AUGUSTA – The Department of Education unveiled a model school administration consolidation plan that calls for absorbing the state’s current 290 school units into 62 new districts. Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron outlined the model during a forum before the Legislature’s Education Committee at the… Read More
BANGOR – If the governor’s budget proposal goes unchanged, undergraduate students enrolled in the University of Maine System can expect to see an average 12.6 percent increase in their tuition for the fall semester. The system’s board of trustees on Monday approved a resolution that… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – John McDonald doesn’t remember much about the day he almost died. He remembers that an acquaintance wanted to spend the night at his apartment, and he remembers telling the man and his girlfriend no. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
A news story published in the May 3 State section reported erroneously that the Bangor House renovation project in the 1970s was the first in the nation to use federal historic preservation tax credits. The project actually was the first in the city to do so. The incorrect… Read More
AUGUSTA – As the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee seeks to reach agreement on a two-year state budget, several proposals to gain more tax revenue from businesses are under consideration. The businesses being targeted are based out of state but do business in Maine, and the intention is that there… Read More
A widely used diabetes pill raises the risk of heart attacks and possibly death, according to a scientific analysis that reveals what some experts are calling another Vioxx-like example of the government failing to protect the public from an unsafe drug. More than 6 million… Read More
Blood pressures and cholesterol levels are down among the employees of the Bangor Letter Shop. Healthier diets and regular exercise are making life better for workers and boosting productivity at Northeastern Log Homes in Kenduskeag. Rates of smoking and alcohol abuse have dropped significantly in the work force… Read More
A dramatic account of Alberto Gonzales’ nighttime visit to John Ashcroft’s sick bed may well be the last straw for Mr. Gonzales as he struggles to hold his job as U.S. attorney general. The riveting testimony about his visit three years ago was described by… Read More
Local planning boards often know more about the number of parking spaces a large new retail store would produce than they do about the net number of jobs it would bring. But learning about the broad economic effects of a development is crucial to any community trying to… Read More
A few days ago, liberal First District Rep. Tom Allen announced that he is running against U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. Both Collins and Allen have served in Congress since 1997. If Allen wants a promotion, let’s compare his record with that of Sen. Collins while both have served… Read More
We already have immigration laws that aren’t enforced. Why do we need another set of laws not to be enforced? Gerrard Rudmin 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
“It’s not about winning or losing, but about doing the right thing,” shouted Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) at a January anti-war rally in Washington. Amen to that! As immersed as many of us are in basketball and hockey playoffs or the streaking Sox, it is… Read More
I can’t recall a less prestigious group of candidates for the presidency. On the Republican side, the same old nonsense, business people bent on militarism, corporate profits above all, and the trumpeting of zany cultural issues of little interest. Nothing whatsoever for the working person, you can be… Read More
Recreational bear trapping exists in Maine for the money. Anyone who thinks it’s so fun ought to spend time in a bear trap. Connie McNamara googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
Please accept my thanks for the editorial “Sentimental Types” (BDN, May 12). It’s an important step to recognize areas in legislative spending where reasonable cuts can be made. In my House district, our local legislator, Chris Greeley, has been described as the “Sentiment King” by… Read More
On Monday, May 7, we had our radio tuned to Clear Channel station 910 AM and we did not hear the emergency message by Gov. Baldacci. Therefore, we were surprised to read in the BDN that the test was a success. We had the radio on for 15… Read More
Our Legislature will soon be voting on LD 1635, An Act to Prohibit Recreational Bear Trapping. Whereas Maine has much to be proud of, we also have the unfortunate distinction of being the last state in the nation to allow this cruel practice. Maine’s Department… Read More
“Addiction: a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by well-known physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
The inscription on the Statue of Liberty reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” How wide… Read More
Maine is not among the 39 states investigating their Medicare Advantage programs, according to Deputy Superintendent of Insurance Judith Shaw. About 4,850 Mainers are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. While there have been “a couple of issues” here associated with Medicare Advantage – including one… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Beals woman probably was discriminated against because of her severe arthritis and neuropathy, the Maine Human Rights Commission ruled Monday. Judith Marcus was employed by the Abnaki Girl Scout Council as a membership program coordinator for several years when a staff reorganization… Read More
AUGUSTA – Budget-trimming proposals under discussion at the State House have raised concerns from the court master overseeing the state’s compliance with a decree governing services for the mentally ill. In a periodic update filed last week, former Maine supreme court Chief Justice Daniel Wathen… Read More
BANGOR – The Irish man who earlier this year pleaded guilty to robbing a Bangor bank at gunpoint has asked a federal judge to allow him to change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity. Niall G. Clarke 26, suffers from a severe… Read More
