Bangor, Maine News Update: July 7, 2021

For the second time this week, police in Maine were involved in a pursuit of a stolen pickup truck from New Hampshire. On Monday evening, a 17-year-old girl was arrested after leading police on a chase into Rumford in a stolen beige pickup. On Monday morning, a woman in her 30’s was arrested after crashing a stolen red pickup into another vehicle on the Falmouth Spur. Both drivers will face multiple charges. 

A new online tool will help people identify whether a shark is a deadly great white. The Maine Department of Marine Resources developed the site that allows shark spotters to upload photos and videos, as well as descriptions of what they saw. Officials say people often mistake harmless animals like basking sharks for great whites.  

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Maine lawmakers have passed a landmark bill to regulate packaging materials by having private companies pay for the cost of disposing of the waste and improve state recycling programs. If the bill is signed by Governor Janet Mills, the extended producer responsibility program will include plastic, paper, and cardboard. According to the AP, this is the first time legislators have voted to shift costs away from taxpayers.  

Maine bear hunters are preparing to set out bait, which they will be allowed to do beginning on July 30th. Wildlife officials say the bear population in the state has grown in recent years, with a possibility of as many as 36,000 animals. Bear hunting season using bait will run from August 30th to September 25th.   

Bargain hunters will flock to Orrington this weekend for the community’s Endless Yard Sale, with maps of the sales available at most Orrington businesses. Commuters should take care when traveling through Orrington all weekend, as yard sale shoppers will be parking along roadways, including Route 15. Find more information on the Orrington Old Home Week Facebook page.  

A concert this Saturday evening will help support the upkeep and running of Fort Knox. An evening with Gordon Thomas Ward will be held on the fort’s parade grounds and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Find more information on the Facebook page for the Benefit Concert for Fort Knox, Maine.