Maine News for Friday, June 13, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Lawmakers focus on oil speculation
Maine's senators join the call for an investigation of speculative buying that may be driving oil prices.

Groups call for Plum Creek to drop key piece of project
The Lily Bay peninsula is too sensitive and valuable to be developed, they say.

Nova Scotia LNG terminal gains construction permit

BILL NEMITZ Cote loss smells a lot like a win

Ten-week project to close 18 miles of I-295 southbound starting Monday
The work between Gardiner and Topsham will force thousands of commuters and tourists to detour.

Lyme disease threat comes back strong
Experts say a greater number of infected ticks might have survived the winter because of the deep snow.

NAACP's youngest president has family ties to Maine
Benjamin Jealous, 35, is the son of a Deering High graduate who grew up in Portland.

Cumberland sees Route 88 bike lanes in its future
The town wants to pave shoulders along the road for recreational purposes.

US Airways slashing service, jobs while adding fees
The airline will being charging passengers to check their first bag.

Poised to ride wave of oil drilling
A Texas corporation buys the Biddeford company, growing its line of deep-sea products.

Editorial
Gas and heating oil much cheaper with five-finger discount
As in the 1970s, sales of locking gas caps and anti-siphoning devices are picking up.

Have you thanked a candidate today?
Most people running for office do so at some risk to their personal time and self-esteem.

Ending harassment should be the boss' job
Business owners would be wise to better protect their youngest workers from abuse.

DIANE RUSSELLIs the Press Herald going, going, gone?
There are many benefits from having a local news operation run locally, but that might not last here.

M.D. HARMONHave you hugged your First Amendment today?
There are lots of 'free' countries where citizens would love to be able to speak freely, but they can't.

Letters

U.S. must pursue wind, wave power

Teachers need authority to do what's best for students

State Pier project needs experienced developers

Repair York toll plaza and leave it where it is

Paper should pay attention to news stories

Bangor Daily News

High energy costs hit rural Mainers hard
Friday, June 13, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - While everyone in Maine is feeling the pain of higher energy prices on everything from gasoline to electricity, those in rural areas of the state are being squeezed even harder.

'Issue' ads seen on Maine TV not tied to campaign limits
Friday, June 13, 2008
The ads started appearing on television in Maine last month. One showed a tough-talking boy in a school classroom telling his classmates they're not going to get to vote for class officers by secret ballot. Another showed blue-collar workers making seemingly sarcastic remarks about how much they enjoy belonging to a labor union.

Maine waters, wind touted as untapped energy
Friday, June 13, 2008
NORTHPORT, Maine - The winds and waters of coastal Maine offer a promising yet untapped alternative to the fossil fuels that are driving the nation into what could be a historic energy crisis, experts said Thursday.

Groups aim to protect Lily Bay
Friday, June 13, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - Two influential conservation groups pleaded Thursday with state regulators to alter Plum Creek Timber Co.'s ambitious plans for the Moosehead Lake region and keep the Lily Bay peninsula free from development.

Eastport: Down East Catholics grapple with priest shortage
Friday, June 13, 2008
EASTPORT, Maine - Faced with a shortage of priests, the Catholic Church is struggling to do more with less, but some parishioners in eastern Washington County wonder how their faith will survive with only two priests and some churches designated as seasonal.

Prospect: State parks bureau touts free pass for all seniors
Friday, June 13, 2008
PROSPECT, Maine - Senior citizens will get a free ride at Maine's state parks this season.

Education Department praises budget votes
Friday, June 13, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maien - After reviewing a sample of Tuesday's election results, the Department of Education is satisfied that the new school budget validation process is working.

Editorial

Wind power freedom
Friday, June 13, 2008
A two-year battle in the Waldo County town of Freedom (pop. 700) over a wind power project should not - and need not - be replicated in other Maine small towns.

Return to rights
Friday, June 13, 2008
In a strong rebuke of the Bush administration's use of military tribunals to try terrorism suspects, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the detainees have the right to challenge their imprisonment in federal courts. The decision likely leaves it up to President Bush's successor to determine how to handle the nearly 300 men held at the U.S. military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay.

