OLD TOWN – There is nothing better than giving a child a wrapped present on Christmas, but for some parents who have fallen on hard times, the holiday is a scary and stressful time. All they want to do is put a present under the… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – A man charged with murdering a 13-year-old boy assaulted the boy’s mother and chased her around the yard while brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle the day before the shooting in Palmyra, according to a lawsuit. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by April Cooley… Read More
BANGOR – An annual audit shows that Maine’s Roman Catholic diocese is in full compliance with national requirements designed to prevent the sexual abuse of children, Bishop Richard J. Malone announced Tuesday. The same audit last year found that the diocese had completed background checks… Read More
AUGUSTA – A special task force suggests raising several state taxes to help pay for and expand the state’s DirigoChoice health insurance program. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Dirigo Health, which met for the last time Tuesday, also voted to recommend that Maine join Massachusetts,… Read More
BOSTON – Oil tanker and bulk shipping company Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. will pay a record fine of $37 million after agreeing to plead guilty to illegally dumping waste oil and falsifying records used to log pollutants in six U.S. ports, federal officials said Tuesday. Read More
DENVER – American Skiing Co. said Tuesday it has agreed to sell Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., one of the nation’s largest ski areas, for $265 million in cash to Canadian resort operator Intrawest Corp. The move, which is subject to regulatory approval, would bolster… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Employees with Aroostook Starch in Fort Fairfield will be receiving 18 months of free training and education – valued at about $33,600 – as part of a training partnership agreement with Northern Maine Community College and the Maine Quality Centers program. The… Read More
ELLSWORTH – An office supply store or an electronics and computer specialist? An Italian restaurant chain or a steakhouse? A trendy, teen-driven clothing retailer or a shop that offers more classic attire? The wait is on in Hancock County’s biggest city now that a 500,000-square-foot… Read More
CARIBOU – Local officials are anticipating a boon for regional economic development from Maine to upstate New York as long as Congress approves the creation of a federal commission after it convenes next year. Northern Maine Development Commission’s executive board of directors is hoping lawmakers… Read More
BANGOR – The spiritual leader of Maine’s 234,000 Roman Catholics said Tuesday that he is reconsidering whether to make public the names of priests accused of sexual abuse. Bishop Richard J. Malone said he is rethinking his decision not to make public the names of… Read More
I was interested to read Eric Stumpfel’s spin on the political shenanigans in Willimantic in “Advice Sought on Legal Fees” (BDN, Dec. 16-17). Mr. Stumpfel claims that his legal advice to selectmen in 2004 was vital in preventing an “illegal takeover” of the Willimantic town government and that… Read More
I am concerned about the health of our children because of certain types of flame retardant chemicals called PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Deca is one of three brominated flame retardants. It is used in plastics, such as wire and cable insulation, and textile coatings. Typical… Read More
We have begun to hear about a “surge” of perhaps 20,000 American soldiers into Iraq. Somehow this is supposed to gain “success” in Iraq. “Success” is the undefined term that replaces the undefined term “victory.” We all recall that President Bush declared “mission accomplished” on that aircraft carrier… Read More
You may or may not know of the recent mistake in your Dec. 13 issue. The problem however small it may seem, is a big one. The food pyramid in the Eating Right section of your newspaper shows a dated pyramid. The pyramid that you used has been… Read More
Last week a newspaper had a story about an elementary school in Tremont that plans to install a monument to the military on its grounds. The story reminded me that last month, a group in Camden hoisted into the Village Green a massive stone to display names of… Read More
From its second experience with public financing for gubernatorial races this year, Maine can conclude two things: All that money attracts a lot of candidates, including many with almost no chance of winning, and campaigns that game the system likely will be even more present next time. The… Read More
A dispute over plans to expand a pier on the Bar Harbor waterfront could blow over in a few days. But for the present it has brought the job to a standstill and led to some dark suspicions. An agreement to provide details on the building’s size and… Read More
