PORTLAND – The Nature Conservancy announced Tuesday a gift from an anonymous donor of 1,910 acres in Phippsburg that includes more than 4 miles of coastal shoreline and has an estimated value of between $10 million and $14 million. The newly named Basin Preserve surrounds… Read More
    AUGUSTA – In the wake of recent horrific school shootings in other parts of the country, school superintendents and police officials across the state have been advised to review their safety and crisis management plans. Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday revealed that he had instructed… Read More
    An article published Tuesday on Page One about inspection stickers incorrectly stated that Sinclair Auto and Towing in Carmel had its license suspended. The station’s former mechanic was given a verbal warning. Clarification googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    Many Internet service providers in Maine currently offer high-speed Internet services – or what is known as broadband – via phone lines, cable television wires and satellite dishes. But Broadband over Power Lines, or BPL, which involves using an electric power distribution grid to transmit… Read More
    VANCOUVER – A delay in implementing the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement is angering American lumber producers. The Washington-based Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports said Monday that Canadian exporters are taking advantage of the delay to flood the U.S. market with lumber before export taxes kick… Read More
    Your reporter apparently misunderstood my point at the recent Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce meeting (BDN, Sept. 21). Although the question on Maine’s ballot to limit tax increases might sound attractive, it is too good to be true. The proposal does not deliver tax reform,… Read More
    Most doctors are honest people and are dedicated to the classic rule of medicine: “First, do no harm.” But the case is being made that they should add another maxim: “Take no bribes.” Is bribe too harsh a word for the common practice by many… Read More
    Last month, the state’s plan to acquire land around Katahdin Lake to add to Baxter State Park became more complicated when preservationist Roxanne Quimby bought adjacent land. The state quickly put the project back on track by deciding to build a road across state land to access the… Read More
    I pose this query to the motley anti-war, bring-our-troops home group that takes up space on the bridge in Blue Hill every Sunday. Why weren’t you up at the American Legion hall in Blue Hill expressing your gratitude to Marine Cpl. Brian Smith Jr. who… Read More
    For some dim-witted rationale the Bangor Daily News is committed to glorifying the slaughter of innocent moose, deer, turkeys, by writing supporting articles and publishing pictures of the slaughtered animals as well as the slaughterers themselves as if it was all some treasured special festivity to be proud… Read More
    Recently, it was brought to my attention that City Council members are considering plans to make Howard Street to Mount Hope Avenue one-way, or even cut Howard Street in half making two dead-end streets. While I sympathize with increased traffic flow in the area, as… Read More
    When did the Bangor Daily News adopt its new policy of running op-ed pieces on the front page? Margaret Talev’s disjointed commentary on the 109th Congress, run under the screaming editorial headline “Congress’ failures historic” (BDN, Sept. 30-Oct. 1) belonged on the page with other opinion pieces from… Read More
    The article “Book Review” (BDN, Sept. 20) caught my attention. Hearing that some parents were upset about the book of old-time playground rhymesgot me thinking. It’s just a way for children to learn, right? It’s all meant to be a joke? After reading the rhymes… Read More
    Like most Maine families, there are two days of the month circled on my calendar: paydays. As a small business owner, I am able to make a good living for my family, and most importantly, I enjoy what I do. Certainly, I know I’ll never get rich doing… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A complaint of unfair competition filed against the Maine Office of Tourism by a Searsmont-based Web consulting business was dismissed by a state advisory committee. The complaint, filed by Maine Coast Design, owned and operated by Lance Dutson, a critic of tourism officials,… Read More
    PORTLAND – A senator from the No. 1 lobster state wants restaurants to stop serving a type of lobster that she says isn’t a lobster at all. U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said a shellfish known as “langostino lobster” is an impostor to the real… Read More
    The legal battle over mercury pollution from the HoltraChem plant will head back to federal court this week when the former owner of the Orrington factory appeals a court-mandated environmental study of the Penobscot River. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston is expected… Read More
    Developers of larger projects in Maine’s Unorganized Territory could face steeper administrative fees in the future under a proposal pending before the Land Use Regulation Commission. LURC staff are seeking authorization from the commission’s governing board to update the fees charged to applicants planning to… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Lawmakers on a legislative panel are recommending that the state’s current sex offender registry be changed to reflect the risk offenders pose to the public, and that police and prosecutors be more aggressive in going after those offenders who are not registering. “What… Read More
    STOCKTON SPRINGS – The Waldo County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday it is investigating a tire-slashing spree that occurred overnight Monday. Chief Deputy Robert Keating said 17 people reported awakening Tuesday morning to find their tires cut. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – The town is seeking $2 million in loans and state grants to rebuild the infrastructure of the Iron Bridge Road area in the northern end of town by 2008 and end more than five years of problems, Town Manager Eugene Conlogue said Monday. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – After some fine-tuning, the 2007 Piscataquis County budget draft now reflects an increase of about 3 percent over this year’s budget. The good news is that Piscataquis County commissioners on Tuesday said they plan no more than a 2 percent tax increase for… Read More
