Bangor, Maine News Update: March 15, 2018

Three people from Deer Isle are facing charges for allegedly trafficking in heroin. Kenneth Farrin, Shane Wood, and Jared Young were arrested on drug charges, with Farrin also picking up charges of possession of heroin and a firearm.

The National Weather Service in Caribou released some snowfall totals, most of which were taken last evening. Brewer had 23 inches of snow at that point, with 19 in Ellsworth, 17 in Millinocket, and 25 in Milbridge. Mainers will hopefully get a breather before the next nor’easter that’s predicted to arrive next Wednesday.

Power outages were not as widespread as feared during the storm, and crews have been working hard to restore electricity to those still going without. As of 4:00 this morning, Emera Maine and CMP reported a combined total of just under 29 hundred customers still without power. Drivers are asked to use caution around utility crews and give them plenty of room to work safely.

Fire officials caution Mainers to check around their houses for any vents that are blocked by snow. A blocked dryer or heating vent could cause carbon monoxide to build up. In addition, anyone using a generator is reminded to use it according to factory specifications in an outdoor area with plenty of ventilation.

School district AOS 92 will be dissolved, after a vote yesterday that suffered low turnout because of the storm. The communities of Waterville, Vassalboro, and Winslow voted separately, and will enter in an agreement now in order to contract services with each other, including transportation, maintenance, payroll, and others. Additional personnel will be hired to perform the roles currently being done by a central office staff.

The Baileyville Police Department found a way to turn a snow day into a day of service by offering a reward to kids who helped their neighbors. WVII-TV reports young people were offered a free pizza if they grabbed a shovel and helped clear the driveways of older residents. Police say it  was a way to bring the community together and teach kids about the importance of community.