CORINTH – More than anything, Staff Sgt. Eric Ross was a dedicated family man, a soldier and a proud American. Ross, 26, was in his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed Friday during combat operations in Baqoubah, a city northeast of… Read More
AUGUSTA – When Maine passed the nation’s first “dogs chained for life” law in 2005, animal advocates hoped that dogs chained outdoors 24 hours a day would receive some protection, including from the deep freezes the state has experienced this month. The law has been… Read More
A deadly virus that is the most common cause of cervical cancer in women is the target of proposed legislation in Maine. Sen. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, has sponsored a measure, LD 137, that would raise public awareness of cervical cancer and promote access to a… Read More
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The bald eagle, America’s signature bird, is likely to be removed from the endangered species list this year after one of the most successful conservation efforts in history. A ruling on the eagle’s status had been expected for Feb. 16, but the… Read More
WASHINGTON – Students in Maine and across the country improved their performance on Advanced Placement exams last year, leading an increasing number to graduate high school with college credit, according to a report released last week. AP classes enable high school students to earn college… Read More
A sports story in Monday’s paper should have stated that Brewer High School sophomore Jessica Hodsdon set meet and school records in Saturday’s Penobscot Valley Conference championship swim meet in the 100-yard breaststroke, not the freestyle. Read More
MILLINOCKET – Christine McLaughlin is the new chief financial officer at Millinocket Regional Hospital, officials said Monday. The hospital’s board named McLaughlin to succeed Nancy Glidden and interim CFO Charles Glanville late last week, said David Nelson, the hospital’s community relations director. McLaughlin has worked… Read More
BREWER – Brewer’s Small Business Assistance Program hosted the second in its series of free workshops last week, bringing together more than 50 existing and prospective small-business owners for two nights of lessons and discussions on marketing. “We were very pleased with the turnout and… Read More
AUGUSTA – The sale of a historic arsenal that dates back to Maine’s early years as a state is moving forward. Niemann Capital LLC of Durham, N.C., has signed an option to purchase the 30-acre Kennebec Arsenal complex in Augusta. The agreement calls for Niemann… Read More
I thought the Democrats in the state Legislature had pledged to work in a bipartisan manner with their Republican counterparts. After the November elections, we heard leading Democrats in both Augusta and Washington pledging a new beginning. Seems this was more political eyewash. Every problem… Read More
By introducing a bill to slow the pace of new federal identification rules, Sen. Susan Collins today is expected to offer a way out of a growing confrontation between Washington and the states. The bill would extend the deadline for REAL ID by two years and recognize the… Read More
The premise behind the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is simple – by putting a price on carbon pollution, utilities will reduce their emissions of the greenhouse gas linked to climate change. Reducing or eliminating the costs of emissions, by giving away carbon allowances, for example, weakens the program,… Read More
Instead of sending more troops to Iraq which only escalates the violence, Congress could begin to develop, with the cooperation of other nations, a Middle East NATO force, to include the U.S., EU countries, the Sunni Arab states, Iraqi representation, Iran, Syria, Palestine, Israel and Lebanon. Read More
The president has asked for more money for what is an unpopular and possibly illegal war. The total cost, if approved will be an astounding $622 billion. That breaks down to about $12.44 billion per state. I wonder how many of our state problems could… Read More
As my Deer Isle-Stonington High School juniors settled in for our daily first-period class in U.S. history, they immediately brought up “this school consolidations stuff” they’d been hearing about. My students are still full of surprises that keep me going into my 31st year as an educator. Read More
Are there alternatives to the 190-foot-tall cell tower proposed below Bald Rock in Lincolnville? According to an expert in wireless communications, the answer is “a resounding yes.” A group of Lincolnville residents, including myself, recently hired engineer David Maxson to review the proposed tower and the town’s ordinances. Read More
For most people living in Maine, their understanding of the Emergency Medical Services System is that when a call is placed to 911, help arrives a short time later. In some respects this is a good sign, because it illustrates that many people who live and work in… Read More
More of the dead came into my home again last week, because more helicopters had gone down, more bombs had gone off, and more of our soldiers had gone home flag-draped to taps and headstones. When they come briefly through my home I feel it is my duty… Read More
AUGUSTA – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe demanded Monday that the Senate debate resolutions opposing President’s Bush’s policies in Iraq, charging the body is “dithering” while the House of Representatives takes up the issue. “The question is when and if the United States Senate is going… Read More
