Progress was made yesterday in the effort to restore power across the state. This morning, Emera Maine reports twelve-thousand-four-hundred-forty customers are still without electricity, while CMP is reporting just over 49-thousand-seven-hundred are still in the dark. Both utility companies are aiming to get 90% of their customers back online by the end of today.

A judge has ruled that a Winthrop teen accused of killing his parents when he was 17 will be tried as an adult. Andrew Balcer is now 18 and prosecutors had argued that, if convicted as a juvenile, would spend only 2 years in prison for the brutal stabbings of his parents and their dog. After the deaths, he called a 911 operator, admitting he killed them

People who receive SNAP benefits may be elegibile for replacement of the food they lost after their power went out. DHHS officials say folks who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP can get a supplemental benefit equal to the amount of food they lost, but not more than their monthly benefit. To find out if you qualify, contact the Office for Family Independence to request a form of stop by the regional office of DHHS.

While Wind Storm 17 has been frustrating for many who have spent days without heat and lights, it’s shown once again how Maine people come together in tough times. From hotels that offered reduced rates to people affected by the outages, to businesses that offered hot showers or charging stations, to a woman in Bangor who had a generator and made coffee for the folks in her neighborhood who were without, it’s accentuated the strength and giving spirit that is our communities.

Empire Beauty School in Bangor is offering a little pampering today to folks who have been affected by the power outage. Anyone interested in a free shampoo and style is encouraged to just drop by the school on Broadway today or call them to make an appointment.

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