BANGOR – Concerned over recent recalls of toys that contain high levels of lead, parents and other holiday shoppers have a new resource to help them select safe gifts for the young children on their lists. The new Web site www.healthytoys.org was introduced Wednesday at press conferences in… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – When Todd Curry pulled the trigger on his hunting rifle just over a year ago and shot and killed 13-year-old Anthony Tucker of Palmyra, he thought he was saving all the people of the world. “It was quite possible he thought he was… Read More
AUGUSTA – From bridges deteriorating faster than first projected to revenues falling further below estimates, the Legislature’s Transportation Committee got report after report of bad news on Wednesday. “The transportation infrastructure in the state of Maine is in dire straits,” said Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Trenton,… Read More
LAGRANGE – More than 150 family members and friends gathered Wednesday to remember Kristen Smart Hart who died last week after allegedly being shot by her husband. Although family and friends didn’t want to talk to the press, pictures of Hart, 25, were laid out… Read More
Waves of European immigrants swept into the United States to escape the poverty and oppression of their homelands around the turn of the 20th century. This six-part series, which began Saturday, focuses on how Bangor, as an example of one Maine community, experienced this rush of humanity. Today’s… Read More
A story on Page B1 of Wednesday’s paper about Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington transporting wreaths by truck to decorate the graves of veterans in Arlington National Cemetery listed an incorrect departure date. The trucks will leave Maine on Sunday, Dec. 9, from the shipping center in Columbia. Read More
BOISE, Idaho – An eighth field in Idaho has been found to be infected with a microscopic wormlike pest that attacks potato plants, though officials don’t expect the same fallout U.S. growers suffered last year. The latest southeastern field infected with the potato cyst nematode… Read More
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The U.S. Senate has asked the Secretary of Commerce to re-examine a decision denying emergency assistance to New England fishermen. The resolution, which passed Tuesday, requests that the Department of Commerce reverse an October decision rejecting a request from the governors of… Read More
WASHINGTON – Gov. John Baldacci urged the Maine congressional delegation Wednesday to continue to press for increased federal low-income home energy assistance and to seek legislation that would allow large trucks to drive on the state’s interstate highways. Baldacci met with the delegation to discuss… Read More
WASHINGTON – Gov. John Baldacci brought snowfall to the nation’s capital on Wednesday. He braved the flurries, the city’s first of the season, to meet with Maine’s congressional delegation and with board members of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program. For more than a year,… Read More
FREEPORT – A microbrewery has come up with a plan designed to keep down the rising cost of grain needed to brew beer. Gritty McDuff’s is proposing to build a silo at its U.S. Route 1 brew pub to store barley malt. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
CALAIS – A Canadian firm is in the city today to interview those Washington County people who are interested in a long-term career in global market research. Acrobat Research, with headquarters in Toronto, is holding a job fair at the Washington County Community College from… Read More
MADISON – Roy Lubetkin, 50, previously the president of Agway Inc. Country Products Group, based in upstate New York, has been named president and chief executive officer of Backyard Farms. Backyard Farms, which recently announced a multimillion-dollar greenhouse expansion, is the largest New England greenhouse… Read More
It appears Ann Luther, “Repeal term limits,” (BDN, Nov. 20) is unhappy with the results of the latest voting. It seems very clear that the majority of people were in favor of term limits, and there was no hidden agenda with regards to the voting on this issue. Read More
In response to the op-ed by Jamie Py “Oil offers secure, clean heat” (BDN Nov. 17-18), I would like to raise a few questions. I find it hard to believe that “wood burning is responsible for 100 percent of the Maine air toxics produced from residential combustion,” while… Read More
As a member of TrainRiders/Northeast, the grass-roots organization that worked for 12 years to establish passenger rail between Boston and Portland as a first step to extending it farther into Maine, I would add to your editorial “Keep the Train Running” (BDN, Nov. 26) that not only is… Read More
Why is it the media hides when there is positive news? During World War II and the Korean War, mainstream American media actually cast our foreign policy, as well as sailors, soldiers and Marines, in a positive light. The media served as a tool to help us win,… Read More
Given the Bush administration’s strong rhetoric directed at Iran and its suspected nuclear weapons program, this week’s report from the American intelligence community that Iran stopped work on military nuclear weapons in 2003 is a significant turnaround. It shows that diplomacy and sanctions can alter Iran’s behavior, but… Read More
