BANGOR – For the past six years, Hermon residents Claude and Priscilla Morin have been working on an invention: a portable pump system that makes changing the oil in a vehicle or machine cleaner and more efficient. In 2003, they opened Spillfree Oil Drainage Products to sell their… Read More
    BANGOR – The estimated number of employees expected to be hired by the end of the year by Red Shield Environmental LLC, the company that has purchased the former Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill, has decreased from 54 to about 43, according to Jim England. England is… Read More
    ATLANTA – US Airways made a hostile $8 billion bid for Delta Air Lines on Wednesday, despite Delta’s repeated statements it isn’t interested in a merger. The move could start a stampede of competing bids in a long-predicted industry consolidation. The offer, however, faces many… Read More
    The profile of John Frachella, the retiring Director of Bangor’s Children’s Dental Clinic only hints at his many contributions to public health in Maine, “Dentist ends long career at clinic” (BDN, Nov. 10). In 1974, as a Bureau of Mental Retardation social worker with Pineland and 40 clients… Read More
    A sharply divided committee on the future of Sears Island will have failed its mission if it does not come to agreement on the outline of a plan for use of the 940-acre state-owned parcel. Failure is the continuation of the status quo, which means an uninviting chain… Read More
    A welcome new plan to expand health-insurance access from the main lobby of the industry describes the direction in which the health care debate is headed – directly toward Maine, with its higher levels of Medicaid coverage. But to persuade taxpayers to spend hundreds of billions more to… Read More
    The column by Dr. Mary Warner, “Nursing homes need Medicare funding” (BDN, Nov. 6), touched on one part of an increasingly complex situation facing Maine. A strong Medicare funding system is essential for quality nursing home care. Medicare funds, which cover much of the cost of skilled care… Read More
    As a data service technician who works for Verizon in the Greater Bangor area I have been following the BDN’s recent coverage of broadband issues in the state. Although I am not permitted to speak on behalf of my company, I can attest to why the cost of… Read More
    Thanks for the excellent advertising supplement commemorating those who have served in American wars. I especially thank you for the space spent on the Korean War. Those of us who did serve in that conflict sometimes find ourselves in the back row. Over the last… Read More
    It’s always sad to see talented people lose jobs. With that in mind, could you not have fired someone else instead of the delightful Tom Weber? Dave Glidden googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    The Bangor Daily News opposed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and that’s fair enough. However, it’s also fair that the debate about how to stop tax hemorrhaging continue. The thing which always struck you as strange about the opposition to TABOR was the assumption that… Read More
    Donations already have begun arriving for the Santa’s Helper Fund, and we are pleased to acknowledge the following contributors: Anonymous, Milford $25 googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Rep. Glenn Cummings of Portland, who served as the Democratic floor leader in the Maine House of Representatives during the past session, won a key vote Wednesday that virtually assures he will be the House speaker for the next two years. By a… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Democratic lawyer who donned an Osama bin Laden costume replete with toy assault rifle to make a political statement on Halloween is facing additional charges. Tom Connolly faces charges of terrorizing and reckless conduct, in addition to the original charge of criminal… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – The teenagers in the Life Skills class at Bucksport High School provided their own life lesson this week; one of generosity and caring at a time when those qualities are most needed. The class gave up a monthly class outing and instead used… Read More
    HOULTON – Town Councilors expressed optimism about the municipality’s fiscal future on Monday evening after Town Manager Douglas Hazlett told them that the first draft of the 2007 budget was “encouraging.” During a brief meeting on Monday evening, Hazlett presented the group with an initial… Read More
    BREWER – “Abysmal,” is how Fire Chief Rick Bronson described the fire hydrant pressure on Century Street during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, while addressing concerns about the city’s purchase of land at the end of the roadway. The main reason the city is purchasing the… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Earlier this year, local officials belatedly unveiled a large medallion stone they had commissioned and installed in a municipal public park to commemorate the town’s 100th birthday. More recently, however, the stone has been associated with a different number – a figure… Read More
    DEXTER – A Guilford man has been charged with stealing drugs from a Dexter home where he and his employer had been working last week. Daniel Zavistoski, 33, will make his initial court appearance on the charge Dec. 27 in 3rd District Court in Newport. Read More
    SEBEC – Virginia Rideout, 19, of Milo, suffered a broken arm Wednesday when her vehicle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Route 6/16 and Stagecoach Road. Roger Barnett, 67, of Brownville, turned from Route 6/16 onto Stagecoach Road in front of Rideout’s… Read More
    EDDINGTON – Construction on the town hall addition started Wednesday, and town officials are warning residents that the project may close the office on occasion. “During the construction period, November through May, there will be times that we may need to close the municipal office… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Police arrested a Bangor man Tuesday in connection with the theft of a vehicle in Bangor last weekend. Jason Cox, 21, was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and violation of bail. Cox allegedly stole a 1998 Ford Bronco… Read More
