Bill Green's Maine
Saturdays at 7:00pm on WLBZ2

Saturday - May 18, 2013 at 7pm

We're headed off to Maine's hundred mile wilderness... We'll visit Larry Gowell, who has a unique place in Major League Baseball history and is now launching another career. We'll look back on the life of Clyde Sukeforth who signed Jackie Robinson and we'll meet a man who was wounded on D-Day, but lived to tell the tale.

The stars of North Woods Law

We're meeting three of the Pine Tree State's newest TV stars-the Maine Game Wardens of "North Woods Law". You can cathc the show Friday night's at 9pm.

The 4th Annual Dumont Cup

We're at Sunday River to see America's top freestyle skiers catch some air at the 4th Annual Dumont Cup.

Titanic's victims final resting place

On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we'll revisit the poignant story of how some victims found their final resting place.

Bill did this story originally in 1998.

Looking back on the life of Clyde Sukeforth

We'll look back on the life of Clyde Sukeforth who signed Jackie Robinson

Bill Green takes on the hundred mile wilderness

We're headed off to Maine's hundred mile wilderness.

Bill Green sits down with Larry Gowell

We'll visit Larry Gowell, who has a unique place in Major League Baseball history and is now launching another career.

WW II Vet Espen Christianson.

Bill intoduces us to a man who was wounded on D-Day, but lived to tell the tale, Espen Christianson.

Bill visits the Upside Down House

Fred and Hope Angier are well known decorative artists and they did something wonderful, they took off on a boat for 10 years. Well, they've been back for a couple now, and they found that the world has changed. However they can handle those changes, why, they live in a place that's known as the upside down house.

Bill goes to the Storytellers Convention

Bill's Dad was a wonderful storyteller, he could take an everyday situation, and fill it with merriment and meaning. Many people with that gift are members of the Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts, or MOOSE.

Bill looks back at the story of naked Joe Knowles

Saturday - May 4, 2013 at 7pm

Coming up on the next Bill Green's Maine... we'll meet the Mainer who didn't play high school football, but has been in the NFL for five years, Matt Mulligan. We'll look back on Naked Joe-who proved his survival skills in the Maine woods 100 years ago. And, we'll visit the storytellers convention and we'll meet some people who live in an upside down house.

On the court with the Harlem Globetrotters

Bill Green is hanging out with the Harlem Globetrotters

Looking back on the USS Thresher

Bill Green looks back on the USS Thresher

Saturday - April 20, 2013 at 7pm

This week on Bill Green's Maine, we'll be in Maine's back country for the "Untamed New England 200 Mile Adventure Race." We'll meet Bucksport native Andy Silvernail who Forbes dot com called America's fourth most powerful CEO under 40. And we'll cruise Moosehead Lake on the Steamer Katahdin.

Peregrines Finding a Home

Portland, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Peregrine Falcons suffered signifcantly because of DDT spraying. Still one of the most regionally diverse raptors, they are making a comeback in Maine thanks to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Biodiversity Research Institute.

State wildlife officials considered over turkey virus

POLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Maine's turkey population is being threatened by a virus.

Sesquicentennial of Chancellorsville

Rockland, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Only a few were aware of 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville. May 3, 1863 was the second bloodiest day of the American Civil War. Major General Hiram Berry, the highest ranking Maine soldier killed during the war, met his end on that day.

Zip Line to highlight Paul Bunyan Festival

RUMFORD, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Rumford will host a Paul Bunyan Festival this weekend.  It will feature events, contests and entertainmnet.  The highlight will be a 600-foot zip line across the Lower Falls of the Androscoggin.

Green Outdoors: State looks to improve boating

VASSALBORO, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Boating season is here and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is trying to improve the experience for Mainers.

Outdoor World Divided Over Hermit

Rome, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- With two folk songs written about the North Pond Hermit, he is rapidly becoming a folk hero in Maine. However, outdoor experts disagree about whether Christopher Knight's tall tale is true.

Gil Gilpatrick always ready to paddle

Showhegan, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Gil Gilpatrick has been an outdoor enthusiast for 65 years and a Master Maine Guide for 35. He has led thousands of people on canoeing trips, many down Maine's famed Allagash Wilderness Waterway. His Maine Guide Handbook, "Outdoor Adventure Trips" offers expert advice on how to lead an outdoor adventure that involves canoeing, camping, hunting and many other outdoor activities.

