WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Wednesday invalidated parts of Maine’s law barring Internet tobacco sales to minors. In a unanimous decision, the court said Maine cannot impose a regulatory scheme on transportation companies delivering tobacco products directly to consumers. The justices said federal transportation… Read More
WOODLAND – A Woodland man who was found dead inside his sawmill Feb. 6 was the victim of a homicide, state police announced Wednesday afternoon. Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, said investigators from the Maine State Police and the state… Read More
MACHIAS – A 24-year-old Calais man told a Washington County Superior Court judge that looking at child pornography served as a form of therapy for him after working with abused children helped him confront his own demons of child abuse. Judge E. Allen Hunter nonetheless… Read More
The Maynard F. Jordan Observatory at the University of Maine in Orono was packed with visitors gazing up at the darkened moon Wednesday night. The observatory opened for the lunar eclipse, and about 30 students and area residents turned out for the free event that… Read More
FORT KENT – Schools in SAD 27 are using this week’s vacation to rid their buildings as best they can of the microscopic organisms responsible for outbreaks of influenza that have hurt student and faculty attendance over the past few weeks. In SAD 27, so… Read More
The head of the building committee for the Pittsfield Public Library project was misidentified in a story on page B2 in Tuesday’s paper as Doug Crate. He is Doug Frati. A story on page A1 of Tuesday’s paper about the sentencing of an Irish man… Read More
ATLANTA – In the first report of its kind, U.S. health officials said the nation’s states and cities made a strong effort to prepare for a flu pandemic, bioterrorism or other emergency health crises, but big challenges remain. “I think in terms of effort and… Read More
SCARBOROUGH – Cabela’s says it will be hiring up to 250 employees for the retail store in Scarborough that it plans to open in late spring. The Nebraska-based outdoors outfitter’s 125,000-square-foot store near Exit 42 of the Maine Turnpike is its second in New England. Read More
ALBANY, N.Y. – The last objection to a Spanish power company’s proposed $4.6 acquisition of the regional utility Energy East Corp. is from New York regulators who question the deal’s promise to stabilize rates, boost the upstate economy, and generate more wind power. Public hearings… Read More
The following recalls have been announced: . About 152,000 portable electric heaters, manufactured in China and imported and distributed by Aloha Housewares Inc., because they can overheat and their plastic parts can melt, posing a risk of fires. The company has received 29 reports of… Read More
Mr. Campbell’s observations, “Police officer decline” (BDN, Feb. 18), though shocking, need to be put in perspective. The reason they are all over the news is because they are unusual. There are hundreds of thousands of people in this country in law enforcement you will never read about. Read More
In this age of instant and mass opinion expression, in which the “American Idol” winner is anointed by text-message votes, it’s hard to believe that state legislatures once elected U.S. presidents. It’s also difficult for modern sensibilities to accept that women – fully half of the electorate –… Read More
With a few qualifications, winter is a great time for getting out into the air. For the more vigorous among us, there’s skiing, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling. But for the rest of us, just an occasional good walk can do wonders. Read More
Kathleen Parker (BDN, Feb. 13) attacks Hillary Clinton’s proposal for “mandatory health insurance.” Let’s review what insurance is. Insurance is a contract where one party undertakes, for a fee, to guarantee another party against loss. The practice began thousands of years ago when an insurer… Read More
George Washington did not campaign for the presidency. In fact, he didn’t even want the job, but he placed the country’s needs above his own and served. After Washington, political parties were established and a gradual decline followed. Today the word “politician” has a bad… Read More
In reference to the 2006 armed robbery by Niall Clarke of the Bank of America: It seems that the Maine director of licensing services at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Robert O’Connell) helped Mr. Clarke get a Maine license after meeting him in a bar… Read More
When the USS Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor in 1898, it came at a time when the United States, pressed to the West Coast, was wrestling with the idea of taking more territory outside its continental boundaries. The sinking of the Maine and the way it… Read More
I’m not surprised, but still disgusted, that Rep. Mike Michaud and Rep. Tom Allen voted for HR 979, seeking to cite Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten for contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas issued in the course of the outrageous and arrogant investigation into President… Read More
