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Maine News

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Maine News for Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Collins asks Allen to oppose TV ad
Election 2008: Allen says he's also been the target of negative ads aired by third parties.

State campgrounds notice change in habits
Gas prices don't stop people from camping, they're just doing it differently, owners say.

Air base set for last show
The Navy's Blue Angels, the Army's Golden Knights and other daredevils will pull out all the stops for the last extravaganza aat BNAS.

Workplaces, partisan politics don't mix
Employees and managers have to consider what's appropriate to discuss.

Amid farm fields, machine guns get a workout
A farmer in North Anson frees up a secluded area so Maine soldiers can train for potential combat.

A few key staffers leave as governor enters final years
Top officials often look for other jobs at this stage, observers say.

On first day, distractions
Hurricane concerns, Palin revelations grab the spotlight

Editorials
McCain makes a bold choice for his ticket
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could give the GOP an edge, but her inexperience will be an issue.

Housing market woes will work themselves out
Consumers able to sit tight can do just that and have confidence that values will rebound.

RON BANCROFTWhat's behind those 'card-check' ads? Unions want a leg up
The change a new law would make would turn what is now a private process into a public one.

Bangor Daily News
GOP convention all business, in anticipation of hurricane
ST. PAUL — The Republican National Convention convened Monday, but the short official session was all business. Maine delegates attending the

Unions: Mill deal pending
MILLINOCKET, Maine — The Katahdin Avenue paper mill, which was due to cease

Collins, Allen battle over 3rd-party ads
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s U.S. Senate candidates, Tom Allen and Susan Collins, are sparring over a new series of campaign ads aired by a

School enrollment expected to decline to below 190,000
AUGUSTA, Maine — Public school enrollment in the United States will hit an all-time high this fall with nearly 50 million students, but in Maine

Editorial
Still no Exit Plan
Spending secret security agreement with Iraq is so full of conditions, uncertainties and disagreements that it is impossible to know what it means

Mike Michaud: Obama-Biden a ticket that Mainers should support
There have been some major developments in the presidential race recently

Kennebec Journal
High gas prices are having an impact, but vacationers are still spending time in Maine
With gas prices on the rise, the age-old tradition of piling into a motor home for a road-trip has seen better days.

Station's new format not pleasing to everyone Switch to all-sports on WLOB has many missing the voices of Fox Morning News hosts
Rep. Thomas Saviello didn't always agree with the opinions of WLOB Fox Morning News hosts Ray Richardson and Ted Talbot.

Baldacci to be surrounded by new faces
Gov. John Baldacci will enter his last two years in office with a slightly altered staff lineup.

Editorials:

McCain pick of political newbie a bit dicey
President of what? A college? A trade association? A community group?DAVID B. OFFER :

Obama's listeners heard about the power of dreams
Barack Obama delivered a powerful speech to the Democratic convention and -- more importantly -- the nation Thursday night.

Letters

Moderate Republicans can't moderate GOP
Maine's Republican-owned media continues to softball Sen. Susan Collins. If Maine wanted a senator completely independent of party we should have elected an Angus King.

Bicycle users should share cost of road maintenance
Now that by law we share the roads with bicycles, maybe it's time that bicycle users share the cost of maintenance with us.

College presidents should fight binge drinking
On college presidents and reducing the drinking age -- Some college presidents have identified the law about when you can drink legally as "part of the problem."

Sun Journal

Maine candidates spar over ads
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine's U.S. Senate candidates, Tom Allen and Susan Collins, are sparring over a new series of campaign ads aired by a third party.

Navy base to host last air show
BRUNSWICK (AP) - The Navy's Blue Angels will roar overhead in a demonstration of jet-powered precision flying. Other nationally acclaimed stunt pilots will perform daring rolling and tumbling acrobatics, and a couple will engage in mock dogfights.

Maine delegation: Response appropriate
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Maine delegation leaders say canceling highlights to the Republican National Convention was an appropriate response given the threat to the Gulf Coast posed by Hurricane Gustav.

Gustav, Palin issues buffet GOP convention
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republicans, determined to propel John McCain to the White House, opened their storm-shortened national convention on Monday amid distractions involving running mate Sarah Palin. Police made more than 250 arrests in the surrounding streets as anti-war protests turned violent.

Editorial
Fault the law, not the schools
The annual troubles of the Lewiston school system's diversity and the strict standards of No Child Left Behind are growing worse. This year, four schools failed to make "adequate yearly progress," which some consider equal to a "failing school."

State leads efforts to protect workers
Rising unemployment, home foreclosures, unaffordable fuel and heating oil: these tidings of our nation's economic downturn under the Bush administration's failed policies were hardly cause for celebration this Labor Day. However, when misfortune becomes the common thread of a people, their solidarity can unravel policies that have put them at a disadvantage and failed the common good. This solidarity is central to the history of Labor Day and to Maine's commitment to empower and protect the rights of our workforce.

End of summer means real campaign begins
It's hard to be a hero in America. John Kerry learned that the hard way. He returned from the war in Vietnam, decorated by his grateful country, and turned on the men he had left behind, accusing them of crimes and atrocities. Years later, after he "reported for duty" as the nominee of his party, he was "Swift-boated" by men with whom he had served. Turnabout may or may not have been fair play, but it was enough to sink Kerry's boat.

MPBN
Maine Delegation Reacts to Suspension of Convention
GOP nominee John McCain yesterday announced that all but essential business would be suspended on Monday, the convention’s opening day. The address scheduled by President Bush has been cancelled, as has an appearance by Vice President Dick Cheney. It appears to be the first time a natural disaster has disrupted a national political convention. The Democratic National Committee is also changing its plans, announcing Sunday evening that it's daily media briefing scheduled for Monday has been cancelled. Republican leaders in Maine have been working on convention planning for two years. Barbara Cariddi is in Minneapolis and she caught up with the state’s GOP chair Mark Ellis, and delegation chair Josh Tardy Sunday, shortly after McCain’s announcement.

PolitickerME

Maine GOP hopes to recoup 2006 losses
Posted by at

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Maine News for Thursday, August 28, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Allen urges change for next generations
The congressman from Maine is among four U.S. Senate candidates to address the convention.

Mental health crises defy police protocol
The Michael Norton case focuses attention on how police and hospitals respond to those who are suicidal.

Dechaine seeking new trial based on new DNA standard
A 2006 change in the law makes technological advances a basis for requesting a new trial.

