AUGUSTA – One-time presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has jumped on the John McCain bandwagon and told a cheering throng of Maine Republicans attending their state convention that he believed the party would retain its hold on the White House. Romney, who… Read More
    A headline on Page A1 of Thursday’s paper should have stated the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to avoid a recession. A story on Page B1 of Thursday’s paper about the verdict in the trial of six war protesters in Penobscot County Superior Court contained… Read More
    When 20-year-old Hope Rogers rented her Medway Road cabin in Mattawamkeag two weeks ago, she looked forward to living by the Penobscot River – not in it. But when floodwaters crested overnight Wednesday, Rogers and landlord David Owens found themselves surrounded by water. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    To help victims of the flooding in northern Maine, send money, the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross said Thursday. The organization requested that people not donate water, food or clothing. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    FORT KENT – In this town, it’s possible to go from preschool through a college degree and never travel more than a half-mile. But because the Fort Kent Elementary School, Fort Kent Community High School and the University of Maine at Fort Kent all occupy… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Shrine Circus is offering free admission to University of Maine at Fort Kent students displaced by the flooding. The circus currently is showing in Presque Isle, where many of the displaced students are being housed at the University of Maine Presque Isle and Northern… Read More
    MADAWASKA – The Dennis and Diane Lavoie family of Madawaska has been living on the edge – literally. Their $85,000 home is perched beside a 35-foot-deep chasm caused by wild, flooding waters from Martin Brook. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    FORT KENT – Church services won’t likely be held for a month in the St. Louis Catholic Church, the Rev. James Nadeau said Friday morning after viewing flood damage to the historic structure estimated at between $500,000 and $1 million. Until the church can be… Read More
    The future of Maine depends on the education our students receive. These students will one day be opening and running businesses here. So why is our government cutting education funding? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    I’m extremely upset that the Game Loft has been denied funding through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Tobacco Settlement Fund dedicated to after-school programs. The Game Loft is a truly innovative program, giving hundreds of youth from elementary school through high school a… Read More
    The editorial “Baghdad’s Burden” (BDN, April 24) – which proposes, as suggested by Sen. Susan Collins, that Iraqis pick up the tab for reconstruction and provide free fuel for this administration’s occupation of a nation it invaded without provocation – is tantamount to the rapist making his victim… Read More
    In reference to “Guard members working on border” (BDN, April 25): It seems as though taxpayers are supporting highly inefficient expenditures of funds and use of skilled personnel. Maine roads and bridges are in dire straits. Yet Maine National Guard members are sent to Arizona to repair roads,… Read More
    The Cianbro piece in the BDN April 24 reminds me of the Maine I grew up in. I arrived in Auburn (was born) in 1931 during the Depression, but even then Maine was relatively prosperous with the mills and shoe shops humming and potato was still king in… Read More
    Kathleen Parker (BDN, April 23) said Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the U.S. has afforded the American media and others an opportunity to remind us that the Catholic Church is “out of step” with modern times. The media wouldn’t think of saying that modern times… Read More
    A recent report found that health care spending in Maine is well above the national average with worse than average results. The report calls for an investigation of why the costs are high. What is needed even more is a commitment from lawmakers and regulators to do something… Read More
    When humans first harnessed fire, it was wood that provided the fuel. Coal, oil and natural gas followed, but as fossil fuels become more scarce, returning to the renewable fuel that literally grows on trees is a natural progression, especially for Maine, the most forested state in the… Read More
    It will take a few weeks to shake off the mental fogginess created by spending almost four months in Augusta in the just-completed “short session” of the 123rd Legislature. As the haziness lifts, common sense begins to return, and one realizes with clarity the dramatic differences in opinion,… Read More
    The April 26 editorial, “Doom, Gloom and Taxes,” regarding the business and tax climate in Maine, lacks important information about the business and tax climate in Maine. It suggests Maine businesspeople are somehow trying to mislead the people of Maine about the deteriorating business climate… Read More
    I drink to make other people amusing,” the humorist O. Henry once said, and I suppose that tactic might work as an antidote to most bores one might encounter in the daily give-and-take of life. But after watching television news clips of the hyperactive Rev. Read More
    Three cheers to the Bangor Daily News for the courageous April 26 editorial, “Doom, Gloom and Taxes,” questioning the constant refrain promoted by many business-oriented groups on Maine’s supposed “tax burden” and the state’s business climate. As we pointed out in a BDN OpEd piece two years ago,… Read More
