AUGUSTA – Many of the short-term fixes for the overcrowding in the state’s prison system included in the new state budget may be part of the long-term solution to the problem, says Corrections Commissioner Martin Magnusson. These include housing of some female inmates at the… Read More
WASHINGTON – While President Bush on Tuesday defended his surge in Iraq and urged Congress to give it more time, Senate Democrats said time was up and floated a new plan to start withdrawing troops within four months. The Democrats’ new proposal would leave it… Read More
AMHERST – As police remained tight-lipped about the investigation into Monday’s discovery of a dead body in this rural Hancock County community of about 230 residents, townspeople were buzzing Tuesday with all the attention. Jessica McKinney, who works at the Amherst General Store and Restaurant… Read More
State officials who oversee municipal recycling efforts are closely monitoring a new approach that makes the process simpler for residents. “Single-sort,” or “single-stream” recycling, which allows residents to dump their plastics, newspapers and magazines, junk mail, glass and metal into a single container at their… Read More
BANGOR – The bed that Hannibal Hamlin slept in is for sale. So are his walnut lift-top commode, upright spinet piano and 6-foot-tall painting of the Madonna and cherubs along with books from his personal library. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
BAILEYVILLE – A company that hopes to manufacture structural insulated panels for use in both commercial and residential buildings has filed with the state Department of Environmental Protection for the permits it needs to build a new plant. City Manager Scott Harriman provided an update… Read More
BANGOR – Passenger traffic at Bangor International Airport was down 4.7 percent the first five months of 2007, compared with the same period a year ago, and officials said this week they believe it will be increasingly difficult to compete with other airports that have attracted low-cost carriers. Read More
The following petitions for bankruptcy were filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor during February 2007: Gerard N. Pare, disabled, and Janice L. Pare, aka Janice L. Harper, customer service representative, Augusta: assets, $3,570; debts, $66,899. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Perhaps Sen. Olympia Snowe’s anguish over the Iraq war (BDN, July 9) stems, in part, from the distinction she makes between “American blood” and human blood in general. We have absolutely no evidence to suggest that a merciful creator makes any such distinction, and we… Read More
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states among other things, that “the Congress shall enact no law respecting religion.” That, very succinctly, is the doctrine of the separation of church and state. It means that we will have no laws which either promote or discriminate against a… Read More
In response to the letter “Remember Juneteenth” (BDN, June 30), it starts with “as I ponder.” Every day, every month, every year, OUR country is being torn down and shamed worldwide by people “pondering” and not thinking as one. I do not have to quote history on the… Read More
It is a shame the school consolidation issue has not received the time, study, public influence, changes, and ultimate decisions that has evolved with the three-year Plum Creek proposal. One wonders why the governor, his departments and the Legislature could not take the time and… Read More
Desecration? Rape of Mother Nature? These incendiary phrases were used in a recent letter by Rella Bezanilla, “Mars Hill desecration” (BDN, July 5), to describe the effects of the Mars Hill wind farm. I suggest that the writer should look at some of the numerous… Read More
As an Aroostook native and frequent traveler on Route 1 North with usually more than one passenger on board, we all take delight in viewing the wind farm. We are summarily disappointed if the “wings” are obscured by weather because we want to see how many are turning. Read More
Pushed by a surprise Supreme Court decision, major changes in policy regarding the hundreds of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay are expected. Rather than continued legal fights, the Bush administration should close the detention center in Cuba and bring to the United States those prisoners who truly pose… Read More
All signs point toward a good year for Maine’s number one industry, tourism. This is quite a change from last year’s rainy spring and slow start. Travel on the Maine Turnpike for Independence Day week was up 6 percent over last year, and the mass… Read More
Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter! My 54-year-old friend and her 11-year-old granddaughter both think that the week’s biggest news story is the upcoming publication of the newest and final installment of J.K. Rowling’s fantastically popular book series and its companion soon-to-be-released movie. That’s really… Read More
The discussion around FairPoint Communication Inc.’s plans to merge with Verizon’s telephone operations in Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire has sparked some opposition, but many positive comments are coming from those who recognize the benefits. Like any good company, we respect each viewpoint, and encourage constructive dialog. Read More
