CHICAGO – The Illinois Gaming Board has fined an Aurora casino $800,000 for sending promotional materials to problem gamblers in violation of an agency program. The penalty was assessed at a Monday board hearing against Hollywood Casino and three of its managers, who were suspended. Read More
    An announcement in some editions of Tuesday’s paper gave the incorrect day for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Friendship Cottage in Blue Hill. The ribbon-cutting will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 27. A story that ran on Page B1 of Tuesday’s paper about Bangor… Read More
    Pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. has agreed to pay $58 million as part of a multistate settlement of allegations that its ads for the once-popular painkiller Vioxx deceptively played down the health risks. The agreement, announced Tuesday, also calls for Merck to submit all new… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Federal and state officials announced a widespread crackdown Tuesday against telemarketing scams that have bilked thousands of consumers, many of them elderly, out of tens of millions of dollars. The sweep, dubbed “Operation Tele-PHONEY,” was coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission and has… Read More
    BELFAST – The owners of the former Stinson Seafoods sardine canning factory hope to find a developer with a creative approach when they put the property up for auction next month. “This is an opportunity for midlevel developers to get into a really great piece… Read More
    PORTLAND – FairPoint Communications Inc. said Tuesday it was trying to confirm its diagnosis of a software problem that led to interruptions in the Cumberland County Regional Dispatch Center’s 911 system in Windham, affecting residents of 17 communities in the southern Maine county. “We’re continuing… Read More
    Maine should be proud of passing Marlee’s Law, which allows blended juvenile and adult sentences in certain cases. It joins a few other progressive states that have blended sentences and recognize that, in most cases, juveniles do not belong in adult correctional facilities, most of which are ill-equipped… Read More
    For voters hoping the state’s campaign for the U.S. Senate will focus on issues and not personal attacks, Democrat Tom Allen’s call for outside groups to skip the negative advertisements was welcome news. Incumbent Sen. Susan Collins immediately took his challenge a step further and said she’d tell… Read More
    Saving through a 401(k) plan – if it is done right – can make all the difference between a successful retirement and a less-than-successful old age. A recent survey shows that too many employees are not doing it right. In the past 20 years, these… Read More
    CBS News featured a segment recently regarding the lack of financial education for today’s young people. The situation was predictable over 20 years ago. Business and consumer education, home economics, and industrial arts (life skill courses) were dropped from high school curriculums in Maine and… Read More
    Sen. Susan Collins has more intelligence and common sense than Rep. Tom Allen. I do not agree with her stand on abortion, but she has proved to be a gracious, conscientious senator who does her research. Sharon I. Rideout googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    My husband and I are retired and on a fixed income, and our most significant, unpredictable cost is health care. Some of our adult children have jobs which do not provide health benefits. They are not alone: More than 120,000 people in Maine and more than 47 million… Read More
    My family moved to Freedom because it was a nice small rural town. My son and his wife wanted to raise their family here instead of in New Jersey, where my husband and I grew up. My husband’s retirement dream was to own a home in the country… Read More
    After reading the BDN story on beetle grubs ruining lawns in Bangor, I thought of a positive solution. Simply till it up and plant a garden. This would provide healthy food, a hedge against rising prices, and a chance to reconnect to the earth. This connection I believe… Read More
    New England has just come through one of the harshest winters on record. Most Mainers use heating oil or wood to heat their homes. Some have access to natural gas. All are carbon-based sources of energy. The unprecedented high price of heating oil is because of, among other… Read More
    Memorial Day – what does it mean to you? Barbecues and family get-togethers and the seasonally granted freedom to wear white shoes? It’s also a time when many folks head over to the cemetery or the town park or the VFW hall and remember those… Read More
    CORINTH – A fire Tuesday at Corinth Wood Pellets Manufacturing LLC has caused an estimated $500,000 in damage and shut the company down for an unknown period of time. “I see them being several days out of work,” Corinth Fire Chief Scott Bragdon said Tuesday. Read More
