Bangor restaurateur Peter Geaghan offers health insurance to 10 of his employees through DirigoChoice. But on Wednesday, the day after Maine’s voters resoundingly overturned the new beverage tax that would have helped fund the state’s health insurance program, Geaghan already was looking for other options… Read More
Is Maine truly blue? Experts say not entirely Mainers show independence, split votes between parties
After a convincing Pine Tree State win for Sen. Barack Obama, the fifth consecutive Democratic presidential candidate to prevail in Maine, many analysts wondered Wednesday just how blue the state has become. “I think at least on the president level, Maine does seem to be… Read More
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has told state agencies they have a week to come up with ways to cut $150 million from current state spending as state revenues fall further behind projections. “We are in a recession,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “I… Read More
Of the 18 school reorganization plans up for votes around the state during Tuesday’s balloting, voters in affected districts approved 12 plans and rejected five, including three in Aroostook County. One plan involving SAD 37 in Washington County received partial approval, and a vote by other plan participants… Read More
In some editions of Tuesday’s paper, the beverage tax election story on Page B1 mistakenly reported that the “No On One proponents in Portland celebrated their victory.” The sentence should have read that the Yes On One proponents were the celebrators. Read More
Last November, Washington County residents were stinging over voters’ rejection of a Passamaquoddy petition to bring gambling – and therefore jobs and tourists – to their economically depressed corner of Maine. On Tuesday, Washington County fired back. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
BANGOR – The Shaw’s Supermarkets Charitable Foundation recently contributed $10,000 to The Acadia Hospital’s Keep the Promise Capital Campaign. The donation will go toward the creation of a new Pediatric and Family Center that will house Acadia’s youth outpatient programs, as well as classrooms used for the education… Read More
BANGOR – Area teachers of grades two through 12 are looking for business volunteers to help deliver Junior Achievement courses on basic economics to their students. “The recent explosion in teacher requests for Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Hampden, Levant, Holden, Carmel and Veazie is brought… Read More
CAMDEN – Bangor Savings Bank committed a $5,000 challenge grant to United Mid-Coast Charities to kick off its annual Making Miracles campaign. The bank will match donations made by Camden and Rockland businesses for Making Miracles. Participating businesses donate up to 10 percent of their… Read More
Christine Beacham has been named manager of KeyBank’s Camden branch. She has 12 years experience in the financial services industry, working in business banking, commercial lending and retail banking. She began her career with MBNA in Belfast. Beacham earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University… Read More
I was perplexed by your editorial (“Dressed For Success,” Oct. 31) likening Barack Obama’s dress to a foreign exchange student’s and perhaps not fitting in. In my experience, people in other countries dress more carefully, professionally and stylishly than many Americans. In fact, anyone traveling abroad is reminded… Read More
As monumental as Barack Obama’s resounding victory in Tuesday’s election were the large, cheering, crying crowds that gathered in cities across the country to celebrate his win. It has been decades since a presidential election elicited such emotion, such expectation. It is doubly historic that the man at… Read More
At several points in his improbable, inspiring and historic run for the White House, Barack Obama told voters his faith in America was restored by the electoral success he saw along the way. Pundits, critics and opponents – including Sen. John McCain – lambasted Sen. Obama for what… Read More
In these difficult economic times, families and businesses need to find new ways to save money and increase income. Municipalities need to do the same. Here is a suggestion for the city of Bangor. Since a high percentage of area drivers ignore stop signs and… Read More
As a former public school teacher, I must take exception to the picture of a young boy on the front page of the Oct. 31 issue of the BDN holding up political signs. Children this young do not comprehend the political process. They get wrapped up in the… Read More
The BDN’s selective use of statistics in the “Consolidation Concerns” editorial of Oct. 30 would do credit to any political campaign spin doctor. It cites a 37 percent increase in state funding without mentioning that at least 10 of those points are to comply with… Read More
While deserved attention has been given to our “energy crisis,” this may be distracting us from an economic crisis. There is no shortage of home heating oil, gas or diesel. What is lacking for some is money to pay for these essentials at current prices. Households might be… Read More
These are challenging times. Everyday, headlines remind us of the global instability and economic pressures that touch each of us. For every one of us re-examining our family finances and wondering where to cut back, we have a neighbor who is wondering where to get that next meal… Read More
We see news nearly every day about the financial crisis that we face as a nation. We know that times are tough nationally, and even during a terrible national economy, there are companies willing and able to invest under the right conditions. There have been two recent examples… Read More