    EASTBROOK – Only a few clues remained Friday at Rick McNeil’s property on Abbott Lane to suggest that a deadly fire occurred there 14 days ago. A small birch tree had black streaks where it was touched by the April 19 flames, and some of… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The 2009 Defense Authorization Bill, which the U.S. Senate’s Armed Forces Committee approved Wednesday after a two-day session, includes nearly $30 million pegged for new facilities and technology devices for the Maine Army National Guard. The largest part of the Guard’s proposed funding,… Read More
    Sex! See, already you’re paying attention. Sex sells everything from jeans to music to vacation destinations. 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… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Rev. Canon Stephen Taylor Lane believes that he will begin the “grand adventure” of a lifetime today when he becomes the spiritual leader of the state’s 17,000 Episcopalians. Members of Lane’s new flock will gather at St. Luke’s Cathedral today to participate… Read More
    LINCOLN – Comedian Bob Marley will headline this year’s Homecoming on July 18. Appearing on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien and “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn, Marley is… Read More
    HOLDEN – There was a loud pop, and then flames could be seen shooting nearly 50 feet into the air Friday afternoon as a leak in a liquefied propane tank next to David Foster’s recreational vehicle caught fire at the Red Barn Campground on Route 1A. Read More
    BANGOR – Those interested in learning more about adoption and foster care are invited to a public informational meeting held by the Department of Health and Human Services 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, May 5. For location and to participate, contact A Family For ME at 877-505-0545. Read More
    MACHIASPORT – As an investigation involving allegations of misconduct by the principal of a local elementary school nears completion, at least seven pupils have been granted permission to transfer. Pat Godin, principal of the Fort O’Brien School, was placed on administrative leave last month after… Read More
    The following is a list of graduations at Maine colleges and universities: University of Maine, 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… Read More
    Karla C. Michaud, principal of Van Buren District Secondary School, has announced the honor parts for the Class of 2008. Jessica Laplante, daughter of Cathy and George Laplante of Van Buren, has been named valedictorian for the Class of 2008. She will attend Bowdoin College… Read More
    Adam, born in 1991, likes track, basketball, video games and being outside. Like most teenage boys, his interests are varied and change frequently. Right now, he likes to play his GameBoy, listen to music and hopes to go into the military when he is older. Read More
    AUGUSTA – A Superior Court justice ruled Friday that Shannon Atwood’s attorneys may use an alternate-suspect theory at the Canaan man’s murder trial. Atwood, 37, is accused of killing his girlfriend Cheryl Murdoch, 37, in July 2006. He previously was indicted for killing his wife,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A 2003 Chevrolet Blazer driven by an unidentified driver skidded into an apartment house and caught fire Wednesday night, according to police. The vehicle was traveling on Pacific Street at 8:49 p.m. Wednesday when the driver lost control and hit the building at… Read More
    CARIBOU – The Caribou school department will hold a registration night for parents of students entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in the fall at 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, in the cafeteria at Teague Park Elementary School. The night will include a presentation from school staff,… Read More
    SHERMAN – The Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters will hold its sixth annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 10, at 58 North St. with events taking place throughout the morning. The event will include a mile-long rubber duck race on the Molunkus River between 9 and… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Two outgoing members of the Joint Committee of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife have received Commissioner’s Prints for their outstanding commitment to the department. House Committee Chairman Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and Rep. Jacqueline Lundeen, D-Mars Hill, were recognized by department Commissioner Roland Martin for… Read More
    PROSPECT – A bean supper will be held 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Prospect Community Center, corner of Routes 174 and 1A. Items on the menu include beans, hot dogs, casseroles, salad, rolls, pies and beverages. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    EASTBROOK – A benefit breakfast for Rick McNeil, the fire chief critically injured in an April 19 fire, will be held 6-10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Eastbrook Community Building. Donations will be accepted, and items also will be needed for the breakfast. For… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The Woodlawn Museum will welcome more than 100 Hancock County members of the Katahdin Area Council of Boy Scouts for a Scout Camporee on Saturday and Sunday. Dozens of tents will be set up on the expansive lawn of the museum on Surry… Read More
    HANCOCK – Residents of the town of Hancock will have the opportunity to learn about candidates for the Board of Selectmen at a public forum from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the town hall. The event will include introduction of candidates, a… Read More