    WEST BOOTHBAY HARBOR – There’s more to studying minute sea life than looking through a microscope. At the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 16 high school juniors from Maine every year discover some of those complexities when they spend a week studying marine biology through… Read More
    Residents whose property was damaged in the flood from the April 28 storm and who need assistance must call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone line is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily until further notice. Register online at www.fema.gov. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    BRADLEY – Like dozens of people in towns along the Penobscot River, Joe and Randilee Moore’s home was damaged the first week of May when water from the rising river flooded their basement and land. As one visitor pointed out after seeing the damage to… Read More
    CALAIS – Cianbro Corp. will offer Calais bridge project site tours 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 28. The tours are free and open to people interested in learning about current jobs in bridge construction as well as highway and road construction. Participants will learn about jobs… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Piscataquis County Sheriff John Goggin said Tuesday he would encourage more unified work details between his department and local police in an effort to curb speeding and other traffic violations. “Speeding is probably one of the biggest complaints that I receive in the… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Despite numerous cuts and reductions in the proposed 2008-2009 SAD 22 budget, district taxpayers still will see more than a 3 percent increase. The board of directors approved May 7 the nearly $23.4 million budget, which is a 3.47 percent total increase compared… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Jan. 1-Feb. 29, 2008 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 () { //… Read More
    CALAIS – The St. Croix River Valley Arts Council’s film society is screening “Lonestar” at 7 p.m. Friday, May 23, at the Holmestead, 527 Main St. This 1996 mystery drama was written and directed by John Sayles and stars Elizabeth Pena, Chris Cooper and Kris Kristofferson. The public… Read More
    CUTLER – On Saturday, Aug. 9, the first “Lights Across the Border” International Lighthouse Challenge to benefit three area lighthouses will be held. A $15 event fee includes a free tote bag and treats. For information, visit www.LittleRiverLight.org or call 259-3833, or send $2 for a booklet to… Read More
    BARING – Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge Manager Bill Kolodnicki encourages the public to visit Bearce Lake and Vose Pond to take advantage of the unique opportunities they offer for recreational fishing. The gravel access road to Bearce Lake is located just south of the Baring-Meddybemps… Read More
    TRENTON – A benefit for the family of Tom Salisbury, a local radio disc jockey who died last month, has been scheduled for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at the American Legion Post 207 on Route 3. Salisbury, a DJ known as “Cowboy Tommy… Read More
    CALAIS – A 75-year-old Eastport man who was caught engaging in sexual behavior in public was sentenced Tuesday in Calais District Court to six months in jail with all but 60 days suspended. Philip Lee, who has no previous criminal record, had been charged with… Read More
    BANGOR – The Rhode Island man accused of being a supplier for a cocaine ring that operated in the Lincoln-Lee area pleaded not guilty Tuesday to drug conspiracy, money laundering and Social Security fraud in U.S. District. Laurent “Larry” Provost, 60, of Woonsocket, R.I., appeared… Read More
    WINTERPORT – The historic Union Meeting House will hold an open house celebration with refreshments and music on Sunday, May 25. Town manager Phil Pitula said the meeting house steeple was repaired and the building will once again be available for use by the community… Read More
    BELFAST – In a change of location, instead of the First Church voters from Wards 1 and 2 will cast ballots in the June 10 primary election at the Boathouse at Steamboat Landing on Commercial Street. Voters from Wards 3 and 4 will vote at… Read More
    SEARSPORT – The staff at the Searsport Health Center will hold a community open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the center at 37 Mortland Road. Community members are invited to take this opportunity to meet Dr. Steve Sprague and the… Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE – A benefit spaghetti dinner, silent auction and raffle will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24, for the family of Mark Schade, a Waldo County Sheriff’s Department deputy who died April 10. The event will be at the Lincolnville Central School on Hope Road. Read More
