By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff AUGUSTA — Mainers are evenly split on whether to change the state flag back to something similar to the original pine tree design, according to the first public poll on the November referendum.

By Zara Norman, Bangor Daily News Staff By Zara Norman, Bangor Daily News Staff The heating aid program that helps many Mainers heat their homes opened up in July, but it is expected to run out before winter’s end.

AUGUSTA — Gov.

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff Maine home sales rose in August despite buyers encountering fewer properties on the market.

The fall season is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting a flu shot.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff Republican Austin Theriault has a narrow lead on Democratic U.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The construction process to move the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center from cramped conditions in the county jail in Dover-Foxcroft into the administrative unit of the sheriff’s office on the first floor of the same building has been proceeding and is nearing completion.

By Erin Rhoda, Bangor Daily News Staff Investigations into the Oxford County sheriff over the last year drew public attention to how he traded guns from the evidence room to a local gun store without seeking permission from the original gun owners, keeping financial records of the deal or telling officials responsible for finances about it.

MILO — Several months ago Milo officials learned about an opportunity to work with the Maine Department of Transportation on a Village Partnership Initiative to develop a vision for the downtown — any binding obligation would be made in the months to come.

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff DOVER-FOXCROFT — A Guilford woman who was found guilty of stealing more than $700,000 from a Medford company over a period of three years has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

By Billy Kobin, Bangor Daily News Staff Reaching the home stretch of a 2nd Congressional District race viewed as a toss up, both U.

MILO — On Saturday, Sept.

A man with local ties will be promoted to two-star general in a ceremony in Bangor on Friday, Sept.

PARKMAN — Somerset and Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation Districts are teaming up to bring a pond construction and management workshop to this area.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Maine Highlands announces the launch of its newly redesigned website, themainehighlands.

Each year the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes and honors a Cooperator (land manager) in Piscataquis County who has implemented exceptional conservation practices.

By Michael Shepherd, Bangor Daily News Staff The National Rifle Association endorsed state Rep.

September is National Self-Improvement Month, and your wireless device can be a powerful tool in your journey to better health, finances, and personal growth.