A representative of Maine’s paper industry said Friday that although he was surprised by the extent of Katahdin Paper’s financial troubles, he believes the state’s other mills are somewhat more insulated from volatile oil prices. John Williams, president of the Maine Pulp and Paper Association,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Nearly 2,000 Democrats from across the state gathered Friday night in Maine’s capital city to celebrate their party affiliation and to begin a three-day schedule of political speeches and delegate selection. Augusta Civic Center, both inside and out, was plastered Friday with political… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Chris Dickinson and Paul Levasseur are pretty sure that if runaway oil prices force Katahdin Paper Co. LLC to close its 208-worker paper mill in 59 days, they will leave the Katahdin region – probably for good. “You have to go where the… Read More
    A story on Page One of the May 17-18 paper about the Smart car contained incorrect information. All 2008 model Smart fortwos sold through the 69 certified Smart USA dealerships in the United States meet U.S. crash and emission standards. The Smart fortwo is also certified as an… Read More
    CAMERON, Texas – In the woods and rolling farmland of Central Texas, Clint Walker is breeding queen bees. Stashed in nondescript boxes underneath a stand of trees, the bees could be easily missed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    The cause of rising petroleum prices is greed. There is no “law” of supply and demand. There is a willingness to maximize profits with total indifference to the well-being of ordinary people, in a time of tight supply. The solution, absent any change in this… Read More
    A book by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan is getting a lot of attention, mainly because it is highly critical of President Bush – especially his rush to war in Iraq. Lost in the harsh assertions and equally harsh reaction from the White House is the… Read More
    The potential closure of the Katahdin Paper Co. mill in Millinocket because of skyrocketing oil prices is bleak news, especially for the 208 people who may be out of a job. The struggles of a paper mill to remain profitable in the face of rapidly rising energy prices… Read More
    It was good to read the May 26 BDN story that showed your readers how strongly people care about Sears Island. Today the island is still wild, in spite of the state’s heavy-handed push to commercialize and “civilize” this natural place of great, undisturbed beauty just off Maine’s… Read More
    How has President Bush’s strategy of pre-emptive war worked out? Are our veterans getting the health care they need for their wounds and stressful training? Has President Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy boosted the economy? Has any benefit from them trickled down? How have… Read More
    I felt compelled to respond to the letter, “Same-sex unions” (BDN, April 12-13), I’m not for or against gays. I know many people who are gay, some are even good friends. I’m not judging anyone. The letter writer said he “cannot find any mention in… Read More
    On Memorial Day, John McCain revealed that he is devoid of rational judgment and common sense and unfit to be commander-in-chief. Building on a suggestion made by Sen. Lindsey Graham, McCain endorsed and promoted the idea that the two leading contenders should, with less than… Read More
    As the beauty and uniqueness of the Moosehead Lake area are continually espoused by those on both sides of the Plum Creek development proposal, I am reminded of the testimony of a 30-something gentleman from Massachusetts, now living in the Moosehead area, who sought a better quality of… Read More
    On June 10, we will be asked to vote on a $29 million bond for natural resource, agriculture and transportation infrastructure. What are we voting for? The politicians in Augusta just tell us the total, not what it will be used for. The state constitution requires that the… Read More
    Possibly like many readers, I find that one of life’s minor aggravations can be stumbling across the occasional item in the morning newspaper that piques my interest, only to abruptly leave me high and dry with a slew of unanswered questions for company. These things… Read More
    Earlier this year, Maine faced a terrible budget situation. Revenues were predicted to fall $190 million short of projections. In April, that shortfall shrunk by $45 million, at least temporarily. The temptation is to use that money to restore many of the difficult cuts that… Read More
    Five years ago there were 56 registered sex offenders living in Bangor. Today there are nearly 200. They are scattered throughout the city. They are on Ohio Street, Broadway, Howard Street, Vernon Street, Essex Street, Sixteenth Street, Smith Street, Essex Street, Woodbury Street, Pearl Street,… Read More
    PORTLAND – Two Roman Catholic priests who served in northern Maine and were previously removed from ministry for sexually abusing minors have been formally stripped of their authority by the Vatican, church officials said Friday. The Diocese of Portland announced that the Vatican imposed its… Read More
