SKOWHEGAN – Richard Reynolds of Waterville was found guilty Friday of the intentional murder of his estranged wife, Rhonda Wakefield-Reynolds, 37, nearly two years ago. Although Reynolds in his direct testimony and his attorney, Peter Barnett, claimed the shooting was a botched suicide attempt and… Read More
BANGOR – Mike Giguere took some time away from working on the cars at his Main Street Garage on Friday morning to wax philosophical about the economy – and the president-elect. “I think we have to give him a chance,” the business owner and self-proclaimed… Read More
During the past 13 years, readers of the Bangor Daily News have contributed more than $575,000 to the Santa’s Helper Fund. That money goes to and is distributed by The Salvation Army, and is used to provide meals for the hungry, coats to protect against the Maine winters,… Read More
“What will the election of Barack Obama mean to you and your wallet?” “As a business owner I am hopeful the new administration will look out for the middle class instead of the higher classes [and] give better tax incentives to the smaller guy instead… Read More
A story on Page A1 in Thursday’s paper omitted one school administrative district that had voted to reject a proposed school district reorganization plan. SAD 25, which includes the towns of Stacyville, Sherman, Patten and Mount Chase, also voted to reject the proposed plan. A… Read More
AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci says he will ask the new administration of President-elect Barack Obama in January to allow the state to expand the Dirigo Health insurance program using the federal Medicaid program. “Where one door may have closed with the repeal of the… Read More
WASHINGTON – As moderate Republicans, Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will play a major role in the new Senate as both political parties will hunt for their votes to pass, or block, major legislation. “They are going to be very critical players in… Read More
Forty-eight years ago when I was in the fifth grade, John F. Kennedy was running for president. I am sure that, as Elizabeth Davis writes in her letter to the editor (BDN, Nov. 6), that I was unaware of the major issues of the time. Read More
The Democratic celebration over the party’s gains in the Maine Legislature will be short-lived, if it ever started. The day after Election Day, Gov. John Baldacci issued an order to cut state spending by $150 million, which is likely to prompt the Legislature to meet in a special… Read More
In the buzz leading up to Election Day, an important anniversary was missed by many in the news media. Oct. 23 was the 25th anniversary of a pivotal event in United States foreign policy – the killing of 241 American troops in Beirut, Lebanon. On that day in… Read More
The Rev. Mark Doty’s recent OpEd (“Connecticut ruling step toward justice for gay couples”) spoke with feeling about the compelling reasons to embrace same-sex marriage — justice, equality and our shared humanity. I know gay and lesbian couples who have been in loving same-sex relationships for many years. Read More
We now have a new president-elect, Barack Obama. The last eight years will be recorded in history as a dark period for our country, a time of lies, distortion of information and corruption of executive power. Barack Obama is not a communist, socialist or Marxist. Read More
The traditional conservative Republican Party lost ground in this election. Nevertheless, our American republic will get what we deserve because we, for better or for worse, are still a government of the people, by the people, for the people through our elected representatives. If we… Read More
At long last, we have a new and decent president for this wonderful nation. That would have held true for either candidate. Godspeed, U.S.A. We the people are one! A.W. Metz googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
“Love one another as I have loved you.” How eloquently Christ’s teaching was expressed by the Rev. Mark Doty’s article concerning the rights of gay and lesbian couples to marry (BDN, Nov. 3). The Connecticut court ruling to grant equal rights to all, regardless of… Read More
After the struggles last spring to balance the state budget, we are now faced with predictions of an even bigger gap this coming year. The governor is asking department heads to cut 10 percent from their funding requests for next year. With Wall Street in turmoil and a… Read More
That big sigh you heard on Wednesday morning was the American public expressing relief that the billion-dollar two-year presidential election campaign that cost President-elect Barack Obama’s organization more than 10 bucks a vote for his roughly 65 million votes was finally history. “Politics has got… Read More
CASTINE – More students are applying to Maine Maritime Academy despite the dwindling numbers of high school graduates. But in these economic times, they may not be able to get the student loans they need to pay for college. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
In the short term, this week’s election of Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States and Democratic gains in Congress have been good for Ralph McLeod’s gun business. But the owner of Buyers’ Guns in Holden is worried about the long… Read More