CASTINE – The collection of prehistoric tools housed at Wilson Museum is about to be introduced to a much wider audience. The collection was assembled by the museum’s founder, Dr. J. Howard Wilson, between 1902 and 1922, both through his own excavations in Europe and… Read More
PORTLAND – Four Maine convicts serving long prison terms for murder, manslaughter or rape say a 2005 state supreme court ruling that reduced the sentence of a Chelsea woman in the 2001 death of her 5-year-old foster daughter should also apply to them. Lawyers for… Read More
DEDHAM – Camp CaPella, a lakefront summer sanctuary for children with disabilities in Greater Bangor, will be closed for the second consecutive year due to a funding shortage. The news isn’t all bad, though. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Home gardeners are invited to a free program on small-scale gardens 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the Piscataquis County Extension office. Donna Coffin, Extension educator, and Paul Matulis, Master Gardener, will discuss raised-bed gardening and methods to reduce weeds in the garden. Read More
BAR HARBOR – For officials at the hospital in this scenic seaside town, trying to find effective ways to provide health care services to the dispersed population it serves can be challenging. Most of Mount Desert Island is made up of Acadia National Park, which… Read More
HERMON – Residents will not vote to fund a new fire station in June’s election, but they will be asked to weigh in on the proposed facility’s location. Town councilors did not feel comfortable asking residents to spend money on a station when its location… Read More
Following are divorces granted in 13th District Court in Dover-Foxcroft during March on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Udo Schneider and Margaret Jean Schneider, both of Sangerville, married at Butzbach, Germany, Oct. 24, 1991; shared parental rights for two children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Sometime during the past weekend, a $4,000 batting cage was knocked down, a garage door was kicked in, trash barrels were tossed into the Sebasticook River, trash was thrown around, and one of the barrels was used for an impromptu bonfire. No one reported seeing… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – WorkReady, a 60-hour training program offered in April and May for workers trying to upgrade their employment skills, held its graduation luncheon at the Skowhegan Armory on Friday. The following participants were awarded the WorkReady credential: Shelly Bussiere, Ronald Cates, Daniel W. Clark,… Read More
Penobscot Superior Court Cases March 1-30, 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
BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center will offer training in “Building Peaceable Nonviolent Early Childhood Settings” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 2. The training will be in the board room of the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., Bangor. The cost of… Read More
BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center is offering training in “Foundations in Health, Wellness & Safety” 6-9 p.m. June 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31, and Aug. 7 at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St. Bangor. Cost of the training is $15. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
FORT KENT – Thirty-eight University of Maine at Fort Kent nursing students received their nursing pins, signifying their official entrance into the profession, on May 11 in Fox Auditorium of the UMFK campus. Faculty, staff and students, along with family members and friends of the… Read More
Penobscot Superior Court Cases March 1-30, 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
At least one hungry thief broke into the Forest Avenue storage building owned by the East Side Little League sometime Monday afternoon or early evening, according to Bangor police. At least one forager made off with about $80 worth of food from a freezer and… Read More
THORNDIKE – The SAD 3 board voted Monday night to name Joseph Mattos as the district’s new superintendent. Mattos will replace outgoing superintendent Barbara Rado Mosseau. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
LUBEC – This year’s school budget is going down, but the town’s budget is going up – at least a little bit. Working with the town’s budget committee and selectmen, the Lubec school board of directors recently approved a 2007-08 budget of $2,156,080, a 3.4… Read More
CALAIS – The Conic Lake trail at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge has been temporarily closed to protect nesting birds, Bill Kolodnicki, manager of the refuge said Monday. The trail is in the refuge’s wilderness area off Route 191 in Baring. Refuge staff are monitoring… Read More
BELFAST – The Belfast Garden Club will present another two gardens in its Open Garden Days season. On May 25 the club will open the Joseph Garden, a collector’s garden with spring flowering plants and shrubs, at 71 Congress St. Then it will be the… Read More
BELFAST – Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County will hold its annual meeting and reception for tutors and volunteers 5:30-7 p .m. Thursday, May 24, in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library. The public is welcome to attend. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Read More
UNION – The fourth annual Vose Library plant sale will be held 8 a.m.-noon on Union Common on Saturday, June 2. It will feature a large selection of perennials, herbs colorful flowering shrubs, roses, annuals and vegetable seedlings, all at very reasonable prices. There be… Read More
SEARSPORT – Penobscot Marine Museum starts its 2007 season Friday, May 25, with the opening of the exhibit “Through the Photographers Lens: Penobscot Bay and Beyond” (May 26-Oct. 21). The opening reception will be held 5-7 p.m. at the Douglas and Margaret Carver Gallery at… Read More
PRINCETON – Tickets are available for the second annual Spring Dinner at the Princeton Rod & Gun Club on Saturday, June 23. Tickets are $20 each (Canadian at par) and are available at Paradis Shop ‘n Save, and the St. Croix Valley and St. Stephen Chamber offices. Read More