In January 2005 the state initiated DirigoChoice, which operates like a traditional health insurance plan. The main feature distinguishing it from other plans is that at the beginning of each enrollment year subscribers can apply for a discount that reduces monthly premiums, coinsurance and annual deductibles on a… Read More
What is a think tank and how is it different from a political action committee? This question is more than just “inside baseball” for political junkies as the Maine Ethics Commission looks into the conduct of The Maine Heritage Policy Center, scheduled for today in Augusta. What’s at… Read More
AUGUSTA – Six-hundred state workers who are not union members received warnings this week from the state Bureau of Employee Relations that they’d better pay their union service fees or face the consequences. The letter offered a reminder that all state workers must pay the… Read More
LINCOLN – In just fewer than 30 days, Lincoln will be the state’s third municipality to have its own sex offender ordinance barring offenders from living in certain parts of town. Under the ordinance, sex offenders are forbidden to live within 1,500 feet of schools,… Read More
LEWISTON – Residents unnerved by the unexplained deaths of dozens of crows in a neighborhood next to the Promenade Mall hope tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide some answers. To residents, it seems almost as though dead crows were falling from the… Read More
BANGOR – Carl Boyington may have been 83 years old, but he was not an elderly man waiting to die, his son-in-law told a Superior Court justice Tuesday at the sentencing of the woman responsible for the Milford man’s death 18 months ago. Angela Reynolds,… Read More
SEARSPORT – A plan for Sears Island that both preservationists and port proponents can endorse is close at hand, but important details remained elusive at a meeting Tuesday of the committee charged with crafting the recommendations. Under the guidance of the Department of Conservation, the… Read More
COLUMBIA – Vandals struck a construction company during the early morning hours Tuesday, and did more than $18,000 in damage to some tires. Trooper Barry Curtis of the Maine State Police said that around 8 a.m. Tuesday the police were notified that tires at Elmer’s… Read More
BANGOR – Members of the city’s planning board approved a pair of projects Tuesday night that, once built, will bring nearly 70 new residential units on Finson Road and Essex Street. The first project, proposed by Stan MacMillan, received approval in May for 32 residential… Read More
CALAIS – A 37-year-old Baileyville man entered a guilty plea Tuesday in 4th District Court and was fined $500 for his part in a gun incident earlier this year. John L. Neddeau pleaded guilty to one count of assault; a second charge was dropped by… Read More
BELFAST – City police are investigating a burglary, theft and vandalism at the Penobscot McCrum plant overnight Sunday. Detective Michael McFadden said the break-in occurred sometime between 4 and 9 a.m. Sunday when it was discovered by an employee of the waterfront potato processing firm. Read More
BELFAST – By a one-vote margin, the city’s nonunion employees elected to take smaller pay raises in the coming years rather than contribute to the cost of their health insurance. City Manager Terry St. Peter said Tuesday that 29 of the 34 employees returned their… Read More
ROCKLAND – A investment group with local connections has set sights on the former MBNA office complex on the city’s waterfront. Mayor Brian Harden said the $17 million property was being eyed by the group as the location for a startup company that will investigate… Read More
SULLIVAN – A high school in Hancock County was evacuated early Tuesday morning after a science teacher smelled gas and called local fire officials. Sullivan firefighters responded to the suspected leak shortly after 8:30 a.m. As a precaution, nearly 300 students at Sumner Memorial High… Read More
HOULTON – Approximately three weeks after they began meeting and after having made little public changes to the town’s fiscal year 2007 budget, the board of budget review will hold its final meeting tonight to craft a list of recommendations to forward to the Town Council. Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – With no public comments during their Monday night meeting, it took city councilors less than a half-hour to give their final approval for the 2007 municipal budget, which stands at $11,536,200. The Presque Isle City Council unanimously approved this year’s budget, which… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – An insurance plan that Piscataquis County commissioners say is “out of this world” is being reined back to earth. Rather than pay a 23 percent increase, or $262,000 more for insurance in 2007 under the current Aetna plan, the commissioners have agreed to… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT- Cathie Goodine and Cheryl Fairbrother were commended Tuesday for their exemplary contribution to Piscataquis County in 2007. The two women, who were recognized by Piscataquis County commissioners on Tuesday, carried on the county functions while county manager Mike Henderson served the country in Iraq. Read More
