ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – First lady Laura Bush visited Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor area Tuesday, White House officials confirmed. “She is maintaining a private schedule,” said Bush’s press secretary Katie Balls. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    CHICAGO – Wireless systems used by many hospitals to keep track of medical equipment can cause potentially deadly breakdowns in lifesaving devices such as breathing and dialysis machines, researchers reported Tuesday in a study that warned hospitals to conduct safety tests. Some of the microchip-based… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Don’t blame us. That’s the message financial managers responsible for millions of Americans’ retirement benefits delivered Tuesday to lawmakers who are increasingly blaming speculation for record fuel prices. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
    BANGOR – Unicel has expanded its wireless digital network by adding a new cell site in Waterville. The Waterville site offers cellular coverage for residents of the community as well as for commuters traveling on Interstate 95. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    PORTLAND – The case of Belfast and the big-box stores officially came to an end Tuesday when the Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued a unanimous two-page ruling that the case is moot. During oral arguments in May at the Penobscot County Courthouse in Bangor, Chief… Read More
    BANGOR – A land deal that will bring at least 30 jobs to the area received a unanimous thumbs up Monday night from city councilors. Under the terms of a lease and purchase option approved during a council meeting at City Hall, Maine Marine Manufacturing… Read More
    After eight years with the Bangor office of WBRC Architects-Engineers, Richard Graves is moving to Minnesota to join the firm of Perkins and Will. Green designed and managed some notable projects while at WBRC, the company said. The projects included the new research building at the Mount Desert… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – KeyBank announced it will be tearing down and rebuilding the bank’s High Street branch. Construction is expected to start in the beginning of July and last through the end of the year. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    BANGOR – For businesses interested in selling a product or service to the government, the Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center will present an introduction to government contracting 10 a.m.-noon Monday, June 30, in the Penobscot Board Room at Eastern Maine Development Corp., 40 Harlow St., Bangor. There is… Read More
    WISCASSET – The Finance Authority of Maine has awarded Coastal Enterprises Inc. $120,000 from the Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Program to be lent to qualifying businesses in the Lincoln, Knox, Waldo and Sagadahoc county areas, excluding Bath and Topsham. To be eligible for the… Read More
    CAMDEN – The board of directors of Camden National Corp. has declared a dividend of 25 cents per share payable on July 31, 2008, for shareholders of record on July 15, 2008, Robert W. Daigle, president said Tuesday. Read More
    Re: The June 18 letter, “Say ‘we won’t go.'” I am a proud member of Maine’s Army National Guard, and Pat Orchard should know that even if we could refuse to be deployed, we would not. Only a small number of Americans ever get the chance to stand… Read More
    While the secretary of state has cleared independent candidate Herbert Hoffman to remain in the U.S. Senate race, the legal debate over whether he has collected enough signatures to appear on the November ballot revealed troubling shortcomings in the state’s validation process. These problems should concern lawmakers as… Read More
    When Congress was poised to let a controversial wiretapping law expire in February, the White House predicted death and destruction if the rules, which allowed eavesdropping without a warrant, weren’t extended. Congress let the Protect America Act expire and used the additional time to write compromise legislation, which… Read More
    We the Vestry of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Old Town, are saddened to see children thrust into divisive legal issues by adults, especially in the name of religion (“Grandfather plans rights suit over boy using girls bathroom,” BDN, June 10). It is tempting to say, “My God wouldn’t… Read More
    The BDN’s June 20 editorial (“Windfall Oil Tax”) discusses the Senate’s failed attempt to tax “unreasonable” oil company profits. The editorial concludes “the government is justified in taking action.” Maybe not. I’ll use Exxon Mobil, the largest of the oil companies, as an example. Its… Read More
    “Helping Small Airports” is a well-written editorial highlighting the fiscal issues facing small air carriers and airports such as Northern Maine Regional in Presque Isle. However, it neglected to mention or address the pecuniary plight of average American taxpayers whose extorted largesse is responsible for keeping these “white… Read More