The most important question for the person who would become the 44th president is: “How do you plan to restore the United States to its pre-eminent role in the world as a respected, vital and effective superpower?” Thanks to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney,… Read More
I am concerned about the direction of our country. I think many of us are. The question is, what is a better direction and, how do we get there? With so many fundamental social and political disagreements in this one nation, how do we find a stable base… Read More
BANGOR – Two Waterville men remained jailed Wednesday, unable to make bail after they were charged in a thwarted attempt to snatch the purse of an elderly woman at Bangor Mall. District Judge Charles Dow set bail at $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety for Jeremy… Read More
BANGOR – A young hawk likely hunting for food near downtown Wednesday instead ended up getting a trip to an animal hospital after crashing into the Bangor Daily News building. Sometime around 3:15 p.m., a juvenile Cooper’s hawk slammed into a window in the BDN’s… Read More
CARMEL – Caravel Middle School, home of the Bobcats, became home on Wednesday to another powerful presence as well – an automated external defibrillator, or AED. On hand to celebrate its arrival at the small school were U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, Maine Emergency Medical Services… Read More
HOLDEN – When federal rules forced Maine transportation officials to go back to the starting block over possible routes for a planned Interstate 395-Route 9 connector two years ago, they did just that and now have five alternative routes under consideration. One route cuts through… Read More
CUSHING – Heidi and Paul Alley are proof that you don’t have to be behind the wheel to be a winner in the Daytona 500 race at the International Speedway in Florida. Heidi Alley, 39, a radio station advertising representative who lives on Cross Road… Read More
CALAIS – The Americans “misunderstood” is how Canadian officials characterized a statement made by a Canada Border Services Agency representative last week about the partial opening of a $120 million bridge over the St. Croix River and a customs house next year. Dane Ashlie of… Read More
BANGOR – When Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway opens this summer, it will need an expanded parking area to accommodate its expanded work force. The gaming and hotel complex will employ about 500 people, up sharply from the 130 who work at its interim facility. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A former town firefighter who allegedly stole $200 from the fire station is expected to make his initial appearance Monday in 13th District Court. Alan Willis, 21, of Sebec was charged in connection with the theft, which occurred late last month, according to… Read More
ORONO – A reading in celebration of Ellsworth poet Sylvester Pollet’s life and work will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the University of Maine’s Lord Hall. Pollet died Dec. 20, 2007, leaving behind a literary legacy that included a… Read More
MaineStream Finance is offering two free Money Smart workshops. One is at 6 p.m. March 5, at Penquis, 50 North St., 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;… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Soil and Water Conservation Districts from Piscataquis and Somerset counties will host a three-hour workshop focusing on wild turkey habits and habitat at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at the Skowhegan Community Center, 39 Poulin Drive. Featured speakers will be National Wild Turkey… Read More
AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western’s 2008 Winter Lecture Series continues at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the City Hall learning gallery, 16 Cony St. with “Tenement Tales: Stories about Fort Residents after 1840.” Old Fort Western office and information coordinator Patti Violette, and Old… Read More
GUILFORD – The public is invited to attend an energy audit being conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. March 5, at the Guilford Memorial Library. The audit will identify areas of the library that may need work to save on energy used for heating. It… Read More
BANGOR – Eastern Maine Community College is accepting art exhibit applications for 2008-2009 art shows The EMCC Library Gallery schedules four public exhibits per year in the following two-month time slots: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
HOLDEN – An electrical problem is to blame for a fire Tuesday morning that destroyed a home on Clark Hill Road, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire started in the basement and has been ruled an accident, Fire Investigations Supervisor Timothy York… Read More
BUXTON – Two Limerick teens helping a friend repair his snowmobile were seriously hurt Wednesday when the machine’s track broke off and hit them each in a leg. Each teen suffered severe leg fractures and injuries, according to the Maine Warden Service. Richard Grindrod and… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Washington Hancock Community Agency will offer free tax preparation for individuals throughout the tax season. The service is sponsored by Creating Assets, Savings and Hope, or CA$H, in eastern Maine and targets those with low to moderate income who may need tax… Read More
