Bangor, Maine News Update: February 21, 2019

Two New York men are facing drug charges after agents seized 65 thousand dollars’ worth of cocaine and fentanyl from a Waterville apartment. MDEA agents’ investigation of Christopher Vargas and Martin Galvin included alleged undercover purchases of drugs from them. They’re both charged with aggravated trafficking.

A man wanted for violating his probation on drug charges was caught by police in Biddeford after jumping out a second story window. When police went to the apartment where Jamison Snyder was hiding out, he jumped out the window, but ended up lying on the ice-covered ground with a head injury. Snyder will now serve the rest of his original 9 year sentence and faces new charges.

Folks who receive SNAP benefits will get their funds a little early next month, with the money added to their accounts on March 3^rd. In addition, anyone who is working at least 30 hours a week, or 20 hours if they have a child under the age of 6, will get an increase in their supplemental benefits...from 15 to 50 dollars per month. The bump comes from existing unspent TANF funds.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would more than triple the money paid to residents when they serve jury duty. The proposal would raise the pay from 15 dollars per day to 50 dollars per day. The Legislature’s judiciary committee has endorsed a raise, but is undecided how large that increase should be.

A residential program in Bangor allows mothers struggling with addiction to get help while living with their children. Room and board fees are based on their ability to pay, with the maximum fee at Infinity House set at just 10 dollars per day. Find more information about the program on the Wellspring website.