Bangor, Maine News Update: May 7, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 287 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. A resident of Washington County, diagnosed with the virus, has died, taking the total people lost to the virus to 794.

Bangor Police are hoping to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or has information about an incident that left a woman significantly injured on Sixteenth Street. Officers were called after the woman knocked on several doors, screaming for help. Ryan Gaudet of Hartland has been arrested in connection with the incident after police learned that he was a passenger in a vehicle in which the woman was allegedly assaulted.

The Maine Department of Labor is restoring its pre-pandemic requirements that people show they’re seeking work in order to receive unemployment benefits. Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman says businesses are reopening and need help, especially with the summer tourism season approaching. Unemployment recipients will now have to show that they’re actively looking for work and willing to accept jobs for which they are qualified.

A small fire at the University of Maine’s Fogler Library was the result of arson, according to University officials. The Orono Fire Department quickly put out Wednesday night’s fire in the ceiling over the stacks, that damaged about 50 books. The University is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for setting the fire.

This weekend is a bonus free fishing weekend across the state, when everyone can fish, even if they don’t have a fishing license. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife holds the free fishing weekends, as a way to encourage interest in the sport to newcomers. All other rules and regulations apply, even on free fishing weekends, except for the license requirement.

A group of volunteers is working to fill the city of Belfast with daffodils, for no other reason than to spread happiness. The goal of the Belfast Daffodil Project is to plant a million of the bright yellow blooms in Belfast over the next 20 years. Anyone who wishes to support the effort can donate at Belfast daffodil project dot com.