Bangor, Maine News Update: July 13, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 19 new cases of COVID-19 and 22 more people how have recovered. Two more people have died, including a woman in her 90's from Penobscot County and a man in his 70's from Cumberland County.

The National Weather Service confirms that a tornado touched down in the Oxford County town of Hiram, on Saturday afternoon, damaging trees and ripping a tin roof off a building. The tornado first hit ground in Hiram at around 3:30, then continued on to Sebago in Cumberland county. Officials say the top wind speeds hit 80 miles per hour as it traveled a near 5-mile path.

MDI's Superintendent of Schools sent a letter to parents last week, letting them know that administrators are working on the parameters that will enable students to return to school in the fall. Marc Edward Gousse says he understands the public is anxious for details about how children will be kept safe, but asks for patience as they work with health experts and others.

Governor Janet Mills announced on Friday a $170 million deal with Hydro-Quebec to provide discounted electricity to the state through Central Maine Power's transmission corridor. Mills said she has heard people complain that only Massachusetts would benefit from the deal, but this new agreement will provide power to up to 70 thousand Maine homes.

People planning to vote in-person on Tuesday will want to give themselves extra time to complete the process. The polls will be open, but wait times could be longer than usual due to capacity restrictions, social distancing, and sanitization procedures. Contact your local town office to find out your municipality's voting hours.

A Millinocket native who has dedicated his life to serving the homeless after his son died of a drug overdose in Bangor has completed the donation of a portable shower. Peter Kelleher, who's also known as the Soupman, has set up the three-stall shower outside the Brick Church on Union Street in Bangor. The unit is stocked with soap, sandals, and towels.