BANGOR – The star of the former hit TV series “Leave It To Beaver” is coming to Maine next week to promote diabetes awareness in a program sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry to help uninsured and financially strapped patients gain access to prescription medicines. Jerry… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The most dreaded words in the English language may be “You have cancer,” but an inspirational survivor assured about 200 people affected by the group of diseases that “there is life after cancer.” Speaking at the second annual Living With Cancer conference in… Read More
You can’t fault someone for trying. That was my first thought this week when I saw the nationwide headlines that prosecutors in 40 states, including Maine, had signed an agreement with craigslist.com in an attempt to rein in sex ads (or prostitution) on the free… Read More
ORRINGTON – The Rev. Carl B. Schreiber Jr. thought God was making a mistake when he was called to be the minister at East Orrington Congregational Church while still a seminary student. “There were so many more experienced people out there,” he recently recalled of… Read More
SEARSPORT – The monthly all-you-can-eat turkey supper will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Searsport United Methodist Church. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is buffet-style, and offers turkey with all of the trimmings and homemade pies. Admission is $8 for… Read More
CAMDEN – The public is invited to a grand opening celebration and dedication 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, of the renovated building at 5 Mountain St., the former site of the Camden Farmers Union. The building now houses High Mountain Hall, a studio in which… Read More
Elishea, born in 1991, is a teenager who loves to laugh and have fun. She describes herself as a country girl and doesn’t want to live in the city. Elishea loves to listen to country music and do arts and crafts. She’s also good at… Read More
Army Pvt. Nathan Z. Carr has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Carr is a 2008 graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield. Read More
BREWER – Cpl. Roger Hershey said he won’t miss the water stains on the ceiling, bad air flow, mold or the smell of marijuana wafting in from the evidence room. He was sitting at his desk in the city’s brand-new public safety building on Parkway… Read More
AURORA – The Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Veterans Day hunters supper 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Aurora School, Great Pond Road. BANGOR-BREWER – Veterans Day parade, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, from Brewer Shopping Plaza, Wilson Street. Led by Gov. John Baldacci,… Read More
Families of young children with special needs will have more opportunities to obtain the services they need after a court settlement announced this week. The case, a class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Bangor earlier this year, charged the state Department of Health and… Read More
NEWBURGH – A Palmyra man was taken to a Bangor hospital for treatment of injuries suffered Thursday in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 95. John Hanson, 35, was traveling in the southbound lane about 6 p.m. when his vehicle veered off the roadway and into… Read More
BAR HARBOR – Police are investigating two incidents in which black figures were left hanging by nooses from trees on Mount Desert Island the day after Barack Obama won the presidential election. The figures, one of which was found in Bar Harbor and the other… Read More
DEXTER – SAD 46 directors voted this week to go to mediation with the union representing the district’s bus drivers to settle a conflict over insurance. Directors have been negotiating with Teamsters Union Local 340 on a new 2008-2011 contract since last spring, according to… Read More
BAR HARBOR – In the latest round of a seven-year saga over a proposed pier in the local village of Salisbury Cove, a judge has ruled in Hancock County Superior Court that the Maine Board of Environmental Protection was correct in denying a permit to build the structure. Read More
BANGOR – The Rev. Becky Gunn will be installed as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 120 Park St., at 4 p.m. Sunday. Gunn, 60, began her ministerial duties on Aug 1. She replaced the Rev. Elaine Peresluha, who served as the congregation’s minister… Read More
UNION – A benefit dance for the Hope Volunteer Fire Department’s Hope Corner Fire Station building fund will take place 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Thompson Community Center located at the intersection of Routes 17 and 131 in Union. Creatures of Habit will provide… Read More
HOULTON – Two incumbents and a newcomer garnered seats on the Town Council on Election Day. During the group’s first official meeting, the panel elected Paul Cleary as council chairman. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Voters this week rejected a proposal to purchase a new firetruck, but approved spending $300,000 to help improve the quality of the town’s drinking water, according to a town official. Voters also expressed support in a nonbinding referendum to renovate the first… Read More
AUGUSTA – Four candidates for public office have submitted requests for recounts of ballots cast in their respective races on Tuesday, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said in a press release Friday. Richard Burns of Berwick, the Democratic candidate in state Senate District 2, has… Read More