Obama, Biden trumpet change on historic night
Reaching unprecedented ground – by acclamation – Obama and his running mate say it’s time to 'take back America.'

Blethen, Maine group end exclusive talks
Both sides say they still hope to come to terms on a sale, but other parties may now make offers for the newspapers.

Bloggers getting down to business
Companies large and small find that blogging can be a good way to do free marketing and connect with customers.

Editorial
Shift at agency doesn't change AIDS threat
Changing treatments led to the closing of Peabody House, but the epidemic remains.

DONALD A. GRANTBurying spent nuclear fuel would waste a resource worth billions
Recycling it instead would conserve energy, avoid more mining and help keep power plants going.

Letters
If McCain can't count houses, how can he be counted on?

Bangor Daily News
Grandson inspires Allen’s convention speech
DENVER — U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen of Maine addressed the Democratic

Maine Internet speed increases, but U.S. lags
AUGUSTA, Maine — Over the past year, the speed of Internet access has

Mobile clinic for vets coming
Maine is among a half-dozen states selected to take part in a federal program

Union boss ‘Tired of being lied to’
MILLINOCKET, Maine — Multibillion dollar conglomerate Brookfield Asset

Maine Labor council decries union voting ads
BREWER, Maine — Calling them outright lies, officials from some of the region’s labor unions took aim Wednesday at a barrage of recent campaign advertisements claiming that the Employee Free Choice Act would take away workers’ right to a private ballot.

Collins campaign video released on Web site
BANGOR, Maine — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins released a re-election campaign video on her Web site Wednesday evening at about the same time her opponent, Rep. Tom Allen, was speaking at the National Democratic Convention in Denver.

Firm poised to open waste-to-energy plant
BAILEYVILLE, Maine — Baetal Corp. of Kennebunk is poised to open operations

Editorial
Save the American Dream
Preserving Frannie Mae and Freddy Mac is among the most important challenges that face this country.

Kennebec Journal

Maine Dems tout value of Tom Allen speech
U.S. Rep. Tom Allen invoked the future of his newborn grandson as he exhorted Democrats at the party's national convention in Denver to help improve the country for the benefit of succeeding generations.

Group ends negotiating status with Maine papers Maine Media principals say talks continue with Blethen Maine Newspapers' owners
Blethen Maine Newspapers and the investment group seeking to buy the company's properties have ended an agreement that gave the group exclusive negotiating rights.

ARSENIC STUDY IN SCHOOLS
Researchers are recruiting a new set of students from five Augusta-area towns to participate in a study evaluating what -- if any -- effect arsenic has on children's intellectual development.

Editorials:

Fishing line nearly silences one loon's song
But for the efforts of some goodhearted citizens on North Pond, the song of one lone loon was almost stilled this week.

THEODORA J. KALIKOW : The approaching winter will be our Hurricane Katrina
I didn't think I would be discussing energy anytime soon, since I just wrote a column about the issue. But then three things made me write more.

BUDDY DOYLE OF GARDINER : New administration must lead nation back to its finest values
The pre-eminent role of our government today should be to re-invent itself. There exists no confidence in government to accomplish much of anything. Witness Congress, currently vacationing. The solutions to our pressing issues -- the economy, global squabbling, employment, health care -- are futile if we fail to diffuse the bitterness and division. That's Job No. 1.

PAUL R. LEPAGE : Voters must elect strong leaders who will solve nation's problems
What should candidates be talking to us about this election?

Letters

American Dream not just for people earning $5M
I am hoping that the young adults of the U.S.A. think clearer than their older peers did during the last two elections, and they will vote for America.

'In my opinion,' McCain better suited to presidency
I thought this was an opinion page. I have sent you two letters expressing my opinion about Barack Obama and you won't print them because of unverifiable allegations. I didn't write anything that hasn't already been said on the Internet or TV or even in the newspapers.

Nader would discuss serious, important issues
It's fashionable once again for disgruntled Democrats to ridicule Ralph Nader's candidacy for president. The Kennebec Journal has weighed in with an especially vitriolic editorial (Aug. 18), accusing him of abusing the voters and making a mockery of the electoral process.


Sun Journal
Workshop eyes ways to weather winter
JAY - Legislative concern that people will have a hard time finding the resources to keep their homes heated this winter prompted an energy conservation workshop Wednesday at Jay High School.

 After 22 years in mill, it's a shock
LIVERMORE FALLS - Kenny Smith didn't expect to be on the layoff list at the Wausau Paper mill after 22 years with the company.

During roll call, Maine delegation favors Obama, but 8 vote for Clinton
Maine's delegation gave 24 votes to Barack Obama and 8 votes to Hillary Clinton as the presidential nomination roll call was held at the Democratic National Convention.

Former mayor sues over MERC stench
SACO (AP) - Former Saco Mayor Mark Johnston is suing Maine Energy Recovery Co. over odors emitted from the trash-to-energy incinerator across the border in Biddeford.

 Maine lawmakers endorse Obama
AUGUSTA (AP) - Present and former leaders of the Maine Legislature are pledging their support for Barack Obama, who will become the Democrats' nominee for president this week.

Maine attorney general warns of Visa scam
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine's attorney general is alerting people about a scam in which people receive phone messages warning that they've reached the credit limit on their Visa cards.

No injuries reported at BIW fire
BATH (AP) - Officials say no one was hurt when a fire broke out on the roof of a building at Bath Iron Works.

Editorial
Getting a chill from the Almanac
On its Web site, the Farmers' Almanac keeps a running tally of when its predictions have turned into realities:

Biden's record suggests discord with Obama
DENVER - In selecting Sen. Joseph Biden as his running mate, Barack Obama gains some needed foreign policy expertise, but loses some credibility. If Washington is as bad as these two say it is, was Biden a contributor or an enabler during his six Senate terms? If 36 years in the Senate doesn't make you an "insider" and part of the problem, what does?

Letters
Defending unions?
I was struck with total disbelief when I saw the anti-union, anti-Allen ads being run so frequently on local television. Was I really being told that the Republicans and Sen. Susan Collins were defending unions? Surely everyone remembers the Reagan union-busting and the Republican anti-union positions of the last century. Was this a new, changed stance?

