PORTLAND – The end of expanded food assistance benefits, coupled with rising food costs, has created an enormous challenge for Mainers trying to put food on the table.

NEWPORT — Darling’s Auto Group acquires Hartley’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Newport.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine still has the oldest population in the nation.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society’s Observer Building Museum, located on Union Square, will be officially opening on Whoopie Pie Day – Saturday, June 24.

GUILFORD — Piscataquis Community Elementary School sixth-graders answered their principal’s challenge to make a difference globally.

GUILFORD — On Thursday, June 15 Friends of Community Fitness celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a  barbecue and family fun day including entertainment from the Piscataquis Ukulele Players.

The General Federation of Women’s ClubsMIOSAC Club of Dover-Foxcroft has celebrated its 87th birthday.

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Education announced the return of “Hot Lunch Summer,” the state’s summer food service program which provides free meals to children beyond the school year.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Foxcroft Academy Key Club has had another great school year of service, and it’s time for the club to give back to the community it serves.

By Emily Burnham, Bangor Daily News Staff Long before he made his name as a saxophone player in both his own projects and as a member of the Dave Matthews Band, Jeff Coffin was a 9-year-old kid in Dexter, Maine, trying to pick out which instrument he was going to play in elementary school band.

MONSON — The first contra dance of the season at Monson’s Finn Hall, on Route 15, is coming on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.

Observer photo/Jeannette HughesFIND THE WHOOPIE PIE CONTEST WINNER — Susan Cannon of Atkinson is the grand prize winner of the Piscataquis Observer’s annual Find the Whoopie Pie Contest.

By Lori Valigra, Bangor Daily News Staff Are you confused about the various rate hikes that will be in your electric bill on July 1? You are not alone.

By Valerie Royzman, Staff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — An iconic Dover-Foxcroft ice cream and seafood joint that shuttered in 2021 will reopen under a new name and ownership this summer, though people can expect many of the same favorite treats.

GUILFORD — Join us on Thursday, June 22 at 2 p.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A surprise 80th party was held for Ralph “Eddie” Lewis of Dover-Foxcroft on Saturday afternoon, June 10 in the dining hall at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer its hands-on virtual summer learning series July 5 to Aug.

MONSON — Marilou Ranta never considered herself or her restaurant elite like the culinary gems of Portland, Boston and New York that typically receive national recognition.