An image that ran with an item about the new exhibitions at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland on Thursday’s Mark Your Calendar page was incorrectly captioned. The artwork featured is by Louise Nevelson and is called “Dawn Column 1” (1959, painted wood). A statement… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Responding to record recalls of products that sickened children, the Senate passed legislation Thursday that would toughen inspections of toys and other playthings made outside the U.S. The bill calls for a public database of consumer complaints, bolsters the Consumer Products Safety Commission… Read More
    Though the general election is eight months away, the two main contenders in Maine’s U.S. Senate race are not waiting until the weather warms up to start criticizing each other. The campaigns of Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen are confronting each other… Read More
    There are four unresolved murders on the books in Bangor – Trevor Sprague in 2006, 8-month-old Aisha Dickson in 1997, Peter J. Bassett in 1988 and Effie MacDonald in 1965. With the population of Maine’s third largest city about 32,000, the numbers are relatively low,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The ink was barely dry on a second package of $95 million in budget cuts when Gov. John Baldacci said Thursday that yet another set of reductions is likely as state revenues continue to fail to meet estimates. Meanwhile, the Democratic governor’s efforts… Read More
    The next Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Early Bird Breakfast will feature two University of Maine experts who will discuss the business of technology. Habib J. Dagher, director of UM’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, and Jake Ward, assistant vice president of research, economic development… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine’s unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point in January to 5 percent. The state Labor Department said Maine’s 5 percent jobless rate was still a little better than the national rate for January, 5.1 percent. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – A national life sciences magazine has named The Jackson Laboratory one of the best places in the country to work for postdoctoral associates. In its March issue, The Scientist ranked Jackson Lab ninth among U.S. research institutions, the lab indicated Wednesday in… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Dana F. Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, says a change of attitude and mind-set about providing government services will have to take place outside the usual process. “Perhaps we have outgrown our ability to finance the services provided,” he… Read More
    A column in the March 3 issue of Time magazine by managing editor Rick Stengel argues that newspapers should drop their long-standing policies of endorsing candidates for elected office. Mr. Stengel confesses to not understanding why newspapers continue this tradition, suggesting the practice may come from the 19th… Read More
    The poll released by Market Decisions this week showing that 80 percent of Mainers oppose expanding taxes and fees even temporarily to cover the state budget gap is being waved like a banner by those who believe state government is bloated. Aside from the “duh”… Read More
    Shoveling after each snowstorm or slipping on the ice, I still have to remind myself how very fortunate I am to have a roof over my head and warm meals with my beloved. When I was a teen I took off from school and ended up in Boston… Read More
    BDN columnist Renee Ordway believes Donnie Smith, the Washington County sheriff, is an unseasoned newcomer who should have known better last week before calling to sever the relationship between his deputies and Maine drug enforcement agents. He should have been aware, she wrote, of the DVD from 2006… Read More
    I’m comfortable speaking for hundreds who witnessed “The Kids of Liberty” in action at a spaghetti dinner Friday night. They wowed us! Inspired by the student-veteran interview visit they made to the Cole Land Transportation Museum in September 2007, a group of eighth-grade students decided… Read More
    Recently while praying near the Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center where abortion is performed, a woman said although she was pro-life, she worried graphic pictures of aborted babies might frighten her children. Why show these pictures? An experienced sidewalk counselor then patiently explained why the… Read More
    It is imperative that the people of the United States elect the best possible president in 2008 because of the gigantic challenges our nation is facing currently and in the foreseeable future. Yet too many of us vote frivolously for a candidate based on superficial factors such as… Read More
    Over the last four years, rural Maine’s educational system has endured three dramatic and potentially damaging changes to the way our children learn. First, the passage of the Maine Municipal Association-initiated referendum to force the state to fund 55 percent of local education. Second, a new Essential Programs… Read More
    Since 1986, when Yo Yo Ma and Isaac Stern performed for the inaugural celebration, the Maine Center for the Arts has proved itself as the cornerstone for the arts in eastern, northern and central Maine. For 22 years, more than 4 million patrons have passed through its doors,… Read More
    A change in the weather and suddenly my slow day becomes packed with activity. Snow has blown in across McMurdo Sound, preventing air travel back to the main base at McMurdo Station. The two helicopters that had been running deliveries in the Dry Valleys are stranded – and… Read More
    BANGOR – A 24-hour statewide blitz by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has netted more than 90 people who were arrested for everything from trafficking heroin or marijuana to probation violations. “We’ve been working on them for a while,” said Garry Higgins, MDEA supervisory special… Read More
    BANGOR – Organizers of the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront this week announced that several corporate sponsors have stepped up to lead the fundraising efforts for this year’s event set for Aug. 22-24. The fundraising goal is $1,045,000, said Heather McCarthy, the festival’s… Read More
