Bangor, Maine News Update: December 22, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 339 new cases of COVID-19 and another death, while 43 more people have recovered. Approximately, 4,000 BINAX antigen rapid test kits for COVID-19 are in the hands of school nurses statewide, including at schools in Brewer, Augusta, and Glenburn.

A Milbridge man is charged with attempted murder and robbery for a double shooting in Trenton over the weekend. Larry Smith was first treated at a Bangor hospital for injuries sustained in a car accident in Holden, before being arrested for wounding the two people from Birch Heights Drive. Police say more arrests are possible.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has tightened its visitor restrictions, in order to keep patients and staff safe over the holidays. Visitors must be healthy and at least 18 years old, visit between the hours of 2 and 4 pm, and remain in the room at all times with their face covering on. In addition, each visitor will be required to sign a contact tracing log each time they enter and exit a patient room.

Organization's that work to curb Maine's drug overdose epidemic will receive more than $900,000 from the federal government. The office of National Drug Control Policy will provide the grant money to groups across the state, including the Aroostook County Action Program, Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and University of New England. 380 Mainers died of drug overdoses last year.

The University of Maine system is offering a free course to any first-year student who failed a class in the fall. The Make a Grade free course waiver was started by Chancellor Dan Mally a year ago to help prevent new students from getting discouraged. Anyone who qualifies for the waiver will be contacted by the University.

A Norridgewock woman is giving back to her community by providing more than 1,000 toys to area parents who can't afford to buy Christmas gifts for their kids. It's the fifth year Shari Obert has provided up to give toys per child from the area and eased the burden for parents. Donations are being accepted through the Christmas Help for Needy Families Facebook page.