Bangor Daily News

Mixed Views Aired in Forum On Gas Pipeline

BREWER - Federal officials came to Brewer on Monday night hoping to hear how an expanded natural gas pipeline in Maine could affect the environment. What the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission representatives primarily heard, however, was how much of a boost the construction project would provide local contractors and the economy.

Chemical Analyzed in Stream Near Bia Dep Official Says Levels Not Harmful

BANGOR - Low levels of a chemical used in aircraft de-icing fluid are present in a small tributary of Kenduskeag Stream near Bangor International Airport, according to a state official. Propylene glycol was detected in water samples from Birch Stream that were taken last month in response to a complaint from a resident of the nearby Griffin Park apartment complex, Ed Logue of the state Department of Environmental Protection said Monday.

House Speaker Discourages Party Changes Legislation Considered to Curb Switching in Middle of Session

AUGUSTA - It has been a tough 42 days for Democratic House Speaker John Richardson. With two party defections over six weeks, the presiding officer was never exactly sure on any given day whether his party still held a majority. So it's time to consider legislation to prevent or discourage lawmakers from changing parties during the two-year legislative session, Richardson, of Brunswick, said Monday.

Groups Gather to Protest Debris Burning

AUGUSTA - Members of grass-roots environmental groups from throughout Maine met Monday morning outside the State House not only to protest the burning of construction and demolition debris, but to raise awareness about several solid waste issues now facing the state. Although they have similar agendas, it was the first time many members of the different groups had met each other. More than 50 concerned residents from Athens, Old Town, Alton, Biddeford and Lewiston were among those who attende...

Bangor Lands Second Grant for Heavy Vessel Dock

BANGOR - Things are going to get busier this summer at the Bangor Waterfront. With two cruise companies planning to use the city's waterfront in 2006, city councilors Monday night accepted another federal grant that will be used to build a heavy vessel dock.

'Safe Zones' Get Tentative Approval Lincoln Residents Near Park Areas to Be Given Chance to Voice Opinions

LINCOLN - Four town areas popular with youth will be named "Safe Zones" if residents of those areas OK the idea. The Town Council voted 4-1 Monday night to tentatively approve naming Prince Thomas Park, Ballard Hill Community Center, the Washington Street playground, and the Little League fields behind Hannaford as Safe Zones.

Enfield Man Still in Hospital After Accident On Sled

ENFIELD - An Enfield man remained hospitalized in Bangor as he struggled to recover from a snowmobile accident on Cold Stream Pond a week before, officials said Monday. Brandon Reed, 19, was in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Eastern Maine Medical Center on Monday afternoon, hospital officials and a state official said, after an accident in which he went through thin ice and was rescued.

Overheated Freezer Tied to Pittsfield Fire

PITTSFIELD - State Fire Marshal's Office Investigator Scott Richards was on the scene Monday morning of an overnight apartment fire on North Main Street that forced four adults and four children to flee into the night. No one was injured in the fire, which was reported just before midnight Sunday and was determined to have begun in a freezer at the rear of the apartment.

Holden Mulls I-395, Route 9 Connector Strategy

HOLDEN - Councilor John Bryant has created a two-pronged draft strategy for the town to use in the ongoing debate concerning a proposed Interstate 395-Route 9 connector designed to improve traffic flow between the Canadian Maritimes and the Bangor area. Bryant's draft strategy recommends that the Maine Department of Transportation study its preferred route plus an additional route and, if that's not an option, that the town fight for the best benefits for Holden.

Save Your Spot for the Boston Flower Show Trip

Reservations are now being accepted for the 2006 New England Spring Flower Show bus trip sponsored by Bangor Garden Club. Caroline Tully of Bangor reports it is time to mark your calendars and make your plans for this special event, which will be held Tuesday, March 14, in Boston.

Um Professor James Horan Dies at 70 After Car Accident

BANGOR - A longtime University of Maine public administration professor who taught Gov. John Baldacci and served as chairman of the Orono Town Council in the late 1970s and early 1980s has died. Professor James Horan, 70, died Jan. 8 as the result of injuries suffered in a late December car accident.

Rockland Council Approves Methadone Clinic

ROCKLAND - Turning Tide Inc. turned a corner Monday, gaining City Council approval to open a methadone clinic here after more than a year of controversy and legal wrangling. Instead of 77 Park St., where Turning Tide originally sought to open, the clinic will be located in the former Tuttle Shoe Barn on the corner of U.S. Route 1 and Glenwood Avenue. Turning Tide principals Angel Fuller McMahan of Owls Head and Marty O'Brien of Bath still must gain site plan approval from the planning commiss...

Hospital Offers Scholarships to Waldo County Students

BELFAST - Residents of Waldo County pursuing their education in a health care field may be eligible for scholarships awarded by Waldo County General Hospital. Awards are granted to graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates pursuing careers in health care-related fields including, but not limited to, the following: nursing, laboratory technician, surgical technician, radiology, pharmacy, therapy services, and medical records coding-transcription.

Courts

Waldo County Superior Court, Belfast BELFAST - The following cases were disposed of at Waldo County Superior Court, Jan. 9:

Sad 27 Explores Cost of Repairing School Roofs

FORT KENT - Roofs are expensive projects for schools, especially in school districts like SAD 27 with four elementary schools and a large high school complex. SAD 27 is starting to look into the cost of repairing roofs at Community High School. The district is making its last payment in June on a nearly $1 million roof project on its elementary schools five years ago.

County Towns Study Access Needs, Grants

ST. JOHN PLANTATION - Accessibility has long been an issue for business and public agencies, but few people think about accessibility problems at home. Life is unpredictable; disease or accidents can shift access needs in the home at the drop of a hat.

Wccc Offers 'College for Seniors'

CALAIS - "You're never too old to learn" is the new mantra at Washington County Community College, and the city school is putting its pen to paper with some courses directed at senior citizens. The "College for Seniors" program kicks off later this month with a lineup of courses that appear not only to be fun, but cheap. And you don't need a college education to enroll.

Panel Eyes Uses for Waterfront Building

ROCKLAND - The Harbor Management Commission will take a peek tonight at two requests for proposals related to future use of the city-owned building formerly occupied by the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce. A small portion of the building remains in use by the harbor master.

Elementary Schools May Be Closed Parents From Columbia Falls, Cherryfield Expected at Board Meeting

HARRINGTON - Parents from two towns whose elementary schools are on a list for potential closure next year for budget reasons are expected to turn out in force this evening for a special meeting of the district's board of directors. The Columbia Falls and Cherryfield schools, probably in that order, are under consideration by SAD 37 directors to be closed.

Sad 28 Panel Oversees Design of School Project

CAMDEN - SAD 28 has formed a committee to oversee its architectural firm's efforts to design an expansion of Rockport Elementary School West. The district hopes to seek voter approval in the spring for a plan to add onto the building, which is the former Children's House Montessori School off Route 90, so it will be able to house all of the district's K-4 pupils.