LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sunday ordered the recall of 143 million pounds of frozen beef from a California slaughterhouse, the subject of an animal-abuse investigation, that provided meat to school lunch programs. Officials said it was the largest beef recall… Read More
ORONO – Construction costs to renovate and upgrade the former Maine Center for the Arts at the University of Maine have exceeded the original $10 million estimate from 2004, and an additional $6 million is needed to complete phase two of the project, according to the center’s advisory… Read More
HARMONY – Police are still investigating the details of an incident early Saturday in which three officers shot and killed a 21-year-old local man. So far it is not known which of the shots from weapons fired by a state trooper and two Somerset County… Read More
BRADLEY – Parishioners at a church nestled on the Penobscot River have seen that a project to raise money to help pay the church’s fuel bill has had other benefits besides keeping worshippers warm. The youth group at St. Ann’s Catholic Church has found a… Read More
The local church is one of the places to which people turn for help in a crisis. This winter, congregations around the state are stretching their already tight budgets further than in years past to help people in need in their communities. Worshippers are keeping… Read More
Dear Jim: I need to install replacement windows and I like the appearance of wood windows. Is wood an efficient window frame material? What style is best for efficiency and the least amount of regular maintenance? – Jack W. Dear Jack: Wood frame replacement windows… Read More
About 11,000 A Life of Faith charm bracelet sets, manufactured in China by Mission City Press, were recalled because surface paint on the white beads contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children. No injuries have been reported. The bracelets were sold at specialty… Read More
Now that we’re within 60 days of the deadline for filing income taxes, it’s worth reminding ourselves not to be fooled by a couple of offers that fall into the familiar category of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” The… Read More
My husband and I just received the dismal results of our tax return. We both hold full-time jobs and also four part-time jobs between the two of us. We also claim single on our W-4s so we are not hit hard during tax season. We live modestly, no… Read More
Capitalism, contrary to what many conservatives would say, works best when its more self-serving impulses are reined in by laws and regulations. From workplace safety and equal opportunity hiring rules to banking disclosures and restaurant health standards, government regularly interferes in the affairs of business, to mostly good… Read More
When a trusted Merrill Lynch adviser proposed putting $20 million of Maine’s cash pool into a securities firm called Mainsail II last August, it sounded like a good deal. A triple A rating. Interest at an annual rate of 5.45 percent. But 12 days later, the investment was… Read More
I’m writing about the letter from Rich Eichenberg, “Oden and communism,” (BDN, Feb. 5), in response to an op ed column by Nancy Oden (“Tips for hard times,” BDN, Jan. 26-27). Oden was properly identified as a social and environmental activist. Eichenberg uses the term “class envy” to… Read More
In regard to the BDN’s Feb. 8 article, “Raze or Save? Brewer house to go to auction,” some important information needs to be clarified. The home at 609 South Main St. in Brewer is not only John Brewer’s home, but more importantly is the oldest… Read More
The difference in the attention given by the BDN to the Democratic caucuses compared with the Republican caucuses is amazing. One had to search to find out that Mitt Romney had won the GOP caucus in Maine, but with all the photos and numerous articles every day for… Read More
As a child and young man, I was taught police were our friends and that we can depend on them in a time of trouble. Everyone looked up to and respected them. It seems like I can’t pick up a paper or turn on the… Read More
I’m 92 years old and if my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I’ve got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull. My headlights… Read More
During his January visit to the Middle East, President George W. Bush tried to put any doubts to rest about a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Iran as a result of the December unclassified version of a National Intelligence Estimate that stated that Iran “halted its nuclear… Read More
BANGOR – The annual high school basketball hullabaloo that leads up to the state championships has rolled into town once again, bringing with it not only the action on the court at Bangor Auditorium, but also the enthusiasm in the stands. The tournaments are part… Read More
PORTLAND – A Maine man who has served 14 years of a 20-year prison sentence for selling cocaine and heroin to a friend who was found dead the next day of a drug overdose has asked President Bush for clemency. Supporters of Lance Persson say… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Foxcroft Academy has its own peacekeepers, but they don’t wear camouflage, stalk the halls or carry weapons. You might be able to pick them out in a crowd, although it’s doubtful. The peacekeepers known as “peer mediators” are pretty low-key students – unless… Read More
