STANDISH – When a state championship is on the line, it can be easy to fold under the pressure, particularly when facing an early deficit. That was the predicament the Brewer High School softball team faced two innings into Saturday’s Class A state final against… Read More
AUGUSTA – The federal Highway Trust Fund is in deficit, and if Congress does not act this year, Maine will lose nearly one-third of the funds it is expecting for highway and bridge improvements next year. “This is a very, very serious situation,” said Greg… Read More
INDIAN ISLAND – Runners escorting embers from a “Sacred Fire” that has been burning for 14 years arrived Saturday on Indian Island for the annual Wabanaki Confederacy Conference. More than 40 tribes from Canada and New England are gathering for the conference, which is being… Read More
NEWRY – U.S. Rep. Tom Allen of Portland met Saturday with about 30 members of the Maine State Bar Association as the group’s summer meeting was ending. Allen is the Democratic nominee running against Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins of Bangor for the U.S. Senate. Read More
AUGUSTA – Looking toward the presidential election atop the November ballot, Democrats are seeking to carry once-rocked-ribbed-Republican Maine for their national standard-bearer for a fifth consecutive time. Republicans, vowing to make the battle for the state’s four electoral votes competitive, think they have a statewide… Read More
Awhile back, we discussed a favorite technique of our volunteers who receive annoying, ill-timed, unsolicited phone calls in an effort to sell them something. The technique: Just hang up. One way to prevent most such calls is to get your phone number on the national… Read More
The following petitions for bankruptcy were filed at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor during January 2008: Wayne D. Chubbuck, landscaper-lobsterman, two dependents, Edgecomb: assets, $1,250; debts, $32,800. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
PORTLAND – North Carolina-based FairPoint Communications reluctantly agreed to a two-month delay in completing its takeover of Verizon’s northern New England landlines after a consultant funded by regulators expressed concern about FairPoint’s readiness to assume full control, the Maine Sunday Telegram reported. FairPoint officials had… Read More
When I routinely see a dozen idling cars in the drive-through line at a fast food joint, when I see parents waiting in their idling SUVs for 20 minutes waiting for baseball practice to end, and when I see an idling car in the fire lane in front… Read More
An adviser for Republican presidential candidate John McCain recently accused McCain’s Democratic rival Barack Obama of holding a “Sept. 10 mind-set.” Translation: Sen. Obama has a naive view of the nature of the world, a view that should have changed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Prompting… Read More
The Maine Department of Public Safety recently released its “Crime in Maine” report for 2007. For the third year in a row, the number of rapes reported to police in Maine increased, up by 15 percent from 2006. It is difficult to know whether this means the incidence… Read More
For those who are confused about whom they should vote for in the upcoming election, here are a few pointers. The Republicans with Bush at the helm deregulated the banking industry, the credit industry and the oil and gas industry. Big Business in general also… Read More
I have to agree with Glennice Cline’s letter to the editor of June 17 who wrote “Write in Hillary.” I’m not a Clinton supporter, but I will be using the write-in option in the presidential election this fall. Neither of the two candidates being offered… Read More
Dear U.S. government: Thanks for the check. I’m sure the oil company loved it. Russell Chamberland 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
The price of gas and traffic in and around Bangor is on the rise. Positive steps have been taken to revitalize Bangor’s downtown. Residents of the Greater Bangor Area and our political leaders in the Legislature must initiate forward thinking for solutions in making public transportation accessible to… Read More
I am writing to express my disappointment in the BDN’s level of coverage on the 2008 World Championship Boston Celtics team. I am aware that due to time issues the story could not be covered in Wednesday’s paper in the coastal edition, so Thursday morning I was eager… Read More
Amid the big shift from print to the Internet, Rupert Murdoch, who has a foot in each camp as chairman and chief executive officer of the News Corp., probably knows more than most about what’s ahead. He foresees at least 20 or 30 more years… Read More
All Maine officials who make land use decisions, such as those regarding Sears Island and Plum Creek, need to hear we cannot afford more “deals” or “agreements” like the ones being pressed upon the public and environmental advocacy groups. The environment cannot sustain interminable compromise. We either mar… Read More
