BANGOR – The man charged with murdering a Bangor woman last week admitted to detectives that he killed Christina Simonin, 43, according to documents filed Thursday in 3rd District Court. Ashton L. Moores, 59, allegedly used a wheelbarrow to move her body from his First… Read More
AUGUSTA – Proposals to promote the consolidation of Maine school districts as a way to save millions of dollars raised the Goldilocks question Thursday for two legislative panels. Would a watered-down version of Gov. John Baldacci’s original plan developed at the last minute by the… Read More
AUGUSTA – With a record number of inmates in its system, the Department of Corrections has given the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee a range of options – from boarding inmates at a private prison in Wyoming to a takeover of the county jails – to… Read More
Ashton L. Moores has lived in Tenants Harbor, Veazie, Augusta, Orono, Port Clyde, Bangor and Belfast. He has been connected to crimes that killed people in Orono and Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
ORONO – The grandson of the man who died from burns after Ashton Moores set his Forest Avenue house on fire in 1972 had one question Thursday: “Why was he on the streets?” “This guy killed my gramp, with intent,” said Daniel LaPointe, 54, grandson… Read More
MONTPELIER, Vt. – A Maine financial services company owes the state more than $5 million in bank franchise taxes and penalties, a Washington Superior Court judge has ruled. Judge Mary Miles Teachout agreed with the Department of Taxes, which said TD Banknorth Inc. had set… Read More
The $1 million fine Bangor Gas Co. must pay the federal government as a result of a transport violation will not be passed on to its customers, a company spokesman said Thursday. Sempra Energy, the San Diego, Calif.-based parent company of Bangor Gas, will absorb… Read More
EASTPORT – Sixty workers are expected to be back on the job at Creative Apparel plants around the state now that the company has secured new federal contracts, company officials said Thursday. Soon sewing machines will be humming again in this seaside community when the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine’s unemployment rate dropped by two-tenths of a percentage point in January to 4.4 percent, the state Labor Department said Thursday. January’s rate was also two-tenths of a point lower than the comparable national figure for the month, 4.6 percent, Labor Commissioner Laura… Read More
Aubuchon Hardware says it plans to earmark proceeds from the opening week’s specials at its new Bangor location at Penobscot Plaza, 21 Washington St., and the reopening of its Brewer location at 848 Wilson St. to donate paint to the YMCA in Bangor. The hardware… Read More
I am writing regarding the proposed merger of state health insurance into Dirigo Health (LD 619). According to Maine Public Law 469, Dirigo Choice was designed to provide an affordable, high-quality option for health coverage to Maine businesses that have 50 or fewer eligible employees, the self-employed, and… Read More
A proposal to build a new power line in Aroostook County could be good news for local residents and the state, but only if the line brings benefits to the area and does not merely pass through it. The challenge for regulators and elected officials is to ensure… Read More
Sen. Susan Collins last week persuaded the Department of Homeland Security to agree to a substantial delay in requiring REAL ID, the planned new and improved identification card. The delay is welcome. It could give officials time to work out the program’s cost – states, understandably, don’t want… Read More
I noticed that Lance Dutson – the writer who called for strict net neutrality legislation “Net neutrality essential to Maine economic future” (BDN, Feb. 28) – is a marketing expert, not a telecommunications, Internet, or technology expert. It makes sense then that he would demonize the telecom companies… Read More
In response to Lance Dutson’s commentary “Net neutrality essential to Maine economic future” (BDN, Feb. 28) I want to provide some basic facts on which we can all agree. Let’s put aside all the politics and ideological statements. Currently in Maine and across the country,… Read More
Regarding LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay: The United States never signed the “rights to innocent passage,” which relates to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a multinational treaty. Consequently we do not have rights to pass through foreign waters! googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
I guess I should be flattered by George Will’s praise of my straight talk on the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), “A ‘Free Choice’ that Isn’t An Assault On Corporate Speech” (BDN, Feb. 27). Unfortunately, Will’s analysis of that legislation is anything but straight or accurate. Read More
The Maine Economic Growth Council recently released its economic report. If you bought the media’s description of it as a “mixed bag,” showing “some parts of the economy doing well,” here are the real findings. The full report is at www.mdf.org. ?Personal income slipped to… Read More
Lewis Libby thought he had a license to lie. After 10 days of deliberation, a thoughtful, well-educated, dedicated jury thought otherwise and convicted Vice President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff of one count of obstruction of justice, one count of lying to the FBI, and two counts… Read More
VERONA ISLAND – BridgeFest organizers have developed a logo designed to promote the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory for the grand opening celebration this summer and beyond. The committee will use the new logo to replace the image that was designed for the Maine… Read More
BANGOR – Demolition of the Main Street Holiday Inn will begin at 10 a.m. today. A webcam has been set up across the street at the Bangor Daily News so visitors to www.bangordailynews.com can watch the demolition live as it occurs over the next couple… Read More