WINDSOR – Police said Tuesday they have gathered important evidence and received help from the public in identifying three men who duct-taped a disabled man to his refrigerator and robbed him of as much as $5,000. Eugene Varney, 43, who uses a wheelchair, was found… Read More
HOULTON – During meetings in Fort Kent, Caribou and Presque Isle, residents and school officials have reacted with skepticism and at times anger toward the state’s education reorganization initiative, which was signed into law in June. Area residents attending an informational meeting in Houlton Monday… Read More
CALAIS – The only people who seem happy with a proposed school administration reorganization plan are the state lawmakers who passed the law and the governor who signed it. Other than that, it was clear Tuesday during a meeting on the plan that folks in… Read More
Two whale advocacy groups that are trying to get the federal government to adopt new regulations on lobster fishing gear announced Tuesday that they have settled a lawsuit they filed earlier this year against federal regulators. The Humane Society of the United States and the… Read More
State environmental officials are seeking public comment on proposed emissions caps for new outdoor wood boilers and other restrictions aimed at curtailing complaints about the increasingly popular home heating devices. The Maine Board of Environmental Protection is considering a multiphased approach to addressing concerns about… Read More
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., are planning to hold a press conference today to announce the formation of a bipartisan Alzheimer’s disease study group. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Sen. Bob Kerrey will lead the committee of 10 to… Read More
MEDWAY -A fire that damaged a 1 1/2-story house Monday while the resident was being held at Penobscot County Jail on a drug charge was arson, a State Fire Marshal’s Office investigator said Tuesday. Ed Archer, a senior fire investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s… Read More
SEARSPORT – Penobscot Marine Museum’s Downeaster Days, a day program for children from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for five days, has a few openings and some scholarship money available for children who want to attend. The program includes games, crafts, special visitors and other… Read More
BANGOR – A Caribou man accused of smuggling OxyContin into the country at the Aroostook Valley Country Club in Fort Fairfield has been released on $10,000 unsecured bail provided he live with his parents and stay off drugs. Andrew “Shorty” Adams, 23, was released late… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Maine Windjammer Association will host the fourth annual Maine Windjammer Parade past the Rockland Breakwater from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 13. Geared for both spectators on shore and windjammer guests, the event will provide close-up views of the entire fleet… Read More
OLD TOWN – A standoff Monday night forced evacuation of some French Island homes after a local man refused to leave his home and told police he had a shotgun. Earlier in the evening, Stanley Tremblay, 36, of Old Town had entered a woman’s Center… Read More
BLUE HILL – At a time when the state is mandating consolidation of school districts, a group of local residents has announced plans to start a new private alternative high school in town. The Blue Hill Harbor School is based on the EdVisions model for… Read More
FREEPORT – The 2007 Miss Maine Day Pageant, a fundraiser for the Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant, will be held Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. Miss Maine 2007 Tara Allain will be present to give contestants pageant tips. Competition categories include… Read More
FRANKFORT – The West Frankfort Rescue and Independent Rescue Service will hold its first Ultimate Paintball Challenge as a fundraiser for both services. The challenge will consist of two parts: Sniper Alley and Gettysburg. Sign-in will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at the… Read More
HOPE – People attending the Hope Historical Society’s July meeting will visit the William Pearse family treasures in their barn on Tuesday, July 17. Members and visitors should meet at the Hope Historical Home, 479 Camden St. (Route105) at 9:15 a.m. to car pool to… Read More
HARBORSIDE – Ethan Miller, an organizer with the Grassroots Economic Organizing Cooperative, author, and singer-songwriter, will present “Building a Solidarity Economy in Maine and Beyond” on Monday, July 16, at The Good Life Center in Harborside. Miller will focus on a way to build cooperative… Read More
SEARSPORT – “Restoring the Penobscot River: Reconnecting Inland Waters to the Sea” will be presented by Cheryl Daigle, community liaison and outreach coordinator for the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at Penobscot Marine Museum. Daigle plans to present a slide… Read More
