PRESQUE ISLE – A Presque Isle man who allegedly set fire to a home on Easton Road was arrested and charged on Friday afternoon with arson. Robert Lapointe, 62, has been arraigned but was unable to make bail as of Saturday afternoon. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BANGOR – Forced to close temporarily after the building that housed it was sold, Diva’s Gentleman’s Club has found a new home. The exotic dance club is in the process of relocating to 190 Harlow St., in a space above Club Gemini and next door… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – While town officials await word about whether they have been awarded grant money to help pay for a municipal wind power project, they are proceeding with planning board approval of the site and scope of the project. Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said Friday… Read More
    BANGOR – Some of the recipes in the recently published Hammond Street Senior Center cookbook have been handed down from mothers to daughters for generations. The $12 cookbooks feature recipes for desserts, entrees, salads, appetizers, and soups – all contributed by members of the senior… Read More
    BANGOR – Two “Ask the Expert” public forums are scheduled for this week to help residents understand the transition to digital TV, which occurs nationwide in February. The first forum will be 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Bangor Public Library, and the second forum… Read More
    BREWER – The city and school department have kicked off their annual Holiday Food Drive and organizers are saying the need this year is greater than ever. “Many families who have previously been able to get by without assistance are now in need,” said Nat… Read More
    BANGOR – Sara Hunt got a really good look at Santa Claus on Saturday when his reindeer and sleigh touched down to join the Festival of Lights parade. As the jolly old man headed down Main Street, Jim Hunt, 42, of Dedham lifted his 9-year-old… Read More
    LINCOLN – The state Department of Education has approved a proposal to consolidate the school administration of more than 20 northern Penobscot County towns into one regional school unit serving 2,031 students. Now, consolidation proponents said Friday, comes the hardest part: getting voters to agree… Read More
    CAMDEN – Five Town Community School District board chairman John Lewis at a directors’ meeting in Camden last week paid tribute to Jim Patterson of Camden, who has stepped down after six years of service to the SAD 28 board of directors. “There are other… Read More
    MACHIAS – The Washington County Leadership Institute will begin its 13th year of local leadership training next month. The institute, founded in 1996 by the University of Maine at Machias and the Sunrise County Economic Council, helps local residents develop leadership skills so they can… Read More
    BELFAST – The Waldo County Family Caregiver Support Group will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the Education Building next to Waldo County General Hospital, 118 Northport Ave. The caregivers’ support group provides an opportunity to share experiences and concerns with… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – The snow came down – heavy, at times – and created a White Christmas atmosphere for the city’s annual Christmas parade Saturday. Far from being deterred by the weather, many arrived along Main Street early to stake out prime parade viewing spots. Carolyn… Read More
    JONESBORO – The Jonesboro Union Church announced recently that the United Way of Eastern Maine, through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, has awarded the church $1,250 to help fund a winter warming center at the church’s Chandler River Community Center. The town of Jonesboro recently… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – After water mains exploded in downtown Pittsfield last week, resulting in a townwide loss of water, residents are asking their councilors how the town’s infrastructure was left neglected for decades. In just the past few weeks: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    BANGOR – Commander of the District 4 Veterans of Foreign Wars Weldon P. Young Jr. and District 4 Voice of Democracy-Patriot’s Pen Chairman Paul S. Colburn have announced the winners of the 2008-2009 District 4 (Ellsworth, Bangor, Old Town, Orrington, Hampden, Brewer) Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen… Read More
    BELFAST – Concerned with the slumping economy, the Waldo County commissioners and budget committee have recommended a 2009 budget with a 1 percent increase. The commissioners and the committee will submit their proposed $7,442,881 budget to a public hearing 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Fat, light snowflakes were falling. The sidewalks were lined with people, and the Christmas lights were so bright and plentiful that children stood gazing in open-mouthed awe. What sounds like a scene out of a movie was reality in Presque Isle on… Read More