Earlier this month, members of the U.S. Senate blocked action on the Climate Security Act to reduce fossil fuel use and thus carbon dioxide emissions, and the bill was withdrawn. The May 2008 U.S. government “Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Climate Change on… Read More
OWLS HEAD – A pilot was killed when her light plane crashed Saturday in shallow coastal waters as she was preparing to practice approaches and landings at Knox County Regional Airport, authorities said. Janet Strong, 73, of Topsfield, Mass., died shortly after 10:30 a.m. when… Read More
PATTEN – A fast-moving fire demolished a three-story apartment house on Main Street on Sunday, leaving seven families without homes and prompting officials to cut electrical power to the entire town for several hours for safety reasons. All of the tenants escaped the fire but… Read More
BANGOR – Maine’s political leaders lauded the state’s American Legion on Saturday, recognizing the organization’s commitment to nation, community and fellow veterans. If given the opportunity to sit down with Maine’s leaders, however, most veterans interviewed during the organization’s annual convention Saturday said they had… Read More
ROCKLAND – Nervous racing spectators paced a little in the fog Sunday while waiting for the 10 a.m. start of the local lobster boat races. But soon the fog began to burn off, and by 11:30, the Coast Guard had given the OK for the… Read More
DEDHAM – For some, the memories date back nearly 50 years, but over the last two there has been a noticeable gap in the story of Camp CaPella. Maggie Conary hopes her 10-year-old grandson Nathan Robichaud will help add a new chapter to the unique… Read More
AUBURN – State officials say the New Hampshire promoter of a new amusement ride was operating it without a permit when a newspaper reporter was seriously injured during a media preview of the device at Lost Valley Ski Resort. “There may be punitive action,” Detective… Read More
Three women spent Friday night in jail on charges involving a stolen car, an assault on the car owner, and assault on sheriff’s deputies. A man called police around 11:30 p.m. saying his silver Pontiac Grand Am had been stolen from his Betts Road trailer… Read More
HAMPDEN – A Kenduskeag woman was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon after her parked van, which was sitting in the Nealley’s Corner Store parking lot, was struck by a truck traveling on Route 69. Janice Bodwell, 60, was sitting in the passenger side of… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Michael Gallagher, superintendent of schools for SADs 53 and 59, has requested guidance from the Maine Department of Education regarding the recent vote by SAD 59 residents not to consolidate with SAD 53. “We could very well end up a lone district,” Gallagher… Read More
OLD TOWN – On the first full day of summer 9-year-old Jordan Walker created the closest thing to a water slide found within city limits during the Canoe Hullabaloo celebration. The young, red-headed girl from Warren ran through the shooting water at Waterfront Park, then… Read More
PITTSFIELD – When Town Manager Kathryn Ruth came on board several years ago, she inherited a long list from the town’s auditors regarding corrections that needed to be made to the way the town handled its finances. “It was pages and pages long,” she recalled… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – For SeDoMoCha fourth-grade students, making a poster takes a deep understanding of the subject, the drive to develop a slogan and design that send a clear message, and patience in designing artwork that’s appealing to the eye. That winning combination has continued to… Read More
BANGOR – The summer reading program at the public library will kick off at 10 a.m. Monday, June 23, with an appearance by Schoodic Steel Pan Drums. A presentation called “A Girl of Peru” will be given by Maria Sandweiss at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – This year’s Penquis Summer Fun Program will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 24 to Aug. 7. at the Penquis office. The program will offer team-building activities, community service opportunities and field trips for 13- to 15-year-olds in… Read More
MILLINOCKET – The Knights of Columbus will hold its third annual barbecue and yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at the K of C Hall, 27 Highland Ave. The menu will include marinated boneless chicken breasts, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato… Read More
CALAIS – J. Gary Rhodes of Kane, Pa., has been selected as the new chief executive officer of Calais Regional Hospital. He was selected after a national search, the board of directors announced last week. It took the hospital’s search committee a little more than… Read More
LUBEC – There is a new hiking trail in town, and it opens officially next month. The officers and trustees of the Quoddy Regional Land Trust of Whiting plan to kick off the opening of the $70,000 Mowry Beach Trail with a dinner at the… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Farnsworth Art Museum is looking for volunteers to assist at its information desk. The desk will be staffed 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays during July and August. Volunteers will serve as greeters and hosts to visitors, assist admissions staff and provide information about the… Read More