ORONO – There’s nothing glamorous about the job Ilze Petersons does at the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine. As the center’s program director, Petersons stuffs envelopes, makes phone calls, organizes overnight bus trips to Augusta and Washington, D.C., and stands outside in extremes… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Testimony turned graphic Wednesday in the second day of Richard Reynolds murder trial in Somerset County, as medical examiners and forensic officials provided detailed descriptions of his alleged victim’s injuries. Reynolds, 41, is accused of shooting his wife in the head at her… Read More
Plum Creek Timber Co. could get the final green light on its Moosehead Lake region development plan as early as next spring under an ambitious schedule outlined Wednesday. Last month, the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission largely endorsed Plum Creek’s historic concept plan after a… Read More
PORTLAND – A former Republican strategist pleaded not guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland to charges that he lied to federal investigators five years ago about his role in jamming phone lines in New Hampshire Democrats’ get-out-the-vote effort in 2002. James Tobin, 48,… Read More
MILO – The barren site of the former Milo True Value Hardware Store, one of five buildings destroyed in September by an arson fire, should be coming up pink next spring. Former storeowners Barbara and John Crossman wanted to brighten up their small corner of… Read More
FORT KENT – It’s back to the drawing board for some Aroostook County school boards after voters rejected school administration consolidation plans in referendums in the St. John Valley and the Presque Isle and Houlton areas. Voters in SAD 10 (Allagash), SAD 27 (Eagle Lake,… Read More
BAR HARBOR – A proposal to limit the minimum distance that local wireless communication facilities can be from schools was one of several land use ordinances that local voters approved Tuesday. Voters also agreed to form a charter commission to consider possible changes to the… Read More
A slim majority of voters decided Tuesday to consolidate SADs 38 and 48. The vote passed by just 35 votes in Etna and Dixmont, the two towns of SAD 38. The final SAD vote tally was 647-612. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
BELFAST – Bolstered by a strong showing in Searsport, his hometown, William Shorey defeated two-term Waldo County Commissioner John Hyk by a comfortable plurality. Shorey upset the incumbent Hyk with a vote of 3,362 to 3,177. Most of the damage to Hyk was done in… Read More
ROCKLAND – Knox County residents Tuesday voted out two veteran county commissioners and elected their replacements. In District 2, Richard L. Parent Jr. of Warren defeated Commission Chairman A. Mason Johnson Jr. of Thomaston, 3,122 to 2,839. Johnson had served for 16 years. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
SULLIVAN – Authorities are investigating an alleged assault in which a local man suffered severe injuries that went unreported for a couple of days, according to Maine State Police. Trooper Jessica Shorey said Wednesday that the alleged attack occurred sometime last week but was not… Read More
ROCKLAND – Voters in the six towns representing SADs 5 and 50 approved the proposed regional school consolidation plan in Tuesday’s referendum. Residents of SAD 50 communities Cushing, St. George and Thomaston, and SAD 5 communities Owls Head, Rockland and South Thomaston voted overall 5,947… Read More
Voters in each Mount Desert Island town that had been considering participating in a new reorganized school administration entity to replace School Union 98 approved the plan on Tuesday. The proposal, which has been approved by the state Department of Education, passed by large margins… Read More
BELFAST – The Belfast Area High School students taking part in the Waldo County YMCA’s youth advocacy program were sharpening knives and slinging skillets Wednesday as they prepared a meal to take home for their families’ nightly suppers. Wednesday’s meal was the culmination of the… Read More
OLD TOWN – Voters on Tuesday supported two Old Town residents, David Mahan and Scott Laflamme, in their bids for seats on the City Council. Mahan received 3,082 votes and Laflamme received 2,864 votes. David Fiacco of 121 Fourth St. received the most write-in votes… Read More
ELLSWORTH – More than 20 organizations will provide information, education and assistance at the Community Connections Health and Wellness Expo from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the VFW Hall, East Main Street. The expo will offer free assistance with Medicare Part D,… Read More
ROCKLAND – Voters on Tuesday elected City Council incumbent Eric Hebert and challenger Elizabeth Dickerson to fill two positions. Dickerson will succeed Mayor Harold Perry, who stepped down from the council until a few days before the election, when he waged a write-in campaign. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
PERRY – With 93 percent of precincts reporting Wednesday, Washington County incumbents for the state Legislature held onto their seats, while Republican newcomers beat out their opponents. The unofficial results indicated late Wednesday that 612 precincts had reported statewide and 675,672 of 942,825 registered voters… Read More
Heavy voting in Hancock County returned some legislative incumbents, but the makeup of the delegation will change slightly. Three incumbent representatives, Republican Robert Crosthwaite and Democrats Theodore Koffman and Lance Weddell, were not on Tuesday’s ballot. Koffman was prevented from seeking another term by the… Read More
BELFAST – Absentee voters made the difference in carrying incumbent Ward 2 City Councilor Roger Lee to another two-year term in office and prevented the recall of Ward 3 Councilor Cathy Heberer and Ward 4 Councilor Jan Anderson. In the other council races Tuesday, Lewis… Read More
It was a time for change, and that is what happened in Eastport as well as in neighboring Calais. In Eastport, voters gave the nod to two new councilors – Paul Critchley and John Miller. They received 584 and 413 votes, respectively. Incumbent Kathryn Lewis… Read More