BELFAST – The Game Loft, Belfast’s downtown youth center, will celebrate its 10th anniversary from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Colonial Theatre. It will involve cake and door prizes. The focus of the event will be a showing of the feature… Read More
ELLSWORTH – Sen. Susan Collins visited a local hospital Wednesday to talk about a planned expansion at the Union Street facility. Collins helped secure $140,000 in federal funding to go toward a new emergency room at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. Hospital officials hope to complete… Read More
CAMDEN – The February meeting of the Midcoast Chapter 2169 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will be held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 27, at McMahon’s Knox Grill on Mechanic Street. Ken Gardiner, an Edward Jones financial adviser, will speak on the… Read More
ROCKLAND – MaineStream Finance will offer a free Money Smart workshop at 6 p.m. Monday, March 24, at The Knox Center, 6 White St. The workshop will cover creating a family budget, savings and understanding credit. One-on-one budget-debt counseling will be available to those who… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – It has been approximately a year since Northern Maine Community College received the nod to administer what could be called a life-saving grant. Lives may have been saved because nearly 200 first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and hospital staff members from… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Herbert E. Clark has announced his bid for re-election to House District 10 in the Maine Legislature. Clark, a Democrat, is a lifelong resident of Millinocket. During his time in the Legislature, Clark has served two terms as House chairman of the Utilities… Read More
MILLINOCKET – The Katahdin region’s $70,000 emergency notification system is about four weeks from launch, and with flood season due to start about then, Millinocket Stream neighbors will be its first customers, the town manager said Wednesday. With system testing begun this week, town officials… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – An artist and social activist whose exhibition “Americans Who Tell the Truth” is making its way across the globe will serve as the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s first Distinguished Lecturer in the spring semester. Robert Shetterly will deliver his presentation,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Many Maine schools have supplies of ground beef from Westland Meats, the subject of a recent national recall, but the state Department of Education said Wednesday the beef has been “on hold” in Maine schools since Jan. 31, more than two weeks before the official recall… Read More
MACHIAS – There will be a benefit dinner and auction to aid volunteers bound for the Gulf Coast to help rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. A chicken potpie dinner and time-and-talent auction will help a local group of volunteers planning a trip to Biloxi,… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Local business and college officials are hoping that an agreement signed Wednesday will lead to more “green” lights in town. Some may complain about seasonal traffic congestion on Mount Desert Island, but Wednesday’s agreement has nothing to do with cars, unless the… Read More
DEXTER – Dexter Regional High School will present the musical “Bells Are Ringing” next month. Performances are scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, March 13-15, at the school. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center is offering four hours of training in “Early Language Development.” The class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. March 4 and 11, at Penquis, 262 Harlow St. The cost of the training is $15. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BANGOR – The Penquis Parents Are Teachers Too program will offer Boot Camp for New Dads, a free workshop for first-time dads-to-be whose partners are in the last trimester of pregnancy. The next workshop will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 12,… Read More
STONINGTON – The Stonington Economic Development Committee is planning an islandwide economic development event for later this year and is seeking help from residents to plan the event. The event, “Island Economic Development Day,” will be held May 16 and 17 and is a follow-up… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Pine Tree Hospice is seeking volunteers to provide friendship and companionship through nonmedical, emotional and spiritual support to hospice clients and their caregivers. The next series of hospice volunteer training sessions will be held Feb. 29, March 1, March 7, and March 8,… Read More
NEWPORT – A local man who has been missing for more than 24 hours is without his diabetic medicine, and police are asking people to help find him. Dennis Bournival, 57, left his home early Tuesday without his diabetes medicine. Police and family members said… Read More
Area dance devotees will have two opportunities to see the University of Maine’s fourth annual International Dance Festival this year. That’s because of the festival’s growth as well as the renovation of the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono. The free festival features more… Read More
