Bangor, Maine News Update: May 24, 2019

An accident that closed down Route 3 in Trenton yesterday involved three vehicles and a house. A Brewer man is charged with a misdemeanor after his box truck went across the center line, hit another vehicle, and then struck the building. Two people, including the driver of a third vehicle that couldn't avoid the crash, were taken to the hospital.

Highway officials say there will be nearly a million cars on Maine highways this weekend. Drivers are encouraged to pay attention, especially in the Portland area where road construction has the speed limit lowered to 45 and there are several lane shifts. The turnpike authority says there's been an increase in traffic accidents in that area since the construction began.

Plans are in the works to construct an anaerobic digester in Clinton, which would convert cow manure into natural gas, that would then be used to heat homes in Maine. Summit Utilities plans to spend about 20 million dollars on the renewable natural gas project, calling it an innovative technology that will help mitigate climate change.

The Penobscot Narrows Observatory opens today, after being delayed by a technical problem. Now that staffers have replaced a valve in the fire suppression system, the observatory high atop the Penobscot Narrows Bridge will be open from 9 to 5 each day.

The Purple Iris Foundation, which works to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer through a variety of activities, invites the public to join in on a fun hike through Bangor’s City Forest this Sunday morning. Jimmy’s Wilderness Trek was inspired by a local resident who was diagnosed with the disease two years ago. Find more information on the website for the Purple Iris Foundation and on our Sunday morning program, Maine Concerns.