Bangor, Maine News Update: March 20, 2019

The mother of missing toddler Ayla Reynolds has been granted an extra 60 days to find the child’s father, in order to serve him legal papers connected to a wrongful death lawsuit. The then-20-month-old girl went missing from Justin DiPietro’s home in 2011. DiPietro’s last known address was in California but investigators have been unable to locate him.

Governor Janet Mills signed legislation on Tuesday that protects healthcare coverage for Mainers. The bill requires that insurance companies include basic patient protections in Maine health care plans,including prohibiting charging seniors higher rates because of their age and allowing people up to age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance.

The City of Bangor is considering the development of solar arrays to help save money on electricity costs. City officials are seeking construction bids after ReVision Energy conducted a study on the viability and cost savings of the project. The company has suggested that the array should be located on Maine Avenue, near the airport.

Elver season starts on Friday, despite the fact that cold water temperatures may be discouraging the baby eels from making their way up river from the ocean. Still, elver harvesters will be getting their gear in the water this week, to stake their climb on the prime spots. Last year, the tiny eels netted over 21 million dollars for harvesters.

A dodgeball tournament  at the University of Maine’s new balance  fieldhouse in Orono will help raise money to provide service dogs to veterans. The Pets for Vets will take place March 31^st and spectators are welcome to stop by and cheer on the teams. Find more information on the Pets for Vets dodgeball tournament Facebook page.