ORONO – University of Maine Cooperative Extension recently named Aroostook native Melissa Arndt to serve as its first-ever director of marketing and communications.

Contributed photo BEHIND THE MASK – Students at Piscataquis Community Elementary School in Guilford created a book titled “Behind The Mask.

By Kim Brawn DOVER-FOXCROFT – Audiobooks and podcasts can be the saving graces of long car trips or cross-country flights.

Contributed photo NEW BOARD MEMBERS – At the recent board meeting of Dyer’s Hope House, members elected food cupboard volunteer Betty Rich to fill a seat vacated by John Cram who became general manager in December.

DOVER-FOXCROFT – SeDoMoCha Elementary School’s drama program Stageworks, Jr.

Piscataquis County Democrats held their food drive on March 26 to benefit the Harmony Cares Food Cupboard.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff Community transmission rates of COVID-19 have dropped substantially in 15  Maine counties, with only one county reporting a moderate community transmission rate.

PORTLAND – Using the very words being said by Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, March 25, Bishop Robert Deeley stood before over 300 people in the pews of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as well as thousands more participating via livestream and joined in making an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

By Jessica Piper, Bangor Daily News Staff Historic migration offset stark demographic trends to drive another year of population growth across urban and rural areas of Maine in 2021.

MILO — On Friday, March 25 Penquis Valley High School will be hosting a Power of Positive Choices Day, sponsored by Northern Light Mayo Hospital, Penquis, Community Health and Counseling Services, and the Helping Hands with Heart Collaborative.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency will be holding meetings open to the public to review and update the current hazard mitigation plan.

AUGUSTA — Rep.

SEBEC – Shop local.

Grade eight, high honors – habits of work: Jon Andrescu, Shealyn Bagley, Paige Jandreau, Taylor Michaud, Damiair Miller, Chloe Murdock, Annabelle Peakes, Casey Swenson, and Bailey Turcotte; honors – habits of work: Ethan Addington, Ryan Hocking, Caleb Pelkey, Kallie Stone, Lexi Wintle, and Noah Woodruff; high honors – academic: Jon Andrescu, Shealyn Bagley, Paige Jandreau, Chloe Murdock, and Caleb Pelkey; honors – academic: Kallie Stone and Baylee Turcotte.

Contributed photo ART RAFFLE FOR UKRAINE — Local artist Laurie Sproul of Brownville is raffling a hand-carved wooden sunflower to benefit Doctors Without Borders relief efforts in the Ukraine.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Old technology that causes Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency computers to lock up in the middle of tasks is making it difficult for the group to finish its new website.

GUILFORD — Residents approved a 2022-23 fiscal year budget totaling $2,959,744 at the annual town meeting at Piscataquis Community Elementary School on Monday evening.

The executive director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council is leaving after leading the organization for two years.