Bangor, Maine News Update: June 13, 2018

Republican Shawn Moody has won the majority in yesterday’s gubernatorial primary, with no need for additional rounds of vote tallies. So far, there’s no clear majority winner for the Democrats, but Maine Attorney General Janet Mills and Sanford Attorney Adam Cote are leading the race. With the ranked choice system, it could take several days for a winner to be declared.

Mainers rejected the idea of delaying ranked choice voting, allowing the system used for the first time in yesterday’s primary to also be used in federal elections in November. Supports say the system ensures a majority winner while opponents have said it’s confusing and isn’t constitutional.

Orono Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Bangor Savings Bank that sits at the edge of the University of Maine campus. Officials say a white male, about 6 feet tall, with a thin build walked into the bank, gave a note to the teller claiming to have a gun, and left on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. No weapon was shown and no one was hurt.

The Maine Department of Transportation is urging Mainers to drive carefully and avoid distractons as the busiest and most dangerous season on Maine’s roads has started with 8 fatalities over the course of one week. Officials say peak tourist season brings many drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads. So far, 53 people have been killed in vehicular accidents this year.

A Facebook post for the Bangor City Forest is warning visitors that they’re seeing some black bear activity this spring and cautioning people to stay alert. If someone does see a bear, they’re advised to stay quiet and watch to see if they leave on their own. If the bear begins to approach, folks should stand tall, wave their arms, and hoot and holler, which will probably cause the bear to leave.