Douglas M. Smith: Maine's petroleum crisis
The rising cost of petroleum products has placed Maine in a true energy crisis. This crisis must be addressed at both the federal and state levels.

Jody Spear: Sears Island development a terrible plan for the state
Pave over more than a third of Sears Island as a cargo port, with meaningless concessions offered to environmental partners as a necessary condition of the deal? What an appalling idea, and what a dismal example it would set for a state whose leaders are committed to a creative economy and enactment of quality of place standards.

June 13 letters

Kennebec Journal
CITY URGED TO TAKE MILL SITE
AUGUSTA -- If the city moves quickly enough -- and manages to avoid liability for any unknown environmental pollution -- it could take over the abandoned, riverside American Tissue Mill at little or no cost with hopes of finding a firm to redevelop the site, city councilors were told Thursday.

Route 201's summer nightmare to start Monday
TOPSHAM -- The clock on what state transportation officials are calling the biggest road repair project in Maine in decades begins ticking at midnight Sunday.

Report sees 'good news' in youth numbers
AUGUSTA -- The number of Maine juveniles detained and committed into youth custody is three times lower than the national average, according to new data from a national youth foundation.

State deadline today gives a consolidation report card
AUGUSTA -- The state Department of Education could find out today what progress school districts across Maine are making as they consolidate into larger, regional units to comply with a 2007 state law.

Editorial

FIRST PARK COMMUNITIES

Local business expansion could help FirstPark
FirstPark's governing board has made the right decision in turning down a proposal that would have unnecessarily restricted the types of businesses that could locate in the Oakland-based business and technology center.

JOSEPH R. REISERT : Obama's views show he has more Bush traits than McCain
The Democrats are trying hard to sell the idea that a McCain presidency would amount to a third term for President Bush. That's tactically advisable, given the president's extraordinary unpopularity.

Sun Journal
Collins submits economic recovery legislation
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Thursday proposed an economic recovery bill that's aimed at easing the effects of runaway energy prices and a downturn in the housing market.

Home invasion victim to watch graduation from hospital room
PITTSTON (AP) - A 10-year-old girl who was critically injured along with her father in a home invasion last month plans to watch her fifth-grade class graduate live from her Portland hospital room via Web Camera.

Groups fight bay's development
FALMOUTH (AP) - Two environmental groups opposed to Plum Creek Timber Co.'s massive development plan for the Moosehead Lake region are calling on regulators to block development on the Lily Bay peninsula north of Greenville.

LNG facility wins OK
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) - Regulators have approved a permit for construction of a $700 million liquefied natural gas terminal in Goldboro, Nova Scotia.

Editorial
Parents must enforce teens' cell phone rules
Maine's lawmakers had the best of intentions two years ago when they forbid 16- and 17-year-olds from using cell phones while driving.

Letters
Please, set the free market free
It's simply impossible to feed and employ a growing population without increasing the supply of energy. Conservation will help, but not enough. More energy sources are needed.

Democrats leading us astray
As a World War II veteran, I compliment SSgt. Daniel R. Thibault Jr. for his thought-provoking guest column May 25.

MPBN
Environmental Groups Call for Cutback in Plum Creek Development Plans

As Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission considers Plum Creek's plan to rezone 400,000 acres around Moosehead Lake, Maine's two largest environmental groups have a suggestion: block development on the Lily Bay Peninsula. And in return, reduce the amount of land the company must conserve by 33,000 acres. LURC can only consider a pending application. And, as Susan Sharon reports, unless Plum Creek has a change of heart, the current application appears unlikely to be altered.

Critics Say New School Budget Process Unwieldy

This past Tuesday, about 50 munipalities in Maine held public votes on their local school budget. Most were approved, but a handful were rejected. So what happens now? Under a new state law, they'll have to go back to the drawing board, and hold more public votes until agreement is reached. As Keith Shortall reports, the new system is viewed by some municipal officials in Maine as unwieldy and may have unintended consequences.

