Maine News for Thursday, July 3, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Allen touts heating oil relief, goal of energy independence
Election 2008: His far-reaching plan includes tax credits, drilling mandates and more R&D funding.
Attack affects paper's Web sites
A 'simplistic hack' overloads the servers that manage the sites, making them only intermittently available.

Forecasting the Fourth a ticklish job
Record gas prices and an unsettled atmosphere make tourist traffic difficult to predict.

River flows pose risk to holiday swimmers
Heavy rains are making for faster currents, a likely factor in a man's death Tuesday on the Saco River.

Maine plans to stake out N.H. fireworks stores
People trying to bring fireworks into Maine may be arrested at the border, the state fire marshal says.

GrowSmart taking a look at the future
The Yarmouth nonprofit is studying how Maine can remake government and deal with climate change.

Religious school subsidy struck down
Two parents argued that Swans Island's policy used no state money and thus did not violate state law.

Winslow gets ready for grand parade
Every year, early birds who want a good spot set up their lawn chairs before the sun rises.

Forecasting the weekend a ticklish job
Record gas prices and an unsettled atmosphere make tourist traffic difficult to predict.

Juliana L'HeureuxFrench Mass honors Franco-American veterans

Editorial

Zimbabwe does not have an elected president
Mugabe's claim on power has nothing to do with votes, and he shouldn't be treated as such.

Backyard fireworks fans should follow China's lead
The same risk that limits fireworks exports should also scare off pyrotechnic amateurs.

Growing demand for water gives trustees something to consider
The Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District should turn down Nestle's offer.

We can make two mistakes about food: Value it too highly, or not enough
Among the parts of life in which balance is a virtue, what (and how much) we eat ranks near the top.

Competition will fix health care
Imagine a grocery store giving food away to the poor and charging you triple. That's our hospitals.

Letters
Still waiting on a check to stimulate the economy

Bangor Daily News

Support builds for energy session
Thursday, July 03, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci and legislative leaders say support is building for an energy special session this summer to address what the state can do to help Mainers weather the energy crisis next winter.

More drilling part of Allen's energy strategy
Thursday, July 03, 2008
BANGOR, Maine — Standing only a few blocks away from where he announced his health care plan in May, U.S. Rep Tom Allen made another local appearance Wednesday to tout his strategy for addressing the country’s energy needs.

Fourth of July events
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Concerts and fireworks are key events for the Fourth of July.

UM student competing today in Las Vegas poker tourney
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Sometimes gambling pays off. Rarely does gambling pay off college tuition. But Max Ludwig, a fourth-year new media major at the University of Maine, has done just that by winning more than $170,000 in the past three years playing online poker.

Economy forcing people to make the toughest cut: family pets
Thursday, July 03, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - As household expenses - food, fuel, heating costs - rise at an unprecedented rate, more and more pet owners are finding themselves making the difficult choice to give up their pets.

SkillsUSA announces winners from Maine
Thursday, July 03, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Students from Maine high schools and college technical education programs won the nation’s highest awards Wednesday evening at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Jet fuel supplier cites state taxes for BIA pull out
Thursday, July 03, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - The corporation that supplies jet fuel to Bangor International Airport has notified the city that it plans to end its agreement with the facility because of the state's high tax burden.

Editorial

Editorial: Progress with Pyongyang
Thursday, July 03, 2008
North Korea’s handing over a required declaration of its nuclear activities and the accompanying relaxing of U.S. restrictions are important steps toward a resolution of a decades-long standoff over the secretive regime’s weapons work. Many more steps must be taken before the process can be called a success.

George Will: When was America's originative moment?
The impatient patriots in Mecklenburg County, N.C., had splendidly short fuses in 1775. Those who tilled the startlingly red clay or who lived in the town named for George III’s wife, Charlotte, might have been bemused had they foreseen the annual hoopla that commemorates July 4, 1776.

Karen Johnson: Guns in parks would do more harm than good
I take issue with Brad Macdonald’s position in his column "Guns in parks a national right" (BDN, June 25). The right to bear arms does not mean the right to carry guns in schools, hospitals and government buildings, or on playgrounds, and, in my opinion, other public places funded by my tax dollars.

July 3 Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal
Democrats challenge party rival to Allen

HOW TO FIX IT
AUGUSTA -- Alan Caron wants to ask a simple question that will undoubtedly spark a lot of debate.

