Plum Creek Timber Co. has slashed the number of shorefront houses proposed in its Moosehead Lake development plan and, instead, will seek authorization for a larger resort outside of Greenville, company officials said Friday. A Plum Creek representative said the company is still completing revisions… Read More
    On one very special day 43 years ago, John D’Errico put on his father’s flight helmet and lugged his parachute to the flight line at the Air National Guard base. The scrawny 7-year-old struggled under the weight of the 60 pounds of folded nylon, but delivered it to… Read More
    In a story published Jan. 31 in the Cooking section about Super Bowl parties with ethnic themes, The Associated Press misspelled the surname of a Reno, Nev., woman who celebrates with foods from the Philippines. She is Ludy Ongkeko, not Onkgeko. Read More
    BAR HARBOR – As frigid weather maintains its stranglehold on the state, the phenomenon of climate change isn’t immediately palpable in this tip of the United States. But organizers of the third annual Maine Climate Change Summit, to be held next weekend in Bar Harbor,… Read More
    NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Yale is seeing green, but it’s not the university’s multibillion-dollar endowment. Worried about global warming, Yale has embarked on an ambitious initiative to cut its heat-trapping “greenhouse” gas emissions to 10 percent below the 1990 level by 2020. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    The Maine Air National Guard is more than seven months older than the United States Air Force. The Guard was established as part of the Army Air Corps and then the Air Force after it became a separate branch of the military on Sept. 18, 1947. Read More
    PORTLAND – Democratic Rep. Tom Allen supports a House resolution to remove U.S. troops from Iraq by year’s end, while support is growing in the Senate for a resolution sponsored by Republican Sen. Susan Collins that opposes a surge of troops but does not set a timetable for… Read More
    For years the state’s chief judge has told lawmakers that Maine courthouses are unsafe and that legislators needed to set aside money to improve security. Each year, lawmakers say they agree with the justice, but when it comes time to fulfill her funding requests, too little money has… Read More
    For years, adults have been telling students they should prepare for college and work after high school, with limited results. Now a talking donkey named Norm will be spreading the same message. Norm was picked by students as the mascot of the Kick Start campaign,… Read More
    A word of warning for Marsh Island residents, “Orono to consider proposal to thin Marsh Island deer herd” (BDN, Jan. 26). The citizens of Castine have found that resorting to an expanded archery season to deal with a perceived deer overpopulation is a lot like getting a tattoo:… Read More
    I am a school board member from the town of Orland, elected by Orland citizens to represent them and their interests, both educationally and financially. The Department of Education is creating a magnificent empire upon the backs of our regional schools in Maine. Upwards of… Read More
    What sort of business would find it acceptable to demand a 33 percent increase in rate over a prior year for the same service? Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield did, in its DirigoChoice recommendations for 2007 premiums. The superintendent of Insurance granted DirigoChoice’s administrator – Anthem – a… Read More
    In response to Donald Noury of Masardis, (BDN, Jan. 24) about “Cigarette Tax Unfair,” I cannot personally say anything about the addiction to cigarettes as I’m not a smoker, but I can tell him addiction to them can be broken. The proof is in my… Read More
    Again, the House Democrats have proven their word is worthless. Immediately after the election, the Democrats we elected gave us a chorus of “we got the message” about high taxes and wasteful spending. But when it came to putting their words into action, those same Democrats failed miserably. Read More
    Most of those who have flag poles and fly a flag do so very well. However, there are a few that do not respect the fallen by not flying the flag at half staff. The governor of the state of Maine orders all flags at… Read More
    In 1980, about 225,000 students attended Maine public schools with approximately the same administrative structure communities have today. By 2010, according to the Department of Education, the number of students in Maine will be 182,000. The loss of 43,000 students is the combined equivalent of… Read More
    It has been said about Piscataquis that few know how to pronounce it, fewer still can spell it, and almost no one knows where it is. Almost no one in Augusta, that is. Recent actions from our state capital give credence to the notion that… Read More
    Once upon a time the word “articulate,” when used to describe a person able to express himself readily, clearly or effectively, was considered a compliment. In these ultrasensitive politically correct times that apparently no longer is the case, as Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware can attest. Read More
    There has been a quiet revolution in criminal justice circles over the last 10 or 15 years: Criminal justice has devolved into the study of crime economics. Let me explain. For 200 years, criminal justice was dominated by criminology. Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794), one of the… Read More