Senator Collins Proposes 50 Billion Dollar Economic Boost

Maine Senator Susan Collins today unveiled a plan she says will boost the nation's economy and provide relief for consumers and businesses squeezed by high energy costs. Collins' measure relies mostly on expanding existing federal programs. But she's also included a proposal she co-sponsored earlier that would float $50 billion dollars in transportation bonds to finance improvements to roads, bridges, waterways and rail and transit systems.

Maine's Democratic and Republican Parties Gear Up For Next Phase of the 2008 Election

"We've had our differences, but we're all friends now" - that was the message today from Maine's Democratic party as members put on a display of unity after wrapping up the primaries last night. Following a keenly watched, and at times divisive, six-way contest to represent Maine's 1st congressional district in November's election, the five losing candidates showed up to throw their weight behind winner Chellie Pingree. Meanwhile, Julie Ann O'Brien, executive director of Maine's Republican Party, says the GOP is unified behind Summers. And Bowdoin professor of Government Chris Potholm says Charlie Summers' relatively moderate stance means he's well positioned to build the party's base of support. Tom Porter has the full story.

PolitickerMe
Stateline.org: Tax hikes rare among states — so far

Fed up with taxes advertises in beer aisle

Tardy confirms gubernatorial bid

Group hits Allen on support of card-check legislation

Times Record

Dirigo Health backup plan in place if new tax law repealed (full story)

Maine Yankee cleanup disputed (full story)

Editorial
Rising tide for Maine Democrats? (full story)

Maine News for Thursday, June 12, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Back to the city?
Mainers are making life changes that could bring urban sprawl to a crawl.

Average cash price for heating oil in Maine hits $4.60 a gallon
For the first time, the survey is conducted in a nonheating season.

1st District race, Pingree vs. Summers, looks to be a tossup
Election 2008: As the Democrat, Pingree has the district's voting history on her side.

Pingree's decisive win no surprise to her campaign
The Democratic winner took 44 percent of the vote, losing only in York County.

U.S. Senate race might gain independent candidate
Election 2008: Herbert Hoffman might siphon votes from Democrat Tom Allen in a race against incumbent Susan Collins.

Kittery Trading Post bags Maine's moose hunt lottery
The outdoors store will host this year's lottery, which will go to L.L. Bean in 2010.

Voters award Democrats Innes and McLaughlin a surprise: A tie
Election 2008: The state is expected to conduct a recount in House District 107.

Maine doctors part of electronic records project
Keeping computerized files could mean up to $29 million to 100 practices over five years.

Saltwater anglers could lose 'freedom'
In an effort to manage U.S. fisheries, Maine and 23 other coastal states would have to require licenses.

Super Wal-Mart breaking ground in Sanford
City leaders say that the store will help revitalize the downtown and draw other retail investment.

New Hampshire joins Maine, other states in emissions fight

Metro Portland 'a solid economy in some ways'
But the area has potential that isn't being fully tapped, a new Brookings Institution report suggests.

Editorial
1st District race shapes up as a real choice
Chellie Pingree and Charlie Summers both strongly represent their parties' base.

Dangers of unused drugs getting more attention in Maine
A limited mail-in program and local 'take-back' events help prevent misuse or abuse.

ELISA BOXER-COOKNew Maine law keeps poisons at bay
No longer will we have to buy baby and children's products without knowing what they contain.

Letters

Voters need better access to information

Obama should be judged by those he associates with

It's nice to know people are willing to stop and help

Listeners shouldn't jump to negative conclusions

School choice proven to benefit children

Drug disposal program doesn't go far enough

Bangor Daily News

Tribe's tidal study wins energy grant
Thursday, June 12, 2008
PLEASANT POINT, Maine - The Passamaquoddy Tribe's efforts to someday harness the energy-producing power of tidal and ocean currents and turn it into electricity took a step forward this week after the federal government awarded the tribe a $120,000 grant, tribal environmental officials said Wednesday.

Severe storms hammer northern Maine
Thursday, June 12, 2008
FORT KENT, Maine - Thunderstorms moved through the area on Tuesday evening and toppled trees, downed power lines and caused damage in parts of Aroostook and Piscataquis counties.