MPBN
Former Saco Mayor Sues MERC Over Foul Odor
The former mayor of Saco wants to eliminate the stench that he says has been plaguing residents of Saco and Biddeford for decades. Mark Johnston has filed suit in York County Superior Court against the Maine Energy Recovery Company and its downtown Biddeford trash incinerator for being a habitual nuisance under Maine law. The company has a 24-hour-a-day hotline to respond to odor complaints, but, as Keith McKeen reports, some local residents say that's not enough.

Program For Cancer Prevention Fails For Lack of Funding
A last-ditch effort by the 123rd Legislature to launch a cancer prevention program has failed after lawmakers were unable to find a source of funding to get the project off the ground. However, the goal of raising awareness and providing improved cancer screening will continue in the next legislative session, according to one lawmaker who wants to remove Maine from its ranking as the state with the highest per capita cancer rate in the nation. As A.J. Higgins reports, proponents of the plan insist the state must make cancer prevention a priority.

Labor Leader Blasts Anti-Union Ad Campaign
As most Maine television viewers, radio listeners and newspaper readers know, an intense advertising campaign is underway to draw opposition to the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act". The ads depict union bosses bullying workers and imply the act would take away workers' right to private ballot elections. The Eastern Maine Labor Council is speaking out against the ads, claiming they are the product of a corporate campaign aimed at keeping workers from unionizing and having any say in workplace decisions.

PolitickerME
Allen: We need change for the next generation
Posted by at

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Maine News for Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Portland Press Herald
TV ad aims for repeal of Dirigo beverage tax
Taxing soda, flavored water, beer and wine isn't the way to fund a health program, a business coalition says.

City may make smokers wait till later to light up
Portland's proposal would restrict the hours when smoking is allowed on outdoor restaurant patios.

Maine delegates pitch unity at convention, see more to be done
They cite the wisdom of having both Clintons speak at the gathering.

It 'must be' Obama
Hillary Clinton urges her reluctant supporters to unite behind her onetime rival for president.

For bankruptcy filers, catching up can take decades
A study finds the fresh start comes with a price: many years of trailing their counterparts financially.

Katahdin's Millinocket mill to close about Sept. 2

Editorial
Old slur shouldn't be new name in Scarborough
The town got rid of an offensive nickname for its school sports teams for good reason.

Protesters have a right to be heard, but not to disrupt
A designated protest zone at the Democratic National Convention may be too far away.

CHARLES PRIESTTroops can see Obama's the candidate who supports them better
The Democratic candidate's proposals do more for active-duty service members and vets.

Letters
Obama can and will bring change

Are we all supposed to pay for everything for everyone?

Bangor Daily News
Panel: Election funds misused
AUGUSTA, Maine — A Princeton man running as an independent candidate for the

Updated 8:42AM
Maine assisted living benefits cut
AUGUSTA, Maine — State funding cuts that affect about 120 assisted living

Katahdin mill to shut down Sept. 2
MILLINOCKET — The Katahdin Paper Co. LLC mill will be shutting down

Feds start probe into park ranger brutality claim
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK — The National Park Service has begun its investigation

Editorial
Nomination Failure Lawmakers shortchanged the public last week by quickly dismissing two qualified

How Old Is Old Enough?
Vehicle crashes are the top killer of teens and young adults. Raising the driving age to 21 and launching new drivers by simply handing them the keys without prior

Pat LaMarche: Feminists: get used to ‘biden’ your tongues Some day I am going to publish my own dictionary. It’s going to have words

Kennebec Journal
OPENING SALVO: Maine beverage tax foes hit airwaves
Fed Up With Taxes group takes swing at new law with TV ad for Question 1

Study: Mainers lost out during recent recovery
AUGUSTA -- Mainers were more likely to be poor last year than when the last recession bottomed out in 2001, according to Census Bureau data released Tuesday.

GARDINER: Business park growth hailed
GARDINER -- City officials on Thursday will celebrate the expansion of Libby Hill Business Park with a ground-breaking ceremony.

State, breeder spar over kennel search
WISCASSET -- A judge has yet to rule if a search warrant executed in January at a Somerville woman's home -- resulting in the seizure of 66 animals -- was supported by enough evidence.

On Maine Politics
Beverage tax foes air ad

Editorials:

School merger progress wends slowly forward
As school officials continue to make swerving progress through the state-mandated consolidation process, one thing's become increasingly clear: Maine's small towns love their local schools, believe in them in many cases and don't want to lose them.

GEORGE SMITH : TV ads make trivial issues important and vice versa
Bet you wish Maine voted in September, as we did back in the day when we could brag, "As Maine goes, so goes the nation."

ALEC CAMPBELL : Valid arguments for legal drinking age to be 18
Legal drinking ages are formally set by individual states but the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 penalizes states with drinking ages lower than 21 by reducing their federal highway appropriations. This has effectively made 21 the national drinking age.

Letters to the Editor:

It's not good looks, but good brains we need
In regards to the letter from Frank Slason of Somerville, "Obama has one quality that will get him elected," (Aug. 13), I know lots of people say I will do this to help the American people -- but, it is only words no action, to get in the big white house and make sure he has a home for at least four years. But food and heat for us in Maine are out of reach.

Genetically engineered food part of larger plan
Many of us oppose genetically engineered foods. Looking beyond the official corporate and government press releases, studies show major decreases in health where these foods have been allowed on the market, increased food allergies, a dramatic increase in pesticide and herbicide use, sickness and death in lab animals, destruction of small farm agriculture, as well as new diseases like Morgellon's Disease.

'People's charter' work protects public petitions
The 2008 Augusta Charter Commission has completed its review.

Richmond tax shift will destroy rural character
The town of Richmond has recently re-valued its properties and, for some reason, the selectmen/assessors/overseers have decided to place a high proportionate value on rural open land.

Sun Journal
Maine delegates push party unity
Prominent Mainers attending the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday played down questions of party unity as delegates waited to see how long it takes for Hillary Rodham Clinton delegates and supporters to get behind presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Candidate to repay money
AUGUSTA (AP) - A Maine Senate candidate has been ordered to repay $2,000 to the Maine Clean Election Act fund for purchases made with public money.

No charges in assault over cell bill
PORTLAND (AP) - Prosecutors have decided against pursuing criminal charges against a Maine lawyer who flew into a rage and spanked his 20-year-old daughter in part over a $5,000 cell phone bill.

Millinocket mill closing next week
MILLINOCKET (AP) - Maine elected leaders say the Katahdin Paper mill in Millinocket will be closing its doors on or around Sept. 2. The mill previously set a July 28 shut-down date, but later said that date would be pushed back.