MADISON – A head-on collision Sunday morning sent four people, including a 10-month-old child, to the hospital. Officer David Savage of the Madison Police Department said the accident occurred at about 10 a.m. on White Schoolhouse Road. Glen Heald, 44, of Madison was driving west… Read More
WISCASSET – Police Officer Alfred “Willy” Simmons went to the Wiscasset Municipal Building at about 2:30 a.m. Friday after a report of a vehicle on fire. When he arrived, Simmons found it was his 1996 Toyota pickup truck engulfed in flames. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
DEXTER – The Tri-County Technical School will expand its programming next fall to include high school freshmen and sophomores in an effort to keep nontraditional students in school. The technical school typically serves juniors and seniors, but sending superintendents say there is a need to… Read More
MILO – When Larry Levensalor of Dexter rode his riding lawn mower to the competition area of the Penquis Cruizers’ annual Cruize-In on Sunday to enter the rap contest, the crowd erupted in laughter. Levensalor had converted a discarded Yardman mower into a lawn rod… Read More
ROCKLAND – The Island Institute will turn 25 this summer and launch its silver anniversary with an extensive show of new photographic works by Peter Ralston, well-known photographer of the Maine coast and the institute’s executive vice president and co-founder. The show’s opening reception and… Read More
ROCKLAND – The 17th annual Gardens in the Watershed Tour sponsored by the Georges River Land Trust will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 13. The public is invited to tour six diverse garden landscapes in Thomaston, Union, Warren and West Rockport. Tickets are… Read More
WARREN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Knox-Lincoln County is accepting farmer and rancher candidate nominations for local FSA county committees. The election this year will be held in LAA 3, which represents Bremen, Bristol, Damariscotta, Nobleboro and Waldoboro. Jeffrey Spear… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – BRIDGES Transition Council is accepting Summer Camp applications for people ages 14-20 with special needs living in Aroostook County. BRIDGES Summer Camp focuses on transition topics that are included in students’ Individual Education Plans and fun summer camp activities. People must be… Read More
FORT KENT – The University of Maine at Fort Kent Acadian Archives-Archives Acadiennes and the Wesget-Sipu clan will sponsor a workshop about the uses of native plants for medicinal purposes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Acadian Archives on the UMFK campus. Read More
At 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, crews will begin milling the Exit 191 southbound on ramps and offramps. At 8 p.m., the Exit 191 southbound offramp will be closed until 11 p.m. for paving, after which there will be paving of the on ramp until… Read More
GUILFORD – Rather than impose a hardship on some residents, SAD 4 directors ditched a measure last week that would have saved the district about $6,000. Since only 15 people were served last year by ITV, or Interactive Television, and only one had signed up… Read More
New Aunt Nellie’s Attic manager Angela Hollis is busily preparing for the first of three yard sales to benefit the thrift store that is sponsored by Hammond Street Senior Center of Bangor. The first yard sale is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28,… Read More
HOULTON – A Chelsea businessman who failed to stop early Saturday morning after one of his employees fell from the bed of his pickup truck was arrested. Gregory Doughty, 28, a carpenter who was in the Houlton area on a job, and three of his… Read More
GORHAM, N.H. – Efforts to install a wood-fired biomass burner at the Fraser Papers mill are getting a boost from a group that invests in economic development projects. The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority administers state tax credits and federal grants to support affordable… Read More
MILO – Two Milo police officers suffered hand injuries Sunday afternoon in a scuffle with a father and daughter after police attempted to serve a summons to the daughter. Officers Dave Henderson and Tim Partin were attempting to serve a summons for harassment to Jessie… Read More
BOSTON – The charter vessel Argo ran aground near Boothbay Harbor, Maine, around noon Sunday with three crew members and 136 passengers aboard. No injuries or pollution were reported. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
PORTLAND – Eight members of an Army Reserve unit are back in Maine after serving for the last year in a combat support hospital in Iraq. The soldiers received a big welcome when they arrived Thursday at Portland International Jetport. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