Orono: Brain injuries' effect on troops topic of forum
Thursday, June 12, 2008
ORONO, Maine - Traumatic brain injury, affecting an estimated 15 percent of American troops who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, is widely considered the 'signature injury' of the current military conflicts.

Editorial
The Libya Problem
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Libya's strongman leader, Col. Moammar Gadhafi, was an international pariah in the 1980s and 1990s. He now has reformed and given up his terrorism and his nuclear weapons program, but Bush administration efforts to patch things up have run into difficulties.

Lobster Line Revisited
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service to delay a rule mandating that lobstermen change their rope to avoid entangling endangered Atlantic right whales gives the agency more time to fine tune the requirements.

John Frary: The change the public is seeking
Simple charity demands recognition that professional politicians regularly face problems the rest of us do not. Charity requires us to cut them some slack.

Anne Perry: Disposing of prescription medication
As a nurse practitioner and House chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, I am delighted to hear about the early success of the Safe Medicine Disposal for ME pilot program.

June 12 Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA Silsby will vacate House seat
AUGUSTA -- Rep. Kim Silsby, D-Augusta, said this week she will not seek re-election to her Maine House of Representatives seat because she needs to spend more time with her family.

SCHOOL DISTRICT PASSES KEY TEST
Voters in five municipalities overwhelmingly approved a proposal to unite the administration of four different school districts, marking one of the first successful efforts in the state to consolidate school districts under a 2007 state law.

AUGUSTA Council to discuss mill site's future use
AUGUSTA -- A committee studying what to do about the abandoned American Tissue mill recommends the city take the riverside property through tax foreclosure, demolish the buildings on site and seek redevelopment proposals.

Attack victim to watch graduation via link
PITTSTON -- Nicole Guerrette, critically injured along with her father in a home invasion last month, will be watching her fifth-grade class graduate today via laptop computer from her hospital room.

Feds want to license saltwater anglers next year
The federal government wants the nation's saltwater anglers to be licensed starting next year as part of an effort to get a more accurate count of recreational fishermen and the amount of fish they catch.

Fort-to-fort canoe expedition is Saturday
Canoers and kayakers on Saturday will push off from Fort Halifax in Winslow, paddle 17 miles down the Kennebec River and end their journey at Augusta's Old Fort Western.

Editorial

No time for victors to rest We need, expect real solutions to our very real problems
Here are some of the latest results from the Gallup organization, which has polled American attitudes on just about everything for the last 70 years:

JIM BRUNELLE : Maine voters stand solidly with familiar candidates
Here are some random thoughts about Tuesday's balloting in Maine:

FELICIA KENNEDY OF SOUTH CHINA WORKS AT THE MAINE : Erskine Academy's Don Poulin Retiring headmaster helped students believe in themselves, their dreams
I went to an Erskine Academy awards ceremony recently and watched headmaster Don Poulin at the lectern. I marveled at the presence of this man, his demeanor unchanged from when I first knew him.

DAN BILLINGS : Government coffers lure some with poor ethics
Politics in Maine has a reputation for strong ethics and a lack of corruption. This reputation has been enhanced by people like Sens. Margaret Chase Smith and William Cohen, who made national reputations by standing up to abuse of power in their own party.

Letters

Some questions about Maine road repairs
* Why is there construction and delays on I-95 South, when the Maine Turnpike Authority wants us to use that as an alternative route to I-295 South? Couldn't one southbound route be construction-free?

Uniform building codes will help Maine save energy
I am writing to praise Rep. Nancy Smith of Monmouth for her work on energy efficiency during this past legislative session. Maine had been the only state in New England and one of 10 nationwide that did not require new homes to meet minimum energy performance standards.

Mainers should continue to respect people's privacy
I have been hoping the day would never come, but it's here. My local newspaper has become the National Enquirer, or maybe it's just People.

Sun Journal

Maine House race ends in deadlock
YARMOUTH (AP) - A recount is expected for a Democratic House primary race in Yarmouth that ended in a tie.

Legislative races take shape for fall
AUGUSTA (AP) - Unlike the Primary Day voting for Congress, being well-known didn't always guarantee success in Tuesday's nomination contests for the Legislature. But mostly it helped, according to unofficial returns.