Buoy network has funding shortfall
PORTLAND (AP) - A network of weather buoys that gives weather forecasters, scientists and mariners detailed information about conditions from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia is in jeopardy because of a funding shortfall.

Cuts sting assisted living facilities
The state has slashed the money it pays to assisted living facilities to hold beds for residents who are in the hospital or away getting rehab. And when residents leave for reasons that aren't medical - say to visit family for a week - the state won't pay to hold their bed at all.

MPBN
Dechaine To Seek New Trial Based On DNA Evidence
The attorney for Maine's most famous child murderer says he plans to file a motion this week asking for a new trial. Steve Peterson says he'll make the request on behalf of Dennis Dechaine who is serving a life sentence for the 1988 murder of 12-year-old Sara Cherry. As Susan Sharon reports, under a new post-conviction statute in Maine...Dechaine and other prisoners who want to introduce DNA evidence that they think could exonerate them must do so by the beginning of next week.

UMaine To Host Conference On HIV/AIDS In People Over 50
Next month the University of Maine School of Social Work will host a conference on HIV and AIDs in the older adult population. According to the organizers of the event, within the next decade, about half of U.S. residents with HIV/AIDS will be over 50. Anne Ravana reports on what the state views as an urgent need to get people in that demographic tested for the virus.

Maine Schools Turn To Zipcar Program
Bowdoin College is the latest Maine school to sign on to the ZipCar sharing service this year. The Brunswick institution joins, Colby and the University of New England in following the lead of Bates College which adopted Zipcar last year. The company bills its service as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the challenges of having a car on campus, Keith McKeen reports.

PolitickerME
Dean: Susan Collins = Lincoln Chafee

AFL-CIO Blasts Collins
It’s no surprise the Allen/Collins race is getting bloody and starting early.

Baldacci: Ditch the caucuses

Michaud talks taxes, Senate race at delegate breakfast
Posted by at

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Maine News for Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Portland Press Herald
NOAA unveils rule to protect right whales
The regulation includes a large-vessel speed limit of 10 knots in designated waters off the East Coast.

WMTW decides not to air entire video
The fatal confrontation is too graphic to be shown to viewers, the station says.

Stripers really are the ones that got away this year
The bass lingered south of Maine, frustrating fishermen who yearly spend up to $30 million here.

Kennedy: Hope rises again
The ailing senator and the candidate's wife, Michelle, open the convention with a call for change – Obama.

Clean Election candidate ordered to repay $2,000
A truck cap, roof rack and GPS are deemed personal, not campaign-related.

Northeast homes sales dismal
In Maine, out-of-state buyers are sparse, locals are worrying about oil, and foreclosure filings double.

Wausau Paper to eliminate 150 jobs in Maine

Editorial
Choice of Biden doesn’t help, hurt Obama much
A known entity, Biden will appeal to blue-collar Democrats but may say something to regret.

JONATHAN BEAL'Card-check' a necessary defense against union-busting, bullying bosses
The opposition to it by corporate voices makes sense, once you see it takes away their power.

Letters
Collins voiced views of many

Maine seat belt, helmet laws make no sense whatsoever

Bangor Daily News
Maine Dems gather in Colo.
DENVER — The state’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention being held here this week arrived over the weekend and prepared for one of the most highly anticipated Democratic conventions in recent memory.

Cashman: Reading a priority at PUC
AUGUSTA, Maine — Within minutes of his swearing-in ceremony last week, Jack Cashman was on the job as the third member of the state Public Utilities Commission. “I have a lot of reading to do, a lot of reading,” he said in an interview. “There are a tremendous number of important issues before the PUC.”

Allen slated to speak at convention
DENVER, Maine — Rep. Tom Allen, who is challenging Sen. Susan Collins for her

LIHEAP inquiries flooding agency
ELLSWORTH, Maine — Anyone calling the Washington Hancock Community Agency

Editorial
Dissecting Biden
The choice of longtime Sen. Joe Biden as Sen. Barack Obama’s running mate sends a wide range of signals. Whether those signals harmonize with or …

ClickBack on Folk Fest
This week, ClickBack focuses on the American Folk Festival, presidential politics and tidal power.

Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA Developer seeks tax break
AUGUSTA -- A proposed 20-year deal discussed by the City Council Monday would give the developer of the Central Maine Commerce Center a tax break worth $56,000 or more a year while giving the city several road improvements, new jobs and a development that might not happen otherwise.

SENATE HOPEFUL COMES 'CLEAN'
AUGUSTA -- The state ethics commission voted Monday to require a state Senate candidate to reimburse the Maine Clean Election Act fund more than $2,000 for a series of purchases made using public money.

Independent, former Democrat, rallying Mainers for McCain
AUGUSTA -- Rep. Tom Saviello stood on the Statehouse steps Monday to say he's leading a new group called Maine Citizens for McCain.

New students welcomed in their first day at UMA
AUGUSTA -- Addison Lewis is not your typical first-year college student.

Dems in Denver
Denver arrival

On Maine Politics
News from Collins, Dobson, Saviello

Editorials:

Biden won't help with votes, but his bite's an asset
A presidential candidate's selection of a running mate is supposed to tell us something about the candidate.

CRAIG HICKMAN OF WINTHROP : Bad cold not the best way to start Democratic convention
Editor's note: The writer submitted this column on Monday morning, before the convention actually began.

DAVID B. OFFER : Air Force generals get cushy digs 'befitting their rank'
The next time you squeeze into a airplane's seat with about two inches of legroom, sit back (if you can) and wish you were an Air Force general.

Sun Journal
Energy workshop set for Jay
JAY - People are invited to an energy conservation workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Jay High School library.

Otis mill to cut jobs
JAY - Citing the price of oil and other rising costs, Wausau Paper announced Monday that it would permanently shut down one of its two Otis mill paper machines by the end of the year and lay off approximately 146 of the mill's 235 workers.

Jay assessing weighs mill shutdown's effect on tax rate
JAY - Town Manager Ruth Marden told selectmen Monday she would know more Tuesday about the impact on the tax base when Wausau Paper permanently shuts down one of its two paper machines this fall.

Collins kicks off campaign bus tour
BANGOR (AP) - Sen. Susan Collins' campaign has hit the road on a bus tour that will take her across all parts of Maine in the weeks ahead.

