Every December, Andy and Nancy Gibson and their three children trudge through rows of evergreens at a farm in Newburgh, endlessly bickering about the perfect Christmas tree. Nancy is the practical one, usually arguing that the family’s selection is going to be too big to… Read More
AUGUSTA – Even the Democratic members of Maine’s congressional delegation are concerned about Democratic leaders’ proposal to continue funding federal programs through the next fiscal year at last year’s funding levels. All four delegation members fear that some important programs will end up underfunded, while… Read More
The two proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals near Passamaquoddy Bay are now both in the hands of federal regulators. Representatives from the company Downeast LNG said Friday that they filed their formal application and supporting documents to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in… Read More
AUGUSTA – After months of negotiations, the federal government appears poised to approve the state’s decision to replace its high school junior academic performance assessment with the SAT. This summer, federal education officials had found fault with the swap and fined the state more than… Read More
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court on Friday struck down the Bush administration’s strategy for reducing smog, which affects the health of more than half the nation’s population, mostly those prone to asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The Environmental Protection Agency rules for forcing state… Read More
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are… Read More
No sooner had a commission on Dirigo Health’s subsidized insurance announced its proposal to fund it through new taxes than House Republicans responded with their opposition. It’s hard to blame them. An essential promise of DirigoChoice is that it would increase efficiency in Maine’s health… Read More
Let’s be fair here; the Maine Heritage Policy Center is a “mom and pop” think tank engaged in the pressing policy issues operant at any given time. Last year it was Dirigo; this year it was TABOR. It takes both a long- and short-range viewpoint. Read More
Richard Packard’s letter “Willimantic shenanigans” (BDN, Dec. 20) misstates important facts. The warrant for his group’s June 9, 2004, self-called town meeting called for an actual recall vote and not “to try to pass a recall provision,” as is now asserted. A “fact sheet” circulated… Read More
I am once again amazed at the complete and utter lack of responsibility people take in their lives. April Cooley has filed a wrongful death suit against her boyfriend-significant other in the death of her 13-year-old son. This is reminiscent of the tragic murder of… Read More
Your Dec. 18 editorial “Don’t change course on nuclear waste” ignores the root cause of delays in the federal government’s attempts to site and construct a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive wastes. When Congress, in 1987, bowed to political pressure… Read More
There are no words adequate to thank Sen. Susan Collins for her courageous fight for our most frail, infirm, disabled and dying Americans. Thanks to her efforts to make the case that there should be no further cuts to Medicare home health or hospice benefits through a letter… Read More
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Solid Waste met in Augusta. Several concerned citizens were present at that meeting, as were the corporate representatives who want not only to keep the status quo, but elevate the problem of importing out-of-state-waste for energy. The agenda was… Read More
For many years at about this point on the calendar after we had bottomed out, darkness-wise, by reaching the winter solstice, I would get my seasonal wakeup call from a like-minded sun worshiper. “Hey. It’s me,” the lady would chirp into the phone, sounding as… Read More
Smart buy: The killer shoes you bought that go with everything and always get you compliments. Not a great choice: That case of Boone’s Farm strawberry wine you hoped to age in your cellar. No one needs to tell you to evaluate your versions of these investments. You… Read More
SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island – A committee has been formed by the Prince Edward Island Potato Board to consider permanently reducing potato acreage in the province. The board implemented one-year voluntary buydowns over the past two years, but now a number of growers wants to… Read More
A 54-foot form dominates the shop at Union River Boat Co. in Bucksport. The form, called a plug, holds half of a mold, which, when completed, will be shipped to one of Maine’s premier boatyards and will produce a one-off, or one-of-a-kind, hull for a high-end sailboat. Read More
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Interstate Bakeries Corp., maker of Twinkies and Wonder bread, on Thursday filed a series of overdue financial reports, meeting a Securities and Exchange Commission deadline. Securities officials had threatened to de-register the company’s stock if it didn’t file the reports by… Read More
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – A UnumProvident Corp. regional vice president pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in a case that caused losses of about $6.1 million for the nation’s largest disability insurer, prosecutors said. James Michael Foley, 49, of Germantown pleaded guilty Thursday. His sentencing was… Read More
