Bangor, Maine News Update: October 15, 2021

A Fairfield man is facing charges after police found drugs and what appeared to be an explosive device at his home. When police went to the home of Derek Poirer, they found heroin and meth, as well as the questionable device. Three others in the home are also facing drug charges.  

The Bangor Ramada Inn will no longer be used as a homeless shelter after December 31st. The Hope House in Bangor will undergo renovations to increase the number of beds, which could be done by the end of November. Funding for the expanded housing at the Ramada runs out on December 31st.  

Mainers can now use a new tool to window shop for health insurance plans on the federal marketplace. Governor Janet Mills says residents can use the tool, called Cover Me, without having to sign up or enter any personal information. Open enrollment begins on November 1st.  

Health care workers in Maine, who are not yet fully vaccinated ahead of the deadline at the end of the month, shouldn’t count on unemployment benefits as a safety net. The Maine Department of Labor said Thursday that refusing to comply with an employer’s policies, including the vaccination requirement, disqualifies a person from benefits. There’s a medical exemption but not religious or philosophical exemptions.  

Last Chance MC Bar Harbor will hold a bike show and toy collection from 10 to 3 Saturday at Friend and Friend in Ellsworth to benefit the children at Kidspeace. MC Motorcycle will be accepting new unwrapped toys and games, as well as cash donations, with live music and refreshments. Find more information on the Facebook page for the 2nd Annual Toy Drive to Benefit Kidspeace.  

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping this weekend at a fall craft fair. Local artisans will gather at the Brewer Eagles Club Saturday from 9:30 to 1:30, including food vendors and bagged lunches. Find more information on the Facebook page for the Fall Craft Fair at Brewer Eagles.