This is the winter of their discontent. Maine’s school consolidation law has come under heavy criticism from regional planning committees over the last few months, and in response the state’s education commissioner has proposed changes intended to address some of the critics’ questions. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Maybe football fans have late-night visits by the Ghosts of Television Sports Past, Present and Future to thank. Whatever the reason, National Football League executives apparently experienced a Christmas week turnaround of Scrooge-like proportions with Wednesday’s announcement that Saturday’s New England Patriots-New York Giants game… Read More
The scent of a balsam fir wafting through a Maine home in December is as much a part of the Christmas tradition as grandma’s homemade sugar cookies or caroling through town. Even with fuel prices rising and consumers tightening their budgets, a sampling of the… Read More
A story in Wednesday’s State section about Christmas celebrations at the South Pole included incorrect names. The correct names are Dan Dixon, Nicky Spaulding and Elena Korotkikh. Read More
I was interested to learn from CBC news that Irving’s proposed $7 billion oil refinery will be reviewed only by New Brunswick authorities and not the Canadian federal government (let alone U.S. government agencies such as the Coast Guard and EPA), and that Irving intends to monitor air… Read More
It’s now a familiar routine: The Bush administration weakens environmental rules, causing states to sue to protect their citizens, their health and environment. This time, the litigation, by 12 states including Maine, is about a federal database of industrial chemical use and storage. Despite strong support for the… Read More
As several recent reports have noted, redeveloping old buildings is important for preserving Maine’s character and its ability to draw new people. Such rehabilitation work is expensive and Maine’s tax credits have not changed with the times. A bill that was unanimously supported by the Legislature’s Taxation Committee… Read More
Why would the government want to legalize drugs, when it would kill their private cash cow? Government won’t legalize drugs, even though it would do away with gang fights over turf, get rid of many drug lords overnight, allow users to pay for their own programs through taxes… Read More
I have been passionate about politics since I was 6 years old. It started with a few questions about the evening news and progressed into running for student government, completing a senatorial internship and achieving a bachelor’s degree in political science. Yet, for the past… Read More
Lately local officials, school boards and county commissioners have been trying to scare the public about the loss of local control. But in reality, the phrase “local control” is a myth perpetuated by those who are going to lose their jobs or political power when the state mandates… Read More
On a daily basis, Republicans and their right-wing propagandists, such as Laura Ingraham, claim “media bias” whenever some aspect of reality does not suit their ideological passions, or in some cases, fit the reality they want to see over the one that is present. An examination of facts… Read More
It is easy to scoff when experts’ predictions fail. But suppose these experts also identified important problems that we have not yet solved – should we still scoff? The writings of biologist Paul Ehrlich provide a fascinating illustration. Ehrlich believed that the “cancer” of rapid… Read More
Within the last few months the Maine Arts Commission and other cultural agencies have undergone a state audit process. As chairman of the Maine Arts Commission, it has been difficult at times for me to watch some of these events unfold. The end result is that the audit… Read More
And still the mainstream media is derelict in meeting its responsibility to the public. Its complicity in the Bush administration’s misdeeds, largely outside the awareness of a somnolent public, has long been evident to those who dig a little deeper. Perhaps, the first indication of its obeisance to… Read More
Shoppers in the Bangor area appeared to follow a nationally forecasted trend of flocking to stores on the day after Christmas to buy rather than return merchandise. The National Retail Federation, a Washington D.C.-based retail trade association, predicted earlier this month that the number of… Read More
GREENVILLE – Unlike the Maine State Police and the Greenville Police Department, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department does not plan to seek reimbursement for security provided earlier this month at a public hearing on Plum Creek’s proposed development and conservation plan for the Moosehead Lake region. Read More
PORTLAND – A Machias hospital has agreed to pay more than $108,000 in outstanding claims as part of a settlement of a Medicare billing case by the government. U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby says the civil settlement with Down East Community Hospital ends an investigation that… Read More
BELFAST – Now entering its second decade, the city’s New Year’s By the Bay celebration has matured into an innovative end of the year evening offering music, fun and surprises. The 11th annual festival will ring in the New Year with an eclectic combination of… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Piscataquis County Jail inmate who attempted suicide Sunday using a bed sheet is being evaluated at a Bangor mental health facility. Another inmate in the same cellblock yelled at a corrections officer when he noticed the 20-year-old man hanging from a cell… Read More
