Bangor, Maine News Update: June 16, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 34 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. 3 more Mainers, diagnosed with the virus, have died. They were residents of Penobscot, Oxford, and Cumberland counties.

A man who was the subject of a 17-hour standoff in Old Town on Monday allegedly has religious delusions. Police say Thadius Wind was allegedly threatening officers with a sword when they arrived, but his attorney says he was dancing with the sword in honor of his deceased son. According to court documents, Wind allegedly believed he is the ark of the covenant and his son is God.

A 14-year-old from Bangor is facing charges after allegedly breaking into the Fairmount School Monday night. A neighbor to the school called 911 to report someone was removing items from the building the night after the last day of classes. The juvenile, whose name will not be released, allegedly stole several thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics that have since been returned to the school.  

Two Maine-based non-profits have received generous grants from Jeff Bezo’s ex-wife, McKenzie Scott.  The Maine Community Music Center in Yarmouth got $1.5 million and the Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Expansion Arts Fund, based in Ellsworth and Portland, received $2.5 million dollars. Scott is now married to Seattle teacher Dan Jewett, who graduated from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High school in Paris, Maine.  

Maine lawmakers have approved a measure that would increase access to HIV prevention medications. The proposal requires state-regulated healthcare providers to cover certain HIV prevention medications with no out-of-pocket costs. It’s now up to the governor whether or not to sign it into law.   

The United Way of Eastern Maine will hold a ‘Week of Action’ next week, encouraging residents to get involved in various projects. The week will kick off with registration Monday morning in Second Street park in Bangor, with projects to include basic needs drives at Bangor Walmart and Ellsworth Reny’s, and the week will wrap up with a blood drive. 

Give Dad a fishing trip for Father’s Day, because it’s free fishing license weekend in Maine. Anyone can register to go fishing for the weekend, unless their right to carry a license has been suspended. Get signed up on the website for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.   

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is looking for organizations interested in participating in the 4th of July Parade. Entry applications must be submitted by June 23rd.