By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff On a cold December Thursday night, John Michaud of Milo walked up the steps of the Mansion Church in Bangor with his laptop bag slung over his shoulder, greeting people waiting outside by name.

AUGUSTA — Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, announced Senate committee assignments for the 131st Maine Legislature.

BROWNVILLE — A Brownville firefighter and emergency medical technician who was convicted of stealing from a fire department where he worked in New Hampshire will serve as the town’s next fire chief.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School recognized the December Students in the Spotlight at a recent assembly.

GUILFORD — Keeping a small hospitality business financially afloat in central Maine is a serious challenge.

By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli, Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times HOULTON — A new no-cost offering at the Cary Memorial Library in Houlton makes consulting with a specialist or keeping an appointment with other health care providers in locations like Bangor or Portland just a local library visit away.

GREENVILLE — The Greenville Public Safety Building project will receive a $902,000 boost as part of federal appropriations bills.

GREENVILLE — Winter’s grip has taken hold on Piscataquis County, but the recent snowy weather has not hindered progress on one of the largest construction projects in the Moosehead Lake Region’s history.

GREENVILLE — On Feb.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High School CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES — Early on the morning of Dec.

GREENVILLE — Five adjacent lots on East Road, just after Stagecoach Road near the Greenville Municipal Airport, may be rezoned from the rural district into the rural development 2 district.

Northern Light Home Care & Hospice understands how difficult it can be when you are missing a loved one, particularly around the holiday season.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis Regional Food Center has completed its acquisition of the Dover Foxcroft Area Food Cupboard and unveiled a new name and distribution method.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County officials are hoping new technology will help emergency responders communicate better while saving thousands of dollars a month.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Students will have more hands-on activities to choose from thanks to a $150,000 grant to boost an after-school program in Dover-Foxcroft.

Photo courtesy of Teresa Brzustowicz and Nichole Webber AUTHOR VISIT — Students and staff at Dexter Regional High School got a visit from author Paul Doiron on Dec 1.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation is celebrating its 25-year anniversary and awarding grants totaling over $200,000 to New England organizations that are helping to make their communities vibrant and strong.

Photo courtesy of Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, United Church of Christ QUARTER SALE FOR PAWS — On Sunday, Dec.