ORLAND – The Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust’s Invasive Species Control Team is offering an invasive plant control workshop led by Alison Dibble, Ph.D., 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 21, starting at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in East Orland, rain or shine. Participants will learn… Read More
DEXTER – A car plunged into Lake Wassookeag on Monday afternoon, but the driver was able to escape with minor injury. Melissa Crocker, 28, of Dover-Foxcroft was northbound on Route 23 when she lost control of her 1998 Chevrolet Blazer and went off the road… Read More
Following are divorces granted in May in 13th District Court in Dover-Foxcroft on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Jack E. Boffin, Everett, Mass., and Maureen A. Boffin, Dover-Foxcroft, married at Jacksonville, Fla., July 26,1986; shared parental rights for two children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Belfast District Court Cases July 2-6, 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
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – Rough weather in the spring has resulted in no young peregrine falcons being hatched in the park this year, making it possible for some park trails to be reopened to the public earlier than normal, according to Acadia officials. Each spring,… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Selectmen applauded the town’s public works crew, hired a new chief of police and awarded a bid for the Skowhegan Community Center during their business meeting Tuesday night. Michael Emmons of Gardiner, who has been police chief in Wiscasset for the past seven… Read More
HOLDEN – Town councilors voted Monday to keep next year’s tax rate unchanged. They did so by increasing the amount taken from the undesignated fund, as suggested by Carl Lowe, longtime town assessor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
NEWPORT – The third annual Outcast Bass Club bass fishing tournament will be held on Sebasticook Lake on July 22. Ken Hoehlein said registration will be at 6 a.m. the day of the tournament at the boat launch on North Street. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
UNION – The Friends of the Vose Library are hosting their annual book and bake sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, on Union Common. The sale will feature an outstanding selection of fiction and nonfiction books. Those attending the event should also check out… Read More
SEARSPORT – The Penobscot Marine Museum will host the Maine Antique Power Association, or MAPA, for a daylong exhibit of antique stationary and marine engines Saturday, July 14. MAPA is a nonprofit organization established in 1973. Members are dedicated to preserving America’s mechanical past through… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases July 2-6, 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
HOLDEN – The town councilor who reported tree cutting on subdivision land set aside as restricted deer habitat has been told to stay off the property. A lawyer for Oak Leaf Realty Inc. of Brewer, developer of the Barrett Lane subdivision on Mann Hill Road,… Read More
ORIENT – As a Houlton-based organization continues to expand the services it offers to communities throughout southern Aroostook County, it also has begun expanding the number of towns to which it provides those services. Representatives from Vital Pathways announced recently that the town of Orient… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Disco dancing will make a return this month as it will be back to its beginning for the Central Maine Egg Festival. “Staying Egg-live, A Tribute to the ’70s” is the official theme this year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
DANFORTH – In what Superintendent Bill Dobbins said Monday was the “fastest budget meeting” he had ever attended in SAD 14, voters in the district quickly approved an approximately $1.8 million budget for the 2007-08 school year recently. About 30 peopled turned out June 29… Read More
ROBBINSTON – Chamber music soon will be a part of the summer offerings in this small village. Sponsored by the Robbinston Historical Society and the Harald Saeverud Chamber Music Program, this is the second summer concert series, and it begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, July… Read More
PORTLAND – A scaled-down version proposal for a wind farm in western Maine has been filed with the Land Use Regulation Commission and public hearings are scheduled for September, project developers said Tuesday. The latest plan by Maine Mountain Power LLC comes five months after… Read More
Everyone who loves listening to The Memphis Belles will be happy to hear, as I did, from “Belle” Penny Weinstein that they are coming out of retirement to perform a benefit concert in conjunction with the New England Forestry Foundation. The Memphis Belles, who entertain… Read More
SIDNEY – A new boat launch has opened on central Maine’s Messalonskee Lake, replacing one that was closed because of an infestation of milfoil. The state Conservation Department said the opening of the new launch off Route 23 in Sidney last week came ahead of… Read More
BREWER – Two scientists associated with the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health have been awarded cancer research funding from the Maine Cancer Foundation. According to a press release issued Tuesday, researchers Janet Bayleran and Agasanur Prahalad were among five scientists selected to receive… Read More