    Yes! Mr. Heath and the Christian Civic League’s hateful petition failed to pass thanks to lots of good and fair Maine people. What a day brightener! Janet Forbes googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    A tip of the old fedora to Kent Ward for his column of June 21-22, “Coverage of a media celebrity.” As a retired newsman myself, I share both Kent’s respect for Tim Russert’s work and his disappointment at NBC’s over-the-top extended coverage of Russert’s untimely death. Read More
    Recently proposed changes in federal regulations would allow the carrying of concealed firearms in some national parks, something which is not currently allowed. Specifically, the proposed regulations would allow the carrying of firearms if state law would allow the carrying of firearms in state parks. While this is… Read More
    They’re dropping like flies! You know: noteworthy guys that we all love. Did you ever see George Carlin perform? He presented the truth in irony and the irony in truth and cracked us all up. I saw him in concert once and part of his… Read More
    The warm weather that we yearn for in the depths of winter is finally here, but with it comes a serious health threat: ground-level ozone. Weather, geography and our modern lifestyle conspire to create a serious air pollution threat from ozone here in Maine. It can affect the… Read More
    PORTLAND – New England’s moose population is under siege from tiny ticks that have become so numerous in recent years that biologists are concerned about the long-term effect on the ungainly mammals. Winter ticks, as they are known, appear to be more plentiful in the… Read More
    INDIAN ISLAND – Tribal leaders from across Canada and New England officially opened the annual Wabanaki Confederacy Conference on Tuesday with the aim of finding a renewed energy in tackling tribal matters and a finding a unified voice on tribal issues. “We have a lot… Read More
    State officials have expanded shellfish closures Down East and are warning that additional closures are possible as levels of toxic red tide continue to spread in the area. Effective Tuesday, coastal areas from the southeast tip of Cape Wash in Cutler to the Canadian border,… Read More
    PORTLAND – The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday unanimously upheld the conviction of an Abbot man in the death of two friends in a car accident nearly four years ago. Heath St. Louis, 24, was sentenced in June 2007 to 10 years in prison… Read More
    BANGOR – After several months of deliberations, discussions and debate, city councilors adopted on Monday night an $86.4 million operating budget for municipal and school operations in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. The budget will result in a tax rate of $19.05… Read More
    NEWPORT – Frederick “Chip” Austin is a Democratic candidate for the House District 25 seat, which covers the Penobscot County towns of Newport, Plymouth, Exeter, Corinna and part of Corinth. A resident of Grove Street in Newport, Austin said he brings to his candidacy a… Read More
    BANGOR – A Bangor boy whose 911 call likely saved his mother’s life and the city police dispatcher who helped him were recognized for their actions during a City Council meeting on Monday night. Dante Parks, 6, and dispatcher Ryan Welch both received standing ovations… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The following divorces were granted in 13th District Court since February on grounds of irreconcilable differences: Ralf Neudeck Lamers, no address listed, and Laurine Victoria Goulette Lamers, Monson; married at Greenville July 21, 2000. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BELFAST – The attempt to auction the former Stinson Seafoods property failed to produce a buyer, but negotiations on the sale of the waterfront site will continue. A handful of prospective bidders appeared at the waterfront parcel for Tuesday’s auction, and when the bidding stopped,… Read More
    The schooner Bowdoin and its crew from Maine Maritime Academy have reached the northernmost point in their two-month training cruise and are about ready to head for home. On Monday, the schooner was anchored at Hareo Island, just northwest of Disko Island off the coast… Read More
    LINCOLN – Residents will avoid paying the bills this year, but the 2009-10 municipal budget might be packed with capital projects due to what has been avoided, town officials said Tuesday. With passage of the town’s $6.17 million budget for 2008-09 Monday night, the Town… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The Wintergreen Arts Center, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that uses local artists as educators in a variety of artistic disciplines, is offering a weeklong series of summer day camps Aug. 4-8. Day camps will include themed projects that will allow participants to explore their sense… Read More
    HOULTON – A Monticello man who told police Monday evening that anger prompted him to throw a rock through a large plate-glass window at a downtown business was charged with aggravated criminal mischief after the incident. Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said Tuesday that the… Read More