Voters pick familiar faces in Maine 1st District race
AUGUSTA (AP) - In the end, Democratic and Republican voters went with familiar faces and issues rather than unseasoned challengers and ideology in primary contests for southern Maine's 1st District congressional seat.

Voters won't OK ballpark sale
OLD ORCHARD BEACH (AP) - Old Orchard Beach voters have given a thumbs down to a proposal that would have allowed the town to sell its aging baseball park.

Maine man apologizes for racial threat after plea
AUGUSTA (AP) - A 75-year-old Brewer man whose threats of violence prompted the Bangor chapter of the NAACP to cancel last year's Kwanzaa celebration has pleaded guilty to terrorizing and offered an apology.

Editorial

Debt culture now rooted in U.S. economy
We are rapidly becoming a two-tiered society, according to the director of the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University.

Hate-speech complaint battles free-speech ideal
At its best, Western civilization has fostered freedom of speech and of thought. But Canada has a better idea.

MPBN

Maine's Democratic and Republican Parties Gear Up For Next Phase of the 2008 Election
"We've had our differences, but we're all friends now" - that was the message today from Maine's Democratic party as members put on a display of unity after wrapping up the primaries last night. Following a keenly watched, and at times divisive, six-way contest to represent Maine's 1st congressional district in November's election, the five losing candidates showed up to throw their weight behind winner Chellie Pingree. Meanwhile, Julie Ann O'Brien, executive director of Maine's Republican Party, says the GOP is unified behind Summers. And Bowdoin professor of Government Chris Potholm says Charlie Summers' relatively moderate stance means he's well positioned to build the party's base of support. Tom Porter has the full story.

Upsets of Well-Known Candidates Raise Questions About The Electorate's Desire For Change

They may have been lost in the glare of the spotlight on Maine's 1st Congressional District races, but yesterday's primary produced several upsets in state House and Senate races. A few well-established candidates were vanquished by youthful newcomers to state politics who may have been riding a wave of change ushered in by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. As A.J. Higgins reports, the state's light voter turnout also clearly helped some candidates, but hurt others.

Government Proposing National Registry For Saltwater Anglers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service today announced a plan to require all saltwater anglers to enter their names and contact information in a national registry. The proposed registry would go into effect in 2009, and NOAA says it would allow the government to better survey anglers about their fishing habits. As Anne Ravana reports, the registry would also include people who catch anadromous species, including striped bass, salmon and shad, that spawn in rivers and streams and spend their adult lives in saltwater.

Renewed Interest In Burning Coal As Alternative To Heating Oil Has Some Environmentalists Concerned

Even with temperatures nearing 90 degrees in some locations today, many Mainers have their minds on where soaring heating oil prices might wind up next fall. The scary prospect has scores of homeowners focused on fuel alternatives. Firewood is in short supply; wood pellets are gaining in popularity. As Keith McKeen reports, even coal is making a comeback.

Pingree Prevails in the First District Demrocatic Primary

In the crowded field of Democratic candidates vying for Maine's First Congressional District, the victory went to the only woman in the six-way primary and the person with the most name recognition and the biggest campaign war chest. Chellie Pingree says she is looking forward to the next five months. As Susan Sharon reports, Pingree says she'll stick to the themes of her primary race: restoring the middle class and changing the status quo in Congress.

PolitickerMe
The biggest loser

Ellsworth American
Rolling Past the Pumps

Consolidation Law Not Affecting All Areas as Dramatically

Maine News for Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Food prices put frugality on the menu
As oils run-up ripples into the grocery aisles, Mainers respond by finding ways to cut costs.

133rd faces yet another deployment
The engineering battalion based in Maine is notified of a possible 12-month assignment in Iraq in 2010.

Heavy election turnout expected
Election 2008: Voters will pick candidates for a seat in Congress and who will challenge Sen. Collins.

Activists to woo voters with flurry of petitions
Election 2008: Opponents also will be at the polls as at least six campaigns gather signatures.

Bike-sharing network takes off
The public can borrow the white bikes and then return them for others to use around the city.