    HOULTON – The Hollywood Pet Salon on Saturday was an animal lover’s dream. There were cats to be cuddled, dogs to be doted on and a treasure of treats available for both people and pets. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – A Sullivan man was stabbed Saturday morning, according to police. Details of the incident were still sketchy on Sunday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
    AUGUSTA – An effort to have Maine’s lobster industry certified as “sustainable” is moving forward as a London-based organization begins a formal assessment of the fishery. The Marine Stewardship Council said Thursday that it has begun a full evaluation of the lobster population, the soundness… Read More
    BANGOR – Taylor Hymas knew he had a big responsibility Saturday when he portrayed Joseph in a living Nativity pageant at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of the church’s ninth annual creche exhibit. The 13-year-old boy said the purpose of… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Connecticut woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking in cocaine and crack cocaine in Maine. Kim Knight, 29, of Norwich, Conn., was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Portland. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    KITTERY – Transportation officials from Maine and New Hampshire want to study whether it makes more sense to install one new bridge between the two states rather than keep fixing the two that exist now. Officials from both states met last week to discuss upgrades… Read More
    BANGOR – Families and friends of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are invited to attend a free workshop Dec. 16 in Bangor. The event, hosted by the Maine chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will focus on providing personal care, handling finances,… Read More
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Olympia Snowe renewed her call for a new federal economic stimulus package after a government report last week that the nation lost more than half a million jobs last month. The Labor Department said Friday that employers cut 530,000 jobs in November,… Read More
    SANFORD – The Sanford High School band has been selected to march in the 2009 inaugural parade next month as part of the ceremonies around the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine made the announcement Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    BANGOR – During the holidays and around the year, people can do their part to help keep elderly loved ones safe. Since most falls happen in the home, here are a few precautionary measures to make your home safer for elderly guests: . Remove items… Read More
    LUBEC – Periwinkle harvester Dennis Knox believes he was the last man to see his friend Kristopher Fergerson alive. Fergerson, 27, and Knox, 47, had been harvesting periwinkles, a small edible species of gilled snail known locally as wrinkles, Tuesday night when Fergerson disappeared. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    Federal judges have rejected an appeal by two Maine residents frustrated with the state’s management of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston agreed with a lower court that management of the Allagash is largely a state prerogative even… Read More
    Look for the bargains, trim the list, or make it yourself. Those are choices consumers are weighing during this holiday season of gift giving in uncertain economic times. “People are going the old-fashioned way [this year],” said Shirley Jones, owner of Shirley’s Yarns and Crafts… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 134 State St., will hold the third in a series of special Sunday activities designed to include all generations from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. for activities around St. Nicholas, the… Read More
    PLEASANT POINT – “The Passamaquoddy-Maliseet Dictionary – Peskotomuhkati Wolastoqewi Latuwewakon” by David A. Francis and Robert M. Leavitt will be unveiled at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Community Center Bingo Hall. This dictionary of Passamaquoddy-Maliseet, an aboriginal language spoken in New Brunswick and… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce and area employers recognize that shopping local is vital in Piscataquis County and Dexter region in the wake of industry closings and job losses. So larger employers have teamed with the Chamber once again to promote local… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Town officials lifted a boil-water order Friday. The order had been in effect after a 10-inch water main on Main Street broke Wednesday afternoon. It then triggered two other breaks nearby. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    BANGOR – A recycling firm will accept drop-offs of used TVs, computers and other electronics at the Bangor Mall on Saturday. The company, eWaste Recycling Solutions, which has been contracted by the state, will be set up in the Sears parking lot from 10 a.m. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Sheriff’s departments in Piscataquis and Somerset counties will share a $780,000 Homeland Security grant to cover the cost of extra patrol coverage in the remote areas. The federal grant, which covers three years, is to increase the law enforcement presence in these remote… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” is expected to broadcast a segment this weekend with faces and places familiar on Mount Desert Island. The program was in Northeast Harbor recently to work on a piece on the late philanthropist Brooke Astor, according to Robert… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Knox County budget committee and commissioners Thursday night approved a $9.1 million county budget for 2009, reflecting an increase of less than 1 percent. In a surprise move, however, budget committee member Sidney Lindsley of Camden at the last minute shaved $200,000… Read More
