Bangor, Maine News Update: September 9, 2020

The Maine CDC reports twelve new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 10 more people who have recovered. The Good Shepherd Food Bank in Hampden is closed until Thursday for deep cleaning, after an employee tested positive for the virus. That employee was last in the facility on September 1st.

An Orono man is facing charges after allegedly painting graffiti on barricades in downtown Bangor that were being used as a way to support the LGBTQ community. Paul Melanson is charged with criminal mischief, and the AG’s office is considering whether it should be deemed a hate crime. The barricades, that have been repainted, are being used to allow for outdoor seating at restaurants.

The Ramada Inn in Bangor is now closed to guests and is being leased by the state to provide safe shelter for the area’s homeless population. The Hope House in Bangor needed more space to allow for social distancing for its shelter. Funding for the lease is being provided by the Maine State Housing Authority.

Maine got one step closer to retail marijuana sales as the first active licenses were issued on Tuesday, three for cultivation facilities, two for retail stores, and one for a marijuana testing facility. The temporary licenses were issued in March, but the plan was derailed by the pandemic. Those who now hold active licenses must still wait until the launch date of October 9th to open their doors.

A historic hotel in Brunswick is going on the auction block later this month. Tranzon Property Auctions says some advance interest in the Daniel, formerly known as the Captain Daniel Stone Inn, have expressed interest in converting it for residential use while others would like to make it a boutique hotel. The property is valued at about 2 million dollars and will go up for auction on September 17th.

Challenger Learning Center in Bangor is hosting a shredding event this weekend that will allow residents to have their sensitive documents destroyed, without having to get out of their vehicles. From 8 to noon on Saturday, folks are invited to bring up to five containers to the school and follow the signs for the proper drop-off procedure.