Saviello heads state 'Citizens for McCain'
AUGUSTA - State Rep. Tom Saviello, U-Wilton, announced Monday that he is chairing Citizens for McCain campaign in Maine, part of a national effort to attract support among Democrats and Independents for U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Editorial
Bethel has misread law on drug seizures
The ability to seize assets of drug traffickers is lucrative for police, justified by the simple, eye-for-an-eye principle of using forfeited drug proceeds to support drug investigations.

Gender had little to do with Clinton's defeat
There's nothing mellow about Hillary Clinton. She's the greatest polarizer since Richard Nixon. Her defenders are fierce, her detractors ferocious. It's not because she's a woman that she's "the might have been" as Democrats hold their convention in Denver, it's because of the kind of woman she is.

Letters
Keeping the peace
All voting should be private.

Based on research?
One hundred college presidents support lowering the legal age for drinking to 18 "based on research."

MPBN
Funding Cutback Hits Assisted Living Facilities
About 120 assisted living facilities that care for 4,000 needy Mainers are preparing for an uncertain financial future as they absorb yet another state funding cutback. The money was formerly paid to living center operators to ensure that residents who require hospitalization for an extended period of time would not lose their nursing home beds. The reimbursement from the state Department of Health and Human Services ended August 1st and presents a new obstacle for the care providers who are already coping with skyrocketing food and fuel costs.

Maine Convention Delegates Focus on Unity
The Democratic National Convention opened officially today in Denver, Colorado. Gathering for breakfast this morning at their downtown hotel were Maine's 31 delegates and super-delegates--some of whom are still pledged to Senator Hillary Clinton. Despite that, the delegates aren't focusing on rifts--they're talking about unity. From Denver, Barbara Cariddi has this report.

School Lunch Prices to Rise
With students returning to school next week, the state today released income guidelines for the reduced-price and free student meal programs. Given the nation's troubled economy, Maine public schools anticipate an increase in parents applying for the programs on behalf of their children. And with rising food costs, the prices of meals are on the rise. Many schools are hoping teachers and students who buy breakfast and lunch won't mind paying a bit more this year, and that the federally-assisted school meal program will keep up with the rising costs.

Maine Climatologist Heading For the Arctic Circle
While many Mainers are trying to get the most out of the all-too-brief summer we have up here in Northern New England, one Maine-based scientist has chosen to spend a month at one of the coldest places on earth. Dr Paty Matrai from the Bigelow Laboratories in West Boothbay is currently aboard the ice-breaker Oden, leading an international climate study team - and avoiding polar bears! She took time out of her busy schedule earlier today to talk with Tom Porter via satellite phone about the expedition.

PolitickerME
Maine delegation: First gathering
Posted by at

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Maine News for Thursday, August 21, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Panel eyes ways to help Mainers stay warm
State House: Lawmakers examine options such as energy audits, changes in regulations and more aid.

Maine Senate OKs Baldacci's nominees

Governor withdraws pesticides nominee
The decision follows a committee's rejection of Deborah Aldridge, an organic blueberry grower.

Unionization bill gets high profile in state
Election 2008: Sides form over a labor measure to let employees form a union without secret-ballot votes.

Opponents hoping to sink Saco's shark tournament
The Humane Society calls such events cruel and wasteful, but local organizers cite the benefits, including fundraising.

Editorial
Voting system flaws hurt where it counts
Eight years after the debacle in Florida, doubts remain at American polling places.

Lower drinking age a solution only for colleges
Some higher education leaders want to push this problem off their campuses.

Letters
Stories with Internet links useless without computers

Bangor Daily News
Bangor: Hollywood Slots celebrates hotel grand opening
Thursday, August 21, 2008
BANGOR, Maine - Hollywood Slots on Wednesday unveiled the final component of its $132 million-plus gambling and entertainment complex.

Quebec onstage: Folk fest to spotlight our northern neighbor
Thursday, August 21, 2008
This year, thousands of tourists have flooded Quebec City as it celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding. Can't make it to Quebec this year? Don't worry. The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is bringing a bit of Quebec to you when Bangor's summer event opens this Friday.

Ex-Mainer pleads not guilty to Bush, Obama threat
Thursday, August 21, 2008
MIAMI - A man formerly from Maine who authorities said kept an arsenal of weaponry and military gear pleaded not guilty Wednesday to threatening to assassinate both President Bush and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Wet summer weather boosts Maine's wild blueberry crop
Thursday, August 21, 2008
ELLSWORTH, Maine - The stretch of wet weather this summer may have put a damper on a few vacation plans, but it has boosted the prospects for the state's wild blueberry crop.

Northern Maine cancer rate studied
Thursday, August 21, 2008
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick - A medical researcher from Maine is in New Brunswick this week hunting for clues about why people living in counties along the border have higher than average rates of cancer.

'Grandfamily' summit focus on law, kinship
Thursday, August 21, 2008
There are about 11,000 children in Maine being raised by family members other than their parents - aunts and uncles, grandparents, older siblings and others.

Gambling board lifts gaming expansion hiatus
Thursday, August 21, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine- Noting that everyone was ignoring it anyway, the Maine Gambling Control Board has opted not to extend its request for an intermission before any more casino-style gambling venues are authorized.

Lincoln wind farm gets mixed reviews
Thursday, August 21, 2008
LINCOLN, Maine - Al Roy gets a lovely view of the sun rising over Rollins Mountain and glinting off Egg Pond. So do fellow Egg Pond Road residents Harry Washburn and Donald Smith.

Old Town: Red Shield financing delayed
Thursday, August 21, 2008
OLD TOWN, Maine - Employees at Red Shield Environmental will have to wait until September to learn the fate of the mill that they were hoping would be restarted by the end of this month.
Editorial
Weatherization Day
Thursday, August 21, 2008
With heightened concern over expected high heating bills this winter, many have looked to government for solutions. While increased funding from Washington for LIHEAP and state support for energy efficiency is important, community groups and individuals can step in now to help.

Unnecessary ESA Re-write
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Endangered Species Act has rightly been criticized for being slow and cumbersome. Eliminating a key provision of the act - which requires agencies that promote development, such as the Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Reclamation, to consult with agencies charged with protecting wildlife - is not the solution.

August 21 Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal
SEEKING WINTER AID
AUGUSTA -- Lawmakers serving on a special panel on energy issues met for the first time Wednesday to talk about what the state can do to help thousands of people heat their homes this winter.

Community leaders to meet today on heating
AUGUSTA -- Social service groups, local government officials and oil fuel dealers will convene today to target issues that could affect Maine residents when the bitter winter months set in.

