OLD TOWN – Ash samples from the Red Shield facility, formerly the Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill, have tested positive for toxic levels of lead, but Maine Department of Environmental Protection officials said Friday there is no threat to the public’s health at this time. Soot from… Read More
    A story that ran on Page B5 in Thursday’s State section about war protests in Bangor should have included the fact that the second group of protesters were members of the Penobscot Bay Occupation Project and are part of a national movement. They were protesting Congress continuing to… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Maine Gov. John Baldacci told an education conference Friday that state initiatives to improve student graduation rates are succeeding, but continuous support is needed to close the achievement gap. Baldacci, chairman of Jobs for America’s Graduates, which co-hosted the conference with the National… Read More
    What is wrong with our country’s priorities? We send soldiers to war without the proper equipment and supplies; we give the returning wounded and severely injured soldiers inadequate care in substandard facilities; we spend unbelievable amounts for military purposes; but the soldiers who are the ones risking their… Read More
    The Legislature’s Education Committee soon will serve as mediator between the department it oversees and distrusting advocates and parents of developmentally delayed young children. The committee can carry out its work most effectively by removing from legislation sunset provisions that could wipe out regional oversight of programs for… Read More
    Daylight-saving time begins Sunday, three weeks earlier than usual. While Mainers are eagerly anticipating the additional daylight, that change was supposed to be about saving energy. In 2005, Congress didn’t raise fuel economy standards, didn’t boost appliance efficiency standards and didn’t support incentives for more renewable energy generation. Read More
    I was pleased and excited to read the piece “Douse the flames of warming with water” by Homer A. Dansereau of Addison (BDN, Feb. 7). I agree with him that the word “hydroelectricity” has been removed from the vocabulary of our great energy experts. I… Read More
    In days of yore the court jester entertained the king and was often the only person who could get away with satirical political commentary. We lost two jesters recently, Art Buchwald and Molly Ivins, and a third was muzzled by thin-skinned MPBN management: Robert Skoglund, the Humble Farmer. Read More
    I recently heard a news item on the radio that the Bucksport Town Council and the Committee for the Grand Opening of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge are upset because the Maine Department of Transportation does not believe additional signage is necessary to direct people to this bridge. Read More
    Once again, Sunday hunting has reared its ugly head in a new, stealthy form. Beware: This is just the start of the erosion of landowners’ peaceful Sundays statewide. News flash: Earth to George Smith and SAM: We, the majority of Mainers, don’t want Sunday hunting. Read More
    I read in the paper almost every day about how school district consolidation is a bad thing. Consolidation does not have to be bad. Other places have had great success with school consolidations. I used to live in Florida and the schools were set up by county. The… Read More
    The Legislature will soon take up one of the most significant problems facing the people of Maine – our health insurance affordability crisis. Maine has the second-highest insurance costs in the country; only New Jersey is worse. For many working families, monthly premiums exceed their mortgage payments. Now… Read More
    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proclaims community water fluoridation one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Why? Because fluoridation is one of the safest, most effective and most affordable prevention tools of our lifetime. Fluoridation in public… Read More
    In 1997, while Congress was yelling about who loved marriage more and who thought gay people getting hitched was the yuckiest, Rep. Henry Hyde asked the General Accounting Office to figure out whether gays excluded from marital bliss through the Defense of Marriage Act – one man, one… Read More
    When I read a news story such as the one in Thursday’s newspaper reporting that an unknown number of new George Washington dollar coins had been mistakenly struck by the U.S. Mint without the inscription “In God We Trust” and are fetching about $50 each online, my suspicions… Read More
    PORTLAND – Maine exported a record $2.63 billion worth of lobsters, semiconductors, paper and other goods around the world last year, according to the Maine International Trade Center. The export total marked a 13.7 percent increase over 2005, a shade lower than the 14.7 percent… Read More
    FREEPORT – L.L. Bean’s sales topped $1.5 billion for the first time in 2006 and the board of directors was impressed enough by the company’s performance Friday to reward employees with $25.5 million in cash bonuses. L.L. Bean’s sales grew by 4.6 percent during the… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will host a business breakfast Wednesday, March 14, to discuss the past 30 years of economic development in Maine. Laurie Lachance, a former state economist and now president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation, will present… Read More
    HOULTON – A school district that already has taken significant steps to encourage its students to eat healthful food and to exercise regularly wants to take its role a step further. SAD 29 officials seek to give parents and guardians of elementary and middle school… Read More
    When she was just 19 years old and living in Fairfax County, Va., Tammy Deraps was abducted by two masked men as she got out of her car early one November morning. For the next hour, one of her attackers drove around the city while… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Insurance fraud is hard to measure, but statistics compiled by the Bureau of Insurance indicate it is growing in Maine, and Sen. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, has introduced legislation to create a fraud division to focus on reducing costs to both businesses and consumers by prosecuting the… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The 2007 Little Miss Presque Isle and Junior Miss Presque Isle pageants will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Presque Isle Middle School auditorium. The Little Miss Pageant is meant for first- and second-graders in Pine Street School. Read More
