Bangor, Maine News Update: February 4, 2020

One man is in custody after allegedly shooting four people in the Machias area, three of whom were killed and one who was taken to the hospital. Police caught up with Thomas Bonfanti at the American Legion Hall in Machias and took him into custody, charged with murder. While police have not released a possible motive for the attacks, they say Bonfanti knew the victims.

The Attorney General’s office is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Minot on Sunday. Police say Jason Gora of Auburn engaged in an armed confrontation with police, after leading them on a high-speed chase and then crashing into a police cruiser. Gora had been reported missing and was said to be in an altered state of mind before police tried to get him to pull over.

The folks at Penquis want residents to know help is available for covering heating costs this winter, making improvements to your home's heat efficiency, or with electric bills. Find more information on the Penquis website.

Opponents to Central Maine Power's transmission line corridor say they want voters to have a say in whether the project moves forward. They turned in paperwork this week with more than enough signatures to get the measure put on the ballot as a referendum vote. The secretary of state's office will now need to verify the signatures before it can proceed.

Marijuana stores will start popping up soon, as Maine has finally put the regulations in place to manage retail sales. In Bangor, several areas have been zoned for pot sales, including on Broadway, Union Street area, and Outer Hammond Street. The products will be pre-packaged, in opaque wrapping.

The public is invited to informational meetings this week to discuss the proposed Downeast wind project in Washington County. The presentations will be held Wednesday and Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Columbia Town Hall. RSVP on the Downeast Wind Farm website.

A puppy from Maine was on the winning team Sunday, during Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. Duncan is one of 100 or more animals that were rescued from a dog kennel in Solon. He’s now been adopted and has his forever home.