Bangor, Maine News Update: June 21, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 43 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. So far, 1,505,652 doses of the COVID vaccine have been given in Maine. 767,171 residents are fully vaccinated.

Bangor Police say a man was shot and wounded, early Sunday morning, in a church parking lot. The church, located on Ohio Street in Bangor, was not open at the time, and the suspect fled before officers arrived. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Bangor Police Department.

Maine residents are reminded to start grabbing those reusable bags when headed to the store as the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags will start on July 1st. The Maine Legislature approved the ban in 2019, but it was delayed because of the pandemic. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection says it’s working with retailers and restaurants to make sure they’re ready.  

Bangor residents can now pick up their license plates when registering a vehicle at City Hall. Officials say this will save residents time when they don’t have to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles after buying a registration. In addition, WVII-TV reports a safe and secure dropbox has been installed at City Hall, so people can drop off their payments and documents.  

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration hopes to step up the use of underwater drones to make sure lobster fishermen are in compliance with federal regulations. The drones would inspect trap lines to make sure they have weak links inserted, to allow them to break when whales swim through them, and that the lines will sink to the bottom.  

Families are invited to Fort Knox this Saturday for Superhero Day with games, including a scavenger hunt, and prizes for the kids. There will also be a chance for them to have pictures taken with the Pine State Heroes, which is a group of local cosplayers. Find more information on the Fort Knox Superhero Day Facebook page.  

Bangor’s Pride parade will be a little different this year, with stationary floats that people can drive by, instead of the other way around. This Saturday, beginning at noon, everyone is invited to view the stationary parade at the Hollywood Casino Racetrack. Find more information on the Facebook page for the Bangor Pride Stationary Parade.