By Marie Weidmayer and Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County leaders neglected a budget crisis for years that could crush residents with a nearly 20% tax hike in 2026, according to former county commissioners and budget committee members.

GREENVILLE JUNCTION — Hundreds of attendees passed through the doors for the 5th Annual Moosehead Festival of Trees Dec.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Regional High School STUDENTS OF THE MONTH — Dexter Regional High School is pleased to announce the November Students of the Month as selected by the faculty and staff for being exemplary students.

By Kevin Miller, Maine Public A new referendum campaign aims to once again make it illegal to sell recreational marijuana in Maine.

GUILFORD — SAD 4 and neighboring SAD 46 of Dexter have applied for state funding for a comprehensive high school that will combine traditional academics, career and technical education, and access to college courses.

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor With winter setting in, snowmobile enthusiasts across Maine are gearing up for another season on the trails.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Surviving and enjoying winter in Maine takes certain skills, knowledge and gear to stay safe, warm and dry.

Teens to Trails is thrilled to announce that 21 schools across Maine have been awarded $600 grants to establish or enhance their outdoor clubs, providing students with transformative opportunities to connect with nature.

GUILFORD — A childhood sports goal has been realized for Piscataquis Community School senior Brady Gaw.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine’s most rural county is set to see the most homes sold per capita in the state for the third straight year.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff As temperatures continue to drop, Mainers are reminded that winter is on the way, bringing with it all the beauty and challenges of the season.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff Forecasters with the National Weather Service say conditions are right for Maine’s drought to last through the winter.

The Christine B.

By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff As Arend Thibodeau toured the former Caswell Air Force Station during the summer of 2024, he had an epiphany.

By Annie Rupertus, Bangor Daily News Staff A new University of New England program aims to train hundreds of health care professionals across rural Maine in opioid response strategies.

By Cameron Levasseur, The County Staff Three of the five largest high schools in Aroostook County are exploring forming a singular regional high school for central Aroostook.

MILO — Milo Elementary will be joining schools across the state in the new year in a friendly competition designed to help turn winter into a season of movement, learning and community spirit.

DEXTER — Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union recently donated nearly 800 pounds of non-perishable food to six local backpack programs serving students in the communities surrounding its branch locations.