Bangor, Maine News Update: June 22, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 19 new cases of COVID-19 in the state and 11 more people who have recovered. There were no new deaths of people diagnosed with the virus over the weekend. The Maine CDC is investigating an outbreak in Houlton, involving four members of the Houlton Ambulance service, who may have been exposed through a non-symptomatic patient they transported to EMMC in Bangor.

Police say a man who died on Vinalhaven Island last week suffered fatal stab wounds and his death has been ruled a homicide. Roger Feltis was killed during a confrontation at the home of Dorian and Briannah Ames, during which Briannah suffered non-life-threatening injuries. So far no arrests have been made.

Bath Iron Works’ largest union is going on strike, starting this morning, after the union and BIW were unable to reach a contract agreement. The last time there was a strike at BIW was in 2000, and it lasted 55 days.

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap is asking Mainers who need to renew their expired driver’s licenses til the last minute. Residents have a grace period until August 9th, because of the pandemic. But the fear is that everyone will wait til then to renew and cause a situation where all the renewals can’t be processed in time. Most people can renew their driver’s license online.

Jersey Subs and Sweets announced on Friday that they will not be reopening their downtown Bangor location and will, instead, be concentrating on their Old Town restaurant. The lack of downtown business traffic and customers who work downtown have made the owners decide not to reopen.

Helen’s Restaurant in Ellsworth is honoring local law enforcement with free meals. Last week, they provided five local officers from the Ellsworth Police Department each day by providing a meal, and this week they’ll do the same for members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Residents can sponsor an officer and see who’s being fed on the Helen’s Restaurant Facebook page.