By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — Lawmakers approved a plan in April to ensure Maine begins providing defendants with clear start dates for criminal trials, but the proposal will not take effect unless it receives the necessary funding.

Grade 12, high honors: Cassandra Boislard, Destiny Sibert, Hannah Legere, Layla Chai; honors: Addison Conklin, Ashley Willis, Christopher (Kip) Crockett, Damion Drake, Dylan McKenzie, Jacob Higgins, Jasmine MacGregor-Gray, Jayden Sprague, Logan Pomeroy, Terrance MacGregor, Tyler Grant.

SANGERVILLE — The Piscataquis County Democrats filled the East Sangerville Grange on Sunday, April 28 for their annual spring brunch.

MONSON — Monson Arts will be hosting a free open reception for the high school program’s student gallery show “Carved Moments” from 5-7 p.

MILO — Seeds of spring were planted when Milo Garden Club members met with 36 Bearcats during SAD 41’s after-school program, on Thursday, April 25.

WESTBROOK – The Maine Credit Union League is pleased to announce the appointment of Elise Baldacci as its new president, effective June 3.

Eight members of the Piscataquis Region Retired Educators Association recently met at the home of member Rheba Michaud in Dover-Foxcroft.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff One in 5 Mainers traveled from home to view the April 8 total solar eclipse.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff After a 31-month slide, Maine has seen home sales increase for two straight months.

BREWER — On Earth Day and every day, Northern Light Health is igniting conversation around how climate change affects our patients, our staff, and our organizations, as well as why we should care enough to do something about it.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — Mainers who are not lawmakers, legislative staffers or lobbyists may have still been asleep around 6 a.

Contributed photo CHILLY SWIM — The ice recently went “out” at Schoodic Lake and on Sunday, April 14 the Brownville Days Committee sponsored a polar dip that raised over $5,500 for events to celebrate Brownville’s 200th birthday.

Reading Is Fundamental is proud to announce that Brownville Elementary has been selected as a winner of its “Rally to Read 100” sweepstakes, a six-month initiative designed to ignite a love of reading for students in grades PreK-5 across the country.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — An estimated 40,000 people viewed the total solar eclipse in Piscataquis County on the afternoon of Monday, April 8.

The Northern Forest Center is offering grants of $1,000 to $3,000 to volunteer-led organizations working to increase youth participation in outdoor recreation in Northern Forest Communities.

By Kathleen O’Brien, Bangor Daily News Staff The group that runs Greater Bangor’s meal delivery program for older residents is working hard to overcome a roughly $126,000 funding gap due to receding federal funding, rising food prices and increased demand.

BROWNVILLE JUNCTION — After 42 years, the Brownville Junction High School Alumni Association has officially dissolved.

By Julie Harris, Bangor Daily News Staff It’s a little bit early, but one of Maine’s most iconic animals is awake and on the hunt for food.