Bangor, Maine News Update: March 23, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 181 new cases of COVID-19. There were no additional deaths of people diagnosed with the virus.

Drivers are reminded to be watching for motorcycles, with the onset of spring weather. Two people were taken to the hospital after the first motorcycle accident of the year on I95 Monday, which was caused by a mechanical failure. Motorcyclists should make sure drivers can see them, always wear a helmet, and be mindful of sand and debris on the roadways.

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After a busy weekend of wildfires, fire officials are reminding residents to use caution when burning brush and debris in their yards. Make sure to have a burn permit, and buckets of water or a working garden hose standing by, just in case. And, if the fire does start to get away from you, call the fire department before it’s out of control.

Acadia National Park officials are warning hikers of the still-icy conditions of many of their popular trails, after two Massachusetts hikers fell to their deaths over the weekend. They advise having winter hiking gear, including ice grippers, cleats, and trekking poles. Visitors should take some time to check conditions and be honest with themselves about their fitness for the challenging conditions.

With the stretch of warm weather, residents are being reminded to check for ticks after any time spent outside in wooded areas. Once temperatures start rising above 40 degrees, ticks can become active, and the deer tick, which could be carrying Lyme disease, is one of the earliest to start moving. Find more information through the University of Maine Tick Lab.

A program that aims to put a new book in the hands of every first grader in Maine by 2025 is now looking for new schools to add to their list for 2021. So far, in just over 2 school years, Dirigo Reads had distributed over ninety-five hundred books, even during the pandemic. To apply for your school to be on the list for the next school year, contact Dirigo Reads.

The Grand in Ellsworth is bringing back its April vacation matinees for kids. Admission is just a dollar to see the animated Pixar movie ‘Onward,’ which will be shown at noon each day.