AUGUSTA — Mainers have responded to the Maine Connectivity Authority’s broadband survey by the thousands, but five counties are lagging behind: Androscoggin, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Sagadahoc.

By Ron Chase A winter expedition into Baxter State Park begins months in advance.

By Kim Brawn DOVER-FOXCROFT — Imagine if your favorite movie characters were replaced by Peeps (the marshmallow candy, not your BFFs!).

By Pete Warner, Bangor Daily News Staff The illegal introduction of invasive species poses a serious threat to the health of existing native fish populations in Maine’s lakes and rivers.

WATERVILLE — The Thomas Cup is a free event for Maine high schoolers at Thomas College in which teams of five students compete in science, technology, engineering, and innovation competitions for the chance to win their names on the Thomas Cup and receive scholarships worth up to $10,000 over four years.

SHIRLEY — Spring is in the air and the riding is still good in the area.

Grade 8, high honors – habits of work: Vera Alexander, Mellesse Grant, Pace Jarrett, Grace Jiang, Madison LaGross, Bodhi Langlais, Baylee Packard, Daisy Perkins, and Ian Saunders;  honors – habits of work: Brandon Batey, Ella-marie Buschmann, Jacob Campbell, Adalea Gudroe, and Tristan Hopkins-Watrous; high honors – academic: Vera Alexander, Pace Jarrett, Grace Jiang, and Ian Saunders; honors – academic: Bodhi Langlais.

By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill asked lawmakers on March 23 to support funding for an additional four judges, clerks and judicial marshals to help clear a backlog of cases that continues to grow despite the end of pandemic-imposed restrictions.

CAMDEN — Camden National Bank announced that Brandon Boey was promoted to senior vice president, general counsel, and director of compliance.

Eastern Maine Development Corp is pleased to name Tracey Cooley the vice president of programs and operations.

LEXINGTON, Virginia — “Think back to the last time you watched a movie about a big heist.

The organization that has maintained Big Moose Mountain in Greenville since 2012 has pledged to use $200,000 to improve the ski area.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff CHARLESTON — A Palmyra man died Tuesday at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County’s commissioners agreed during a meeting Tuesday to seek bids for a roof repair project for the sheriff’s office patrol building in Guilford.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Private ponds that are stocked with trout provide multiple benefits for landowners and their families.

MILO — The Positive Action Team and Northern Light Mayo Hospital invite teens and their parents to join them for a discussion about mental health and wellness in our student body on Friday, March 24  from 5:30 to 7:30 p.

CAMDEN — Camden National Bank announced that Kathleen (Kate) Bellmore was promoted to senior vice president, talent acquisition & diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Center Theatre announced the return of the annual April Vacation Theater Camp, running from Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21.