Today’s donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund bring us to 84 percent of our goal of raising $50,000. Though we are short of raising that amount – an amount sorely needed by The Salvation Army – we will hold out hope that by the end of the month… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A Surry man will serve 20 months in prison followed by four years of probation for his role in a string of burglaries that spanned several months and included nearly every town in Hancock County. In theory, Robert Gray Jr., 21, could have… Read More
LEWISTON – Two men and a juvenile were in custody Friday after being charged with setting a fire that gutted three downtown buildings. Douglas Hersom, 26, of Lewiston, Timothy Giggey, 27, of Auburn and a 17-year-old whose name is not being released because of his… Read More
AUGUSTA – The staff of the Land Use Regulation Commission on Friday threw its support behind a proposed wind power project for Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain near the Sugarloaf USA ski resort. The staff recommendation was submitted to the full commission, which… Read More
WINN – Firefighters credited a dog Friday with saving the life of a man who was sound asleep when his Main Road trailer caught fire and burned down, probably because of a malfunctioning furnace. Jeffrey C. Scott, 47, would likely have been overcome by smoke… Read More
FALMOUTH – The donation of a $4.2 million home represents the biggest gift by an individual to the University of Maine Foundation, officials said Friday. Eric and Peggy Cianchette’s home on 8 acres in Falmouth will give the university a physical presence in southern Maine,… Read More
It was about a year ago I was standing in line at a popular downtown sandwich shop during the lunch hour when a young woman standing with her boyfriend turned around in my direction. The two chatted casually with one another as my eyes were… Read More
BELFAST – The city will hold a workshop on climate change on the first Wednesday of the new year. The program, “Workshop on Climate Change and Protection,” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Belfast Free Library. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Air Force Airman Dawne Coleman is deployed in Southwest Asia to support the missions of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Coleman is assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Wing, which is responsible for tactical airlift missions into Iraq, Kuwait and the Horn of Africa region. A 2003 graduate of Cony High… Read More
Jason is an active 9-year-old who enjoys playing games and swimming. He has a great sense of humor and is quick to laugh at a funny joke or story. He likes to play outside and be active. He has many animals at his current foster… Read More
ORONO – A local man was arrested early Friday for allegedly driving while intoxicated, but the charge was later upgraded to a felony after police discovered he was a habitual offender. Kristopher Anctil, 22, who lists his address as Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at the… Read More
ROCKPORT – The gymnasium’s wood floor at Camden Hills Regional High School essentially has three lives. It has been sanded down once, so there’s just two more chances to sand away dings and dents without having to replace the flooring itself, Principal Nick Ithomitis explained… Read More
ROCKLAND – The public library is screening “In July,” the second film in a five-part series of European films, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, in the Friends Community Room at the library. Admission to these showings is free, and the public is welcome. Read More
DEER ISLE – ArtsPower National Touring Theatre will present a production of Dance Asia at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Reach Performing Arts Center. The four-person production features authentic Chinese costumes, makeup and traditional music. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
ARUNDEL – The Landing School will host its eighth annual job fair April 6 in Arundel. The event is the largest marine trade recruitment forum on the East Coast. Last year the event attracted more than 50 companies from across the country. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BELFAST – The Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust of Orland will host a New Year’s Day program of information and entertainment 1-3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast. The program will feature a presentation on the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, refreshments and singing… Read More
ROCKLAND – Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers will hold a general bereavement group for adults that will focus on healing after the loss. They will meet 9-10:30 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3, and will be facilitated by Hospice volunteers. Membership is free, but spaces are limited. Read More
UNITY – The Snow Dusters Snowmobile Club will host its 29th annual chicken barbecue will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the clubhouse on Fisher Road. Cost is $6 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Pine Camp. Read More
BANGOR – A former Bucksport branch manager of Bangor Savings Bank pleaded guilty to one count of bank embezzlement and two counts of credit card fraud on Friday morning in Penobscot County Superior Court. Wendy Dunlea, 34, of Carmel embezzled $893,973 from bank customers over… Read More