Despite a predicted $95 million state budget shortfall in the next two years, lawmakers are likely to consider scores of bills asking them to spend money to expand existing or create new programs. The budget constraints require new responsibility from lawmakers. That demand could be met with a… Read More
The Maine Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, an organization dedicated to protecting and enjoying our woods, waters, fish and wildlife, opposes Plum Creek Timber Co.’s concept plan. One of the greatest threats to Maine’s traditional outdoor recreational activities within the North Maine Woods is scattered development. Large,… Read More
BANGOR – A Superior Court Justice has ruled that the Brewer School Department did not discriminate against a softball coach who was not rehired in 2006 after officials learned she allowed student athletes to walk barefoot through sheep manure during a team picnic. Kelly Jo… Read More
BREWER – A Bangor woman has gotten her wish and will be able to continue with a traditional Kwanzaa celebration despite threats that were made last month. Assata Sherrill, 53, was informed Wednesday that the First Congregational Church of Brewer has agreed to donate space… Read More
AUGUSTA – A new draft report by the state Public Utilities Commission says the organization of the New England power grid is “fundamentally flawed” and that Maine could benefit from any of three alternatives, including in-place changes, outright withdrawal or a new partnership. Possible improvements,… Read More
HAMPDEN – Detective Jamie Marks settled onto the witness stand and looked the prosecutor straight in the eye. She knew that whether Pat Quinn was held responsible for the death of Oliver Holmes from a drug overdose depended on how well she handled herself. Marks’… Read More
Ladies and gentlemen, start your trail groomers. Mother Nature’s early deposit of as much as 2 feet of snow across Maine earlier this week created something the state’s $350 million snowmobile industry has prayed for since last year’s nearly disastrous winter – an early start… Read More
Machias District Court Cases Nov. 1-27, 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 former bookkeeper for a nonprofit agency that assists families with foster and adopted children was indicted Wednesday by the Penobscot County grand jury on charges of stealing more than $80,000 from the organization. Katherine Ratliff, 39, of Levant was indicted on one… Read More
BANGOR – Representatives from the U.S. Postal Service met with city officials Wednesday to launch their search for a new home for the Bangor post office. The postal service wants to move out of its current location in the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building on… Read More
Belfast Area High School First 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
Belfast District Court Cases Nov. 26-30, 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
Rockland District Court Cases Nov. 19-26, 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
MACHIAS – Washington County’s proposed 2007-08 budget is ready for public scrutiny and a public hearing has been scheduled for 4 p.m. today in the county courthouse complex. The proposed amount to be raised from local taxation is $4.4 million, a 2.47 percent increase or… Read More
EXETER – A kitchen fire Wednesday at the Dorman home on Stetson Road resulted in fire and smoke damage. The damage, however, could have been much worse had a family member not arrived in the nick of time, according to Corinna Fire Chief Leslie Bolstridge. Read More
BAR HARBOR – Things are improving at the town’s assessing office since a deputy assessor was hired on a short-term basis, the Town Council was told Tuesday. Stan Harmon, head of the town’s finance department, told the seven-member council that Assessor Steven Weed has been… Read More
Health-Link and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth have scheduled an additional flu shot clinic at Austin Furniture from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The clinic will coincide with the Ellsworth Downtown Holiday Festival. Flu shots are $15 or direct billing to Medicare and MaineCare. For… Read More
The annual Gouldsboro Winter Lights Celebration will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at the town pier in Prospect Harbor. The Beachcliff Man will be lit up and wearing a brand new Santa hat. Christmas lights will be glistening on the docks, the harbor-side… Read More
BANGOR – Randy DeVault stood at the front of a mobile tractor-trailer classroom Wednesday afternoon and told 13 students that one teenager is killed on Maine roads each week. During the presentation the young drivers-to-be sat quietly, absorbing the statistics, but after the lesson the… Read More
The Northern Maine Medical Center has scheduled several events for the month of December: . Cardiac support groups -free meetings that are open to the public. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Nov. 26-Dec. 3, 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
Ellsworth District Court Cases July 1-Aug. 31, 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
