By Daniel O’Connor The proportion of Mainers registered to vote as Republicans has grown in the past five years in a warning sign for Democrats trying to maintain control over Augusta.

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

DEXTER — The Friends of the Dexter Meeting House held its second annual chili cookoff on Saturday, March 7 at the First Universalist Church.

By Molly Enking, Maine Public Despite normal snowfall this winter, Maine remains in a years-long drought with record low stream flow, which puts the state at below normal flood risk this spring, according to the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

DEXTER — SAD 46 is looking at a $183,920 reduction in state subsidy for the 2026-27 budget, Superintendent Kevin Jordan said during a March 4 school board meeting at the Ridge View Community School.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff A new Penobscot County Jail could hold nearly twice as many inmates as the existing building and provide space for medical and mental health services, early plans for the facility show.

AUGUSTA — University of Maine at Augusta Provost Joseph Szakas announces the fall 2025 full-time president’s list and full-time dean’s list.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County lost more than $5 million in 2023 due to underfunding, underbudgeting and mismanagement, a long-awaited audit showed.

ORONO – On Feb.

Photo courtesy of Aubrey Ladd/Dexter Regional High SchoolTIGER ROYALTY — The Winter Carnival week at Dexter Regional High School concluded with the Class of 2026 winning the week’s events overall and earning the Tiger Cup.

DEXTER — Several Dexter community organizations (Dexter Knights of Columbus, Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis, The First Universalist Church of Dexter and Carter-Dulac VFW Post 4298) are working together to host a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, March 16 from 12:30 to 5 p.

DEXTER — SAD 46 has launched a $250,000 field lighting project, making the announcement on Feb.

Grade 12, highest honors: Noah Benson, Paige Jandreau, Chloe Murdock, Laney Scott, Casey Swenson; high honors: Jon Andrescu, Shealyn Bagley, Raina Cyr, Peyton Dodge, Cassidy Drew, Ryan Hocking, Annabelle Keniston-Johndro, Joshua Medeiros, Tucker Neal, Annabelle Peakes, Caleb Pelkey, Alaena Pickel, Jacoby Pratt, Cadence Sciongay, Kallie Stone, Alex Sutton, Abagail Trafton, Baylee Turcotte, Sophie White, Lexi Wintle; honors: Brady Adams, Desiree Adams, Caleb Bowman, Jazmin Channon, George Childers, Bryce Cooper, Deaken Cousins, Luca De Pasquale, Emily Giles, Aedyn Goodell, Trenton Hanscom, Brady Jerome, Kody Kimball, Tanner Ladd, Damiair Miller, Maddox Miller, Liset Ramirez Barahona, Genevieve Rich, Adriana Sibert, Jazmyn Wing, Noah Woodruff.

PRESQUE ISLE — One thousand five hundred and forty students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle have received academic recognition for the fall 2025 semester, according to Alana Margeson, provost and vice president of academic Affairs.

By Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News Staff The American Red Cross will discontinue mobile blood drives across northern Maine effective in July, according to a statement from the organization.

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County officials sent a letter to Gov.

RE/MAX INFINITY is proud to announce it has been recognized as the 2025 Outstanding REMAX Brokerage of the Year in the State of Maine, a prestigious honor that reflects exceptional performance, leadership and commitment to clients and community.

DEXTER — Friends of The Dexter Meeting House will be holding their second annual Chili Cook-Off from 4:30-6:30 p.