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

SHIRLEY – Dove Tail Bats announced an exclusive agreement with ProXR to produce the world’s first metal bat using ProXR’s handle design.

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

BROWNVILLE — Brownville Elementary was one of 205 schools from 43 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff This story will be updated.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Elizabeth Palmer Tent #23, Daughters of Union Veterans FLAG DONATION — The Sarah Elizabeth Palmer Tent #23, Daughters of Union Veterans gives an American flag to a nonprofit group each year as part of their patriotic programs.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff An Androscoggin commissioner unsuccessfully pushed a “health freedom” proposal to ban the county from requiring elected officials, staff and jail inmates to get COVID-19 vaccines.

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.

AUGUSTA – A bill sponsored by Rep.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff This story will be updated.

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.

By Susan Sharon, Maine Public The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods property in the 100-Mile Wilderness between Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park has been designated as the first International Dark Sky Park in New England.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Residents had the opportunity to hear directly from the municipal candidates in Dover-Foxcroft about three weeks prior to the June 8 election during a Candidate Night sponsored by the Piscataquis Chapter of the League of Women Voters at the Center Theatre on May 17.

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.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff This story will be updated.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Avis Spear was born May 19, 1913 in Presque Isle and moved to Mapleton when her father became employed with the railroad.

By Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County officials are seeking to appoint a deputy treasurer in the wake of stalking and harassment charges filed last week against elected Treasurer John Hiatt.