By Julia Bayly, Bangor Daily News Staff While Maine’s lakes, rivers and streams are home to some great freshwater fishing, they are also contaminated with dangerous levels of toxic mercury.

PORTLAND — The Diocese of Portland has announced major updates to the pandemic protocols currently in place at all 141 Catholic churches in Maine.

Many of Maine’s bird species are currently facing stresses causing populations to decline.

FORT KENT — The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce the annual student awards and scholarships that were recently presented to both undergraduate students and those who graduated this spring.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Every year, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District presents an outstanding conservation achievement award to either a cooperator (farmer, forester, landowner) or educator in Piscataquis County.

Together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s two-week Click It or  Ticket Campaign, the Maine Buckle Up.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A feasibility study for multiple aspects of a Piscataquis County public safety radio system is nearing completion and the document soon to be presented to the Piscataquis County Commissioners will include information on moving the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s dispatch center.

People in recovery, considering recovery, family members, allies and professionals are all invited to attend an upcoming series of resource fairs being hosted by Helping Hands with Heart, a Piscataquis County coalition.

Grade 12, highest honors: Nathan Derbidge, Willow Sandy and Nicholas Sweeney; high honors: Kyle Bagley, Benjamin Brasier, Colby Chadwick, Cassie Chambers, Louise Gerickont, Sarah Gray, Meagan Lemieux and Faith Ohlson; honors: Andrew Bailey, Cole Desjardins, Gracee Grant, Justin Lonergan, Robert  Masse, Jacob Nadeau, Max (Sarah) Richards, Matthew Robinson and Theodore  Taylor.

Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan proposes $20 million for CTEs to train students and strengthen Maine’s workforce FARMINGTON — During a tour of Foster Career and Technical Education Center in Farmington on May 14, Gov.

GUILFORD — The Maine Community Foundation has approved a grant of $10,000 for a Senior Center at Friends of Community Fitness.

Teachers from all 16 of Maine’s counties were honored as the respective 2021 County Teachers May 12 in a virtual announcement that was broadcast live on the Maine Department of Education’s YouTube page.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation welcomes new Senior Accountant Lisandro Jimenez.

Since 1972, National School Nurses Day has been set aside to celebrate this unique and specialized division of nursing.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — About 6,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered at Northern Light Health’s clinic at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena from mid-March to early May.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff Bangor Savings Bank and Camden National Bank have both been named to Forbes annual list of the top 10 banks in America.

Penquis recently received $10,000 from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to purchase supplies necessary for providing care and education to young children and support services to Maine families.

HALLOWELL – NAMI Maine, a statewide nonprofit organization providing education, support and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their families, continues to provide online mental health support through ongoing support groups and occasional education programs.