    Army Pvt. Erik Ettlinger graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox, Ky. A 2006 graduate of Rockland District High School, Ettlinger is the son of Peter and Jean Ettlinger of Owls Head. Army Pvt. Jeremy Britton graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Bucksport woman has been charged with stealing lottery tickets and cash from a local business where she was employed. Erin Barber, 25, allegedly stole $500 worth of lottery tickets and $275 in cash from the Irving Mainway in Ellsworth where she worked,… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Farm Service Agency in Maine is urging Washington County farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to vote in FSA county committee elections by Dec. 4. FSA county committees help administer federal programs at the local level. Committee members make decisions on conservation… Read More
    GOULDSBORO – The Ladies’ Stitch and Serve Group of the Gouldsboro United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas crafts and baked goods sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. The sale will feature a children’s shopping time with inexpensive items for children… Read More
    EAST MACHIAS -Washington Academy will host an informational workshop on Fine Arts education 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. Argy Nestor, Visual and performing Arts Consultant for Maine Department of Education will present the workshop. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    UNITY – A Community Health Dialogue will be held 4:30 to 6: 30 Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Unity Community Center. The event is hosted by the Unity Barn Raisers and the Waldo County Healthy Communities Coalition. Residents of Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Montville, Thorndike, Troy,… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Gastric Bypass Support Group at Down East Community Hospital will not hold group meetings for the month of December and the Jan. 1 holiday. Their meetings are held on the first and third Monday of every month and will resume Monday, Jan. Read More
    Jacob Levin of Cherryfield was recently selected as the first Snickers brand and Burton “Rover,” an ambassador for board sports. The Rover tours the country to meet enthusiasts, demonstrate his technique and give away free gifts. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    VAN BUREN – A sufficient number of voters, who have claimed unfair actions by the former Town Council chairman, have signed a recall petition to remove the town councilor from office. The petition for a recall election on Melvin Madore will be presented to the… Read More
    Nathan Cote, originally from Limestone, has been elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives. Cote defeated incumbent Republican Minority Whip Terry Marquardt as representative in House District 53, which includes the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces. As priorities for the upcoming session Cote… Read More
    OAKFIELD – After a more than eight month delay, voters in Oakfield will gather for their annual town meeting Nov. 21. Town Manager James Smith said Wednesday that the gathering will begin at 7 p.m. at the Oakfield Community Center. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    SHERMAN – The town will host its second annual Christmas Parade, snacks with Santa, tree lighting, Christmas carols and public supper 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. The parade will begin at the town office and end at the Sno-Drifters clubhouse on North Street. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    FORT FAIRFIELD – The old swimming pool is just a memory now, its removal has been completed. Groundwork has started for the spring construction of a new municipal swimming pool. The $375,000 swimming pool project will be under construction as soon as the ground is… Read More
    Community High School, Fort Kent First quarter honor roll 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
    HERMON – Robin Fisher slipped out of her shoes Wednesday morning and reluctantly hopped onto a scale. Fisher and many other Hermon employees participated in a day of wellness at the town office, during which three University of Maine senior nursing students conducted simple health… Read More
    HOWLAND – We’re just as good as you are. That’s one of the messages behind a unanimous SAD 31 board of directors vote Wednesday to ramp up the numerical scores attached to letter grades at Hichborn Middle School and Penobscot Valley High School. The new… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A program initiated by the Piscataquis Chamber four years ago to encourage local shopping has done just that, said organizers. In 2002 chamber members recognized residents were purchasing goods and services outside of Piscataquis County, so they introduced the sale of $10 gift… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Senate has approved $9.65 million for a new waterfront support structure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, New Hampshire Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu said Tuesday. The addition will support upcoming USS Virginia class submarine depot overhaul work. The funds are included… Read More
    BANGOR – A Fairfield man convicted in April of lying on two applications to buy guns from a Winslow firearms dealer was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to eight months in federal prison. Steven Lemieux, 43, faced up to 10 years in prison and… Read More
    N ichols Day Camp and Scamp Camp, serving more than 300 children of the Blue Hill peninsula, may be closed for the season but summer memories are alive and well. They will be celebrated during the camps’ next fundraiser, a Talent-Variety Show at 7 p.m. Read More