Media group puts 4 in Hall
Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel columnist Jim Brunelle is among those being honored by the Maine Press Association.

BRIEFS
LIVERMORE FALLS -- Democrats in House District 81 will meet at 6 p.m. July 9 at Treat Memorial Library on Main Street to choose a candidate to run for the seat.

Sun Journal
Maine's peak tourism season begins with holiday weekend
PORTLAND (AP) - Fair weather is expected for much of the Independence Day weekend as the peak tourist season gets under way in Maine.

Court rejects school funding appeal
PORTLAND (AP) - Maine's highest court has rejected an appeal by a Swans Island couple who wanted the town to pay for their children's education at a Christian school.

Democrats call caucus

Residents look to new vote

Editorial
Maine regulations do not protect motorcycle racers
There is a law in Maine that requires any person or organization who wants to operate a motor vehicle racing event or track to obtain an annual license from the commissioner of public safety.

What should we believe? What they said, or say now?
In keeping with his "messiah" image, Barack Obama might have been more at home in Bethlehem, Pa., than in Unity, N.H., when he and his "former" nemesis, Hillary Clinton, opened their new act on the road to mixed reviews.

Letters
Two current wars are enough
Now that President Bush's divisive administration is drawing to a close by issuing frequent threats against Iran, the truth is striking.

MPBN

Commissioner Says Hostage-Taking Situation was "Extremely Volatile"

It was business as usual today at the Maine State Prison after yesterday's seven hour standoff off between an inmate holding two hostages and a police tactical squad. That's the word from Corrections Commissioner Martin Magnusson. The Commisioner applauded the armed officers for freeing the hostages and subduing the inmate without serious injury or loss of life. Keith Mckeen reports.

Allen Unveils Energy Plan While Campaigning in Bangor

Democratic Congressman and U.S. Senate nominee Tom Allen made several appearances in Bangor today to discuss local healthcare concerns as well as to present his strategy to decrease the countries reliance on foreign fuels and help Mainers pay for oil this winter. Anne Ravana reports.

Katahdin Paper Reduces Dependence on Oil

Katahdin Paper Company officials, scrambling to stave off this month's scheduled shutdown of the Millinocket Mill, are hoping that a switch to bio-mass could play a role in keeping it open. Soaring oil prices have taken their toll on the paper industry, but Katahdin is expressing optimistim after taking steps to reduce the company's dependence on oil. Keith McKeen reports.

PolitickerME

CQ tackles Collins-Allen race in profile

Allen calls on oil companies to get drilling

Times Record

CMP eyes major line upgrades in Maine (full story)

Maine delegation fights for future BIW contracts (full story)

Biz park feasibility moves on (full story)

Editorial

Recommit to justice (full story)

Ellsworth American
Garden Gathering In Deer Isle

CMP to Build New Transmission Line
AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power Tuesday officially launched its plans to build a new transmission line that will pass through 80 Maine towns on its way from Orrington to Newington, N.H.

State Archives Has Run Out of Room for Documents
AUGUSTA — The State Archives are full with no room for any more documents.

Slots and Gas Prices Whittle Downeast Towns’ Bingo Take
SULLIVAN — Bingo attendance and revenue are dwindling and organizers are blaming the lure of slot machines in Bangor, and, in part, gas prices.

Zapped Again
ELLSWORTH — The price of electricity just went up for Bangor Hydro-Electric’s 115,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Hancock, Penobscot and Washington counties.

Unions 92, 96 and Ellsworth to Meet
SULLIVAN — The school consolidation process has often been compared to a marriage without the possibility of divorce.

Editorial
The DHHS Strikes Again

Abolish the Death Penalty

Growth in Gambling

Village Soup

Fire consumes Rockport lobsterboat

Keep Me Current

Site walk next step for Poland Spring in Hollis

Losing money, Cape seeks to privatize fitness center

Bigger school budget goes back to Cape voters

They've got the power

Small gas station owners paying the price for old pumps

Back to the future for heating Maine?

Maine News for Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Portland Press Herald
A contribution to evolution
Maine people and places played important roles int he heroic beginnings our our nation.

Assault by police led inmate to give up
Maine's corrections chief gives an account of the first hostage situation at the Warren prison since it opened in 2002.