    TRENTON – Two teenagers were charged this week in connection with a string of metal thefts stretching from Mount Desert Island to Dedham. The charges were filed Wednesday as police and business people say the metals theft problem is occurring statewide while metals prices soar. Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine Civil Liberties Union Foundation has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the fees that the state charges protesters to reimburse a city for police costs. The MCLU on Thursday announced that it had asked the nation’s high… Read More
    BLUE HILL – The Blue Hill Co-op and the Blue Hill Public Library will sponsor a new film series, “Sustainable Future.” The films will be shown in the library’s Roland Howard Room starting at 7 p.m. June 12, June 19 and June 26. After each… Read More
    BANGOR – Robert Zavaleta is a candidate in the June 10 primary for the Democratic nomination for House District 15. Zavaleta lives in a West Side neighborhood with his wife, Patty, and 9-year-old daughter, Julia. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    BANGOR – CancerCare of Maine will host its annual Cancer Survivor Day at the Bangor Waterfront at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1. The event features entertainment and is free. Scheduled are the Spontaneous Jazz Ensemble at 2:30 p.m., Tim Sample at 3:30 p.m., and Evergreen… Read More
    BREWER – Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline LLC said Friday it will conduct a controlled release of natural gas Monday and Tuesday. The release is planned as piping is connected at its compressor station, under construction in Brewer, to its existing pipeline. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    LAMOINE – Local voters who cast their ballots this week in a school budget validation vote rejected a proposed 2008-2009 education budget that had been approved days before at the annual open town meeting. The ballot vote was 175 in favor of the proposed $2.3… Read More
    HOPE – Supporters of a proposed new fire station are optimistic that a grassroots fundraising effort to defray town costs will persuade voters to approve the new facility at the polls June 10. Reney Crochere, a member of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department, said Friday… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – Town councilors on Thursday approved a $17 million budget for the coming year, including a modified $12 million school budget. Overall, the budget represents a 2.01 percent increase from the current budget, or a total of $342,896. The school budget, which the school… Read More
    Belfast District Court Cases May 19-23 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
    CASTINE – The International Guild of Miniature Artisans will hold its annual weeklong conference beginning Saturday evening at the Maine Maritime Academy campus. The conference includes about 250 artists who come each year to participate in workshops and seminars known as “The Guild School”. These… Read More
    BLUE HILL – George Stevens Academy has appointed Jill Cohen as assistant head of school. A social studies teacher and department chair at Ellsworth High School, Cohen will start at the academy on July 1. Cohen has spent more than 15 years in education. In… Read More
    WARREN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency for Knox-Lincoln County has announced that livestock producers have until July 18 to enroll in the 2005-07 livestock compensation program and livestock indemnity program. The two programs provide aid to livestock producers who suffered eligible… Read More
    SEDGWICK – The United States Power Squadrons recently honored instructor Kathleen Mastbeth of Sedgwick with its 2007 Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mastbeth was recognized during the Squadron’s recent annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. The award recognizes outstanding volunteer instructors. Once a… Read More
    George Stevens Academy BLUE HILL – George Stevens Academy has announced the honor parts for the Class of 2008. Earning top honors as this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian are Elizabeth Moran and Kate Orlofsky, respectively. Kathlynn Ahern and Marina Van der Eb tied as first… Read More
    HOULTON – Nearly 150 years after it was constructed, the Aroostook County Superior Court building in Houlton is getting a major facelift. State and local officials, Aroostook County leaders and representatives from the state court system, gathered Friday morning at the courthouse to kick off… Read More
    OLD TOWN – City residents and others from communities near the lower Penobscot River area had a chance Thursday evening to offer opinions and suggestions about a plan to map local green space during a forum at Old Town High School. Three staff members from… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – A home on Houlton Road was considered a total loss Thursday after a fire gutted the two-story dwelling. Chief Darrell White of the Presque Isle Fire Department said Friday that someone passing by the building at 448 Houlton Road called the fire… Read More
