Good morning, Bangor.

Bangor Daily News outdoors editor invites locals to submit winter hunting and ice fishing photos and stories of trophy catches, successful hunts, and unusual moments from around Maine.

Send your submission with your name, hometown, location & date details to [email protected] for a potential feature in the outdoors section.

Snowmobile clubs warn local riders that trails remain unsafe due to inconsistent snowfall, open water holes, and debris from recent storms — experts say waiting for 3 to 4 more inches of snow is needed before riding.

A local hiker conquered Acadia’s icy Jordan Cliffs Trail on a cold early December afternoon, using steel rungs and log bridges to cross slippery sections above Jordan Pond (noting wide views of the ocean and nearby mountains).

The challenging trek highlighted the park’s rugged winter conditions.

On Jan. 1, Maine raised its minimum wage by 45 cents from $14.65 to $15.10 and extended coverage to agricultural workers + over 100,000 workers, including 17,000 tipped positions, saw their wages adjust.

Maine increased its minimum wage for 2026, effective Jan.

1, after state officials approved the change. The adjustment is expected to raise earnings for workers across the state (more details on the new rates are pending).

Maine’s minimum wage increased by 45 cents to $15.10 an hour on Jan.

1 — the tip wage became $7.55 and salaried workers now require a minimum of $45,300 annually, as announced by the Maine Department of Labor.

Thursday's First Alert warned of heavy snow and gusty winds Downeast while Bangor received 1-2 inches; today, colder temperatures, wind chills below zero, and occasional blowing snow mark the start of a four-day cold stretch (max gusts up to 35 mph).

A Bangor-based therapist will open a Root & Rise Psychotherapy satellite office in Caribou on Jan.

11 to boost local mental health care access. The renovated space will offer in-person sessions on Sundays from 9 to 5 and accept MaineCare payments to serve the community.

Maine hospitals welcomed several newborns early Thursday, including baby girl Everly Hood born in Bangor at 2:39 a.m. + baby boy Amir Barow in Lewiston and twins Ruby and Rhett in Franklin; another baby arrived in Portland with one expected later in Dover-Foxcroft.

Psychologist Dr. David Prescott says shorter days and reduced sunlight in winter can trigger seasonal affective disorder with symptoms like increased sleep and isolation.

He advises anyone feeling low for two weeks or more to seek help from a doctor or counselor — early talk can guide treatment.

Crews at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor are busy preparing for a weekend of PBR bull riding by bringing in (35 dump truck loads) of dirt to beat the winter freeze; planning began months ago and the event kicks off today through Sunday.

Tinker Bell: The Untold Story

7:00-8:15 p.m. — Cyrus Pavilion Theatre — Ticket info available — Discover the enchanting tale from Tinker Bell's perspective as the fairies of Neverland face a dire crisis.

Orono Arcade and Pat's Pizza Gathering

4-7 p.m. — Orono Arcade LLC — Limited attendance — Enjoy a cozy afternoon of gaming and pizza with fellow enthusiasts.

Adoption Event & Donation Drive

10 AM – 3 PM — Sandollar Spa & Pool — Adoption fees may be sponsored — Explore adorable dogs and support rescue efforts while enjoying a bake sale and merchandise.