Mainers won't see fireworks shortage
Professional producers say they had plenty in stock or traveled to China to ensure an ample supply.

Amid flashy fanfare, expanded Hollywood Slots opens
The $132 million gaming complex in Bangor has 1,000 slot machines.

Flippers inspire windmill innovation
Blades for fans and wind turbines are modeled after the anatomy of a humpback's appendages.

Editorial
Electric power policy interconnected, complex
A $1.9 billion proposal to build new transmission lines isn't the only pressing issue.

Bangor Daily News

Court rejects Christian school tuition subsidy
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
SWANS ISLAND, Maine - An appeal filed by a local couple hoping to get the town to pay for their children’s education at a Christian school in Trenton has been rejected by the state supreme court.

Maine's rank in technology index drops
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine has dropped six places in the national State Technology and Science Index compiled by the Milliken Institute, a complex report dubbed 'the gold standard' of such studies by Gov. John Baldacci four years ago.

State prison hostage details aired
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Monday evening’s tense hostage situation inside the Maine State Prison nearly came to a violent end, the state's corrections commissioner said Tuesday.

Katahdin mill switches to biomass
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine - The Katahdin Paper Co. LLC's Main Street mill 'took a major step toward profitability' by shutting down its oil burner and answering all steam needs with its biomass boiler, company officials said Tuesday.

New Bangor slots facility welcomes public on opening day
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - The long-awaited opening of Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway Tuesday got off to a brisk start with patrons beginning to arrive about 7:30 a.m., hours before the facility's 10 a.m. official opening.

Power line plan unveiled
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Two utility companies unveiled plans Tuesday for a $1.9 billion overhaul of Maine's electricity transmission lines aimed at bolstering reliability and encouraging large-scale wind power development in Aroostook County.

State can't afford antiviral medicine
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Maine is one of just two states that have not participated in a federal program which helps states purchase and store doses of the potent antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The prescription medications are widely seen as important pharmaceutical weapons against a predicted global outbreak of a deadly strain of influenza, but Maine's chief public health officer says there’s no money to purchase the drugs.

LNG settlement talks perhaps on horizon
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - A federal judge appeared Tuesday to be steering a federal lawsuit filed more than 2½ years ago against the Bureau of Indian Affairs by Passamaquoddys who oppose construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on tribal land through its final stages toward a possible settlement.

Rail rehabilitation project meeting resistance
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
ELLSWORTH, Maine - The Calais Branch Corridor Rehabilitation project has been up and running for more than a week but not everyone is giving two thumbs up in support.

Editorial

School smarts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A regional high school with students from Orono and Old Town and the involvement of the University of Maine has been talked about for at least 60 years. A group of mostly retired school officials and businesspeople has revived the idea. It is past time for this idea to get a much closer look.

Logic and short lobsters
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Everyone loves a good conspiracy. Consider the industry that has grown up around doubt over the official explanation of JFK's assassination or the 'evidence,' mostly on the Internet, that the United States destroyed the World Trade Center. But, when it comes to the state's former head warden caught with short lobsters, Occam's razor provides the most likely explanation.

Bob Meyers: Flimsy policies a threat to Maine woods
In the June 14 BDN, four authors penned an opinion piece titled 'Preserving Maine's North Woods.' The authors claimed that it is the 'new generation of large landowners' who are fighting hard against the Land Use Regulation Commission and its Comprehensive Land Use Plan review process. Much to the contrary, landowners in Maine's Unorganized Territory are fighting hard to protect the current land-use plan, one that is already working well for the majority of owners and users of the jurisdiction.

Santaguida claims he was "set up." Does something smell fishy here?
This week, the BDN's interactive feature, ClickBack, seeks comment from editorial page readers on the resignation of former Maine Warden Service head Tom Santaguida, the rise of wood pellets as a fuel, and the Maine economy.

July 2 Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal

Web Site not working properly

Sun Journal
Firewood elusive as people stock up
BRUNSWICK (AP) - Mainers who buy firewood are paying more as they stock up this summer and many are finding short supplies, as well.

License plate would aid animals
PORTLAND (AP) - There's an effort afoot to create vanity license plates to benefit Maine's cash-strapped Animal Welfare Program.

Maine utilities look to beef up power grid
PORTLAND - Two utilities on Tuesday proposed $1.9 billion worth of electric infrastructure improvements to ensure reliability of the existing power grid as well as to connect northern Maine to the New England power grid for the first time.

