Calgary businesses want more clarity as they brace for another four weeks of water restrictions  Calgary Herald

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Calgary businesses want more clarity as they brace for another four weeks of water restrictions - Calgary Herald

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool on its own, but it can also be diluted and aided by other household staples. You may consider diluting it with water, to start. Vinegar doesn't need to be concentrated to clean windows, and mixing it with water can help to stretch it, as well as reduce the potency of the smell. If you have particularly hard water in your home, consider using filtered, distilled water in this mixture. This will prevent additional hard water mineral stains.

Another great addition to use alongside vinegar on windows is simple dish soap. Dish soap, like vinegar, can effectively break down grime and grease, but it does so in a different way. Dish soap is a true soap, which differs from detergents, and is made up of water-attracted and fat-attracted molecules. When combined with water, soap bonds to both fat and water molecules found in grease and grime, gently breaking down the residues. By using both acidic and neutral-alkaline (depending on the soap's formula) cleaning agents, you can harness the cleaning powers across the pH spectrum, and tackle more window-staining ailments at once. Just mix the water, soap, and vinegar into a spray bottle for an easy, affordable DIY window cleaner. You should also use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe the windows to prevent streaking.

Original post:
Is Vinegar The Secret To Dazzling Clean Windows? - House Digest

Hi, I am Hobot-R3 window cleaning robot, and I am here to help you clean those filthy windows. Little does it know that while it is an enthusiastic and tireless cleaner, I am not.

You see, I know that it will politely ask me to move it to the next pane of glass every few minutes, which is a pain in the *rse. OK, lets get serious Hobot-R3 makes me get off my *rse and clean the glass, frames, flyscreens, and more. And that is a good thing as we live by the sea, and it is amazing how much salt deposits get on the glass.

Most would answer when you cannot see out of them. Unless, of course, you have a million-dollar view, and then you can afford to pay for a cleaner.

The Architectural Digest states at least twice a year in established suburbia and at least four times a year within 1km of the sea, river, or dry/dusty area.

What comprises window washing? No, it is not a quick pressure hose, as that leaves water spots and streaks. It is not a quick wipe with a cloth/squeegee with a window cleaning solution, as that does not remove grime. It is the application of muscle and a final polish to remove streaks. Importantly, do it on a cooler, low-humidity, windless day.

If your windows are dirty, using water or a cleaning solution makes mud! Professional window cleaners recommend you vacuum the glass first. And remember, every story has two sides inside and outside.

We have reviewed a few glass-cleaning robots, so we wrote a guide to help us assess the relative merits. Read Window cleaning robots sparking windows can be easy.

Spoiler alert Hobot-R3 is pretty good, especially for dirty windows.

We use Fail (below expectations), Pass (meets expectations) and Exceed (surpasses expectations or is the class leader) against many of the items below. We occasionally give a Pass(able) rating that is not as good as it should be and a Pass + rating to show it is good but does not quite make it to Exceed. You can click on most images for an enlargement.

I have been using a Hobot 388 window cleaning robot since mid-2021, so I know what to expect from a dual rotating mop pad robot. It is nice that it has upgraded from one to two ultrasonic misting spray nozzles and added some basic intelligence via an App. Still, the 388 has done everything I asked of it.

The Hobot App for Android or iOS is benign and only collects information needed for its operation. It enables firmware updates, and you can use the Hobot-R3 without the app or the remote control just by pressing the start button.

The best description is:

If you have dirty windows, it recommends using two passes. The first with spray-off is to remove dust and avoid mud. The second with spray-on cuts grime and cleans/polishes. Or you can pressure wash first, and after the water has dried (important as the pads streak if wet), do the second run only.

If you are doing a maintenance clean, then one pass with a spray-on is fine.

We strongly recommend using any AC-powered device outside with an HPM Electresafe Power Centre it has an RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overload) to stop anyone from getting electrocuted by detecting a ground leakage.

Its 295 148 95mm x 915g. The height means you may need to remove flyscreens.

The top rotating pad is mainly used to climb crablike up windows and to polish the glass after the bottom pad cleans them. They dont constantly rotate as such but adhere to the glass gecko-like.

No matter where you start it on the pane, it will first climb to the top of the frame and clean along that. It then crabwalks down the glass and moves from one side to the other before moving down again and rinse and repeat.

All glass gets at least two passes one from the bottom pad and one from the dry top pad.