AUGUSTA – Farmers complained Monday to the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee that there are not enough inspectors to meet state law and argued additional funding should be included in the two-year state budget to add inspectors. “I have not had an inspection in 18 months,” Brooksville… Read More
GRAY – The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch calling for extreme wind chills through this morning and the possibility of significant snow Wednesday and Thursday. A nor’easter was expected to bring the biggest snowstorm of the season to Maine, with 6 to… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Some displaced Moosehead Manufacturing Co. employees may find jobs rather quickly. About 75 former employees of the furniture-making business were told during a meeting Monday that the CareerCenter in Dover-Foxcroft had been contacted by employers in the region interested in the displaced workers. Read More
BANGOR – For the second time in less than four years, Indians incarcerated at the Maine State Prison in Warren have sued prison officials in federal court, alleging they are being denied their First Amendment right to practice religion. Sacred Feather, Native American Circle and… Read More
PITTSFIELD – An exasperated farmer has tried for weeks to corral his runaway donkey. He tried coaxing her. He tried tranquilizing her. He even tried using a horse whisperer. But Jenny the donkey has proven to be elusive, evading capture and enduring bitter cold during… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – While many local officials say they are for school regionalization in Maine, they don’t like how the governor’s Local Schools, Regional Support initiative will limit local control. People in the region voiced their concerns about the governor’s proposed school redistricting plan during… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Brownville woman who admitted to having had a drinking problem will serve 20 days in jail for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. Johanna Buck, 40, who pleaded guilty to the charge Monday in Piscataquis County Superior Court,… Read More
BREWER – White fluffy stuff for the snow creation competition was trucked in last year during the Penobscot River Winterfest, but that should not be a worry during this year’s event. There’s snow on the ground and more expected this week, googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
ORLAND – An Orland woman suffered minor injuries Monday evening when her pickup truck drifted off the Back Ridge Road and struck a telephone pole. According to Deputy Luke Gross of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Dawn Nuttal, 47, was traveling on Back Ridge Road… Read More
A 46-year-old man was seriously injured Monday afternoon when he stepped in front of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 295 in Freeport, according to the Maine State Police. Eric Rinfret of Saco suffered multiple injuries when he was struck by the side of the truck. He… Read More
Belfast District Court Cases Feb. 5-9, 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 Slot… Read More
BAR HARBOR – As Jackson Laboratory increases the amount of data it generates and stores, and as it ramps up its capacity to transmit large amounts of information on the Internet, it has been facing a space and temperature crunch where it stores its main computer servers. Read More
BELFAST – The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors has voted to support the proposed development of the former Stinson Seafood property on the city’s waterfront. The board met recently with Westport Capital Partners LLC, the proposed developer of the $20 million Wakeag… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – An activist group that for months called “corrupt” anyone who did not agree with their assertion that a bridge should be built here instead of Calais ran into a brick wall Monday night. The Friends of Magurrewock were on the Baileyville Town Council’s… Read More
Madawaska High School Second 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
HOULTON – Two neighboring school districts will host separate events this week to show students that choices – not just in lifestyle, but in life – can make all the difference. SAD 29 in Houlton and SAD 70 in Hodgdon both have set aside days… Read More
HOULTON – SAD 29 board members gave the nod to the makeup of the coaching staff for spring athletic teams and accepted the resignation of two teachers during their recent monthly meeting. During the nearly two-hour meeting, the board unanimously approved the appointment of five… Read More
Community High School, Fort Kent Second 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
PRESQUE ISLE – University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Assistant Professor of Education Leo Saucier has developed a new Web site, viewed worldwide and featured by PE Central’s Web site, that features digital video how-tos for a variety of physical activities. “What I want physical… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle will offer a course that gives students real-world experience by maintaining a community Web site. Students in JoAnne Wallingford’s Management Information Systems class have developed and maintain the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Web… Read More
CALAIS – By day he’s immersed in the law. At night he’s charging around a soccer field or running up and down a basketball court. On Saturday, First District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh received the Michael McPherson Volunteer Award. The award was named after former city… Read More
