Bangor, Maine News Update: March 24, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 107 cases of COVID-19, as of noon on Monday, with the largest number, 66, in Cumberland County, and still none in Hancock and Washington counties. CDC officials encourage residents to act as if the virus is already in their community, through social distancing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick.

State Police have released the identity of a man who was shot and killed outside his home in Blue Hill. Officials say the person who shot Joshua Clarke Sunday evening has been questioned. So far, no charges have been filed.

The University of Maine System is helping K through 12 students secure access to online learning by offering to enable ‘Guest’ Wi-Fi networks for the 140 local schools that participate in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, opening access hotspots where the signal extends outside the school. Students would be able to access the network from the parking lot.

AT&T announced this week that it is waiving all voice and data overage fees nationwide, in an effort for quarantined people to be able to stay connected with friends and family. In addition, the company says it will not disconnect the wireless, home phone, or broadband services of anyone unable to pay their bill. The grace period lasts 60 days, starting from March 13^th.

A notice on the website for the city of Bar Harbor is asking people to stay home, saying that while they appreciate their visitor and tourist-based businesses, they recommend that people avoid unnecessary travel, to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Still, local residents told the MDI Islander that they’re seeing more cars from out of state than is typical for this time of year.

A children’s bookstore in Bangor is donating books to local kids who are learning from home. The Briar Patch has already donated a thousand dollars’ worth of books for students in the RSU 22 school district. While they’re not accepting book donations at the store, they will take donations of gift cards to pass along to the students and teachers.

When an East Sangerville 3-year-old’s birthday party was canceled, due to concerns about social distancing, the local Grange decided to help out. The result was that Owen Cookson got to stand in his driveway and watch a parade of decorated vehicles full of well wishers pass by, amid shouts of Happy Birthday and honking horns.