Say the phrase “February school vacation” in Maine and, unless the listener is newly arrived from away, basketball will be the word that comes to mind. My children and my students find it difficult to believe, but I remember the early 1990s. Those were the years that my… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Warden Service issued a total of 42 summonses Friday to seven men from western Maine for alleged hunting and theft violations that resulted from a more than yearlong investigation, according to a press release Friday from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Read More
BANGOR – About 40 educators and parents gathered Saturday at Eastern Maine Community College to learn how to help children with special needs develop their full potential by utilizing the natural ability of the brain. “Everyone in this room is looking for more options for… Read More
PITTSFIELD – A brief agenda for the Town Council this week mostly involves setting a series of public hearings for March 4. The hearings include the purchase of a new water department truck, an address change for Cianbro Corp., acceptance of a grant, and tax… Read More
SHELBURNE, N.H. – Police say speed was a factor in a crash that killed three people Saturday night. The crash happened just before 7 p.m. on Route 2, near the Maine border. Authorities say the car crossed over the centerline, struck a snowbank and flipped… Read More
PORTLAND – A Canadian-flagged tug and barge vessel was back at sea Sunday after a fire onboard the barge late Thursday night injured two of its crew members. The 136-foot integrated tug and barge Everlast left Portland’s Ocean Gateway terminal Saturday night on its way… Read More
PORTLAND – Amanda Wagner has been homeless for much of the past three years, ever since a relationship went bad. She expects to be homeless again because a friend who has allowed her to sleep at an apartment in Westbrook is about to be evicted. Read More
OLD TOWN – In the mid-1990s, then-Gov. Angus King identified the Old Town area as underserved when it came to medical care and access. Now, a project aiming to change that distinction has come to fruition. Patients, legislators and health care officials gathered Sunday at… Read More
AUGUSTA – Spectrum Generations (formerly Senior Spectrum) is sponsoring a new way to show support for Maine’s older adults and their families – an online auction. “Doors” will open to Spectrum Generations’ Online Auction on March 8 when bidders can participate by going to www.spectrumgenerations.cmarket.com. Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth chapter of Business and Professional Women is conducting its annual search for a recipient for its Woman of the Year award. BPW is looking for candidates who may be pioneers in their field, work in an occupation or profession where there… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Migrant Health Program is introducing “Farmworkers Feed Us All,” a photography exhibit by Earl Dotter and Tennessee Watson that documents the lives and experiences of Maine’s migrant farmworkers. The exhibit will be on display Feb. 20 to March 8 in the… Read More
WATERVILLE – Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention’s volunteer advocate training is scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 4. Training will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for a total of 48 hours of education in mental health, sexual assault and other related issues. Trainees completing the… Read More
EAST ORRINGTON – The East Orrington Congregational Church will hold a chicken casserole supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at 38 Johnson Mill Road. The menu will include chicken casserole, vegetables, rolls, beverages and desserts. The cost is $7 for adults, $3… Read More
NEWPORT – Computer graphics students at Nokomis Regional High School are exhibiting examples of their works at the Valley Arts Alliance’s Showcase Gallery at 66 Main St. Under the direction of teacher Kirk Dahlgren, students have created colorful posters, magazine covers and CAD program designs. Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library children’s division and the Greater Bangor Area NAACP will be hosts of a series of guest reader programs featuring books with African-American and Afro-Caribbean themes in celebration of Black History Month. Children in kindergarten to grade four are invited… Read More
NEWPORT – A workshop on seasonal affective disorder is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Newport Elementary School library. The speaker is Helen Jones, G.E.A.R. support coordinator. To register for the workshop or for information, contact Helen Jones 564-3361 or 800-264-9224. Read More
AUBURN – A 19-year-old Lewiston man has been handed a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in what authorities described as a drug-related stabbing death a year ago. Lawyers struck the plea deal days before Sergio Hairston was scheduled… Read More
ORONO – About 60 of Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, government agencies and industries will be on hand Saturday, March 1, at the University of Maine Field House for the 2008 Engineering Expo. The “Brain Power ’08” Expo, which will run from 9 a.m. Read More
BREWER – The city Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its adult spring volleyball leagues. Team rosters will be accepted on a first-paid, first-entered basis at the Brewer Auditorium until March 3. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare’s Diabetes and Nutrition Center will sponsor a motor coach trip to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Expo 2008 in Boston on March 15. Events at the expo will include comprehensive free health screenings, workshops, free product and food samples, product… Read More