    AUGUSTA – The arraignment of accused killer Richard Reynolds, 40, of Waterville was postponed Friday because a state forensic evaluation was not completed. Assistant Attorney General Andrew Benson said neither he nor Reynolds’ attorney, Peter Barnett, wanted to go forward while “there are still questions… Read More
    HOULTON – A New Limerick woman received minor injuries Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on Court Street. Officer Troy Fitzpatrick of the Houlton Police Department said the accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    Danny is a sweet, generous 12-year-old who enjoys sports and hanging out with friends. Danny likes baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey and football. That certainly makes him a sports fan. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    HOULTON – When it came to spelling words in the Aroostook County Spelling Bee on Thursday evening, Caribou Middle School pupil Kjetil Rossignol definitely wasn’t impetuous. When given a word to spell by bee master LaDericka Sewell, the 12-year-old pronounced it and paused, sometimes jotting… Read More
    The following divorces were granted in Maine District Court in Presque Isle in January and February on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences by Judge Bernard O’Mara: James M. Barry, Denton, Texas, and Linda C. Barry, Presque Isle, married July 4, 1995, at Denton, Texas. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Cherryfield man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly caused an accident and then fled from it. Local police found Anthony Rotta, 56, parked near the town pier shortly after the accident was reported around noon. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    TRENTON – A local man was arrested Wednesday by a member of the Hancock County Drug Task Force and charged with unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs. Michael Carter, 25, was taken Wednesday afternoon to Hancock County Jail but posted bail a short time later. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The 17th annual Aroostook County All Star High School Basketball Classic will be held Wednesday, March 14, in Wieden Auditorium at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The girls game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the boys game at 7… Read More
    FORT KENT – Northern Maine Medical Center is offering several classes and group meetings throughout April. . Monthly Cardiac Support Groups, free and open to the pubic. For more information, contact Cardiac Rehab at 834-3155, ext. 3169. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    AROOSTOOK COUNTY – The United Way is looking for volunteers to serve on the Fund Distribution Task Force. The group will review and evaluate funding applications from County-based health and human services agencies. An organizational meeting will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 5,… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle will offer a 10-student canoeing and canoe camping course May 30 to June 8. The class includes a seven-day trip on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The course is meant for anyone 18 or older who… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle, along with several other women’s groups, will sponsor a presentation and panel discussion titled “Dollars and Sense: How the Gender Wage Gap Affects Your Family” from 6 to -9 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Campus Center. Read More
    PREQUE ISLE – The Garden Club will hold its first meeting of the season at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 20 at the Congregational church. Dues are $15 a year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… 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 () { // Define… Read More
    NEWPORT – Water leaking into basements, houses that shake like an earthquake, and the constant aroma of sewage are some of the complaints made by Railroad Street residents who believe a water main failure last summer damaged their sewer lines. Since the break was discovered… Read More
    NEWPORT – Fresh-faced Connor Miholovich, 7, raised his hand in first grade Friday and told SAD 48 resource officer Kevin Wintle that a boy on the school bus had offered him drugs. Hiding his amazement, Wintle replied gently: “That is why I’m here.” googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Athens Voters will decide today on a budget that represents a $19,821 decrease from last year’s $387,578 expenditures. 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++)… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – With important help from a pending $126,000 state grant, the effort to create a $750,000 downtown arts, culture and retail center in the former J.J. Newberry department store could culminate with construction starting by June 1, a leading proponent said Friday. If all… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Residents will have one last chance next week to weigh in on the site for a new elementary school before the project goes before the State Board of Education. A public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 12, at Ellsworth… Read More
    CALAIS – A local pub won’t have to turn off the tap on the suds now that the city has shelved a hearing on its special amusement permit. Patrons may continue to imbibe at Spanky’s Pub on North Street after city councilors learned at a… Read More
    CAMDEN – It’s either a nice small-town connection in an increasingly impersonal world, or a wasteful and costly inefficiency, depending on your point of view. The Camden Police Department’s local dispatching service is the last of its kind in Knox County. Other town police departments… Read More
    NEWPORT – The Murray Road is a bumpy track that slopes slowly down from Stetson Road to Sebasticook Lake. It is a sheet of ice with no ditches for snow to be pushed into. Trees are crowding in, and the passage is so narrow that… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – When people say that Millinocket needs more competition among its gasoline sellers to offset the area’s higher-than-average gas prices, Tim Darling smiles and nods. The general manager of the Best Value Heritage Motor Inn on Central Street will open a high-end convenience store,… Read More
