Bangor, Maine News Update: January 18, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 342 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 4 people diagnosed with the virus who have died. The deceased were from Cumberland, Somerset, and York counties. As of Sunday, health officials say over 78,000 vaccines have been given out in Maine.

Bangor students will not be watching the Presidential inauguration live in their classrooms. Administrators released a statement saying that the threats of possible violence at the event could result in situations that would be emotionally damaging to students. Teachers will review clips of the event and discuss it with students in the days following.

Nearly 200 Maine National Guard Soldiers are in Washington D.C., in advance of Wednesday's Presidential Inauguration. In addition, Governor Janet Mills says the National Guard soldiers remaining in the state are on standby, in the event of any protests, an action she said she took out of an abundance of caution.

Protests from environmental groups have halted construction on the billion-dollar power transmission line corridor through Western Maine. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the effect on the region's ecosystem, while developers say it will bring Canadian hydropower to New England's power grid. Judges with the U.S. Court of Appeals last week ruled to halt the construction until the appeal is heard in court.

The Together Place in Bangor is encouraging creativity as an outlet for people in recovery, with the 16th Annual Periscope Creative Writing Contest. All entries must be original and written by residents who are adult mental health consumers or in recovery from substance use.

The Mount Desert Island Historical Society's annual baked bean supper has gone virtual this year, with participants encouraged to make their own dishes at home, from a new digital cookbook. The evening of January 28th, there will entertainment online, including storytelling and a humorous look at the gastronomical impact of eating beans.