    BRIDGEWATER – The Bridgewater Sesquicentennial Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, at the Bridgewater Community Building. Bridgewater’s Sesquicentennial celebration will take place Thursday through Saturday, July 24-26, and many exciting activities are planned. Anyone interested in helping is invited to attend the… Read More
    A Bangor woman was jailed after allegedly stabbing another woman in the leg during a fight Monday evening. Laurie Presby, 47, apparently stabbed her partner in the thigh twice during a domestic altercation at a Grove Street residence at around 7 p.m. Monday, police said. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The municipal budget was shaved by $257,855 Monday to keep the spending plan under the tax levy cap of LD 1. Earlier this month, residents approved the town meeting warrant articles totaling $1,595,099 in a referendum vote but defeated an article that would… Read More
    PALMYRA – The investigation into a triple stabbing last weekend at a Palmyra camping area is still under way, according to state police Lt. Gary Wright. Interviews are still being conducted with two men who were stabbed and a woman who also was injured, Wright… Read More
    Machias District Court Cases May 20-June 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… Read More
    BELFAST – St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will serve free lunches Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August, starting Tuesday, July 1. The picnic-style lunches of sandwiches, fruit, dessert and milk will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Parish House, 95… Read More
    NORTHEAST HARBOR – Martha Tod Dudman of Northeast Harbor will read from her new novel “Black Olives” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Northeast Harbor Library. While raising a son and a daughter, Dudman was president and general manager of Dudman Communications, a… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – Chris Crigger has never run a flea market, but he has seen them – big ones. “They have huge flea markets in Ohio,” the former Cincinnati resident said Tuesday. “You pay a certain fee to get in and they spread everywhere, table to… Read More
    ORONO – The town has scheduled a public health forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, in the council chambers at 59 Main St., to discuss public health initiatives and related matters. A facilitator will be present, along with a panel of medical and service… Read More
    JONESPORT – A rash of burglaries has been plaguing this coastal Washington County fishing community for months, but so far police haven’t been able to pin down any suspects. Maine State Police Trooper Barry Curtis has spent the last few days sifting through a handful… Read More
    WARREN – The Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association sponsored a workshop for gravel road owners, road associations, contractors, and CEOs to learn about recognizing and abating erosion on gravel roads. The Gravel Road and FrontRunner Training Workshop, held… Read More
    HOULTON – Despite the increasing costs of items such as heating oil, gasoline and food, community members are rallying behind an effort to build a better playground for area children. Town councilors on Monday evening accepted $2,925 in donations for the Just For Kids playground… Read More
    FORT KENT – Within a month property owners should have an idea of the impact a townwide revaluation will have on their taxes. At its regular Monday night meeting the Fort Kent Town Council agreed on an estimated mill rate of 15 for 2008-09, a… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the university’s first “Super Blood Drive” from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 30, in Wieden Gymnasium. The event is… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program International will hold an outdoor rock climbing trip to Acadia National Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29. No experience is required. A $30 nonrefundable deposit is due by June 25, with… Read More
    ORONO – The 62nd annual Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Charity Auction will take place July 17-19 at the Auction Barn on Forrest Avenue starting at 5 p.m. each night. Auction items will include books, toys, furniture, cars, bikes, lawnmowers, local business gift certificates and more. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating two fires in the same downtown Bangor neighborhood over the weekend, one of which is believed to be set intentionally. Bangor Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bostock said the first fire came late Saturday at a residence… Read More
    The 2008 annual meeting of the Greater Pushaw Lake Association will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the Pushaw Lake Campground on Forest Avenue in Orono, reports Sandi Duchesne. She wrote that “all full-time and part-time residents living on or near Pushaw… Read More
    BANGOR – St. Joseph Healthcare will hold its third annual communitywide yard and craft sale to benefit County flood victims 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in the St. Joseph Hospital parking lot at 360 Broadway. Hundreds of families were evacuated from their homes, with… Read More