Elver fishing could be shut down

WALDOBORO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A battle between the State of Maine and the Passamaquoddy Tribal Government could result in the closing of Maine's elver fishery.

Harness Racing season to begin

Sidney, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- The Standardbred racing season begins in Maine on Saturday.  Trainers all over the state are working extra hard as the final days to the season count down.

Maple Sugar Season

Brunswick, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- When the temperature rises above freezing during the day and drops below freezing at night, sap starts to run in maple trees.  The collection and boiling down of this sap has become an important season in Maine.  It is now maple sugaring time.

Fat bikes stretch out the year

BATH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Not many sports go all year round in Maine, but thanks to fat bikes, mountain biking is one of them. Fat bikes are specially designed mountain bikes with extra wide tires so they can go on snow or sand.

Bill would abolish Advisory Council

Augusta, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- A Portland lawmaker has introduced legislation that would abolish the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. The council gives advice and consent to the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries Wildlife.

Outdoor Sportsman program challenges outdoorsmen

Augusta, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Maine is unique in the way it allows recreationists access to the outdoors. With slight exception, if land is not posted, tresspassing is allowed.

A new program called Outdoor Partners is deisgned to continue the relationship between landowners and recreationists.

Ski program looking for veterans

Pownal, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Veterans with disabilities are being encouraged to get up and get going. A program called VAST--Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training is overing physical rehabilitation to veterans and it's absolutely free.

Harkins Starts Atlantic Adventures TV Show

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Jim Harkins is well know along the Portland waterfront.  Now he'll be known statewide as the host of a new fishing show on Time Warner Cable. 

Winter Driving Tips

Dalton, NH (NEWS CENTER) - Preparation, practice and experience are important factos in keeping winter drivers safe.  However, even veteran drivers need to stay up on changing conditions and new technology.

Gun owners await new gun laws

GRAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--As Federal, State and local governments wrestle with new gun legislation, gunowners are waiting to see how new laws will affect them.  They are also buying guns.

Wescott World Cup Winner

Carrabassett Valley, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Seth Wescott is about to leave Sugarloaf for Quebec and the World Cup World Championships.

Wescott, who has won both Olympic Gold Medals in the sport of Bordercross, picked up his first World Cup victory in four years at Telluride.  He won in a photo finish, just as he lost there in 2011.

Juggling Fire is a hot show

Potland, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- John Geyerhahn believes playing with fire isn't always bad.  He is a street performer with the Portland Fire Dancers Collective.  His specialty is juggling torches.

First Mainer qualifies for Bass Classic

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Jonathan Carter loves to fish. The 29-year-old elementary school teacher has become the first Mainer to ever qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, which is considered the world championship of bass fishing.

Maine Woman to Soar off Kilimanjaro

Carrabasset Valley, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Johnna Haskell is a photographer, skier and mountaineer.  She is preparing to paraglide off Kilimanjaro in a fund raiser for the Taszanian people.

Green Outdoors: Poaching is on the rise in Maine

RIPLEY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Poaching is as old as deer hunting in Maine. This year the activity may be aa record levels. Poaching creates a danger to the public and puts increasing pressure on game wardens.

Maine Hunter Creates Adaptive Shooting System

Palermo, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- On a sweltering hot day in 2004, Jeff Malloy blacked out while working on a ladder.  He fell on his head and was paralyzed. Part of his effort to rebuild his life involves a shooting system which enables this passionate outdoorsman to get back into the field.

Hunting Season Opens in Maine

Gray, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Hunting season has begun in Maine.  This season is technically called "The Traditional Firearm Season on Deer." More than 150,000 Mainers are license to hunt deer.

Brook Trout Thriving at West Branch Pond Camps

Township A Range 12, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- It's easy to know that native Brook Trout are thriving at West Branch Pond Camps.  That's because the video shows that they are.

Maine Heirloom Apples Being Saved

Palermo, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- John Bunker is no Johnny Appleseed.  He's much more knowledgeable and scientific as he locates, collects and conserves the heirloom apple varieties of Maine.

