that sent Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel to prison has refused to testify, prompting a prosecutor Thursday to accuse him of making up the account. Gitano “Tony” Bryant invoked his Fifth Amendment… Read More
    BOSTON – A 9-year-old boy from Middleborough died Thursday from eastern equine encephalitis, the first fatality from the mosquito-borne virus in the state this year. John Fontaine developed a fever Aug. 18 and was hospitalized two days later. He died Thursday afternoon, said Christine Powers-Perry,… Read More
    This is the fun time of year. Every high school football team in the state is unbeaten – although yes, everyone’s still winless, too. But that’s what makes it fun, because even the most underdog of underdogs has a chance for a quick start, and… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Rocky Knoll CC, Orrington 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
    WINTERPORT – Winterport Dragway will host a Salute to America Day on Sunday, Sept. 3. Admission is free for all military, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medial technicians in recognition of their service to their country and community. Admission for racers and spectators is $12… Read More
    The leaves haven’t even begun to show a tinge of color yet, but fall officially arrives tonight in the form of high school football and area radio stations are ready for kickoff. Foxcroft Academy, Dexter, Mount Desert Island, and Stearns of Millinocket are getting extra… Read More
    Joe Diamond, who played on the silver medal-winning United States under-18 team in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in the Czech Republic last month, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine. He will attend Maine as a men’s hockey player beginning in… Read More
    Former University of Maine men’s hockey player Mike McHugh and former men’s basketball star Jeff Cross highlight a list of six inductees into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. Other inductees are Charlie Broomhall, Archer Grover, Sara Jewett, and Jack Small. They will be inducted… Read More
    SCARBOROUGH – Scarborough Downs is removing its track lighting system, and there’s no guarantee that it will be replaced. The lighting will be eliminated because it’s held in place by a hub rail that’s being removed for safety reasons, according to officials at the harness-racing… Read More
    HOULTON – Jordan Gard scored the game’s only goal with 24 minutes left in the second half to lead the Houlton Shiretowners to their third victory, 1-0 over the Fort Kent Warriors Thursday. Gard gained possession on the left side of the field at the… Read More
    In theaters LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, written by Michael Arndt, 101 minutes, rated R. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR -The first Mt. Desert Island Music and Arts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Smugglers Den Campgrounds in Southwest Harbor. Performers will include folk artist Livingston Taylor, folk legend Tom Rush, folk rock icon Jonathan… Read More
    BANGOR – The second annual Paul Bunyan Bluegrass Festival is ready to go Friday through Sunday, Sept. 8-10, at the Paul Bunyan Campground on outer Union Street. The event will run 6-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    WEEK 1 Friday, Sept. 1 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 – Tyler Libbey enjoys nothing more than throwing his weight around on the football field. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, that can be a relatively easy chore for the Lincoln native, who is a fourth-year starter this season at Husson College. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ORONO – Matt King was poised last fall to have a breakout season for the University of Maine football team. It literally slipped through his fingertips. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    The season ended a little more abruptly last year than players, coaches and fans are used to at Belfast High School. The fourth-seeded Lions hosted a Pine Tree Conference Class B quarterfinal against newly transplanted Class A power Waterville and the Purple Panthers shocked Belfast… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Soon Class C will feel the effects of the youth movement taking hold on the hill overlooking Broadway. When a high school football team starts a junior under center and a sophomore in the backfield, most think the team will suffer a down… Read More
    DEXTER – In 1966, Tim Wilson took over as the head coach of the Dexter football team, the start of a six-year span that included two Class C co-state championships and two LTC titles. Now, after several years of teaching and serving others, the last… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – At first glance, the loss of two quarterbacks and a slew of running backs might mean a football team had some rebuilding to do. But this is Foxcroft Academy, where football teams have perennial success. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    HAMPDEN – After leading the Hampden Academy football team to a Pine Tree Conference Class B playoff berth last fall in his first year as the Broncos’ head coach, Harry McCluskey sought to build on that momentum with a little help from his friends. So… Read More
    BANGOR – Looking back, the end of the 2005 season may serve as the unofficial start of the 2006 season for the John Bapst Crusaders. The Crusaders expected to be in the thick of the playoff chase last fall, but early struggles took them out… Read More
    FAIRFIELD – Pound the rock, knock a piece off until it splits. The translation: keep working hard everyday until the ultimate is achieved. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    BREWER – The 2005 season ended with the Brewer Witches bringing home the Class B state championship trophy, the ultimate prize for a dominating late-season run that concluded with a 33-0 blitzing of York in the title game. But much has changed since Brewer captured… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor High School football team’s quest to make the 2006 Pine Tree Conference Class A playoffs actually began with the final game of the 2005 season. The Rams trekked to South Paris to face Oxford Hills in a season finale rendered meaningless… Read More
    The 2006 preseason started out with a good news-bad news scenario for Madison High School head football coach Joe Hayden. The good news is the cupboard wasn’t completely bare, as has been the case more than once the last few seasons, with six starters back. Read More
    LINCOLN – Like any good Broadway production, a high school football team has understudies ready to step in to take over when needed. The Mattanawcook Academy football team will be looking to several juniors and seniors who have waited in the wings over the past… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Maine Central Institute returns its leading rusher, quarterback-turned-running back, Victor Quint. He is also the team’s leading tackler and had the most interceptions. The Huskies also bring back its sack leader, C.J. Laselle, from a season ago. In contrast, the Huskies lost four… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Three senior members of the Mount Desert Island football team didn’t want to make any predictions about the upcoming season before a recent afternoon practice. They all agree, however, that the Trojans have a lot of potential for another successful season. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ORONO – What do the 2006 Orono Red Riots and the 1988 Permian Panthers have in common? A lot. 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
    NEWPORT – The fledgling Nokomis football program enters its second year of club play well advanced of where it started a year ago, at ground zero. “We’re 200 percent ahead of where we were last year,” said Warriors’ coach David Evans, the former Dexter, Stearns… Read More
    ROCKLAND – After flirting with extinction less than 10 years ago, the Rockland High School football team has posted three consecutive 5-4 seasons – its first winning campaigns since the late 1980s. But what that success has yet to bring the Tigers is a trip… Read More
    Mike Marston has only been Skowhegan’s varsity football coach for three years, but he has already been in this situation before. Two years ago, he took over a team that had enjoyed some success, but had no returning starters, was largely unproven, and not expected… Read More
    OAKLAND – When you start a season reeling off four consecutive victories in an eight-game season, that’s usually a recipe for a playoff spot at the worst. However, sometimes, adversity creeps up when you least expect it. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – For the Stearns Minutemen, there’s nowhere to go but up after suffering through a winless 2005 season. “I hope we’re better,” said coach Chris Preble. “I can’t imagine it getting a whole lot worse.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More