Bangor, Maine News Update: October 29, 2018

Governor Paul LePage has ordered all flags at half-staff for the rest of the month, out of respect for the victims of a mass shooting in Pittsburgh. The governor his wife sent their condolences to the families of 11 people who died in the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and all those affected by the attack.

The state’s fingerprinting technology will be getting a significant upgrade, thanks to a more than one-point-four million dollar grant from the United States Justice Department. The funds will also be used to improve the state’s criminal records technology, converting all state Bureau of Identification files from paper to electronic formats.

Maine Maritime Academy is looking to expand into Bucksport, by creating a Center to train students, help mariners maintain required certifications, train firefighters, oil rig workers, and others in fire safety and water rescue. The facility would be located in a two-story brick building that sits on the old paper mill site.

A fundraiser in Ellsworth will benefit cancer research through an unusual feat of strength. The event is open to anyone who wants to donate 30 dollars and take part in teams of ten or twelve who will try to pull together and move a firetruck at Ellsworth High school on Saturday. Find more information on the Hancock County Pull for a Cure Facebook page.

An art and craft show will be held this Saturday at the Anah Shrine building on Broadway in Bangor. It’s just a dollar to get in and brose the Maine made handcrafted items, with proceeds from the admission price helping to get local children to Shrine Hospitals. Find more information on the event page for the Holiday Market Place.