Green Outdoors: Bow season opens in Maine

NORTH YARMOUTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- More than 10,000 archers are eligible to take to the field as Bow Hunting Season opens in Maine. It will end with the Traditional Firearm Season on Deer on November 24.

Green Outdoors: Monarchs heading south

YORK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Monarch butterflies are currently migrating to Mexico.  Several Mainers have noticed large groups of butterflies gathering together as they make this annual migration, one of the most spectacular in nature.

Green Outdoors: UMaine donates insect collection

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- The University of Maine has donated its extensive insect collection to the Maine State Archives. The collection serves as a baseline of Maine's natural history and will enable scientists to study such phenomenon as climate change.

Green Outdoors: Landowner Appreciation Day is Saturday

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine has unqiue trespass laws which help keep open more than 16 million acres of land to outdoor recreation. At the heart of this effort is the Landowner Liability Law.

"I would say that nine out of 10 landowners don't understand how strong that law is," said Tom Doak, Executive Director of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM).

The Landowner Liability Law was written in 1979.  It protects landowners should accidents happen on their land. Should someone sue a landowner and lose the case, they would be responsible for paying the landowner's costs association with the case.  The result is few bring suit.

"I get calls from lawyers investigating the law," said Mark Latti of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "Once they see how strong the law is, they don't even bring suit."

The law has been strengthened periodically.  In Pennsylvania, a hunter shot and killed a

RC Air Show Comes to Sanford

Sanford, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Some of the finest radio control competitors in the world will be in Sanford to put on what is called an Air Show Extravaganza.

Mainers urged to prepare for emergencies

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- With Tropical Storm Isaac about to become a hurricane and bearing down on the Louisiana coast, Maine emergency officials remind Mainers that they should always be prepared for a major catastrophe here.

Hometown Hero to fly in F-16

WISCASSET, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A Wiscasset pilot who volunteers with youth programs has been chosen a Hometown Hero by the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Nick Knobil is like a schoolboy himself because he will get a ride in an F-16.

Appalachian Trail to celebrate 75th

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Seventy-five years ago this week a Civilian Conservation Corp crew finished the last section of The Appalachian Trail.  The two-mile stretch, located between Sugarloaf and Spaulding mountains will host a commemoration of hearty hikers this Saturday.

Olympian Sabasteanski Gives Back

BRIDGTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- As a two-time Olympian who was among those who carried the World Trade Center flag at the Salt Lake City Olympics, Kristina Sabasteanski has a unique perspective of this year's games.

Mainely Gymnastics enjoys the show

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Gymnasts as this Maine school followed the U. S. Women's Gymnastics Team with particular passion.  They gathered for a sleep over at Mainely Gymnastics and cheered their heroes as they won gold.

Dogs days of summer at Belgrade Lakes

BELGRADE LAKES, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Golf is a quiet and staid game. It's more fun when you can take your dog.  That's allowed at the Belgrade Lakes golf club, a fact that has generated national publicity for the beautiful lakeside links.

Logan, U. S. Women advance

(NEWS CENTER) -- Ellie Logan of Boothbay Harbor and the Women's Eight with Coxswain has advanced to the finals at the Olympic Games.

Pilot gigs a Belfast mainstay

BELFAST, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Pilot gigs have been around since the days of the sailing ships. They are 32-foot, six-person row boats used to ferry pilots, dignitaries and even contraband from ship to shore or back.

Green Outdoors: Farm uses cow manure to generate electricity

EXETER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A Maine dairy farm is converting cow manure into electricity through a concept known as anaerobic digestion. The process is on line and producing enough electricity to power 800 homes.

Seagulls in the city

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- You expect to see herring gulls or seagulls along the coast of Maine.  However, in recent years, they have been moving into the city in increasing numbers.  A researcher from the University of New England is studying the cost and benefit of herring gulls nesting on roofs.

Green Outdoors: Athearns making a name for themselves

CUMBERLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Athearn family is red hot and their friends in the Standardbred industry could not be more pleased.

