The headline, “Early retirement is unpatriotic,” (BDN, April 8) surely is designed to be provocative. I am almost 68 and have been retired for four years. I have served my country, worked hard, paid my bills and my taxes, and I am not taking Social Security (nor will… Read More
    Sen. Susan Collins is simply disingenuous regarding Rep. Tom Allen’s voting record and the approximately 140 absent votes. She fails to mention that the total of votes in Rep. Allen’s career is approximately 7,100 votes. Missing 140 votes over his long tenure gives him a… Read More
    Chaos is a time of opportunity and has been used as a tactic of war for centuries. The government has produced a great deal of chaos throughout Maine and the world, and the economy is in a free-fall. The Maine Legislature has forgotten that commonsense… Read More
    As I was throwing a load of laundry into the machine this morning, I was thinking of the early-morning news broadcasts regarding the Olympic torch that is getting so much media coverage because of the conflict between China and Tibet. I checked four tags: two sweat shirts, a… Read More
    At a time when state budget cuts are devastating vital social service programs, the Christian Civic League has decided not to help the sick and needy, but to once again attempt to deprive some Maine residents of equal rights. Surely there is a better use for the time… Read More
    As I do not live, work or pay taxes in Hampden, I have no personal agenda on the water rate increase. But I have watched the dialogue in the paper with interest. No one enjoys paying more for anything, but I wonder if some people… Read More
    Finding new ways to pay the bills at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, especially if some of the costs may be passed on to those who don’t hunt, fish or trap, is a perennial issue. It has come up this year as lawmakers look for ways… Read More
    A program that promises great things for Maine’s economic future kicked off with the start of the spring college semester. Thanks to a legislative initiative approved last year, college students who incur education loan debt dating from January 2008 will be able to claim a tax credit for… Read More
    Recently, George W. Bush committed some $30 billion in U.S. taxpayer money to Israel over 10 years, subject to congressional appropriations. This would be a significant increase in Israeli aid, along with a comparable increase in companion aid to Egypt and other Arab countries – by far our… Read More
    Before the Internet and social-networking sites like Myspace, Facebook and AOL instant messaging, if teens wanted to harass each other it would mostly occur during the school day. It might include some note passing between classes, a crude picture, a vicious rumor. Most harassment could be escaped at… Read More
    LINCOLN – At least 50 Maine trucks will roll on Washington, D.C., April 28 as part of a national rally to protest record diesel prices that many Mainers say are crushing the state’s forest products and hauling industries. Belinda Raymond, organizer and co-founder of the… Read More
    Dodi, David, Gail, Wayne, Jan, Richard, Steve, Louie, Pam, Harlan, Maisie, Tim, Joyce, John, Karla, Paula, Craig, Patti, Tom, Bonnie and I were all gathered cozily around Jan’s kitchen table a few years ago. We were laughing, visiting, remembering past gatherings, telling jokes – old favorites and brand… Read More
    BANGOR – An often heard phrase at the Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center this weekend went something like this: “Look at that; I’d like one of those.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    BELFAST – The funeral service for Waldo County Deputy Sheriff Mark Schade, who died last week in a diving accident, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Belfast Armory. Representatives of law enforcement from across New England are expected to attend… Read More
    BELFAST – In a few years, thousands of history museums and organizations across the country will benefit from a new national program to be tested by the Belfast Historical Society and Museum. The Belfast Historical Society and Museum has been selected as one of six… Read More
    FORT KENT – A handful of University of Maine at Fort Kent students learned this weekend that not all lessons come from the pages of a book or within classroom walls. Some are found on a Saturday morning along a snowy trail. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    ROQUE BLUFFS – The Community Center will hold a benefit bean supper for Donna and Vernon Preston Sr. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the center. The couple had a fire in March with devastating consequences. Cost for the supper is $7 for adults and… Read More
    MACHIAS – The first 2008 meeting of the Washington County Retired Teachers Association will be held starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at Helens Restaurant. There will be a Dutch Treat lunch with a short business meeting to follow. The program theme is “Remember… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Coastal Area National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering a free 12-week course, “Family-to-Family Education Program,” beginning in April 15. The course will cover information on schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorders. The curriculum is designed to assist friends… Read More