    CHERRYFIELD – The Maine Sea Coast Mission has decided to reorganize its Down East campus on Route 1. The nonprofit charitable organization closed its Route 1 clothing thrift shop Wednesday and will move its food pantry into that space, allowing the pantry to expand, the… Read More
    BELFAST – The Greater Bay Area Ministerium Singles Fellowship will hold a potluck supper at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the First Baptist Church on High Street. Participants will either watch the film “Amazing Grace,” a film biography of William Wilberforce, or travel to… Read More
    MILO – Pine Tree Hospice’s annual service of remembrance and celebration will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Park Street United Methodist Church. Pine Tree Hospice would like to honor area families who are living with losses. It also provides… Read More
    MATTAMISCONTIS – An East Millinocket man was flown to a Bangor hospital Friday for treatment of injuries he suffered when the vehicle he was in struck a 900-pound cow moose on Interstate 95. Ra Romano, 37, was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center after Howland… Read More
    HOULTON – SAD 29 officials are in a “waiting pattern,” Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick said Friday, as they watch the state Department of Education for signals about what to do regarding compliance with the school consolidation law. In November, voters in the district turned down a… Read More
    ORONO – As he does with almost all the visitors to the University of Maine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, Habib Dagher showed Rep. Josh Tardy, R-Newport, the center’s latest technology Friday afternoon. For Dagher, that meant picking up one end of a 60-foot, 80-pound… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – When most children go to a holiday parade, they expect to be handed candy canes and other Christmas treats. While that always takes place at the Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade, something else is given to the children along the parade route… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Electronic devices and cash made enticing items for a thief who targeted cars on numerous streets in Presque Isle earlier this week. But investigators with the Presque Isle Police Department said Thursday the public has pointed them in a helpful direction and… Read More
    HOULTON – Investigators say they are making headway in a case in which some $15,000 was taken during a break-in at a grocery store. Police Lt. Daniel Pelletier said investigators have leads in the Nov. 9 break-in at Andy’s IGA on North Street. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    The state Department of Transportation temporarily closed two eastbound travel lanes of the Veterans’ Remembrance Bridge on Friday for emergency repairs to deteriorating concrete along one of the connecting bridge joints. Eastbound travel across the Penobscot River bridge, which is part of Interstate 395 and… Read More
    LINCOLN – Police unsuccessfully used pepper spray on a suspect who assaulted an officer as he tried to search a car the suspect was riding in Wednesday night, police said Friday. Jacob Gordon, 18, of Lincoln was charged late Wednesday with assault, refusing to submit… Read More
    LINCOLN – Two visitors to Lincoln were injured when the car in which they were riding went off Route 6 into the woods late Thursday. The two men were traveling east of Center Pond Drive when their 2001 Chevrolet Impala went off the road, hitting… Read More
    BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Sunday to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day. Also on Sunday in Bangor, an annual wreath-laying ceremony will be held on Kenduskeag Stream to mark the event. The ceremony will take place at… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Maine firefighter stands accused of sexually abusing two teenage girls who participated in a youth firefighter program in Cumberland. Craig Rawnsley of North Yarmouth was indicted Thursday on eight felony counts and four misdemeanor counts under the indictments. Police said he sexually… Read More
    BANGOR – The University of Maine Climate Change Institute will present another in a series of lectures at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Lecture Hall at Bangor Public Library. Stephen A Norton, professor emeritus of earth sciences and an internationally known geochemist, will… Read More
