By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County will use an online diversion program this year to keep people out of its overcrowded jail.

HAMPDEN — Dozens of volunteers representing Kiwanis New England & Bermuda District 2, made up of 11 clubs from Augusta north to Milo/Brownville and Greenville, and high school Key Clubs from across the region came together on Saturday morning, Jan.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff HAMPDEN — The Hampden Town Council approved a proposed agreement to offset a new jail’s impact on taxpayers if Penobscot County builds it in the town.

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff DEXTER — One person was found dead Friday evening, Jan.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County Commissioners voted Jan.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County received no bids on a $23 million loan to fund the county in 2026 by the set deadline, County Finance Director Brenda Palmer said on Jan.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High SchoolSTUDENTS OF THE MONTH — Dexter Regional High School is pleased to announce the December Students of the Month as selected by the faculty and staff for being exemplary students.

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

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.

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 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 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.

WASHINGTON, D.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff A man accused of assisting in a Bangor homicide is back in jail, roughly six months after his bail was drastically lowered.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County commissioners and officials should take additional steps to solve the county’s current budget problems, former County Administrator Scott Adkins said.

By Daniel O’Connor, Bangor Daily News Staff As Maine rings in the new year, many laws passed by the Legislature are set to go into effect.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County Commissioners approved the county’s 2026 budget with a unanimous vote on Dec.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine saw more houses change hands this year than last, with the state’s most populated counties seeing the highest number of sales — part of a years-long pattern.