Bangor, Maine News Update: February 27, 2020

Today’s storm has prompted many schools and services to close for the day. Residents are encouraged to be prepared, as snow and high winds could cause widespread power outages. We have a complete list of cancellations, which will be updated throughout the day.

A Brewer man is charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a duplex on the same street where he lives. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says Julio Orsini allegedly set the fire in the entry way at 20 Maple Street, just after midnight on Christmas Day. No one was hurt in the incident.

Four people are charged with trafficking in heroin after a drug bust in Washington County. A search of a residence in Indian Township resulted in the seizure of about 7 grams of heroin and 8 thousand dollars in suspected drug proceeds. Three residents of Indian Township and a West Virginia man were all transported to the Washington County Jail.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been given approval to buy new equipment that can test for the coronavirus. The Maine CDC says the new equipment will also be used to test for influenza A and B, as well as other viruses.

Governor Janet Mills signed legislation yesterday that will reduce the cost of life-saving epinephrine devices. One in fifty Americans is at risk for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that lead to death, but which can be reversed with an epinephrine device. This law will ensure access to devices, other than the Epi-Pen, which has risen in cost by more than 450 percent since 2007.

The United State Postal Service will begin issuing a Forever Stamp next month, celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Maine statehood. The new stamp will feature the painting ‘Sea at Ogunquit,’ by artist Edward Hopper. A First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony, to unveil a large reproduction of the stamp, will be held on Sunday, March 15^th at the Augusta Armory.