Priest who committed suicide laid to rest
AUGUSTA (AP) - A Roman Catholic priest who took his life after being informed that he would be suspended pending an investigation of his alleged sexual abuse of a minor 29 years ago has been laid to rest.

After police smashed glass, prison standoff quickly ended
PORTLAND - A state police tactical squad smashed through a plate-glass window with guns ready to fire to bring an end to a tense seven-hour standoff with a Maine State Prison inmate who was holding two hostages, officials said Tuesday.

Democrats to caucus at Naples Town Office
Democrats are expected to caucus at Naples Town Office next week to appoint a replacement nominee for the race for House District 101, which includes Casco, Naples and part of Poland.

Five unenrolled candidates seek Maine House seats
Democrats and Republicans won't be the only candidates vying to be state representatives on November election ballots.

Editorial
Snowe's right: Energy crisis demands plan
In his 2006 State of the Union address, George W. Bush formally acknowledged what many have said: We are addicted to oil. Two years later, we are going through the shudders and heaves of an addict in withdrawal.

Shocking lack of civility evident in U.S. politics
I have no idea when reverence fled these shores. That it did, however, seems obvious.

Letters
Nation needs oil, now
I am really confused how we get all those government officials, from the top down, who have no common sense. It must be the money that gets them in.

Don't trade safety for savings
With the rising price of gasoline, and no end in sight, many people are thinking of trading in their SUV or truck. I question if it is worth it.

MPBN
Protestors Criticize Proposed Bottled Water Deal

At a rally in Kennebunk, customers of the local water district today called for the district's board of trustees to reject a 30 year deal to sell water to Poland Spring. Dozens of people gathered outside the main street office of the district which serves Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells. Inside the building, water district board members were deciding whether to delay a vote on signing the agreement with Poland Spring's parent company, Nestle Waters North America. Keith McKeen reports.

Commissioner Says Hostage-Taking Situation was "Extremely Volatile"

It was business as usual today at the Maine State Prison after yesterday's seven hour standoff off between an inmate holding two hostages and a police tactical squad. That's the word from Corrections Commissioner Martin Magnusson. The Commisioner applauded the armed officers for freeing the hostages and subduing the inmate without serious injury or loss of life. Keith Mckeen reports.

PolitickerME
Progressive group backs Allen, Pingree

The pain in Maine falls mainly at the pump

Maine News for Tuesday, July 1, 2008

KJ, Press Herald, and Sentinel Sites not loading new stories

Google/AP
Group with Clinton connections ready to back Obama
"Ultimately, what I care about is putting a strong Democrat in the White House," said Phil Bartlett, a state senator from Maine who backed Clinton in the primary.

Bangor Daily News

Overdue pay for workers approved
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - Paychecks are on the way to employees at Red Shield Environmental LLC and RSE Pulp & Chemical LLC who have been waiting more than two weeks to be paid.

Health care group honors Sen. Collins
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has been named Legislator of the Year by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, a Washington, D.C., lobbying and advocacy organization.

Hollywood Slots opens doors for grand opening
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - With less than five hours to go before a charity event set Monday night, the early afternoon hours found dozens of employees at Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway vacuuming carpets, wiping smudges off glass and metal, touching up paint and setting up serving stations for hors d'oeuvres. INSIDE: Watch video

Newport: For couple, windmill a 'good idea'
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NEWPORT, Maine - High on a ridge in eastern Newport, a new wind turbine whirls silently on a 100-foot tower in John and Sue Burgess' front yard. It's the latest in alternative technology, imported from France, and its 9-foot blades make the Burgesses feel pretty good about their responsibility to the planet.

State's handling of short lobsters case questioned
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
How nine undersize lobsters and three dead lobsters ended up in Santaguida's tank and the role they played in his departure as colonel of the Maine Warden Service are as much a mystery to Tom Santaguida as they are to some of his acquaintances, several of whom have come to his defense.

Bradley residents consider seceding
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
BRADLEY, Maine - Fred Haverly, who lives in Bradley, has to drive about 20 miles through two other towns just to get to his town office.

Rockport: Clam Cove looking at role in war
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
ROCKPORT, Maine - A Revolutionary War site overlooking Clam Cove will be the focus of a presentation Thursday.

