By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine’s crime rate dropped in 2023 for the second year in a row.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine is finalizing the next phase of its ambitious plans for energy storage, a renewable avenue that is becoming more important amid President-elect Donald Trump being poised to stall clean energy projects.

Grade 12, highest honors: Lucy Alexander, Keira Bennett, Addyson Brown, Lillian Cooley, Cole Doherty, Chase Farnsworth, Amelia Greaves, Megan Hreben, Willis Rienhardts; high honors: Sunny Bache, Jason Bowden, Abigail Bradley, Jennifer Bradley, Thomas Burgess, McKenzie Clay, Abilene Corson, Teegan Day, Ethan Doherty, Kelsey Doore, Alyvia Dorman, Kayleigh Dunton, Avery Fogler, Gabrielle Judkins, Emily Manter, Angel Moore, Brianna Vafiades; honors: Harley Ahern, Holly Burdick, Alice Childers, Carley Coffman, Seth Craig, Jayden Dami, Brooklyn Dow, Preslee Dow, Andrea Gilman, Tyler Gould, Olivia Higgins, Kenzie Kimball, Kaylynn Loggans, Carolyn Lufkin, Kayden Miller, Zachary Mooers, Fannie Patel, Trevor Picariello, Sabrina Pike, Elizabeth Roberts, Zaiden Williams.

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

Eastern Maine Development Corp.

AUGUSTA — On Dec.

By Lori Valigra, Bangor Daily News Staff Some 250,000 acres of Maine fir trees are at risk of defoliation from a moth that could cause millions of dollars of harm to the state’s economy if ignored, forestry experts said during a webinar Wednesday.

Fidium has expanded its multi-gig, symmetrical speed internet service to Dover-Foxcroft and Dexter, making its future-proof fiber network available to more than 7,200 homes and businesses.

CORINNA – Incoming Rep.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff Democrats and Republicans said they are confident in the prospects of changing how the Maine Legislature operates in order to crack down on vague placeholder bills, prolonged meetings and other State House norms that have hindered public participation.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Michael Aube, a former Bangor city councilor and director of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation, died on Nov.

PORTLAND — The holidays are a wonderful time to get everyone together.

SKOWHEGAN — Skowhegan Savings Bank employees donated $20,000 to 20 local nonprofits during the bank’s fourth annual Season of Giving.

AUGUSTA – Gov.

By Ethan Andrews, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine has been awarded $5.

By Elizabeth Walztoni, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine has adjusted its potential rules for the development of solar arrays on valuable farmland, and is now taking public comments on a second draft.

BANGOR – The Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services has granted $150,000 in funding to support Penquis’ Maine Highlands Economic Development Initiative.

By Julie Harris, Bangor Daily News Staff The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has withdrawn its proposal to suspend grouse hunting during the September week of the state’s annual moose hunt after public outcry against it.