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Articles by David Shar
Iraq, Afghanistan conflict heroes honored by namesake ships
BATH, Maine (AP) — Heroes forged in Afghanistan and Iraq are having their names bestowed on a new generation of warships, joining those whose exploits in World Wars and battles domestic and abroad earned them the distinction of having U.S. Navy vessels christened in their honor. More than a decade after U.S. boots hit the ground in the Middle East, two new destroyers bearing the names of Americans who died there are already in service.
'Becoming Nicole': New book tells transgender child's story
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — As a first-time father, Wayne Maines held his newborn twin sons and dreamed of their life together — a dream that, at least then, didn't include taking one of them to a father-daughter dance. Maines, an Air Force veteran, said he hopes others can learn from the transformation of his son into a daughter — and from his family's battle against discrimination that ended in a landmark legal victory.
In New England, low heating oil prices buy some time
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — New England is getting another break on heating oil prices this winter, with potential savings of hundreds of dollars per customer, providing breathing room for a region with some of the nation's highest energy costs. But some officials worry lower prices will lead to complacency on efforts to improve efficiency. Low oil and propane prices already have made it more difficult for gas distribution companies that are trying to expand their service areas in the region.
Jobs, gov't distrust central to national park proposal fight
TOWNSHIP 3, RANGE 8, Maine (AP) — The rolling forests where Henry David Thoreau once paddled a river in the shadow of Mount Katahdin are at the center of a fight over a $100 million offer by the founder of Burt's Bees to create the nation's next national park. Roxanne Quimby wants to donate 70,000 acres of woodlands — and millions of dollars — for what would be called Maine Woods National Park.
$338M fund in deadly oil train derailment close to approval
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Canadian railroad's withdrawal of opposition to a $338 million fund for victims of an oil train derailment that killed 47 people in Quebec has set the stage for final approval and compensation for victims. A U.S. bankruptcy trustee and Canadian Pacific agreed to modify the settlement fund to give the railroad some legal protection, prompting the railroad's decision to end its objections.
US forecast calls for lower heating bills this winter
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Heating bills should drop this winter for most U.S. households thanks to a combination of lower energy prices and warmer weather across most of the country, the U.S. Energy Department said Tuesday. The Energy Department's annual prediction calls for lower heating bills across the board but with the biggest savings for those who use propane or oil to heat their homes.
Former president healing nicely after summer spill
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush is healing well after taking a fall this summer, feeling good enough to go out on his speedboat and even visit a local biker bar with his wife. The nation's oldest living president is "healing nicely" after he fractured his C2 vertebra, the second one below the skull, in July, said his chief of staff, Jean Becker. Former first lady Barbara Bush is pleased with her husband's progress, Becker said.
Farm owner thought vehicle was fine before hayride crash
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The owner of a farm where a teenager was killed on a Halloween-themed hayride last fall said he never would have allowed a vehicle with mechanical problems to haul people on the attraction. Peter Bolduc, owner of Harvest Hill Farms in Mechanic Falls, Maine, denied knowing about any mechanical problems with the Jeep that was hauling the hay wagon and said he'd used it as his personal farm vehicle.
Maine supreme court wades into dispute over 65 bills
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With more than a dozen lawmakers watching, Maine's highest court waded into a dispute Friday between Gov. Paul LePage and the Legislature over whether he missed his opportunity to veto 65 bills. The issue hinges on whether the Legislature had technically adjourned for the session. Legislative leaders contend the bills, including several LePage vehemently opposes, became law because the governor failed to either sign or veto them within 10 days.
Doctor: 3-4 month recovery for ex-President Bush's injury
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The fractured neck bone suffered by former President George H.W. Bush when he fell at his summer home will be allowed to heal on its own, a recovery that could take three to four months, officials said. Bush, at 91 the oldest living former president, did not suffer any neurological impairment when he took a spill at his home in Kennebunkport on Wednesday. He remained hospitalized in fair condition on Thursday.
Colorado man sets Appalachian Trail record on 2,189-mile run
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — An ultramarathoner overcame an early injury, difficult terrain in New England and sleep deprivation on the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail to complete the trek in record time. Despite getting about 10 hours of sleep over the final four days, Colorado resident Scott Jurek reached the summit of Mount Katahdin on Sunday afternoon to finish the 2,189-mile run from Georgia to Maine in 46 days, eight hours.
Craft sake is the latest trend that's brewing in US
KITTERY, Maine (AP) — First came boutique wineries. Then microbreweries and craft distilleries. Now Japanese sake aficionados are hoping to transform the so-called "rice wine" into the next artisan alcohol-of-the-moment in the U.S. Dan Ford, whose Maine-made sake is just hitting the market, has bet his retirement savings that consumers will be sold on his premium sake once they give it a try.
Man who accused orphanage founder of abuse targeted by suit
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — An outspoken Roman Catholic who advocates for child sexual abuse victims has been relentless in targeting those he believes have mistreated children or covered up for abusers. A jury that was seated Monday will decide whether the combative activist went too far in a campaign against an orphanage founder in Haiti.
Burt Shavitz, the Burt behind Burt's Bees, dies at 80
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Burt Shavitz, the Burt behind Burt's Bees who co-founded the natural cosmetics company, died Sunday. He was 80. A spokeswoman for Burt's Bees said in an emailed statement Shavtiz died of respiratory complications in Bangor, Maine, surrounded by family and friends. Shavitz is known for being a character from the backwoods of Maine, but he grew up around New York, served in the Army in Germany and shot photos for Time-Life before leaving the city.
