Bangor, Maine News Update: August 22, 2017

The Town of China is reeling this week after their former Fire chief was killed in an accident on Friday. A pickup driven by 73-year-old George Studley of China crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 3 in Searsmont and struck another pickup head-on. Studley's juvenile passenger along with the other driver and his two juvenile passengers were all treated at area hospitals.

Folks in the Katahdin region should learn this week whether the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will be left alone. U. s. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is expected to issue recommendations this week to President Donald Trump about what he should do with 27 national monuments, including the one in Maine. Zinke has already cleared six of 27 monuments, suggesting that they be left untouched.

NBC correspondent Hallie Jackson was on the Bangor waterfront yesterday, interviewing Senator Susan Collins. Their conversation covered a wide range of topics from the opioid epidemic to Afghanistan. When asked what her political future holds, Senator Collins said she's deciding between remaining as a senior senator or serving Mainers as Governor.

First lady Ann LePage is opening up the Blaine House lawn for an ice cream social for military families. More than 100 people are expected to attend the "back to school" event in which each child receives free school supplies. Guests are encouraged to wear play clothes because they'll be engaging in a variety of lawn games.

A Date Night dance in Lincoln this Saturday will benefit the Lincoln Regional Food Cupboard. Folks are invited to dress their dates for date night, with prizes given to the Couple voted best dressed. The Back 2 Back Charity dance gets underway at 7 o'clock Saturday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lincoln.