MILLINOCKET – Scott Gonya was re-elected Tuesday to the Town Council and will be joined by newcomers John Raymond and Michael A. Madore. Gonya was the leading recipient of votes in the election, with 1,782, while Raymond received 1,021 and Madore, 998, Town Clerk Roxanne… Read More
BANGOR – The seventh annual Totally Trades! Conference for high school girls will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at United Technologies Center, 200 Hogan Road. The conference will offer 15 workshop experiences in nontraditional careers. Workshops will include welding,… Read More
GUILFORD – Piscataquis Community High School students will present a play, “Par for the Corpse,” by Craig Sodaro, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Center Theatre. To reserve tickets, call 876-4625 or e-mail Kathy Maheu at kmaheu@sad4.com. Read More
BANGOR – A blood donor appreciation kick-off is planned Friday at 900B Hammond St., and during November, a downtown hardware store is partnering with the American Red Cross to host blood drives to say thank you to the communities that have supported the business for 100 years. Read More
ATKINSON – Voters on Tuesday approved the sale of alcohol – beer, wine and liquor- within the town. The vote was 118-76. According to some residents, Atkinson had always been a dry town. Resident Randy Tozier, who circulated a petition signed by 32 people to… Read More
ORONO – In a town with the state’s flagship university, the number of rental units and tenants would seem to be statistics the Town Council might want to know. Orono’s council is starting to get a handle on those numbers as the town’s rental registration… Read More
BANGOR – The city Public Works Department wasted no time Wednesday removing construction barriers and signs that prevented drivers from turning left onto Howard Street from State Street. Bangor voters, by a comfortable margin Tuesday, chose to overturn a controversial left-turn ban to and from… Read More
BIDDEFORD – An explosion at a trash-to-energy incinerator in Biddeford blew panels off the building and started a fire, according to firefighters. Officials said the explosion at the Maine Energy Recovery Co. plant Tuesday afternoon likely was caused by a propane tank or some other… Read More
Many quality vendors will participate in the 30th annual Holiday MarketPlace hosted by Zonta Club of Bangor, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Brewer Auditorium reports Alex Turallo. Admission is just $1 each day, and as usual,… Read More
AUGUSTA – The Maine Human Rights Commission has found reasonable grounds to believe that unlawful discrimination occurred involving a Millinocket man’s complaint that his employer harassed him on the basis of sex and sexual orientation. The commission on Oct. 27 agreed with its investigator’s report… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has collected 69,895 pounds of produce, 70 dozen ears of corn and 60 loaves of bread as part of its Plant a Row for the Hungry outreach project. Home gardeners, master gardeners, and others with a green… Read More
BLUE HILL – Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, will present a lecture titled “Navigating the Challenges Facing the Maine Lobster Fishery” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the MERI Center for Marine Studies. This talk is part of MERI’s monthly… Read More
SOUTH PORTLAND – The Coast Guard is conducting a waterways analysis review of the Kennebec River to determine the effectiveness of aids to navigation in the river. The following areas are under review: Seguin Ledges to the Bath Rail Road Bridge, and north of the… Read More
BIDDEFORD – Voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would have closed the city’s airport. Supporters of a referendum to close the Biddeford Municipal Airport said the facility should be closed because it costs the city money and is a burden on taxpayers. But airport advocates… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – For Brittany Bearden, the clock couldn’t tick fast enough. As she stood at midfield, waiting to possibly check in, Bearden’s Presque Isle Wildcats were mere seconds away from the program’s first-ever Eastern Maine regional soccer championship. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Attacking midfielder Ahm Kongsuriya and center back Billy Shannon feel they are overdue for a championship. And the former Hampden Academy teammates are hoping to claim the North Atlantic Conference soccer championship on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. when their Husson University Eagles entertain Castleton State… Read More
ORONO – The Orono High School’s girls soccer team won its first-ever regional title Wednesday. Well-respected 26th-year Orono coach Cid Dyjak received first-half goals from Julie Normand and Alex Crocker and the Riots rode them to a 2-1 victory over Madawaska in their Eastern Maine… Read More
It’s halfway through the first full week of deer season (at least as far as we firearms hunters are concerned) and my deer-hunting friends and acquaintances are all saying the same thing I am. Where are the deer? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
BANGOR – Sometimes the goals not allowed are just as important as those a team scores – and for the Bangor boys soccer team that combination was good enough to claim their second Eastern Maine Class A title in three years. The top-ranked Rams shook… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL KVAC All Stars 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
COLLEGE America East All-Rookie Team 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
BOYS Big School (Classes A-B) 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
GREENVILLE – Saige Weeks scored on a direct kick from near midfield when the ball squirted through the arms of the goalkeeper with 28:47 remaining in the game, lifting Greenville by Rangeley 1-0 Wednesday for the Western Maine Class C girls soccer title. It was… Read More
