Good morning, Bangor.

Local businesses in Bangor prepare for a busy Valentine's Day rush today as florists, bakeries & restaurants ramp up offerings and expand menus to meet high customer demand amid rising costs, with bakers reporting a fivefold increase in whoopie pie sales.

Five Below will open this spring at 480 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor once construction wraps around April 6, with hiring now active.

It is the fourth store in Maine, joining locations in South Portland, Augusta and Waterville.

Since last year's tariff on Canadian lumber boosted business, Pleasant River Lumber in Enfield saw strong activity, and on Jan.

21 its co-owners discussed adding a new garage & launching a second shift to meet growing demand.

Governor Mills unveiled plans to make the Maine Free Community College scholarship permanent — ensuring benefits for graduates 2023 to 2025 while future students must live in Maine for 12 months and cover fees over three years — with a 10:00 a.m. hearing Friday, Feb.

20 at the State House in Augusta.

Maine confirmed its first measles case in seven years when a Penobscot County adult was diagnosed at St. Joseph hospital in Bangor on February 5 — local health officials now urge residents, especially the unvaccinated, to check their immunization status to help contain the spread.

Anglers can fish without a license during Free Fishing Weekend on today and tomorrow, as announced by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; ice fishing is allowed and all regulations, including size and bag limits, remain in effect (participants should check ice safety conditions).

The Katahdin Cougars basketball team won 54-42 over Van Buren on Thursday — a promising start in the new Class S — and will face Easton at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor with senior guard Calvin Richardson leading the team toward a regional title.

Senior guard Carter Wiggin sparked the Hawks to a 61-46 win over the Belfast Lions last night when his early and-1 basket gave his team a 7-4 lead.

The game at Bangor (Cross Insurance Center) saw Wiggin finish with 21 points as the Hawks secured their postseason momentum.

Hampden Academy's Aubrey Shaw scored 16 points in the 35-18 win over Lewiston on Friday at Augusta Civic Center, and the Broncos + advanced to the semifinals to face Camden Hills.

Camden Hills High girls beat Brunswick 59-31 in a Class A quarterfinal at the Augusta Civic Center on Friday afternoon (record 16-3) to advance to the Class A North semifinals; they will face the winner of Hampden versus Lewiston (semifinal at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday).

Bangor Anime Convention 2026

3:30-9:59 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Tickets available — Bangor's first and only all-anime convention returns for an exciting three-day event.

BHP In-Person Live Day Training

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Brewer Community Center — Pre-registration required — Complete your certification with expert training on essential skills.

Cat In The Hat Live Show

6-9 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful live performance of the beloved children's classic.

Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class

12-2:30 p.m. — UNO Pizzeria & Grill — Ticket includes pizza demonstration and lunch — Master the art of Chicago-style deep dish pizza in a fun, interactive cooking class.