PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine System board of trustees adopted a $520.7 million budget Monday for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes an average 10 percent increase in tuition at Maine’s seven university campuses and a $15.7 million cut in personnel and operating costs. Read More
LUBEC – Larry Burns is a character, but he’s now a very rich character. On Saturday, the Lubec man learned he had won nearly $9.8 million in the Tri-State Megabucks drawing. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
A consortium hoping to make plastics from Maine potatoes has received more than $650,000 to further develop the proposal. The group, which is known as the Sustainable Bioplastics Consortium, plans to spend the next 18 months demonstrating the feasibility and marketability of using Maine spuds… Read More
AUGUSTA – Legislative analysts say revenue flowing into the state General Fund exceeded projections by $23.2 million in April, bringing a looming surplus with two months to go in the fiscal year to $45.3 million. That put the rate of growth in General Fund revenue… Read More
WASHINGTON – The head of the Environmental Protection Agency initially supported giving California and other states full or partial permission to limit tailpipe emissions – but reversed himself after hearing from the White House, a report said Monday. The report by the Democratic staff of… Read More
WASHINGTON – Nearly $11 million for a new submarine maintenance facility at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is making its way through Congress. The money has been approved by a House committee. It would be used to build a new facility to maintain, repair, refuel and… Read More
I have read too much about the kindest, most generous man that Bangor has ever known. Not in a positive way, as far as I can see. He might have made a statement that hurt a few people; however, the majority of Stephen King’s generosity has benefited the… Read More
This week’s ClickBack focuses on college tuition, gas prices and gay rights. To share your opinions, go to the Bangor Daily News Web site and look for the ClickBack logo. You can also ask your own questions and compare the positions of many of the candidates seeking to… Read More
Under court order, the Bush administration this week listed polar bears as a threatened species. In doing so, however, the Interior Department took great pains to note that the listing would do nothing to stop climate change or prevent the melting of sea ice, the very problem that… Read More
Removing the study of evolution from science curricula is absurd, as has been proposed in one Maine school. The tenets of evolution are a comprehensive framework from which to view biological science. The term “theory of evolution” is often misinterpreted as meaning unproven. In science, a theory is… Read More
Having just finished reading Kathleen Parker’s column about full-blooded Americans, which suggested that they are the ones destined to govern the United States because their forefathers “died for America” and because their God isn’t something that “comes and goes out of fashion,” I have news for her. Read More
There are many effects from the court’s extension of free speech and God-given free choice. Art student Susan Crane “spoke” by spreading American flags on the floor of a state-supported Maine university, the University of Maine at Farmington, videotaping those who walked on the flags,… Read More
I am shocked by many of the reactions to Stephen King’s remarks that the Army is one alternative for students who cannot read. In the 1920s, I was taught that if I obeyed the laws and told the truth, my freedom of speech would be… Read More
As a person who works with farmers every day, I take issue with the recent column “Counter-revolutionaries in Montville” (BDN, May 2), which praised the Montville town meeting vote to ban the planting of genetically modified crops, calling it a “distant echo of the American Revolution.” But instead… Read More
You may have a list of things you want to do this summer, but as an emergency physician, I have a list of things I want you all not to do. No. 1, I want you not to be an idiot. You may want to be an idiot,… Read More
BANGOR -“I’m going to die.” That was Terri Bracy’s first thought when she hit a moose earlier this month near the Bangor-Hampden line driving south on Interstate 95. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
EASTBROOK – Friends, family and neighbors of local Fire Chief Rick McNeil got a big boost Sunday in their efforts to help raise money for the injured official. To be precise, the help they received is 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs about 260… Read More
Maine Coast Heritage Trust has named a New York man president of the large land conservation organization. Paul Gallay, who has served as executive director of the Westchester Land Trust, is expected to take over the helm at Maine Coast Heritage Trust in July. Gallay… Read More
BANGOR – When time came Monday morning to talk about the specifics of America’s policies overseas, Sen. Susan Collins started off on an issue she has mentioned before and is likely to mention again in the months leading up to the Senate election this fall: bipartisanship. Read More
BANGOR – A Canadian man awaiting trial on possession of methamphetamines in Somerset County has been charged in U.S. District Court with importing morphine. Terrance Albert Walker, 48, of Truro, Nova Scotia, made his first appearance Monday in federal court in Bangor after his arrest… Read More
BREWER – May is Electrical Safety Month, and with electrical home fires claiming an average 485 lives each year in the United States, there is one piece of advice that Brewer Fire Chief Rick Bronson is spreading around. “Have a reasonably new fire detector,” he… Read More
ORONO – A second former University of Maine student has been sentenced in the alcohol-related death of his friend, Adam Baxter, 19, of England. Anthony Lord, 21, pleaded guilty last week at Cumberland County Superior Court to four charges of furnishing alcohol to minors. Lord’s… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Corinna man awaiting trial for manslaughter in connection with a motor vehicle accident in 2005 in which a Dexter man was killed now faces five additional charges after an altercation in Portland on May 10. Brad Theriault, 30, is accused of biting… Read More
