Bangor Daily News

Lurc Adds Second Public Hearing Date Greenville Forums Will Allow Area Residents to Address Plum Creek's Moosehead Plans

Residents of the Moosehead Lake region will have two opportunities this fall to tell state regulators how they feel about the largest development proposal in Maine history. On Wednesday, members of the Land Use Regulation Commission added a second public hearing date in Greenville on Plum Creek Timber Co.'s massive and controversial development plan for the Moosehead Lake region.

2008 Folk Festival Admission to Be Free Donations Surpass Early Cost Estimates

BANGOR - After reviewing donations received at this year's American Folk Festival, its board has decided to continue free admission in 2008. "We've turned the corner as far as creating an event that can support itself with the public's contributions," Heather McCarthy, the festival's executive director, said Wednesday.

Down East Leaders Weigh State, Local Prison Options

MACHIAS - No matter whether a new Washington County prison will be a joint venture between the county and the state or simply a state facility, Gov. John Baldacci's recent consolidation plan has not quieted discussions Down East. Washington County officials figure they might as well stay in the game as long as they can.

Petitions Seek Removal of Dexter Manager

DEXTER - Residents upset by actions taken by the Town Council and Town Manager Judy Doore are circulating petitions for Doore's ouster. The group alleges the Town Council has held closed sessions to discuss ill town employees without the employees being present; that Doore placed the ill employees on leave under the Family Medical Leave Act without their knowledge and without allowing them to use sick and vacation time first; and that one of the employees was harassed by Doore.

Millinocket Wreath Factory Store to Expand

MILLINOCKET - Give Jerri Cohen twigs and she'll make art. Give her time and she'll turn art into business. The Millinocket woman is about to buy a three-story building at 135-137 Penobscot Ave. to expand her Wreath Factory store.

Clinton Lions Club Fair to Celebrate Area's Agricultural Heritage

CLINTON - From the opening event - the draft horse twitch and scoot contest - to the final competition - an apple pie auction - the 54th annual Clinton Lions Club Fair will celebrate the area's rich agricultural heritage this weekend. Dairy cows outnumber people in Clinton, which produces 13 percent of all Maine's milk. In addition, the area boasts a number of vegetable farms, horticulturists and other farm-related businesses.

Orono Residents Sought for School Consolidation Committee

ORONO - The Town Council and School Committee are seeking applications from residents interested in serving on a regionalization planning committee to address the state's new school consolidation law. Applications are due by 4 p.m. today at the superintendent's office.

County Gets Dividend for Safe Driving Habits

DOVER-FOXCROFT - The safe driving habits of the Piscataquis County Sheriff's Department again have meant dollars for the county. For 10 of the past 12 years, the county has earned a dividend check from the Maine Municipal Association's Risk Management Services, which handles the county's insurance.

Millinocket Seeks 3-Town School Consolidation

MILLINOCKET - The Millinocket School Committee will meet with school board members from East Millinocket and Medway to discuss consolidating in accordance with a new state law, committee Chairman Thomas Malcolm said Wednesday. Superintendent Sara Alberts on Friday sent two letters of intent to the state Department of Education. One advocated a consolidation of school systems serving the three towns. The other calls for Millinocket to join the 25 communities in northern Penobscot County to for...

Alcohol-Related Cases Keep Orono Police Busy Over Weekend

College students returning to town kept Orono police busy over the holiday weekend, Sgt. Josh Ewing said Wednesday. "There were a lot of alcohol offenses," he said.

2 From Greenville to Run for Vacant District 27 Seat

GREENVILLE - Two residents are vying for the state House of Representatives seat left vacant by the death of longtime businessman Earl Richardson. The nominations of Republican Pete Johnson and Democrat Sharon Libby Jones were forwarded last week to the State Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions for a Nov. 6 special election.

Garland Days Features Events for Everybody

GARLAND - Every September, residents gather with their neighbors and friends from surrounding towns to celebrate Garland Days. This year's festivities begin Friday and continue through Sunday. The event was purposely scheduled in September more than 30 years ago because it's a friends and neighbors get-together, according to resident and Garland Days committee member Jim Bunn.

Day-Lily Sale to Benefit Hampden's Harmony Hall

More than 100 pots of day lilies - four varieties - are being offered for sale by members of the Hampden Garden Club who acquired the perennials from a local day-lily breeder, wrote club member Martha Whitehouse. "We are pleased to be able to offer them to the public, all trimmed and potted and ready to be planted," Whitehouse wrote.

Vote On Somerset County Jail Delayed Until Officials Meet with Gov. Baldacci

SKOWHEGAN - While still upset with Gov. John Baldacci's proposal to take over the state's county jail system, Somerset County commissioners decided Wednesday night to wait until after they meet with the governor to decide whether to halt construction on the new jail in Madison. The commissioners are threatening to halt construction on the jail because they said a state takeover would leave county taxpayers $50 million in debt.

Husson Welcomes Its Largest Class Ever

BANGOR - Classes are in session at Husson College, which has welcomed 700 students, its largest class ever. "With increased retention and the record-entering class, Husson finds itself literally bursting at the seams," said Richard Stephens, the school's chief academic officer.

Courts

Belfast District Court Cases Aug. 27-31, 2007

Bucksport Gives $15,000 for Memorial

BUCKSPORT - The effort to erect a veterans memorial got a boost recently when town councilors voted to donate $15,000. The donation kicks off a fundraising campaign for the project, which veterans have planned for a town-owned parcel near the intersection of Nicholson Avenue and Broadway.

Pittsfield Oks Funding of Sewer Project

PITTSFIELD - When you begin digging up old sewer lines, you sometimes are surprised at what you find. This is the case in Pittsfield, where a simple sewer project for a dead-end street with just eight houses has nearly doubled in scope - and cost - because of surprises discovered underground.

More Estimates Sought for Roof Project

BELFAST - The City Council is stuck between a rock and a hard place. While its members realize the Belfast Free Library needs a new roof, the council has been reluctant to pony up the estimated $650,000 needed to do the job.

Surry Diver to Speak at Group's Meeting