GREENVILLE – This weekend has the designation of being the state’s deadliest for snowmobiling, a history that includes two fatal snowmobile accidents during this period in each of the past two years. Hoping to end that designation, wardens will be out in full force today… Read More
A 22-year-old University of Maine dropout living in Old Town was arrested Friday in the deaths of three family members whose bodies were found in their burned-out Old Orchard Beach home, state police said. Matthew Cushing was charged with three counts of murder and one… Read More
CAMDEN – An official of the Camden Snow Bowl has issued a detailed report on the two-toboggan crash at the town-owned ski area Feb. 9. The report cites an inadequate safety gate system, a distraction to the launch crew from a swerving sled on the… Read More
When you’re paying more than $3,000 a year for heat, it doesn’t seem unrealistic to expect the house to be warm. So when the Green family found themselves layering on the clothes even as the heating bills piled up, they decided to explore replacing the… Read More
GREENVILLE – A Massachusetts man, who spent Thursday night in the frigid air of the Moosehead Lake region, warmed himself by fire and kept his hands moving throughout the night to stay warm. Louis Lessard, 46, of Ware was safe and sound when a group… Read More
WASHINGTON – Nearly two years after an embarrassing flap in which veterans’ personal information was put at risk of identity theft, federal agencies are still not doing all they can to prevent further lapses, investigators have found. Most of the two dozen federal agencies examined… Read More
This is a letter to protest the editorial “Democrats Choices” (BDN, Feb. 8). In it, the paper attempts to give some background on the two front-runners. You stated that Mr. Obama’s parents were “a black Kenyan goat herder and a white woman from Kansas,” and that this background… Read More
The tragic shooting at Northern Illinois University last week, coming less than a year after similar deadly violence at Virginia Tech, should alert college administrators to the need to monitor the mental health of their students. While campus security efforts are important, the root of the killings at… Read More
Cuban leader Fidel Castro must take some satisfaction in outlasting the administrations of nine U.S. presidents, some of whom oversaw clandestine efforts to kill or overthrow him. This week, at the age of 81, the cocky and defiant but now ailing dictator decided finally to pass the torch… Read More
I am writing about your recent front page piece regarding “superdelegates” to political conventions. I hope our young people, whose future these party pros are spending, will see the appointment of these so-called “supers” as another gimmick concocted by the “in crowd” to nail down… Read More
Here’s a way Congress might be willing to extend the law allowing the government to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mails: Simply attach an amendment to the law allowing Congress to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mails coming from the executive branch. After all, one can’t know for… Read More
I would like to clarify points raised by Carol B. Smith Fisher in her letter to the editor, “Save Brewer house” (BDN, Feb. 18). The Maine Historic Preservation Commission was first made aware of the house at 609 South Main St. in the fall of… Read More
Genetically engineered corn should not be grown in Maine or anywhere. Why? Because we do not know what harm it will cause and we have every reason to believe that it will, eventually, be understood to be harmful both to humans and to natural ecosystems. Read More
What is the human cost of the Iraq war? There have been 3,969 American military deaths, not including private contractors, and another 29,038 American military have been wounded. There are huge variances in the estimates of Iraqi casualties depending on the organization collecting the data: It is a… Read More
Rep. Jon McKane of Newcastle may be right when he says that using “common sense” is a basic precaution for preventing boating accidents, “Common-sense boating cannot be legislated,” (BDN, Feb. 5). However, informed common sense is far more valuable than the uninformed. That is why the National Transportation… Read More
Plagiarism, sometimes much easier to spot than to spell correctly, is the stealing and passing off as one’s own the words or ideas of another. In the publishing business, such a low-life crime is considered the moral equivalent of robbing a blind panhandler of his daily take and… Read More
A New Jersey man has been released on unsecured bail after being arrested Wednesday in the parking lot of the Augusta branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for bringing illegal aliens into the state to get driver’s licenses. Anderson Dos Santos, 30, of Newark,… Read More
ROCKLAND – Investigators said Friday they don’t know what killed a 32-year-old man who had been living with his wife in a camper at the rear of 31 Cedar St. Jason Larner and his wife, Shannon Larner, 23, were found unconscious in the camper early… Read More
HOWLAND – After more than two months of inactivity, it now seems that concerns about an SAD 31 board member being inappropriately paid to work on school renovation projects might be resolved, state officials said Friday. Earlier this week, SAD 31 Superintendent Jerry White requested… Read More
ROCKLAND – Local commercial fishermen were polite but cool this week while taking their first look at an industry-funded buyout proposal. State Marine Resources Commissioner George Lapointe introduced a proposal for a $100 million federal buyout program aimed at reducing the number of fishermen and… Read More