    BANGOR – Sparks have been flying for more than a week in the Penobscot County Courthouse. They haven’t been the usual political embers that sometimes burst into flames during county commissioners’ weekly meetings. Nor have the legal arguments of lawyers ignited the sparks that have… Read More
    Maine Women in History Rediscovering Their Lives and Legacies The woman most responsible for creation of the National Federation of Republican Women in 1937 was Marion E. Martin of Maine. In 1944 she estimated that she could mobilize 1 million Republican women through the clubs… Read More
    BANGOR – The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center will offer 30 hours of training in “Supporting Maine’s Infant-Toddler: Learning & Development Guidelines.” The class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon March 1, 15, 29, April 5, 12, 19, and May 3, 17, at Penquis, 262 Harlow… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Boating and Marine Show will begin Friday, March 7, at the Civic Center. The show features party boats, ski boats, canoes, kayaks and boats for fishermen and day sailers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    DIXMONT – The United Methodist Church will hold its third annual auction at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Dixmont Gold Crest Riders Snowmobile Clubhouse on Cates Road. The auction will include donated items, local business gift certificates, handcrafted items and baked goods. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    DIXMONT – The United Methodist Church will hold its monthly public fellowship breakfast 7-9 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Dixmont Gold Crest Riders Snowmobile Clubhouse on Cates Road. The cost for the breakfast will be $5 for adults, $2.50 for children. Read More
    BREWER – The Brewer Parks and Recreation Department is offering “Tee-Time Tune-Up” golf lessons. The four-week session will begin noon-1 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Lessons are designed for players of all levels and include fundamentals for the beginner and tips for the experienced player. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    EAST ORRINGTON – The congregational church has announced its first chili challenge cook-off and supper at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Supper will follow the taste testing from 4:45 to 6 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    BANGOR – The Maine Discovery Museum will celebrate an exhibit by artists living with disabilities 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the museum. The exhibit contains both 2-D and 3-D works about how Maine connects to the world through trade. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    The University of Maine Cooperative Extension invites all gardeners to attend “Enjoy Your Garden With Containers and Raised Beds,” a daylong program on small-scale gardening being held throughout the state. All workshops will begin with check-in at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Attendees… Read More
    BANGOR – More than $993,000 is available nationwide to qualified private nonprofit organizations for use in ensuring quality water systems for rural homeowners under the Household Water Well System Grant. The grant, offered through USDA Rural Development, will allow individuals to finance the cost of… Read More
    Addison The annual town meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at D.W. Merritt School, 518 Indian River Road. 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
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – A motorist passing by a remote island home spotted smoke Thursday afternoon and called firefighters, but by the time they arrived the home was a complete loss, Fire Chief Sam Chisholm said. “Basically, the building was gone when we got there,” he… Read More
    JONESBORO – The Jonesboro Parent-Teacher Association and the Whitneyville Library are teaming up to hold the ninth annual Pot of Gold Supper and Auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Jonesboro Elementary School. The Whitneyville Library Association will kick off the event with a… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, in the meeting room at the Emergency Management Agency office at 34 Center St. The committee is responsible for implementing provisions of the Federal Chemical Emergency Planning and… Read More
    BELFAST – The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition will welcome conservationist Susie O’Keeffe and naturalist-farmer Paula Roberts will present “Farming with the Wild” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Belfast Free Library as part of its monthly series. The two women will discuss the… Read More
    SEARSPORT – The Penobscot Marine Museum will offer a half-hull model class beginning March 25. Each class participant will make a scale half-hull model (1 inch to 1 foot) of a traditional Maine Friendship sloop, the Belford Gray. The model will be varnished using two… Read More
    ROQUE BLUFFS – The State Fire Marshal’s Office determined Thursday that a local fire had started in a chimney, according to a fire official. John Geel, Jonesboro fire chief, said the fire started Wednesday around 3:40 p.m. Homeowner Donna Preston was home at the time… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education has awarded grants totaling $5,570 to support an artist-in-residence program in six elementary schools in Washington County. The grants include: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    SEARSMONT – A representative from the Bangor office of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will hold office hours 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, March 13, at the Searsmont town office, 37 South Main St. Staff Assistant Jessie Logan will be available to hear constituents’ concerns and provide assistance with federal issues… Read More
    BELFAST – Waldo County General Hospital will offer its free monthly adult Reiki clinic 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26. Reiki, pronounced “RAY-key,” is an ancient method of helping with relaxation and stress relief. Each person will receive a brief introduction to the concept of Reiki… Read More
