Bangor, Maine News Update: February 3, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 417 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and another 23 people, diagnosed with the virus, who have died. State health officials say 21 of the 23 deceased were confirmed through a review of vital records filed in the past two weeks, and actually died between December 21st and January 26th.

A new agreement between Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane and Healthy Acadia will bring substance abuse recovery coaches back to the jail. Sheriff Kane had canceled the service after the organization expressed support for Black Lives Matter on social media, stating that the movement's penchant toward violence against law enforcement was concerning.

The Maine Department of Labor says an issue that prevented some unemployment claimants from receiving their benefits on Tuesday has been resolved. A statement from the department says, once the problem was discovered, the payments were sent out Tuesday night. When they will be credited to residents' accounts will depend on their individual banking institutions.

Bangor City Councilors are considering a proposal that would bring passenger rail to the city. According to WABI-TV, Maine Rail Group Director Richard Rudolph says more than half the state's population lives between Portland and Bangor, so an affordable and safe rail service from Brunswick to Bangor makes sense. City Councilors will discuss the proposal at their next meeting on February 8th.

A Bangor High School Senior is a finalist in one of the nation's most esteemed STEM competitions, the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Newscenter Maine reports Vetri Vel developed a detection system that would help elderly residents who have fallen. For making it to the final round, Vel will receive $25,000 for college expenses. Next, he'll compete virtually in March for a chance at $1.8 million in awards.

Four healthcare workers from Maine are going to the Super Bowl, courtesy of the New  England Patriots and team owner, Robert Kraft. Governor Mills drew 4 names at random from medical personnel who had applied for the trip. They will fly on the Patriots' team plane for the all-expenses-paid trip, that will include a private concert from Miley Cyrus.