Untamed New England attracts world class performers

THE FORKS, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- One hundred sixty-nine competitors forming 49 teams from all over the world converged on Maine last weekend for the Untamed New England Adventure Race.

Winter Moths invade Maine

HARPSWELL, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- An invasive species known as Winter Moth has invaded the town of Harpswell. The moths feed on plants and trees, especially hard woods. State entomologists believe that they were carried into Maine by summer residents who brought domestic plants with them.

Beach Boot Camp is a regimen

Kennebunk, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- They meet in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  They meet in darkness, sun  and all kinds of weather. They are members of Leslie Carroll's Beach Boot Camp class where consistency and hard work make all the difference. 

Maine bees buzzing

Falmouth, ME (NEWS CENTER)--Maine beekeepers report that things are buzzing and that Collapsed Colony Disorder is not having a significant effect on bees in Maine.

8th in the nation shot putter from ME trains for Olympics

CUMBERLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - The Olympic Trials are coming up in Eugene, Oregon the last week in June. Several Maine athletes will be attempting to make the Olympic Team.  One of them is Becki O'Brien of Cumberland and the University of Buffalo who puts the shot and hurls the discus.

Wyeths looking to the Belmont Stakes

Rockport, Maine (NEWS CENTER)    Maine's preeminant artist Jamie Wyeth has returned to Maine for the summer.  Wyeth calls his visit to the Kentucky Derby the thrill of a lifetime and hints that his wife Phyllis' horse will run in the Belmont Stakes.

Green Outdoors: Play Petanque in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Called "the most popular game that no one ever heard of" petanque has a small but loyal following in Maine.

Green Outdoors: Maine is epicenter for Oreo Cookie cows

FRYEBURG, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- In several parts of Maine one can see Belted Galloways stading in fields along the roadside. "Belties" have one broad stripe or belt around them.

Maine game warden writes humorous book

Brooks, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- A retired Maine Game Warden has written a riotous memoir of his days in the field. "Suddenly, The Cider Didn't Taste So Good," is a compilation of short stories by John Ford.

Bart the eagle turns 30

FREEDOM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- An eagle that has become an iconic Maine symbol will turn thirty in the next month. Bart the eagle has become a symbol for the restoration of his species since he was shot in Pennsylvania in 1982.

Penobscots to commemorate Sockalexis

Indian Island, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- On April 19, 1912, Andrew Sockalexis of Indian Island finished second in the Boston Marathon. Now three representatives of the Penobscots are running to commemorate Sockalexis' achievement and to raise money for Penobscot River restoration.

Maine is a primo bird watching site

Bar Harbor, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Bird watching is said to be Maine's most popular activity and the early Spring has migrating birds appearing in big numbers.  On Mount Desert Island, Michael Good is excited about the arrivals.  He is an ornithologist, guide and director of one of Maine's biggest birding festivals.

Mud season will come in Maine

Berwick, ME (NEWS CENTER)--A week of mid-summer like weather has left Mainers feeling like it's July.  However, a long mud season is coming and ATVers are being asked to keep that in mind as they head outdoors.

White Nose Syndrome threatens bats

Oxford County, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- White Nose Syndrome is a fungus which is killing bats.  It was first discovered in the United States in 2006 and reached Maine last year. It is devastating to certain species of bats including the most common bat in our region, the Little Brown.

Nokomis taxidermists give Maine icon a sprucing up

Newport, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- "Ape-raham" is a stuffed Lowland Gorilla which has stood at Perry's Nut House for at least 75 years. The virtually ignored piece of taxidermy is being restored by members of Mr. Whitten's class at Nokomis High School.  Mr. Whitten believes that his is the only taxidermy high school class in the country.

New system for Maine's moose lottery

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The State of Maine has made changes to its Moose Permit Lottery System.  The new method is designed to give a better chance to those who have applied the most consecutive years.

Camp Sunshine brightens winter days

Casco, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Camp Sunshine is for kids who have a life-threatening disease.  They come with their families for a week of fun and relaxation to be with others in similar situations.  It is one of the only camps in Maine that opens in the winter.

Green Outdoors: Skier app aids fundraiser

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine--Tom Hanson is the Treasuer of the Ski Museum of Maine. He is turning his skiing into a fundraiser.  He plans to ski three million vertical feet and will use an app to measure his effort.

