Bangor, Maine News Update: April 26, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 174 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. State health officials announced Friday that Maine will resume administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, because they say the benefits of the single-shot dose far outweigh the rare risk of developing blood clots.

A Westfield man is facing multiple charges after allegedly using a stolen vehicle to ram his own truck. The owner of the Jeep called police after noticing Tony Dubuc running up and down the road, and she was still on the phone when he allegedly stole her vehicle, rammed it into his own, and then returned it, before locking himself inside his truck. Dubuc was out on bail, with conditions to include not driving until his license was reinstated.

Rising numbers of COVID cases have health experts changing the green color code designation for schools in four counties, to yellow, which suggests a hybrid model with a combination of in-person and at-home learning. Now, all counties in the state are green, except for Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset counties, which are yellow.

According to the AP, a consultant has informed Bar Harbor’s city officials that it would cost $17 - $21 million to repair or replace the pier, that’s partially used by the CAT. Bay Ferries has agreed to lease part of the property in order to revive the catamaran’s ferry service between Maine and Nova Scotia. Their plans, however, were put on hold last year, due to the pandemic.

The American Red Cross is working with local families to make sure they're prepared to respond, in case fire breaks out. Residents can schedule a 20-minute ‘Sound the Alarm’ phone call, during which volunteers will help them map out an effective escape plan from their home. Find more information on the Facebook page for the American Red Cross Northern New England.

Maine’s Commission for community service is looking for nominations of individuals who have gone above and beyond for their communities during the past year. Usually, the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism is an annual competition, but organizers decided to do a special competition for the year of COVID. Nominations are due by Friday afternoon at 5 to Volunteer Maine.