The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maine will officially begin on Tuesday, June 3, uniting law enforcement officers from across the state as they carry the Flame of Hope through dozens of communities on its journey to the Special Olympics Maine State Summer Games, beginning on Friday, June 6 at the University of Maine in Orono.

By Julie Harris, Bangor Daily News Staff The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was in the public crosshairs when criticism from former employees got traction on social media.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff The Bangor Daily News and The Maine Monitor will welcome a new Report for America corps member focused on a topic we need more reporting on: rural government.

FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington honored members of the Class of 2025 with a festive Commencement celebration on May 10.

The Maine Community Foundation announced the launch of a new initiative to strengthen Maine communities by ensuring strong, local news coverage in all parts of the state.

GARLAND — The public is invited to begin Memorial Day, Monday May 26 in Garland in the Baptist church yard at 7:30 a.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff U.

FARMINGTON — Skowhegan Savings Bank recently held its 155th annual meeting of its corporators at the University of Maine Farmington, highlighting the financial institution’s strong financial health in reporting assets exceeding $841 million, the origination of over $130 million in loans in 2024 and deep community commitment.

GUILFORD — Last October news broke that the Piscataquis Regional YMCA on Park Street in Dover-Foxcroft would be closing in the immediate future with financial reasons being cited for the closure of the facility that had been in operation since 1988.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Democrat Troy Jackson wants to become Maine’s next governor.

Grade 12, highest honors: Lucy Alexander, Keira Bennett, Jason Bowden, Addyson Brown, McKenzie Clay, Lillian Cooley, Teegan Day, Cole Doherty, Preslee Dow, Chase Farnsworth, Avery Fogler, Claire Fogler, Amelia Greaves, Megan Hreben, Willis Rienhardt, Alexandra Vafiades, Brianna Vafiades; high honors: Sunny Bache, Thomas Burgess, Brooklynn Dow, Kayleigh Dunton, Brayden Neptune; honors: Issiah Amazeen, Abigail Bradley, Alice Childers, Abilene Corson, Seth Craig, Ethan Doherty, Alyvia Dorman, Andrea Gilman, Tyler Gould, Gabrielle Judkins, Kenzie Kimball, Emily Manter, Fannie Patel, Trevor Picariello, Sabrina Pike, Zaiden Williams.

DEXTER — Students from the Tri-County Technical Center’s Natural Resource Program are making a tangible difference in their community by collaborating with the town of Dexter and the Dexter Development Association on the “Bring Back the Beach” project.

DEXTER – Chase Paul Farnsworth of Ripley, a senior at Dexter Regional High School, was selected to receive the 2025 Principal’s Award, Principal Stephen Bell announced.

Each year, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes an individual or organization whose impressive efforts and contributions make positive impacts in our county for natural resource conservation.

By Julie Harris, Bangor Daily News Staff Floating camps are a growing problem, according to those who steward the state’s waters for the people of Maine.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff U.

DEXTER — Dexter Regional High School Principal Stephen Bell is honored to announce the valedictorian for the Class of 2025, Megan Hreben and Salutatorian Amelia Greaves.

By Steve Mistler, Maine Public State Auditor Matt Dunlap says he’s exploring a bid for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat, raising the prospect that Democratic U.