Bangor, Maine News Update: January 15, 2019

State Police cruisers could be seen near the Clifton Store all day Monday as troopers investigated the death of a woman in a nearby house. Police haven't released the identity of the woman and won’t comment on how she died until after an autopsy is completed by the state medical examiner's office.

Federal courts in Maine are about to run out of money but will continue to go on, despite the partial government shutdown. Court officials are now determining which workers are doing essential tasks and which will be furloughed. Chief Judge John Levy said in a statement that funding for federal public defenders ran out on Christmas Eve.

The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers is looking for sponsors to help them continue their early child care and education program. Currently, parents who can’t afford the full tuition are subsidized, but that money is rapidly running out, which will force administrators to reduce the program and lay off some of the staff. Find information on how to donate on the Maine Children’s Home website.

Mainers who are part of the SNAP program will get their February benefits on January 17th, because of the partial government shutdown. No other allotment will be available in February. SNAP is the supplemental nutrition assistance program that served over 180 thousand residents last year.

Two cheering squads that are normally rivals are now working together to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The Hampden Academy Broncos and Brewer Witches are selling one dollar paper links that will be formed into chains, with the longest chain winning the challenge. Find more information on how to donate on Penobscot County’s Relay for Life page.