My cell phone is held together with duct tape. It’s sad but true, and just one more way I have found to confirm to my children that I truly am the lamest mother in town. Despite its pitiful looks, the phone serves me well and… Read More
GOULDSBORO – State highway crews have put in four solid days of work and were hoping Friday to reopen to vehicular traffic a section of local road that washed out last week, according to a state highway official. With the washout on East Schoodic Drive,… Read More
EDDINGTON – If an airplane crashes in the area or if a bomb is reported at Eddington Elementary School, crisis information forms are now available for emergency responders and law enforcement officers to use when arriving at the scene. “Hopefully, we’ll never have to use… Read More
Meet Joshua, an active young man who enjoys a variety of activities. Joshua was born in 1996. He is friendly, engaging and has a great smile. When indoors, Joshua can be found watching cartoons on TV or reading a book. His favorite books are from… Read More
NEWPORT – Moosehead Furniture of Monson will open a retail store at 161 Main St. in Newport. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening is scheduled for 2 p.m. today. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Community leaders… Read More
The Bangor post office will sponsor Passport Day at Husson College’s Campus Center, One College Circle, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26. The session is designed to help people obtain passports quickly and conveniently. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
GARLAND – Kindergarten registrations will be 3-7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Garland School. Children must be 5 years of age on or before Oct. 15, to be eligible for registration. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
DEXTER – Kindergarten registrations will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, and 12-3 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Dexter Primary School. Children must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15, to be eligible for registration. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Rockland District Court Cases Feb. 4-11, 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]… Read More
A winter storm played havoc with travelers in parts of Maine on Friday and caused a number of accidents in the Bangor area. The snow forced cancellation of some Friday night events, but the state’s high school basketball tournaments were going on as scheduled. Some… Read More
CALAIS – There is nothing like a giant indoor yard sale to blow away those winter blues. That is what the Calais Rotary Club will hold from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 15, at the American Legion Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BANGOR – A Greenfield man who apologized for breaking into people’s homes in the dead of night last fall and stealing cash and other valuables as they slept was sentenced Friday in Penobscot County Superior Court to seven years in prison with all but four suspended. Read More
ASHLAND – A workshop for military veterans affected by layoffs at the two Ashland lumber mills will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Junkins-LeBlanc VFW Post 9699 in Ashland. Veterans affected by the mill shutdowns are invited to attend the meeting… Read More
CARIBOU – Officials from The Aroostook County Crime Stoppers program have shone the spotlight this month on a burglary and crime spree last fall that ended up costing taxpayers an estimated $15,000. Investigators are appealing for the public’s help to solve an Oct. 30, 2007,… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – Although some people expressed displeasure about taxes in the city and what they saw as a lack of job opportunities, residents who took part in a satisfaction survey for the city last year said they were generally happy about the quality of life in the… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – The Upward Bound Program of the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine at Fort Kent are recruiting freshman and sophomore students from Aroostook County high schools to join the program. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program… Read More
MACHIAS – A benefit dinner and auction are planned 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 group of volunteers planning a trip to Biloxi, Miss. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
CALAIS – The Calais office of the Department of Health and Human Services will hold an informational meeting about adoption and foster care 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4. Those considering adoption or foster care through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services are encouraged… Read More
UNITY – Unity Barn Raisers will hold a community meal 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Unity Community Center. The menu will include shepherd’s pie, both meat and vegetarian, baked beans, roasted root vegetables, toasted sesame slaw, beet salad and apple crisp. The rural… Read More
ROCKLAND – Coastal Senior College invites people interested in lifelong learning to an open house 2-3 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at University College at Rockland, 91 Camden St. Coastal Senior College instructors will give a brief preview of the college’s spring courses and members of… Read More
BELFAST – The Waldo County Democratic Committee will hold its “Marching to Victory 2008” on Saturday, April 5, at the Waldo County Shrine Club, Northport Avenue. All Democrats are invited to attend. A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., a live auction at 6… Read More
Bangor Christian Schools Second 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