OLD ORCHARD BEACH – The Maine State Police are calling the death of an Old Orchard Beach man in his home a homicide. Maine Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said the victim, Winston George, 45, was reported dead at 5:30 a.m. Friday. McCausland said the… Read More
GOTTS ISLAND – The lives of Lyford Stanley and his wife, Norma, were intertwined in their family and in his boat-building business, speakers at a celebration of the couple’s lives said Saturday. Had the couple lived, they would have observed their 60th wedding anniversary this August. Read More
FARMINGTON – The 77th annual meeting of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ began Thursday at the University of Maine campus. More than 150 UCC congregations from Maine will be represented at the four-day event along with guests from Canada and abroad. Read More
BARRINGTON, Nova Scotia – Some lobster fishermen in Canada are angry that as many as 45 inshore draggers are expected to arrive in waters off southwestern Nova Scotia on Monday to begin dragging the bottom for scallops. The lobstermen say the scallop rakes smash, puncture… Read More
GRAND FALLS, New Brunswick – Divers searched the St. John River on Friday in search of a girl who was apparently swept away by the current while swimming in a dangerous spot. Police Chief Jean Michaud said a 911 call was received at about 9:30… Read More
WISCASSET – Allen “Red” Gagnon, whose informal coastal eatery “Red’s Eats” was known far and wide, has died, but his business will go on. The 71-year-old Gagnon died of respiratory failure at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston on June 13. His daughter, Debbie Cronk,… Read More
AUGUSTA – A ballot recount from a Cumberland County commission race in the June 10 primaries has been suspended after the candidate seeking the recount agreed to accept the earlier results. Green Independent candidate William Linnell had asked for the recount, which got under way… Read More
PORTLAND – Portland police are investigating threats against Democratic congressional candidate Chellie Pingree. Police would not go into specifics about the nature of the threats but said they were made in anonymous mailings sent to Pingree in recent weeks. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
WATERVILLE – The 38th annual Mid-State Gem and Mineral Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Mount Merici School, 152 Western Ave. The free show, sponsored by Water-Oak… Read More
WATERVILLE – Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention will sponsor a free trauma recovery and empowerment support group 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays, beginning July 11, at the Rape Crisis Assistance and Prevention center at 179 Main St. The support group program week will combine practical… Read More
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security has awarded Maine more than $242,000 in grants to fund improvements for emergency communications capabilities for first responders. In announcing the grant, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a press release that she secured the funding for… Read More
NORWALK, Conn. – USS Missouri BB-63 veterans will hold their planning and social meeting July 11-13 at the Norwalk Inn. This is an opportunity for former shipmates to gather with old friends, swap stories and enjoy a good time. For information, contact Herb Fahr at 516-931-1769 or e-mail… Read More
OTISFIELD – Seeds of Peace, which brings together children from countries in conflict, begins its 2008 summer program Tuesday at its lakeside camp in this western Maine town. Attending the first session will be young Egyptians, Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Indians and Pakistanis. They will bunk,… Read More
WATERFORD – Investigators are seeking the cause of a fire that destroyed a two-story building at a boys summer camp in the Oxford County town of Waterford. The building, which is used to house counselors at Birch Rock Camp, was unoccupied at the time of… Read More
PORTLAND – The top non-elected official of Maine’s largest city is going on medical leave for about a month as he undergoes surgery Monday for early-stage prostate cancer. Portland City Manager Joseph Gray Jr. was diagnosed several weeks ago. He said he is feeling well… Read More
BREWER – For much of this season, Fryeburg Academy’s varsity softball squad has been known primarily as Hannah Hill’s team. It wasn’t so much an indictment of her Raiders teammates as a testament to the talent and sheer dominance of Fryeburg’s fireballing junior pitcher, who… Read More
STANDISH – When the Georges Valley Buccaneers of Thomaston set sail for Saturday’s Class C state championship game, it was clear that their goal was to bring home the bounty also known as their second consecutive state championship. The Buccaneers got their bounty, pushing across… Read More
STANDISH – Nate Adams had averaged just 13.1 pitches per inning in his previous pitching start for the Searsport baseball team. The only problem was that he pitched 10 innings in that Eastern Maine Class C final, leaving some to wonder what would be left… Read More
