Bangor, Maine News Update: January 2, 2019

State Police are investigating the discovery of two bodies inside a South Paris home on New Year's Day. Officials have not released the names of the man and woman, who were found in an apartment in the Market Square Section, in the center of downtown. An autopsy will be conducted to determine how they died.

Minimum Wage employees are getting a raise with the New Year. Now, employees who were making 10 dollars per hour are getting 11 dollars, and tipped employees wage has increased from 5 to 5-50 an hour.

Despite concerns about driver inattention, the number of highway deaths in Maine last year was among the lowest in 60 years. As of New Year’s Day, there were 140 deaths on Maine’s roads, compared to 173 in 2017. Officials credit better safety features in cars and a campaign to cut down on pedestrian deaths as factors in the improved statistic.

Governor-elect Janet Mills spent New Year’s Day moving into the Blaine House and will be sworn in as the state’s first female governor this evening at the Augusta Civic Center. Mills’ grandchildren will open the event by leading the pledge of allegiance. The former attorney general has vowed to expand Medicaid, tackle the opioid crisis, and promote renewable energy during her tenure.

An evening of music, dancing, raffles, and food will be held at Le Club Calumet in Augusta on January 19^th, to benefit Honor Flight Maine. The organization that provides free trips for veterans to view their national memorials in Washington DC will start selling tickets for the event on Friday. Find more information on the Facebook page for Honor Flight Maine Talent Showcase.