    BANGOR – A City Council subcommittee put its stamp of approval Monday on plans to partner with two local groups to build new recreational trails, connect existing ones and develop a citywide management system. Though there has been a great deal of interest in such… Read More
    MACHIAS – Twenty-four residents spent 35 minutes on town business on Tuesday evening, including approval of an article that lists many new street names. Not even that drew a discussion at the annual town meeting, which had no extraordinary controversy to attract more of Machias’… Read More
    BELFAST – Uses ranging from a Montessori school to a school for music and the performing arts and an art studio-residence are among the options facing the City Council as it decides on the sale of the Peirce School. City Manager Terry St. Peter said… Read More
    WARREN – Selectmen have extended moratorium on the expansion or construction of commercial retail sales buildings larger than 35,000 square feet has been extended six months by selectmen, Town Manager Grant Watmough said Tuesday. Selectmen voted last week to continue the moratorium to March 27,… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Sen. Susan Collins will be the guest of honor at the Hancock County Republican Committee’s Harvest Ball at 6 p.m. Oct. 7, 2006. The ball, which is a fundraising event, will take place at the Crocker House on Hancock Point, and will consist of a cocktail… Read More
    DEDHAM – Fire officials are investigating a fire that destroyed a vacant farmhouse on the Bald Mountain Road late Monday night. The fire was noticed by a passer-by and called in at about 10:30 p.m., according to Dedham Fire Chief Frank Myatt. The building was… Read More
    VAN BUREN – Residents of Van Buren, the largest of three municipalities in SAD 24, will go to the polls Nov. 7 to decide if the school district will close Gateway Elementary School and move pupils there into a renovated Van Buren District Secondary School. Read More
    VAN BUREN – The dust over municipal expenditures and taxes is settling in this northern Maine town where the Town Council set the property tax rate at 21.5 mills Monday night. That is down 1 mill from last year, and down 4.25 mills from earlier… Read More
    HOULTON – As they push forward with an effort to make certain parts of the community more accessible to ATV enthusiasts while also preserving neighborhood tranquility, town councilors decided recently to pursue funding to build a bridge across a portion of the Meduxnekeag River to connect more ATV… Read More
    HOULTON – The start of another year is just a few months away, but the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce already has made a new beginning. In June, they were given a new office building, thanks to a donation from Ward Cedar Log Homes of… Read More
    Greenville Town Manager John Simko has been summoned to court for allegedly assaulting his estranged wife in a “tussle” over a cellular telephone on Sept. 24 at the Greenville Business Incubator on Spruce Street. The couple have filed for a divorce. Deputy Jamie Kane of the Piscataquis County… Read More
    BANGOR – Even though the Penobscot Regional Communication Center won’t be moving into its new space until the end of the year, groups already are lining up to grab some square footage in its current location in the basement of the District Court building. Penobscot… Read More
    BREWER – The school board on Monday approved three new policies, revised three other policies and held the first reading of three proposed policies, Superintendent Daniel Lee said Tuesday. Brewer school committee members also passed a resolve opposing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights initiative on… Read More
    BANGOR – Plans to overhaul West Market Square, that little triangular plot some consider the heart of downtown, got a boost Monday when a City Council panel authorized up to $59,100 for the next phase of planning. Conceptual plans for the small triangle of land,… Read More
    ST. GEORGE – Buying a 72-acre parcel with 450 feet of shoreline on the St. George River for public access had a pleasant ring to some residents’ ears but hit a sour note for others Tuesday at a public hearing on the proposal. The 71.73-acre… Read More
    WEST ENFIELD – Except for maintenance and office staff, a Hammett Road lumber company devastated by fire several months ago has shut down, its owners said Monday. “The inventory has been depleted, and we’re now looking at the options that we have to rebuild or… Read More
    BREWER – Alice Clifford, Penobscot County assistant district attorney, will speak on “Domestic Violence in Penobscot County,” today at noon at the Muddy Rudder restaurant. This event was organized by Uptown Business and Professional Women, part of a state and national organization. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BANGOR – A 43-year-old Bangor man suffered extensive injuries Tuesday night after he was struck by a train while crossing a trestle over the Kenduskeag Stream. The man, whom police would not identify Tuesday night pending notification of family, was taken by ambulance to Eastern… Read More
    Two men were arrested and charged with possession and trafficking of illegal drugs Monday afternoon after Hampden police received a tip that someone was violating bail conditions. Hampden police Officer Marc Egan received the tip around 12:45 p.m. Monday and headed out to the Old… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Two council members sharply critical of what they called the preservationist movement of northern Maine had strong words Thursday for Gov. John Baldacci and conservationist Roxanne Quimby. Councilor David Cyr called Quimby’s recent $10 million purchase of 23,000 acres in Township 3 Range… Read More
    OLD TOWN – A handful of residents, including two downtown apartment owners, attended Monday’s council meeting to discuss the proposed ordinance amendment to prohibit overnight parking in the city. After some discussion during the public hearing, it became clear that the residents’ issue wasn’t with… Read More
