Bangor, Maine News Update: October 23, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 37 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 25 more people who have recovered. The Maine CDC has issued a list of recommendations for Halloween celebrations, including not relying on a costume mask to protect you from the virus. Find more information on the Maine CDC's website.

6 employees of the New Balance factory in Skowhegan were treated and released from a local hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing and skin irritation due to an unknown substance. WABI-TV reports upwards of 60 employees of the factory were evaluated. At last report, hazmat crews were still working to find the cause of the incident.

A mock election involving students from 92 schools was held recently, with the votes tallied on Wednesday in Augusta. Joe Biden won the Presidential election, with 50% of the votes. Other winners in the mock election include Sara Gideon for U.S. Senate, and Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree for State Representative seats.

The ND paper mill in Old Town suspended production for 10 days earlier this month after spilling more than 30 thousand gallons of pulping chemicals into the Penobscot River. The BDN reports operations were halted after a ruptured underground sewer line and failed floor drain were discovered on October 7th. The spill was reported to the Department of Environmental Protection.

You can get an early start on your holiday shopping at a craft and vendor fair this Saturday in Hermon. The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Penobscot Snowmobile Club on the Bog Road in Hermon.

Families are invited to some scary events this weekend at the Old Town/Orono YMCA, starting with a drive-in movie Friday night, featuring 'Hocus Pocus.' Saturday morning, kids are invited to bring their costumes for a creepy 5K run, which starts at 9, and that evening parents can head back to the drive-in for 'The Conjuring.'

The Tremont Recreation Board has set up a scavenger hunt, of sorts, with pumpkins scattered around town, each sporting a letter. Residents are invited to collect all the letters and unscramble them before Halloween to receive a treat.