Dirigo Reads cofounders Dan and Karen Cashman are pleased to announce the release of the 2019 Dirigo Reads annual report, highlighting the success of the program’s first year.

The committee charged with recommending urgent measures to stabilize and support Maine’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic recommended the state provide $1.

The state is now opening 18 new drive-up coronavirus testing sites in places as far abreast as South Portland and Presque Isle as part of a previously announced expansion to the state’s overall ability to detect the disease.

DOVER-FOXCROFT Shall the town appropriate revenues anticipated  in the amount of $2,133,808 and  appropriate additional funds including  funds from surplus in the amount of $260,000,  for a total amount of $2,393,808  to be used to reduce amounts  to be raised from the property tax commitment  to fund appropriations in subsequent articles,  and; authorize the board of selectmen  to appropriate an additional amount  from surplus to reduce the property tax commitment? Yes No 791 167   Shall the town raise and appropriate  the sum of $4,651,635, for town operations?  (Revenue and surplus to be used  to reduce the amount to be raised  to fund this article is $2,279,508,  net amount to be raised is $2,372,127) Yes No 871 195   Shall the town raise and appropriate the sum  of $205,500 to capital reserve to fund capital equipment?  (Revenue and surplus to be used to reduce the amount  to be raised to fund this article is $18,600, net amount  to be raised is $186,900);  and authorize the board of selectmen to expend funds) Yes No 813 214   Shall the town raise and appropriate the sum  of $72,500 to capital reserve to fund  capital improvements to town buildings and facilities?  (Revenue to be used to reduce the amount to be raised to fund  this article is $5,700, net amount to be raised is $66,800);  and authorize the board of selectmen to expend funds) Yes No 766 219   Shall the town appropriate all money received  from the the state (anticipated in the amount of $90,000)  for capital improvements and maintenance of town roads  and bridges and raise and appropriate $310,000  for capital improvements and maintenance for town roads?  Total expenditure = $400,000.

DEXTER — A $15,389,287 SAD 46 budget for the 2020-21 academic year was approved across the four SAD 46 district communities during the July 14 referendum via a combined count of 617-301.

Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is pleased to announce that its month-long $100,000 Challenge raised over $227,000 to support Good Shepherd Food Bank’s COVID-19 response and community food pantries across the state.

One hundred years from now, when future Mainers decide to research what happened during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, what information will they find? What photos and artwork will they see? What kinds of documents will they come across? Whose stories will they read?   A number of Maine libraries are hoping to create an archive of all those things by asking Mainers to contribute their stories, photos, artwork and other documents about their experience during the pandemic.

The Bangor and Brewer school departments, like many others in the state, are putting together three separate plans for reopening public schools in fall, including a full return to in-person schooling, a combination of in-person and online learning and a fully online semester.

When a crisis hits and life seems out of control, rituals can help bring back a sense of order.

Maine Open Farm Day organizers encourage the public to visit farms online beginning Sunday, July 26 to learn how to support Maine agriculture this summer.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis County Ice Arena and Center Theatre have announced that they are extending the season of the temporary Dover-Foxcroft drive-in through Aug.

Maine anglers are really passionate about fishing.

Every year, several thousand adventurous souls set out to hike all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

SANGERVILLE — The tradition of farming and the opportunities of the internet are being celebrated by the farmers of the East Sangerville Grange, as they announce the opening of their online farmers’ market — the Maine Highlands Farmers’ Market.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Golfers, you have waited long enough.

MACHIAS — The National Digital Equity Center is pleased to announce that it is now offering digital literacy and computer skills classes online statewide.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension plant pathologist Alicyn Smart recently began receiving reports of Maine lawns turning black in certain areas during the recent drought.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Central Hall Commons in collaboration with community partner organizations will present “Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence with PTSD:  A Coordinated Community Response” with speaker Angie Alfonso and “Strengthening Resilience and Connection Together through Conversations” featuring Kini-Ana Tinkham.