PORTLAND – FairPoint Communications Inc. acquired Verizon’s wired telephone lines and high-speed Internet service in northern New England on Monday, and its stock plunged upon the news. FairPoint’s stock dropped 10 percent at the opening bell, and traded down around 20 percent Monday afternoon before… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine has a seat belt law, but police have been issuing only warnings to violators since it was bolstered last September. As of Tuesday, it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy. And that’s no April Fools’ Day joke. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    An announcement about the Shirley Community Church’s annual maple syrup brunch on Page B2 in Friday’s paper listed the wrong day for the event. It will be Sunday, April 6. A story on Page B1 of Monday’s paper in the Women in History series contained… Read More
    CHERRY HILL, N.J. – The marriage between two unusual banks is complete. Toronto-based TD Bank Financial Group closed on its $8.5 billion purchase of Cherry Hill-based Commerce Bancorp on Monday, creating a chain of branches spanning much of the East Coast. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    BERWICK – Prime Tanning Co. Inc. and Shanghai Richina Leather Co. Ltd. have agreed to a merger to create what they said would be “the world’s largest premium leather maker.” Robert Moore, chief executive officer of Prime, will become CEO of the combined company, Prime… Read More
    JACKSON, Miss. – Northrop Grumman Corp. is turning to one of its biggest competitors – Maine’s Bath Iron Works – for help staying on schedule in building a warship for the U.S. Navy. The defense contractor announced Monday that it has awarded a contract to… Read More
    Nicole Morse and Kristy Fogler, physical therapists at Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield, have received doctoral degrees from Husson College in Bangor. “Many of the courses we took have helped us to provide enhanced patient care,” said Fogler. Only two schools in Maine offer doctorate work in physical… Read More
    Maine should get on the stick with its money woes and plan, finance, construct and operate its own gambling casino. Why let Hollywood Slots and other Johnny-come-latelys export the enormous profits from their private casinos here, throwing us the chump change? Telling us on TV how great they’re… Read More
    For the last six months, police have issued warnings to motorists who failed to use seat belts as required by state law. Beginning today, tickets will be issued for those who refuse to buckle up. This, despite protests about individual rights and choices, will save lives and money. Read More
    ClickBack, the BDN’s interactive feature in which readers post comments at www.bangordailynews.com, this week asks about the federal government’s role in banking, the Legislature’s post-budget agenda, and whether feeding deer should be made illegal. Look for the ClickBack logo on the BDN Web site, and register to comment… Read More
    Gov. Baldacci’s recent budget cuts have been merciless when it comes to programs that aid our children, elderly and disabled. Schools, the Special Olympics, domestic abuse prevention programs, group homes and foster homes are just a few of the important programs whose budgets were cut. Read More
    Andrew Klavan’s paean to all things right wing, “Mamet’s conversion to conservatism” (BDN, March 24), about David Mamet’s politics is ultimately much ado about very little. But Klavan’s use of the Bush administration’s principle that if you repeat a lie often enough many will believe it, deserves comment… Read More
    A letter to the editor (BDN, March 17) submitted by Frank Torino advocated for social Darwinism. The author listed different groups of people needing society’s support while the rest of us had to contend with rising fuel costs and taxes (and not acknowledging the impact these items have… Read More
    As people and newspapers around the state are beginning to notice, Maine is apparently trying to lead the way among states taking action against chemicals alleged to cause harm to the population. For example, we’re one of just two states that have independently taken action to limit the… Read More
    Many American citizens are concerned about the growing disparities in wealth and income. Even middle-class Americans feel extraordinarily insecure. They are a doctor’s visit or a pink slip away from descending into the abyss of poverty. Economic insecurity fosters and in turn is fostered by other social and… Read More
    ORONO – The man awaiting trial in connection with the alcohol-related death of his friend found himself in trouble with the law again Sunday. Former University of Maine student Sean Meehan, 20, of Portland, pleaded not guilty in February to one count of furnishing a… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The only state that failed to get an extension to Monday’s Real ID deadline was given a couple of more days to satisfy federal concerns about driver’s license security. Still unanswered was whether Maine residents will be allowed to board airplanes and enter… Read More
    MILO – Selectman Tony Hamlin unexpectedly resigned from the board Friday. Contacted Monday, Hamlin said that while he worked hard for the betterment of the community, he felt it was time to leave. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    BREWER – A giant water main has broken and left dozens without water and electricity, and local disaster relief partners have to shelter those affected. That’s the scenario for a sheltering drill scheduled for Friday night at the Brewer Auditorium, Penobscot County Local Emergency Planning… Read More
    ORONO – Police arrested one woman and issued 27 summonses for alcohol consumption by a minor when they broke up a party Saturday night at Orchard Trails apartment complex. The cover charge was $5 for a cup and each partygoer was given a stamp on his hand that… Read More
