The Maine CDC reports 599 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and nine more people, diagnosed with the virus, who have died. Most of the people who passed away were from southern or central Maine, but two were from Aroostook County. Dr. Nirav Shah says epidemiologists are focusing on Maine's northernmost county, where the number of overall cases has jumped 400% in a month.

Bangor's Community Connector bus service has suspended some of its stops, due to a driver shortage. The Black Bear Orono Express has been suspended until late January and a few buses are traveling to Capehart. Administrators are working on creative ways to recruit new drivers, so the schedules can get back to normal.

The American Red Cross has a desperate need for convalescent plasma, which would be used to treat severely ill patients. The plasma comes from people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and have the antibodies that could help these patients fight against the virus.

A 63-year-old man and a deer were both saved from the ice on Long Lake in Princeton on Monday. Rick Crowe put on a life vest and took his canoe into the lake to try and save a stranded deer, but had to be rescued when his canoe capsized. Crowe was taken to the hospital with hypothermia and the deer was returned safely to shore.

Local McDonald's restaurants are showing their appreciation for teachers with a special 'thank you treats' promotion. Until January 15th, teachers with a valid school ID can pick up a free apple fritter, blueberry muffin, or cinnamon roll with any size coffee. They're welcome to go back as many times as they like to participating restaurants.

Maine' bicentennial celebration will be held this year, after last year's 200th anniversary celebration was cancelled last year, due to the pandemic. The Maine Bicentennial Commission is planning things like a statehood day, a time capsule sneak peek, and more.

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