    HAMPDEN – Hampden Academy Dollars for Scholars will sponsor “Breakfast With Santa” from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Reeds Brook Middle School cafeteria, 28 Main Road South. The cost is $2.50 per pancake breakfast, $10 maximum per family. Read More
    TOWNSHIP 2 RANGE 8 – Two East Millinocket women were taken to a Lincoln hospital Friday for treatment of injuries they suffered in an accident on the Access Road. The accident occurred shortly before 7 p.m., when Doris Bouchard, 62, missed a turn while en… Read More
    MONSON – Monson’s 24th annual Kris Kringle’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Monson Gymnasium. The proceeds from the fair help provide needy children with Christmas gifts. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BANGOR – A Virginia man Thursday told a Superior Court justice that he thought he was being attacked by terrorists when two masked men with a hammer and bat burst into his motel room in April looking for drugs in the wrong room. “I thought… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – A Corinth man was found guilty Thursday in Hancock County Superior Court of assaulting his infant son six years ago. Nicholas W. Taylor, 30, was convicted by a jury of nine men and three women of aggravated assault, assault and failure to appear… Read More
    BANGOR – Don French has been waiting for his pellet stove since July, when he paid a deposit of $1,000. Charlie Anderson and William Osmer have been on the hook even longer and for more money. Amy Albert and her husband put $2,100 down in August for a… Read More
    HARRINGTON – An annual convoy of trucks carrying wreaths made by a local company is scheduled to depart for Arlington National Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Co., said this week that the approximately 105,000 wreaths his firm… Read More
    BANGOR – The theme of the ninth annual Creche Exhibit at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grandview Avenue and Essex Street, today and this weekend is “The Reason for the Season.” The hours are noon-8 p.m. today; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-8… Read More
    WHITNEYVILLE – Producers of livestock and associated products in Washington County are encouraged to attend the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill meeting 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Hillgrove Community Hall on Route 1A. Owners of dairies, livestock, and associated byproducts including hay,… Read More
    SEDGWICK – The Brooklin Garden Club will sponsor a holiday house tour from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The tour will feature six homes in historic Sedgwick, each of which has been decorated for the holidays. Tour maps can be picked up at… Read More
    CUTLER – The Fireman’s Fund of Chicago plans to present the town’s volunteer fire department with a $30,000 check at 11 a.m. today at the town office. The Fire Department was able to purchase turnout gear, Scott Airpacks, a rescue saw, radios and an air… Read More
    STEUBEN – Maine State Police responded Tuesday to a report of a domestic assault on Quarry Road that involved a handgun. Around 10:30 p.m. troopers went to the Ernest Connors residence and learned that Connors, 42, had threatened his wife with a handgun, Maine State… Read More
    CARIBOU -The Chamber of Commerce would like to issue the following reminders: The Chamber still is seeking volunteers to attend the Presque Isle Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
    FORT KENT – ForestSong will present a holiday concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Christ Church Congregational on Pleasant Street. The event is free to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door. The choral repertoire includes classical, gospel, folk, popular music,… Read More
    FORT KENT – The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department will offer holiday craft workshops for children in kindergarten-grade six from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Fort Kent Municipal Building on West Main Street. The cost is $3 per student payable at the time… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – At the urging of the state’s top economic development official, Katahdin region leaders agreed Thursday to form a regional economic development board to handle a $75,000 regional economic development payment and other expected money. John Richardson, head of the Maine Economic and Community… Read More
    GUILFORD – It took three revisions, but the state Department of Education has approved the school administrative reorganization plan submitted by SAD 4, SAD 46, and the towns of Willimantic and Harmony. A referendum vote on the plan will be held on Jan. 27 in… Read More
    BOWERBANK – Several items including a shotgun and a generator were reported missing in one of two camp break-ins in the Bowerbank area since Thanksgiving Day. Entry into both camps was through doors forced open, according to Lt. Robert Young of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – Some downtown merchants are concerned their businesses will be adversely affected if the town endorses a different drop-off site for the tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers who take tour bus rides through Acadia National Park every summer and fall. A… Read More