BREWER – The Brewer Housing Authority smoking ban that went into effect Aug. 1 isn’t going to blow away, but the agency’s leaders are considering building a covered outdoor area to keep smokers protected from the snow and rain. “They haven’t changed the policy, but… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Somerset County Commissioner Chairman Phil Roy laid the county’s new budget plan – and expenses – out in clear fashion for the Pittsfield Council Tuesday night. “I’m not here to sugarcoat this,” Roy said. “Be assured, no matter what, your county tax will… Read More
BANGOR – A proposal to bump up membership on the planning board was well-received when it was unveiled Tuesday night to members of the Bangor City Council subcommittee, who agreed to begin the approval process. That is expected to happen in the near future, after… Read More
Two events will offer you the “chance to support fair trade and the economic development of our sister community,” Carasque, El Salvador, “while buying beautiful gifts for your family and friends,” wrote Peace through Interamerican Community Action director Jon Falk. First up is POTS for… Read More
Before any U.S. military troops entered Bangladesh to help with relief efforts after last month’s devastating cyclone, Lt. Cmdr. James Ouellette Jr. visited the nation to help establish diplomatic rules that would allow Americans into the country’s airspace and waters. Ouellette, 35, an East Millinocket… Read More
PORTLAND – The leader of the Maine National Guard is throwing his support behind Democrat Adam Cote in the 1st District congressional race. Maj. Gen. Bill Libby, commander of the Maine National Guard, made his endorsement in a letter written to veterans groups this week. Read More
Alden Wilson, director of the Maine Arts Commission, has moved forward his retirement date by 2 1/2 months. At a September commission meeting in Orono, Wilson announced he would officially retire in February and spend his remaining months of service compiling a memoir of his… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine should require people getting driver’s licenses to be state residents, a report presented to the Legislature says. But doing that may not be as simple as it sounds because there are so many ways to define residency. The report submitted to the… Read More
PORTLAND – Some University of Southern Maine students who don’t meet the latest vaccination requirements for the mumps will be banned from campus Thursday, officials say. The university held a campuswide vaccination clinic Wednesday to provide an opportunity for about 1,300 full-time or residence-hall students… Read More
BANGOR – The Prentiss man accused of shooting his friend in the back of the head while high on cocaine was indicted Wednesday by the Penobscot County grand jury for intentional or knowing murder. Joseph Dumas, 48, is being held without bail at the Penobscot… Read More
WESTBROOK – ‘Tis the season for stolen toys and presents. That’s according to police, who charged a Westbrook couple with stealing toys, wrapping them as presents and labeling some of them as “from Santa.” Police charged 42-year-old Dean Seavey and 25-year-old Tina Seavey after a… Read More
NEW YORK – Elizabeth Hardwick, a Kentucky-born author and critic with Maine ties whose incisive prose helped her fulfill her dream of becoming a “New York intellectual,” has died. She was 91. Hardwick, who maintained a summer residence for many years in Castine, died Sunday… Read More
GARDINER – The Maine Turnpike Authority has obtained necessary permits to build a new service plaza in Gardiner. Turnpike officials say that once the $13.5 million project is completed next November, it will close service plazas in Lewiston and Litchfield. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
AUGUSTA – Critics of Plum Creek’s proposal for the Moosehead Lake region targeted the company’s plans to develop areas near Lily Bay and Brassua Lake on Wednesday as state regulators plodded through their third day of hearings. Plum Creek officials were on a defensive footing… Read More
The table was set for the Maine Maritime Academy volleyball team well before the 2007 season began. The Mariners had enjoyed back-to-back successful seasons and landed another solid recruiting class, but the biggest development was the departure of North Atlantic Conference powers – 2007 champ… Read More
Reports started filtering back to Bangor a few weeks ago, as deer hunters returned to town from the big woods of northern Maine. “It snowed three days while I was there,” one hunter told me in mid-November. “They had a foot on the ground by… Read More
There will be a new Eastern Maine Class B hockey champion and plenty of candidates since defending regional and state titlist Brewer has moved up to Class A. “The league is so tight this year,” said Orono coach Greg Hirsch. “This is the most parity… Read More
Defending a state championship is never easy in any sport, let alone track and field. That task becomes even more arduous when you lose 57 points from your state-championship team. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
COLLEGE Artie Cutrone 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
Jovan Belcher of the University of Maine has been named to the New England Football Writers Association Football Champion-ship Subdivision All-Star team. The honor for the junior defensive end from West Babylon, N.Y., comes on the heels of Belcher’s selection to the All-Colonial Athletic Association… Read More