OLD TOWN – The biomass boiler at Red Shield, formerly Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill, is back online following emissions problems earlier this week. But it is no longer burning construction and demolition debris. The boiler is used to heat the facility and create electricity to sell… Read More
AUGUSTA – Taking a cue from a Maine high school, a Maine legislative leader is proposing a law requiring graduating high school seniors to complete at least one college application before getting their diplomas. Maine is considering doing as a state what individual schools are… Read More
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci will deliver a weekly radio address beginning Saturday, the first time a chief executive of Maine has done so, the governor’s office said Thursday. In a prepared statement, Baldacci said it will be “an honor to speak directly to listeners… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – It’s almost impossible to visit Iwo Jima – the Japanese island where one of the most famous World War II battles was fought – but Andy Giles is going back for a third time. Giles, an art professor at the University of… Read More
Addison The usual budget items, including an appropriation of $150,000 for road repair and paving, will be discussed and voted on at the annual town meeting. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
BANGOR – A Hartland man was sentenced Thursday in Penobscot County Superior Court to 20 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended for an armed home invasion in November in Newburgh. Dustin Hodgdon, 20, also known as Dustin McGregor, also was sentenced to… Read More
LAMOINE – Local voters decided Wednesday to create a new conservation reserve fund at annual town meeting. The fund will be used to acquire land or easements that can be used for public recreation. Voters also decided to seed the fund with an initial deposit… Read More
Millinocket District Court Cases Feb. 6-28, 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]… Read More
BROWNVILLE – A municipal budget that reflects a $4,000 increase has been embraced by selectmen and the town’s budget committee. If the town’s assessment to the schools of $503,975 comes in as budgeted, residents could see nearly a half a mill decrease in the property… Read More
Bangor 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
ORONO – Major construction on the Bennoch Road, also known as Route 16, isn’t scheduled to start until May, but some construction-related activity could begin during the next several weeks, according to the state Department of Transportation. “We anticipate some of the minor clearing work… Read More
Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport 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
A Windsor woman who embezzled $160,000 from a Rockland law firm was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to repay the money. Billie Jean Grotton-Roberson, 31, appeared in court last week and pleaded guilty to theft by unauthorized taking or transfer. She was… Read More
GREENVILLE – Having firefighters wedged into the rear of a rescue van beside pressurized air bottles, a hardened-steel extrication device, and containers of gasoline and oil has raised concerns among volunteers who fear for their safety should an accident occur. Because of those safety concerns,… Read More
Jonesport-Beals 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 – After a nearly six-month search, the town is “very close” to hiring a new chief for the Houlton Police Department. Town Manager Douglas Hazlett confirmed Thursday that the search for an administrator to take over the position vacated when former police Chief Daniel… Read More
ISLAND FALLS – Residents will be asked to approve a more than $500,000 municipal budget and consider allocating money to build a new fire station when they gather for their annual town meeting Monday evening. Town Clerk Cheryl McNally said Thursday that this year’s budget… Read More
HOULTON – They have helped the town grow, spearheaded initiatives to beautify it and crafted countless ways to use their talents and energy to benefit Houlton residents. Now, they are being recognized for their efforts. Three individuals, one club and one business were lauded by… Read More
CARIBOU – Nine schools from Bangor to Van Buren will take the stage at the Caribou Performing Arts Center starting tonight to compete in the annual Northern Regional Drama Festival. The festival will include performances from Division A and B schools, though only one school… Read More
Following are divorces granted in 5th District Court in Belfast during February on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences. Mark J. Hogencamp and Cynthia L. Hogencamp, both of Winterport; married at Winterport May 22, 2004; shared parental responsibility for two children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Belfast District Court Cases Feb. 26-March 2, 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 () { //… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Feb. 26-March 2, 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 () { //… Read More
WALDOBORO – The Waldoboro Lions Club has established a scholarship in the name of Charles M. Begley in recognition of his contributions to the community. The scholarship will be awarded yearly to a graduating senior at Medomak Valley High School who has demonstrated the traits… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Paul Weiss, director of the Whole Health Center, will be bringing a group of Mainers with him when he travels to China, May 15-29. Weiss has made six previous visits to China, where he studied the ancient health and exercise system called… Read More
SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Andrew Steeves has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base. A 2006 graduate of Central High School in Corinth, Steeves is the son of Donna Steeves of Kenduskeag. Read More