    DAMARISCOTTA – A Silent Auction to benefit the Seacoast Youth & Community Orchestra will be held at Skidompha Library from Saturday, April 19, to noon Saturday, April 26. Items including kilim pillows and paintings and other treasures donated by area businesses and artisans will be… Read More
    UNITY – A documentary film about a disaster relief trip to tornado-ravaged Tennessee that was will premiere at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, in the Student Activities Center on the Unity College campus. The film, produced by Unity College associate professor John Zavodny, tells the story of the… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Washington County Emergency Medical Services Authority will receive a grant of $59,700 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program. The funds will be used to purchase six new Lifepak 12 cardiac monitors for the county’s ambulance service. In announcing the… Read More
    Van Buren District Secondary School 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
    NORRIDGEWOCK – A Canaan man was arrested Saturday night after leading police on a 20-mile chase, doubling back when he spotted tire spike mats, and attempting to hide in a driveway. Albert Abbott, 38, was charged with failure to stop for a roadblock, eluding a… Read More
    ORONO – Cindy Kilgore, livestock specialist with the Maine Department of Agriculture, will offer information and advice to those interested in Maine-raised beef in her Brown Bag Lunch presentation at the Page Farm and Home Museum to be held at noon Wednesday, April 16. Kilgore… Read More
    BELFAST – The city is looking at a huge bump in the cost of fuel oil for the coming year. City Manager Joseph Slocum estimated that the cost for No. 2 heating oil could increase by as much as 50 percent next year. Gasoline and… Read More
    BELFAST – Suggestions on how alternate health practices could result in a healthier and more pain-free life will be offered at the Midcoast Maine Women’s Health Conference scheduled for Saturday, May 17. Practices such as acupuncture, Reiki, sound therapies, diet, using herbs or cutting out… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Rockland Public Library and Rockland District High School will be celebrating National Library Week, April 13-19, at the library. The school and library together will introduce Knowledge-Net, a cooperative program with the goal of increasing student access to a wider selection of… Read More
    PASSADUMKEAG – An open meeting for the Passadumkeag Grange No. 586 will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Community Building, 34 Pleasant St. A lunch will be served at noon before the meeting. All friends, neighbors, town employees and Grangers are… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – The Knights of Columbus Assembly 347 has planned its inaugural “Know Your Community Night” at 6 p.m. Friday, April 18, at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Hall. The event will include a potluck supper and an informative talk about the Millinocket… Read More
    ORONO – A group of nursing students from the University of Maine will hold a food drive at Bell’s IGA 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 6 Stillwater Ave. The drive will benefit Crossroads Ministries, a nonprofit, faith-based organization in Old Town that is dedicated… Read More
    STACYVILLE – Speakers from local agencies will discuss underage drinking and the effects of alcohol on youth at the town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Katahdin Middle School and High School auditorium. For those in attendance, a drawing will be… Read More
    ORONO – Learn to live an environmentally sustainable lifestyle at the 14th annual HOPE Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Field House at the University of Maine. More than 60 organizations will be at the festival to share information about ways to… Read More
    BANGOR – In celebration of National Poetry Month, more than 20 poets and translators, along with students and community members, will showcase their talent in the sixth annual Poets/Speak! 5:15-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Bangor Public Library. The evening will begin with University of… Read More
    ORONO – American Veterans Post 9 will hold a monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, in the American Legion Hall at 20 Water St. All members are encouraged to attend for nomination of 2008-09 officers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    Following are divorces granted in 5th District Court in Belfast during March on grounds of irreconcilable marital differences: Craig Leach, Islesboro, and Kathleen Leach, Cushing; married at Rockport on Sept. 25, 1988; shared parental responsibility for two children. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BELFAST – Eight students from SAD 34 were winners in the district’s Humor Essay Contest. In the spirit of celebrating National Humor Month and last week’s Comic Arts Laugh Festival in Belfast, the SAD 34 Wellness Committee and the Colonial Theatre sponsored the essay contest,… Read More
