Bangor, Maine News Update: February 10, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 258 new cases of COVID-19 and 2 more people who have passed away. A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in Maine, in a resident of Franklin County with a history of international travel. B-1-1-7, which spreads more easily than the original, has been detected in 34 states.

A Connecticut man died Tuesday night when his snowmobile hit a powerline pole in Dallas Plantation. Officials say William Arnow, 33, of Stamford was headed back to a Rangeley rental unit with his friend when the accident happened. Officials say speed and alcohol appear to have been factors in the crash.

Maine State Police have arrested a Bronx, New York woman in Waterville, who was wanted on a murder charge. Kierra Francis is accused of killing New York native Joshua Martin, who was shot to death in a Winthrop apartment in October.

First responders are invited to a free online support group, that will hold its first meeting on Tuesday. The event is free and open to any first responder looking to connect with others who find themselves struggling. Find more information about getting signed up on the Facebook page for LCPC Counseling and Consultation Services.

An 8-year-old child fell out of a chairlift on Sugarloaf Mountain Wednesday. WGME-TV reports employees were able to stop the lift and catch the child in a net, but not before she fell more than 20 feet. The child, who was on the lift with her mother, survived but taken to the hospital for back pain.

Governor Mills has announced free fishing license week, which begins on Saturday and lasts until the 21^st. Anyone interested in ice fishing can do so without a license, as long as they register with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and as long as their fishing license has not been suspended or revoked.

One Maine elementary or middle school will receive the gift of a $100,000 fitness center, as part of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council’s ‘Don’t Quit’ Campaign. Residents can nominate a Maine school to get the fitness center from the initiative that aims to eliminate childhood obesity. Vote for your favorite school on the Maine Department of Education's website.