PORTLAND – Maine residents and visitors can learn more about one of the state’s greatest resources by joining the Maine Tree Club, an educational project for participants of all ages, offered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Forest Service, and the Pine Tree State Arboretum. Read More
    GOULDSBORO – Mainers can support the artisans, crafters and small food producers of Maine this holiday season by shopping online and buying their products at mainecreates.com, an online community and marketplace. Founder Matt Zito said in a press release that members of the marketplace create… Read More
    AUBURN – American Legion Post 31 will serve a public lobster supper from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. The cost of admission is $9.95. The post is issuing a challenge to all other veterans organizations in the state to serve their own suppers… Read More
    Who could blame Hansel and Gretel for taking a big bite out of the gingerbread house they stumbled across in the woods? Sure, there’s a mean-tempered witch inside, waiting to take her own big bite out of the children, but come on – look at those chocolate chips!… Read More
    BANGOR – A report released by Mothers Against Drunk Driving suggests Maine still has work to do to reduce the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities. Of all traffic deaths in Maine in 2007, 66, or 36 percent, involved alcohol. That percentage ranked Maine 42nd among… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci is joining most of the nation’s governors in a closed-door meeting with President-elect Barack Obama in Philadelphia today, with the economy at the top of the agenda. “You have to have a stimulus package that is both short- and long-term,”… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The 2009 Piscataquis County budget will be discussed at the Issues & Eggs Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Nor’easter Restaurant in Dover-Foxcroft. The “State of the County” will be the topic of the event, sponsored by the Piscataquis Chamber… Read More
    HAMPDEN – A local woman was injured Sunday night in a single-vehicle crash less than 100 yards from her home on Old County Road. Nicole Libby, 34, was driving home about 9:45 p.m. when she fell asleep at the wheel of her 1999 Ford Explorer. Read More
    Mattanawcook Academy, Lincoln First quarter honor roll 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
    ABBOT – A fire that is believed to have started from an ash bucket Monday destroyed a two-car garage on Gales Road. Guilford Fire Chief Allen Emerson said the garage was owned by Kerry McKenzie, who had some insurance coverage. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    MILO – A holiday book fair will be held Dec. 8-15 at Penquis Valley School library in Milo. The hours are: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8-10; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11 and 12; and 8 a.m.-noon Monday, Dec. Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Oct. 1-Nov. 17 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… Read More
    CARIBOU – Residents from Patten to Millinocket saw the most snow from a weather system that passed through the state Monday. Meteorologist Joe Hewitt of the National Weather Service in Caribou said residents from Patten to Millinocket saw 2-3 inches of snow by the time… Read More
    BELFAST – The Belfast Lions Club will hold its Breakfast with Santa 8-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Waldo County Shrine Club on Northport Avenue. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Breakfast includes eggs to order, pancakes, omelets, home… Read More
    STOCKHOLM – Brenda Jepson likes to make films about ways of life that are disappearing. So when a friend told her she should make a documentary about hand-picking potatoes, a way of harvesting spuds that, for the most part, has vanished, Jepson jumped at the… Read More
    CARMEL – Water problems caused the 210 students at Caravel Middle School to be sent home early Monday. “We didn’t have water this morning and we had to dismiss early,” Principal Rhonda Sperrey said Monday afternoon. Students were sent home at 12:20 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    Belfast District Court Cases Nov. 24-28 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
    ELLSWORTH – A Gouldsboro man is facing charges after police found his car stopped in the middle of Oak Street. According to Ellsworth Officer Rick Roberts, Patrick Lynn, 21, was passed out behind the wheel when Roberts came across his vehicle around 1:20 a.m. Saturday. Read More
    BELFAST – It appears that SAD 34 will be able to handle this school year’s reduction in state funding without cutting personnel. Superintendent of Schools Bruce Mailloux said strict monitoring of the district’s internal cost controls and grant revenues stronger than anticipated should offset the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A South Thomaston man was charged with drunken driving after he crashed his pickup truck into a tree and a restaurant off Mechanic Street on Friday night. Derrick K. Woodward, 20, of Elm Street was charged with operating while under the influence of… Read More
    BANGOR – A recent spate of concerns and complaints involving pets on city trails and open spaces may cause city officials to consider adopting animal guidelines. The idea was broached Monday at a meeting of Bangor’s parks and recreation advisory board and likely will be… Read More
    ROCKLAND – A woman distracted by her cell phone was hospitalized with a back injury after she slammed into a parked car on Main Street on Sunday evening. Lindsey Curtis, 27, of South Thomaston was taken to Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport after the… Read More