Owner of former Bangor Hardware Co. dies
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
BREWER, Maine - The man who sold power tools from his family's hardware store in Bangor and operated the water-powered sawmill for Living History Days at Leonard's Mills in Bradley has died.

Disaster assistance deadline approaching
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - The deadline is fast approaching for northern Maine residents and business owners to apply for disaster assistance to help in recovery from spring floods.

Fourth of July events planned across state
Tuesday, July 1, 2008

St. Albans: Tax increase unavoidable
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
ST. ALBANS, Maine - Expressing their regret but adding that they had no choice, the St. Albans selectmen set the tax rate Monday morning at 16.5 mills, a major increase from 13 mills, which had remained steady for five years.

Editorial

Sunrise Trail a safe bet
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Advocates for economic development in Washington County may have been skeptical 15 years ago when the idea of removing railroad ties and rails from the Ellsworth to Calais line was first proposed. Today, with diesel fuel at nearly $5 per gallon, it would seem reasonable to expect that skepticism to have turned to outrage.

Sweetheart loans taint Congress
Monday, June 30, 2008
Angelo Mozilo was already well known in financial circles as chief executive of the beleaguered Countrywide Financial Corp., the nation's largest mortgage lender and a major loser in the deepening credit crisis. He received $726 million in stock-options deals and compensation in 2007 when his company was losing $704 million.

Dr. Erik Steele: Apply (strong) pressure to heal health care woes
I have waited for a lot of things to explode in my lifetime - spray paint cans in a bonfire, cow pies with firecrackers in them, and my wife when I have lit her very long fuse one too many times, just to name a few. The thing I am still waiting to explode is the American public over the issue of rising health care costs.

July 1 Letters to the Editor

Sun Journal
Hostages released
Two people taken hostage by a knife-wielding former Lewiston man at the Maine State Prison in Warren were freed Monday night.

Deadline looms for disaster aid
AUGUSTA (AP) - The deadline is approaching for northern Maine residents and business owners to apply for disaster assistance in the recovery from spring floods.

Hoffman's petitions challenged
AUGUSTA - A spokeswoman said Monday the Maine Democratic Party had filed a Superior Court appeal, taking issue with Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and challenging the validity of independent Herbert Hoffman's petitions to be on the November ballot for U.S. Senate.

Red Cross sees rising demand
PORTLAND (AP) - Rising expenses and an increased demand for help from Mainers coping with disaster are creating financial challenges for the state's chapters of the American Red Cross.

Penobscot Nation hosts Maine powwow
INDIAN ISLAND (AP) - A weekend powwow that drew hundreds of community members and Indians from New England and Canada to this Penobscot River island near Old Town is expected to become an annual event.

MPBN
Hollywood Slots Set to Open New Larger Casino

Hollywood Slots at Bangor is set to open its new gambling facility on Tuesday, inviting the public to enjoy its 1000 slot machines, enormous buffet and live entertainment. The first of its kind in Maine and one of the state's largest developments in recent years, the racino is the result of three years of testing the gambling waters of Bangor. As Anne Ravana reports, parent company Penn National Gaming says it looks forward to crowds at tomorrow's grand opening, while gambling opponents remain skeptical.

Protestors Criticize Proposed Bottled Water Deal

At a rally in Kennebunk, customers of the local water district today called for the district's board of trustees to reject a 30 year deal to sell water to Poland Spring. Dozens of people gathered outside the main street office of the district which serves Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells. Inside the building, water district board members were deciding whether to delay a vote on signing the agreement with Poland Spring's parent company, Nestle Waters North America. Keith McKeen reports.

Slumping Economy Creates Municipal Excise Tax Shortfall

For many cities and towns across Maine, today marks the end of the fiscal year. And as Barbara Cariddi reports, the deadline finds a number of communities facing a shortfall in one important source of revenue closely tied to car sales -- excise taxes. Barbara Cariddi reports.

PolitickerME
Dems take Hoffman challenge to court

Prisoner voting activist holds two hostage

Supreme Court to decide between Innes, McLaughlin

Commission shrugs shoulders at alleged campaign code violations

More free press for Herb Hoffman

Maine News for Monday, June 30, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Bottled water industry faces growing opposition
Last week's decision in York County may be part of a national backlash.

Renovation program seeks energy efficiency
The program provides low-interest or forgivable loans to moderate- and low-income homeowners.