BREWER – Seniors at the high school have partnered with Back Door Dance Studio to hold a “Dancing Like the Stars” competition to raise money for the school’s 2009 Project Graduation. “Brewer High seniors, Brewer teachers and local community leaders will be paired with professional… Read More
BANGOR – Northeast Occupational Exchange, which provides mental health and substance abuse services to children, adolescents and adults across Maine, has been awarded The Caleb Group’s annual Community Award for 2008. The Massachusetts-based Caleb Group is a nonprofit organization that links elderly, disabled and low-income… Read More
WISCASSET – The local Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police and Maine Warden Service are conducting a joint investigation and search for a missing woman. Jessica Norris (aka Jessica Fraiser), 38, of West Alna Road in Wiscasset last was seen at approximately… Read More
SHERMAN – Investigators with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department are still seeking leads after a child claimed two men attempted to abduct her last weekend. According to Sgt. Forrest Dudley of the Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened around 2 p.m. Sunday on Route 2 in… Read More
GREENBUSH – A suspect was in custody late Friday night nearly six hours after a deputy believed he heard a gunshot while conducting a welfare check at a home on Spring Bridge Road. Chief Deputy Troy Morton of the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department said shortly… Read More
During these difficult economic times it is more important than ever for nonprofit organizations to be successful with each of their fundraising efforts, which is just one of many reasons Marie Stewart of the Bangor Y urges you to attend the 10th annual KeyBank Bangor Y Benefit Auction. Read More
ATKINSON – A Milo man died Tuesday night when his vehicle left Stagecoach Road on a curve and struck a tree. Stephen R. White Jr., 34, was taken by ambulance to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor after the 8 p.m. accident, Lt. Robert Young… Read More
1788 – Town of Orrington incorporated. 1833 – Congregational Meeting House dedicated. 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
BOOTHBAY HARBOR – The Flyball MAINEiacs will hold Flyball MAINEia 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9, at the Boothbay Harbor YMCA. Teams of dogs and their owners from New England and Atlantic Canada will be participating in the four-dog… Read More
ROLLINSFORD, N.H. – Police say a mix of cell phone texting and alcohol led to a fiery crash in Rollinsford, N.H. Lois Davis, 22, of Berwick, Maine, smashed into a granite post and tree last weekend. Police said she got out of the car shortly… Read More
The big thing we get asked about all winter long is ice dams. Let’s stop them early this year. Most ice dams are caused by insulation problems in the roof. OK, next question! googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
BANGOR – Maine’s only gaming facility is reorganizing staff in hopes of improving its financial picture in an increasingly weak economy, a process that could result in layoffs, a spokeswoman said this week. Amy Kenney, director of marketing and public relations for Hollywood Slots Hotel… Read More
PORTLAND – After a couple of failed attempts, tax foes finally mustered a victory in a statewide referendum to rein in taxes in Maine. With the beverage tax abolished on Tuesday, voters next will likely face two more tax-related referendums on Election Day a year… Read More
Room air velocities as low as 1 foot per second will be discernable and produce discomfort to a sedentary occupant. One great source of uncomfortable air velocities is an open stairwell. If upstairs bedrooms are not heated and the doors are open or do not fit, significant convection… Read More
BANGOR – In recognition of the success it saw during its first year of nonstop jet service at Bangor International Airport, low-fare carrier Allegiant Air is expanding its flights to Sanford, Fla., near Orlando. The expansion will result in the addition of nearly 20 flights,… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A classroom that will give students a leg up in the work force opened at Northern Maine Community College on Friday afternoon. College and NMCC Foundation officials joined with representatives from MMG Insurance for a brief ceremony and reception at the opening… Read More
To paraphrase Vince Lombardi: “If no one is keeping score, why is winning important?” Without trophies and record books, why play, why watch, why cheer? If today is the only reality, why set goals? Why explore? Why ask questions? googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
When I think of Blue Eyes and her birthday, I will think of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. You have to understand that she is a pluperfect planner and organizer. She has organized my most fantastic birthday celebrations. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Remember those Old Navy ads last year? “If you are chilly, here, take my sweater.” Yes, it’s a sweet little tune. But as much as I love you, I hate the advice. If you are chilly, step away from my sweater. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
