Good morning, Bangor.

Brewer native Ed Hendrickson, a WWII dive bomber pilot and Navy veteran, died peacefully Thursday morning at 104 after a short illness with his family by his side.

He maintained an active lifestyle—earning local awards and joining community parades even in his later years.

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor will host the 11th Annual Children's Book Drive on June 23rd or June 24th if raining at the Briar Patch Book Store on Central St. & across the street in the pocket park from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Participants can donate or purchase new or gently used books, enjoy a read-along and a book signing with illustrator Angeli Perrow from 11 a.m. to Noon, and get free ice cream from the Darling's Ice Cream for a Cause truck.

Deane Smith, a longtime Maine guide from St. Albans, is set to receive the Wiggie Robinson Legendary Maine Guide Award from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for his 45 years of guiding and conservation work.

He has also led the Penobscot County Conservation Association for over 30 years—helping raise more than $1 million in scholarships for wildlife conservation students.

Governor Mills signed an act today that makes Juneteenth a paid state holiday—she honored Maine citizens who risked their lives during the Civil War and urged ongoing efforts to secure freedom for all Americans.

Gratien Milandou-Wamba, a former corrections officer who fled the Republic of Congo in 2023 and later received a work permit when applying for asylum, was detained by ICE on April 19 while driving to work at Cumberland County Jail for using an expired visa.

His detention occurred at Strafford County Department of Corrections (Dover, New Hampshire) after red flags came up with a firearm application, and he now awaits an asylum hearing in October as safety concerns grow.

Strawberry season is on in Maine as local farms pick fresh fruit until mid-July — giving Mainers about one month to enjoy local strawberries.

At Thunder Road Farm in Corinna, the Peavey family gathers about 480 quarts each day to fill orders, sell out their stand and offer a pick-your-own option.

National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration

11 AM – 1 PM — Mason's Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate life and resilience with inspiring survivor stories and a walk along the riverwalk.

30th Annual Maine Child Welfare Education Conference

7:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Not specified — Engaging discussions and networking opportunities surrounding child welfare in Maine.

Mini Golf and Ice Cream Social

6-8 p.m. — Fielder's Choice Ice Cream — RSVP required — Enjoy a fun evening of mini golf and ice cream with friends in Bangor.

An Evening with Timothy Cotton

5-7 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Book purchase required — Celebrate the release of 'Donut Holes for the Soul' and meet Bangor's own author Timothy Cotton.

Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race

9:45-10:45 a.m. — Brewer Auditorium — Entry fee required — Experience Maine's fastest road race as you gear up for the Brewer-Bangor parade.

Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival 2025

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Pierce Park, 125 Harlow St. — Free entry — Celebrate local creativity with over 100 Maine artists, live music, and delicious food in the heart of Bangor.

Crush Cancer Fundraiser Ball

7-11:59 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — Tickets required — Dance the night away while raising funds to fight cancer in a fun and stylish atmosphere.