    NORTHPORT – A road rage incident that began Friday morning on U.S. Route 1 ended on Main Street in downtown Camden with a police officer aiming a gun at a driver. No one was hurt, but one man was charged with driving to endanger and… Read More
    A couple of weeks before my sister-in-law was murdered on the front lawn of her home, she called the police to report that her estranged husband, Aaron, whom she had a restraining order against, had recently retrieved the guns he had earlier relinquished to a neighbor. Read More
    AUGUSTA – Last June as Gov. John Baldacci vetoed controversial legislation to set limits on the ability of residents to retroactively block or alter local zoning ordinances, he promised a study to develop a law he could support. But the governor has yet to introduce… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The state is developing a destination management plan to help the town and downtown waterfront property owners figure out how to best manage the flow of thousands of cruise ship passengers that flood into the scenic seaside village every summer. When the… Read More
    DEXTER – In a 199-12 straw vote Thursday, SAD 46 residents endorsed a proposed energy-efficient kindergarten through grade eight school that mixes tradition and innovation. The school project that incorporates a wood-chip boiler with a backup oil boiler and classroom wings that are splayed to… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – The Millinocket Community Action Committee has changed the date of its first meeting, but not the time and place, organizers said Friday. The new citizen economic and community development effort will hold an organizational meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the… Read More
    GUILFORD – More than a year ago, Investigator Allen Emerson of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department arrested resident David Gaston, 46, for disorderly conduct. On Thursday, Emerson, who also is a Guilford firefighter, saved Gaston’s life as a fire spread through a home Gaston shared… Read More
    BELFAST – The third annual Camden Conference Energy Symposium examines what European nations are doing to combat global warming. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center on Route 3. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Rockland District Court Cases Jan. 22-26, 2007 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
    Air Force Staff Sgt. Lee T. Chabre, son of Claude and Gail Chabre of Calais, arrived for duty at the Osan Air Base in South Korea. Chabre is a military working-dog handler assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing. He is a 1999 graduate of Calais… Read More
    WASHBURN – On Monday, an unexpected four-day weekend for students in the SAD 45 school district will be over. School will be back in session after classes were canceled for two days this week due to a rash of unknown origin contracted by 80 pupils… Read More
    BANGOR – Curious and interested outdoorsmen and women perused the aisles of recreational vehicles, ranging from the stunningly huge to the surprisingly tiny, at the annual Bangor Camping and RV Show at the Bangor Auditorium on Friday. Paul Moore of Old Town and his 4-year-old… Read More
    Rafik is a handsome 13-year-old boy who is full of energy. He is very friendly and engaging. He is a joy to spend time with and kind to those around him. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    DYER BROOK – Town officials will converge on Tuesday to start putting together the first draft of this year’s budget. The budget meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the town office. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    ORONO – The Maine Arts Commission will hold an afternoon of workshops beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, with an introduction at Buchanan Alumni House at the University of Maine. The workshops are free, open to all and don’t require preregistration. The workshop topics… Read More
    Copper piping in a house behind the Crestwood Trailer Park in Hampden was cut out of the basement and stolen earlier this week. “They went through some work to get it,” Hampden police Officer Joel Small said Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    GREENVILLE – The Greenville School Committee will hold an informational meeting for Union 60 on the governor’s school district consolidation proposal at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Louis Oakes Auditorium. There also will be a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – A combination of a candle lighted by a butane lighter, mobility reduced by a stroke and wearing a fleece blend sweater conspired to accidentally kill a town man late last month, State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators said Friday. Harold McLaughlin, 77, died in… Read More
    Air Force Airman Adam Ballash graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. A 2006 graduate of Penquis Valley High School in Milo, Ballash is the son of Nancy Ballash of Milo. Read More
    An Edinburgh man faces charges ranging from driving to endanger to disorderly conduct after leading three police agencies on a chase last week on Interstate 95 from Orono to Lincoln. George Ressler, 40, of Edinburgh was arrested by Old Town police early on Jan. 26. Read More
    CLINTON – A local couple lost their home to fire early Friday morning but escaped without injury and rescued their nine dogs as they fled the house on Reider Drive, according to Clinton Fire Chief Gary Petley. A smoke alarm woke Scott and Denise Towers… Read More