There’s a certain mythology built up around Carolyn Chute. In 1984 she wrote the contemporary classic “The Beans of Egypt, Maine,” bringing her national fame and multitudes of critical accolades. She still lives out in the boonies, without a cell phone or a computer. She is the founder… Read More
I never paid a poll tax. I’m thankful the days of paying to use the voting place are gone. But I’ll admit that I have found it emotionally taxing to vote in Maine, ever since I moved here a few years ago. All of that changed last Tuesday,… Read More
“Batman: The Complete Animated Series”: The Dark Knight continues his resurgence, which began in July with the release of Christopher Nolan’s outstanding movie “The Dark Knight,” and which now extends with “Batman: The Complete Animated Series” from Warner Home Video. The series, which originally ran on Saturday mornings… Read More
The Page Farm and Home Museum in Orono held its Apple Fest on Oct. 25, and Gayle Crowly’s apple pie won the most votes in the apple recipes contest. Gayle, who lives in Bangor, added a bit of cream to the filling, and sweetened it with both white… Read More
There are deciduous trees that astonish us with the intensity of their autumn foliage – sugar maple and red maple, of course – and then there are trees with more subtle fall color, yet uncommon strength and grace. Silver maple, Acer saccharinum, belongs to the latter group. Read More
BAR HARBOR – The first four decades of football at Mount Desert Island High School had produced just one playoff victory. But two more postseason success stories have come in the last eight days alone, and suddenly the Trojans will be back home next Saturday… Read More
There have never been any guarantees for Brett Carriere. He came to the University of Maine as a defenseman. He was the Atlantic Junior Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year in 2005-06 when he had 58 points in 41 games. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
BUCKSPORT – Before Friday night’s LTC Class C semifinal playoff game at Carmichael Field had even started, an unidentified Bucksport High football player unwittingly provided the theme for the game in the pregame huddle. “Remember guys,” he exhorted his teammates. “They’re silver, but we’re gold.”… Read More
ORONO – The outcome was never in doubt, but the game was beneficial for both teams Friday night at Alfond Arena. The University of Maine demonstrated the size and skill that makes it a Division I program while breezing to a 79-38 women’s basketball exhibition… Read More
There is a simple truth going into today’s key football games involving Maine colleges. The University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine and Husson University of Bangor all need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
COLLEGE North Atlantic Conference 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
MAINE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE Time, site: Sunday, 4 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono 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
ALBANY, N.Y. – Meg Shea scored off a Cally Cooke assist 4:53 into overtime to lead No. 2 University of New Hampshire past No. 3 UMaine 3-2 in the America East field hockey semifinals Friday. New Hampshire will play top-seeded University at Albany for the… Read More
BREWER – Consistency could determine the champion of the 24th World Team Candlepin Tournament that gets under way at the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes Tuesday. Charlie Milan III is hoping his USA East team will show that consistency and bring the team title back to the… Read More
FAIRFIELD – Billy Clark rushed for two touchdowns and converted two PAT rushes as No. 4 Skowhegan upset top-seeded Lawrence in an Eastern Maine Class A football semifinal 30-22 Friday night. Skowhegan advanced to next weekend’s regional final against the winner of today’s semifinal between… Read More
I received a phone call from a close crony last Saturday evening, the first day of deer season was history and he had a sad tale to tell. My buddy, who shall remain nameless to reduce the torment and razzing by so-called friends, had his chance at a… Read More
On Thursday evening, about 70 people gathered in Brewer to share their thoughts on a federal proposal that would increase the Endangered Species Act protection of Atlantic salmon in three Maine rivers. The Penobscot, Kennebec and Androscoggin are on the list. Of those, the Penobscot… Read More
The volunteers who gathered last Saturday morning at the headquarters of Acadia National Park milled about in restless anticipation. The crowd was assembled to perform a valuable service for the park. They would spend the next few hours raking fallen leaves out of the ditches and drainages of… Read More
The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray will close for the season at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The park will mark Veteran’s Day by recognizing and thanking all past and present Maine military personnel by offering them free admission to the park on the final day… Read More
Recently, I had to travel to Indiana for my job, which necessitated driving to and from a large university and living out of a hotel situated in the middle of acre upon acre of big-box stores, fast food restaurants, and strip malls. Needless to say… Read More