Bangor, Maine News Update: April 13, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 308 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 1 additional death. Skowhegan Area High School is in a remote learning model for another day, with more than 100 students and staff members in quarantine, after possible exposure to the virus.

Maine's mobile vaccination clinic started its 10-week journey yesterday, with its first stop in the parking lot of the Oxford Casino. Officials have released information about how to schedule an appointment for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and the schedule of destinations, which includes a stop in Old Town.

A proposal before lawmakers would limit annoying text messages from political campaigns and advocacy groups. Senator Joe Rafferty of Kennebunk says he developed the initiative after being bombarded, on a daily basis, with text messages, emails, and spam calls before the election in November.

The Milford Fire Department has a new rescue boat, thanks to an $18,000 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Fund. The new boat is faster and better equipped to deal with conditions on the Penobscot River. First responders will train on the new watercraft over the next few weeks.

A chili and dessert cookoff, with a carnival theme, will be held on Saturday afternoon on Main Street in Madison. The event is being sponsored by Wicked Lettuce, a gift shop that sells a variety of items, including marijuana products. Organizers of the Dynamite and Desserts Cookoff say none of the competition food will be infused with pot.

Bangor area residents are encouraged to stop by the Not So Empty Nest gift shop on outer Broadway to create their own unique May Basket. From 10am to 3 pm, on Saturday, April 24th, folks are invited to drop in and use the provided supplies to help bring back the tradition of leaving May Baskets for loved ones.