    CUSHING – The U.S. Postal Service will offer a free, two-hour introductory seminar for anyone interested in learning about eBay. The seminar will be held 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Cushing Library, 39 Cross Road. This event will feature complete… Read More
    NORTH HAVEN – The town will receive a water and waste disposal loan and grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program, U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins have announced. The town will receive a loan for $500,000 and a grant… Read More
    BELFAST – John Dunham, 35, of Belfast was arrested on a charge of domestic assault Tuesday after an altercation on Mason Pond Circle. Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton said that Dunham and a female acquaintance got into an argument over the use of the telephone at… Read More
    MACHIAS – Work for Peace, a Washington County organization striving for peace and justice, will hold a Vigil for Peace from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Machias bridge. The event will mark the fifth year of the Iraq war. People are invited to bring signs, banners… Read More
    EASTPORT – The Maine Marine Technology Center’s Husson Boat School will hold an open house at the Eastport campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 for prospective students from Maine and New Brunswick. Boat School Discovery Day is also open to parents and anyone interested in… Read More
    BANGOR – A pitch to develop a self-storage facility in the Pickering Square Parking Garage was put on hold Wednesday by members of a City Council subcommittee. Instead, councilors put the request for developer status on ice for a few months while they look at… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – An Orono man who left clues of his involvement at the scene of an October boat fire pleaded guilty Friday in Piscataquis County Superior Court. Joseph Case, 34, was sentenced to one year to the Department of Corrections with all but six months… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Dover-Foxcroft man will serve a total of eight years in prison for his role in a series of burglaries and a robbery last year. Wayne Richards, 31, pleaded guilty in Piscataquis County Superior Court on Friday to five counts of burglary, robbery,… Read More
    PORTLAND – Three Bangor area residents will be honored Saturday night by EqualityMaine at the organization’s annual awards dinner. EqualityMaine is the state’s oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. This is the first time the organization has honored three people from… Read More
    DEXTER – An accumulation of heavy snow and ice caused the partial collapse Thursday of the metal roof over the horseshoe pit at the Watering Hole in Dexter. John Chappell, owner of the former Dexter Shoe warehouse, said he and a crew were working Thursday… Read More
    Army Pfc. Jared A. Cleaves, son of Paula, stepson of Steffin Gallupe of Blaine and son of Melvin Cleaves of Easton, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is a 1998 graduate of Easton High School and received an associate degree in 2006… Read More
    HAMPDEN – The water district and consumers upset with a proposed 18 percent rate hike reached an agreement Thursday, dropping the increase to 14 percent. Water district representatives, state utility regulators and consumers negotiated during a conference call Thursday to reduce the rate increase, which… Read More
    BANGOR – Five school systems from around the state, including two in Bangor, are among this year’s recipients of funds from the Maine Preservation Heritage Education Grants Program. The grants, which this year range from $325 to $650, are designed to fund innovative educational activities… Read More
    Guilford A proposed $1 million municipal budget that reflects an increase of $900 from taxation will be forwarded Monday to residents for adoption. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    Etna A five-hour town meeting resulted in nearly all warrant articles passing on Saturday. 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
    PITTSFIELD – With a spate of recent donations, the Pittsfield Pool replacement has moved to within $79,329 of its $400,000 goal. The Paul Bertrand Community Pool is under construction, work having begun at the end of last summer, and will be completed this spring in… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET – The Recreation Department and the Katahdin District Amateur Softball Association will sponsor umpire clinics. The clinics will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 and 25, and Thursday, March 20 and 27, in Room 401 of Schenck High School. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BREWER – Those thinking that there has been too much cold weather, too much snow and too much winter should head over to the Brewer Hometown Band’s beach party concert on March 16. The spring concert will be devoted to water with tunes such as… Read More
    BANGOR – Internationally acclaimed Maine singer-songwriter David Mallett will perform at a rally to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15 (snow date March 16), at Paul Bunyan Park on Main Street. The rally will include short talks… Read More
    OLD TOWN – The American Veterans Post 9 will hold a meat raffle at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, in the American Legion Hall, 20 Water St. The raffle is open to all AMVETS members and guests. Door prizes will be given. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BANGOR – The Bangor Public Library will hold these events in March: . “Reading to Patches,” 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the Story Room. Patches, a Portuguese water dog, is part of the Reading Education Assistance Dog program that seeks to improve children’s reading… Read More
    MACHIAS – A representative from the Eastern Agency on Aging will be available to answer questions about services offered by the agency 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in the town office or by phone at 255-6621. No appointment is necessary. Read More
