BREWER — February is American Heart Month, so let us ask: When was the last time you truly listened to your heart? It may sound a bit cliché, but it’s crucial to pay attention to your heart’s health.

The Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine are excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2025 County Teachers of the Year and the 2026 State Teacher of the Year.

The rate of drug overdose deaths in Piscataquis County far exceeds the state average.

By Larry Mahoney, Bangor Daily News Staff Orono High School Athletic Administrator Nelson Beaudoin was in a pinch.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County Democrats gathered on Jan.

AUGUSTA — JMG (formerly known as Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, Inc.

Grade eight, high honors: Ella Annis, Alexis Arcaro, Lauren Caruso, Gabriel Chambers, Tiffani Chan, Melanie Cornelia, Emma Crossman, Eric Deitz, Michael Kinney, Cooper Knepp, Layla Lanthier, Benjamin Mailloux, Hunter McKusick-Slama, Carter Merrill, Adalynn Rayfield, Alexia Richardson, Kortlyn Teachout, Chyanne Towner, Elsa Vandermast, Owen White; honors: Sullivan Carey, Xavier Cookson, Jordan Dill, Skyeler Griffith-Klimetz, Elizabeth Grover, Ellianna Jones, Kloey Merrill, Salvatore Rizzitello, Sierra Roberts, Madilyn Tatlock, Elodie Vail, Donovan Williams.

PORTLAND – Students who will graduate from Maine public high schools this spring and plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college in fall 2025 are invited to complete the online application for the $10,000 Mitchell Scholarship by midnight, March 1.

AUGUSTA — The Maine County Commissioners Association held their annual meeting in Augusta on Jan.

By Emily Burnham, Bangor Daily News Staff In the bleak midwinter, when daylight is scarce and temperatures struggle to rise above freezing, some Mainers have found warmth, solace and rejuvenation in a practice that stretches back centuries: traditional Nordic sauna.

Graduating seniors from Maine high schools who are National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) members and interested in pursuing a career in farming, agriculture, or natural resources are invited to apply for a Ronald P.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — Gov.

Nonprofit organizations throughout the state may be eligible for grants from the Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program.

WASHINGTON, D.

By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff A credit rating agency has given Bangor’s largest health care system a negative outlook, despite deciding not to further downgrade its credit rating.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A team of SeDoMoCha School staff all-stars will take on a squad of A team players in the second annual student vs.

BANGOR — National Blood Donor Month is a time to recognize and celebrate blood donors, and to remind people of the importance of donating blood.

ORONO — Ask anyone who frequents the forests of New England and they will likely speak of unwelcome companions — ticks.