Bangor, Maine News Update: December 5, 2019

Two men are charged with murder in connection with the death of a Bangor man who was found in his burning Essex Street home last month. Joseph Johnson of Old Town and Cote Choneska of Veazie are accused of killing Berton Conley. Choneska was previously convicted of shooting a Clifton store owner during a robbery.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions after the first flu-related death was reported last week. Health officials with the Maine CDC say the best protection is a flu shot, which won't prevent catching the flu, but will greatly diminish the symptoms and duration.

Pest experts say this is the best time of year to get rid of a species of caterpillar that can cause a painful rash in humans. Find more information on how to take care of browntail moth caterpillars on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's website. .

It's the time of year for some people to develop seasonal affective disorder, as the days get shorter and temperatures drop. Symptoms of SAD are the same as depression, but it only happens during certain times of the year. Health officials say light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication can all help.

The deadline for signing up to receive holiday food boxes and Christmas gifts from the Emmaus Shelter in Ellsworth is 2:00 on Friday afternoon. Anyone interested in taking part in the program just needs to stop into the shelter on Main Street to fill out a few forms. Find more information on the website for the Emmaus Shelter.