Bangor, Maine News Update: March 4, 2020

The crowded field of Democratic candidates has narrowed to two this morning, after Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders each recorded successful wins. Biden scored sweeping victories from Texas to Massachusetts, but Sanders took California, making the race of more than two dozen candidates into a two-man fight.

Mainers voted against question 1 in yesterday’s vote. That means that the law which reduces childhood vaccine opt-outs, based on religious and philosophical reasons, still stands. Secretary of State Matt Dunlap reports a higher-than expected turnout at the polls.

A Hancock County man, who’s facing charges for the death of the pug dog named Franky, is now also facing charges of criminal restraint and bail violation. Those charges are connected to the domestic violence call that led police to take Nathan Burke into custody, after he had eluded police for months. His lawyer says he expects all the charges will be dealt with in one trial.

The Bangor Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating 82-year-old Alfred Dana, who also goes by the name Alfred Joseph. He was last seen in the area of Broadway and I-95 at around 5:30 Tuesday evening wearing a camouflage jacket, camouflage ball cap, and blue jeans, carrying a black bag and walking with a cane. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bangor Police. UPDATE: Mr. Dana has been located, and appears to be in good condition.

The target date for the first legal sales of marijuana in the state has been postponed again, due to municipalities working on issuing licenses. While the original date was in April, it’s now looking more like June. Applicants need to receive a conditional state license, get local authorization, and then return to the state for an active license, which takes time and is causing the delay.

Team captains and anyone interested in starting a team is invited to Beal College this Thursday afternoon for the Champion the Cure Challenge. Participants in the challenge, that benefits Maine cancer patients and research, can walk, run, bike, paddle, or ride horse back. Find more information at on the Champion the Cure Challenge website.