Bangor, Maine News Update: October 6, 2021

A triple murder trial has been moved from Washington County to Belfast after defense lawyers raised concerns that the jury could be tainted by publicity. Thomas Bonfanti is accused of shooting four people, killing three of them, before telling people at the Machias American Legion Hall that he was a murderer. Jury selection and the trial are now set to begin in May 2022. 

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by two Maine State Troopers accused of failing to protect a woman, allowing for a civil lawsuit against them to proceed. The AP reports the Troopers were accused of  failing to do enough to protect Brittany Irish of Benedicta in 2015, after she told them her ex-boyfriend had kidnapped and sexually assaulted her. Anthony Lord went on a crime spree that resulted in the deaths of two people, including Irish’s boyfriend. 

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Governor Janet Mills announced this week that Maine has hit another milestone, topping 1 million residents with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The Maine CDC reported nearly 880 infections and 10 deaths since the weekend. Outbreaks have been reported at the Penobscot County Jail and the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Bangor.  

Tim Sample stars in a series of videos for Efficiency Maine, talking about electric vehicles. The videos aim to educated residents about the advantages of EV's, and answer questions like how long they can go on a charge, and how long it takes to recharge them. 

Quirk Auto Group is holding a series of blood drives this week, in memory of Michael Quirk. The blood drives will be held Friday in Augusta, Portland, and Bangor, while another will take place Saturday at Quirk in Belfast. Find more information on the Facebook page for the In Memory of Lost Loved Ones blood drive.  

The Maine Down Syndrome Network will celebrate its 10th Buddy Walk with a safe and socially distanced event. This Sunday, people are invited to walk at the Bangor Drive-In, and enjoy balloons, swag, and photo ops. Find more information on the Maine Down Syndrome Network’s Facebook page.