Bangor, Maine News Update: October 31, 2017

Police say a man whose body was found in a burning mobile home in Whitneyville over the weekend was murdered. 48-year-old Wayne Foss was a commercial fisherman who lived at the home with his wife and son who were not home at the time of the fire. Police are hoping to hear from anyone who has information about the death.

Governor Paul LePage has declared a state of emergency after yesterday’s storm knocked out power to most of the state, giving utility companies the flexibility they need to restore power as quickly as possible. Power crews from out of state are in Maine, helping with the massive effort. For more weather information and safety tips, log onto Maine prepares dot com.

Over 277 thousand people remain in the dark this morning as crews scramble to restore power, and officials are now saying it’s bigger than the ice storm of 1998. Emera Maine and Central Maine Power say it will be days before the repairs can be completed, since trees have to be cleared as well as poles and lines replaced. Mainers are encouraged to use caution, never touch or drive over a downed line, and hook up generators according to factory specifications.

It’s going to be a quiet day for many as many schools and doctors’ offices are closed , as well as many retail outlets. A couple things to keep in mind today are to call ahead if heading to an appointment or function, to make sure it’s still happening. And try to have some cash with you, as many stores are not able to take credit cards, even though they’re open for business.