HAMPDEN – The Hampden Academy building committee plans public meetings today and Saturday. The sessions will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 10, in the Hampden Academy cafeteria. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Katahdin region local governments and the area’s electrical utility will probably apply today for a $70,000 state grant for an emergency notification system that will help residents with everything from flooded rivers to school days off. The Town Council voted 7-0 Thursday night… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – An Augusta man who is currently working for the state Senate has been named executive director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council. Thomas Kittredge, 30, will assume his new duties on March 28, at a salary of $41,000. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BANGOR – Two young spellers battled it out Thursday night for an impressive 24 rounds in the Penobscot County Spelling Bee before “apparition” won Mary Beth Case the title of top speller. Case, 14, from James F. Doughty School in Bangor, and winner of the… Read More
GREENVILLE – A Lincoln husband and wife who allegedly made various purchases in town with checks from an account that had insufficient funds are expected to make their initial court appearance on March 16 in Piscataquis County Superior Court in Dover-Foxcroft. Betty J. Twist, 41,… Read More
DEXTER – The contract of Julie Richard, Dexter Middle School and Exeter Consolidated School principal, was extended by SAD 46 directors this week through June 30, 2009. That move came after directors evaluated her performance Wednesday during an executive session. Her salary will be addressed… Read More
WINTERPORT – The annual meeting of the Cove Brook Watershed Council will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the Victoria Grant Civic Center on Park Drive. The guest speaker will be Al Meister, who was an early researcher of the fisheries resources… Read More
MILO – It has been one year since the Gary Metilly family lost their Deer Run Drive home by fire and the community rallied to help them resettle into a new home. Now Gary and Nancy Metilly and their 11 children are extending an invitation… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A fire that destroyed a Davis Street home on Wednesday originated near a first-floor wood stove but exactly how it started may never be learned, fire investigators determined Thursday. Ellsworth Fire Chief Jon Marshall said Thursday afternoon that investigators still needed to finish… Read More
ORONO – Firefighters from Orono and Old Town stopped a fire Thursday from causing extensive damage at the former Birch Street School that now serves as the town’s senior center. The fire was reported around 7:30 p.m. When fire crews arrived, they saw smoke and… Read More
Garland Residents will be asked at the annual town meeting on March 10 if they favor SAD 46’s plan to close local elementary schools and to construct a new prekindergarten-through-eighth-grade school. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
MOUNT DESERT – Voters have decided to remove fluoride from the public drinking water supply and took two nights to finish up the warrant at this year’s annual town meeting. Apparently, the number of voters at Tuesday night’s open session dwindled below 50, the minimum… Read More
EASTPORT – Some property owners are going to be dishing out more dough now that the town has undergone a revaluation, while others will be able to save a few bucks. But if your property is on the shore, expect to pay. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
PERRY – Did Perry do a better job of crafting an LNG financial package for the town than Robbinston? Perry’s Bangor attorney says yes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – On March 13, 1857, the town of Stockton was officially separated from the town of Prospect by an act of the Legislature. To mark that anniversary, the town now known as Stockton Springs will host open houses this coming Tuesday at the… Read More
Calais District Court Cases Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, 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 ()… Read More
PORTLAND – A soldier who served in Iraq and Bosnia is considering running for Congress if Democratic Rep. Tom Allen vacates the seat to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. “If Rep. Tom Allen runs for the U.S. Senate in 2008, I intend to be in… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Whitefield man could spend 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to two charges of kidnapping, one charge of terrorizing and three charges of gross sexual assault on a 14-year-old Augusta girl last summer. Albert Dumas, 34, entered the guilty pleas Wednesday… Read More
AUGUSTA – Sunday hunting supporters lost another round Thursday in their decades-old fight. Members of the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted 9-1 to recommend against a bill that would have allowed landowners with more than 20 acres to hunt on their own property… Read More
WINTHROP – A woman who founded a no-kill animal shelter has left her estate, which is worth up to $1 million, to the care of pets, especially cats. Georgia Wiesendanger of East Winthrop, who was 92 when she died in October, owned the Winthrop Real… Read More
From Jan Currier, writing on behalf of the Bangor Board of Realtors, comes word that the organization’s Pot ‘O Gold Super Supper, slated for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer will benefit not one, but two local organizations this year. The… Read More
LINCOLN – Kenneth McCafferty, who is a carpenter, has almost totally renovated a double gambrel house at 769 Transalpine Road. It is about 4,800 square feet, has five bedrooms and sits atop a hill overlooking Transalpine with a great view of the skyline and Madagascal Pond in the… Read More
