The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is arguably the most ambitious public construction project the state has seen in recent years. That is appropriate, since it will replace the 75-year-old Waldo-Hancock Bridge which itself was an engineering marvel when it opened in 1931. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
OLD TOWN – Roxanne Quimby agreed to allow continued public access to 23,000 acres she owns near Katahdin Lake after a 21/2-hour meeting Friday that raised hope for eventual peace among warring sportsmen, environmentalists and loggers. As part of the agreement, hunting, ATV riding, snowmobiling… Read More
BANGOR – A former Brewer softball coach Friday filed the first lawsuit in the state alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation. Kelly Jo Cookson, 44, of Clifton sued the Brewer School Department and Superintendent Daniel Lee in Penobscot County Superior Court. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Because of a production error, today’s Sudoku puzzle is on Page C4 instead of in the Living section. Incorrect dates were provided to Joni Averill for her column regarding The Salvation Army’s annual Harvest Auction. That event has a pre-sale at 5 p.m. and the… Read More
AUGUSTA – President Bush signed into law Friday port security legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine that will help prevent terrorists from sneaking a nuclear, chemical or germ weapon inside one of the 11 million containers that come into the country each year. Read More
The Waldo-Hancock Bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians as soon as the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge opens to traffic, and eventually it will be taken down. The Maine Department of Transportation will monitor the bridge to ensure that it does not pose a… Read More
The dedication of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge was considered a “simple ceremony” but “one of the most inspiring ceremonies ever enacted along the shores of the Penobscot.” The old bridge was completed in 1931 and opened to traffic on Nov. 16 of that year, but it… Read More
? Observatory is 13 feet 6 inches by 24 feet 8 inches (242-square-foot standing area) and 420 feet high (42 stories). ? 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day, visibility will be 100 miles in all directions. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Approximate height, in feet Empire State Building 1,453.8 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
Dec. 3, 2003 – Groundbreaking April 2004 – Prospect foundation complete 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
There is a fact that seems to be all too obvious to the proponents of TABOR, of which I am one, and that is that state and local governments are not contributing anything meaningful for tax relief. Maine’s state and local tax burdens are the… Read More
The challenges facing small businesses in Maine are well known, as, unfortunately, are their failure rates. But a vital federal program for the last couple of years has given these businesses in distressed areas a much better chance to succeed through federal contracting preferences. This program, however, called… Read More
Before recently released food stamp rates in Maine get turned into just one more weapon in the gubernatorial race, the public should look closely at the report that produced the rates and observe that a substantial part of the increase may come from Maine doing things right. Read More
Another election is approaching. I am extremely disappointed in and disgusted with some of the politicians who have placed their signs around cemeteries. This shows an extreme lack of respect – it isn’t as if the dear departed can have anything to say in this. Read More
Driving on Stillwater Avenue in Orono recently I observed that signs for “academic freedom fighter” have been placed on both sides of the signs, previously placed, for Rep. Emily Cain, so her signs cannot be seen from cars traveling in either direction. Is this what… Read More
With autumn’s arrival, winter just around the corner and the recent earthquakes, it seems like the planet Earth’s joints are creaking along with the rest of us. Ellen M. Dayton googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
For those who haven’t noticed, a very small group of people are claiming to be the eyes and ears of us poor locals regarding Plum Creek’s development plan. You will probably see the names Sandra Neily, Catherine B. Johnson and Bob and Diane Guethlen appear… Read More
I have never thought we should pass legislation that is not thoroughly understood. The so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights is one such piece. This referendum question has been discussed at length. I have heard the supporters debate the issue, giving their interpretation of what the… Read More
Election Day is fast approaching. It’s the day you get to vote for someone whom you hope will represent you on issues that have a direct bearing on how well you are able to live. It’s amazing how many people can’t be bothered to vote… Read More