    ROCKPORT – Jim Merkel, co-director of the Global Living Project and author of “Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth,” will be among the roster of outstanding speakers and presenters at the Green Fair at Plants Unlimited on Earth Day, Saturday, April 19. An… Read More
    ISLESBORO – The following were selected as winners of the Islesboro Central School’s 14th annual Creative Writing Contest coordinated by Katie Nelson. Middle school students wrote both a poem and a prose piece on the theme of exploration, while high school students were allowed to… Read More
    Old Town resident Lindsay Ford, a University of Maine nursing student, will travel in July to the Dominican Republic with the International Student Volunteers program. To be a volunteer with this program, Ford has to contribute approximately $4,000 in addition to her airfare and money… Read More
    PORTLAND – A public forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Tom Allen explored options available to Mainers who face the threat of foreclosure on their homes. More than 40 people from across southern Maine turned out Saturday to hear from a panel of experts in the… Read More
    KITTERY – A memorial service marking the 45th anniversary of the sinking of the nuclear submarine USS Thresher drew about 300 people Saturday to Traip Academy. The ceremony is an annual remembrance of the 129 crew members and civilians who perished when the Thresher went… Read More
    BATH – The parents of a young Marine who sacrificed his life to protect two fellow Marines were on hand at Bath Iron Works for a ceremony marking the start of construction on a ship that will bear their son’s name. Jason Dunham, 22, of… Read More
    PORTLAND – Several potential buyers, including the Portland Newspaper Guild, have expressed an interest in Blethen Maine Newspapers, according to a Blethen company official. The Guild says it is exploring a potential bid for the Blethen Maine Newspapers, which are being offered for sale by… Read More
    BANGOR – When Liz Perry and Leonard Smith renovated a room in their Birch Street home, they found a newspaper dated 1886. The couple decided to try a more modern form of insulation this summer in an attempt to reduce their energy consumption and electricity… Read More
    WASHINGTON – The Maine Department of Corrections will receive $130,434 on behalf of the Department of Labor’s Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative, U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have announced. The funds will be used to assist newly released prisoners re-enter their communities through… Read More
    KENNEBUNKPORT – Kennebunkport, a town occasionally targeted by crowds of demonstrators, will be voting in June on the latest revision to its mass-gathering ordinance. The Maine Civil Liberties Union objected to the initial revisions, claiming that an insurance requirement could pose a financial burden and… Read More
    Lisbon’s former economic development director has been indicted for theft on a charge of stealing more than $32,000 from a town program he was overseeing. Daniel Feeney, 56, of North Yarmouth served as Lisbon’s economic development chief for 18 years and ran the town’s Community… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A crash involving a UPS tractor-trailer that overturned on Interstate 95 shut down northbound traffic through part of Augusta for much of the day Saturday. State police say no injuries were reported Saturday when the double-trailer rig drifted off the road just past… Read More
    HAMPDEN – There were plenty of thrills, chills and spills to go around at Saturday’s Souadabscook Stream Race. Forty-four brave souls took their craft through some rapids that were extremely challenging thanks to the rain that fell Friday night and into race morning. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    BANGOR – The University at Albany continued its domination of the UMaine baseball team Saturday afternoon. Four Albany pitchers combined to limit the Black Bears to five runs and 11 hits as the Great Danes swept their America East doubleheader at the Winkin Baseball Complex… Read More
    COLLEGE At Durham, N.H. 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
    MA’NAKWANE MEMORIAL 5K At Indian Island 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
    SOUADABSCOOK STREAM CANOE RACE At Hampden, 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()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    It was 1978 when my husband and I stopped in Freeport to meet one of my cousins, Paul Bennett, and his wife, Emma. It was Paul who gave us directions to find the boulder marking the Bennett homestead in Gloucester, Mass., which we did find,… Read More