Bangor, Maine News Update: April 9, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 326 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death. Bates College students have been on in-room lockdown for over a week, and it’s now been extended to Sunday. Students are only allowed to leave their rooms for food, exercise, or getting vaccinated as the college tries to get ahead of a growing COVID-19 outbreak.

Two men are facing charges after a homeowner said they allegedly broke into his Otis home. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says the witness told authorities that two men ran from his house when he returned home. WVII-TV reports Darrell Rogers of Medford and Casey Mcelligot of Otis are charged with burglary.

Residents of the Spring Fountain Motel in Bucksport have been given two days to leave, as the building has been deemed unsafe. The Town Council voted, on Thursday night, to give the owners 30 days to work with professionals and start bringing the building up to code, which must be completed in 90 days. Bucksport's Code Enforcement Officer says the building has multiple issues, including electrical problems, no heat in many rooms, and inadequate plumbing.

April is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Northern Light Health is reminding residents over 45 to be proactive about starting the conversation about testing with their doctors. Testing doesn’t always mean colonoscopy, and it’s important to get checked regularly, since the most common symptom is no symptom at all.

Mainers are cautioned that the stretch of warm weather we’re all enjoying is also waking up the ticks that have been in hibernation. Residents should be aware and watch for ticks walking in piles of leaves and brush. The best defense is to wear repellent on skin and clothes, tuck long pants into boots when walking in long grass or wooded areas, and do frequent tick checks.

Harness Racing is back with the 138th season at Bangor Raceway kicking off at 12:15 Sunday afternoon. Races will be conducted Wednesdays and Sundays with free admission to the grandstands, and safety protocols in place, including mandatory masks and social distancing.