Great Backyard Bird Count February 17-20

Portland, ME. (NEWS CENTER)-- Birders from all across the country will be taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend.  Last year, more than ninety-two thousand people counted more than eleven million birds.  The list featured 594 species.

Natalie Terry is matriarch of the mountain

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Natalie Terry has seen many changes in her 42 years as a ski instructor. She has taught more than 23,000 skiers.  Her total is slightly greater than the population of the city of Auburn.

Green Outdoors: Skiers should know responsibility code

BRIDGTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Two serious ski accidents have marred the winter season.  Ski areas are reminding skiers to know the basic safety rules.

Currier breaks out in World Cup

Nove Mesto, Czechoslovakia (NEWS CENTER)-- Russell Currier of New Sweden, Maine finished sixth in a World Cup Biathlon. It is a break out for the twenty five year old Currier and the Maine Winter Sports Center which began training Maine kids in the sport fifteen years ago. 

Green Outdoors: 1914 Aero Sled rides again!

BRYANT POND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Winter time can mean old fashioned fun.  Perhaps no one is having more of it than Phil Smith who is refurbishing a 1914 Aero Sled, which looks like an air boat on skis.

Green Outdoors: Mainers compete at Nationals

RUMFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Jessie Diggins of the U. S. Ski Team put on the greatest show at the National Cross Country Ski Championships in Rumford. More than a dozen Mainers turned in respectable perfromance on the national stage.

Emery makes U. S. Developmental Team

NEW GLOUCESTER, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- A 21-year-old New Gloucester woman has made the U. S. Development Team in the sport of Skeleton.  Skeleton is a sledding event which is held on a bobsled run.  Sherri Emery must travel to Lake Placid, New York to compete.

Dr. Zee's Christmas lights are a hit in Augusta

Augusta, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- An Augusta Orthodontist is determined to brighten people's holidays.  Dr. Darryl Zeleniak has set up a spectacular display of lighting on his Augusta office.

Sunsets are getting later!

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Even though days are still getting shorter, sunsets are getting later.  The optimists among us believe that the long inexorable march toward spring has begun.

Tipping is important at Christmas time!

Falmouth, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Tipping is important at Christmas time in Maine.  That's because tipping is the process of collecting greens that are used in the making of Christmas wreaths, kissing balls and garlands.

Green Outdoors: 10-year-old achieves outdoor grand slam

ACTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Ten year old A. J. Davis of Acton shot a turkey, a bear, a moose and a deer.  This makes him one of the youngest Maine hunters to ever complete the grand slam.

Fishermen, females fight over feathers

Portland, ME (NEWS CENTER)--Feather extensions are a popular style in women's hair fashion.  Salons have bought so many turkey feathers that fly tyers are crying foul.  They can't find feathers for their most popular dry fly patterns.

Green Outdoors: Average hunting season for safety

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Despite a rash of hunting accidents, inclduing two very serious ones, the 2011 deer hunting season is about average in terms of safety, according the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

"Herbie" the Elm lives!

BUXTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Herbie was the name given to the largest Elm Tree in New England.  It was cut down in January of 2011.  A number of local craftsmen have turned Herbie into fine furniture and other items.  Bob Cariddi's contribution is to make bowls.

Green Outdoors: Trimper goes afield

ORONO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Steve Trimper is best known as the Baseball Coach at the University of Maine.  However, he is also passionate about hunting and the season dovetails nicely baseball.

Outdoor Federation is defunct

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Maine Outdoor Federation which was intended to unify the voices of attempting has gone defunct.  The leadership void in the Maine outdoors offers a unique opportunity for the Sportman's Alliance of Maine (SAM).

Green Outdoors: Hunters should act like guests

GRAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- With Maine's hunting season about to begin, hunters are being warned to act like guests.  Ninety-five per cent of Maine is privately owned, so it's rare when someone is hunting on public land.

Ski Maine says ski Maine this year

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Ski Maine Association is making first tracks with their promotional program designed to get people skiing locally this year. 

Best friends vie in stakes final

FRYEBURG, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Two race horses who are best buddies will challenge each other in the Maine Standbred Stakes Final on Sunday at Scarborough Downs.