ST. AGATHA – The Board of Selectmen decided Monday evening not to appeal a decision that has left them with a 22.5 percent increase in state valuation. Now that the decision has been made, Town Manager Ryan Pelletier said Tuesday that town officials already have… Read More
HOULTON – For a small town that has big plans to maintain and enhance its infrastructure and encourage economic development, securing grant money is crucial. But updated information about a town and its makeup also is important for winning grants. Town officials say that having… Read More
A Bangor police officer sitting in his cruiser at Leadbetter’s Super Stop on Stillwater Avenue just after midnight Tuesday noticed a speeding pickup truck leaving the parking lot, stopped it and discovered it had a stolen plow on the front. Before being stopped by police… Read More
BREWER – The director of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will be the guest speaker when area National Active and Retired Federal Employees meet at 11:30 a.m. today at the Weathervane restaurant. Candy Guerette will talk about new Chamber program. Read More
BREWER – An employee of Sunrise Materials’ Medway facility was awarded a new Ford pickup truck Tuesday after a raffle held in honor of Lane Construction’s 1 million hours of no-lost-time injuries. Lane employs about 550 people around Maine, doing business as Lane, Sunquip, Sunrise… Read More
BREWER – He admits he can’t carry a tune, but Mayor Michael Celli said Tuesday that’s not stopping him from donning a red hat with a white pom-pom end and hitting the streets Thursday to sing Christmas carols. “I thought, ‘Why not do some old-fashioned… Read More
BREWER – City leaders endorsed purchasing nearly 3 acres on Parkway South, adjacent to Interstate 395, for $275,000 during the City Council meeting Tuesday to build a new public safety building to replace the deteriorating South Main Street facility. The property is located near major… Read More
CAMDEN – The Select Board voted Monday night to ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin an initial analysis of the feasibility of building a breakwater at the mouth of the harbor. The vote does commit the town to any expenses, but Town… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Town Councilor Wallace Paul’s idea to form a regional advisory board of Northern Maine towns has drawn the attention of Houlton, a tentative endorsement of East Millinocket and Medway, and a target. Houlton Town Manager Douglas Hazlett called Town Manager Eugene Conlogue, and… Read More
BREWER – People who spotted a white van moving erratically on Route 1A in Dedham called police Monday evening, prompting the arrest of a local man for alleged possession of 60 morphine pills and three bags of marijuana. Marvin W. Lovely, 44, who pleaded guilty… Read More
PORTLAND – Former Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood was known for his tough talk. Now one of his expressions is being trumpeted. Police officers in Chitwood’s new department in Upper Darby, Pa., have taken one of his phrases – “Not In My Town, Scumbag” –… Read More
Once again, it is time for the Health Services Foundation Diamond Raffle. This sixth annual event offers you the opportunities to possibly give someone special something very special and to help raise funds in support of Houlton Regional Hospital’s $1 million Nuclear Medicine Project. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has agreed to restore $2 million in funding for a University of Maine composites container project, according to Sen. Susan Collins. The University of Maine Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center in Orono had been informed that funds… Read More
AUGUSTA – A state senator from the town where a father and son died from carbon monoxide poisoning is submitting legislation to prevent similar tragedies by requiring power companies to make sure customers’ service is restored during the colder months. Stewart Townsend and his 16-year-old… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Board of Licensure in Medicine has taken action against the following doctors: . Dr. Brian Gallagher surrendered his medical license while under investigation for the inappropriate prescribing of methadone. Gallagher may no longer practice medicine in Maine. He had previously surrendered his… Read More
CALAIS – A Charlotte couple Tuesday admitted in 4th District Court – through their attorney – that they were guilty of keeping a dangerous dog. Two huskies, to be exact. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
LEWISTON – The Lewiston City Council this week will consider a $550,000 financial package to bail out the arena that’s home to the Lewiston Maineiacs semipro hockey team. On Tuesday night, the council will take up a recommendation to lend the Androscoggin Bank Colisee $250,000… Read More
