Bangor, Maine News Update: May 17, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 292 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. Governor Mills announced on Friday that the indoor mask requirement for fully vaccinated people will be dropped on May 24th, while it’s suggested that people who have not received the vaccine still wear face coverings. The Maine Department of Education will make its own ruling about face coverings in schools.

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A member of the Bangor School Committee, who is also the treasurer for Penobscot County, is facing charges for allegedly stalking a woman. John Hiatt is accused of getting angry at his former friend and taking over her social media account, without her permission. He’s charged with a felony charge of invasion of computer privacy, harassment, and stalking.

A University of Maine engineering professor has been awarded $300 thousand from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to increase production of an environmentally friendly disinfectant. Professor William DeSisto has developed a bleach alternative made from salt, water, and electricity.

Northern Maine residents may notice a plane flying low, over the region for the next few months. The U.S. and Maine offices of Geological Survey will be measuring variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and natural low-level radiation created by different rock types up to several miles beneath the surface. The study will include parts of Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties.

A refrigerator located outside the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce is filled with cold food items, donated by area businesses, and available to anyone in need. Another project, called the Blessings Box, is in a separate pantry outside of the fridge that holds dry goods. Find more information about contributing on the Facebook page for the Friends of the Community Fridge.

The Maine Discovery Museum is offering monthly discovery kits to kids, which will deliver fun, educational activities to their homes. The idea was developed during the pandemic, and organizers say has spread to children outside of Maine, as well as children in almost 50 towns around the state.