A Corinna man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly operating after suspension and for possession of a usable amount of marijuana after he damaged an ambulance. The Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department was notified at about 7:20 p.m. that a motorist was slumped over a steering wheel in a vehicle… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – There are now two days left until Christmas, but Mary Dickinson has long ago made a list and checked it twice. The list doesn’t contain reminders about last-minute gift ideas or holiday appointments, however. This list sports the names and addresses of… Read More
CALAIS – Russ Buker of Alexander, an English teacher and sports coach at Shead High School, will be signing his newest collection of poems, “NOH,” 2-4 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Calais Bookshop, 405 Main St. “NOH” is Buker’s fourth collection of poetry, all published… Read More
BROOKSVILLE – A Hancock County sheriff’s deputy stumbled upon a case of criminal mischief early Thursday morning. Deputy Jason Lepper was on routine patrol on the Bagaduce Road in Brooksville when he saw a car parked on the side of the road with what looked… Read More
BANGOR – Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross seeks volunteers to help out at holiday gift-wrapping booth at Bangor Mall. Volunteers are needed daily until Dec. 24. To schedule a gift-wrapping shift, call Hillary Roberts at 941-2903. Read More
WINTERPORT – The 39th annual outdoor nativity pageant will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Union Meeting House, Main Street. The length of the pageant will be 15 minutes. To participate, call Lynda Casteris-El-Hajj at 947-4511. Read More
. City Council, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, City Hall, executive session to discuss land acquisition for Hogan Road extension. . City Council, 5:45 p.m., Wednesday, City Hall, executive session to discuss Citizens Communications lawsuit. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
EDDINGTON – A single-car accident on Route 9 caused about 1,600 Bangor Hydro customers to lose power in Holden and Eddington around 7 p.m. Friday. The utility pole was not severely damaged in the crash, but the guy wire at the base of the pole… Read More
SEARSPORT – A draft agreement recommending appropriate uses of state-owned Sears Island further evolved late this week after a meeting Tuesday of the 40-plus member committee working to reach consensus. A draft consensus document sent by e-mail Friday to members of the committee reflected some… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Womancare received a Christmas gift this month that will keep giving and giving. Mayo Regional Hospital donated a plot of land on Mechanic Street where Womancare, an organization that provides support and advocacy to people affected by domestic abuse, plans to build a… Read More
A Bar Harbor island is among the parcels of waterfront property in Hancock and Washington counties that a Maine coastal conservation land trust has added to the list of properties protected from development, a trust official said Friday. North Twinnie Island, located in the narrows… Read More
PLEASANT POINT – Washington County Community College needs about 200 crazy people to once again brave icy waters in Passamaquoddy Bay for the seventh annual Polar Bear Dip. This year’s plunge will be held at noon Friday, Feb. 2, at Split Rock. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
ETNA – The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is conducting an investigation at the town office after rumors surfaced that money and vehicle registration stickers had been stolen from the building. Town Manage Evelyn Serval said a town employee had been suspended pending the outcome… Read More
Dr. Kim Borges-Therien, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, has been awarded a $1,000 grant to support an undergraduate student internship to investigate winter water quality in Cross Lake. The grant was given by the Maine Experimental Program… Read More
You can help support the work of some very special people this holiday season when you make a contribution to the Hancock County Medical Mission. Dr. Charles Hendricks will lead a group of medical missionaries, translators and students Feb. 10-24 to Ibarra, Ecuador. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Firefighters from three towns spent most of Friday on the scene of a structure fire that left several people homeless. Rich Wark, the deputy chief of the Presque Isle Fire Department, said Friday that the blaze broke out at approximately 9 a.m. Read More
LINCOLNVILLE – Perhaps feeling the tug of Christmas, a Maine State Prison inmate slipped away from a work detail on Route 1 on Friday afternoon, triggering a statewide search. Area law enforcement issued an all-points bulletin for Walter G. Kelly, 40, of Lewiston after the… Read More
How can anyone believe that a human being was God? How could a mere man down here simultaneously be God up there? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
OLD TOWN – The Old Town High School wrestling team is one step closer to resuming its normal schedule now that asbestos concerns at its practice facility have been addressed. Since asbestos was found in the Herbert Sargent Community Center, where the team practices, the… Read More
‘Tis the season to forget the bad, remember the good, and show generosity to all. With those thoughts in mind, here are a few outdoor wishes for the upcoming year. . To those who love to ride snowmobiles, and those who make their living by… Read More