    MACHIAS – A recent Washington County turkey drive netted more than 1,100 holiday turkeys for 10 area food pantries, and although that will be a major boost, most pantry volunteers say they are worried about later this winter. “We are busy and our food is… Read More
    GRAY – Skiers and other northbound motorists on Route 26 accustomed to a bottleneck in Gray will soon get some relief. An $8.2 million connector that formally opens today will cut daily traffic in the town’s center by 10,350 vehicles, or 40 percent, officials say. Read More
    MONTPELIER, Vt. – New England continues to lag the nation in charitable giving, with upper-income Vermonters and Mainers showing a decline in generosity during the 10 years ending in 2004, according to a study based on federal tax data. “If those people who are below… Read More
    CONCORD, N.H. – A former telemarketer has agreed to plead guilty to his role in a Republican phone jamming plot against state Democrats four years ago. Shaun Hansen of Spokane, Wash., is pleading guilty to two federal counts of conspiracy to commit interstate telephone harassment… Read More
    BANGOR – A man who admitted paying a Gardiner woman some $10,000 to marry him was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to 26 days in jail, or time served, for marriage fraud. Chatchai Nopkhun, 41, of Plymouth, Mass., faced up to five years in… Read More
    BREWER – Even with hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax write-offs for the defunct Eastern Fine Paper Co., the city ended 2005 in the black. City officials and an auditor told city councilors and others this week that the write-offs for the closed mill… Read More
    Two letters have appeared recently in this column underlining the benefits and dangers of opiates for pain relief. In the first letter, a concerned mother wanted her child to stop suffering needlessly, regardless of his addictive history. In the second, a wife described her efforts to protect her… Read More
    Can’t we just have quiet, please? As we sit in the physician’s waiting room, or automobile service cubicle, or oral surgeon’s office; as we wander through the aisles of a drugstore or department store? Is it always necessary to endure pop music piped in from… Read More
    COLLEGE New England Football Conference 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
    WILLIMANTIC – Some residents who have been arguing for accountability by the Board of Selectmen elected one of their own to the panel during a special town meeting Wednesday. John Tatko, one of a group of residents repeatedly pressing county and state help to sort… Read More
    PORTLAND – One of the wettest falls on record is raising concerns about possible flooding in Maine. Rainfall in October was almost twice the normal amount, and the soggy weather has persisted into November. Groundwater levels have risen, creating the kind of sloppy, muddy conditions… Read More
    SACO – A New Hampshire man appears to be fighting a losing battle as he tries to protect his family’s small burial plot off U.S. 1 from being encroached upon by the popular amusement park that surrounds it. Bob Phillips, a retired postal worker from… Read More
    ORONO – Members of the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra and Symphonic Band are fine-tuning pieces for their fall concert at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, in Minsky Recital Hall at the University of Maine. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. The concert is open to… Read More
    If you could drive any car, what would you choose? “A red convertible.” 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… Read More
    It seems there is a never-ending supply of scams out there to bilk seniors out of their money. The latest involves Lifeline. “Rosscare is warning elderly residents to protect their important information if they are contacted in regards to acquiring personal emergency response services,” said… Read More
    Schools John Bapst Memorial High School 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
    ORONO – Tickets for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s 23rd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” with the Robinson Ballet are selling quickly. Three shows will be held at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Maine Center for the Arts. Read More
    University of Maine ORONO – Family, friends and members of the University of Maine’s Army ROTC Department remembered one of their own in a quiet ceremony on Nov. 10 in the Memorial Union. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Nov. 16, 1996 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… Read More
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    Bangor PICA benefit auction 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 =… Read More
    BANGOR AREA – Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, for those who have a desire to stop drinking, AA hot line, (800) 737-6237, or www.aamaine.org. BANGOR-BUCKSPORT AREA – Al-Anon meetings, for family and friends of problem drinkers; beginners encouraged. Al-Anon, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 40… Read More
    Award for direct support HERMON – OHI announced that Tess Collins has been chosen as one of three winners nationally of the Irwin Siegel Agency Direct Support Professional Recognition Award. She will be honored 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the Isaac Farrar Mansion, 166… Read More
    Birds don’t just leave in the fall, they arrive, too. Many birds migrate from Labrador, the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, and other points north to spend the winter in sunny, warm Maine. Everything is relative. A dozen Barrow’s goldeneyes, a duck species, splashed down in… Read More
    State Heisman winners DUBLIN, Ohio – Two of Maine’s best scholar-athletes received prestigious recognition as the competition narrowed for the 2006 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. State winners based on outstanding achievement in athletics, academics and community service were: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More