VEAZIE – Kindergarten registration and screening for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, at the Veazie Community School. Children must be 5 by Oct. 15 to be eligible for registration. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
GREENVILLE – Two separate snowmobile accidents Saturday sent two people to the hospital. Paul White of Rumford, who was snowmobiling with several friends in Thorndike Township, east of Jackman, was injured when he lost control of his snowmobile on a curve and it struck another… Read More
MONSON – It is likely that a recliner that was too close to a wood stove was the cause of a fire Friday night that reportedly killed a Monson man and two dogs. Leroy Nightingale Jr., 64, died in a backroom on the second story… Read More
GREENVILLE – The local Masonic Hall was turned into a sinfully decadent chocolate lover’s paradise on Sunday. For a $10 donation, residents and visitors from afar had an opportunity to taste 16 of 32 sumptuous chocolate desserts made locally to benefit the Moosehead Lake Region… Read More
DEXTER – After a several-month search for a central location, Mayo Regional Hospital’s new ambulance service for the Dexter-Corinna region has settled into its Route 7 home. About 100 people attended an open house Saturday held in conjunction with Dexter’s Winter Carnival. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
ORONO – Sally Brooker wasn’t quite sure who her husband was bringing home for dinner when all he’d say was that the “Pit Boss” was coming and that he could “really shovel it in.” It wasn’t until after she had made extra food for the… Read More
. City offices closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day. . Water district trustees, 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 614 State St., election of board officers, treasurer’s report, progress reports from committees and general manager, audit update, board vacancy, March 15 standpipe tour, five-year budget, bond update,… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Maine Lobster Festival will begin accepting applications for the 2008 Sea Goddess Pageant on March 1. The deadline for submitting applications is April 15. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
DAMARISCOTTA – Spectrum Generations, formerly Senior Spectrum, and Maine Medical Center Hospital Physicians’ Organization are teaming up to help people living with a chronic disease or condition learn how to better manage their health. “Living Well” is a six-week program developed by Stanford University for… Read More
ELLSWORTH – American Heart Association’s Heartsaver CPR training and first aid training will be offered on Monday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 12, at the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital classroom. The courses will offer training for people who want to learn CPR for adults, children… Read More
DAMARISCOTTA – Spectrum Generations weekly social lunch program to be held at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, will be followed by a talk by LincMe founder Dr. Chip Teel and health care professional Carol Richards. They will discuss solutions for keeping Lincoln County’s aging population in their homes… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Maine Coast Memorial Hospital surgeons Mary M. “Molly” Collins, Michael J. Mason, Amy E. Tan, and Bradley J. Goldstein were named Fellows of the American College of Surgeons during convocation ceremonies at the College’s 93rd annual Clinical Congress held last October in New Orleans. Read More
SURRY – Mike Jezak, a meteorologist and volunteer cooperative observer for the National Weather Service, will present a talk at the first meeting of the 2008 season of the Surry Community Improvement Association. The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the… Read More
OTIS – The Beech Hill School will hold an auction Saturday, March 15, to benefit the eighth-grade class trip. A preview starts at 10 a.m. and the auction begins at 11 a.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Artist Jim Harney will present his work on “Globalization and the Undocumented” at the monthly meeting of Hancock County Democrats on Thursday. Hancock County Democrats meet 7-9 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at City Hall. The public is welcome. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
WOODLAND – A 7-year-old New Sweden girl was killed Friday afternoon when the car in which she was a passenger collided with an oncoming truck on Route 161. Marissa Lloyd Forbes was pronounced dead at Cary Medical Center, where she was taken after the 4:20… Read More
BANGOR – Richard Kearney Warren, 87, passed away Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at Westgate Manor. He was born April 13, 1920, in New York, N.Y., the son of the late Anna L. Kearney and George Earle Warren. He graduated from the Pomfret School, Pomfret, Conn., and from Yale… Read More
PORTLAND – Poland Spring’s search for new sources of water to supply its fast-growing bottling operations has taken it to the York County town of Shapleigh. The company is eyeing 150 acres of town-owned land as a possible site to extract water for its plant… Read More
PORTLAND – The anti-gambling strategist who helped shoot down a proposed southern Maine casino in 2003 now finds himself battling casinos on both coasts. Dennis Bailey, a Portland-based public relations operative, was hired this month by opponents of a plan backed by Donald Trump and… Read More