NEWPORT – David A. Clukey, 41, of Garland has been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire at his biological father’s home in Exeter last Saturday. Clukey, according to State Fire Marshal investigator Stu Jacobs, is charged with Class A arson and Jacobs said that… Read More
HOULTON – Road and sidewalk maintenance and repair was a significant topic of conversation during the recent board of budget review meeting, as the panel wrapped up its review of municipal departments and entities. The board, which is charged with examining the 2008 computations and… Read More
ROCKLAND – The property where the Bonnar Vawter warehouse building is located needs zoning changes to be redeveloped, according to city officials. Code Enforcement Officer John Root plans to submit proposed zone changes to the Rockland City Council in January because zone boundaries that bisect… Read More
BUCKSPORT – Four families unexpectedly spent Christmas evening with nearby friends or relatives after they were displaced by a small fire that started in their apartment building. The fire, reported at about 2 p.m. Christmas Day, broke out inside a kitchen in one of the… Read More
Waldo County Superior Court, Belfast Cases Dec. 17-21 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
HOLLIS – Speed and alcohol may have been factors in a Christmas morning highway crash that killed two people and seriously injured two others, police said. The victims were Samantha Muster, 20, of Butte, Mont., and Tobey Gallant, 36, of Limington, Maine State Police said… Read More
Knox County Superior Court Cases Dec. 10-13, 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
MILLINOCKET – The Town Council is helping form a committee of landowners, businessmen and councilors that will help decide how to use a $500,000 federal grant aimed at increasing nonmotorized trails or trail access in the Katahdin region. Town Manager Eugene Conlogue and Councilors Jimmy… Read More
Even a house of worship is not sacred in the eyes of vandals. Earlier this month, vandals shot about five holes through two stained-glass windows and a third window in the Wellington Evangelical Community Church. Investigator Allen Emerson, who is leading the vandalism inquiry, said… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Last year, officials at the United Way of Aroostook secured a “three-peat” after a third successful year of hosting the popular Aroostook Idol competition. Officials with the UWA are confident that the generosity of Aroostook County residents who have supported the show… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Two Milo area residents were sentenced Friday for their participation in a string of camp burglaries in June on the Horseshoe Pond Road in Ebeeme. Corey Brown, 18, of Milo, pleaded guilty in Piscataquis County Superior Court Friday to five counts of burglary. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – The following divorces were granted in 13th District Court during October on grounds of irreconcilable differences. Michael J. Bonneville and Wendy A. Bonneville, both of Monson; married at Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov. 30, 2001. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
HAMPDEN – Grief counselors, a high school nurse and a guidance counselor from Samuel L. Wagner Middle School will be available Friday to help students and friends deal with the death of 17-year-old Hampden Academy junior Matty Osborne. Matthew Ryan Osborne, a Winterport teenager, was… Read More
You have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful evening of ballet, dining and mime while, at the same time, assisting in the efforts of 20 Bangor Ballet members to participate in a cultural exchange program, in April, in France. Jane Bragg reports Bangor Ballet will… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A familiar face will help the University of Maine at Presque Isle kick off a new program next year. Cathie Pelletier, an award-winning novelist and Allagash native, will serve as UMPI’s first writer-in-residence. Pelletier, an author, screenwriter and literary agent, will arrive… Read More
ALFRED – A Massachusetts woman accused of shaking her 9-month-old daughter to death after losing and then regaining custody of the baby soon will return to her home state to face a murder charge. Jennifer Ward of Peabody, Mass., waived extradition Wednesday in a hearing… Read More
CRAWFORD – A man died instantly Sunday afternoon when the car he was driving struck a moose on Route 9 in eastern Washington County. David Farris, 46, of Perry was killed when the moose ran into the road and collapsed on top of the windshield… Read More
PORTLAND – As if getting arrested on Christmas Day wasn’t bad enough, a Portland woman faces additional charges in an assault on a jail officer. Authorities say Jessica Blindenbacher, 37, stabbed an intake officer in the head with a pencil that had been loaned to… Read More
MACHIAS – Two men were arrested late Monday on similar but separate charges of drug trafficking in Washington County. Sharley Fitzsimmons, 42, of Lubec and David Townsend, 21, of Baileyville each were picked up by sheriff’s deputies at their respective homes on Christmas Eve. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BREWER – The Skowhegan High School Indians wasted little time taking full advantage of their superior speed in Wednesday night’s 11-4 hockey victory over Hampden Academy. The Class A Indians scored twice in the first 4 minutes, 34 seconds en route to building a 5-1… Read More