    FALMOUTH – Clifton resident Mary Evans was honored as the 2008 Educator of the Year by Maine Audubon at its annual meeting Wednesday at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center. The award is given annually to recognize significant contributions toward expanding adults’ or children’s knowledge of the natural world and… Read More
    ENFIELD – It wasn’t the worst domestic assault case state police Trooper Thomas Fiske has ever dealt with, but it probably covered the greatest distance. James Pond, 34, of Howland was charged with domestic assault late Monday after he allegedly hit his live-in girlfriend in… Read More
    BUCKSPORT – A Bangor man was in guarded condition Tuesday evening after he was injured in a single-vehicle accident on Route 46. According to Officer Robert Findlay of the Bucksport Police Department, Gabriel Bowden, 27, was headed north on Route 46 when he failed to… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is creating a Web site to distribute research-based information on saving money through energy conservation and alternative energy sources. The Web address is www.extension.eumaine.edu/energy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    Maine will be host to an international conference on ocean energy next year, which officials hope will give the state an opportunity to promote itself as a leader in the growing renewable energy industry. Gov. John Baldacci’s office said Tuesday that more than 300 offshore… Read More
    BANGOR – The 14th annual Chapin Neighborhood block party, sponsored by State Street Area Businesses, will be held Tuesday, July 29. Those able to help with a $50 business sponsorship should contact either Theresa Sites from Frank’s Bake Shop at 947-4594, Bill Miller from Miller… Read More
    WATERVILLE – James D. Julia Inc. appraisers will be at the REM Forum, in Waterville’s The Center, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, for a benefit antique appraisal for the public library. For $5 an item (limit of five items per person), individuals can obtain… Read More
    BANGOR – The United Way of Eastern Maine has announced its Community Impact Partner Investments for the 2008-2010 funding years. The board of directors reviewed and approved 76 programs for funding, a $1.2 million investment in the UWEM five-county area. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    HARRINGTON – University of Maine System Chancellor Richard Pattenaude is scheduled to speak at the Milbridge Cherryfield Rotary meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26. Pattenaude is expected to address the impact of Maine’s public universities on the state, as well as his agenda for… Read More
    MEDFORD – An assortment of items was taken recently during break-ins at two camps on Schoodic Point Road. A gate on the dead-end road was cut by the thieves to reach the camps. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    PORTLAND – Police are investigating an early morning shooting outside a Portland bar. City police say 27-year-old James Sanders was shot in the torso at 1 a.m. Tuesday outside a Fore Street bar called the Cactus Club. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Freeport gun dealer will be arraigned this week on charges of illegally selling handguns to a convicted felon. Prosecutors say 36-year-old Wade Collett sold 11 handguns to customers he knew were not the real buyers, who then turned the weapons over to… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Portland woman has pleaded not guilty to murdering her husband with a butcher knife. Laureen Rugen, 49, entered her plea Tuesday in Cumberland County Superior Court. She is charged with fatally stabbing her husband, 61-year-old Chris Rugen, at their Portland home on… Read More
    The Sprint Cup race weekend in Loudon, N.H., won’t quite be the same. First of all, it is no longer New Hampshire International Speedway. It is New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Bruton Smith and his Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought NHIS from Bob Bahre for $340 million… Read More
    TAMPA, Fla. – When the Tampa Bay Lightning called, Barry Melrose was eager to listen. Out of coaching for 13 years, he missed the passion and competition of the NHL. Countless hours of watching games as a television analyst intensified his desire to return to… Read More
    Saturday’s state championship games in high school baseball were filled with trials and tribulation. But with the end of one season comes speculation about next year, particularly concerning teams that have filled their trophy cases with the spoils of postseason success. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    It has been quite a year for Kyla Hoskins. The Olathe, Kan., native played in 17 games for Creighton University, notching a goal and an assist, and that included 51 minutes in the Blue Jays’ NCAA Tournament opener against the University of Southern California. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Get the blues Everyone knows that Maine blueberries are delicious – in pancakes, cobbler, smoothies or just straight from the box. But according to new research published in the British Journal of Nutrition, blueberries may have a beneficial effect on your heart. The recent study… Read More