By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County is projected to stay on budget in 2026 for the first time in years.

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor A sudden shutdown at a dam on the West Branch of the Penobscot River may have killed thousands of fish, leaving Maine anglers and guides warning that a nationally recognized cold-water fishery is being put at repeated risk.

AMES, Iowa — Claire Fogler of Exeter has been named to the 2026 spring semester dean’s list at Iowa State University.

CAMDEN — Camden National Bank announced the launch of a refreshed digital experience that makes it easier for customers to find information, explore financial solutions and manage everyday banking needs online.

BANGOR — Penquis is launching its annual “We’ve Got Your Back” school supply drive, inviting community members to donate new backpacks, school supplies or funds to help 1,200 children begin the school year with confidence.

FARMINGTON —The University of Maine at Farmington proudly announces the students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.

For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff MILO — If you’re in the mood for some Maui Waui with a little Labrador after a trip to Gulf Hagas, Cheech and Chong are here, man.

GREENVILLE — Forest Heritage Days will return to Greenville Aug.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Early next month the Atlantic Salmon Federation will submit an application to Maine Department of Environmental Protection for a permit under the Maine Waterway Development and Conservation Act for the proposed 2028 removal of the Mayo Mill Dam on the Piscataquis River in downtown Dover-Foxcroft.

GUILFORD — Friends of Community Fitness’ RiverFest 5K kicked off the 2026 Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday morning, July 25 with more than 50 runners taking part.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office personnel will be able to test suspected drugs safely with a forthcoming NARKsafe Ductless Testing Workstation to filter potentially harmful substances out of the air.

SANGERVILLE — Estimates are pending on the necessary repairs to get a Sangerville Fire Department 1993 tanker truck back on the road.

Northern Light Mayo, CA Dean, and Sebasticook Valley Hospitals are proud to celebrate the graduation of their latest class of medical assistants.

WASHINGTON, D.

BRISTOL, Rhode Island — Laney Reardon of Dover-Foxcroft has been named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Roger Williams University.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library We are so lucky to have such incredible forests, lakes and mountains in our backyard.

On the evening of July 23, Brownville Fire Rescue was dispatched to a water rescue on Schoodic Lake in the area off Knights Landing, per a post on the Brownville Fire Rescue Facebook page.