Note to our readers

Welcome to the Bangor Daily News, weekend edition! We restored our name, added what we believe is informative and entertaining new content, and reorganized the newspaper to make it more navigable for you, the reader.

At the top of this page is our name: Bangor Daily News. Suspended over it is the word “Weekend,” in green. A week ago, it would have read “Maine Weekend,” a name that has been part of this paper since Nov. 16, 1985. For some time, readers and staff have asked why we called ourselves the Bangor Daily News five days a week, but were Maine Weekend on Saturday.

We’re proud of our name. Whether you have our paper delivered to your home by carrier, motor route or mail, or buy it at the corner market it now will say “Bangor Daily News” at the top six days a week.

Look inside for new content.

You were accustomed to finding your weekend stocks and mutual funds in the front, or “A” section. They now are part of a new eight-page business section, Section B. In addition to reporting breaking business news, the new business section each week will spotlight a business or businessperson in central and northern Maine, and provide market insight, investment advice and the perspective of the expert staff of The Wall Street Journal Sunday.

The Wall Street Journal is one of the most trusted and credible sources of business news and information. The Wall Street Journal Sunday is packed with substantive commentary about financial markets, and the thoughtful analysis by trusted professionals. That’s valuable content any weekend, but especially when the economy is uncertain and volatile. The Wall Street Journal Sunday is inside the business section today.

Religion and spirituality are critical elements of personal and community life in Maine. Weekend religion news from Maine is now where readers said it belonged: with the state, regional and local news in the Maine Day section, now Section C of the Saturday-Sunday newspaper.

What’s doing in the Maine outdoors? Find out today and every weekend in the Sports Section, Section D. Turn to the back two pages to the “Maine Outdoors,” and find columns by Tom Hennessey (who today also offers readers a burst of color on the section front), Jeff Strout and Chris Corio. Jeff’s adventures kayaking or on foot, ski or snowshoe, and Chris’s insights on birding will be permanent features of Maine Outdoors. From week to week see stories or features from writers Deirdre Fleming, the NEWS outdoor reporter, John Holyoke, who packs wit and humor into the outdoors, and other staff members who live in Maine to enjoy its natural beauty and variety.

Strout and Corio, a volunteer at the Fields Pond Nature Center, made the permanent move from “the scene,” our weekly Thursday entertainment guide, which was discontinued last week. Look for calendar this week on Thursday, same day, on the redesigned front of the Style Section. Critic Christopher Smith will continue to keep you apprised of the best (and worst) in film and video entertainment in the Friday Style Section, which also will feature condensed movie descriptions and the best sellers in books.

Today, when you enter Section E, Style’s new home on the weekend, you’ll see the familiar faces of columnists Dave Barry, Emmet Meara, and Diana George Chapin. Also residing in Style are the Album page, with wedding and engagement announcements, the latest movie ads, and of course the Saturday black-and-white comics pages with weekend features: Dear Abby, Dr. Donohue, the horoscope and the crossword puzzle.

Levity helps balance life’s serious side. See Section J for a revamped color comics section with favorites such as “For Better or For Worse,” “Garfield” and “Doonesbury” (don’t worry, they’re all there!) plus new strips that may coax a smile or provide a snicker. “Non Sequitur,” “Mother Goose and Grimm,” and “Pluggers” have been added to pack more value.

In addition, “Yak’s Corner” makes its debut. It’s a full page designed for younger readers. This week Yak’s “Potter Mania” column asks readers to check their mirror for a Harry Potter look-alike, suggests a family project to make your own scarecrow, and offers a feature on the importance of fire safety. Interesting, informative, and practical, Yak is directed at children, but is an entertaining read at any age.

On the flip side of Yak, this week there’s a provocative full-page feature on the personality traits of the great presidents. All high achievers and leaders, but beneath the similarities strikingly different personalities. It’s part of a regular weekend bonus tucked in the comics. Yak on one page, and each week something surprising and interesting on the other side.

Comics, breaking news, business profiles, investment advice from The Wall Street Journal Sunday, the Maine Outdoors – they’re all part of a redesigned, repackaged and, we hope, more navigable weekend paper that again bears a proud name: Bangor Daily News. Call us (990-8211), write us (P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402) or e-mail (feedback@bangordailynews.net) with comments, suggestions or constructive criticism.

Today’s edition is our sincere effort to better organize the Bangor Daily News, and give it added content and greater value. Let us know what you think. Help us improve your newspaper.