Probe leads lawmaker to give up seat
Election 2008: Chris Barstow, under investigation by police, says he won't seek re-election.

State's plan for new span raises concerns
Critics say a fixed bridge would prevent passage for taller boats and hurt the area's economy.

Newspaper offers employee buyouts
Voluntary separation plans are part of the effort to reduce staff as costs jump and revenue slides.
Edward D. MurphyTeens report harassment in workplace

Editorial
A national energy policy would help Mainers cope
People can take steps to cut their fuel costs, but that's not a substitute for good public policy.

Clinton transcended gender in her drive to be president
The first woman ever to be a front-runner in a presidential primary got in it to win it.

Don't forget that today is Election Day all over Maine
You can still register to vote, and every vote counts in deciding vital races and issues.

RON BANCROFTLife in Maine a celebration of good things
While the state has its problems, they don't negate the things that attract people here.

STEPHEN SEARS, Special to the Press HeraldIs our air healthy to breathe?
Smokescreens established by the Environmental Protection Agency make the answer difficult to see.

Letters

State must act on looming oil crisis

Mainers in need deserve access to better care

Bangor Daily News

Medicaid changes delayed
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine — Some cuts in the Medicaid program scheduled for July 1 have been delayed by federal officials and others may be delayed for a year by Congress, saving the state millions of dollars, at least temporarily.

Hannaford breach lawsuits assigned to judge
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine - The federal lawsuits filed around the country over the security breach of Hannaford Bros. Co’s computer network have been consolidated and assigned to the District of Maine and U.S District Judge D. Brock Hornby.

Alfond institute to take hiatus
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
With assets of more than $500 million, the Harold Alfond Foundation is poised to be the largest in Maine and among the largest foundations in the country.

Heavy voter turnout expected today
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - High energy from this year's presidential race combined with intensely contested congressional races and important local issues are likely to draw an unusually heavy turnout at Maine's polls today, the state's top election official said.

Trucking violations uncovered in sweep
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine — A statewide inspection campaign of more than 3,600 commercial trucks conducted by the Maine State Police last week led to removing 102 vehicles from service for safety violations.

500 guardsmen may go to Iraq
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Approximately 500 Maine Army National Guard soldiers were notified Saturday of a possible deployment to Iraq in February 2010, the Guard announced Monday.

Editorial

ClickBack on Hillary, Gas
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
This week, ClickBack, the BDN's interactive commentary feature, seeks reader musings on Hillary Clinton, $4 per gallon gasoline, bees, revolutions and the Boston Celtics.

Editorial: Intelligence and Iraq
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
More than five years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the Senate Intelligence Committee has found that the White House knowingly exaggerated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein.

June 10 Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal

Voter turnout looks difficult to predict as town clerks see decline in absentee ballot requests
While Maine's secretary of state predicts higher-than-average voter participation in today's elections, town clerks scattered across central Maine say fewer absentee voters may indicate otherwise.

Home invasion suspect moved to different jail
The only man facing charges from a home invasion that left a father and daughter severely injured has been moved to a jail in southern Maine.

Maine Guard unit faces new Iraq tour 133rd Engineer Battalion notified of plans for 2010
AUGUSTA -- About 500 Maine Army National Guard soldiers could be headed back to Iraq in early 2010.

State hits Hannaford on dust
AUGUSTA -- Excessive dust leaving the demolition site of the former Cony High School has earned Hannaford Bros. a violation notice from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Vote there, sign here
AUGUSTA -- Maine voters will be asked to do more than cast ballots in today's primary election, as activists pushing several causes try to collect the signatures they need to force future votes on their issues.

Gardiner Selectmen sound alarm on $21M city budget
GARDINER -- Some city officials say residents' taxes will go up if they support the $21 million school budget on today's ballot.

State issues warning on activity during heat
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday told residents to take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses as Maine entered a third day of high temperatures.

