Articles by Linda Coan O'Kresik
Penobscot County’s third annual spelling bee
Nathan Manaker, a seventh-grader at Orono Middle School, wins the Penobscot County Spelling Bee. He’ll go to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.
Pine Grove Crematorium
Cremation in the trend in the Bangor area with about 60% of people having cremation over traditional burials.
Ribbon-cutting at Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building
People tour through the newly renovated Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building and Courthouse on Thursday afternoon.
Lobster pound in Lincolnville
Dick McLaughlin, owner of the Lobster Pound in Lincolnville has merged into business with Ben and Andy Hazen, owners of Andrew’s Brewing Co, also of Lincolnville, and the two will operate as the Lobster Pound Inc. The restaurant/brewery will open in May.
RSU 20 may close Searsport schools
A discussion has started about closing schools in Regional School Unit 20, which includes Searsport District High School.
Bird rehabilitators warn against lead
Marc Payne and Diane Winn are the owners of Avian Haven, a nonprofit wild bird rehabilitation center, in Freedom, Maine. The two talk about the issue of lead poisoning in raptors throughout Maine.
Bangor man pleads guilty to manslaughter
David Coon, the local man charged with murder in connection with the May asphyxiation death of Sherry Clifford, 49, of Bangor pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday at the Penobscot Judicial Center. Coon was emotional several times during the hearing. Around Coon are his defense lawyers Logan Perkins and Jeffrey Silverstein.
Penobscot County Jail iris scanner
Inmate helper Walker Gaspar demonstrates the iris scanner used at the Penobscot County Jail.
Waterville woman fights cancer from funeral home
Kerry Smart was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in April and just had her last chemo treatment and is feeling good. The Smart family lives in Waterville at the Veilleux Funeral Home where her husband, TJ , is director.
11th Annual Solidarity Harvest
Preparation for the 11th Annual Solidarity Harvest, which expects to distribute more than 1,000 Thanksgiving baskets to families in hard times.
Astronaut and Mainer talks about the future of space exploration
NASA Astronaut and former Maine resident Christopher Cassidy speaks to students from 14 area middle schools on Thursday morning at Husson University’s Gracie Theater. Cassidy recently returned from 6 months aboard the International Space Station and is speaking to kids about the future of manned space flight, his experiences and …
Teaching through cancer
Gert Nesin, an eighth grade teacher at Leonard Middle School in Old Town, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2013. Even with ongoing chemotherapy treatments, she continues to teach with the help of a long term substitute who is with her daily and takes over class for …
Senator Susan Collins speaks in Bangor
Senator Susan Collins speaks to the media at Husson University’s Dyke Center for Family Business on Thursday morning about her role in the federal deal to end the 16-day government shut down.
Shutdown jeopardizing science and technology statewide
Christine Lipsky, who works for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, is one of many who is out of work due to the government shut down. She is spending her time catching up on gardening and house projects.
Fall has arrived in Maine
After a stretch of cool days and chilly nights, it looks and feels like autumn has arrived. The leaves have started to change and Mainers are outside enjoying fall activities. Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant is a popular destination in the fall and was bustling on Thursday afternoon. Students on …
New laws for driver education
Jacob Neal (left), 17, of Brewer focuses on the the road Friday as he takes his first drive with driving instructor Jim Bair (right) owner of Bair’s Driving School in Bangor. Several new laws have been passed by the Maine Legislature and will take effect on Oct. 9, 2013, including …
Basketball floor unveiled at Cross Insurance Center
The University of Maine’s men’s and women’s basketball teams were present Thursday afternoon for the unveiling of the new basketball floor at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, where they will be playing their home games.
Shooting in Belfast
The Maine State Police Evidence Response Team works at the scene of a double shooting that happened late Wednesday night on Waldo Avenue in Belfast. Todd Gilday has been arrested for the crime that killed Lynn Arsenault, 55, and wounded her son Mathew Day, 22.
Towns join together for fire training
Penobscot County’s Fire Academy held part of it’s two week training at a donated house in Orrington on Thursday. Twelve students practiced venting, search & rescue, and rescuing an unconscious victim out a window.
Setup for 2013 American Folk Festival
Staff and volunteers working to set up for the 2013 American Folk Festival starting Friday evening at 6:30pm.
The Holy Grail in Maine? History Channel researcher’s theory touches off fresh debate about Phippsburg artifacts
Mining metals from Maine landfills? Burgeoning effort is already worth millions
USM president proposes cutting four programs, 20-30 faculty positions
Can LePage’s ‘right-to-work’ plan grow Maine’s economy?
Maine’s lobster industry might not last forever. Then what?
Hunger pangs: When groceries are a luxury, and aid groups can’t keep up
Invasion of the oystermen on the Bagaduce River
UMaine officials defend school’s handling of 2012 incident involving football player now accused of murder
Prosecutor explains plea bargain for UMaine football player accused of 2012 domestic violence assault
Former major leaguer, Bangor resident Matt Stairs enjoying new broadcasting gig with Phillies
Maine ties provide added incentive for Providence hockey players
UMaine baseball team working to align pitching staff in Florida
Actor Patrick Dempsey, Jackson Laboratory to receive Maine awards
LePage’s plan to get tough on drug abuse needs to be more than a campaign speech
Forty to one — the symbolism of maple sugaring, finding the richness of life
The rescue: when things go wrong out on the ice.
Maine Restaurant Week 2014: A 207 Foodie Recap