Tom Brown readies for third Paralympics

CASTINE, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Tom Brown of Castine has won silver and bronze medals in Paralympic sailing races.  He is preparing for the American Olympic trials and hopes to earn a third trip to the games.

Green Outdoors: Hunters prepare for the season

CUMBERLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Fall's arrival signals hunting seasons for Maine hunters.  The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has two publications designed to help hunters.

Nicely wins Junior Worlds

GORHAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A twenty-year-old Gorham woman is celebrating a Junior World Championship in the sport of archery.  Kendall Nicely won the title in Legnica, Poland and set a world record in the process.

Young horsemen bring new life to racing

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Five youngdrivers are making an impact on Maine Standbred Racing and most think the sport is better for it.

Cousins tie in Maine Sporting Clays Championship

Scarborough, ME (NEWS CENTER) --Sporting Clays is the hottest clay target shooting sport.  This year, 122 shooters vied for the Maine State Championship.  Cousins ended up tieing for the title and Bubb Copp ended up the winner when Keith MacDonald went home before the shoot-off.

100 Mile Wilderness run grows

FREEPORT, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Some challenges are just so great that they become intriguing.  Running Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness is becoming such a challenge.

Mainers restore vintage canoes

Atkinson, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- Restoring vintage canoes takes patience, time and money. Jonathan Minott and Bob Volock are the experts who bring new life to old boats at the Island Falls Canoe Company in Atkinson, Maine.

Honey season is here

NORTH YARMOUTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A sweet crop is being harvested -- bee keepers report that honey season is just beginning. 

Maine Island Trail wins national recognition

Portland, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--The Maine Island Trail has been named the best kayak trail in the country by Outside Magazine.  It's just the latest award for a trail that is considered on of Maine's great gems.

Bull Run battle was difficult day for Maine

MANASSAS, Va. (NEWS CENTER) -- This is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  The first major battle took place 150 years ago on July 21. Four Maine regiments were involved in the action which did not go well for the Union Army.

Busy weekend for pyrotechnics!

Farmingdale, ME (NEWS CENTER)--Central Maine Pyrotechnics will put on sixty-five shows around the state over a five-day holiday weekend.  It means lots of work and lots of fun for pyrotechnics.

Sportsmen's groups volunteer to protect Crooked River

CASCO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Crooked River is a hidden jewel providing much of the water for Maine's most populated area, Greater Portland. 

Off-road running with the Trail Monsters

POWNAL, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Trail running is becoming more popular. Many runners who used to be seen on roads, are now dashing through woods and fields.

Moose lottery to be held Saturday at Cabela's

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine's thirty-first moose hunting lottery will be Saturday night.  3,862 permits will be awarded this year. The hunt will generate $1.4 million to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Striper fishing remains free for Mainers

Augusta, ME (NEWS CENTER)-- The movement to force recreational fishermen to buy a saltwater license has been halted.  However, Maine fishermen must be part of the National Saltwater Fishing Registry.

Ticks now a part of life in Maine

ORONO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Lyme Disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere.  It has spread into Maine over the last thirty years and apparently is here to stay.

Pine Tree Store for sale

GRAND LAKE STREAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Kurt and Kathy Cressey have owned the Pine Tree Store in Grand Lake Stream for sixteen years. Now it's for sale as the owners have created a new business which is to be known as Pack Baskets of Maine.

Garrison goes pro

THOMASTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Troy Garrison of Thomaston is well known in his community.  He is a lifelong resident and a police officer.  Now Troy has turned pro as a bass fisherman and hopes to compete at the sport's highest level.

Fiddleheads are thriving

GARDINER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's fiddlehead season in Maine.  Picking and cooking the tasty fern is a spring tradition in this region.

Turkey season opens in Maine

POLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Turkey season opened for all hunters in Maine today.  Thousands of hunters were expected to be in the field. The season will last until June fourth.

Maine thoroughbred ready to race in 2011

SHAPLEIGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A Maine thoughrobred racehorse is preparing for a season of racing.

Maine Archives announces Civil War series

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --The Maine State Archives is observing the Sesquicentennial (150 years) of the Civil War by publishing hundreds of stories about the conflict.

