By Marie Weidmayer, Bangor Daily News Staff The backlog of criminal cases in Penobscot County is slowly easing after a spike caused by COVID-19 — but still remains among the highest in the state when compared with pre-pandemic numbers.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Four farm animals in Piscataquis County have died after apparently contracting a mosquito-borne virus.

In its third and most expansive year yet, the Mini-Grants for Outdoor Learning Program has helped over 30,000 students from schools in every county in Maine get outside the classroom and into the natural world.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — During the weekend storm that struck New England, consisting of what was once  Hurricane Lee, the Monson Fire Department was responding to a number of calls in the town as well as the surrounding area these firefighters cover.

By Julia Bayly With thousands of miles of snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails in Maine crossing privately owned acres, the potential for friction between landowners and recreational riders is always there.

AUGUSTA — Maine’s 2023 County Teachers of the Year cohort launched a new #LoveMaineSchools campaign to coincide with the start of the new school year.

BANGOR — Penquis announced that it has received a grant of $50,000 from NeighborWorks America to support Penquis’ Financial Capability Program.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff The board that would oversee Maine’s electric distribution system under Question 3 on November’s ballot would add a unique layer to our politics, creating a new political entity whose members would represent large and divided areas.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A few days into the start of classes, RSU 68 school board members learned more about the opening week of school from administrators during a meeting at the superintendent’s office building on Tuesday evening.

The Penquis Prevention Council is offering community workshops to help prevent or reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in our community.

The 2023 County Teachers of the Year want to share your amazing stories! During the 2023-24 academic school year, the 2023 CTOYs will collect and share positive stories from Maine educators to elevate the teaching profession and connect with a variety of audiences.

United Parcel Service is cutting deliveries from five to three days a week in a handful of Piscataquis County towns.

HOLDEN — Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation and local Maine Masonic Lodges provide bicycles for students to win, simply by reading books.

A thriving arts community in a small Piscataquis County town has expanded with a gallery store, bringing even more exposure to area artists.

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Mary Bromiley AM: Harmony PM: Harmony Bus #47 Ed Conroy   AM: Bangor Road to Bryant Road, Range Road, Atkinson, East Dover Road, Vaughn Street, Webber Hardware, SeDoMoCha, Foxcroft Academy.

By Aislinn Sarnacki As the school year quickly approaches, it’s important to grab ahold of these last days of summer and create sun-filled memories that will last through the cold months ahead.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — SeDoMoCha Elementary and Middle School is participating in Special Provision II.