    BELFAST – A Searsmont woman has been summoned on theft charges after she allegedly forged $4,050 in checks over the past two months. Jessica J. Walker, 26, of Searsmont was charged with forgery and theft after an investigation by the Belfast Police Department. Detective Michael… Read More
    LEE – Lee Academy officials hope to have two satellite high schools in China within the next two years – one of which they plan to open in January 2009, Headmaster Bruce Lindberg said Tuesday. Part of those plans include a recently signed conceptual agreement… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A milk delivery truck that had been backed up to a loading dock at Shaw’s Supermarket was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. Dover-Foxcroft Fire Chief Joseph Guyotte said the truck driver had delivered one load of milk products into the store from the… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A suspicious blaze that burned about 2 acres of woods off the Nicolin Road on Tuesday night is under investigation. Ellsworth Deputy Fire Chief Richard Tupper reported around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday that investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office were at the scene… Read More
    BELFAST – The Belfast Energy & Climate Committee is challenging residents to save energy by reducing their use of hot water on Sunday, May 25. Using hot water during showering and bathing consumes significant energy and produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Read More
    MONTVILLE – The Georges River Land Trust will celebrate spring with a wildflower walk on Frye Mountain led by naturalist Mike Shannon. Participants should meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the state maintenance building parking area on Walker Ridge Road just off Route… Read More
    SURRY – Don Eley, a founding member and president of the Friends of Blue Hill Bay, will be the speaker at the Surry Community Improvement Association at 7 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Surry Elementary School. Eley will discuss the history of the friends… Read More
    BANGOR – The Penquis Parents Are Teachers, Too program is offering Boot Camp for New Dads, a free workshop for first-time dads-to-be whose wives or significant others are in the last trimester of pregnancy. The next workshop will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18,… Read More
    LINCOLN – The Town Office will move to a proposed housing facility at the former Lake Mall site in June 2010 pending a lease agreement with a Bangor social service agency, town officials said. The Town Council voted 6-0 during a special meeting on Monday… Read More
    Doors open for The Country-Western Jamboree at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Milo Town Hall for what will be a memorable and emotional event, judging from the information provided by organizer Ron Knowles of Milo. Knowles said that while this event is open to… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A five-year state police veteran who is also a member of the tactical team is Maine’s Trooper of the Year. Lucas Hare of Raymond was honored Friday at the annual state police awards ceremony in Augusta. Hare, who patrols in the Gray area,… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The relative lack of housing on Mount Desert Island has long been an issue for residents, but one local laboratory is getting some help in addressing that issue for some of its charges. But it’s not housing for humans. Mount Desert Island… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The Maine supreme court has ruled against two Hallowell homeowners in a property dispute over a railroad boundary. In a memorandum of decision issued Thursday, the state’s highest court upheld Superior Court Justice S. Kirk Studstrup’s ruling against Andrea Lapointe and her husband,… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The newly consecrated Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane will attend a joint service of Somerset County’s two parishes at 10 a.m. Sunday at the All Saints Episcopal Church, 169 Malbon’s Mill Road. The service will include worshippers from St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in… Read More
    SWANTON, Vt. – Two Maine residents have been arrested in New York state on charges that they held up a Swanton pharmacy and made off with narcotics. Police say 30-year-old Chester Birmingham and 27-year-old Jessica Hall, also known as Jessica Cutliffe, of Belfast, Maine, were… Read More
    PORTLAND – A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by an exotic dancer claiming a South Portland police officer used excessive force after she arrived at a hotel to do her act. U.S. District Judge George Singal granted Sgt. Steven Webster’s motion asking for… Read More
    DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – The Fraternal Military Association of the U.S.A. will commemorate the 64th anniversary of D-Day with a tour of Normandy invasion beaches, along with cities such as London, Bastogne, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris, leaving from New York on June 17. Current or past military personnel,… Read More
    PORTLAND, Ore. – Former shipmates on the USS Hollister Destroyer are holding a reunion Sept. 17-21 in Branson, Mo. Contact Mrs. Nelda Rupp, 15440 SE Hartnell Ave., Portland, OR 97267, call 503-656-4949 or e-mail hnrupp@comcast.net. Read More
    LIBERTY – Ashley Lynn Bigda of Bangor High School is the 2008 winner of the Liberty Graphics 11th Annual Maine High School Art Scholarship. She will receive a $1,000 award in recognition of her watercolor painting of a white birch grove. For the annual scholarship… Read More
    SEARSPORT – The Senate chairman of the state’s Transportation Committee paid a surprise visit Friday to the Sears Island Joint Use Planning Committee meeting at the First Congregational Church. Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Trenton, praised the group but urged caution about not losing sight of the… Read More
    GRAY – Maine State Police say a 40-year-old mother of two was fatally shot by her estranged boyfriend at his home in what they described as a murder-suicide. Police said Jennifer Lessard was shot to death Monday by 48-year-old Albert “Sonny” Merrill Jr., who then… Read More
    BANGOR – Memorial Day Parade, 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, begins on Exchange Street, proceeds up Main Street to Davenport Park at corner of Main and Cedar streets. Parade chairman, Col. Jackson Kurtzman. BANGOR – Distribution of reflective “One in a Thousand” stickers to those… Read More
    GORHAM – The State Fire Marshal’s Office said Tuesday that smoking was the cause of an early morning fire in Gorham that killed an elderly woman. Investigators said 78-year-old Elinor Downes was using oxygen to assist her breathing and died after her cigarette, fueled by… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Head coach Dana Smith and his Ellsworth Eagles weren’t sure how they’d play after a full “off week” of no game action. Would the bats be a bit rusty? Would the defense still be sound? And how sharp would the pitching be? googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Every so often, a remarkable story comes along. Boston Red Sox lefthander Jon Lester was that story Monday night when he no-hit the Kansas City Royals. When you consider that he faced an uncertain future when diagnosed with lymphoma a few years ago yet returned… Read More
    Home games against Union College, Niagara University and Bentley College are among the highlights of the University of Maine men’s hockey teams’ nonleague schedule for the 2008-09 season. The schedule also includes trips to Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Fairbanks, Alaska, a Portland date with the… Read More
    Eastern Maine Region II At Brewer 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… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL Official standings through May 17 as reported by the Maine Principals’ Association. 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()) {… Read More
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    PRESQUE ISLE – Serena Greer followed three straight one-out walks and a strikeout with an RBI bloop single to right field that tied the game and Katie Ouellette scored the winning run on a wild pitch Tuesday to give Caribou a 3-2 high school softball victory over archrival… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Ashley Smith belted a solo home run with one out in the eighth inning Tuesday to lift Ellsworth to a 7-6 high school softball victory over Bucksport as the Eagles avenged an earlier loss to the Golden Bucks. Smith, who also hit an… Read More
    BANGOR – Devan Richard fired a one-hit shutout Tuesday, striking out 13 and walking one while aiding her cause with a triple and an RBI single, as John Bapst posted a 3-0 high school softball victory over Foxcroft Academy. Abby Perkins and Hillary Laferriere each… Read More
    Poised in a power struggle, Poseidon challenged Athena to bestow the mortals a most useful gift. Thinking himself clever, he sprung a saltwater spring. But it was Athena’s present that proved precious: from the rocky, sun-scorched terrain she instantly cultivated an olive tree. Athens was named in her… Read More
    Put it to the test Love tomatoes? Love free stuff? Well, thrifty lycopene-loving reader, you’re in luck: the University of Maine’s Consumer Testing Center needs volunteers older than 18 to try out and rate a selection of tomato varieties based on the qualifications of taste… Read More
    ATLANTA – Hamilton Jordan, a political strategist from south Georgia who helped propel Jimmy Carter to the White House and served as his chief of staff, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. Jordan, 63, died at his home in Atlanta about 7:30 p.m.,… Read More