Pick a good bike

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- If you're planning on buying a bike this summer, make sure what you're going to use the bike for. Having a plan for your summer bike season is critical says Fred Robie of the Maine Bicycle Coalition.

House debates horse slaughter

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- How can a horse be put to death? That's the question being debated in the Maine legislature.  The Friends of Animals organization thinks the practice of shipping horses to slaughterhouses in Canada is inhumane and wants the practice stopped.

Woman given leadership post at IF & W

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A long time Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife staff has been named Deputy Commissioner.  Andrea Erskine becomes the first woman in the 130-year history of the department to be given a leadership post.

Wescott wins World Cup Photo-Finish

Arosa, Switzerland (NEWS CENTER)--Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Seth Wescott of Kingfield, Maine edged World Cup leader Pierre Vaultier of France in photo finish. It was sweet revenge for the Sugarloafer who lost his last World Cup start when Vaultier came from behind to defeat him.

The sap is runnin!

DAYTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Freezing nights and warm days cause the sap to run in maple sugar trees.  Those who turn that sap into sweet, delicious maple syrup report this has been a banner year in Maine.

State to attempt to rebuild deer herd

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine's deer herd has been decimated in Western, Northern and Eastern parts of the state.  The state is scrambling to put a plan in place to rebuild the herd, but it could take a half a century.

Groomers make the difference

LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's been a great winter for outdoor recreation. Snowmobilers have had great conditions in all corners of the state for about two months. Even with the recent rain, most areas are looking forward to at least a couple more months of sledding.

Landowners should know land

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Owning land can be a pleasure or a burden.  The Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM) encourages landowner to be active and engaged.  It will make owning land more pleasurable and profitable.

Legally blind skier among Maine's best

BRIDGTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Fryeburg Academy's Christina DiPietro is among the state's top skiers -- even though she is legally blind.

Maine skater commemorates tragedy

SURRY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The U. S. figure skating community is commemorating the loss of the 1961 national team fifty years ago on Tuesday.

Presque Isle biathlon attracts thousands

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle hosted more than ten thousand people over the weekend as the World Cup Biathlon tour came to North America.

Portland Motor Club houses great cars

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Many people have had enough of winter.  They're not even thinking about how it affects their cars. 

Lago to compete in X-Games

NEW HAMPTON, N.H. (NEWS CENTER) -- Olympic bronze medalist Scotty Lago will participate in the X-Games this week despite a broken jaw sustained while filming a movie on January 13. 

Gould boosts Maine Handicap Ski

NEWRY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Gould Academy students are learning to become ski instructors in the Maine Handicapped Skiing program.

Volunteers make Black Mountain go

RUMFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Black Mountain and the Chisholm Ski Club hosted the U. S. National Cross Country ski races last week.  America's best were treated with a world class venue and support thanks to volunteers.

Mount Abram attracts world class coaching

GREENWOOD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Mount Abram has brought in some world class coaching to improve the quality of its race program.  Three-time Olympian Julie Parisien has joined the program that attempts to make high school racers the best that they can be.

Maine Outdoor Federation takes shape

JAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A new outdoor organization has formed and its Executive Director expects it to be Maine's largest in just a few month.  The Maine Outdoor Federation is a group that wants to include all outdoor organizations.

Fisherman battle over territory

Yarmouth, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Lobstermen and shrimpers try to share the waters in the Gulf of Maine.  Occasionally, they want to fish the same place and one destroy's another's gear.  When this happens, tempers flare.  Today, the Department of Marine Resources tried to get both sides together to calm the issue.

World champion draft horses return to Maine

HARRISON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Six world champions returned to Maine last month. They are Percherons -- huge draft horses that were originally used by knights in medieval times.

Hunter says Remington 700 is unsafe

WINDHAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Steve SanPedro is an avid deer hunter with twenty years of military experience.  He was shocked two weeks ago when the Remington 700 that he was hunting with went off.  SanPedro says he had the safety on and did not touch the trigger.

Forester looking for Maine's largest trees

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Every two years, Maine creates a register of its largest trees.  A forester in charge of the program is calling on Mainers to place trees in nomination for the register by December 31.

