By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff A draft decision released by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ office Thursday found the conservative referendum aiming to bar transgender girls from school sports fell roughly 500 signatures short of the total needed to make the 2026 ballot.

Conner-Trafton Post 119 of The American Legion of Guilford will be conducting three ceremonies for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25.

SANGERVILLE — Two Knights Brewing is proud to announce the successful completion of its 5K fundraising race held on Saturday, May 16, raising $1,000 in support of Friends of Community Fitness in Guilford.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Friends of the Mountain will discuss converting the Ski Resort Road leading up Big Moose Mountain to gravel with the Piscataquis County Commissioners.

GUILFORD — The Recovery Wellness Community Center of Sangerville was recognized as the Valley Grange’s 2026 Community Citizen of the Year, with the award presentation taking place on the evening of May 15 at the Grange Hall with an estimated 50-plus people in attendance.

BREWER — Northern Light Health is recognizing National EMS Week, May 17-23, and Mental Health Awareness Month, observed all month long, by shining a light on the importance of mental health support for EMTs and paramedics, first responders who face traumatic events, high stress situations and long working hours.

SANGERVILLE — Sangerville town officials are looking at how to regulate marijuana operations in town, gaining insight from the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy during a May 6 select board meeting at the fire station.

SANGERVILLE — The Two Knights Brewing & Kennedy Kustoms 5K Race fundraising event will support Friends of Community Fitness and will be hosted at Two Knights Brewing, 136 McPhetres Road in Sangerville, on Saturday, May 16.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Mainers can vote early by absentee ballot at all municipal offices starting Monday through June 4 ahead of the state’s June 9 primary election.

ORONO — When Timothy Simons arrived at the University of Maine, he was homesick, uncertain about his future and struggling to find his place on campus.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Spring is typically when Maine’s real estate market explodes with new inventory and home sales.

By Kristian Moravec, The Maine Monitor  Growing up in Parkman, Ruth Griffith’s neighbors lived half a mile down the road.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County has applied for a $1 million federal grant that if awarded would provide funding for a jail nurse and benefit three other regional organizations.

GUILFORD —Piscataquis Community High School senior Noah Kain of Parkman has been selected to receive the 2026 Principal’s Award.

By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff Portland’s three public high schools.

By Christopher Burns and Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Gov.

GUILFORD — Piscataquis Community High School is excited to announce Valedictorian Ava Goulette and Co-Salutatorians Audrey Chadbourne and Arianna Crosby for the Class of 2026.

SANGERVILLE — Earlier this year Sangerville had its application for a $250,000 Maine Historic Community Building Grant for the town hall turned down.