Good morning, Bangor.

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office hosted the Stuff a Cruiser food drive for local food pantries during the holiday season, with departments competing to collect items & Patrol securing the win by gathering over 1,000 boxes of pasta; they celebrated by pieing their lieutenant.

Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union donated nearly 800 lbs of nonperishable food to six local backpack programs in Dexter as food was collected during September, October and November by members + employees.

Mainebiz hosted the 7th 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes forum in Bangor Wednesday morning, where six panelists each shared 10 ideas on effective leadership + Deb Neuman of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce moderated the panel that discussed compassion and work-life balance.

Maine author and Navy veteran Arend Thibodeau published his fifth book (Maine’s Military Might: Memories of Military Infrastructure in the Pine Tree State, Nov.

28) that details Cold War military sites across Maine from Caswell to Topsham; it explains how these historical defense sites remain a part of local heritage.

Hermon Middle School students are exploring hands-on STEM learning on the Maine Mobile BIOLAB this week.

The traveling lab gives them a chance to work with specialized tools and learn through real experiments led by state scientists and educators.

A federal CDC team arrived in Penobscot County on Monday to help local health officials study an unprecedented HIV outbreak linked to homelessness and drug use — six staff will work with community partners until Dec.

19 to shape Maine’s long-term response.

Midcoast Mainers living with Parkinson's disease meet monthly at the Belfast farmer's market to play ping pong, which helps ease tremors & energize players.

The sessions, led by local advocates including David Smith, offer both therapy and community support.

Maine animal health officials confirmed avian flu in a backyard flock in Penobscot County and urge bird owners to protect their birds by keeping them indoors, covering enclosures, and disinfecting equipment.

UMaine redshirt senior forward Adrianna Smith was named to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee on Dec.

1 and will serve through Aug. 31, 2026. She is one of only three student-athletes chosen to shape women’s basketball rules + athlete experience nationally.

The season preview highlights 10 standout girls from the North region, including Lawrence’s Maddie Provost and Bangor’s Dalaney Horr, who are set to energize local games with strong stats and future plans.

The print special appears on Friday, Dec. 5.

Holiday Party – North

12-3:30 p.m. — Seasons — $10 for non-members — Celebrate the holiday season with lunch, crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

7-11 p.m. — Cross Insurance Center — Last-minute theater tickets available — Experience a unique blend of hip hop and the classic Nutcracker tale.

Hadestown Performance

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the acclaimed musical 'Hadestown' live in Bangor, ME.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — $199 per couple — Ring in 2026 with dinner, dancing, and a cozy hotel stay.