Good morning, Bangor.

The Martin family donated a historic spruce tree to downtown to honor Pam Martin’s cherished holiday tradition.

Bangor officials acted after a tree was spotted last August, ensuring the legacy continues for new generations.

New Ventures Maine has opened its statewide Marketing Mini-Grant competition for small businesses—offering grants up to $1,000 to support marketing projects.

Applications are due Friday, Jan. 30.

Fiberglass Farm in Belfast turns local art into nationwide sports installations—its founder Mike Hurley oversees the creation of giant bobbleheads and fiberglass sculptures displayed in 15 ballparks, including a new piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrating the 2025 World Series win.

Birders in Maine are set for a change in 2026 with new resolutions that urge beginners to use every tech tool available while advising experts to go birding without their gadgets — a plan aimed at sharpening field skills and boosting local Audubon events.

Maine is among 22 states raising the minimum wage starting Jan.

1, 2026, with certain states adjusting later (Alaska, Florida, Oregon). The increases, which in some areas more than double the current hourly rate, aim to boost paychecks as companies may offset expenses.

UMaine will update its campus with 10 capital projects planned for 2026, including a new facility with a 3D printer and an aquaculture center built on a former chicken coop.

The university also will upgrade Morse Arena with expanded seating and improved parking beginning in spring.

Maine lakes are beginning to freeze, and local ice reports are available through the Lake Stewards’ ice-in and ice-out map and the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s winter fishing reports (along with updates from snowmobile clubs and bait shops).

Visitors can also call regional offices for the latest advice on ice safety.

Northern Light Health lost $15 million during fiscal year 2025, a drop from a $156 million loss last year, according to its latest audit.

Reduced travel spending and a $50 million FEMA payment helped cut costs, but upcoming federal cuts are expected to strain rural care & staffing.

Families burned off post-Christmas energy by visiting the trampoline park in Orono Friday.

The park offered a warm, active space to jump and avoid the winter chill.

During Maine's housing crunch many buyers skipped inspections to secure deals faster, but attorney Peter Hatem (with 40 years of real estate experience) warns that a home inspection costing about $300 to $500 can reveal costly repairs and prevent unexpected expenses.

Stacker used Zillow data to rank 35 Bangor metro cities by typical home values, citing Hermon as highest at ($355,605) and Dexter as lowest.

The report shows one-year and five-year price changes that underline how rising rates can affect affordability.

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.

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.