BREWER – The Brewer office of the March of Dimes and the Eagles Club will hold a basket bingo on Saturday, March 8, at the Brewer Eagles Club at 22 Atlantic Ave. The doors will open at 11 a.m. and the games will begin at… Read More
BANGOR – Liberty Tax Service is offering to prepare tax returns at no charge for select taxpayers who have no tax liability. The tax stimulus package means rebates for most taxpayers, including people who would not normally file a tax return. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BANGOR – The Hilltop School is accepting kindergarten registrations for fall 2008. Hilltop School’s kindergarten level is state-approved and offers a small student to teacher ratio. The program includes before and after care, snacks and a hot lunch. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
DEXTER – Eastern Maine Development Corp. has agreed to donate some limited work to Dexter to spur economic development. EMDC will focus on three different efforts to enhance the local, volunteer economic development committee’s efforts, according to Town Manager Judy Doore. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
. City Council, 7 p.m. Monday, City Hall, executive session regarding negotiations with police support staff union. . City Council, 7:30 p.m. Monday, City Hall, regular meeting, American Folk Festival grant, amendment of parking schedule to convert Court Street lot to permit parking, adoption of… Read More
MONTICELLO – The Maine Warden Service said it confiscated a 3-foot alligator this week after its owner, 20-year-old Justin Barry, said he didn’t have a permit for it. Wardens secured the alligator’s mouth and took the animal to a rescue facility in Winslow. Warden Josh… Read More
Students in grades three-nine with conditions known as high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome are being offered a spring, summer and fall recreational and educational experience at Camp CaPella in Dedham. It’s being jointly organized by the Maine Junior Engineer Technical Society and Camp CaPella. Dr. Read More
ELLSWORTH – The American Cancer Society’s Camp Rainbow summer program for children who have cancer will be held in Maine June 15-21 at Bangor YMCA’s Camp Jordan. Camp Rainbow is a special place where kids can just be happy and fun-loving again. Children in treatment… Read More
The 14th annual Spay Day USA encourages the spaying and neutering of pets as an effective and humane means of decreasing the euthanasia of homeless animals and to reduce pet overpopulation. Spay Day USA this year is on Tuesday, Feb. 26. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
WASHINGTON – The Bush administration on Friday released $40 million in emergency relief funds to 11 states, including $3.84 million for Maine, to help poor people cope with high heating bills. Federal officials said they want to make sure families are protected during the coldest… Read More
BANGOR – With people living longer and taking a lot more medications as they do so, the need to keep accurate records of those medicines is a key to staying healthy. That’s why Eastern Maine Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital and Penobscot Community Health Care… Read More
MILO – A public hearing will be held next week to discuss the submission of a planning grant for downtown improvements. Dr. Ken Woodbury Jr., community development specialist with the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, will address residents at the meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday,… Read More
OLD TOWN – RSE Pulp & Chemical LLC, a subsidiary of Red Shield Environmental, intends to use grant funds it received from the Maine Technology Institute to continue research and development efforts to integrate the University of Maine’s patent-pending process to create alternative fuels and chemicals from wood… Read More
PORTLAND – An heir of a well-known aviation family that founded Bar Harbor Airlines is running a charter service in Portland. Ron Caruso established Portland Air Charter about a year ago, and with his two sons on staff, the Caruso family’s aviation expertise is being… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – When conditions are just right – mild days, cool nights – the sap flows and Maine’s maple syrup season begins. The season can start anytime between mid-February and late March, but whenever the sap is ready this year, producers are hoping for one… Read More
PORTLAND – The Mount Abram ski resort in western Maine, which changed hands three times in the 1990s, is up for sale for $1.8 million. Located in Greenwood near the much larger Sunday River resort in Newry, Mount Abram is one of Maine’s smaller ski… Read More
OXFORD – Burlington Homes of Maine, a maker of modular and mobile homes, has closed after 14 years, leaving 70 workers unemployed. Twin Town Homes President Bob Huotari said he received a letter from Burlington Homes President Theresa Desfosses this week informing him of the… Read More
When it comes to predicting the Academy Awards, which air at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC, William Goldman said it best – nobody knows anything – which is why some of us age visibly and develop ulcers while trying to predict the unpredictable. But aging… Read More
My shampoo, Suave for Men, promises its customers a “fresh, masculine scent.” I’m not sure what that sort of scent actually smells like, but I do admit that I’d rather my hair smell fresh and masculine than stale and feminine. More than that, though, Suave… Read More
Some days, my life feels like a circus. When it comes to juggling, my daily planner would give Cirque du Soleil a run for its money. I walk the tightrope – between all-out fun and good taste – all the time. Though I still haven’t… Read More