    AUGUSTA – While lawmakers dithered on a budget to address a General Fund revenue shortfall, they gave final approval Monday to a measure cutting $28 million from the Transportation Department budget as gas tax revenues continue to fail to meet projections. “We’re not able to… Read More
    LINCOLN – A two-vehicle crash Monday sent three people to a local hospital for treatment, though none of the injuries was considered serious. The accident occurred about 11 a.m. on West Broadway, according to Officer Ray Goodspeed of the Lincoln Police Department. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    WESTBROOK – U.S. Rep. Tom Allen says he has introduced legislation authorizing a one-time tax credit of up to $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples to help first-time home buyers. Allen, D-Maine, said the proposal would help families afford a down payment, pay closing… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The city has received only two bids for a multimillion-dollar elementary school project, and both came in over budget. That means Ellsworth officials will have to either delay the project further to solicit more bids, or convince the two potential contractors to come… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A massive classroom renovation project that was partially funded through a gift from a local business has begun at Northern Maine Community College. Once complete, the classroom will provide students enrolled in the business technology programs on the campus with a work… Read More
    BANGOR – A local man has been sentenced in Penobscot County Superior Court to four years in prison with all but four months suspended for aggravated assault. Justice Thomas Humphrey on Wednesday also sentenced Abernathy Miller, 40, to three years of probation. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    HOULTON – A man who reportedly was irritated after an argument with friends over a cover charge at a local bar was arrested Sunday morning after attempting to stab one of the acquaintances. Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said Monday the altercation broke out at… Read More
    ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – A Bar Harbor woman who fell while hiking remained in fair condition at a Bangor hospital Monday, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Sophie Lasalle, 29, possibly broke her ankle Sunday while hiking on Gorham Mountain, according to Acadia National Park Ranger… Read More
    CARMEL – A tourist from Singapore is lucky to be alive after the rental car from which she was ejected Monday landed less than an inch from her head, pinning her clothing to the ground in several inches of water. After she was freed from… Read More
    SEARSPORT – The comprehensive planning committee has scheduled a series of meetings to take comments from residents about Searsport’s land use ordinance. The ordinance has been in effect for a year, and the committee would like to hear from residents about their experiences with the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A two-car collision at the intersection of Broadway and Limerock Street on Friday resulted in injury to one of the drivers. Gail Nason, 49, of 51A North Main St., headed west on Limerock Street in her 1999 Toyota four-door sedan, drove through the… Read More
    CAMDEN – The planning board will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, in the Washington Street Conference Room, to present proposed zoning ordinance amendments affecting the harbor. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan, planning board… Read More
    HANCOCK – The Fire Department has been exploring construction of a new station to replace its cramped, aging facility, but town leaders said they want more information before asking taxpayers to shoulder any costs. Fire Chief Chris Holmes said Monday the department has worked with… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Town councilors have a quiet agenda for tonight’s meeting at 7:30. It includes: . Three public hearings on accepting overdue tax payments, changes to the sign ordinance, and acceptance of a state grant of $150,000 for library preservation. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BANGOR – “Falling,” a powerful 20-minute movie scripted, acted and directed by teens about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, will be presented 7-8:30 tonight in the Lecture Hall at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway. Brent Scobie, social worker and director of substance abuse services… Read More
    HOLDEN – A presentation on open-space planning is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the gym at the elementary school. Town leaders are in the process of creating an open-space plan that will outline the vision, priorities and strategies for conservation and outdoor recreation for… Read More
    Leonie M. Brinkema, who sentenced 9-11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui to life in prison, will receive the 2008 Brody Award Sunday, April 6. Brinkema, a U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, will deliver the Brody address at 7:30 p.m. in Ostrove Auditorium… Read More
    Old Town High School junior Christopher Melanson, 17, has launched a very ambitious project to help him achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. A member of Boy Scout Troop 76, his Eagle Scout goal is to build an American with Disabilities Act-compliant handicap-accessible ramp “onto… Read More
    Events are planned in several Maine high schools on Wednesday, April 2, to mark the 13th annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This year, the national campaign aims to raise awareness about tobacco marketing and sales to teens. The event… Read More
    ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – The springtime thaw and rains have prompted park officials to close the park’s gravel carriage roads until further notice. The closure, which is aimed at protecting the roads from damage by hikers and bikers, went into effect Monday, March 31, and… Read More