    ROCKWOOD – Garbed in a bright pink dress, Danielle Mills, 10, stood up in an audience of adults Thursday and made a passionate plea to Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron. “I don’t think the school should close,” the Pittston Farm girl remarked during a… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The communications tower proposed for 360 Old County Road gained conditional approval Thursday night from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board sorted through issues of the applicant’s legal standing in the matter and a possible attempt to maneuver around the public hearing… Read More
    EASTON – Easton High School junior Katrina Martin edged out thousands of juniors across the state to win PrepMe Inc.’s Top Schools Student Scholarship. Earlier this year, PrepMe Inc. launched a statewide effort to prepare all Maine public high school juniors for the required May… Read More
    ORONO – The Asa Adams School will celebrate the retirement of two employees who have been a fixture at the school. In June, principal Sue O’Roak and first-grade teacher Sue Gauthier, who has been teaching at Asa Adams for 41 years, are slated to retire. Read More
    BREWER – Remember when milk was delivered to your door in glass bottles? Lynn Footman Goodwin does. She will be the guest speaker for the Brewer Historical Society at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Clewley Museum, 199 Wilson St. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    LEE-WINN – A Taste of Italy luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Lee-Winn elementary school gym. The menu will include pasta, salad, rolls, a desert cart, coffee, tea and punch. There will be raffles as well. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The Diabetes Support Group at Redington-Fairview General Hospital will hold its monthly meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, in Conference Room 1. This month’s topic is “Diabetes and Exercise” with guest Nicole Santana of Somerset Heart Health. Santana will discuss the benefits of exercise and Move… Read More
    HODGDON – It took 75 SAD 70 voters a little more than an hour to give the nod to a more than $6.3 million budget during a public vote Thursday evening. The budget for the 2008-2009 school year will go before district voters during a… Read More
    BANGOR – A handcrafted, Maine-made portable pipe organ officially will join its much larger and famous cousin, the E. & G.G. Hook pipe organ, this weekend at St. John’s Catholic Church on York Street. The Wissinger continuo organ will be dedicated in a sacred concert… Read More
    ORONO – The Asa Adams School will celebrate the retirement of two employees who have been a fixture at the school. In June, principal Sue O’Roak and first-grade teacher Sue Gauthier, who has been teaching at Asa Adams for 41 years, are slated to retire. Read More
    BREWER – A Bangor man was arrested after allegedly calling a bomb threat to a Brewer business Thursday night. Around 7 p.m., Brewer police responded to a bomb threat at Vector Marketing on Betton Street off North Main Street, Brewer police Capt. Jason Moffitt said… Read More
    New Hope Hospice volunteer coordinator Connie Eye wrote that hospice volunteers have the potential “to make a huge difference in the lives of the patients and families they serve.” She says their greatest gift “is that of active listening, to allow patients and families to… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – The director of the Abbe Museum will step down in August, the museum’s board of trustees announced during its annual meeting Wednesday, according to a news release. Francine Carraro, who has been the director since September 2006, will return to her home… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – The jury-waived trial of a Canaan man accused of murdering his girlfriend nearly two years ago has been postponed for three weeks. Shannon Atwood, 38, was scheduled to go on trial Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    STANDISH – A local man was being held on $5,000 bail Friday after holding police at bay for nearly eight hours from inside his home, officials said. Dan Wolfe, 26, was drunk and armed with a high-powered rifle when deputies responded to a call Thursday… Read More
    AUBURN – A former state legislator has agreed to plead guilty to multiple misdemeanor theft charges stemming from improper use of public campaign money. According to court documents, William Walcott, 36, of Prentiss will plead guilty at a court hearing next week. Felony theft charges… Read More
    LEBANON – Authorities said Friday there’s no sign that a freight train crash near the New Hampshire line that left two teenage girls with missing limbs was anything but an unfortunate accident. A detective from the York County Sheriff’s Department met with the girls’ family… Read More