ST. ALBANS – Two homes were heavily damaged Monday night in fires at St. Albans and Fairfield, but fire officials in those communities said they were able to save the main part of both structures. More than 35 firefighters from St. Albans, Hartland, Corinna and… Read More
BANGOR – City councilors unanimously approved Monday night a settlement with the owner of the former Bangor Gas Works under which the city will receive more than $7 million toward the cost of removing coal tar from the Penobscot River, near the city docks at Bangor Waterfront. Read More
BREWER – Water has seeped into a few walls at Washington Street School and mold is growing on the back of wall panels, school officials have discovered. “It’s not a serious issue and there is no health hazard,” Lester Young, Brewer School Department business manager,… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The credibility of an alleged domestic abuse victim played a significant role in the sentencing Monday of a Greenville man in Piscataquis County Superior Court. Justin McIver, 29, initially was charged with two counts of assault that stemmed from two altercations in Abbot… Read More
ORONO – Beta Theta Pi, the University of Maine’s oldest fraternity, will hold its 14th annual sleep-out on Feb. 23 to raise money and awareness for Rape Response Services of Bangor. Rape Response Services helps educate the community about the issues surrounding sexual assault while… Read More
BELFAST – Mark Biscone, executive director at Waldo County Healthcare Inc. recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, or ACHE, the nation’s leading professional society for health care leaders. In order to become a fellow, candidates must pass a comprehensive examination,… Read More
BANGOR – City councilors authorized changes Monday night to the city’s development agreement with Affiliated Healthcare Management, a for-profit branch of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems. Affiliated Healthcare recently completed the Douglas H. Brown Building, a $3 million, 28,000-square-foot office and operations facility on the front… Read More
ORONO – Though the Town Council Monday unanimously granted liquor, food and entertainment permits to the Bear Brew Pub and to the Ultra Lounge, the decision did not come quickly or without a lot of discussion about safety at the two businesses. The Orono Police… Read More
BREWER – A Bangor man at the Brewer Hannaford was charged with theft after he allegedly stuffed $240 worth of DVDs in his clothing Sunday morning. Police say Hannaford employees notified authorities when they saw Shawn Braley, 25, attempting to steal the DVDs. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BELFAST – A Searsport man accused of stabbing his brother to death during an argument in November was among those charged when the Waldo County grand jury handed up indictments for the winter term on Monday. Michael Nickerson, 50, of Brock Road was indicted on… Read More
WARREN – Four people were arrested Sunday night after a police search of a residence on Manktown Road. Thomas Glaude, 47 and Ruth Crandall, 37, of Manktown Road each were charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, cocaine. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Feb. 5-9, 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 Slot… Read More
BELFAST – No matter what the weather outside may be, it will be all about the great outdoors inside the Belfast Boathouse when the Outside-Inside Convention and Expo takes place beginning at noon Sunday, March 4. The event is free and open to the public. Read More
BUCKSPORT – Town councilors are looking to purchase a waterfront property that is seen as a key element in downtown revitalization. The town recently was approached by representatives for Cynthia Wood, owner of a three-unit apartment building located on Main Street near the end of… Read More
BAR HARBOR – People who live in Union 98 towns will get the chance to vote on the proposed high school budget this week. The school’s annual meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the auditorium at Mount Desert Island High School… Read More
Perhaps I’m preaching to the choir, but I can’t emphasize too strongly how important I believe it is for parents and guardians of children enrolled in grades three through six in the Bangor public school system to attend the United Way of Eastern Maine’s Camp Fair, which is… Read More
CALAIS – A 4th District Court judge Monday ruled that a Topsfield woman has to put up a $10,000 surety for the care and support of her animals while her appeal in an animal abuse case lumbers through the appellate court system. The money would… Read More
AUGUSTA – The state supreme court hears oral arguments Tuesday on whether first-year savings generated by the state’s Dirigo Health program were calculated properly. Legal jousting over the program’s impact on insurance carriers and other businesses has continued even as Gov. John Baldacci weighs options… Read More
PORTLAND – The Maine Turnpike would be widened from four to six lanes between Scarborough and Falmouth under a bill submitted to the Legislature. A public hearing on a proposal to widen the 8.7-mile stretch of road between exit 44 and exit 53 will be… Read More
BANGOR – An Orono man who allegedly stole a tractor-trailer from the Dysart’s Truck Stop in Hermon on Sunday and led police on a chase through Bangor, Veazie and Orono remained jailed Monday night, unable to make bail. Lee Harold Meservie, 42, was charged with… Read More