BANGOR – It hasn’t taken long for Tara Nitardy to make an impression in her first season on the John Bapst swimming and diving team. It didn’t take her long Friday evening to continue that strong season. The sophomore set a school record in the… Read More
BANGOR – Bangor’s stiffest test of the schoolboy basketball season to date lasted just over a quarter. Then the Rams’ defense took control, holding Messalonskee of Oakland without a field goal for the first 7 minutes, 24 seconds of the second quarter as Bangor went… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Aloupis Pool, Bangor 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
MAINE vs. PENN STATE Time, site: Saturday, noon; Jordan Center, University Park, Pa. 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’s difficult to write a column when the facts being written about are not publicly known, and intentionally so. If this were a pagan holiday, it would be so easy to equate it to the world of sports. Just pick up the paper and have… Read More
MACHIAS – Joey Hunter had 22 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks to lead Washington Academy of East Machias to a 62-44 high school boys basketball win over Machias Friday night. Jeff Ramsdell had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals for the… Read More
ST. AGATHA – Shaun Walling scored 13 points and Blake McCarthy added 11 as the two-time defending Class D state champion Central Aroostook Panthers of Mars Hill extended their winning streak to 26 games with a 68-26 high school boys basketball victory over the Wisdom Pioneers Friday. Read More
ORONO – The Orono Red Riots took a two-point lead at the end of the third quarter and then outscored the Dexter Tigers 20-14 in the fourth en route to a 54-46 schoolboy basketball victory Friday night. Seth Dwyer and Josh Craig each netted 12… Read More
LINCOLN – Brooke Hanscom hit a running layup with five seconds left in overtime to lift the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx to a 48-46 schoolgirl basketball win over the Caribou Vikings Friday night. Bree Hanscom led the Lynx with 17 points and Michelle Paul added 10. Read More
ORONO – Sean Babin scored four goals and assisted on two others to lead the Orono Red Riots to an 11-0 high school hockey victory Friday night over the Stearns Minutemen. Chris McConnon had three goals and two assists for the 3-1-1 Red Riots, and… Read More
With the new year fast approaching, outdoors enthusiasts must again make plans to purchase a variety of licenses before they head afield to enjoy their favorite activities. The state has made that process simple and is offering 2007 hunting and fishing licenses on the Internet… Read More
Over the run of about 20 years during the 1980s and ’90s, my dad, his longtime hunting and fishing buddy Gerald Jones, my cousin Steve Hitchcock, and I made about 30 trips to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Some of the fastest and most dependable Canada goose gunning in the… Read More
The quiet, liquid call notes brought my attention to a white pine along the lake edge. Just by luck I happened to catch, out of the corner of my eye, the swift movement of a very small bird as it flew to another tree. I… Read More
This time of year I tend to look back on memorable hikes of the preceding three seasons. One hike in particular stands out, mainly because it was one of the most recent. It was in October, so many weeks ago now it should have slipped my mind, but… Read More
Happy holidays everyone! While on vacation this week, I had time to catch up on some reality TV in between trimming the tree, shopping and wrapping gifts. You’ll be pleased to know that there’s a little something for everyone coming up next month. I won’t… Read More
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a yearlong series of stories that will follow Jessamine Logan, Pia Lenane and Brooke Barter, three recent college grads who have moved to Bangor, as they settle into their new home. Photographer Bridget Brown and reporter Kristen Andresen will share the… Read More
Despite my decidedly frou-frou tendencies, I must confess: My ideal stocking would be stuffed with a bag of beef jerky, a lottery ticket, maybe a Pez dispenser to round out the mix. Oh, and pens are always nice. It doesn’t take much to make a… Read More
For several years, I took ownership of a crab apple in Littlefield Garden, a ‘Donald Wyman’ with horizontal branches that spread twice as wide as tall. In October I took students of woody plants to visit this tree, to see clusters of bright red half-inch apples nested in… Read More
I thought I was seriously crossword-puzzle obsessed, headed for the padded cell. But after watching the documentary “Wordplay,” featuring New York Times guru Will Shortz, I realize I am a mere piker. I got addicted to crossword puzzles while riding the MTA subway three or… Read More
“The Black Dahlia”: From Brian De Palma, this debauchery of James Ellroy’s book misinterprets the underpinnings of noir, amplifies elements that should have remained nuances, and turns the production into an overbearing joke. The movie is based on the legendary Hollywood murder in which 22-year-old Elizabeth Short (Mia… Read More
Each holiday season, our town library has a recipe swap. Anyone can bring something to sample (though I haven’t seen a roast beef or candied sweet potatoes yet) and the recipe for it. This year was the 11th annual recipe exchange, so this past Sunday I stopped by… Read More