HOULTON – The U.S. Border Patrol has launched an initiative to attract more agents by offering them a chance to live and work in Maine. The agency’s Northern Border Intern Program is an effort to increase northern border staffing nationwide and attract agents to locales… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A Superior Court justice concluded Monday that an impartial jury could not be seated for the trial of a Lamoine couple suspected of robbing an elderly relative of $60,000. That means the joint trial of Steven W. Robbins, 39, and Juanita S. Mullins,… Read More
OWLS HEAD – A 25-year-old local man and a 21-year-old woman from Cushing have been arrested and charged with trafficking in illegal drugs. Justin Olsen was arrested May 15 after a search warrant was executed at his North Shore Drive residence by the Maine Drug… Read More
PORTLAND – Democratic Senate candidate Tom Allen is pledging to denounce any attack ads placed by a third party that personally target Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Allen said at a news conference in Portland on Monday that his campaign has “no place for the politics… Read More
FORT KENT – Two weeks after some of the worst flooding ever to hit the region, access to privately owned roads in the North Maine Woods is beginning to return to normal. “Things are coming along very well,” Al Cowperthwaite, executive director of North Maine… Read More
CASTINE – Managing marine-related emergencies in Maine’s coastal communities will be the focus of a pilot course offered by Maine Maritime Academy at locations in Castine and Portland. The courses were developed in cooperation with MMA, the Maine Emergency Management Agency and Marine Emergency Management… Read More
BLUE HILL – The Blue Hill Republican Committee will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Wescott Forge restaurant. Agenda items will include a discussion of the Republican State Convention, held earlier this month in Augusta. Also on the agenda: discussion of 2008… Read More
UNITY – SAD 3 will host a public meeting to discuss the Even Start Grant program, SPICE Family Literacy, at 6 p.m. today at the Mount View High School Library in Thorndike. For information call 948-6136 or go to www.msad3.org. Read More
BLUE HILL – The staff at Friendship Cottage, an adult day service program, will celebrate the completion of renovation at the building with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. today. Gerry Bryan, who lost his wife, Jackie, to Alzheimer’s disease and who was a driving force… Read More
STOCKTON SPRINGS – The town office will be closed today and Wednesday, May 21, as employees will be taking part in a state-mandated training session. The office will resume regular business hours on Thursday. Read More
BROWNVILLE – A fire that apparently started from ashes in a barbecue grill gutted a Henderson Street home late Saturday night. Milo-Brownville Fire Chief Dave Preble said firefighters received a call about midnight that the home of Carol Witham was on fire in Brownville. He… Read More
FORT KENT – The Fort Kent Parks and Recreation Department is holding a dog obedience course starting Wednesday, May 21. The first class, for registration and collection of a $50 fee, will be without dogs. Dog owners must bring proof of dog vaccinations. All classes will be held… Read More
FORT KENT – Northern Maine Medical Center will hold these events in June: . Diabetes Self-Management Training classes, June 3, 5, 9, 11 and 17; call 834-3155, ext. 3624, for information. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
FORT KENT – There will be a registration and organizational meeting for the Hershey’s Track and Field program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the town office. Volunteers are needed to help coach children ages 9-14. The program is sponsored by the Fort Kent Parks and Recreation… Read More
HOULTON – The elimination of several lines in the bylaws of the Shiretown Development Corp. also eliminated the two public members from the board. The SDC board functions as an economic development arm for the town. In the past, it has consisted of the seven… Read More
BANGOR – A ban on left turns from State Street to Howard Street that has generated frustration for some in the community will be revisited next week. During their next regular meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, city councilors will consider an ordinance… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A proposed $10.2 million budget for the operation of SAD 68 schools that includes a reduction in force will be forwarded to residents for adoption at a district budget meeting later this month. A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. May… Read More
BROWNVILLE – When Eldrick “Al” Dumont returned home after serving his country for 20 years – the last year as a combat medic in Da Nang, Vietnam – there were no handshakes or expressions of thanks for his service. Instead of a hero’s welcome, Dumont… Read More
BELFAST – A Brooks man who allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 14 over a two-year period was among the 47 individuals indicted by the Waldo County Grand Jury when it completed its spring term last week. Charles J. Harthorne, 68,… Read More
BUCKSPORT – People living with long-term health conditions experience some of the same types of problems no matter what their individual illnesses. The Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities Coalition hopes to help area residents resolve some of those issues. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
ROCKLAND – The comprehensive planning commission has voted to recommend rejecting the proposed zone change for Walgreens. In a 6-0 vote Thursday, the commission recommended that the city council not approve Ordinance Amendment No. 8 calling for conditional rezoning of properties in the vicinity of… Read More
CHARLOTTE – What do balancing the town budget and counting porcupine feet have in common? At one time, they were each part of Grace Hatton’s job as town treasurer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
BELFAST – The sales and marketing director of the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce will serve as president of the Midcoast Maine Chamber, a regional business organization. Melanie Sheafe succeeds Cerina Leeman of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