Editorials
High court's gun ruling well-crafted, responsible
By better defining the right to bear arms, the U.S. Supreme Court allows for a better debate.

Closing polling places does not have to limit voting
If the clerk's office is prepared for record turnout at the polls, the plan could work.

North Korea negotiations deliver a real diplomatic success
In his final months in office, President Bush is using tactics that he once rejected.

LEIGH DONALDSONHas Maine set a precedent on anti-war protests?
A unanimous verdict that freed six protesters of trespassing charges may show respect for dissent.

PAT JONES, Special to the Press HeraldMoosehead area deserves a break
Maine's coast has been greatly built up over the years, but why do the same to its forests?

Letters

Views differ on Democrats' role in current predicament

With dearth of real news, paper's slump no surprise

Bangor Daily News
Maine sees net job growth
Monday, June 30, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - While the unemployment rate is up and there seem to be daily headlines about businesses closing, Maine is still seeing net growth in the number of jobs throughout the state.

Bangor: Veterans receive July 4 parade honor
Monday, June 30, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - The Fourth of July Parade in Brewer and Bangor will indeed have honorary grand marshals, but it's safe to say they won't all be walking abreast.

Ex-warden's lobster error raises questions
Monday, June 30, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - A former state official who had fished for lobster most of his life and was so meticulous he wouldn't let anyone on his boat measure his catch for fear of a mistake, was caught in October with nine short lobsters.

Portland police chief to head Texas department
Monday, June 30, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine - Portland Police Chief Tim Burton has accepted a conditional offer to head the police department in the city of Odessa, Texas.

Restructured Red Shield likely to survive

Hollywood Slots unveils Dixmont artist's painting

Penobscots' powwow bears repeating

Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA City urged to accept credit cards
AUGUSTA -- Residents short on cash may soon be able to put their tax bills and other city charges on plastic, but that convenience would cost them even more than they're already paying.

SCHOOLS COMBINE KEY JOBS
As Steven Lavoie prepares to take charge of Hall-Dale High School, he is joining a growing group of public school administrators in the area who are assuming double duty.

Business, institutions squeeze for energy efficiency
Fred's Vending trucks are a common sight in Maine. Drivers are on the road every day, servicing vending machines, providing coffee and hot-chocolate supplies to businesses and filling up water coolers.

Editorial

We deserve to enjoy this July 4th holiday
We awake today to what will be a four-day work week for most people, and, truth be told, more like three-and-a-half days. By midday Thursday, most of us will be looking for an early slide into the long Fourth of July weekend, with nothing but thoughts of food, fun and fireworks on our minds.

Sun Journal

New business park proposed in Auburn
AUBURN - Easy access to the turnpike, an intermodal hub (where trucks and trains load and unload freight), the airport and the waiting-in-the-wings Foreign Trade Zone were incentive enough for the area's newest commercial park.

Red tide buoy network pays dividends
PORTLAND (AP) - Intensive monitoring and good luck may share the credit for Maine's ability so far to dodge the red-tide-caused economic damage sustained along the coast during the summer of 2005.

Police use Taser to end standoff
SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) - Police in South Portland say their use of a Taser immediately ended a standoff that had prompted a residential evacuation.

Editorial
On into the starry past of air travel
In their heyday, Lockheed Martin Super Constellation "Starliners" operated by Lufthansa could shuttle 30 people on the world's longest airplane ride: 23 hours and 19 minutes, from London to San Francisco.

Letters
Change = Democrats
Kathryn Skelton's article June 15 comparing salaries of state employees and other workers had one big flaw. Salaries for non-state workers, she acknowledged, included the pay earned by "part-time clam diggers."

MPBN
Protestors Criticize Proposed Bottled Water Deal

At a rally in Kennebunk, customers of the local water district today called for the district's board of trustees to reject a 30 year deal to sell water to Poland Spring. Dozens of people gathered outside the main street office of the district which serves Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells. Inside the building, water district board members were deciding whether to delay a vote on signing the agreement with Poland Spring's parent company, Nestle Waters North America. Keith McKeen reports.

Record Year Expected for Lyme Disease Cases in Maine

No corner of Maine is safe anymore from the threat of lyme disease: that's the opinion of health experts and scientists, who are expecting another record year of reported cases this year. Tom Porter has details.