The Maine CDC reports reports 24 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, and 11 more people who have recovered. There are currently 435 active cases statewide.

RSU 25 administrators in Bucksport are preparing for students to return in the fall, including table dividers to keep kids separated, in addition to the masks, and a decision that students will be fed at their desks, rather than in the cafeteria. Superintendent of Schools, Jim Boothby told WABI-TV that decisions still need to be made about busing and which students will continue with distance learning.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and wildlife is looking for deer spies, which are residents who like to look at deer and want to help keep track of their numbers. The information helps them determine the population and decide how many any-deer permits should be distributed.

A group of development leaders is offering grants of up to 5 thousand dollars to businesses in Somerset County that have been affected by the pandemic. The funds being distributed through the Community Economic Resource Council doesn’t have to be paid back and can be used for things like payroll, utilities, mortgage or rent payments, and more.

The Village Green in Bar Harbor will be lined with luminaria on Saturday evening, August 8th, to honor cancer patients and remember those who have passed away. The Luminaria will benefit Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County and are being sold online. Find more information on the Facebook event page for the Carol Dyer Memorial Luminaria evening.

A six-year-old from Bangor is getting a new kidney today. Bentley Newell’s family put out a plea for a donor, and more than 100 people responded. Kristyn Nordfors of Brewer is a match and will be donating one of her kidneys to Bentley today in Portland. You can access a GoFundMe page to help with the expenses through a Facebook group called Bentley’s page.

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