The recent news of the agreement reached between the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) and Gov. John Baldacci is certainly a positive sign that Maine hospitals will finally be paid for state debts owed dating back several years. It is indeed a significant step forward in… Read More
The kiss of death to Maine’s latest attempt to keep itself from spending so much was bestowed by the Portland Regional Chamber, from whose lips came support for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights with the condition that the Legislature cleanse the measure of “unintended or harmful outcomes.” Legislators… Read More
When the amiable young doctor at the walk-in clinic wrote out a prescription for me to have filled at a local pharmacy I tried to stifle a grin, but couldn’t. That prompted the man to ask me what was so funny about the deal. “I’m… Read More
It’s 7 a.m. and all’s quiet along Main Street. A school bus lumbering past the town office on a recent weekday is about the only traffic in sight. Down at Kelley’s Restaurant the morning crowd has come and gone. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
LIMESTONE – Potato farming is in Fred Edgecomb’s blood. Edgecomb and his brother Robert are sixth-generation potato farmers. While they are part of a long family tradition, they’re also part of a shrinking demographic in Limestone. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
LIMESTONE – When it comes to economic development opportunity in northern Maine, it seems as if there’s no place like the Loring Commerce Centre. Successes at the commerce center include a military accounting service, a Job Corps site, and a military refurbishing center. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
LIMESTONE – When it comes to focusing on your studies, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics is in a rural location that can’t be beat. But when it comes to selling the statewide magnet school to the rest of Maine, operating in a small… Read More
BUCKSPORT – The man in custody for using a hammer to rob a Bangor convenience store earlier this week also is accused of embezzling funds from a local group of churches. The case is not connected to an ongoing investigation involving discrepancies that were discovered… Read More
Not to be nosey, but were you one of those people who woke up yesterday morning and, after noticing the date on the calendar or the top of the newspaper, called in sick to work and spent the rest of the day lying in bed?… Read More
For more than two weeks, Brittany Ray’s achievement had been western Washington County’s best-kept secret. Friday, the Narraguagus High School teacher became the state’s most stunned educator when she was named Maine Teacher of the Year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
MACHIAS – He’s back. Meddybemps junkyard dealer Harry Smith, 66, made his first appearance in Washington County Superior Court Friday, but it’s been years since he was last seen in Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Members of a state commission gathered Friday in Orono to discuss replacing a heavily used bridge in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway that has lasted decades longer than planned, but is likely entering its last winter. Constructed nearly 40 years ago, the roughly 200-foot long Henderson… Read More
UNITY – The nonprofit Clifford Charitable Foundation has transferred the Unity Centre for the Performing Arts and an outdoor athletic complex known as the Field of Dreams to Unity College. College trustees voted Friday to accept the properties, which are valued collectively at $2.5 million. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Future Business Leaders of America will hold a baked bean supper and auction 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Knights of Columbus Hall to benefit their coming trip to New York City. Tickets are $8 and are available from FBLA members or at… Read More
HOLDEN – A rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the town’s fire station, 570 Main Road. Each vaccine costs $8, and all checks should be payable to Dr. Robert Feher. Read More
Calais District Court Cases Sept. 22-28, 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 () { // Define Slot… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Police are seeking information on a masked man who brandished a gun at a local woman and made a sexually explicit remark at her early Friday morning. Detective Bill Scull of the Presque Isle Police Department said Friday that police received a… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – They are going to sue. That’s what the Friends of Magurrewock announced at a meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday. The group wants to move a multimillion bridge slated to be built in Calais to Baileyville and they are ready to sue… Read More
Joey is an intelligent, active and artistic 11-year-old who enjoys spending time playing his Game Boy video game. Joey helps out around the house and says he “doesn’t mind” doing his chores. He explains that he keeps his room tidy and cleans the bathroom. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Rising folk star Antje Duvekot will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in Wieden Auditorium at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Duvekot was first popularized when Irish group Solas included one of her original songs on their album “The… Read More