    Health Services Foundation will welcome Houlton native Travis Humphrey and the Travis J. Humphrey Band, in concert, to benefit the foundation’s $1 million Nuclear Medicine Equipment Campaign for Houlton Regional Hospital. Tickets are available for the benefit, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 24,… Read More
    Army National Guard Pvt. Thomas Fredette graduated from basic combat training at Fort Knox. A 1998 graduate of Shead High School in Eastport, Fredette is the son of Joseph Fredette and Maria Townsend of Eastport. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    ORONO – The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the cause of Thursday night’s fire at the former Birch Street School, but it’s not considered suspicious, Fire Chief Buddy Webb said Friday. Fire marshal investigators are expected to be back at the scene today. Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci’s biennial budget plan was subjected to another test Friday, as a legislative committee gathered to grade it on its tax implications. When it came to the $136 million tobacco tax increase that the governor has proposed, the Taxation Committee effectively… Read More
    FREEDOM – The board of appeals of this Waldo County town has shot down plans to build three wind turbines on Beaver Ridge, the second Maine wind project rejected this year. Board members concluded Thursday that the turbines, which could generate enough electricity to power… Read More
    LITTLETON – A 22-year-old snowmobiler died Friday when his sled left a northern Maine trail and crashed into trees, the Maine Warden Service said. Michael Libby of Lincolnville was leading two other snowmobilers when he hit a bump, which sent the sled off the trail… Read More
    Ray Beless of Dover-Foxcroft has been appointed chaplain of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department. Beless is pastor of the Abbot Evangelical Free Church and is a certified law enforcement chaplain. Among his duties will be death notifications, assisting the department in emergencies and attending special events. Read More
    Bangor’s Congregation Beth El plans its Community Seder for 5 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Jeff’s Catering, 5 Coffin Ave., Brewer. It will be a traditional celebration on the second night of Passover. The Seder will be led by Rabbi Darrah Lerner. Take part in the readings from… Read More
    Crypt Held Bodies of Jesus and Family, Film Says,” heralded a headline in the Feb. 27 New York Times over one of the best-promoted docudramas of the year thus far. The article announced “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” – a film produced by James Cameron… Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – It was the same old story Friday afternoon for the University of Maine women’s basketball team. The Black Bears’ propensity for committing turnovers, failure to keep opponents off the offensive boards and lack of offensive weapons – which had made UMaine a middle-of-the-pack team during… Read More
    A year ago, mainstream America became acquainted with a sport that had previously been hugely popular in extreme sports competitions as snowboardcross – known also as boardercross to some, boarder X to others, snowboard X to still others – made its Olympic debut. The rough-and-tumble… Read More
    AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Maine Black Bears scored the game’s first goal and received a penalty-shot save from backup goalie Dave Wilson. But even that wasn’t enough as the University of Massachusetts received goals 5:33 apart in the third period from Alex Berry… Read More
    HERMON – The Big East Conference Class B senior all-star games will be held Tuesday at Hermon High School. The girls game will be start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys game at 7. Each game will consist of two 20-minute halves. Playing time… 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
    COLLEGE Pilgrim Wrestling League 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
    SCRANTON, Pa. – Bowdoin College shot 55 percent from beyond the 3-point arc and forced 23 Rochester turnovers as the top-ranked Polar Bears of Brunswick advanced to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Elite Eight for the sixth consecutive year with a 63-53 Sweet Sixteen victory Friday. Read More
    Most of Maine’s top high school swimmers, including a group from the 4-time defending Class B state champion MDI boys, will compete in Saturday’s New England Championships, but just one member of Bangor High’s Class A boys and girls state championship teams will take part. Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – Bye bye Bracey. Bracey Barker has been among the top players in America East during the last three seasons. She’ll be missed, sort of, by some of the league’s other coaches. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    Last week I spent a lovely Sunday morning hiking up Blue Hill Mountain in Blue Hill with members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. It was a treat to revisit the place I had first lived upon moving to Maine. A few bird sightings were an added bonus… Read More
    Bruce Lee fans, this one’s for you. I had never heard of “Ninja Warrior” until a press release from G4 network made its way to my inbox, but apparently the show and the competition have been around for a while. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday,… Read More
    “Broken Arrow: Blu-ray”: From John Woo, a broken film, though not one without its share of cheap fun. The plot is concerned with the undoing of two men – one played by John Travolta, the other by Christian Slater. Are there two less threatening men in the movies?… Read More
    Like pizza and sex, there is no really bad baseball. You could watch a CYO (look it up), high school, Park League, college or professional baseball game and always find something special, something you don’t see every day, something that justifies sitting in the sun… Read More
    “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek proverb This is a plea to plant a tree. Not just any tree, but one in a billion. It is a plea to join with… Read More
    That blast of real winter weather we had this week drove me into soup-making mode. The recipe I used is one I have had for 36 years and was, believe it or not, one of the first things I ever cooked on a fireplace hearth. I can’t even… Read More