Gov. John Baldacci named a lawyer from Starks chairman of the state Board of Environmental Protection on Wednesday. Ernest Hilton, who has served on the BEP for nine years, will serve as interim chairman until the board completes work on several major issues. Hilton succeeds… Read More
BANGOR – Another independent candidate from southern Maine has thrown his hat into the ring for U.S. Senate. Herbert Hoffman, 75, of Ogunquit, announced his candidacy Wednesday afternoon at the Bangor Motor Inn. He also made announcements earlier Wednesday in Augusta and Portland. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – The John Bapst High School hockey team has never been in an Eastern Maine Class B championship game. That is the Bangor-based Crusaders’ goal this season and second-year coach Aaron King feels it is a realistic one. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BANGOR – The only basket Dylan Smith made all day was the only one the Camden Hills boys basketball team needed. Smith’s jumper with about seven seconds left in overtime lifted the No. 3 Windjammers of Rockport to a 61-60 victory over No. 2 Presque… Read More
AUGUSTA – After losing to Bangor by an average of 32 points in two regular-season meetings this winter, the Mt. Blue Cougars turned to a different tactic in an attempt to upset the top-ranked Rams in Wednesday night’s Eastern Maine Class A boys basketball semifinals. Read More
BANGOR – It took 21/2 quarters for Michelle Paul and Katelyn DeRaps to find their shot in Wednesday evening’s Eastern Maine Class B semifinal. Once the two Mattanawcook Academy guards started making baskets, however, it was hard to shut them down. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BANGOR – While the main motivation is recognizing the state’s top individual players as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, this year’s Maine McDonald’s High School senior honorees reflect team ideals more than any other year’s. For what is believed to be the… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL McDonald’s Senior All-Star Team 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
ORONO The University of Maine and America East have set a date for their annual NCAA men’s basketball “Take a Kid to the Game” day. It will be Saturday when the Black Bears will play host to the Stony Brook Seawolves at 12 p.m. in the Alfond Arena. Read More
The University of Maine baseball team will open the season on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Delaware State University. The games have been pushed back a day due to inclement weather forecasts for Friday. The Black Bears will play a single game on Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m. The… Read More
The Bowdoin College men’s hockey team is offering free admission to youth hockey players as the Polar Bears clash with St. Michael’s on Friday at 7 p.m. and Norwich at 4 p.m. Saturday. Bowdoin is poised to clinch the top seed in the NESCAC tournament. Read More
The Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox have added a fourth and final Red Sox/Sea Dogs ticket package, consisting of four Sea Dogs game and one Red Sox game. The package, which is priced at $58 for adults and $54 for children/seniors, will go… 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
Barely a year ago, Phil Emery was at a professional crossroads. He had finally decided to retire from teaching after 38 years in Bangor schools and was contemplating giving up his duties as the coach of the Bangor boys swim team. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
When Jennie Lucy tore her anterior cruciate ligament playing soccer for Bangor High last September, her doctors told her it would be six months before she could start running again. Five months later, Lucy was standing on the awards podium at the Class A track… Read More
BOSTON – The University of Maine’s recent difficulties at the point guard position are no secret to the other men’s basketball teams in America East. Wednesday night, Boston University logically chose to pressure the Black Bears defensively and reap any benefits that might come from… Read More
AUGUSTA – Curtis Miller connected for a game-high 23 points as the No. 2 Valley of Bingham Cavaliers defeated the No. 3 Forest Hills of Jackman Tigers 60-44 in a Western Maine Class D quarterfinal Wednesday at the Augusta Civic Center. Ahead by eight points… Read More
Wednesday morning’s Class C girls quarterfinal session brought out a bevy of college head and assistant coaches, including some of the best former schoolgirl basketball players ever to appear at the Bangor Auditorium – and, arguably, the schoolgirl who is considered the best ever. The… Read More
AUGUSTA – Second-ranked Edward Little of Auburn powered its way into Friday night’s Eastern Maine Class A boys basketball final by overwhelming No. 6 Lawrence of Fairfield 57-29 in a regional semifinal Wednesday at the Augusta Civic Center. The Red Eddies (16-4) will face top-ranked… Read More
BANGOR – Suffocating pressure defense was a common theme for the George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill and Houlton girls basketball teams as they earned Eastern Maine Class C semifinal berths Wednesday. Rachel Foster and Emily Bartlett each scored 11 second-half points as the top-ranked… Read More
