Bangor, Maine News Update: June 18, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 17 new cases of COVID-19 in the state and 42 more people who have recovered. Another person diagnosed with the virus has passed away, a man in his 70's from Cumberland County.

Two people are facing charges after allegedly breaking into a Bangor home and threatening the residents with a gun. Police say the residents ignored a late night knock on the door, ony to have two men enter through a window and rob them at gunpoint. Nikolas Raines and James Rogers are charged with robbery, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, and theft of a firearm.

Maine Maritime Academy students are getting their end-of-year training cruise, which was originally cancelled due to the pandemic. MMA has partnered with the Jackson Lab and Puritan Medical Products to ensure the safety of the students as they sail from July 8th to the 4th of Augusta. The students need 365 days at seas to get their Coast Guard license.

With a sharp uptick in sales of bicycles, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is launching an anti-speeding campaign for drivers, called 'Slow ME Down.' The multi-media campaign hopes to encourage drivers to slow down, especially in residential areas, where families are apt to be out cycling together. More information can be found on the Bike Maine website and on our Sunday morning program, Maine Concerns.

Playgrounds in Bangor opened up yesterday, with a list of cautions for visitors much like the ones in Brewer, including respecting social distancing, and the importance of washing hands before and after visiting the park. In addition, Bangor's Parks and Rec Department will be sanitizing the equipment once a week.

This year's Purse with a Purpose silent auction is going virtual, with a lot more than just purses up for bid. Proceeds from the auction, that starts at noon on Monday and runs through Thursday, will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine. Hear more about the charity and the auction on our Sunday morning program, Maine Concerns.