Good morning, Bangor.

A report by the Maine Forest Products Council shows that wood product manufacturing sales increased 45% between 2019 and 2024 as new and expanded sawmills boosted output during the pandemic — even as paper production dropped 41%, with the overall sector contributing $8.3 billion.

Maine will expand its PFAS ban next year to include cookware, cosmetics and cleaning products, and manufacturers + retailers must comply with the new rules set by state regulators.

A clinic using a subscription model, Apotheosis Health, opened in Bangor and now serves 200 patients who choose an alternative to rising insurance premiums — the Tuttles plan to expand capacity to 300 as healthcare costs rise.

More direct primary care clinics will open statewide due to growing demand.

The Red Cross in Bangor is asking local donors to give blood & platelets this holiday week to support supplies when donations usually drop; anyone who gives before January 4 & schedules an appointment through the organization will receive a complimentary long sleeved t-shirt.

State data shows that Maine has seen record reports of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis as of Dec.

23, with 3,611 Lyme cases, 1,598 anaplasmosis cases and 349 babesiosis cases in Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties — trends linked to warmer, wetter winters and increasing tick activity.

A local expert explains his choice to not ice fish for brook trout because he feels they are too special to haul off the ice.

He now opts for active winter fishing by targeting warmwater species such as yellow perch at local ponds as the season begins.

Maine recorded over 16,000 home sales in 2025, with nearly 3,500 in Cumberland, 2,661 in York, and 1,698 in Penobscot.

Smaller counties also reached high sales per capita while home prices held steady around $400,000 despite a slowdown during a recent government shutdown.

Sub 5 Track Club held its Finale 5K race this Sunday morning in Downtown Bangor, drawing over 80 runners through Hammond, Hancock + Main Street before finishing at West Market Square.

The event closed a nearly 20-year tradition and kick-started fitness resolutions for many runners.

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.