Bangor, Maine News Update: August 26, 2021

A Hartland man faces life in prison, after pleading guilty to 13 charges, including 10 counts of attempted murder. Richard Murray-Burns shot a Waterville Police Officer twice after being pulled over, and then shot at several other officers during a high speed pursuit through Kennebec and Somerset Counties in 2019. The chase ended when Murray-Burns was shot by police.  

Governor Janet Mills has briefed President Biden that Maine is preparing to accept refugees fleeing Afghanistan. The Portland Press Herald reports that Afghan Americans living in the state say they’re struggling to help their overseas families flee before the August 31st deadline. So far, there’s been no confirmation that Biden will be sending any refugees to Maine.  

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is now offering pronoun buttons for staff, patients, and visitors. The buttons are meant to make others more comfortable by indicating which pronouns the wearer wishes to be used to address them.  

The Episcopal Diocese announced this week that all members of their clergy and staff will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. A memo that went out to all area churches also asked members of the clergy to encourage parishioners to do the same.  

The Piscataquis Valley Fair starts today, after taking last year off due to the pandemic. The weekend will include all the usual agricultural exhibits and competitions, as well as the popular midway.   

The Blue Hill Fair is going digital, at least on the midway. The games and rides will still be open and available, but patrons will use an app downloaded to their phones or swipe a card to pay for them on the new cashless midway.