FORT KENT – Northern Maine Medical Center will offer a number of classes and seminars to the public this fall. Monthly smoking cessation classes will be held at the campus. The classes consist of four one-hour sessions and dates and times will vary. Heartsaver CPR… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Physical Education Majors Club at the University of Maine at Presque Isle has organized a play day for area children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in Gentile Hall at UMPI. “UMPI Fit and Fun Day” is geared for pupils in… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Northern Maine Community College Continuing Education Division will offer beginner-level yoga classes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 31 and continuing until Dec. 19. Cost for the eight-week class is $65. For more information or to register, contact Gayle… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Northern Maine Community College Continuing Education Division will offer a one-day course for area residents interested in becoming a notary public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in the Continuing Education conference room on the second floor of the Edmunds building. Read More
HOULTON – The Houlton Higher Education Center and SAD 29-70 Adult Ed will be offering several courses this fall. A medical terminology course will be offered Thursday evenings from Oct. 19 to Dec. 21 and will be held at the Region Two Vocational Center. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
FORT KENT – Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department will sponsor an arts and crafts program for children ages 2-5 and their parents. The program will be held 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in the basement of the Fort Kent Municipal Center. The theme for this month’s projects… Read More
CARIBOU – The Northern Maine Development Commission has received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Solid Waste Management Grants Program. The funding will be used to foster a broader understanding among community members, students and solid waste professionals about waste management programs, waste reduction and… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Presque Isle Middle School will hold their annual variety show at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in the PIMS auditorium. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students, with a maximum of $10 for a family. All proceeds will benefit the Travis Wood… Read More
CARIBOU – Former Sen. George Mitchell presented Anne C. Gahgan of Caribou with the 2006 Hanley Leadership Award at the fourth annual Hanley Leadership luncheon on Friday at Bowdoin College in Brunswick. Gahgan has devoted her career to improving diabetes care. She has received national… Read More
BANGOR – The mural “The War Inside Me” will be dedicated at 4 p.m. today at the Park Woods Transitional Housing Complex, 11 Bolling Drive. The mural is based on drawings done by children from Park Woods and painted by four artists. Read More
PITTSFIELD – Town councilors are expected to vote Tuesday night on a resolution opposing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which will be on the November ballot. TABOR is being hotly debated, with supporters saying it will help control state and local spending and result in… Read More
BANGOR – A motorist who drove across lawns and sidewalks before crashing into a vacant storefront on Garland Street Friday said he blacked out while behind the wheel. The late morning accident sent two people to the hospital, damaged both the SUV and the building’s… Read More
ORONO – After less than a year overseeing the Orono police and fire departments, the town’s director of public safety is leaving to take a job with the Maine Department of Public Safety. Cliff Wells resigned effective Friday, although he had made his intentions known… Read More
HOLDEN – When the 17-year-old, wearing braces and freckles, walked into his first meeting as a member of the town’s conservation commission in September, he felt like all eyes were on him. And they were. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The relocation of the town skating rink was among the possible uses of the Morton Avenue Elementary School property aired earlier this week during a public hearing. The school is slated to close when a new elementary school building, now under construction, opens… Read More
HOLDEN – SAD 63 wants to shape a new vision for itself with help from the community, the superintendent said this week. Over the next year, a 14-member planning group with representatives from Holden, Eddington and Clifton will hold meetings with residents and school staff… Read More
BANGOR – As part of Maine Breast Cancer Survivors week, pink tulips will be planted on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 13 sites in Bangor, including Cascade Park, Sedgley Park, the YWCA and St. Joseph Hospital. For details, contact Susan Rowan of the Maine Cancer Foundation at 773-2533 or… Read More