Damaged nuclear submarine leaves shipyard, to be scrapped
KITTERY, Maine (AP) — A nuclear-powered submarine heavily damaged by a fire set by a shipyard worker three years ago departed Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Friday for a final journey to the West Coast, where it'll be cut up for scrap. Shipyard workers completed the inactivation of the former USS Miami, removing equipment and ship systems, before it was towed away by tugboats with assistance from two Navy ships, shipyard spokeswoman Danna Eddy said.
Maine man to explore final resting places of poets in South
FREEPORT, Maine (AP) — A former teacher who travels the country to document the final resting places of poets is looking forward to calling attention to African-American poets on a tour of the South and elsewhere. Black poets have been writing about injustice and hardship since the days of slavery, and the theme rings true today, given the recent unrest surrounding police killings of black men, Walter Skold said. "African-American poets have been going through the same turmoil.
Craft? Micro? Increasingly, 'nanobrews' slake local thirst
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — In a nondescript industrial park, beer geeks line up several times a week outside Bissell Brothers to get the latest batch of fresh beer — much like foodies seeking the freshest baguettes, pomegranates or kale. Jeremy Ritz didn't get the beer he wanted on a recent day because it was sold out. So he decided to buy some rye ale instead. "To me it's huge that I get talk to the guy who's brewing my beer," the middle school teacher said.
Anger builds among unionized workforce at Bath Iron Works
BATH, Maine (AP) — The last time Bath Iron Works looked beyond Navy shipbuilding, workers agreed to a contract aimed at boosting efficiency by allowing shipbuilders to learn and perform multiple tasks. President Clinton heaped praise on the shipyard for innovation, but those provisions were tossed aside a couple of years later. Workers say it was a disaster.
Rockefeller to mark 100th birthday with land gift in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The oldest member of the Rockefeller family is giving a gift as part of his 100th birthday celebration: 1,000 acres of land including streams, trails and carriage roads abutting Acadia National Park.
LePage administration wants to expand welfare drug testing
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage wants to further crack down on drug use by welfare recipients by eliminating food stamps and cash payments to families for recipients with a drug conviction. He also wants to require screenings that could result in drug testing for all participants in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Fed review of Canada lynx to take longer than expected
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is applying a new threat assessment for federally protected Canada lynx from Maine to Washington State, delaying completion of the first five-year review. The structured threat assessment will involve several other agencies, at least 15 states and more than 20 Native American tribes.
Ski lift malfunction in Maine renews safety questions
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Less than five years ago, Rick Tonge was riding a chairlift at Sugarloaf ski resort in Maine when five chairs — including his — plummeted 30 feet to the snowy ground below, injuring him and his son. Then over the weekend, another chairlift at Sugarloaf malfunctioned by going backward, prompting some frightened skiers to bail out and raising questions about the safety of aging infrastructure at New England's ski resorts.
Unions begin 3 days of voting on FairPoint contract
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Striking FairPoint workers gave their union negotiators a standing ovation Friday at the first briefings and ratification votes on a tentative agreement aimed at ending a four-month strike. Workers chanted "One day longer, one day stronger!" and reacted positively as they received the first details of a contract that would last through August 2018. They said they were eager to return to work Wednesday. "A lot of our members have been put to the end of their rope.
Unions begin 3 days of voting on FairPoint contract
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Striking FairPoint workers are reacting positively to a tentative agreement aimed at ending a four-month strike. More than 1,700 workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are voting over the next three days during meetings in which they're being briefed on details.
Ebola nurse to remain a voice against quarantines
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine nurse who defied quarantine attempts after treating Ebola patients in West Africa is looking forward to stepping out her front door — "like normal people." Kaci Hickox's plans for the end of the deadly disease's 21-day incubation period include a dinner out with her boyfriend, but she told The Associated Press she's worried about what type of a reception she'll get after being hailed by some and vilified by others after battling state-ordered quarantines in...
Ebola nurse to remain a voice against quarantines
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine nurse who defied quarantine attempts after treating Ebola patients in West Africa is looking forward to stepping out her front door — "like normal people." Kaci Hickox's plans for the end of the deadly disease's 21-day incubation period include a dinner out with her boyfriend, but she told The Associated Press she's worried about what type of a reception she'll get after being hailed by some and vilified by others after battling state-ordered quarantines in...
Ebola nurse to remain a voice against quarantines
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine nurse who defied quarantine attempts after treating Ebola patients in West Africa is looking forward to stepping out her front door — "like normal people." Kaci Hickox's plans for the end of the deadly disease's 21-day incubation period include a dinner out with her boyfriend, but she told The Associated Press she's worried about what type of a reception she'll get after being hailed by some and vilified by others after battling state-ordered quarantines in...
Maine's King to continue caucusing with Democrats
BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Independent Sen. Angus King says he will continue caucusing with Democrats, even though Republicans have taken control of the Senate. King announced his decision to reporters Wednesday outside his home in Brunswick, Maine. The former Maine governor was elected in 2012 to replace Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe, a prominent centrist who complained about Washington's partisan gridlock in stepping down. King said back then that he briefly considered not aligning with either party.
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