By Daniel O’Connor, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine consistently ranks as one of the most rural states in the nation, with more than 60% of the population living far from a major city.

By Molly Enking, Maine Public The U.

MONSON — Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift or a pair of socks or a hat for yourself? Stop by Monson’s Kris Kringle’s Market on Saturday, Dec.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Foxcroft Academy Key Club is hosting its 5th Annual Festival of Stockings on Saturday, Dec.

A longstanding tradition in the region’s schools continued earlier this month as the Valley Grange of Guilford provided all area third graders with a dictionary through the Dictionary Project and the Grange’s Words for Thirds program.

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff A new documentary detailing 50 years of black bear research in Maine was released Nov.

By Kevin Miller, Maine Public Nearly half of Maine’s registered voters participated in this year’s November election, which was much higher turnout than during the past two off-year elections.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff Although a deal has been reached to end the government shutdown that jeopardized SNAP benefits for thousands of Mainers, heating aid and other assistance programs are still feeling the impact of a lack of federal funding.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Program grant cuts to six organizations in the proposed 2026 Piscataquis County budget have been restored by the Piscataquis County Commissioners.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff Mainers can now renew their Real ID through an online portal.

Early detection is one of the best ways to improve lung cancer survival.

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District works to protect, promote and conserve this county’s natural resources.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, and Northern Light Health are working together to bring affordable, high-quality health care coverage for those living in Maine.

Penquis was selected to receive a $1,000 grant by BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc.

GUILFORD — The future of the Guilford-based school district remains uncertain as officials weigh multiple possibilities.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine’s median home price fell in September for only the second time since 2019.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Pine Tree Hospice, a non-medical, non-profit volunteer hospice organization in Dover-Foxcroft, is inviting private duty care providers to be included in its free private duty provider directory.

Foxcroft Academy officials have reached out to the SAD 4 community to have a conversation about the Dover-Foxcroft secondary school becoming the high school for students from the six towns in the neighboring Guilford-based school district and what could be accomplished by working together.