PEMBROKE – Sid Bahrt, a man who believed that each of us is responsible for the health and well-being of the earth died Sunday at age 91. Bahrt’s firm commitment to the environment lasted until the day he died. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
KITTERY – The second submarine in four days arrived Monday at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, officials said. The USS Louisville, which has a crew of 20 officers and 127 enlisted sailors, will be undergoing maintenance and upgrades. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Maine Department of Transportation has heeded the city’s concerns about its recent decision to prohibit heavy vehicles from traveling on the Route 180 bridge over Graham Lake. As a result, life will get more difficult for motorists for awhile. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Cherryfield’s Andy Santerre has signed a deal with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and will have the late NASCAR Nextel Cup champion’s grandson, Jeffrey, driving for him in the Busch East series this season. Jeffrey Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, Dale’s eldest son. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
News out of Orono this week that the University of Maine will retire former Black Bear hoop sensation Rufus Harris’ number 20 Wednesday night at the Alfond Arena was good news for this old coach. I had the privilege of coaching the talented Harris for… Read More
BANGOR – The Brewer cheerleading team sat in a circle, just like three of the four Class A squads waiting to hear who had won the state championship Monday night at the Bangor Auditorium. From the outside looking in, the Witches calmly chatted and laughed… Read More
BANGOR – About the only thing Fort Fairfield’s cheerleading team did wrong the entire night was drop part of the trophy on the Bangor Auditorium’s hardwood court. The Fort Fairfield Tigers won their second straight Class D state championship at Monday night’s competition by executing… Read More
As bird-watching venues go, the first stop on Saturday’s foray afield, offered in conjunction with Bangor’s Winter Weekend festival, wasn’t anything to write home about. At least, that’s the way it seemed at first. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
COLLEGE America East Championships 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
LAKE PLACID – Fort Fairfield’s Hilary McNamee recorded two biathlon victories in the youth division over the weekend at Nor-Am Cup Series races. McNamee finished first in Saturday’s sprint race and followed up with a victory in the pursuit race on Sunday in the ages… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Bangor Auditorium 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
COLLEGE Ashley Underwood 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
ORONO – It’s never too late in the season for a team to find another contributor. That’s why University of Maine women’s basketball coach Ann McInerney and the Black Bears were so pleased with Saturday’s effort by freshman Sandra Vaitkute. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
MAINE vs. VERMONT Time, site: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., 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; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
FARMINGTON – Tyler Muzzy tossed in 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds as Husson College of Bangor held off UMaine-Farmington 67-63 in men’s basketball action Monday to remain undefeated in conference play. Scott Kissinger and Jason Harvey added 14 points apiece for the Eagles. Read More
At the beginning of the regular season, Dexter coach Jody Grant’s biggest concern was the inexperience of his backcourt. Enter Miranda Gove, a transfer from New Hampshire who solidified the point guard position and has adjusted to an offense centered around the Tigers’ post players. Read More
Every year, coach Kelly Bubar has the members of her Fort Fairfield cheerleading team do the choreography for its competition routine. This year’s routine, however, is the handiwork of mainly one cheerleader, senior Joshua Barnes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Technicality shouldn’t stop Down East football As a former athletic administrator and member of the Maine Principals’ Association, I am fully aware of its stringent adherence to their policies and procedures. I do however, find it ironic that in the same week that Gov. Baldacci… Read More
True confession: The only Pink Floyd song I know is “Another Brick in the Wall.” Yes, yes, the 1970s is my generation. And I’m sure that when The Pink Floyd Experience plays its 20 tons’ worth of quadrophonic sound under 270,000 watts of light at 7 p.m. Feb. Read More
Three little words can help most couples get past their differences. William S. Cohen and his wife, Janet Langhart Cohen, only need two. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
I like to watch movies while I knit. I figure knitting and watching a movie at the same time requires one hemisphere of my brain to follow the sequences of the knitting pattern while the other hemisphere is dazzled by the colorful scenes and emotional festivities in the… Read More
Only a handful of modern playwrights have produced comedies that return again and again to regional stages. Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” (now at Portland Stage Company) and anything by Neil Simon all qualify. Theater programmers know audiences flock to these shows. Read More