Good morning, Bangor.

Totman’s Enterprises in Belmont is gathering fire department hats from across the country to support firefighter Katie Paige, who is still recovering after a fire & explosion in Searsmont.

Concertgoers on Saturday night in Bangor are encouraged to bring a hat to brighten her day.

Sip Lab will turn the empty Margaritas building on Mill Street into a combo coffee shop — bar, aiding downtown Orono's plan to fill its storefronts.

Joyce Lin bought the building in October and got permits to make changes, though the opening date is not set.

92-year-old James Varner drove from New Jersey this week to Freedom Park in Brewer, where he led the 22nd Juneteenth event attended by nearly 30 people and urged them to pledge to combat racism and embrace equality while Mayor Jenn Morin proclaimed Juneteenth Celebration Day in honor of his longstanding work.

Maine regulators banned the sale of toxic rodenticides on June 15 to help protect wildlife from exposure.

Environmental advocates say the move will encourage safer rodent control and reduce harm to non-target animals, such as birds and foxes.

A local resident reports three active bird nests with an eastern phoebe over his porch and two American robin nests on his house and now mows his lawn in short bursts to avoid disturbing the eggs + he also saw a red shouldered hawk and a black billed cuckoo nearby.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center introduced its new training ambulance in Bangor last week to bring simulation-based learning to rural EMS teams amid birthing center closures.

The unit uses high-tech mannequins to train safe deliveries + spark interest in healthcare careers.

Hunters missing the Acton drawing can follow the live lottery on Bennett Radio Group, Channel X Radio (97.7 FM, 102.3 FM) and WOXO (92.7 FM, 100.7 FM); the drawing starts at 1 p.m. Saturday and winners are posted on the Bangor Daily News website from 6 p.m.

31st Annual Maine Child Welfare Education Conference

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Registration required — Explore digital challenges and opportunities for child welfare in a tech-driven world.

Furball Festival 2026

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Binette Park — Free entry — Celebrate animals and community with food, vendors, and adoptable pets at this family-friendly festival.

Riff Johnson Live at Hollywood Casino

Venue Name — 4-7 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor — Admission TBA — Catch a talented one-man band with a nostalgic voice in his home state.

Broadway Karaoke Night

9:00 – 10:30 PM — The Stage Door — Cost not specified — Step into the spotlight and sing your favorite Broadway hits with a live audience cheering you on.

Paul Doiron Book Launch Event

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Bangor Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate the release of 'Storm Tide' with author Paul Doiron and enjoy a Q&A session.

Wheels for Warriors Car Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Free entry — Celebrate automotive passion at Maine's premier car show featuring a variety of vehicles.