Focus on union voting method
Legislation that would allow organizers to unionize workplaces without secret-ballot elections has the potential to significantly shift the balance of power in the workplace, a fact being highlighted in Maine this summer by television ads and other marketing initiatives.

CHELSEA Town to mull new school
CHELSEA -- An initiative to erect a new building to house Chelsea Elementary School advances to its next step early next week.

Organic farmer shot down as board choice
Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of an organic blueberry grower to the Board of Pesticides Control after intense lobbying against her by groups that represent conventional farmers.

Allen postpones, Dems gear up for convention

Editorials:

Agencies, groups mobilize forces on energy front
It's going to take a lot of work to help Mainers cope with high energy prices.

LIZ SOARES OF AUGUSTA : Car-free days help you help environment
I was going to write an entire column detailing how I spent a car-free day, but I realized that would be too boring.

GORDON L. WEIL, A CONSULTANT, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR : Political conventions are scripted, boring ... maybe
The 2008 Democratic National Convention may achieve something that for more than a quarter of a century has been lacking in such gatherings.

Letters

Ammons' departure from paper 'a terrible loss'
I was very disappointed to read in this morning's newspaper (Aug. 12) that Patty Ammons was leaving the paper. What a terrible loss this will be to her many readers.

U.S. needs to return to sound monetary system
The American people were given a bill of goods by the international bankers. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 created a central private bank, the sole purpose of which was to destroy the dollar that was once backed by gold and silver.

Democrats should make national debt major issue
The Democratic party has an opportunity to become the party of fiscal responsibility, taking from Republicans a perception that contributed greatly to the election of Ronald Reagan.

Sun Journal

Panel opens review of Maine energy issues
AUGUSTA (AP) - House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, convening a new legislative task force, isn't ruling out action by the lame-duck Legislature on heat and energy issues later this year.

Governors, premiers to meet
BAR HARBOR (AP) - Maine will be the host when New England governors and premiers from eastern Canada meet next month to talk about energy, transportation and economic development.

Barge strikes bridge, but no major damage
SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) - A barge that was being towed out of Portland Harbor struck the Casco Bay Bridge on Wednesday. No injuries were reported and the Coast Guard said there appeared to be no major damage.

Rating cardiac care in Maine State's hospitals fall within range of national average
Nearly everyone gave an aspirin to patients coming through the door with a heart attack. Were they sent home with instructions on how to take care of themselves? Not always.

Editorial
Passengers are a costly proposition
The Lewiston and Auburn city councils have approved $20,000 to study whether passenger flights should fly from A-L airport.

Debate reminds faith should be in God, not government
The "civil forum" featuring presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain may not have been as exciting as Michael Phelps winning his eighth Olympic gold medal, but it was civil and it was a forum from which emerged useful information.

Letters
Beware Obama
His father and grandfather were both born in the Muslim faith. He was enrolled in a public school and called the prayer by the imam, according to a column by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times, "one of the most beautiful sounds at sunset."

College knowledge
After reading the article on Aug. 19 stating college presidents say lowering the drinking age could help, I couldn't even finish reading the paper without stopping to write this letter while the details were fresh in my mind.


MPBN
OTB Facility Being Investigated
All bets could be off for a Waterville off-track betting facility which is under investigation by the Maine State Harness Racing Commission for alleged unidentified violations of its OTB license. The commission has scheduled a hearing next month to determine whether Autotote, a subsidiary of Scientific Games, is properly licensed as an OTB at John Martin's Manor and in compliance with any associated requirements involving the serving of food and alcohol. Pending their findings, commissioners could suspend or even revoke the facility's OTB license.

Anti-Plastic Bottle Campaign Launched in Portland
"Take Back The Tap" is the name of a new initiative aimed at convincing the public to drink more tap water and less from plastic bottles. In Portland, the anti-bottle campaign comes on the heels of a city council resolution urging the state's congressional delegation to support a federal clean water trust fund to insure that municipalities have clean, safe tap water. But the fledgling pro-tap water campaign goes a step further. It urges local restaurants to take bottled water off their menus. Keith McKeen reports.

Task Force Developing Energy Plan
A special legislative task force formed to develop a plan to help Mainers with heating costs this winter met at the State House today to gather information on the resources available through state agencies and what they may be lacking. As Anne Ravana reports, House and Senate leaders are still in the very early stages of putting together a bipartisan plan to help Mainers get through what promises to be a very expensive -- if not disastrous -- heating season.

PolitickerME
Breaking: Allen to address Democratic National Convention

Hoffman decision denied by U.S. Justice Souter

McKane considers year-round daylight savings for state

Senate coasts through nomination process

Ellsworth American
Here Comes the Sun
EASTPORT — As Maine grapples with its addiction to fossil fuels, some alternative energy visionaries are looking to the sun and moon as renewable sources of energy.

In East Blue Hill, A Solar Subdivision
BLUE HILL — The next time Maine endures a catastrophic ice storm, the lights will be burning brightly within the 11 homes being planned for Pond House Trail.

Harnessing the Tides
EASTPORT — You don’t need a graduate degree in fluid dynamics or hydrokinetics to appreciate the energy inherent in the sea.

State Financial Services Commissioner Tapped for University Post
AUGUSTA — The Governor’s commissioner of financial services, Becky Wyke, has been tapped to be the vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Maine System — the second job she’s been offered in less than a month.

Veto Question on Tax Hikes To Appear on Nov. Ballot
AUGUSTA — Taxes on beer, wine, soda and health insurance passed at the end of the legislative session to fund the state’s subsidized insurance plan known as DirigoChoice will be challenged on the November ballot.

Forecasters Trying to Gauge Impact of Oil Prices on State Revenue
AUGUSTA — State revenue forecasters are working to determine how much worse an already bad situation can get if oil prices don’t come down.

Average Heating Oil Price Down to $4 a Gallon
AUGUSTA — The average price of heating oil has dropped this week to $4 per gallon — down 42 cents from last week — along with the price of a barrel of crude.

Food License Hikes Intended to Help Pay for Health Inspections
AUGUSTA — The state is increasing license fees on places that sell and make food — from convenience stores to maple syrup producers — to raise money to help pay for health inspections.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Maine News for Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Nominees endorsed; final votes are today
State House: Lawmakers work to fill seats on the Dirigo, corrections boards.