    CALAIS – The New Calais Theatre is looking for actors and backstage crew for the opening production of the season, “The Innocents’ Crusade,” by Keith Reddin. Those interested in being part of the show are welcome to practice their talents, learn new ones and introduce… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Alison Drayton, an international climate change expert, will give the keynote address to the third annual Maine Campus Climate Change Summit at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at College of the Atlantic’s Gates Center. Drayton is a senior official of the United… Read More
    BLUE HILL – The Marine Environmental Research Institute will hold ocean video night at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 and 23, and March 2 and 9. Videos are appropriate for all ages. Popcorn is included. Donations are appreciated. Read More
    ORLAND – The H.O.M.E. Learning Center is offering classes in fundraising event planning and various crafts and tutoring in GED preparation, English language skills and basic computer skills. All tutoring sessions are free. Class fees will be determined by the length of the class and… Read More
    ST. CROIX – The St. Croix Valley amateur radio club will meet at the following times and locations: . 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Wickachee for breakfast. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The school department will hold kindergarten screening and registration on Monday, March 12, and Tuesday, March 13, at the Dr. Charles C. Knowlton School. Children must be 5 years old by Oct. 15 in order to register. Registration is by appointment only. To… Read More
    CAMDEN – The Camden Great Fire Historic District has been entered in the National Register of Historic Places. The property has been documented and evaluated and is considered worthy of preservation and protection as part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The district includes 21 buildings… Read More
    WARREN – The Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual spring tree and shrub sale. Trees, shrubs, groundcovers, gladiolus bulbs, raspberries, strawberries and high-bush blueberries are available. Fourteen perennial plants have been cultivated and prepared by the Maine State Prison’s Horticulture Program. Read More
    ROCKPORT – Registration is open for the 14th annual business showcase of the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville and Penobscot Bay regional chambers of commerce. The showcase will take place Wednesday, April 18, at the Samoset Resort. The theme is B2B Connecting with Government. The events will begin with… Read More
    WARREN – The Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual trout-stocking sale. Pond owners who hold a five-year rainbow trout permit can purchase disease-free, certified rainbow or brook trout. Permits can be purchased from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Auditions for the Bucksport Community Theater production of “Cinderella” will be held in mid- to late May with performances the weekend of July 20 and one during the festival in Bucksport on July 29. For more information, contact Joe Kennedy at 469-1977. Read More
    BELFAST – The University of Maine Hutchinson Center and the School of Social Work are accepting applications for the fall 2007 Maine Social Work program. The MSW application is open to anyone with a baccalaureate degree. The program can generally be completed in three years. Read More
    PERRY – Pottle Tree Farm will host the fifth annual congenital heart defect awareness day 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Events will include a cross-country ski race at 10:30 a.m., skating, snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, a labyrinth walk and a fireside potluck. Admission is free. T-shirts… Read More
    The University of Maine at Fort Kent has hired Shawn Graham as academic counselor in the Academic and Counseling Services Department. He is a UMFK alumni and Fort Kent native and received a bachelor’s degree in social service in May 1996. He has been employed… Read More
    The following divorces were granted in December and January in 1st District Courts in Fort Kent and Madawaska by Judge Ronald A. Daigle and Family Law Magistrate Rob A. Langner on grounds of irreconcilable differences Charles M. Albert, Madawaska, and Francine Langlois-Albert, Edmundston, New Brunswick,… Read More
    ST. AGATHA – An organization that has worked for years to keep area residents active and help them develop patterns of lifelong wellness will once again sponsor an evening of activities to get northern Mainers on the move. The MSAD 33 Wellness Team announced Friday… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The American Red Cross will offer three courses through February and March. The first is a baby-sitting course to be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Girl Scout office on Houlton Road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    BRIDGEWATER – The sesquicentennial committee will meet at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Bridgewater Community Building. The committee is made up of members of the public, the Bridgewater Historical Association, Fire Department and recreation department. All are invited to attend the meeting. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Back in August, in our Letters to the Editor section, Ryan Jacques described the status of the Hermon Volunteer Rescue Squad, which has been responding to your emergency requests since 1968. “We are a nonprofit organization which relies on the generosity of the citizens of… Read More
