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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    HIGH SCHOOL At Machias 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
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    HOLE-IN-ONE CARLTON STROUT 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
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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