By Lori Valigra, Bangor Daily News Staff A lack of entry-level workers and high energy costs led the list of priorities business leaders recommended for the next governor in a report released July 21, reflecting key issues in the pandemic economy.

By Julia Bayly, Bangor Daily News Staff Scientifically they are known as hematophagous, though most people more commonly refer to them as blood suckers.

The Maine Women’s Fund announced it is transferring $3 million in assets and entrusting the pursuit of its mission to make bold investments that transform the lives of Maine women and girls to the Maine Community Foundation.

By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine’s reputation as a pristine outdoors destination has recently taken some hits.

DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — Piscataquis County plans to promote two of its employees to fill the roles of jail administrator and patrol sergeant following recent retirements.

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.

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Let’s Go!, Northern Light Mayo Hospital, the SeDoMoCha School, and Maine SNAP-Ed are partnering to hold a StoryWalk®, a fun, educational activity that invites kids to read a story, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors all at the same time.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom WHATEVER CAN FLOAT THEIR BOATS – The annual Anything Floats race was part of the Bicentennial edition of the Monson Summerfest on Saturday afternoon.

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.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff SHIRLEY – A Peru woman has died after crashing into a turning vehicle in Shirley.

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.

MONSON — Monson Summerfest will return on Saturday, July 16, with an event-packed day to help celebrate the season and the community’s Bicentennial.

MONSON – The Monson Historical Society is pleased to have two outstanding programs on Saturday, July 16 during Monson’s Summerfest activities.

Grade 12, high honors: Alan Abolnik Ribe, Jasmine Baravaglio Alves, Filip Brkic, Grace Carlson, Aine Casey, Rebekah Demers, Cheyanne Desautell, Anh Alice Doan, Pierce Fagan, Daisy Foster, Kasey Howell, Joshua Michael Lemanski, Alicia London, Kaitlyn Lord, Jasper Makowski, Kate Neville, Nguyen Nhat Leo Nguyen, Anastasia Peirce, Connor Plante, Klara Puskeilerova, Isabel Qualey, Aleshia Raymond, Jacob Reed, Ruby Rideout, Bryson Ross, Makenzie Sands, Austin Seavey, and Meghan Spooner; honors: Nathanael Brown, Marshall  Burt, Carolina Caruzo Gomes dos Santos,  Nadia Chokki, Alexis Cole, Gabriel Coutinho Cavalini, Rodrigo Diaz Arrigunaga, Emily Fuller, Cadence Gil, Emily Harmon-Weeks, James Jankunas, Benjamin Johnston, Dameon Lyford, Reece McCarty, Olivia McCorrison, Carter Merrill, Kylie Merritt, Anh Ngoc Tu Nguyen, Cameron Parlee, Anh Julia Phan, Maxwell Rosso, Max Schnetzer, Anthony Smith, Corbin Toner,  Joseph Wertz, and Seojin Sarah Yoo.

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