Bangor, Maine News Update: October 22, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 50 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 38 more people who have recovered. Governor Janet Mills unveiled the OPTIONS initiative this week, which stands for Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach, Naloxone Safety. It's an effort to stem the number of opioid overdose deaths that have been on the rise since the onset of the pandemic.

The Maine Warden Service has issued some safety advice for hunters who plan to take young people out Saturday for youth hunting day. They say it’s a good idea to make it a short trip, always assume a gun is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and be sure of your target and beyond. In addition, they advise letting someone know where you’re going hunting and when you plan to return.

Maine farmers are getting some help from the federal government in the form of disaster relief assistance due to the drought, making them eligible to be considered for assistance programs like emergency federal loans. The U.S. Drought Monitor says most of Maine is facing extreme or severe levels of drought.

Penquis held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a new affordable housing development in the city, which will offer homes to 39 older residents. Each unit is a one bedroom and will be rented at below market value. The development is called the Stephen B Mooers Village, after the late Penquis housing development director.

About 200 students and staff from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield helped their neighbors on Wednesday for Community Service Day by doing things like cleaning up yards and parks. This year’s event was split, with the other half of the student body participating next week.

Diet Coke is celebrating National Boss’s Day by giving someone a year’s supply of the soda along with a mini-fridge, and some Mainers feel it should go to the head of the state’s CDC. Dr. Nirav Shah always has a can of Diet Coke nearby and says it’s a source of comfort in times of stress. Get information here about how to nominate Dr. Shah for the contest.