ORONO — Ruth Griffith of Parkman, who is majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs, is the 2026 University of Maine valedictorian.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A month and a half after the Piscataquis County Commissioners voted to have $10,000 in county opioid settlement money go annually to the non-profit Recovery Wellness Community Center of Sangerville, county officials heard about the impact of the funds during a commissioners meeting on the morning of April 7.

DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Center Theatre announced that it is looking for an area group or organization to park cars at the 2026 Maine Whoopie Pie Festival.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff The wording of this November’s referendum to ban transgender athletes from girls sports teams has been released.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff Four men who were seen walking on the Golden Road near Canada are facing federal criminal charges for allegedly entering the United States illegally.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Judy Camuso is stepping down as Maine’s wildlife and inland fisheries commissioner.

GREENVILLE — The Northern Forest Center subdivision application for a 28-unit housing development off Spruce Street to help provide more affordable options in town is nearing final approval from the Greenville Planning Board.

MILO — The SAD 41 annual budget meeting for the 2026-27 academic year finances will be at 6 p.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerry Glover as interim executive director as part of a planned leadership transition.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — A Democratic bill to expand the use of ranked-choice voting would violate the Maine Constitution, the state’s high court said in an April 6 opinion.

BROWNVILLE — Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union recently donated funds to Brownville Fire Rescue for the purchase of two thermal imaging cameras.

The Maine Department of Transportation has begun road work in Greenville, Shirley, Monson and Abbot for a pavement preservation and improvement project.

By Kevin Miller, Maine Public A federal appeals court ruled Friday, April 3 that Maine’s 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases is likely constitutional, handing gun control advocates a significant victory in a high-profile Second Amendment case.

DEXTER — SAD 46 officials are in the midst of putting together the budget for the 2026-27 academic year.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis Regional Food Center is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to its board of directors, bringing a diverse range of experience and community leadership to support the organization’s mission.

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor Maine trappers and other small business owners are losing a key online marketplace after Etsy updated its policy to ban the sale of most fur products.

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District is gearing up to present two Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshops, one on April 25 at Two Knights Brewery, Sangerville and a second on May 2 at the Railyard Brewery in Milo.

State of Maine Offices in Aroostook, Hancock, Washington, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset counties to open at 11 a.