NORTH BLUE HILL – The Halcyon Grange of North Blue Hill will present its annual Community Service Award along with festivities and live music performed by Paul Sullivan at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at the Grange. Kevin Poland and Maine Weather also will perform,… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – With new instructors on board, a doodling wall in the works and grants in the mail, it’s a busy time for the Wintergreen Arts Center. This month the local nonprofit began its second session, filled with art and performance classes, Lara Cannon,… Read More
CALAIS – There were lots of traffic stops Monday, but no arrests. Instead of summonses, members of the Maine State Police handed out coffee and muffins along with doughnuts and sandwiches at Dunkin’ Donuts’ Tip a Trooper day. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A local organization devoted to outdoor adventure is gearing up for a summer full of camps for all ages and is getting a boost along the way from the Maine Community Foundation. The Outdoor Adventure Program International at the University of Maine… Read More
CARIBOU – Dr. Josette Hunter, an OB-GYN physician at Horizons Caribou Health Center, 118 Bennett Drive, will lead a discussion about Gardasil at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at the health center. Gardasil is a new vaccine that can helps protect against certain types of… Read More
DANFORTH – The Danforth East Grand High School Alumni Association will hold its alumni banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Alumni Building. Roll call will be at 5:30 p.m. Read More
Sales, sales, sales. Everything you ever needed for home, camp or cottage, from plants to pots to put them in and tables to put them on, are available to you through individuals and organizations working to raise money to support their activities and facilities. So,… Read More
BANGOR – The Memorial Day parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. Monday, May 28, at the Bank of America building on Exchange Street. It will proceed up Exchange Street, turn left on State Street to Main Street, and left on Main Street to Davenport Park. A commemorative ceremony… Read More
For the fourth consecutive year, Maine police agencies are uniting to convince drivers to use their safety belts. The two-week campaign, called Buckle Up – No Excuses, began Monday in Augusta with a news conference and representatives of some of the 81 police departments involved. Read More
BANGOR – At 9-4, the Old Town baseball team has the second-best record in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference’s Class A North baseball ranks this spring. But defending state champion Bangor showed Monday night that the gulf between first and second place couldn’t be wider,… Read More
I have to admit that I wasn’t paying attention to the first conversation in my house about Heelys sneakers. My family might tell you that I am not a good listener, but I would counter with the fact that I absorb, then respond. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
A week or so ago, I asked readers for help after another reader saw an eagle swimming in the ocean, then asked me for a possible explanation. Knowing that “He was probably training for a triathlon” wouldn’t cut the mustard, I turned to you …… Read More
ORONO – Gio Yannuzzi hasn’t pitched a lot this spring. With the America East regular-season title on the line Monday afternoon, the junior lefthander gave Binghamton University a huge lift going into the conference tournament. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
Belfast High softball pitcher Stephanie Whittier was back in school Monday, Lions athletic director Terry Kenniston said, after a scary incident in a game Thursday. Pitching in a key Eastern Maine Class B matchup against Winslow, Whittier took a line drive off her forehead during… Read More
BANGOR – The area’s amateur baseball season gets started in exhibition fashion over Memorial Day weekend with a doubleheader Sunday featuring all-stars from Eastern Maine’s Bay League squaring off against Patriot Mutual, the 2006 champion from the Portland-based Twilight League. The doubleheader of seven-inning games… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Presque Isle 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
HIGH SCHOOL At Presque Isle 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
DYER BROOK – Isaac Ward’s RBI single knocked in Kevin Baker with the game-winning run in the eighth inning to lead Ashland past Southern Aroostook 2-1 in high school baseball action Monday. The Hornets scored their first run on a Southern Aroostook throwing error in… Read More
MPA should apologize for mistake at ski meet An electronic timing issue negatively affected the girls skimeister results at the state Class C ski meet held in Mars Hill and Presque Isle on Feb. 19. At the completion of any ski event, unofficial results are… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Kayla Higgins hit a double, a single, and a home run with four RBIs to lead Sumner of East Sullivan by Stearns 13-4 in high school softball action Monday. Morgan Traxler hit a home run with two RBIs, while Lona Sargent added a… Read More
BREWER – Jordan McLain hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Brewer to a 1-0 high school softball victory over Skowhegan on Monday. McLain pitched nine innings, earning a two-hit shutout with a school-record 16 strikeouts for the… Read More
The University of Maine men’s hockey program will lose a defenseman and gain one this offseason. Bryan Plaszcz, who would have been a junior in the fall, has decided to transfer while Jeff Dimmen, who helped lead the St. Louis Bandits to the North American… Read More
In “As You Like It,” Shakespeare wrote the famous line: “All the world’s a stage.” During the Northern Writes New Play Festival, all the world’s on stage. Local celebrities, average Joes and Joannes and a host of Penobscot Theatre Company community actors are a part… Read More
Every so often I get a yen to make dolls. I don’t know why. As a child, I never played with dolls all that much. Dolls were such a bother. They had to be carried around and that interfered with my propensity to investigate and learn the world… Read More