    DEER ISLE – The proposed school consolidation plan for a nine-town school district on the Blue Hill Peninsula got a failing grade from representatives from two of the towns in the proposed district. The Deer Isle-Stonington Community School District School Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously… Read More
    BANGOR – Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center and the Healthy Maine Partnerships in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties have teamed to offer the class “Nutrition in Early Care and Education Settings.” Participants will learn about safe food handling; quick, easy and affordable meals; quantity food… Read More
    BREWER – When talking about the school department’s financial situation, school leaders at Monday’s Brewer School Committee meeting were not optimistic. “It’s going to be difficult,” Superintendent Daniel Lee said. “I estimate that we’re looking at a reduction of $500,000 to $1 million” from the… Read More
    BREWER – The Brewer Housing Authority is accepting written comments about a proposal to ban smoking at all of its facilities and will vote on the issue in January, Gordan Stitham, executive director, said Thursday. Housing authority directors decided in July 2006 to ban smoking… Read More
    BREWER – Two first-grade teachers decided to do extra homework and take extra tests to become nationally certified, a feat most educators do not undertake, Principal Janet McIntosh told the school board on Monday. Nicole Higgs, a 14-year veteran teacher, and Laurie Richards, an 18-year… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Crews worked through the night and into Thursday to fix three pipes, one along Main Street, that broke Wednesday evening, causing everyone in town to lose water. Town leaders told residents to boil their water until further notice. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN – A Skowhegan man has been ordered to spend 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of his 5-week old daughter last March. Mika Mitchell entered his plea Thursday in Somerset County Superior Court. Mitchell apologized to Justice William… Read More
    PORTLAND – A Maine group has joined in the call to ban cluster bombs around the world. Peace Action Maine said the U.S. should join other countries that have signed a treaty calling for the elimination of cluster bombs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    PARIS – Firefighters were spending another night at a paper and pulp warehouse controlling a stubborn fire that caused millions of dollars in damages while shutting down roads, closing schools and exhausting firefighters. The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. Wednesday at the NEPW… Read More
    BANGOR – The annual wreath-laying ceremony on Kenduskeag Stream to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on Kenduskeag Plaza behind Bank of America. Col. Stephen Atkinson, commander of the Maine Air National Guard, will give the Pearl Harbor… Read More
    PORTLAND – A man faces felony charges after allegedly swinging a hatchet at a man who caught him breaking into his car, according to police. Police said a man reported that he spotted Jonathan Doyle, 22, of Portland entering his vehicle late Monday night. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    PORTLAND – A former Navy corpsman has pleaded guilty to attempted murder for chasing his wife with a 14-inch butcher knife last December. After entering his plea Tuesday in Cumberland County Superior Court, Victor Perez, 25, was sentenced to five years in prison, with two… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A senior transportation adviser to Congress said Thursday that politics should be taken out of the funding authorization process for the nation’s roads and bridges. “What had started as an aggressive program in 1956, to build out a [highway] system across the country,… Read More
    BANGOR – The University of Maine Museum of Art will hold an Art Factory Family Fun Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The museum is located at 40 Harlow St. Families are welcome to drop in all day for the free program, which will… Read More
    Friday, Dec. 5 Boothbay Harbor – Silent auction of Christmas trees noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the Opera House on Townsend Avenue. For information call 633-7439. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
    BANGOR – Thousands of spectators are expected to be on hand to watch Saturday’s annual Festival of Lights Parade through downtown, marking the official arrival of the holiday season. The nighttime parade will be the beacon in the dark that heralds the joyous nature of… Read More
    SAD 67 students who show signs of intoxication at school will be subject to Breathalyzer testing under a new school policy, school officials said Wednesday. SAD 67 Superintendent Michael Marcinkus said students would not be tested during school unless alcohol use is suspected. Students will… Read More