    The group Peace Action Maine announced that it has released its “2008 Peace Voter Guide.” The guide features the responses of 1st Congressional District and U.S. Senate candidates to 33 questions relating to peace, militarism and foreign policy issues. It is at www.peaceactionme.org. Read More
    WISCASSET – Twelve law enforcement officers from five midcoast agencies were honored for outstanding work on drug enforcement operations during the summer and fall of 2007, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. The officers received the Jeremiah P. Sullivan Award at the New England… Read More
    So here we all are, suffering through and trying to wrap our heads around the idea that heating oil is $4 a gallon. Well, whattaya think about $5-a-gallon oil? That’s where I think we are headed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    Head Style: head24 – 24 Point, 2 deck, Minion-SemiboldBDN95, Plain; 53; 2 col Body Spec: Body Text; colw: 11p0; depth:7.82 (in.) googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
    If all the fossil fuel used in Maine (oil and natural gas) were converted to the energy equivalent in oil alone, each person in Maine uses 50 barrels of oil per year. The 17 million acres of Maine forest will yield a steady harvest (both round wood and… Read More
    SACO – The Navy has awarded another $7.8 million to General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products to build 20mm guns used on F/A-18 fighter jets. Production of the M61A2 20mm automatic Gatling guns that can fire 7,000 rounds per minute will be performed at General… Read More
    I love to sing. I’m not particularly good at it, but that doesn’t stop me. My favorite place to sing is from a mountaintop; the song of choice, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” I’ve belted it out from Baxter Peak, Goose Eye, Sugarloaf, Old Speck, Tumbledown and a… Read More
    As summer approaches, a new genre of character – the female social misfit in a position of authority – continues to grow with “In Plain Sight,” debuting at 10 p.m. Sunday on USA. “In Plain Sight” is a star vehicle for Mary McCormack (“The West… Read More
    Finger food for a graduation party might be on your mind, just as it has been for Paula Page. Paula, who lives in Hermon, is my dental hygienist and she is planning a party for her daughter who graduates June 7. She thought an artichoke and spinach dip… Read More
    Andy Rooney, who is as close to a guru as I can find, has predicted that we all will stop eating meat within 10 years. Hmph. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    It can be a challenge for any child to get used to mom or dad being away from home. This may be magnified when this is a new experience. A parent’s absence can also be the occasion for significant stress if the child is more anxious than most,… Read More
    “Cloverfield” Blu-ray – Monster madness, now available in high-def. Shot on a hand-held camera, this frenetic, jittery movie follows characters running for their lives from a towering monster destroying Manhattan as if it were a house of cards. For those who can stomach the jerky madness that ensues,… Read More
    The black flies were formidable foes, but we accomplished a lot in Marjorie’s garden over the three-day weekend. We left the garden on Memorial Day at dusk, a few drops of rain raising our hopes for a nightlong soaking of newly planted tomatoes, cucumbers, sunflowers and onions. Annuals… Read More
    “I used to … stand in deep contemplation over my vegetable progeny with a love that nobody could share or conceive of, who had never taken part in the process of creation.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne, “Mosses from an Old Manse” (1846) googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    HIGH SCHOOL PVC Small 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
    HIGH SCHOOL Official final tennis standings 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()) { if… Read More
    The first-year Maine Tide has played two of the Women’s Premier Soccer League’s best teams so far. The task doesn’t get any easier today when the New England Mutiny invade Husson College’s Boucher Field for a 2 p.m. contest. Tony Horta’s Mutiny is 2-0, outscoring… Read More
    Ten graduating senior scholar-athletes from Maine high schools will receive scholarships totaling $15,000 Sunday when the Maine Sports Hall of Fame holds its 33rd annual awards banquet. Each scholar-athlete will receive $1,500, which represents an increase of $500 over previous years, according to Maine Sports… Read More
    The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is giving people a good reason to fish together this weekend as it promotes Family Fishing Days. Today and Sunday, people are allowed to fish for free on waterways throughout the state. The opportunity is open to… Read More
    HAMPDEN, Maine – The drinks. The clothes. The shoes. The company. It wasn’t quite four stylish New York City women together for a night at the hottest bar. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More