The Portland Pirates are anxious to return to the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena and the university wants them back. The Pirates, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, played their first-ever game at the Alfond Arena in Orono nine days ago against… Read More
Central High in Corinth has fielded competitive outdoor track and field teams in recent years. With the success the Red Devils have had in Class C competition in the spring, some of head coach Mike Viani’s athletes wondered why they couldn’t compete in the winter. Read More
COLLEGE Sean McNally 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
HIGH SCHOOL At Old Town 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
BOYS Big School (Classes A-B) 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
CORINTH – Morgan Chasse registered 12 points to propel John Bapst of Bangor to a 47-38 girls basketball victory over Central Wednesday. Samantha MacMillan chipped in with 10 points for the Crusaders of Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
What to do for New Year’s Eve? If you’re not planning a fancy soiree at home or taking off for warmer climes, fear not – you’ve got options for year-end revelry right in your own backyard. Here’s a rundown of celebrations some towns in eastern Maine have planned… Read More
PORTLAND, Ore. – Cynthia Beal wants to be an Oregon cherry tree after she dies. She has everything to make it happen – a body, a burial site and a biodegradable coffin. “It is composting at its best,” said Beal, owner of The Natural Burial… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library invites the public to join its annual Penobscot Reads in January. The library began helping everyone “survive January” by inviting Bangor and neighboring communities to read the same book at the same time and come to the library for… Read More
What’s your New Year’s resolution? “Make more money.” 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
The following events were reported in the Jan. 1, 2938 edition of the Bangor Daily News: Merrymakers intent on celebrating New Year’s Eve 1937 in Bangor had to brave subzero weather as the temperature dropped to 10 below zero. But there was still a hot… Read More
BANGOR – Ring in the new year with music, food, dancing, films and the annual ball drop in West Market Square at the Downtown Countdown 2007 New Year’s Eve celebration from late afternoon to midnight Monday, Dec. 31. Put on your boogey shoes, wear a costume and ride… Read More
Editor’s note: This response to the Dec. 20 Weekly Question was not identified. Reported by Emily Burnham 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
3rd District Court, Bangor 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 () { //… Read More
BANGOR – Bangor Ballet has announced its third annual Evening at the Arts to be held Jan. 5 at Husson College. The program’s theme, “An Evening in Paris,” reflects the ballet’s international cultural exchange to France, planned for April. “An Evening in Paris,” hosted by… Read More
Schools Programs for children 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
BREWER – The Brain Injury Association of Maine is seeking volunteers to help coordinate the Walk for Thought fundraiser scheduled for March 22 at Brewer High School. Volunteers are needed to organize event activities such as food, finish line hoopla and more. The Brain Injury… Read More
Bangor Business breakfast 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 = [[300,250]];… Read More
How do I know if I need new ear molds? This is one of our most commonly asked questions. Children frequently need new ear molds every few months or at least yearly because they are growing. Parents might notice a gap at the back of… Read More
WinterKids, the Portland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families stay active and healthy in the winter, announced the retirement of founding Executive Director Carla Marcus, and the appointment of Frances Mullin to the top post. Marcus has led WinterKids since its inception in… Read More
The Orono-Old Town Christmas Bird Count happened last week. At dawn the temperature was 7 degrees, and a foot of snow covered the ground. Thirty birders went out to cover their assigned territory within the 15-mile-diameter circle registered with the National Audubon Society. Some birders… Read More
BANGOR – Amputee Support Group, Greater Bangor Area, 1-2 p.m. third Friday, Brandow Conference Room, Eastern Maine Medical Center. Chad Thompson, 229-9912. BANGOR – Bangor Area Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group, third Thursday, Mason Auditorium, EMMC. Social time, 6:30 p.m. Deborah Lipsky, racoonlady1961@yahoo.com. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
10 years ago – Dec. 27, 1997 (As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 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()) {… 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
Help in quitting smoking Every year, Mainers join the millions of Americans who make it their New Year’s resolution to attempt one of the hardest challenges: to quit smoking. Most smokers in Maine already want to quit, and many will select the beginning of 2008… Read More
January is a tough month. The holidays are over and spring seems so far away. Then there is the weather. It still gets dark early, it’s cold and snowy and icy. The gray days can give way to the blues, aka “the blahs.” For seniors,… Read More