There’s something to be said for a plant that blooms all winter. Such as “more.” 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
This week was the time for the annual visit to Scaup Duck Drive in Royal Highlands, Fla., also known as ground zero in the nation’s real estate market collapse. It is also known, laughingly, as Emmet’s winter home. There is some discussion about erecting a… Read More
“Beowulf” DVD, HD DVD: Robert Zemeckis’ “Beowulf” has a great ending – powerful, fiery and exciting. It’s a nice feat of showmanship, the best part of the film. What comes before it, with few exceptions, can be long and tedious. Set in Denmark and based on the Anglo-Saxon… Read More
Jennifer White, a neighbor, was telling me about a sauce she made and I thought, “That sounds so good.” We really like capers here, and we enjoy anchovies, too. Jennifer uses this sauce on all kinds of things: chicken, fish, even plain pasta. It would… Read More
For me, the garden is an outdoor classroom. Each year I embark on a new exploration, a new plant or cultural technique. I will run out of gardening years before I run out of summer projects. This year it will be onions, an essential ingredient… Read More
BANGOR – Don’t get lulled into thinking Calais was taking anything for granted going into Friday afternoon’s Eastern Maine Class C boys basketball semifinal against Houlton. Sure, coach Ed Leeman’s Blue Devils, the two-time defending state champions, were riding an incredible 61-game winning streak. And… Read More
BANGOR – A monster rebounding effort and a couple of key free throws down the stretch helped the No. 2 Lee Academy boys basketball team hold off a hard charge from No. 3 Schenck of East Millinocket Friday afternoon in an Eastern Maine Class C semifinal. Read More
AUGUSTA – Rival coaches have suggested throughout this season that it would take a near-perfect performance to knock off the Bangor High School boys basketball team. Edward Little of Auburn came close Friday night, but with Ryan Weston and Jon McAllian leading the way, it… Read More
BANGOR – Sometime this afternoon, the Lee Academy girls basketball team will gather in the school’s cafeteria for a meal before getting on the bus for the trip to the Bangor Auditorium. That meal will likely include pasta, maybe some bananas, and definitely a lot… Read More
ORONO – There is uncertainty surrounding a certainty for this weekend’s Hockey East men’s hockey series between the University of Maine Black Bears and the visiting Massachusetts Minutemen. The teams will play at 7 tonight and at 4 on Sunday afternoon. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Sunday River, Newry 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 Wrestling 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
COLLEGE Adam Choice 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
Men’s hockey MAINE vs. MASSACHUSETTS 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
BANGOR – Brittany Hunt registered 16 points as Maine Maritime Academy raced out to a 34-17 halftime lead en route to a 66-52 women’s basketball victory over NAC foe Husson at Newman Gym Friday night. Kaitlyn Leeman scored 11 points while Katie Pushard chipped in… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Unity Raceway is being sued by an auto racing television host who was badly injured during an accident two years ago. John Crawford’s lawyer says the Mainely Motorsports host suffered permanent injuries after a car went airborne and smashed through a 12-foot fence… Read More
AUGUSTA – Three weeks ago the Oxford Hills girls basketball team was almost an afterthought in the Eastern Maine Class A tournament spectrum, the result of injuries that had sidelined multiple starters. But those starters returned just in time for a postseason run never before… Read More
BANGOR – Jerry Goss arrived at the Bangor Auditorium at around 12:15 p.m. Friday for his so-called squeak test on the Auditorium basketball court. It’s a fairly simple test in which Goss walks the floor to see, well, if it’s sufficiently squeaky – meaning there’s… Read More
It will be one of the toughest tickets in town to obtain. When Presque Isle and arch-rival Houlton-Hodgdon square off in an Eastern Maine Class B hockey quarterfinal on Monday night at 6 at Presque Isle’s Northern Maine Forum, Presque Isle coach Carl Flynn expects… Read More
BANGOR – The Houlton Shiretowners enjoy playing at a brisk pace to take advantage of their transition game. Friday night, George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill made the top-seeded Shiretowners do a bit more running than they would have preferred. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Maine outdoorsmen must contend each winter with early darkness, long evenings and often cold, dreary weather on weekends. In truth, there’s only so much ice fishing and varmint hunting that stormy weather and short days will allow, especially when we endure an “old fashioned” winter like this one. Read More
I know winter is coming to an end. Snow and ice may still linger, and temperatures may still be well below freezing. But, for the past week or so now, I’ve heard a northern cardinal singing every morning with the rising of the sun. It… Read More
I hope you got out for a little fresh air Wednesday night and watched the lunar eclipse. I wondered how many others might be out in their backyards lying on the rock-hard snow trying to aim a camera at the fading orb. As I delicately… Read More
It was well worth the seven-hour trip from the St. John Valley to the Western Mountains for the Fort Kent ski teams. The Warrior boys and girls fared exceptionally well at this week’s Class C state championships at Black Mountain in Rumford, with the boys… Read More