It seems we can’t open a magazine or watch the news these days without being bombarded with presumably the very best ways to take care of ourselves and live with the media’s disease of the day. From acupuncture to vitamins, there is no shortage of tips for wellness. Read More
BANGOR – The University of Maine’s fourth International Dance Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Bangor High School’s Peakes Auditorium. The event will showcase traditional costumes and dances of some of the many international students attending UM. Because the event has grown in… Read More
BREWER – Discover ways to get out of the house and have some outdoor fun as the Penobscot Fly Fishers present their third annual Cabin Fever Reliever 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Brewer Auditorium. Admission is free. Read More
What’s your favorite tournament memory? “Last year, the kids from Ellsworth scored 40-odd points and made it look so easy.” 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
ORONO – Henry David Thoreau was not just another Maine tourist. The essays Thoreau wrote about his journeys and experiences in the Maine woods reflect a deep understanding of the spiritual importance of wilderness. Thanks to a collaboration among the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail committee, Maine Woods… Read More
HERMON – Connecticut singer and pianist Michael Brown will present a concert of gospel, rock, blues and jazz 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Morgan Hill Event Center. The event will benefit Caring Connections, a program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical… Read More
ORONO – Orono High School has been honored for 30 years of excellence as a speech team. In addition, an Orono High School student will represent Maine in the international extemporaneous speaking category at the National Forensic League June 15-20 in Las Vegas. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Schools About ‘Inquiring Minds’ 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
Alton Budget committee meeting 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 – People’s memories are pretty good when you think about it, and they certainly want to help. The phone started ringing off the hook last Thursday when The Weekly ran a school photo of a 5 1/2-year-old named Shawn from three decades ago. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Huts, trails, waterways BANGOR – A new network of huts, trails and waterways being developed in western Maine will be the topic at the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club’s eastern Maine chapter meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Epic Sports, 6 Central St. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
We’ve had many field trips this winter since the Christmas Bird Counts. One was led by Jerry Smith. They found some beautiful birds, such as Bohemian waxwings and pine grosbeaks, the stars of this winter. But the highlight of that birding trip was not a… Read More
BANGOR – Joseph Cyr, president of Cyr Bus Lines in Old Town, received the award for Commitment to Service Excellence during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Feb. 12, at the Bangor Civic Center. The Maine Tourism Awards, sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism… Read More
(As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Feb. 21, 1998 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
During my training to be a psychologist, I was confronted with an interesting math problem by one professor. He noted that there were about – well, I forget the exact number – let us say 50 million Americans who at some point will have a diagnosable mental health… Read More
Talk on care for the caregiver BANGOR – The Physical Disabilities Support Group has changed its meeting time for this month to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Alpha One, 1048 Union St. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
For the disposal of unwanted medications at home never flush expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications down the toilet or other drain. Although flushing prevents accidental ingestion or misuse, it causes contamination of Maine’s aquatic environment. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove many of these… Read More
Stonyfield Farm, the organic food company and environmental pioneer, is partnering with TerraCycle in a pilot program aimed at collecting used yogurt containers and reusing them as YoGro! planting pots. TerraCycle’s pilot Yogurt Brigade will include schools, community groups and others collecting 6- and 32-ounce… Read More
3rd District Court, Bangor Cases Jan. 21-25, 2008 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
Business Ownership 101 BANGOR – MaineStream Finance will offer the Business Ownership 101 class 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Penquis, 262 Harlow St. The class will provide an overview of operating a small business, business plans and resources for business development assistance. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More