STACYVILLE – The first half was a defensive struggle and the second half turned into a score-a-thon, but the result was the same either way. Top Eastern Class D boys seed Katahdin took a 1-0 halftime lead en route to a 5-2 win over No. Read More
ORONO – Stephanie Gardiner and Kelly Newton have played field hockey together since eighth grade. They decided to travel more than 3,000 miles to remain teammates and it is paying dividends for the University of Maine field hockey team. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ORONO – Andre Akpan scored a goal and posted an assist as Harvard shut out the University of Maine men’s soccer team 2-0 here Wednesday. Baba Omosegbon added a goal while John Stamatis and Marcel Perl each had an assist. Austin Harms made three saves… Read More
Maine election officials have declared a record voter turnout but it’ll be days before a final tally is released, the secretary of state’s office said Wednesday. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap projected 80 percent participation among registered voters. If so, that would far outstrip the… Read More
Senate Senate District 1 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
ST. STEPHEN, New Brunswick – Anyone but Bush seemed to be the consensus among Maine’s Canadian neighbors as they woke up Wednesday morning to learn that U.S. voters had elected Sen. Barack Obama president. “After eight years, it was time for a change,” St. Croix… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine Democrats touted Election Day results Wednesday that they said show them expanding an already large margin of control in the state House of Representatives and the bare one-vote edge they have held in the state Senate. Unofficial tallies suggest the Democrats boosted… Read More
ORONO – Cultural exhibits, traditional singing, dancing, clothing and an international smorgasbord of foods featuring spicy Indian and Sri Lankan curries, Vietnamese spring rolls and delicacies from the Middle East, are on the program for this year’s 21st annual Culturefest 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the… Read More
BANGOR – Leading chefs are assembling their finest offerings in an array designed to satisfy the most demanding palate, all for the benefit of mothers and babies. The March of Dimes seventh Signature Chef’s Auction is set for Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Bangor Elks… Read More
BANGOR-BREWER – A new group of veterans will be on hand for this year’s Veterans Day Parade, joining World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who traditionally take part. The Global War on Terrorism Veterans include those who served in Desert Storm, Somalia,… Read More
Who do you remember on Veteran’s Day? “All of my loved ones who have served.” 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
BANGOR – Hundreds of northeastern Maine residents gathered at Husson University on Oct. 25 to walk with families, friends and co-workers in the Maine Start! Heart Walk. The American Heart Association event encourages people to incorporate walking into their lifestyle while raising funds to support… Read More
Bangor 22nd PICA auction 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
Women-only hockey clinic ORONO – Icing. What’s that? Cross-checking. What’s that? What’s a 5-minute major? Have you ever asked these questions? Do you wish you knew what the referee’s call was for? Now is your chance to find out. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
3rd District Court, Bangor Cases Oct. 6-10, 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 () { // Define… Read More
Schools Original dance, drama 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
BANGOR – A local group of amateur actors will put on a murder-mystery play for the community when John Bapst Memorial High School presents a back-stage comedy, “Acting Can Be Murder,” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, at 100 Broadway. Understudy Dolores Gordon,… Read More
(As reported in the Bangor Daily News) 10 years ago – Nov. 6, 1998 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
Bangor PICA benefit auction 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
Art by cancer survivor BANGOR – Physicians and nurses have discovered that art, music, dance and poetry have profound healing effects. Because art brings to the human spirit a sense of freedom and joy, CancerCare of Maine regularly hosts art exhibits. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
As the weather turns colder and the holidays approach, we tend to inch up the thermostat and spend more time cooking and using lights to decorate. So, ’tis the season for fire prevention and safety tips. First of all, smoking is a major cause of… Read More
Ending Hunger Walking Tour OLD TOWN – Representatives from Maine’s credit unions joined Brenda Davis, executive director of Cross Roads Ministries, on Oct. 24 at Penobscot County Federal Credit Union in Old Town to launch the seventh Maine Credit Unions Ending Hunger Walking Tour. Cross… Read More
BANGOR – The Bangor Ronald McDonald House, located at 654 State St., will celebrate World Children’s Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission fee. The lovable McDonald’s character, Grimace, will make an appearance 10… Read More
Fields Pond Audubon Center Russ Lake of Brewer dropped in at the Fields Pond Audubon Center with photos of two mourning doves on his lawn. Something was definitely wrong with those birds. Each had a bulbous, somewhat shiny growth on its bill. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Heating fuel prices for week of Nov. 3 Area prices averaged from reports of local dealers. Statewide price of oil, kerosene and residential propane from Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security. Local price of kerosene from MaineOil. Com. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More