Bangor, Maine News Update: January 7, 2020
Drivers Tuesday morning are advised to avoid I-95 northbound in Carmel, as police deal with a multi-vehicle accident.
State Police have released few details, but say the accident involves multiple vehicles, near mile marker 174 in Carmel. A Carmel firefighter estimated the number of vehicles involved to be between 20 and 30. Northbound lanes are currently closed. Drivers are advised to avoid the area until further notice. Traffic is being diverted.
Nathan Burke, who eluded police after failing to show up for court, in connection with the brutal killing of a dog named Franky, is being held without bail. In addition, Maria Lockhart was given a deferred disposition sentence this week, after pleading guilty to helping Burke and Chipman avoid arrest in the days after the attack, giving them a ride to Bangor where they got a hotel room.
A 14-year-old girl sustained non-life threatening injuries when she was hit by a plow attached to a passing pickup truck Monday morning in Canton. The girl was walking her little sister to the bus stop when the accident happened just after 6:30. There’s no word on whether the driver will be charged.
Ellsworth is one of several communities that will benefit after Maine Housing awarded contracts to build senior housing. Governor Paul Lepage had declined to sign off on the 14-point-five million dollars in voter-approved bonds, but Governor Mills signed them last year. That money will be combined with other funding to build 212 new affordable housing units for Mainers over the age of 55.
Fire officials remind residents to take precautions to stay safe during the heating season. They suggest doing regular checks of heating and dryer vents around the home to make sure they're not blocked by snow, and disposing of ashes in a covered, metal container set far away from any buildings.
Cold weather brings burglaries to summer camps that have been closed up for the winter. Law enforcement officials recommend taking all valuables out of the camp and consider putting up security cameras. In addition, arrange with neighbors to check on each other's camps, when they're empty.
MDI Hospital’s President and CEO announced this week that he will retire at the end of 2020. Art Blank has held the position since 1999, during which time he helped establish that Maine Rural Health Collaborative, and developed a teaching emphasis for the medical center. He says he’ll work closely with administrators to develop a succession plan.
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