STANDISH – On a team led by its talented cast of juniors, Brad Shafran used his final senior moment Saturday to deliver another state title to the Deering of Portland baseball team. Shafran, the No. 9 hitter in the Rams’ lineup, beat out an infield… Read More
GORHAM – Sunday’s heavy rain in southern Maine resulted in the cancellation of this year’s Maine-New Hampshire Senior All-Star Baseball Classic and postponement of the Maine Underclass All-Star Game, both originally scheduled for Monday at the University of Southern Maine. The Maine-New Hampshire game was… Read More
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Boothbay High sophomore Matthew Forgues won the gold medal Sunday in the 10-kilometer race walk at the USATF National Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Forgues took the lead from the start and posted a time of 49 minutes, 1.41 seconds. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
HOLE-IN-ONE ELI WILLIAMS 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
LOCAL 11thHarbor House Tremont Trot 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 KVAC All-Conference Teams 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
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Boston College’s Brooke Knowlton, chosen to the Atlantic Coast Conference all-freshman team last fall, scored two goals to lead Women’s Premier League leader Soccer Plus to a 3-0 win over the Maine Tide Sunday. Knowlton converted an Amanda DaCosta cross in… Read More
HERMON – Jordan Pearson of Glenburn took the win in the caution-free second of three 35-lap Strictly Streets Coca-Cola Series races at Speedway 95 Saturday night. Wayne Parritt Jr. of Steuben finished second, Brad Norris of Ellsworth was third, Shawn Hamel of Bangor was fourth… Read More
TRENTINO, Italy – Exeter native Adam Craig struggled to a 45th-place finish Sunday in the elite men’s cross country race at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. But the effort, which placed him second among American participants in the event, likely will be good enough… Read More
Two University of Maine hockey recruits were selected in the fourth round of the National Hockey League draft in Ottawa on Saturday. Defenseman Ryan Hegarty was selected by the 2007 champion Anaheim Ducks with the 113th overall pick and center Gustav Nyquist was chosen by… Read More
BANGOR – Rangeley High School’s baseball team had never won a state championship, losing to Deer Isle-Stonington in last year’s state Class D final. That was until Saturday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
BANGOR – The last time Gardiner High School won a state championship in baseball, gas cost 15 cents a gallon and a loaf of bread was 13 cents. It was 1947. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
BREWER – When both starting pitchers are piling up strikeouts at the rate of almost five total per inning, runners – let alone runs – are going to be hard to come by. That was the case in Saturday afternoon’s Class D state championship game… Read More
LINCOLN – Nick Saunders hit three doubles and a single and scored twice to lead Trenton to a 12-8 victory over Lincoln Lumber in an American Legion Zone 1 baseball game at Mattanawcook Academy on Sunday. Adam Kaspala added two singles and three runs for… Read More
HERMON -Greg Hawes allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out five to lead Movingme.com to a 1-0 win over Aerus Electrolux in the opening game of a Bay League baseball doubleheader Sunday. Aerus Electrolux won the second game 10-9. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BANGOR – You don’t have to be a Stephen King fan, or even an avid reader of his work, to appreciate “The Tommyknockers & More” bus tour, named after the Bangor author’s 1987 best-seller. The event, promoted by the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau,… Read More
WRITING ON STONE: SCENES FROM A MAINE ISLAND LIFE, written by Christina Marsden Gillis, photographs by Peter Ralston, Hanover, N.H.: University Press of New England, and Island Institute, Rockland, 2008. $24.95. Does Maine’s slogan, “The Way Life Should Be,” extend to offshore locales such as… Read More
It’s reunion time, so here’s some information on a couple of reunions that take place every year. But keep in mind that there are plenty of “occasional” reunions as well, so I hope that summer finds you getting together with relatives to share information. The… Read More
“KEEP STREETS CLEAN,” read a headline at the top of a page in the Bangor Daily Commercial a century ago. The words were part fact and part exhortation. Bangor, like many cities, was trying to grapple with environmental messes – from horse pollution and dump proliferation to expectorating… Read More
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ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has published 2008 editions of two classic field guides, “Conifers of Maine” and “Biodiversity in the Forests of Maine.” “Conifers of Maine” by the late Fay Hyland was first published in 1946. Hyland’s former student, colleague and… Read More
In theaters GET SMART directed by Peter Segal, written by Tom Astle and Matt Ember, 110 minutes, rated PG-13. 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;… Read More