BANGOR – Though requests for absentee ballots have been slow to arrive, the June 10 elections are shaping up to be technically trickier than most, city officials said Friday. “It’s cumbersome. It’s quite a process,” said City Clerk Patti Dubois. While turnout is expected to… Read More
BANGOR – City councilors are nearing the end of their department-by-department review of a proposed city budget. City officials this year are faced with a proposed $85.7 million budget for municipal and school operations in the fiscal year that starts on July 1. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Presque Isle High School Third 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
PRESQUE ISLE – The Presque Isle Police Department will not press charges against a 66-year-old Mechanic Street man who was taken to a local hospital for evaluation Friday after a brief standoff with police. Police Chief Naldo Gagnon said officers could have charged the man,… Read More
BRUNSWICK – Police are investigating the death of a 6-year-old girl found in a neighbor’s swimming pool in Brunswick on Sunday. Police Sgt. Todd Ridlon said rescuers took the girl to Mid Coast Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
PORTLAND – Police across Maine on Monday began cracking down on seat belt laws as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The program is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and aims to increase seat belt usage across the country. Read More
CAMDEN – House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree grew up on the island of North Haven. Imagine her surprise when she had her blood tested last year and found 19 flame retardant chemicals in her system. Pingree began telling her story Monday night in a two-part… Read More
Everyone who would enjoy walking, biking or riding is invited to participate in the Trek Across Brooks beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, in Brooks. The Rev. Suzie Gowie of the First Congregational Church of Brooks reports the purpose of the event is “to… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Green Independent Party is putting a priority on energizing its local and county committees and building party strength in the state’s rural areas, the party chair said Monday after its weekend convention. About 55 members of Maine’s third officially recognized party… Read More
BANGOR – Three newest members of the city’s Police Department showcased their skills Monday to a captivated audience at Bangor International Airport. Endumin, a Belgian Malinois explosive-sniffing dog, and his handler, Officer Dan Scripture, scanned the airport’s international arrivals terminal around 10:30 a.m. Monday, in… Read More
AUBURN – An Auburn man has been sentenced to four years in prison for providing liquor to a teenager who died after gulping down most of a bottle of vodka. Larando Sweeting, 24, pleaded guilty Thursday to a single count of felony furnishing liquor to… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – A Canaan man accused of murdering his girlfriend has waived his right to a jury trial, meaning a judge will decide Shannon Atwood’s guilt or innocence at a trial next month. The 38-year-old Atwood is accused of killing 38-year-old Cheryl Murdoch of Waterville,… Read More
JONESPORT – What began as a search and rescue for the operator of a 31-foot lobster boat found early Monday morning near Jonesport evolved into an investigation of a suspected alcohol-fueled joyride. The Lisa Marie, a fishing vessel owned by Larry Crowley of Beals, was… Read More
When Ken Clark headed to the Penobscot River on Wednesday, he was prepared for a long day of fishing for Atlantic salmon. “I came down, brought my chair and a book to read, to spend pretty much most of the day,” Clark said. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Football star, professional athlete, animal lover, history buff, music and art lover, packrat, and genuine friend. Those are some of the words friends use to describe Roger Ellis, a former University of Maine star lineman who went on to play pro football before starting a… Read More
A legendary era in Maine high school basketball has come to an end. Paul Vachon, who has piloted the Cony of Augusta girls basketball team to seven Class A state championships – the most among any coach in the state – has decided to hang… Read More
One of the great joys of my basketball career was the time I spent working for the Marty Blake Agency in Atlanta as a professional basketball scout. I was always flattered to have the opportunity to watch college basketball players and minor league players have… Read More
BREWER – Josh Tardiff came up with the clutch hit and Shawn Smith made the clutch pitches as the Hampden Academy Broncos upset the Brewer High School Witches 6-5 in nine innings at Heddericg Field Monday night. Tardiff’s opposite-field triple to right-center with two outs… Read More
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The University of Maine baseball team traditionally measures success in conference championships and NCAA tournament berths. By those standards, the 2008 season was a huge disappointment for the Black Bears. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
CALAIS – Chelsi Murray hit a two-run triple, an RBI double, and a single Monday to the Houlton Shiretowners beat Calais 13-6 and hand the Blue Devils their first loss of the softball season. Nikki Eastman chipped in with a double, single and three RBIs… Read More
BELFAST – Dale Dutton’s RBI single with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning completed a six-hit, five-run rally Monday as Belfast came from behind to pull out a 7-6 high school baseball victory over Winslow. Bryce Ridley and Jack Davis opened the… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Christian Patriots belted three home runs en route to knocking off Piscataquis of Guilford 16-10 in high school baseball action Monday. Adrian Durkee hit a grand slam in the third, Tyler Alexander had a three-run homer and a two-run single, and… Read More
Hillary DeGrasse of Orono and Racheal Gifford of Old Town, both 22, are young mothers with baby gear ideas on their minds. In February they launched their home-based business, Slings ‘N Things. When she was expecting her son, who is now 8 months old, DeGrasse… Read More
Blame it on Uncle Henry’s, the publication that no Mainer who wants to buy used stuff can do without. It was the angora bunnies, you see. Sally Michaud of Vassalboro answered an ad in Uncle Henry’s and that was how she met the woman who got her interested… Read More