Bangor, Maine News Update: March 24, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 137 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, and two more people, diagnosed with the virus, who have died. Maine health officials say the precautions people are taking to avoid COVID-19 are helping them avoid the flu. So far, this flu season, there have been only 136 reported cases of the flu, 3 hospitalizations, and no deaths, which officials believe is due to wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating a Cushing man who's wanted on several warrants for violent crimes. Justin Richards is considered armed and potentially dangerous, and was last seen in the Warren area, driving a white GMC Envoy, with lobster registration 234BEG. Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him, but call authorities immediately.

Bucksport’s Public safety department has launched a program for apartment dwellers, to try and prevent a repeat of an apartment house fire earlier this month. The program, called CASHH, gives signs renters can put on their door to remind them to check their candles, appliances, stove, heating pads, and heaters to make sure they’re turned off before they leave.

The city of Bangor has placed sharps disposal boxes in several key places to help cut down on dangerous litter. The boxes will allow people to properly dispose of syringes and needles that have been piling up around the community. Officials say the boxes can be found in Second Street Park, the Kenduskeag Stream Pedestrian Bridge, and Broad Street Park.

This Sunday is Maine Maple Sunday, when sugar houses have traditionally invited the public inside to learn more about the process and taste maple products. This year, many locations are holding celebrations over the weekend, each in their own way, including curbside pickup in some of the sugar houses. Find a list of participating locations on the Maine Maple Producers website. 

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association is asking for the public’s feedback about whether to hold this year’s Common Ground fair as an onsite event, a virtual experience, or a hybrid of both. The organic fair that celebrates rural living is usually held the third weekend after Labor Day in Unity.  The public is invited to fill out a survey by March 31^st on the MOFGA website.