    SOUTHWEST HARBOR – The Coast Guard is taking a look at hundreds of bells, buoys and other navigational aids in the Penobscot Bay region. According to Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Chase, the Coast Guard is required to review the effectiveness of navigational aids in critical… Read More
    UNITY – Authorities believe they have solved a Waterville purse-snatching and a Unity burglary after a raid on a Town Farm Road home Saturday night. Waldo County Chief Deputy Robert Keating said deputies Dan Thompson and Dale Brown went to the home at 9:15 p.m. Read More
    THORNDIKE – A Freedom man is listed in serious condition at a Portland hospital after a logging accident off Leonard Road on Sunday afternoon. Richard K. Martin, 57, suffered head injuries when the Timbco tree harvester he was operating rolled over the edge of a… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Casper G. Sargent Jr., who founded a well-known and well-respected real estate company in Ellsworth and was active in the community for decades, died unexpectedly Sunday after suffering injuries related to a fall. He was 78. Sargent started Sargent Real Estate on High… Read More
    MONTVILLE – Residents have approved an ordinance that bans genetically modified crops from being grown in the Waldo County town. Voters at Saturday’s town meeting gave their support to an ordinance that requires farmers to phase out genetically engineered crops within two years. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    PORTLAND – One hundred Roman Catholic parishioners from East Millinocket to Kennebunk will attend a public Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on April 20 at Yankee Stadium in New York during his six-day visit to the U.S. Tickets to the Mass were portioned out… Read More
    BANGOR – It’s confirmed. Casting crews from CBS will be at Linnehan’s Credit Now Auto at 1211 Hammond St., from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, looking for new housemates for season 10 of “Big Brother.” Complete details of the day’s events aren’t yet… Read More
    SEARSPORT – A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a wanted felon from Tennessee. Ryan C. Rankin, 22, of Searsport was arrested Friday afternoon in Searsport after he was pulled over for an inspection sticker violation by Waldo County Deputy Sheriff Merl Reed. Read More
    PORTLAND – Christopher Branson was recently elected president of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. Branson of Falmouth is a lawyer with the firm Murray, Plumb and Murray, where he has practiced since 1991 and been a director since 1999. He has been a member of… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, HealthReach Hospice and Mark Nale, elder law attorney, will offer information on advance health care decision-making from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area Community Center, 304 Main St. Members of the hospice team… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Sanford man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to charges of transporting and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, an undercover Secret Service agent in Miami accessed more than 80 sexually explicit images of children on the Internet by clicking… Read More
    PORTLAND – A federal judge is hanging up his gavel after 20 years on the job. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Cohen announced his retirement last year, with Monday being his last day. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, in cooperation with the Maine Department of Transportation, will offer two free, one-day courses in May to train teachers, police, medical professionals, health educators, parents and volunteers how to most effectively teach bicycle safety. The bicycle safety instructor… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Hundreds of Maine students will participate in the Maine Odyssey of the Mind tournament Saturday, April 5, at Cony High School. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving contest for teams of five to seven students. This year’s tournament will focus on environmental issues. For… Read More
    WATERVILLE – A Lebanese supper has been planned for 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at St. Joseph Maronite Church on the corner of Front and Appleton streets. The church will accept donations for the supper of $9 for adults and $4 for children. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, is encouraging Maine fire departments to apply for 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants before the April 4 application deadline. Since the program began, Maine has received more than… Read More
    YORK – Opponents of a plan to relocate and expand the toll plaza at the southern end of the Maine Turnpike are gearing up for a meeting with Maine Turnpike Authority officials. More than 100 people met at Norma’s Restaurant in York on Sunday to… Read More
    Maine courts are holding their spring administrative shutdown this week. Clerks’ offices in the state’s District and Superior courts will be open from noon to 4 p.m. The offices normally are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    It may not look like spring outside, but don’t tell that to the hundreds of high school baseball, softball, track and field and tennis teams around the state who kicked off their preseason practices Monday. Baseball and softball clubs were allowed to field full practices… Read More
    Regular-season baseball has started for the Boston Red Sox, and certain sacrifices had to be made to take in all the action. This year, loyal fans of the Old Towne Team had to be up early to catch all the action because the games were… Read More
    COLLEGE Anthony D’Alfonso 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
    Get ready, get set, Shop Hop! That’s the marching order for April, according to Evelyn Caruso, co-owner of The Cotton Cupboard in Bangor. She reports that the fifth annual State of Maine Quilt Shop Hop is organized, ready and waiting for quilters or anyone else who can’t resist… Read More