Ellsworth District Court Cases May 16-Sept. 18, 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
MACHIAS – Financial transactions involving a 59-year-old New Brunswick businessman accused of bilking the city of Calais out of thousands of dollars came under scrutiny Friday in Washington County Superior Court during the fourth day of his theft trial. District Attorney Michael Povich maintained that… Read More
BANGOR – Two Medway brothers were charged this week with burglarizing a dormant electric power station in Chester last month and stealing copper from the facility. Jonathan Ladd, 24, and Ricky Ladd, 20, made an initial appearance Thursday in 3rd District Court in Bangor where… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Shannon Atwood, 36, whom prosecutors have identified as the prime suspect in the slaying of a Canaan woman and a person of interest in the disappearance of another, was indicted Thursday by a Somerset County grand jury on charges of terrorizing. A trial… Read More
DEDHAM – A craft fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Dedham Church on Route 46. Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 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
BANGOR – The following roads will be paved during the week of Oct. 15: Benjamin Way, Edgewood Court and Briarwood Drive on Thursday, Oct. 19, and Friday, Oct. 20. Bomar Road will be paved Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21. Drivers are advised to… Read More
BANGOR – On-site flu and pneumonia shot clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Friday and Saturday through Nov. 4 at the Bangor Mall. Flu shots will cost $30 and pneumonia shots will cost $40. Shots are available on a first-come,… Read More
BANGOR – Recent changes to the federal law governing the education of students with special needs will help the Bangor School Department save time and money, the director of pupil services said this week. Murray Shulman told the Bangor School Committee on Tuesday that he… Read More
Music lovers who remember poodle skirts, jukeboxes and the fun of hanging around soda fountains should really enjoy Adelines’ Sweet Shoppe, featuring the Sweet Adelines Heart of Maine Chorus at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Brewer Auditorium. Admission is $7, free for children… Read More
ORRINGTON – A special election is scheduled for Monday so residents can decide who will fill a vacant seat on the school committee and another on the Board of Selectmen. Three people would like to fill the empty selectman’s seat, and two are running for… Read More
“So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of… Read More
The little girl who asked the question was probably about 9 years old. It was a Sunday morning. The minister was at the door of his study when she just walked up and said, “Pastor, how do you know that the Bible is true?” Good… Read More
BANGOR – Last year’s Bangor High School seniors scored higher on the SAT than students both statewide and across the nation, Superintendent Robert Ervin said this week. The combined reading and math scores here were 1,062, compared to 1,002 in Maine and 1,021 nationally. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
DEXTER – A proposed amendment to the land use ordinance that detailed expectations of property owners was sent back Thursday to the planning board for revision. Some of the approximately 30 people who attended the Town Council meeting on Thursday said the ordinance needed stronger… Read More
WILLIMANTIC – A group of residents who had repeatedly pressed town officials for accountability long before an audit discovered funds were missing demanded Thursday the resignations of two selectmen. The approximately 20 residents who attended a special selectmen’s meeting Thursday also recommended the town proceed… Read More
When the October moose hunt rolls around each year, it’s a good bet Doug Kane will be pretty easy to find. Kane, a regional wildlife biologist for the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, often spends those days in the hangar at Stobie Seaplane Base… Read More
ORONO – University of Maine hockey coach Tim Whitehead felt it would take a while for his power-play units to jell after the Bears lost the likes of Hobey Baker Award finalist and All-American Greg Moore along with Derek Damon. Moore had a team-high 12… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – David Frasz rushed for touchdowns of 10 and 6 yards and opened the second half with an 85-yard touchdown return to guide the Foxcroft Academy Ponies past the Stearns Minutemen 53-6 in schoolboy football action Friday night. Shaw Weeks, Wade Witham, Brian Hanson,… Read More
LINCOLN – The coaches on Mattanawcook Academy’s football team were concerned all week about Friday’s LTC Class C showdown with John Bapst of Bangor, and for good reason. The visiting Crusaders were 4-2 and making a major playoff push. The Lynx of Lincoln were reeling… Read More
