Bangor, Maine News Update: April 22, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 516 new cases of COVID-19 and 1 more person, diagnosed with the virus, who has died. Dr. Nirav Shah says he believes the case numbers have been high recently because Maine is in a syndemic, with vaccinated older residents not slowing the spread among younger people, and more contagious variants entering the state.

A Bangor woman, who lives in the house where Syies Adams of New York was killed in December, is now facing drug trafficking charges. 65-year-old Brenda Shaboski was arrested at the Union Street home Wednesday morning after drug agents executed a search warrant. So far, no one has been arrested for Shaboski’s murder.

Maine lawmakers are considering putting limits on the size of all-terrain vehicles. Representative Tim Theriault of China has proposed size and weight limits for the vehicles, after some residents have voiced concerns that the large ATVs are contributing to the erosion on the state’s expansive trail network.

Hannaford Supermarkets is the first supermarket chain in New England to send no food to landfills. All the food is donated to food pantries or local farms to be used as feed for animals. Any food that is spoiled or expired is sent to Agri-Cycle in Scarborough, where they will be turned into methane gas to power generators.

Challenger Learning Center will hold its e-waste event on Saturday, May 1^st. Residents are invited to drop off their unwanted electronics at the school on Venture Way from 8 to noon, with volunteers available to help unload them. Find more information about acceptable items on the school's website.

Volunteers are needed to help with spring cleaning in downtown Bangor this Sunday, including taking down winter lights, picking up trash, painting benches, and removing graffiti. Everyone is asked to meet in Norumbega Parkway on Central Street a 8:30 Sunday morning, wear a mask and bring ladders, rakes, gloves, or anything else that would help. Find more information on the Downtown Bangor Facebook page.