    PARIS – Police seized about 90 pounds of marijuana with an estimated wholesale value of $236,500 from a mobile home after investigating an attack by two masked individuals who brutally beat the homeowners, officials said Friday. The investigation began Thursday morning when Paris police were… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Navy overlooked $16 million in environmental cleanup costs in its analysis of what it would take to close the Brunswick Naval Air Station. The report by government auditors calls into question whether the costs at other bases were underreported as well, said… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Because of high public interest in the various school administration consolidation proposals, the Legislature will host a Web page dedicated to the topic. The site will include Web links to the governor’s proposal and several legislative proposals to consolidate school administration services and… Read More
    MACHIAS – The county has its first manager – but it’s not a new face. Calais City Manager Linda Pagels announced Friday that she has accepted the position of county manager. The commissioners appointed Pagels at their regular meeting Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Because of a scheduling conflict, the education forum scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Presque Isle Middle School will not be held, Gov. John Baldacci’s office announced late Friday. Instead, Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron plan to visit Aroostook County on Monday,… Read More
    BANGOR – The 17-year-old charged with robbing a local drugstore earlier this week will remain at Mountain View Youth Development Center in Charleston until his case is resolved, a District Court judge ruled Friday. Ezra Fitzherbert, whose hometown was not released, is charged with Class… Read More
    PLEASANT POINT – Culinary arts student Frank Lola of Pleasant Point walked away with the top prize – an opportunity to cook his scallops in rich wine yogurt sauce at the Blaine House. Lola and his fellow culinary arts students at the Washington County Community… Read More
    Within minutes of reading this column, you will be making some major decisions. What will next receive your attention? Will you snack before your next meal? Will you smile at the next person you meet? How will you handle your next disappointment? If you think… Read More
    Maine Preservation and the Maine Community Foundation have announced the creation of the Maine Steeples Project. The idea behind the initiative: help preserve church steeples statewide. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    MIAMI – Football’s faithful will file into house parties, bars and, of course, Dolphin Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday to observe their holiest of holy days. But they’ll also turn out in force at churches across the country, which are tapping the popularity of sports in hopes of… Read More
    BOSTON – Two fishermen are presumed dead after the Coast Guard on Friday suspended its search for a vessel that issued a distress signal early Thursday off the coast of southern Maine, officials said. Wood debris and a distress beacon from the Lady Luck, a… Read More
    BREWER – Things couldn’t have looked worse for the Brewer Witches four minutes into Friday night’s Class A boys basketball matchup against Messalonskee of Oakland. The Eagles had jumped out to a 12-0 lead, making three early 3-point goals while Brewer missed its first eight… Read More
    MANCHESTER, N.H. – The University of Maine Black Bears hadn’t beaten perennial Hockey East powers New Hampshire, Boston College or Boston University this season and they hadn’t won or tied a game in which they trailed after two periods. That changed Friday night. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    DEXTER – The last time the Dexter girls basketball team played Penobscot Valley, Mallory Ames missed most of the second half after suffering an ankle injury. She spent most of the fourth quarter on the bench during Friday night’s rematch against the Howlers, but only… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL at Wallace Pool, 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; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    Women’s basketball MAINE vs. NEW HAMPSHIRE 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
    ORONO – With a Hockey East playoff berth out of the equation, the University of Maine women’s hockey team is looking to the play the role of spoiler as it heads into its final seven regular-season games. Maine hosts Connecticut on Saturday and Sunday at noon. Read More
    BANGOR – Jason Harvey tallied a team-high 22 points to lead Husson College to an 87-68 men’s basketball win over Mount Ida Friday night. The Eagles outscored Mount Ida 50-33 in the second half to secure the win. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    Assuming that you’re a senior member of Maine’s rod and gun fraternity, it’s a sure bet that in the plethora of equipment you deem necessary to tag a deer or catch a fish, there is a rifle, shotgun, rod, reel, knife, for sure a paddle, that is your… Read More
    When the Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity began, many NASCAR race fans flocked to Greenville for the chance to rub elbows with a Winston Cup – now called Nextel Cup – driver. A funny thing happened over the ensuing years. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More