Bangor, Maine News Update: June 25, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 23 new cases of COVID-19 in the state and 47 more people who have recovered. Another person diagnosed with the virus has died, a woman in her 90’s from Cumberland County.

Bucksport Police are investigating the discovery of a body in the Penobscot River. The body was reported to police Wednesday afternoon near the Bucksport-Verona bridge. So far, officials haven’t indicated whether it was a man or woman.

A Georgia man is facing charges for allegedly approaching two teenage girls in Bangor and Hampden and offering them money to get into his vehicle. 23-year-old Serdest Ozilice is charged with assault and unlawful sexual touching in relation to the Bangor case. There’s no word about whether a case in Northeast Harbor, where a woman in her 60’s was approached in a similar fashion is connected to this suspect.

The Mills’ Administration has issued prevention checklists for businesses due to open on July 1^st, including movie theaters, spas, outdoor and indoor entertainment venues, and summer camps. This is step three in the governor’s reopening plan. Bars still will not be allowed to open on schedule, but can serve customers in outdoor facilities.

Bangor city officials are considering whether to remove a Bangor Memorial that honors Estevan Gomez, the first explorer from Europe to sail up the Penobscot River. The Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation has raised concerns about memorial because historical accounts say Gomez went on to capture 50 indigenous people in an attempt to sell them into slavery.

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce has found a unique way to celebrate the 4^th of July, while still allowing for social distancing. They’re planning a reverse parade, where businesses and houses will be decorated and people are invited to walk or drive by, with the decorations extended into other communities on MDI. A list of participating locations can be found online.