By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff A draft decision released by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ office Thursday found the conservative referendum aiming to bar transgender girls from school sports fell roughly 500 signatures short of the total needed to make the 2026 ballot.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High SchoolTIGER ROYALTY — The Dexter Regional High School Prom was held on May 16 at Sunset Meadows in Corinna.

GARLAND — All are welcome to attend a band concert at 7:30 a.

DEXTER – A fully updated comprehensive plan for the town of Dexter was approved by the town council during a May 14 meeting.

By Ari Snider, Maine Public There were 3,356 international visa students enrolled at secondary and post-secondary institutions in Maine in April, virtually unchanged from the same month last year, according to a Department of Homeland Security database.

BREWER — Northern Light Health is recognizing National EMS Week, May 17-23, and Mental Health Awareness Month, observed all month long, by shining a light on the importance of mental health support for EMTs and paramedics, first responders who face traumatic events, high stress situations and long working hours.

Tech center director will be next superintendent DEXTER — A proposed 2026-27 $16.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Mainers can vote early by absentee ballot at all municipal offices starting Monday through June 4 ahead of the state’s June 9 primary election.

FARMINGTON — The lilt of bagpipes filled the air at the University of Maine at Farmington Saturday, May 9, as it celebrated the Class of 2026.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Spring is typically when Maine’s real estate market explodes with new inventory and home sales.

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

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High School SCHOLAR-ATHLETES — Congratulations to Dexter Regional High School seniors Annabelle Peakes and Damiair Miller, who the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association has recognized for their academic and athletic excellence.

By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff Portland’s three public high schools.

By Benjamin Kail, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine lawmakers on April 29 failed to override Gov.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High SchoolOVERALL WINNER — Rowan Browne was the overall winner for Dexter Regional High School of the “Manie Musicale 2026” competition in the French classes.

By Christopher Burns and Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Gov.

DEXTER — Adalea Gudroe, a student at Dexter Regional High School, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, a globally recognized independent research institute dedicated to advancing ocean science and education.

BIDDEFORD — Cally Gudroe of Garland, a sophomore at the University of New England, was recognized at the University of New England’s 2026 University Awards ceremony, held April 21 at the Harold Alfond Forum.