    CALAIS – Bail was set Tuesday in 4th District Court for a 26-year-old former Calais man who now lives in Bangor for allegedly stealing copper wire from the federal government. On April 30, Devin W. Brown allegedly stole copper wire valued at more than $4,000… Read More
    GRAND LAKE STREAM PLANTATION – For most towns creating parking spaces tends to be pro forma, but in this tourist community the issue has divided residents. There have been two special town meetings – one on Monday night – to deal with whether the town… Read More
    Republican William C. McKeen 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
    GRAND LAKE STREAM PLANTATION – For most towns creating parking spaces tends to be pro forma, but in this tourist community the issue has divided residents. There have been two special town meetings – one on Monday night – to deal with whether the town… Read More
    BOSTON – New Englanders breathed a little easier during the summer. The Environmental Protection Agency says the number of unhealthy air days dropped in the region from 26 last year to 16 this summer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    This is a lovely little tale with a very happy ending. Neil and Jeanne MacDonald of Hermon wrote the Bangor Daily News to thank the many people who helped them find their little lost dog. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    CALAIS – A Charlotte woman who has been summoned and charged with keeping dangerous dogs made her first appearance in 4th District Court on Tuesday. Valerie Fenderson entered a denial to the charge. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    DIXFIELD – An 11-year-old boy died after a sand pile collapsed on him in a trench he had dug in his backyard, police said. Lucas Dolloff dug the trench, which was about waist-deep, Police Chief Richard Pickett said. The boy climbed into the trench and… Read More
    ORONO – A rally to protest hate crimes and racism will be held at the University of Maine from noon to 1 p.m. today on the mall in front of Fogler Library. Sponsored by UM student government, the Greater Bangor Area NAACP and Human Rights… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Deliberations over the next two months could shape much of the agenda for whomever is elected to the governorship and Legislature in November. The state of Maine’s Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission met Tuesday to review the economy and heard descriptions of a sluggish performance. Read More
    BANGOR – Two men are being held at the Penobscot County Jail after their arrests last week as they entered the United States. Blake D. Hampe, 29, of Manchester, N.H., was arrested last Wednesday in Bar Harbor shortly after he arrived from Canada on the… Read More
    VERONA ISLAND – While pedestrians are walking across the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge later this month, a parade of local boats will be sailing under the new span. The parade of boats will be part of the Bridgewalk celebration planned for Saturday, Oct. 14. The… Read More
    HOLDEN – Paul Gaucher, a retired Penobscot County sheriff’s deputy, was known for the 6-foot stuffed teddy bear in his patrol car. He was known for “pulling over” children who were riding their bikes and then giving them awards for wearing helmets. Most of all,… Read More
    You are in Red Sox withdrawal. No playoffs for the first time in four years. To his credit, general manger Theo Epstein took responsibility for his poor decisions. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    BANGOR – This time, it was a bit easier for Casey Hartley. Six days after scoring the game-winning goal in a make-or-break matchup against Waterville, the Bangor girls soccer junior forward netted another game-winner. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    WINTERPORT – Winterport Dragway will hold its sixth annual Car Show and Drag Race beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. The car show, sponsored by Jordan’s Snack Bar of Bucksport, will feature a camp-out weekend, Gambler’s Race and Import/Sport Compact Challenge. There will also be a… Read More
    BANGOR – The Northeast Maine Dart League will hold an organization and informational meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Sports Arena, its new home location. All players and/or prospective team captains are encouraged to attend and discus the schedule and all other questions or concerns. The league… Read More
    COLLEGE Golf 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
    COLLEGE Jon Cowie 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
    HIGH SCHOOL Official standings as reported by the Maine Principals’ Association. Games played through September 30. 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
    OLD TOWN – Reid McLaughlin scored what proved to be the game-winning goal off an assist from Andrew Richardson to lead the Brewer Witches to a 2-1 high school boys soccer victory over Old Town on Tuesday. Shun Sasaki netted a goal for Brewer, and… Read More
    EASTPORT – Aaron Sullivan scored an unassisted goal with 2:57 left in the first half to lift the Shead Tigers to a 1-0 high school boys soccer win over the Machias Bulldogs Tuesday. Craig Hastings made seven saves on nine shots for the 6-4 Tigers. Read More
    STACYVILLE – Andy Kay scored both goals for host Katahdin to lead it to a 2-0 high school boys soccer win over Lee Academy Tuesday. Billy Duffy and Caleb Gallagher each recorded an assist for Katahdin. Matt Tarr stopped five of seven shots for the… Read More
    UNITY – Ryan Howes, Matt Belonick, and Matt Pickowicz each scored a goal to lead Unity College by the University of Maine-Machias 3-1 in men’s soccer action Tuesday. Howes also recorded an assist on the goal by Belonick. Tyler Ferguson made seven saves on 17… Read More
    Sometimes bad time slots just happen to a good series. The new family drama “Friday Night Lights” is such a show. It promises to be quality programming, but it’s up against “NCIS,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “House,” so few will ever see… Read More