With temperatures all across the lower half of the state expected to reach into the 90s through the weekend, it’s official: most of Maine is in a wicked heat wave.

MILO – In June The Garden Club Federation of Maine recognized Milo Garden Club with a second-place award for their yearbook design.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff A new simulation training lab in Bangor will give emergency care training to first responders in a life-like setting, better preparing them for situations in the field.

Contributed photo PARTY VALUES – Local Democrats from Sebec, Milo, Dover-Foxcroft, Orneville, and Bowerbank gathered in Sebec for an organizational meeting and cookout on July 10.

AUGUSTA – The Maine Connectivity Authority announced that it is going “All-In” to bring broadband internet to all Mainers.

Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is pleased to announce it raised $121,036 as part of its 30-day, $100,000 Challenge fundraiser.

MILO — Following last month’s affirmative 182-131 referendum vote, SAD 41 will soon start an approximate $935,000 Revolving Renovation Fund project for the upgrades to the air system at the Milo Elementary School.

BANGOR – To help provide equitable learning access and opportunities and keep local youth connected, UScellular has donated 25 wireless hotspots and two years of service to Penquis Community Action Program as part of its After School Access Project.

Grade eight, high honors: Amara Driscoll and Paeton Mitchell; honors: Liam Atkinson, Josie Bishop, Vegas Carey, Sean Chenkin, Michael Coburn, Lillian Hatt, Byron Severance, Connor Smith, Joshua Stineford, Cole Watts, and Gage Yenchochic.

Grade 12, high honors: Grady Atkinson, Hope Lovell, Emily McKinnon, Jonathan Paquette, and Mikal Sickler; honors: April Badger, Benjamin Bouley, Angela Bryden, Justin Chambers, Trinity Moulton-Moors, Maxwell Osgood, Alvin Robshaw, and Desirea Stanley.

By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff Hearing the haunting call of a common loon echoing across the water can be exhilarating.

By Samantha Hogan, The Maine Monitor The availability of criminal defense attorneys is at an all-time low in Maine for defendants who cannot afford to hire their own attorney.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County’s sheriff plans to hire a person with medical training to distribute medications to jail inmates — a first for a department that has used corrections officers to perform the task until now.

LAKE VIEW PLANTATION — The fourth annual Schoodic Lake Charity Bass Tournament will take place from 10 a.

PORTLAND – Four Maine students wrapped up the school year by also wrapping up a 10-week internship with Flavors Hook Kids Maine.

FALMOUTH — Did you know that loon chicks can swim right away but need parental care for their first three months? That the shape of a loon’s forehead or length of its neck can change to indicate stress? And that Maine is fortunate to be home to the largest Common Loon population in the Northeast? For nearly four decades, Maine Audubon has been studying loon behavior and engaging volunteers across Maine in conservation efforts to bolster the loon population.

For the second year the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts in Dover-Foxcroft has recruited a troop of talented high school students to perform around the region for the summer.

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District serves as a resource hub for Maine Lake’s LakeSmart — a free program offered state-wide, which helps waterfront property owners protect the beloved lakes and ponds they live on.