    Any resident of the eight towns of Regional School Unit 19 may pick up nomination papers starting Wednesday to serve on the board of directors. The papers are available at the town offices of Newport, Corinna, Hartland, St. Albans, Palmyra, Plymouth, Etna and Dixmont, or at the superintendents’… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – A Chesuncook seasonal resident, who was charged with criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon after a September confrontation with another resident in the remote territory, made his initial court appearance Monday in 13th District Court. Francis Henry, 61, of Norridgewock was arrested in… Read More
    BROWNVILLE – A Presque Isle man was injured Monday afternoon when his vehicle left Lakeview Road, struck a rock and rolled over, police said. Brandon Bridges, 23, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the 1 p.m. crash, was ejected and… Read More
    BANGOR – A 23-year-old man from Guatemala has been sentenced to 87 days behind bars and will be processed for deportation for using false identification documents while in Maine illegally. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Angel Mario Guzman-Reyes was sentenced Monday in U.S. District… Read More
    SOUTH PORTLAND – The family of a man who was fatally shot by South Portland police has filed a lawsuit against the city’s Police Department. The family of Donald Gray, who was shot and killed at his parents’ home in November 2006 by two officers,… Read More
    Staffers of the Land Use Regulation Commission are recommending that work on the agency’s comprehensive plan be pushed back several months to allow additional discussion about development trends in the 101/2-million-acre Unorganized Territory. LURC staffers have proposed holding six to eight meetings with interested parties… Read More
    BAR HARBOR – State, local and federal law enforcement officers are investigating an incident in which a deer allegedly was shot from a pickup truck on Schooner Head Road, which borders Acadia National Park. Deer hunting is not permitted in Acadia National Park or on… Read More
    AUGUSTA – A basketball player who’s 10th on the University of Maine’s all-time scoring list has notched another win as a beauty pageant rookie. Ashley Underwood has been crowned Miss Maine USA, outperforming a dozen other contestants at last week’s pageant in Portland. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    NORTHPORT – Black ice was blamed for an accident that claimed the life of a local man Saturday morning. Grantly A. Michell, 56, of Cross Street was killed when his vehicle skidded off the road and he was partially ejected and the vehicle landed on… Read More
    MOUNT DESERT – The U.S. Small Business Administration has granted a request from the state to make up to $2 million in federal disaster loans available to businesses affected by a July fire in downtown Northeast Harbor. Gov. John Baldacci announced the federal declaration Monday… Read More
    Despite a fatal hunting incident on Saturday in which a New Gloucester man shot himself near Greenville, Maine’s firearms deer hunting season wound down Saturday with relatively few mishaps, according to state officials. Deborah Turcotte, spokeswoman for the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife,… Read More
    BEAVER COVE TOWNSHIP – A New Gloucester man died Saturday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while hunting alone on Prong Pond Mountain about 10 miles northeast of Greenville, according to officials. Ernest L. Russell III, 55, was found dead on the mountain on the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – Laughing children with their smiling parents and grandparents walked the stone-lined path between the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Wyeth Center on Saturday afternoon in an uninhibited show of fun during Rockland’s annual Festival of Lights. Everyone enjoyed free admission to the museum,… Read More
    There were many high-profile car-accident deaths in Maine this year, but statistics show a downward trend. As of late November, car fatalities were down 17 percent compared with last year, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Dover-Foxcroft planning board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Thompson Free Library to review a site plan for a cell phone tower at the courthouse as requested by Verizon Wireless. Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Foxcroft Academy music boosters will hold their annual sale of Christmas trees starting today on the campus. Trees from 5 to 8 feet tall will be available and will be priced accordingly. Customers can purchase a tree after school when students are on… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Hancock County officials are close to making final a 2009 budget that is expected to require the county to raise $5 million in taxes, about the same as was raised for this year’s budget. The overall proposed budget is approximately $6.9 million, of… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The Farnsworth Art Museum will be hosting open houses at the Homestead 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-21. The open houses will be free to the public. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    BREWER – Shoppers of all ages could be seen milling around the United Maine Craftsmen sale held over the weekend at the Brewer Auditorium, purchasing items for themselves and as Christmas presents. All of the items for sale were made or grown in Maine, and… Read More
    ROCKPORT – The Total Health Alliance will present “Sound Medicine: The Healing Power of Music” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Lily Pond House at 120 Union St., beside the YMCA. The program will explore how sound and music are used in the… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT – More than $500,000 in grants will be at stake when residents in the Dover-Foxcroft Water District vote in January on a request to increase the debt limit from $1.5 million to $3.5 million. Voters rejected the same request in a referendum vote of… Read More