On Maine Politics

Baldacci backs Obama 06/09/08

Editorial

GO MAINE
For carpooling information, as well as tips to save on gasoline and ways to keep warm this winter, go to: www.gomaine.org

It's time to get serious about carpooling
Here are all of the reasons you haven't been part of a carpool or vanpool up until now:

DAVID B. OFFER : Primary day a good time for some political trivia questions
Today is primary day in Maine. Republicans and Democrats will select candidates to run for the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Letters

People's veto petition is your only way to cut taxes
Some people don't want you to sign the people's veto petition that gives Mainers a chance to vote in November on eliminating the new tax on beer, wine and soda.

Sun Journal

Philanthropist leaves more than $500M in assets
PORTLAND (AP) - The assets of a foundation established more than 50 years ago by philanthropist Harold Alfond are poised to exceed more than $500 million, a sum its chairman says could have a "transformative effect" on Maine.

Couple who stole from fuel company headed to prison
PORTLAND (AP) - A Biddeford couple who pleaded guilty to charges linked to the embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fuel delivery company were sentenced to prison on Monday.

Teenager accused in home invasion involved in jail scuffle
PORTLAND (AP) - An 18-year-old man charged with attacking a father and daughter in a home invasion in Pittston is being held in segregation at the Cumberland County Jail.

Mainers go to polls today
AUGUSTA - High energy from this year's presidential race combined with intensely contested congressional races and important local issues are likely to draw an unusually heavy turnout at Maine's polls Tuesday, the state's top election official said.

Maine Guard battalion on notice
AUGUSTA (AP) - About 500 soldiers in a Maine Army National Guard battalion have been told that they have been identified for possible deployment to Iraq.

Editorial

Stop grumbling; go vote
There is a single bond issue on the ballot today which, while important, is not likely the big draw for voters.

What will it be like for the next female candidate?
Sen. Hillary Clinton did not win enough delegates to capture the Democratic presidential nomination. The question now becomes: what about the next female candidate? Will it be easier for her because Sen. Clinton broke new ground? Will that next woman run as a liberal Democrat like Clinton, or a conservative Republican in the mold of Margaret Thatcher? Will she get the same attention as Clinton, or will she be like the second man to walk on the moon?

MPBN

Primary Care Physicians Want Higher Pay Rates
The number of primary care physicians in Maine is on the decline, and as the cost of running a private practice escalates, at least one doctor in Bangor is throwing in the stethoscope. Both he and the Maine Medical Association assert that insurance reimbursement rates are not sufficient to cover the costs associated with running an independent practice. Anne Ravana has more.

Many Fear Old Growth Forest Jeopardized By Development

Sometime in the next 18 months, the Plum Creek Timber Company plans to log a section of forest in Elliotsville Township that some people think should be left alone. That's because this particular area is believed to contain rare "Old Growth" forest, trees that are 200 or more years old and that provide habitat for a wealth of animal and plant species. Plum Creek says it will rely on the advice of independent forest ecologists before any cutting takes place, but that comes as little comfort for people who've visited the area. Susan Sharon has more.

Some Economic Numbers Remain Positive

If you're looking for good news about the economy, there is some, despite last Friday's reported increase in unemployment. Maine's Gross Domestic product climbed 1.3 percent last year. Nationally, GDP grew even in the first quarter of this year. Also, in April, advance estimates of retail and food services, new orders for manufactured goods and building permits were all higher than a year ago. And many retailers reported a better-than-expected May. Morning Edition Host Irwin Gratz talked with Mike Donihue, an economics professor at Colby College about two "R" words: recession and resiliance.

Demand For Wood And Pellets Rising In Maine

This week Red Shield Environmental announced a temporary shutdown of its biomass boiler in Old Town, citing a shortage of wood waste to burn. Even in Maine, with its vast supply of timber, the combination of high diesel prices and a slowdown in new home construction is making it difficult to get wood to market. Couple that with a near-frantic demand for woodstoves and pellet stoves in the face of skyrocketing heating oil prices and some worry that there could be supply issues on the horizon, at least in the short term. Susan Sharon has more.

Times Record

DDG-1000 opponent challenges $2.6B cost estimates (full story)

Opinion
Senate's Lion faces his greatest fight (full story)

People's veto won't end DirigoChoice (full story)

Monday Meter (full story)