    The Maine Warden Service and state police have asked the public for help in locating a missing 68-year-old Belmont man, who suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Charles Milton Springer, also known as Chuck, left his residence on the Corner Road sometime between 10 a.m. Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE – The Waldo County Republican Committee will hold its Spring Fling Fundraiser on Wednesday, May 7, at the Lobster Pound Restaurant. The event will begin at 6 p.m. for a social time, with dinner served at 6:45 p.m. The buffet dinner will include entrees,… Read More
    ROCKPORT – John Piotti, executive director of Maine Farmland Trust in Belfast and a state legislator from Unity, believes farming has a great future in Maine. “But we need to get over a hurdle in the next few years,” he said on a recent tour… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Students will be shuffling between facilities during the 2008-09 school year while crews renovate the city’s existing middle school and build a new elementary school at the same site. The decision to close the Ellsworth Middle School off Forrest Avenue and displace its… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – U.S. Magistrate Judge Margaret Kravchuk has recommended that a lawsuit against the Pittsfield Police Department be dismissed. The suit was filed against the town, Chief Steven Emery and Officer Jason Emery, who are not related, over a February 2005 arrest of Ricky Wilcox,… Read More
    ROCKLAND – City Manager Tom Hall on Thursday presented the City Council an $18.6 million budget proposal for Rockland for fiscal year 2008-09. The spending package reflects a 1.7 percent increase from last year and includes the city’s share of the Knox County and communications… Read More
    BREWER – Michael Martin, the assistant director of the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department who has spent nearly 19 years helping to improve the department’s programs and offerings, was recognized for his labors Thursday by the Maine Recreation and Parks Association. Martin was named the… Read More
    BANGOR – Think coffee and painting don’t have anything to do with each other? Think again. J.B. Parker’s Cafe in Bangor will be host to the first Maine Open Juried Coffee Art Show, which is believed to be the first such show in Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    HERMON – Officials broke ground on the town’s public safety building Friday during a short ceremony held at the construction site behind the town office. Site work is expected to begin Monday morning on the 9,800-square-foot building and digging will start a week later, said… Read More
    ORONO – Orono officials are ready to unveil the preliminary plan to revise the forestry and agriculture district that makes up more than 70 percent of the town and are seeking public comments. A public workshop for residents to provide feedback has been scheduled for… Read More
    PORTLAND – A former Scarborough town councilor faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbing a bank last month. Robert Patch, 45, made off with about $4,000 from the Biddeford branch of Maine Bank & Trust on April 9. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    As more New Englanders find themselves struggling with an economic downturn, many have started relying on city bus systems for transportation. “For a family in tough economic times, it may be cheaper for someone to use the bus than own a second car,” said David… Read More
    You are invited to join members of St. James Episcopal Church in its third annual Baby Shower for Crossroads Ministries. You may drop off donations between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, at the church on the corner of Center… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Several recipients from Hancock, Knox, Penobscot and Washington counties are among the people and organizations honored Monday by the 20th annual Governor’s Service Awards. In a prepared statement released Monday, the Governor’s Office indicated that women from Bangor, Orono and Perry were among… Read More
    PORTLAND – A 20-year-old Biddeford man is going to prison for more than seven years for robbing a Burger King in Saco last year. Prosecutors say Corey Wright and an accomplice robbed the fast-food restaurant last May while wearing hooded sweat shirts and bandanas over… Read More
    PORTLAND – Portland’s $21 million terminal for cruise ships and ferries is ready for business. Mayor Ed Suslovic and other dignitaries, including a delegation from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, helped to dedicate the Ocean Gateway terminal on Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    Joining Tom each weekend with an energy-education brief will be Richard “Dick” Hill of Orono, UM professor emeritus of engineering. Tom’s radio sidekick, Dick has been an expert resource for BDN readers for three decades. Each week, By the Numbers will provide brief explanations of the math and… Read More
    Editor’s Note: For those of you who don’t recognize the name from television, radio or conversations at the hardware store or building supply center, here’s Tom Gocze (GO-zee), a resident expert on how to efficiently confront our common challenge: selecting home improvement projects that invariably involve energy conservation… Read More
    NEW YORK – A Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Linens ‘n Things is the latest sign that the retail sector is becoming leaner and meaner amid a difficult consumer environment. On Friday, the bedding and home-furnishing retailer filed a petition in bankruptcy court in Delaware… Read More
