23 of Jordan Verge’s Favorite Maine Stories in 2023

2023 was fun. Let's continue the fun in 2024!

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As the year unfolded with its moments that seemed to both drag on and fly by, the age-old saying "time flies when you're having fun" rings true. There's always something special about reflecting on the past year—whether it's assessing last year's resolutions or reminiscing about the memorable moments.

These articles serve as a kind of time capsule, allowing us to revisit the highs and lows of the year. In the spirit of reflection, I wanted to share some of my personal favorites and the reasons why they stand out to me.

“Jelly Roll Catches Thrown Joint, Smokes It on Stage in Bangor”

Jelly Roll's charisma during the 'Backroad Baptism Tour 2023' made it a Bangor Waterfront highlight. The image of him catching and smoking a fan-thrown joint on stage is iconic.

"No, You Shouldn’t Throw Banana Peels Out Your Car Windows in Maine”

This became a favorite due to its spontaneity. While on a road trip with one of my best friends, we were eating bananas. I casually suggested tossing the peel out the window, only to be corrected with reasons why we shouldn’t.

“#TBT: How Jordan Detailed That Gabby Barrett Was His Favorite Artist”

This was my reintroduction on Q106.5. Scott and Cindy had me on the morning show to ask me questions and play a little 'get to know the new guy.' And what they 'got to know' was that I would let Gabby Barrett throw me out of a second-story window if it made her happy. 'Respectfully.'

“24 Sentimental Things That Mainers Wanted for Christmas This Year”

For sentimental reasons, this is something I will revisit for years to come. I cherish the vulnerability, and I appreciate that our Facebook comments effortlessly embrace that energy.

“The 2023 Stillwater River Trail of Lights in Orono [PHOTOS]”

This was my first time experiencing the Stillwater River Trail of Lights, and you know what they say: 'You always remember your first.' Just a lot of beautiful scenes; I was very happy to capture this memory.

“Maine’s Most Popular NBA Player in 2023 May Surprise You”

Basketball is my favorite sport; I like the way they dribble up and down the court. Merging my love for the sport with Maine is always a win for me.

“This Maine Road Has the Highest Speed Limit in New England”

This piece evokes nostalgia for trips up north to visit family. It's also cool that we drive faster than everyone else in New England.

“Watch Dave Portnoy Give His Very First Lobster Roll Review in Portland, Maine”

This one is just plain fun. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy giving his first lobster roll review in Portland adds a unique touch to his trip to our Pine Tree State.

“WWE Superstar Chad Gable Talks Bangor, Catchphrases, and Potential Rematch Against Gunther”

As a lifelong professional wrestling fan, this day at the office was super cool. With WWE returning to Bangor for the first time in many, many years, I had the opportunity to chat with WWE Superstar Chad Gable.

“Should Maine Consider Changing Its ‘Last Call’ Time?”

This one's both fun and educational, stemming from a night when I unknowingly tried to buy beer after the 'last call' time.

“Maine Lobsterman Catches ‘Rarest Lobster in the World’ Multi-Colored Half-Male, Half-Female”

I came across a very cool story organically while scrolling on TikTok. Jacob is a Mainer, and I love supporting Mainers.

“Maine Towns, Cities, and Municipalities That Are ‘Kenough’”

During a phase of playing "I’m Just Ken” on repeat, these are the Maine towns, cities, and municipalities that became 'Kenough.'

“Mainers Went All Out for Halloween This Year, and These Creative Costumes Prove It”

Mainers showcased their creativity with impressive Halloween costumes shared on our Facebook page.

“Sports Betting Is Now Legal in Maine”

A personal favorite, as a degenerate. Legalized sports betting in Maine brought an end to my out-of-state betting ventures.

“Bangor Meteorologist Does Forecast Dressed as Batman”

I love my TV5 family. I worked at WABI for several years before coming to Townsquare, so anytime there’s tomfoolery happening over there, I always love to talk about it. And Batman doing the weather? Now, that’s certainly some tomfoolery.

“Check Out This Artist’s Lewiston, Maine-Inspired Boston Celtics Jersey”

A touching story of an artist designing Celtics jerseys, particularly poignant after the Lewiston shooting.

“Remember When the Boston Celtics Played in Portland, Maine?”

This is another personal favorite because it reminds me of good times. I attended this game in 2014 with my parents. Anything that reminds me of my father will always be a 'favorite.'

“The ‘Brian Hoyer Revenge Game’ That Only One Man Saw Coming”

Expressing my fandom for Brian Hoyer, an underdog with a bad hairline, in a game dubbed the 'Brian Hoyer Revenge Game.'

“Sights From the Last Thomas Hill Standpipe Tour of the Year”

This was my first time experiencing the Thomas Hill Standpipe Tour, and you know what they say: 'You always remember your first.' Just a lot of beautiful scenes; I was very happy to capture this memory.

“I Ran a 5K in Old Town With Zero Training… How’d It Go?”

Documenting my spontaneous decision to run a 5K race with no training, detailing the entire process along the way.

“Canceled Flight Leads TV5 Morning News Anchor to TODAY Show”

Former TV5 Morning News Anchor Angela Luna's optimistic response to a canceled flight from New York to Bangor.

“This Maine Meteorologist Is Happier About the Nuggets’ Win Than the MVP”

Meteorologist Ryan Munn is a very good friend of mine. We’ve known each other for many, many years, and I know how much the Denver Nuggets mean to him. So when they were finally able to get over the hump and win the NBA Championship, “excited” is an understatement.

“Reflecting on the Loss of My Best Friend, One Week Removed”

My dog, Gabby, was my best friend. When she passed, it felt like a significant part of me had gone too. She had been with me for a great majority of my adult life, and realizing that she wouldn't be part of the rest of it required a major adjustment. A week after her passing, I sat down, wrote down my thoughts, and shared some stories.