Bangor, Maine News Update: July 24, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 24 new cases of COVID 19 statewide, and 23 more people who have recovered. There are now 380 active cases in the state.

The Director of the Maine CDC is advising parents to consult with their children’s pediatrician before making decisions about returning to school. Even if the school determines it’s safe for students to return, children with conditions that could put them at risk with COVID-19 may be advised to stay at home and continue with distance learning.

Governor Janet Mills held her second annual Opioid Response Summit virtually on Thursday during which Dr. Nirav Shah revealed that 127 people died of drug overdoses in the first three months of the year, which is up 23% from the last quarter of 2019. He says the isolation and other pressures of the pandemic threaten to make those numbers continue to rise. Governor Mills commended local recovery organizations across the state who have found innovative ways to offer help and support, despite not being able to meet in person.

If it seems like there have been a lot of bear sightings this year, it’s not your imagination. The Maine Warden Service says dry conditions in the woods are sending the bears into residential areas in search of an easy meal. Anyone who lives in close proximity to the woods should take down their bird feeders, make sure their grills are clean, and keep trashcans tightly covered and stored inside, if at all possible.

The Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis is holding a gift card raffle, that offers up to 20 chances to win one of a variety of hundred-dollar gift cards. Residents can purchase 10-dollar tickets online and the raffle will be held on Monday, September 7th. Find more information on the website for the Bangor Kiwanis and on our Sunday morning program, Maine Concerns.

A clean and sober motorcycle club in Bar Harbor raised fifteen-hundred dollars, over the weekend, for the Acadia Family Center, which offers outpatient treatment services in Southwest Harbor. For those battling addiction.The Last Chance MC is for anyone who loves motorcycles and is looking for a clean lifestyle.