DURHAM – A 1987 truck that was being traded in by an Auburn couple on a 2007 model was destroyed by fire in Durham as it was being driven to the dealership. Marie Cooper was traveling behind her husband in their other truck Saturday afternoon… Read More
BOSTON – The frustration continued and the University of Maine men’s aspirations to qualify for the Hockey East Tournament took yet another jolt Saturday night. The Black Bears played an impressive defensive game but wasted another marvelous goaltending performance by junior Ben Bishop as freshman… Read More
AUGUSTA – One of the enduring memories of any schoolboy basketball tournament comes when an eighth seed knocks off No. 1 in the regional quarterfinals. But while the undefeated Bangor Rams are interested in making memories of their own before this year’s postseason becomes history,… Read More
BANGOR – Erskine Academy made the most of its first trip to the postseason tournament in seven years, while Waterville opened defense of its 2007 state and regional championships. The No. 4 Eagles of South China and No. 1 Panthers each won Eastern Maine Class… Read More
RUMFORD – Last week, the Belfast Lions ended a 13-year winning streak. This week, they ended a 13-year drought. The Lions followed up last week’s Eastern Maine Class B title with an even more impressive effort at Puiia Gym, putting up a whopping 160 points… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Dover-Foxcroft 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
BRUNSWICK – The Bates College Bobcats finished the game with a 7-0 scoring run to rally to a 65-62 men’s basketball win over the Bowdoin College Polar Bears Saturday. Bates has clinched the fifth seed in the NESCAC Tournament. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BANGOR – With his boys poised to play at the Bangor Auditorium for the first time Saturday night, Woodland coach Troy Cilley wanted to make the Eastern Maine basketball tournament experience easier. He figured if the Dragons came out in a zone defense, they might… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Lawrence of Fairfield boys basketball team has faced its share of adversity this winter – particularly a series of player suspensions in the aftermath of an altercation during a regular-season game in late January. But the Bulldogs have lived up to their… Read More
AUGUSTA – The seeds held during the quarterfinal round of the Western Maine Class D boys basketball tourney Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center as No. 1 Richmond, No. 2 Valley of Bingham, No. 3 Forest Hills of Jackman and No. 4 Rangeley all posted victories. Read More
BANGOR – It was nearly d?j? vu for the Maranacook boys basketball team. Last winter, the Black Bears of Readfield were sent into hibernation with a quarterfinal loss to Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BANGOR – The regular crew of Eastern Maine tournament announcers ceded the microphone twice Saturday to a Bangor Auditorium rookie. Reid Durost, a 21-year-old Bangor resident and junior at the New England School of Communications in Bangor, made his Auditorium debut in the Saturday afternoon… Read More
BANGOR – Casey Hull scored one goal and assisted on two and Derek Duff made 24 saves to lead the John Bapst Crusaders past Houlton-Hodgdon 3-1 in hockey action at Sawyer Arena. Houlton-Hodgdon outshot John Bapst 25-16. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
AUGUSTA – Massabesic High School of Waterboro had to sweat it out, but thanks to brothers Joey Eon and Josh Eon, overcame a stubborn challenge by Noble of South Berwick. The Eon Brothers scored all 11 of the Mustangs’ championship round points to help Massabesic… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Foxcroft Academy’s Jerod Rideout joined an elite circle of schoolboy wrestlers on his home mat Saturday, while Lisbon used superior depth to win the Class C state championship for the fifth time in eight years. Rideout, competing in the 160-pound class, used a… Read More
BANGOR – Megan Helm had her mind on Erskine of South China’s Eastern Maine Class B quarterfinal matchup against Camden Hills Saturday afternoon, but once the game ended in a 53-49 win for the Eagles, the Erskine sophomore had one other thought. Helm’s brother Sam,… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine women’s basketball team is lacking in several areas this season. What the Black Bears do possess is plenty of grit and determination. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
VESTAL, N.Y. – Dwayne Jackson was 3-for-3 from 3-point range and 11-for-15 overall en route to a career-high 26 points as he led Binghamton University to an 80-55 basketball victory over the University of Maine men at the Events Center Sunday afternoon. Jackson came off… Read More
Harriet Foyer operated the most notorious bordello in the Bangor area a century ago. Like Fan Jones, her famous predecessor, much romantic folderol has been spun about Aunt Hat, as she was known far and wide. But the trial of two of her hired thugs for manslaughter in… Read More
Edgar Crosby Smith wrote a 50-page chapter called “Sketches of Some Revolutionary Soldiers of Piscataquis County” in a 1910 book that goes by two titles. Some libraries list the book as “Collections of the Piscataquis County Historical Society Vol. I.” I’ve also seen it cataloged… Read More
today, the war dead failed to make the headlines to keep myself human I construct a shrine of words 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
In theaters THE 2007 ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 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