STANDISH – Brock Bradford had 16 points and eight assists while Sheraud Lee tossed in 17 points to lead Husson College of Bangor to an 81-68 men’s basketball victory over Saint Joseph’s College Wednesday. Blaine Meehan and Matt MacKenzie scored 11 points apiece and Scott… Read More
ALFRED – An environmental advocacy group says Maine is experiencing extreme downpours and heavy snowstorms with greater frequency now than in the past. In a report released Wednesday, Environment Maine says global warming is the reason behind the extreme weather. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
What’s your favorite Christmas movie? “‘White Christmas.'” 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
BREWER – Christmas villages are always a hit, as the Brewer Historical Society found out when it brought back Springheirville last year. Special viewings of the project which carpenter and architect Lois Springer built four decades ago drew visitors last December to the society’s Clewley… Read More
The Bangor area will feel the beat and electric energy when Up with People, an international program for young adults, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Bangor Auditorium. The program offers members international travel, cultural immersion, service learning and the opportunity… Read More
BANGOR – Penobscot Theatre will magically transport audiences to Neverland as it stages Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play “Peter Pan” Dec. 12-23 at the historic Opera House at 131 Main St. “Before the book, before the musical and before all the movies, Barrie wrote… Read More
HAMPDEN – High school students from Hampden Academy and Cape Elizabeth High School will compete in the finals of the State Mock Trial Championship today. The competition will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cumberland County Courthouse in Portland. Each school won its semifinal competition… Read More
BANGOR – Come bid on Black Bear hockey tickets or a baby quilt – or both. Take a gander at the University of Maine signed baseball, or try to win the bid on an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, courtesy of Sen. Susan Collins. Read More
Schools FIRST LEGO tournament 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
BANGOR – For a small church in Bangor, the Sunday before Thanksgiving was truly a day to be thankful. Forest Avenue Congregational Church was alive with music when nine teenagers performed a bit of community service and raised $400 to help the church buy a… Read More
(As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Dec. 6, 1997 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
BANGOR – The Brewer Wal-Mart is donating $950 to the annual appeal for the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. “Wal-Mart has provided a lot of support to BAHS in the past, and this current donation will provide a big boost to our fund-raising efforts,” shelter director… Read More
As the nation contemplates the possibility of electing a woman for president, Eastern Agency on Aging has already taken the plunge. At the October 2007 annual board of directors meeting, Virginia Fortier was voted in as the first woman president in EAA’s 35-year history. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BANGOR AREA – Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, for those who have a desire to stop drinking, AA hot line, (800) 737-6237, or www.aamaine.org. BANGOR-BUCKSPORT AREA – Al-Anon meetings, for family and friends of problem drinkers; beginners encouraged. Al-Anon, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 40… Read More
Charities president BANGOR – Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems President and CEO M. Michelle Hood announced that Michael Crowley has been appointed the new president of Healthcare Charities. Crowley’s appointment was recognized recently by the Healthcare Charities board of directors at its meeting in Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
3rd District Court, Bangor Cases Nov. 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… Read More
Branch manager BREWER – Tony Cerbone has been promoted to branch manager of the Merrill Bank branch at 366 Wilson St. 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
HOLDEN – Last week volunteer Pat Snyder was working in the wildlife garden at the Fields Pond Audubon Center. The garden and nearby fields were a study in different shades of brown. Suddenly she saw something white – a furry little white face with little white rounded ears. Read More
BANGOR – The University of Maine Museum of Art will present the second half of a two-part exhibition, “A Legacy of Collecting: 1983-Present,” beginning Friday, Dec. 7. “A Legacy of Collecting” showcases the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibit celebrates the 5-year anniversary of the museum’s… Read More
Bangor Silent auction on baskets 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
Skate with the Bears ORONO – The Friends of Maine Hockey will present their annual Skate with the Bears 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
When you have a club whose members range in age from 12 to 86, it’s difficult to find many common bonds. However, it’s not so difficult to find at least one among Stork’s Powerlifting team; it’s pretty easy. It’s all about the love of competition. Read More
Cheerleading for kids ORONO – The Orono Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its cheerleading program. 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;… Read More