Bangor, Maine News Update: February 11, 2019

Four snowmobile riders are safe today after encountering thin ice on Sebec Lake. Wardens say three of the men were trapped on the ice and had to be rescued, while the fourth sought shelter in an unheated camp and suffered severe hypothermia. Two of the four sleds became completely submerged and remain at the bottom of the lake.

Police are looking for two men who allegedly broke into someone’s home in the town of Hope, demanded money, and fired a gunshot through the floor. One of the residents was able to sneak out the back and go for help. Officials say it was target specific, and so there’s no danger to the public.

Lawmakers got their first look at Governor Mills proposed 8 billion dollars, two-year state budget last week. Some of the highlights include fully funded Medicaid through June of 2021, five-point-five million dollars dedicated to battling the opioid crisis, and more than 126 million in funding for public education.

Maine is accepting applications for the annual moose hunt, which expanded by hundreds of permits last year. The state uses a lottery system to distribute the coveted permits in June. Applications can only be submitted online this year and the deadline is a minute before midnight on May 15^th.

Bangor’s community connector system may be getting five replacement buses thanks to just under 2 million dollars in grant funding. In addition, the plan seeks to add bus shelters on Davis Road and near Maine Avenue. The proposals will be discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting.