Bangor, Maine News Update: January 12, 2021

The Maine CDC statistics show another consecutive day of relatively low COVID-19 infections, with 314 new cases reported on Monday. There were 6 additional deaths of people diagnosed with the virus. Dr. Nirav Shah says, contrary to what some people believe, the COVID vaccine will not give people the virus. He says everyone should plan to get vaccinated, when it becomes widely available, including people who have recovered from the virus.

Bangor Police are investigating a break-in at Joe's Market, overnight. Owner Joseph Perry says police called him at 3 a.m. to tell him about the break-in, and that the front door had been smashed.

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is up and running again, after being shut down for several months due to the pandemic. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says it's time now to update driver's licenses, state ID's, vehicle registrations and more that had been temporarily put on hold.

Residents who have not already received their stimulus funds should be watching for a special envelope in the mail. Senator Susan Collins says some payments are being sent out on prepaid debit cards, which are being mailed in white envelopes with the U.S. Treasury Department's seal prominently displayed.

A volunteer feeding program for deer in Brownville is up and running for another year, with the manager Richard McMahon dumping over 400 pounds of grain in the troughs every day. Residents enjoy watching the deer from the road and also on live feeds available on YouTube. Organizers are hoping to get some donations to be able to fund the pantry through a GoFundMe page.

Machias Savings Bank is working with the Bangor Regional Chamber of Commerce to present a $5,000 non-profit award donation, which will be announced on January 28th. Residents can vote for their favorite charities once each day.