    ORONO – Women of the World will meet at noon Monday, March 10, at the Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street. Traditional dishes from West Africa will be served. Artifacts from Liberia and Mali will be on display. Volunteers are needed to help set… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a session 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, that will focus on organizing and simplifying your life. The session will include tips on increasing storage in the kitchen, information on how to organize important documents, and… Read More
    BANGOR – A man making doughboys Thursday evening let the oil overheat and it “flashed” into flames, according to a city fire official. When the man attempted to take the hot pan outside he dropped it, causing a fast-moving fire in his rented trailer, said Rick Cheverie, assistant… Read More
    DEXTER -A Corinth man and his dog escaped injury Thursday when the vehicle they were traveling in rolled over on Route 94. Michael Roberts, 61, was charged with operating after suspension and failure to provide proof of insurance. He is expected to make his initial… Read More
    CALAIS – Although there have been glitches, including a softening of the U.S. economy and a slower than usual start to this year’s first business quarter, officials at the Canadian-based Acrobat Research Center said Thursday the company’s newest call center is focusing on attracting new clients. Read More
    BELFAST – A local man was arrested early Wednesday after a police chase that went from Oak Hill Road to Moose Point State Park in Searsport. John Ward, 35, was charged with aggravated operating after suspension after having been declared a habitual offender of motor… Read More
    ROCKPORT – The Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine is accepting nominations for the Linda Voss Student of the Year award. Awards will be given in both art and writing categories for students in kindergarten through fourth grade and fifth through 12th grade. The art… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Local children who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 15 are eligible to register for kindergarten. Parents who want their children to begin school this September should call 236-7807 to schedule an appointment for a visit of the kindergarten program… Read More
    Stonington Voters at the annual town meeting Monday adopted changes to the town’s clam ordinance that mirrored changes adopted in Deer Isle last month. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
    From Rob Crone of Eastern Area Agency on Aging comes word that its Meals for ME program, serving seniors residing in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties, has accepted the Feinstein Foundation challenge of matching donations. For agencies who participate in this drive being conducted… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A probation violation charge against a St. Albans man accused of threatening a woman in the Borestone Mountain area last fall was dismissed Friday because the district attorney, who was handling another case in an adjacent courthouse, failed to make an appearance. Justice… Read More
    A state official told lawmakers in Augusta on Thursday that denturists should continue to be regulated by the Maine Board of Dental Examiners, despite denturists’ repeated petitions for the state to establish a separate board. But the official supported strengthening the authority of denturists and dental hygienists on… Read More
    SAD 31 board of directors Chairman John Neel will bring to his board the problem of how to resolve to the state’s satisfaction the apparently illegal payment of a board member for work done on two school renovations, he said Thursday. Neel, SAD 31 Superintendent… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine is on the verge of joining the majority of states that have passed laws to curb human trafficking, the forced transfer of people for prostitution, factory work and other forms of forced labor. The House of Representatives unanimously gave final approval Thursday… Read More
    AUBURN – A former Skowhegan lawyer convicted of stealing from clients has been told by a judge to get a job, even if it means shoveling snow off roofs. John Frankenfield appeared before a judge in Auburn after being accused of violating a condition of… Read More
    HARRISON – Investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy in the death of a 4-month-old infant in Harrison. State police identified the baby as Zachary Henderson. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Police say a maintenance worker discovered heroin on the ground behind a building that serves students in the Head Start program in Waterville. Maintenance worker Jeff Paquette said he found the packets of heroin – nine in all – in a back parking… Read More
    BOOTHBAY – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a collision that claimed three lives in Boothbay. Investigators say Phillip Peters was driving a pickup truck that crossed into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle, causing a head-on collision Wednesday night on Route… Read More
    AUBURN – A Poland man who let minors drink at his home before one of them caused a crash that claimed six lives has been sentenced to 21 days in jail. Ryan M. Brissette pleaded no contest to allowing a minor to drink at a… Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – The regular season was a struggle for the University of Maine men’s basketball team. Even so, there were a few bright spots. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    AUGUSTA – For a few days last week, Dana Houghton lingered in the Lee Academy gym for a little longer than her teammates while the 5-foot-8 senior forward worked on her shooting. All her extra gym time came in handy Wednesday night in the Class… Read More
    It’s funny how life’s circumstances make for some major-league ironies. The first few days of this week were spent making three round trips totaling 560 miles to watch state championship basketball games in Classes D, A and C – trips that wouldn’t have been necessary… Read More
    MAINE vs. UMASS LOWELL Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if… Read More
    Bangor High’s Jon McAllian and Aarika Ritchie of Lee Academy are among the six finalists for the Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball Awards. The Maine Association of Basketball Coaches announced three boys and three girls as finalists Thursday. The winners will be revealed Friday, March… Read More