While Scarborough Downs is grabbing Maine’s harness racing spotlight with the running of the $300,000 Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes finals Sunday, Bangor Raceway will also be a destination for those interested in harness racing, horses, and history. Bangor Raceway, normally quiet and fairly calm this… Read More
Momentum can be fleeting in football, but teams that can establish consistency and build conference from week to week are the ones that taste success more frequently. The 23rd-ranked University of Maine football team looks to put together back-to-back victories today with an Atlantic 10… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL PVC Golf All-Conference Teams 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
How quickly the giants are looking up. Both the Red Sox and the Yankees have offseasons that will define 2007 and far beyond. The Sox must redefine their pitching staff and will do so with a new pitching coach. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Over the years my favorite outdoor pastimes have changed a few times, and they may well alter again, but for the last decade waterfowling of any and all styles offers me the greatest thrill, the most satisfaction, and untold insight into ducks and geese. One fact repeats itself… Read More
Maine’s firearms deer season is rapidly approaching, and plenty of area organizations are finishing up their plans for annual hunters breakfasts. Here’s a partial list of the breakfasts that are scheduled: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Weekend time being of the essence, I’m always looking for an outing that’s close to home yet slightly different and interesting. Finding such a place without turning an outing into an expedition has always been one of my goals. I must admit that I tend… Read More
Back in September I had gone for a hike up Great Pond Mountain in Orland with the Bangor Chapter of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. The hike was an easy three- mile round trip. The weather could not have been better, nor the company more… Read More
ORONO – Nicole Emery scored on a Kristen Nealy assist at 34:48 to lead the University of Maine field hockey team to a 1-0 win over the University of New Hampshire Friday. Rebecca Giroux blocked both shots for the 6-8 Black Bears. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
MAINE vs. NEW HAMPSHIRE, BOSTON COLLEGE Time, site: Saturday, noon, vs. UNH; Sunday, noon, vs. BC, Alfond Arena, Orono 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
TURNER – Jill Ross scored two second-half goals to lead Belfast to its third straight KVAC Class B field hockey championship with a 3-0 victory over Leavitt on Friday. Briana Curry added a goal for Belfast. Britt Cummings, Kallie Aldus, and Skye Ellis provided assists. Read More
BAGNOR – Erin Keim scored in the first half off of an Ashley Gale assist for John Bapst and the Crusaders went on to record a 2-0 schoolgirl soccer win over the Hermon Hawks Friday. Catherine Lammert added an unassisted second-half goal for the 7-6-1… Read More
VAN BUREN – Megan LaJoie scored an unassisted goal 3:11 into the second half and assisted on another by Taylor Parent earlier in the period to lift the Van Buren Crusaders to a 2-0 high school girls soccer win over the Washburn Beavers Friday. Trisha… Read More
There are too many cooks in the kitchen once again on Bravo with the start of season two of “Top Chef.” As with any new reality season, the cast of characters has changed, but the idea behind the show is the same and so is… Read More
VERONA – When the new $85 million bridge across The Penobscot River opens for a “Bridgewalk” today, it will be christened as the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. But chances are that local residents will call it the “Verona Island Bridge,” just like they always… Read More
As soon as I saw Chanel’s Black Satin nail polish this summer, I knew things were looking up. You see, I’m not one of those gals who limits her manicure options to tasteful shades of ballerina pink or subdued nude.I have crooked fingers and short… Read More
Blue Hill Food Co-Op and the Cafe Main Street, Blue Hill, 374-2165 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
“The Break-Up”: It’s too cute and commercial to really get down and dirty when it comes to how ugly relationships can get when the ax is thrown down, but this light, derivative take does generate more heat than some might expect. This comedy about falling out of love… Read More
In October, while most of Marjorie’s garden lies dormant, the common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is in full bloom. Where a few bright yellow leaves still hold fast to zigzag twigs, the flowers are hidden, but on naked twigs you can easily find the pale greenish-gold and slightly… Read More
There is a special place in every town big enough for streetlights. It is the place where the locals can gather on both winter and summer mornings over coffee and eggs in comfort and enjoy the love, warmth and support of the gracious owners. Then,… Read More
It was a sweep for Willy Reddik at the fourth annual Belfast Pie and Story Festival. Willy brought two beautiful pies and the assembled public sampling among them picked her Mixed Fruit Medley as “The Best Pie Ever.” Willy said it was OK with her if I shared… Read More