    Next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it just isn’t going to be the same. In fact, ever since Mom entered a nursing home, nothing has been the same as it used to be. You think about how you always had a big family dinner together… Read More
    On April 9, the Bangor Daily News reported the birth in India of a baby girl who has two faces. Strange as it seems, a photo presented the portrait of an oddly beautiful child, a head with two complete faces side by side. The caption mentioned that baby… Read More
    “The Adventures of Mimi” Blu-ray: Piercing, but in a good way. Mariah Carey might have a new CD out in “E=MC2,” but it pales in comparison to her previous album, 2005’s Grammy Award-winning “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which was the focus of her successful 2006 worldwide tour. Each… Read More
    The ingredient list is long, but don’t panic: Most are seasonings. This recipe is for meatballs with a Greek accent, and we recently enjoyed the variation at our house. The original recipe called for a spicy tomato sauce to serve on these meatballs, one you… Read More
    In the spring (finally, gratefully), an old man’s fancy turns to … avoiding labor, especially gardening and housecleaning. Gardening and its associated labors should be confined to penal institutions. The buying, fertilizing, planting, weeding and watering of plants is just much too much work for… Read More
    I recall lecturing to a woody plants class about chokeberries, native shrubs with fruits supposedly so astringent that they are shunned by the birds, hence the common name. After class, I walked down to the basement of Deering Hall to meet with my graduate students – grad student… Read More
    BANGOR – The stress of an elimination game produced an entertaining battle between the Husson College Eagles and Thomas College Terriers in their North Atlantic Conference softball losers bracket game Friday afternoon. There was clutch pitching, timely hits, defensive gems and no shortage of mistakes… Read More
    BANGOR – Friday’s Class A softball showdown between Brewer and Bangor had everything you’d expect to see when two top-notch programs clash. A well-played pitchers’ duel. Timely hitting. Aggressive baserunning. One team capitalizing on another’s mistakes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    ORONO – There isn’t much room for error during conference play and the University of Maine simply made too many mistakes Friday evening. Hartford took advantage of three errors, five wild pitches and three hit batters, scoring six times on only six hits while taking… Read More
    BANGOR – The Brewer baseball team had five runs before it had its second hit Friday night – it was that kind of game. But Chase Daniels delivered for the Witches when it mattered most, hitting two RBI singles in the last three innings and… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Millinocket 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
    ORRINGTON – The Senior Stableford League at Rocky Knoll Country Club will begin Wednesday with a rain date for Thursday. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. on a first-come/first-served basis. Tee off is scheduled for 9 a.m. The weekly 18-hole tournament is open to golfers age… Read More
    At Brewer Brewer girls 342.50, Old Town 142, Mattanawcook 54, Hermon 31, Limestone/MSSM 4, Lee Academy 1.5 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++) {… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL At Bar Harbor 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 At Camden, Thursday 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
    HOULTON – Courtney Putnam and Chelsi Murray hit two-run singles in a decisive nine-run second inning to lead the Houlton Shiretownwers to a 13-3 high school softball win over the Presque Isle Wildcats Friday. Erika Lackey had a triple and two singles and drove in… Read More
    EAST SULLIVAN – Tashia Daley tossed a two-hitter to lift Sumner to a 4-2 high school softball victory over previously unbeaten Orono on Friday. Daley allowed two runs, none earned, while recording 14 strikeouts and walking three. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    HOWLAND – Junior Nevin Jipson hit a game-ending two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning Friday to lead Penobscot Valley to a 2-0 high school baseball victory over Bangor Christian. Senior Aaron Saucier allowed just two hits and no walks while striking out… Read More
    MAINE vs. MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY Time, site: Saturday (2), noon; Sunday, 11 a.m.; Kessock Field, 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… Read More
    We have now entered another stage of the steroid/performance enhancing drug age and its impact on professional baseball. First there was the don’t ask, don’t tell stage where everyone “knew” something was going on, but all remained quiet as the dollars poured in. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Five postponements, nine canceled race dates, 24 days and innumerable man hours after it was supposed to open its 125th season of harness racing, Bangor Raceway appears ready to race. Officials think they’ve finally solved the frost and drainage problems that have created dangerously soft… Read More
    As Atlantic salmon smolts go, Nicky was not a very popular little guy. His tankmates hated the undersized guy and made life difficult. They beat him and bullied him, and eventually, his keepers say, Nicky just learned to hide in a corner and avoid his tormentors. Read More
    The Maine Warden Service is urging recreational boaters, especially canoeists and kayakers, to use caution during the current period of high water and avoid putting themselves in situations in which they may have to be rescued. According to a Maine Department of Inland Fisheries &… Read More