Bangor, Maine News Update: September 19, 2019

As of Wednesday, 30 people were looking for new housing, after a massive explosion at the LEAP building in Farmington damaged or destroyed their homes. The manager of a nearby mobile home park told the Morning Sentinel that 11 homes were left uninhabitable, displacing a total of 30 residents.

Organizers of an effort in Maine to restore religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccines have turned in petitions aimed at putting it to a statewide vote. Other petition efforts hope to undo the Death with Dignity Act and stop taxpayer funding for abortions. The votes would take place either in March or June.

The Finance Authority of Maine is advising next year’s college students that the FAFSA financial aid form will be available online on October 1^st. Many loans and grants operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying as early as possible will likely mean a better chance at more money. Find more information on the Fame Maine website.

Mary Dysart Hart sent out a media release yesterday, explaining the decision to close the Dysart’s restaurant in Hermon between midnight and 5 a.m. starting in October. She said the hike in minimum wage played a small role in the decision, but mostly it was just that their overnight customer base has shrunk over the years.

A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave a special gift to the Holden Police Department. The woman donated several handmade quilts and blankets, which the officers will keep in their cruisers to offer comfort at cold weather emergency scenes.