Baxter Building may be sold
The Maine College of Art has lined up a buyer who intends to restore the historic Portland building.

Oil fuels boom in West Texas
Real estate, jobs and other segments that are struggling nationally are thriving here.

Navy's shipbuilding compromise aims to please all sides
But a House panel that has opposed it before controls the fate of a third Zumwalt.

Editorial
City should be careful when regulating prayer
If there are parking concerns during a Saturday prayer gathering, then address those narrowly.

Third DDG-1000 good news for 5,900 BIW workers
The Navy's change of heart removes any uncertainty over the shipyard's future.

Letters
Explore options for winter heat

Republicans have forgotten what they used to profess

Bangor Daily News
The reasons energy costs are high in Maine
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
According to Richard Davies, head of the Maine Public Advocate office, there are three reasons energy prices in Maine are higher than in other regions of the country, even though they are lower than those in other New England states.

Rising energy costs challenge remote Monhegan, Matinicus
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Of all the residential power users in the state of Maine, the ones that pay the highest rates may be the ones that live farthest from land.

St. Agatha residents invited to join municipal tax club
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
ST. AGATHA, Maine - Residents and property owners in this northern Maine lakeside town have until Aug. 22 to sign up for a municipal tax club and participate in a monthly tax-payment plan.

Study: Maine fattest in New England
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Maine ranks a respectable 34th among the 50 states in its rate of adult obesity, according to a new report, but it has the highest rate of adult obesity among the six New England states.

Maine praised for efforts to curb substance abuse
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, chairman of a national study commission on substance abuse, met with Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday and praised Maine’s prevention efforts.

Hiker in Acadia says ranger assaulted him
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, Maine - Just by looking at Tim Wild, it’s easy to tell that something happened to him.

Truck spills load of crabs in Brewer
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BREWER, Maine - A pile of live crabs was served up to residents Saturday morning when the truck carrying them spilled the crustaceans across North Main Street, Sgt. Rich Smith said Tuesday.

Diplomat hopeful, sees Iraqi progress
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The situation in Iraq has improved in the past several months, according to a career diplomat with ties to Maine.

Editorial
After Musharraf
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The excitement over Monday's resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was short-lived. Just a day after he announced he was stepping down, the leaders of the country's two main parties are already disagreeing and issuing ultimatums as violence continues.

Frary's Follies
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
John Frary's colorful campaign for the 2nd Congressional District seat now held by Mike Michaud has been, by turns, amusing, confusing, frustrating -and finally, disappointing.


Michael A. Nissenbaum: Canada, not wind, is energy solution
'What we love about Maine - trees, lakes, mountains, our history - is also our chief economic advantage. Investing in new ways in our traditional industries - such as tourism - will reap greater economic rewards.' Gov. John Baldacci

Judith Lewis: Fuel solutions, stuck in muck
It seemed, at the time, like such a good thing for the planet: In the winter of 2005, I turned in my red, gas-hungry Jeep Wrangler for a near-new, diesel-burning Volkswagen Beetle. Inspired by a number of pioneering friends, I would fill my little green slug bug with a nontoxic, sweet-smelling fuel made from vegetable matter called biodiesel.

Kennebec Journal

Baldacci's picks seek Senate nod
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Senate will meet today for a confirmation session in which members will consider nominees for everything from the state's top finance position to the Board of Pesticides Control.

U.S. HAS FUNDS FOR MILL SITE
AUGUSTA -- The city is getting up to $100,000 in federal help to determine what, if anything, is lurking in old, underground fuel storage tanks at the abandoned American Tissue Mill site.

AUGUSTA Charter panel nears report
AUGUSTA -- The system of electing four city councilors by ward and four at-large is still in.

MOTORCYCLIST DEATH RATE FALLS
Motorcycle fatalities across the nation continue to steadily climb, government safety officials announced, but although more motorcyclists in Maine are perishing in accidents, the number is fewer per registered motorcycle than last year.

Super merger meeting Thursday
A simultaneous meeting of seven school boards on Thursday could offer some clarity for six towns whose school systems are merging into one regional district.

Destroyer decision pleases BIW, others
The Navy's decision to build a third Zumwalt-class destroyer seemingly satisfies almost everyone.

Opinion
GEORGE SMITH : Returning to GOP after 90 days as Democrat not as easy as expected
Confession time. On Thursday, I will have been a Democrat for 90 days. It'll be an important day of decision for me.

Letters

Life in prison too good for some criminals
After reading "Attack survivor's battle" (July 23) with sadness, I remember the letter to the editor from Doug Jenkins of Chelsea, "We all need to step up to prevent home invasions" (June 4).

Sex offender's hearing sends the wrong message
I have great concern regarding the message given in the hearing of the sex offender, conditions of probation and contact with the victim, "Letters to a sex offender" (Aug. 8).

Sun Journal
Maine health board nominees OK'd
AUGUSTA (AP) - A former House Republican leader was virtually assured of membership on the newly expanded board that oversees the state's 5-year-old Dirigo health insurance program on Tuesday as he won a solid committee endorsement for Senate confirmation.

LaMarche says she won't 'lie' for casino
The campaign to bring a privately run casino to Oxford County was dealt a blow Tuesday when Pat LaMarche said she would no longer serve as the effort's spokesperson.

 'It's only been a few kids'
AUBURN - A jury listened Tuesday as a former Park Avenue Elementary School music teacher confessed his urges for touching the buttocks of little girls.

Editorial
Throwing money in the furnace
Today, the next committee to tackle energy issues convenes its first of five meetings in Augusta. This is the aptly-named HEETForce, or Heat and Energy Emergency Task Force, assembled by the leadership of the Legislature.

MPBN
LaMarche Leaves Casino Campaign
The spokesperson for the campaign to bring a casino resort to Oxford County has resigned, citing moral failings and disreputable conduct within the campaign. Pat LaMarche, a former candidate for Governor in 2006 for the Maine Green-Independent Party, released a statement today saying she will no longer speak - or work in any capacity - on behalf of Evergreen Mountain Enterprises, LLC., which has secured a statewide referendum on the November ballot. The campaign's leader, Rumford attorney Seth Carey, faces misconduct charges related to his legal practice. The campaign's advocacy efforts remain uncertain.

