Bangor, Maine News Update: October 13, 2021

A jury has convicted a Russian man on charges related to visa fraud for paying a Maine woman to enter a sham marriage and later falsely claiming to be the father of her child. Federal prosecutors say 33-year-old Alexander Gormatov met 17-year-old Raeanna Johnson in 2011, when had an academic visa. When she turned 18, he paid her to marry him.  

The University of Maine police will test the emergency communication system today. At 1:00 this afternoon, sirens will sound around campus and subscribers will get a texted alert.

Maine currently has more than $273 million in unclaimed property, and Treasurer Henry Beck is encouraging residents to check the list for money they may have forgotten about. The funds come from things like insurance payouts, money left in closed bank accounts, and other sources. 

Maine Senate Republicans are proposing a plan that would give taxpayers a slice of the state’s monthly revenue that goes unused. The AP reports the Give It Back plan is a major piece of the party’s messaging ahead of Governor Paul Lepage’s bid to unseat Governor Janet Mills. A spokesperson for the governor’s administration called the GOP proposal a tacit acknowledgement of the state’s good fiscal situation under her leadership.  

Bangor’s outdoor concert venue has a new name, with the renaming of Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion. Maine Savings has signed a multi-year agreement, and will rename the facility the Maine Savings Amphitheatre, or Maine Savings Amp, for short. The announcement also says improvements are in the works, including luxury suites and permanent bathrooms. 

The Maine Children’s Home is currently taking applications for its Christmas program, from families in need of some help over the holidays. Each gift box from the program contains toys, warm clothes, pajamas, board games and more.