    DEXTER – The Town Council and the Dexter Utilities District will meet this week in an attempt to reach a compromise regarding the primitive boat launch on Lake Wassookeag. The issue came to a head in 2005 when the Dexter planning board first granted a… Read More
    BANGOR – Pathfinders, the bereavement program for children, is planning a reunion to mark the training of more than 100 volunteers to help children and their families express their grief and learn how to handle their losses. Linda Boyle and Vicki Trundy have trained more… Read More
    Ellsworth District Court Cases Oct. 1 to Nov. 17, 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 ()… Read More
    GORHAM – The Hannaford supermarket chain has replaced $900 worth of gift cards after somebody pilfered them from Gorham’s First Parish Church during a Sunday service. The Rev. David Butler says it appears somebody stole the cards – which were intended to provide Thanksgiving dinners… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci said that even though times are tough, there was a lot to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In his weekly radio address, Baldacci said two businesses – Boston Financial Data Services and NotifyMD – are expanding in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Maine’s top motor-vehicle official is going on cable TV to explain the state’s new requirements for driver’s license renewals, designed to help the state comply with the federal Real ID law. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap may become a familiar face over the… Read More
    ROCKLAND – The city’s four historic inns launched an early Coats and Toys for Kids Day on Sunday with the annual three-hour inn-to-inn tour in conjunction with the weekend’s Festival of Lights celebration. Those who took the tours brought coats, money and toys to donate… Read More
    PORTLAND – New England fishermen will have a long season and an abundant resource to fish from when the northern shrimp season kicks off today. But what sort of price fishermen get for their product remains to be seen. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    ORONO – Brenda Davis is expected today to take the final steps of a 700-mile trek she embarked on in October to help end hunger in Maine. Davis, executive director of Crossroads Ministries in Old Town, began the annual hunger walks seven years ago in… Read More
    LINCOLN – The Lincoln Community Band will be holding a rehearsal-informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in the band room at Mattanawcook Academy. The band is open to any googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    WATERVILLE – A wayward seal that made its way nearly 50 miles upriver from the ocean is in recovery after being rescued from a parking lot in Waterville. A biologist with the Department of Marine Resources was called after the small seal was discovered in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – The group Mothers Against Drunk Driving has issued a report that’s critical of Maine’s laws to curb impaired drivers. A report released this week ranks Maine ranked 42nd of the 50 states. It says 36 percent of all traffic fatalities in Maine last… Read More
    ELIOT – A 25-year-old Eliot man faces charges after police say they found numerous weapons and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition inside his apartment located above a day care center. Eliot Police Chief Theodor Short said David Widi was charged Friday after a joint… Read More
    WILTON – Maine State Police are investigating the death of a 17-month-old boy who was reported to have fallen down a flight of stairs. Officials said 20-year-old Brandy Sweet called police Saturday morning and said her son, Matteo Hanson, had fallen down the stairs at… Read More
    BOSTON – The Coast Guard is issuing a safety advisory to all late-season boaters, paddlers and fisherman on the dangers of sudden cold-water immersion. Water temperatures on inland and coastal Northeastern waters are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Coast Guard said in a press release. Read More
    DEXTER – A British couple have two years to develop a plan to convince the U.S. Embassy in London they have become model residents and have contributed much to their newly adopted American community so their visas can be extended. Mark and Judith Stephens, who… Read More
    ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth actress Frances Idlebrook will perform her original holiday show “The Gnome’s Winter Walk” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Belfast Free Library; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Orono Community House; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Maine Grind in… Read More
    AUGUSTA – With prospects of major revenue shortfalls looming over the state, legislative leaders plan to extend the deadline for filing bills to mid-January, a month later than usual, in hopes of limiting the volume of formal proposals and saving the state money. The bill… Read More
    BREWER – Two men have been charged in connection with a Halloween night armed robbery at the Family Dollar store in Brewer, police Capt. Jason Moffitt said Friday. Charles Dion, 20, of Glenburn and Jesse Hatch, 19, of Eddington spent Thanksgiving in Penobscot County Jail… Read More