PORTLAND – Maine’s highest court ruled Tuesday that the applicability of a Winthrop couple’s prenuptial agreement in the event of death as well as divorce was ambiguous and sent the issue back to probate court for clarification. The Supreme Judicial Court set aside the probate… Read More
PORTLAND – A member of the Portland School Committee failed to set a good example for students after an arrest that capped a night out on the town, but he hopes he’ll able to keep his seat on the board. Jason Toothaker, 24, was charged… Read More
BOSTON – Outgoing Gov. Mitt Romney on Tuesday approved plans to build two liquefied natural gas terminals off the coast of Gloucester, a move likely to reignite debate over public safety and their effect on fragile fishing grounds. The proposed Northeast Gateway and Neptune projects,… Read More
BUXTON – Erwin Wales, who with his wife created a charitable foundation after winning a $41.1 million lottery jackpot, has died at the age of 75. Wales and his wife, Patricia, won the money in 2001 in the multistate Powerball lottery. Despite the riches, he… Read More
SANFORD – The second-highest ranking officer in the Sanford Police Department is being fired from his post for his extramarital affairs and lying about his actions, says a letter that cites conduct unbecoming an officer. In a termination letter, Town Manager Mark Green cites Maj. Read More
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration has created the following holiday checklist for air travelers: . Do not overpack bags. 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
Andrew Shyka knows that Maine shrimp season starts right about this time of year. The Orrington resident has been eating the small crustaceans for more than five decades. And he’s back at it again this winter. “I can do 5 pounds in about an hour… Read More
All it takes is one cup. When it comes to eggnog, that’s enough. It’s so rich and thick and, well, eggy that more seems like overkill. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
When Rick Glencross and Jenny Murphy tell you they serve fine food and spirits at The Fountain House, their restaurant on Main Street in Winterport, they bring a whole new meaning to the word spirits. The restaurant is housed in an old funeral home, which is creepy in… Read More
The most recent donors to Santa’s Helper Fund are listed below. Thanks and appreciation go out for your thoughtful contributions for those less fortunate: Bridge Bash – Sandra, Sally, Betty, Mary, Ella, Jackie, Nicky, Dottie, Martha and Pat,Bangor $180 googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
For the dogs This Christmas, treat yourself and your pets to something sweet – and help the Bangor Humane Society at the same time. Epi Sub and Pizza on Main Street in Bangor will sell its traditional gingerbread people ($1 each) and dog biscuits in… Read More
A point guard by nature is like a coach on the floor, scouting out openings in the opponent’s defense. But Central of Corinth point guard Danny Kane takes those responsibilities even more seriously, not only scouting out openings in opponents’ defenses while he’s on the… Read More
After coaching the University of Maine women’s basketball team for five seasons, Sharon Versyp received an opportunity to return to her native Indiana to coach Indiana University last season. But when Kristy Curry left Purdue University for Texas Tech after leading the Boilermakers to seven… Read More
BANGOR – No matter the ups and downs of the Nokomis girls basketball team since it won the Eastern Maine Class A title in 2003, the Warriors can always count on playing stellar man-to-man defense. A couple of key defensive plays down the stretch and… Read More
BANGOR – Ellsworth wasn’t about to sit back and allow John Bapst to set up and work the ball inside to its big men Tuesday night. Instead, the Eagles applied relentless full-court zone pressure. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BANGOR – Bob Scott of Brewer bowled his second-career 300 game Monday night at Family Fun Lanes. Scott, 48, rolled a 236, 232 and 300 for a 768 series. Read More
COLLEGE Erica Davis 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
HIGH SCHOOL At Presque Isle 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
ROCKPORT – Kayla Gushee recorded 17 points and five steals, and Allie Parent notched 15 points and seven assists as Camden Hills held off Belfast 60-50 in high school girls basketball action Tuesday. Kristin Tedford and Kate Fetterman added 11 points apiece for the Windjammers. Read More
LIMESTONE – Jordan Guy scored 29 points, including 5-for-6 from the free-throw line in the second overtime as Hodgdon held off Limestone Community School/Maine School of Science and Mathematics 68-62 in double-overtime in a high school boys basketball game Tuesday. Travis Bartley tossed in 17… Read More
FAIRFIELD – The Brewer Witches never trailed en route to a 49-43 schoolgirl basketball victory Tuesday night over the Lawrence Bulldogs. Elizabeth Cote and Meghan McLain scored 13 points apiece for Brewer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More