By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff The effects of chemical contamination of Maine’s fish and wildlife, the impact of the revamped antlerless deer permit system and winter tick mortality among moose are three of the key areas outdoor enthusiasts should follow as we head into 2023.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff On a cold December Thursday night, John Michaud of Milo walked up the steps of the Mansion Church in Bangor with his laptop bag slung over his shoulder, greeting people waiting outside by name.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School recognized the December Students in the Spotlight at a recent assembly.

GREENVILLE — The Greenville Public Safety Building project will receive a $902,000 boost as part of federal appropriations bills.

GREENVILLE — Winter’s grip has taken hold on Piscataquis County, but the recent snowy weather has not hindered progress on one of the largest construction projects in the Moosehead Lake Region’s history.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Students will have more hands-on activities to choose from thanks to a $150,000 grant to boost an after-school program in Dover-Foxcroft.

Photo courtesy of Teresa Brzustowicz and Nichole Webber AUTHOR VISIT — Students and staff at Dexter Regional High School got a visit from author Paul Doiron on Dec 1.

Observer photo/Keri Foster FIND THE SHOP LOCAL TREE WINNER — Bill Cleaves of Sangerville is the grand prize winner of the Piscataquis Observer’s annual Find the Shop Local Tree contest.

BEAVER COVE, Maine — A company with a permit to build two single-family houses in Beaver Cove will have to pay a $6,150 fine and restore vegetation, leaving the Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission members to wonder how to better thwart violations such as these.

Many older Mainers are worried about having to make tough choices concerning the purchase of food and fuel to heat their homes.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — It was February 1964, and Joseph Guyotte, after several months of waiting, heard from Fire Chief “Old Red” Whitman about an open reserve position at the fire station.

Abbot resident Walter Boomsma was recognized at the 156th annual National Grange Convention in Reno, Nevada as a Cultivator of the Year by the National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Department.

DEXTER  — A new adoption program that aims to boost the well-being of seniors who live alone pairs them with cats in need of homes.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Area families packed the Dover-Foxcroft fire station for a visit with Santa and Mrs.

More than a third of middle-schoolers in Piscataquis and Somerset counties reported feelings of sadness and hopelessness in 2021, exceeding the state average, according to data released last week.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High School Members of student government at Dexter Regional High School raised funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to go toward area individuals living with breast cancer.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County’s commissioners plan to slash 10 percent of grants for all nonprofit organizations, including its economic development group and regional food center, to lessen the burden on taxpayers, they said Thursday morning.

By Troy R.