By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli, The County Staff Owners of short-term rentals, single-family residential homes or fee-based residential campsites operating in the state’s unorganized territories must now notify the Maine Land Use Planning Commission of the rental.

HAMPDEN — The Maine Savings Foundation is proud to announce the first five recipients of its Beyond Banking Grant Program, awarding $5,000 each to Maine nonprofit organizations advancing health, wellness, education, culture and essential social services across the state.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine is considering bringing parole back — 50 years after the state ended the program.

By Bridget Huber, Bangor Daily News Staff Blair Tinkham has been appointed Penobscot County administrator, the county announced.

By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli, The County Staff The state legislative tax committee will hear public comment Wednesday on a proposed amendment that could help some Mainers keep properties threatened by double-digit tax increases.

MILO — SAD 41 officials are starting preparations on the 2026-27 budget and the public is invited to provide feedback for next year’s finances.

DEXTER, Maine — Sex offenders will be barred from living within 750 feet of schools and parks in Dexter after the Town Council approved an ordinance on residency rules on Thursday.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Last month RSU 68 recognized 35 dedicated staff members for reaching milestones of 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of service.

Grade eight habits of work honors: Elijah Garland, Aiden Hamilton, Ava Kimball, Bentley Roderick, Addyson Thompson, Karter Vega; high honors: Peyton Hill, Cierra Canfield, Cameron Cobb, Sophie Denty, Blake Dodge, Makayla Holcomb, Kelsey Roy, Emma Spizuoco.

By Bridget Huber, Bangor Daily News Staff Piscataquis County Sheriff Bob Young will not seek reelection, he announced Jan.

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor Throughout winter, when people are burning wood stoves, many households end up with piles of ashes, and most simply dump them in the woods or trash.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine’s most extravagant properties have attracted famous names such as John Travolta and Martha Stewart for decades.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff BANGOR — Andre Cushing was reelected chair of the Penobscot County Commissioners with a 2-1 vote at the commissioners meeting on Jan.

By Daniel O’Connor, Bangor Daily News Staff It’s the first week of the new legislative session, but the clock is already ticking on a bill that would allow Maine counties and municipalities to declare bankruptcy if they default on their debts — something that could happen within weeks in Washington County.

SEBEC — A week into the new year, RSU 68 officials are working on developing the budget for the 2026-27 academic year.

WASHINGTON, D.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — During the first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday morning, the Piscataquis County Commissioners set the chair and vice chair for the new year.

SANGERVILLE — The Sangerville Fire Department has been awarded $56,000 from the Gloria C.