AUGUSTA – A legislative committee declined Thursday to step into a heated dispute over a polluted well between a Holden couple and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. By unanimous vote, the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee voted to recommend against a bill that would have… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Atlantic Salmon Commission board got an earful Thursday from longtime anglers frustrated with the decision to keep the Penobscot River closed to salmon fishing for at least one more spring. Citing concerns about fish losses and faced with rigid regulatory time frames,… Read More
YARMOUTH – Bill Chinnock, a songwriter, guitarist, Emmy-award winning composer and longtime Maine resident, died Thursday. He was 59. Chinnock had been suffering from Lyme disease, and police said they were called to his home by his live-in caregiver. Lt. Dean Perry would not comment… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine has combined two departments to create a new School of Economics, it announced Thursday. The new structure, formed by merging the departments of economics and resource economics and policy, is intended to enhance UM’s ability to serve contemporary student… Read More
AUGUSTA – A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday showcased a carbon cap-and-trade strategy that would have Maine fulfill its role as part of a Northeast regional effort to control greenhouse gas emissions. The bill aims to help reduce global warming pollution in the region… Read More
GUILFORD – For nearly 20 years, the dated wooden sign had been tucked away in a garage, its significance known only to a few people. The sign, which bears only the number “1857,” had been displayed on Low’s Covered Bridge to mark the year of… Read More
ORONO – Bracey Barker is a player who is difficult to classify on the basketball court. At 6-foot-1, the Bar Harbor native can provide the University of Maine with a polished offensive presence inside, be a tenacious rebounder, or serve as a shot-blocking defender. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
High school is all about education, but some lessons are more painful than others. The Brewer hockey team’s final exam comes at 1 p.m. Saturday, when the Witches play the Greely Rangers of Cumberland Center for the Class B state championship at the Colisee in… Read More
Two home games against Boston University, two at Boston College, and a season-ending series at UMass. Just two wins among those six and the University of Maine’s hockey team would be either hosting a Hockey East quarterfinal series this weekend or it would know it… Read More
The University of Maine’s hockey program has landed a defenseman from the United States National Team Development Program’s Under-17 team. Ryan Hegarty of Arlington, Mass. has verbally committed to attend Maine beginning in the fall of 2008 according to his coach, John Hynes. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
STRIVE, a non-profit organization that serves developmentally disabled children, was chosen as the beneficiary for August’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race, TD Banknorth announced Wednesday. Race officials also announced that the Aug. 7 race in Cape Elizabeth will serve as the 10th… Read More
YMCA STATE MEET 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]… Read More
Bracey Barker of Bar Harbor and Ashley Underwood of Benton have been the driving forces behind the University of Maine basketball team for the last two seasons. The Black Bears’ senior stars were honored with America East All-Conference recognition during Thursday morning’s awards brunch at… Read More
Women’s basketball America East Quarterfinals 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
Don Orsillo will try to keep a straight face for at least another three years after signing a contract extension with New England Sports Network. The affable Orsillo – known for his inability to keep from giggling uncontrollably, usually due to an ad-libbed comment by… Read More
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Kevin McAvoy capped a seven-run seventh inning with a grand slam to lead the UMaine baseball team to a 17-2 victory over the University of Pennsylvania Thursday. Bobby Brown homered and doubled for the Black Bears and Joel Barrett had a… Read More
“Neon Bible” (Merge) – The Arcade Fire The clever pop of the Talking Heads, the world-saving bombast of U2, the reverb-soaked Americana of Springsteen, the beautiful despair of 1970s Bowie. All of these musicians are mentioned when people talk about the Arcade Fire, but the… Read More
On DVD INFAMOUS, written and directed by Douglas McGrath, based on the book “Truman Capote” by George Plimpton, 118 minutes, rated R. 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
People go to the Bangor Mall for many reasons. They might need jeans. Or a soft pretzel. Or a new nose ring. Maybe they want to hang out with friends or get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. But usually, they’re not in search of a cultural… Read More
Lord Hall Art Gallery, a sleek contemporary exhibition area at the University of Maine, is the perfect space for displaying photographs. The place is white and stark with the building’s structural components exposed as part of an overall streamlined effect. The humming whiteness – diffused… Read More
For those jonesing for a “Buffy” or “Charmed” fix, Lifetime offers this quirky new series which has spirited away elements of both of those longtime supernatural shows. Set in Seattle, “Blood Ties” (which even lifts the full moon from the “Buffy” credits) is the story… Read More
Though the band Seepeoples was formed in Allston, Mass., and currently makes its home in Asheville, N.C., its roots can be traced right back here, to the good ol’ 04401. But, like many people (many sane people, you could argue), guitarist and vocalist Will Bradford… Read More