    ACADIA NATIONAL PARK – The Park Loop Road has been closed for the winter, park officials said Friday afternoon. Normally the road would be closed on Dec. 1, but the recent wind and rain storms have left the road unsafe. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    MACHIAS – Down East Community Hospital administrators have upped their reward from $1,000 to $5,000 for any information that leads to a conviction of whoever was responsible for stealing files recently from the Machias health care facility. Earlier this month, a Pembroke resident walking along… Read More
    PHILLIPS – The Maine Warden Service said a 40-year-old deer hunter from Phillips was taken to a Lewiston hospital after being shot in the thigh by his 19-year-old nephew. Brian Mitchell told wardens that he mistook his uncle, Craig Mitchell, 40, for a deer as… Read More
    PORTLAND – Police say an attack with a meat cleaver in downtown Portland has resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old Portland man on a charge of elevated aggravated assault. Police say they were called at about 5:30 a.m. Friday to the Congress Street building… Read More
    BELFAST – With winter on the horizon the city is once again trying to resolve the annual difficulty of keeping downtown sidewalks free of snow. Snow removal on the downtown streets has been hit or miss over the years. After some storms the sidewalks are… Read More
    HOULTON – After initial hesitation, the town has opted to risk some greenbacks to learn how town facilities can be made greener. Town councilors earlier this week authorized Town Manager Doug Hazlett to sign a letter of intent with Honeywell International to allow it to… Read More
    CAMDEN – A Portland man was hospitalized with head and facial injuries after crashing his car on U.S. Route 1 early Friday.Timothy Roth, 22, formerly of Lincolnville, lost control of his 2003 Toyota sedan on a curve at the top of Springbrook Hill while fleeing from police at… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – The first patrol plane in the first squadron to depart permanently Brunswick Naval Air Station has taken off, marking the start of a yearlong aircraft exodus in advance of the closing of New England’s last active-duty military airfield. Cmdr. Eric Wiese, the commanding… Read More
    BELFAST – The next Business Breakfast session of “Toast & Talk” will be held 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Ave. Networking and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. The topic will be “Mentoring-Coaching for Entry-level… Read More
    THOMASTON – The General Henry Knox Museum, Montpelier will open its doors for the annual holiday open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Admission is free both days. Families and friends are invited to walk through the 1790s… Read More
    SHERMAN – A tractor-trailer headed north late Friday on Interstate 95 in Sherman caught fire suddenly, briefly stranding a Mapleton man and his dog who were on their way home. Maine State Police Trooper Barry Meserve said Paul England, 56, was driving home to Mapleton… Read More
    A brief wintry storm swept through western Maine and into parts of Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot and Aroostook counties on Friday afternoon, contributing to a number of minor accidents. The Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department dealt with about a dozen accidents between the mid- and late-afternoon hours,… Read More
    PITTSFIELD – Town councilors will vote Tuesday on an emergency appropriation to stabilize the roof of the Pittsfield Community Theater. Because of compromised steel roof beams, inadequate trusses and years of water damage, the theater was closed last week after a report from the James… Read More
    BANGOR – Following are municipal meetings and events planned next week in Bangor: . Parks and recreation advisory board, 4 p.m. Monday, City Council chambers; updates from parks and recreation director, Sawyer Arena report, status of pet control guidelines for trails and open space. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    MILLINOCKET – The Millinocket Historical Society’s 2009 calendars are available. Its theme is “Millinocket People and Places: the 1930’s – 1940’s” with photos of school groups, sports teams, the new Katahdin Avenue School, the new post office and more. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    BREWER – The Brewer Historical Society will celebrate the holidays with a meeting at a new time and place. The society will hold a potluck meal at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at First United Methodist Church, 40 S. Main St. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Three state representatives are seeking a majority of Democratic lawmakers to nominate one of them as Maine’s 55th attorney general next week as the new Legislature convenes. All three, Rep. John Brautigam, D-Falmouth, Rep. Sean Faircloth, D-Bangor, and Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, claim… Read More
    HOUSTON – Former first lady Barbara Bush was in good condition after undergoing laparoscopic surgery for a perforated ulcer, a hospital spokeswoman said Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    John Brautigam is in his second term representing Falmouth in the House of Representatives. As an assistant attorney general, he argued the case upholding the Maine Rx program before the U.S. Supreme Court. Before serving as an assistant attorney general, he was the executive director… Read More
    OLD TOWN – A two-week herd-reduction bowhunt for deer will open Monday on two parcels of city-owned land. The hunt is not open to all bowhunters, only to a group of 20 pre-selected hunters who have met specific criteria established by the Bowhunters-Landowners Information Program… Read More
    NEWPORT – The tractor-trailer rigs were lined two and three deep at the Irving Big Stop on Thursday, but anyone would have been hard-pressed to find an American trucker working on Thanksgiving. Instead, it was their Canadian counterparts who were hauling seafood, lime, steel, wood,… Read More