Bangor, Maine News Update: April 6, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 224 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 1 additional death. Northern Light Health reported a record day for vaccinations on Saturday. Officials say more than 3,000 COVID-19 vaccines were administered in that one day, getting them closer to their goal of 5,000 per day.

A resident of the Ramada Inn in Bangor has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a storage shed at Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream on Sunday. Michael Benfield, formerly of Tacoma, Washington, is charged with arson and burglary for the fire that destroyed the building on Odlin Road in Bangor.

An initiative being proposed by Maine and Alaska delegates aims to help Veterans who suffer from early-stage dementia. WABI-TV reports the proposal would use the State Veterans Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act to waive eligibility requirements for these veterans to provide in-home care.

Maine State Police and the Maine bureau of Highway Safety are partnering in targeted enforcement details, in an effort to curtail what they say is an increase in dangerous driving. Troopers are reportedly seeing things like speeding through construction zones, excessive speed, and distracted driving. The details will occur over the next several months.

Orrington Fire and Rescue has started selling tickets to their 31 Gun Raffle. Tickets are available at Maine Military Supply in Brewer, Bob’s Cozy Corner in Orrington, at the Orrington Fire Department, and online. Tickets that will be drawn throughout the month of October are 20 dollars each, with the proceeds to help benefit families in need.

A 7-year-old Bangor boy is featured in a story on the Lowe’s corporate website, after the local store manager found out he’s a DIY enthusiast, with a passion for blue Kobalt tools. When Owen Alley’s family threw him a Kobalt-themed 7^th-birthday party, Lowe’s store manager Ryan O’Donnell showed up with some new Kobalt items to add to his collection. O’Donnell says he’s impressed with the youngster’s abilities, and says, since the party, Owen stops into the store to talk with him about his latest project.