OSSIPEE, N.H. – The man who admitted fatally shooting three people last week during a store robbery in Conway said Tuesday he plans to plead guilty and serve his sentence. Michael Woodbury, who earlier said he was denied mental health treatment during a prison stint… Read More
BANGOR – The Professional Bull Riders competitions scheduled July 28 and 29 at the Bangor State Fair have been canceled due to low ticket sales, according to the event’s marketing director. Lauren Wayne, northern New England marketing director for Live Nation, said Tuesday that refunds… Read More
PORTLAND – A father who helped his son hide a slaying victim’s body but later told police where to find the victim won’t be charged with any crime. Vincent Clark made a serious error in judgment in February 2006 when he helped his son, Steven… Read More
Drivers and passengers in cars with loon license plates will receive free admission to state parks and historic sites this Saturday and Sunday. For the second year in a row, the Maine Department of Conservation is waiving state park admission fees as a measure of… Read More
WAYNE – Maine State Police on Tuesday were investigating the death of a young woman at the home where she lived with her parents. The body of Alexandra Mills, 19, was found Tuesday morning at the house on Old Winthrop Road, police said. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
PORTLAND – A divided state supreme court Tuesday denied a Litchfield man’s appeal of his consecutive sentences for the 2003 kidnapping and beating death of the 42-year-old owner of a Lewiston bar. Roger Keene had argued that his Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial… Read More
OAKLAND – Lance Libby of Sidney is familiar with Waterville Country Club, the site of this week’s 88th Maine Amateur Golf Championship. “I’ve worked here for six years,” he said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
OAKLAND – Seth Sweet of Madison watched last year as his dad, Dan, caddied for a friend at a Maine Amateur Golf Championship qualifier. “[Seth] said he wanted to play in the qualifier next year,” said Dan Sweet. “I thought he would lose interest over… Read More
Thanks to a former Bangor High School tennis player with a thing for baseball, the borders of Red Sox Nation may have expanded even more. Josh Yardley went from being a recent college graduate in one of the world’s most populous cities with all the… Read More
Not long after Jim Chasse became principal at Piscataquis Community High of Guilford two years ago, he came across a student petition urging the development of a wrestling program at the school. The petition had enough signatures to pique Chasse’s interest, particularly at a school… Read More
PORTLAND – Portland Sea Dogs’ right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket. Additionally right-handed pitcher Chris Smith has rejoined the Sea Dogs from Pawtucket. The Red Sox also released Sea Dogs’ first baseman Eric Crozier. Buchholz, the Red Sox top pitching prospect,… Read More
YARMOUTH – The McNally East/West Senior All-Star Field Hockey game will be held at Yarmouth High School on Saturday at 6 p.m.. An Alumnae All-Star game will be held at 4 p.m. before the Senior game. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Justin Masterson wasted no time justifying his promotion from the Single-A Lancaster Jethawks to Double-A and the Portland Sea Dogs. The Boston Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June got off to a great start in July as well as he flirted… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Dana Leland enjoys being a starting pitcher in the high school and American Legion baseball ranks. But the righthander has found success in escaping the tight jams that mark a reliever’s lot in the sport, and that fortitude was pivotal Tuesday as he… Read More
BANGOR – Patrick Stewart hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to lift the Bangor East Little League All-Stars to a 6-5 baseball victory over Bangor West for ages 11-12 Tuesday. Ben Mann and Mark Paulette each singled and doubled while… Read More
HAMPDEN – Shawn Smith hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the 10th to give Hampden a 3-1 American Legion baseball victory over Calais Tuesday night. Brennan Perry singled and scored on Smith’s homer for the Riverdogs. Brian Perry singled twice and scored… Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – Federal prosecutors say they did not give baseball steroids investigator George Mitchell complete copies of affidavits implicating players in the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Responding to applications filed by The Associated Press and Hearst Corp. in cases in Arizona and New York,… Read More
Finelli’s has arrived in Bangor. For pizza lovers, this is a big deal. 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… Read More
Garden of eatin’ Foodies on the Schoodic Peninsula have missed the Kitchen Garden restaurant in Steuben since it closed five summers ago. But its owners, Jessie King and Alva Lowe, will reopen at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21, for a one-night-only benefit dinner for the… Read More