Tagging stations in a quandry

ALNA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The people who run deer tagging stations are upset over a fee increase and an increase in paper work.

Roxanne Quimby development stirs controversy

WILLIMANTIC, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Noted conservationist Roxanne Quimby stunned neighbors in this small Piscataquis County town when it became known that she was planning a 15-lot subdivision around Greenwood Pond.

Hunting season opens

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The traditional firearms season on deer opened today.  170,000 sportsmen and women are expected to take to the field before the season ends on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Tim Bell leads Sportsman's Alliance

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Tim Bell wants to hit the ground running as the new leader of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine.  Bell is an accomplished government affairs professional with a light hunting and fishing background.

American Chestnuts coming back

BRADLEY, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--The American Chestnut was once the most prolific hardwood tree in the Appalachians. The population has been decimated by a blight brought in from Asia and now only about 200 wild American Chestnuts exist in Maine.

DOC offers foliage events

Augusta, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--The fall foliage season is beginning in Maine and the state is offering a number of events to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the season.

Foshay a master in the field

WASTINGTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Master Maine Guide Bob Foshay is one of the most respected guides in Maine.  One of his unique traits is that he doesn't stick with one breed of dog.

UNE Nature Writers take class outside

ALONG THE SACO RIVER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The best way to learn about nature is by experiencing it. That's what students at the University of New England say.

Pumpkin growing is getting serious

CUMBERLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's gone from fad to serious competition.  Pumpkin growing is attrracting increasing numbers of competitors and some big cash prizes.

Maine woman heads for world championship

WELLS, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Mary Jordan of Wells will be competing at the World Equestrian games in Lexington, Kentucky beginning September 25.  Jordan, who has Multiple Sclerosis will be riding a horse named "Paxton" who was literally born in her arms.

Trash becoming a big problem on private lands

OXFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine has a unique history of recreation occuring on public land. As times change, there is greater pressure put on the relationship between land owners and those who recreate.

New Maine Wardens face changing times

Vassalboro, Maine-- (NEWS CENTER) Twelve new game wardens have graduated from Advanced Warden School and been assigned to districts as Maine Game Wardens.

Summer of speed in Maine harness racing

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER)- Maine race horses are going faster than ever.  Records are falling.  A horse by the name of Rodeo du Ruisseau has set a new state record turning in a 1:52 and 3/5 at the Skowhegan State Fair.

Machias-area girl gets national attention

MARSHFIELD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --  A Marshfield girl who helps her Game Warden father train his police dog gets national attention from American Girl Magazine.

Blueberry harvest becoming more mechanized

Township 25, Maine--(NEWS CENTER) Maine is the largest producing blueberry state and the harvest in in full swing.

Mid-Coast Riders put on a show

BOOTHBAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A group of Boothbay women have formed a precision riding group.  They are so popular in the neighborhood that they are about to begin public performances.

Wigwam exhibit at Maine Coast Botanical Gardens

Boothay, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-Maine Coast Botanical Gardens continues to grow.  The newest exhibit is a traditional Penobscot Wigwam constructed by Penobscot Artist and Teacher Barry Dana.

Eighty-two year old wins trap championship

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Cal Stinson of Prospect Harbor, Maine has again won the singles title at the Maine State Trap Shooting Championships.

Operation Dry Water cracks down on drinking and boating

SEBAGO LAKE, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Maine police agencies stepped up enforcement in a big way this week as part of Operation Dry Water. 

Mainers compete in Bermuda Race

Portland, Maine (Newscenter)--The Newport to Bermuda Race is wrapping up with seven Maine yachts battling in the competition.

Burnt Island popular for education programs

SOUTHPORT, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Burnt Island is becoming well known because of the educational programs offered there.

George Smith to leave Sportsman's Alliance

Mount Vernon, Maine (NEWSCENTER)--George Smith, one of Maine's most powerful outdoor advocates, will leave his position as Executive Director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine by the end of the year.

Bee swarm season is here

FALMOUTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- This is the time of year that bees swarm.  The swarm may leave in a couple of days or it may move into a crevice at your house.  It is best to call a bee keeper to have the swarm removed.