Lawmakers Say Dirigo Health Faces Uncertain Future
Three new nominees to the Dirigo Health Board received the approval of a legislative policy committee today as they prepare for a pending Senate confirmation hearing. But the program they hope to guide is facing one of the most critical junctures in its five-year-old history. Yesterday, the Maine Secretary of State's office validated a petition to allow a November referendum on new taxes devised to fund the insurance program. Some lawmakers now fear the Dirigo program's future is anything but certain.

Portland Rabbi Appeals Zoning Decision
Support is building in the Jewish Community for a Hasidic Rabbi whose traditional weekly prayer meetings are in jeopardy of being quashed by the city of Portland. For decades, Rabbi Moshe Wilansky has been conducting religious services at his home in Portland, but concerns about possible traffic bottlenecks and a zoning violation prompted the city's zoning administrator to issue an order for the worship services to cease. Supporters of the Rabbi, including the Maine Civil Liberties Union, say shutting down the worship services would be a violation of religious liberty.

PolitickerME
Commission questions $2K in MCEA purchases by state Senate candidate

Supreme Court Justice Souter mulls stay of Hoffman court decision

Oxford County casino project loses member

The Bush Loyalty Score: U.S. House
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Monday, August 18, 2008

Maine News for Monday, August, 18, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Pre-buying your heating oil? State, industry urge caution
Customers are being told to ask dealers to explain how they will provide oil.

Task force to tackle high cost of heating
The legislative panel will hold at least five public meetings before issuing a report in November.

State committees to hold confirmation hearings
On Wednesday, the full Senate will be in session to make final decisions on the nominees.

College-bound Maine students find loans are available here
They apparently escape problems with loans that students in states such as Massachusetts have faced.

Analog TV shutdown kills free cell-phone TV

Editorial
Council should accept Maine State Pier deal
The framework does a good job of limiting the city's risk in an important development.

Energy plan offers substantial response
Without precluding a special session, the governor may have made one unnecessary.
[August 17, 2008]

Community colleges in right place at right time
Foresight in creating the system is paying off big as economic times get tougher.
[August 17, 2008]

Leigh DonaldsonThere are many reasons why we still need print journalism
Where else will people find the solid reporting on events near and far that no other outlet creates?

Letters
Collins should turn attention elsewhere

Criticism of Maine bottler cites questionable 'facts'

Bangor Daily News
Back-to-school tax holiday lacking panel support
Monday, August 18, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Twenty states have a "sales tax holiday" during the summer months to help ease the burden of families buying back-to-school clothes and supplies, but similar proposals have not made it out of committee in Maine.

Special Report: Welfare in Maine after '96 reform act
It's been more than 10 years since then-President Bill Clinton signed into law a piece of legislation that became known as the Welfare Reform Act.

Hoffman: 'I'm going to be on the ballot'
Monday, August 18, 2008
BELFAST, Maine - Herbert Hoffman, the retired psychologist who is running as an independent in the U.S. Senate race against Rep. Tom Allen and Sen. Susan Collins, told a small group of supporters Saturday that he believes the United States Constitution is on his side in his effort to get his name on the statewide ballot this November.

Keeping the heat in
Saturday, August 16, 2008
With the public's heightened concern about energy - especially its cost - and high expectation for government solutions, Gov. John Baldacci has proposed a modest short-term plan that sets the appropriate tone of using state resources wisely before moving to spend money the state isn't likely to have.

Tax reform challenges
Saturday, August 16, 2008
While it is welcome news that Gov. John Baldacci wants to lower the state's income taxes, many more details are needed before this becomes realistic. One of the biggest problems is that with the state already predicted to face a large shortfall in its next budget cycle, revenue reductions will only worsen the budget gap.

August 18 Letters to the editor

Kennebec Journal

New energy panel will meet
AUGUSTA -- A new legislative panel meets for the first time Wednesday to begin work on setting an agenda to help Mainers cope with the high cost of heating their homes.

Several legislative committees to meet this week
AUGUSTA -- Several legislative committees will be back at the Statehouse this week to hold confirmation hearings on nominees for various councils and commissions.

Students dodge lending worries
While college-bound students in Massachusetts and elsewhere have struggled to secure private loans for the coming school year, Maine students have largely been able to escape those worries, lending and college officials say.

Editorials:

Governor works within limits to design energy aid
Gov. John Baldacci has devised a series of short-term actions to help Mainers meet the difficult challenge of high energy prices through the end of 2008. From heating oil aid to an optional four-day work week for some state workers, the governor's plan is an appropriate and thoughtful response to the growing crisis in the state.

Nader's 'bid' not valid enough for debate or ballot
Seventy-four-year-old Ralph Nader, once the scourge of corporate America, is becoming the laughing stock of democratic America.

I-295 repaving effort belied early fears
The repaving of Interstate 295 from Gardiner to Topsham, formally finished last week, could have been a mess. Instead, it was an example of how to do things right.


Sun Journal
College applications rise
PORTLAND (AP) ­- School officials say applications to Maine's universities and community colleges have increased this year due to greater marketing efforts and a flagging economy.

 Festival draws 145,000
LEWISTON - Rhythm, blues and propane burners blended with applause while a near-perfect sunset provided the backdrop for one final ride into the skyline high above the Twin Cities as the 16th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival drew to a close Sunday evening.

Auburn police test out Segways
AUBURN - Gliding through the city at a brisk 12 mph, standing tall and going places no cruiser can go, Auburn police are one step closer to the reality of Robocop.

Noel Madore: Delegate, political intern, senior in high school
At first, he liked Republican Congressman Ron Paul for president.

Letters
Working for oil
John McCain's energy policy is to sacrifice the lives of a few Mainers for oil company profits.

MPBN
Governor Proposes $12.6 Million Energy Plan As GOP Repeats Call For Special Session
Governor John Baldacci today said that he will not call a special session of the legislature to deal with looming energy concerns this winter. Instead, he unveiled a multi-million dollar plan that he says includes investments in weatherization, fuel assistance, and transportation. GOP leaders, meanwhile, are repeating their call for a special session next week, as well as a short-term infusion of state funds into a federal heating assitance program.

Allen Ties Collins to "Misleading" Ad
Maine union leaders and the Tom Allen for Senate campaign are demanding that Republican Senator Susan Collins condemn an ad that depicts union members and the 1st District Democratic congressman as tools of organized crime mobsters. The ad is misleading according to critics who claim it distorts the intent of federal legislation crafted to make it easier for workers to organize a union. But, as A.J. Higgins reports, one Maine business advocate is convinced the so-called card check bill will encouarge union bosses to intimidate workers into joining.

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