The glass must be >3mm and flat, transparent, coloured, or opaque. It can have a slight tilt we tested it to about +/-30.

To start, switch it on, hold it against the glass and press the start/pause button. To release, press the power button.

Other uses: It will clean glass pool fences, shower screens, tiled benchtops (works horizontally, too), and splashbacks. While it has pressure change and edge detection, please keep it away from frameless glass edges.

These are microfibre and are not meant to be damp if they are, you get streaks. Hobot provides six pairs; you change them every 15-20m2 depending on the dirt and if you see streaks. The pads are hand or machine-washable (<40). I use a Dishmatic Dish brush with a general-purpose pad and some dishwashing detergent to clean the pads and then wring and air dry.

It is not so much AI as smart algorithms assist in preventing falls and cleaning all glass to a pre-set pattern.

We found that placing the Hobot-R3 at the top of the glass was best to save time in climbing up and then cleaning downwards.

In all the time I have used a Hobot window cleaner, it has not fallen. But that is not an invitation to be blas about it either. The 4m carabiner rope should be used whenever there is a risk. For example, cleaning tall windows where a fall onto a hard surface could break it.

It is not always easy to find a tie-off point either. Some use a pool-cleaning pole; others place old pillows under the window to break the fall.

Pure, clean water is fine but has no cutting power. Hobot Window detergent comes in a five-pack for $60 (special $55) plus shipping. Given its frugal use, stick with this instead of trying to find an alternative.

It does a 2100 x 650mm (1.365m2) window in 4.5 minutes. It is no louder than a conversation 70dB at 1m.

Given that we prepped the external dirty glass with a pressure wash, it only needed one pass to clean the windows, leaving them streak-free. Like most windows robots, it cannot remove bird poop, insect impacts, paint splatter and gunk. You should remove these first with a razor blade scraper.

We did not prep the internal glass, and one pass was fine.

Of course, we had to clean the frames, edges and corners to finish manually, but the result was better than a cloth, squeegee, and hard work.

Apart from cleaning the mop pads, wipe over the unit and store it. If you dont use it for three months, top up the battery charge.

The water tank and nozzles are user-replaceable. This is good for longevity.

For our purposes and environment, a rotating mop cleaner is best. That does not detract from the excellent platen Hobot S2, perfect for well-maintained windows.

The App reminds me to clean every three months now damned app. But quarterly maintenance is easier than annual back-breaking work.

Definite yes. Not because I am lazy but because it does all the windows, balcony glass, pool glass fence, and more, some of which are way outside my comfort zone. And because my neighbour borrows mine all the time.

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Hobot-R3 window cleaning robot does a great job (cleaning review) - CyberShack

Home magazine latest news Spiderman robot said to be the future of window cleaningSpiderman robot said to be the future of window cleaning21st of April 2023

An Israeli start-up has created a lightweight window cleaning robot said to be able to climb the height and breadth of a building in the style of Spiderman.

The Verobotics robot moves around like a crab lifting one arm, moving it, attaching it to the glass, lifting the other and so on.

Weighing around 20lb, the brush-bearing robot is lowered from the roof and uses no liquids. Instead it relies on the mechanical force of the brush against glass, while also carrying sensors for inspection purposes.

The Verobotics robot was created by Ido Genosar and Itay Levitan. And the model is quicker, cheaper and safer than other window cleaning systems, according to Genosar.

"Its cameras provide a visual map with a navigation system for building owners which means it can also be used for predictive maintenance to save costs," he said.

The device fits inside a box that can be carried by one person. Previous attempts at automating high-level window cleaning have relied on placing robots into cradles and suspending them from cranes, according to Genosar. "We have come up with a truly disruptive technology," he said. "We believe that in 2024 we will manufacture and deploy more than 100 of our robots."

Verobotics has teamed up with Hong Kong-based robotic solutions company Robocore to provide robots to clean and inspect the exterior of many of the city's high-rise buildings.

The company plans to gradually deploy its robot in other markets including the US and Australia.

Read the original:
Spiderman Robot Said To Be The Future Of Window Cleaning - ECJ - European Cleaning Journal

Isabella Noyes

Published 3 hours ago: April 21, 2023 at 10:43 am

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW - prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.

Ecovacs are going above and beyond robot vacuums with the Australian release of its new robotic window cleaner, the Winbot W1 Pro. While I have to say Im not a fan of cleaning in general (who is?!), there is one particular task I look at with venom when the time arises, and thats cleaning my windows.

The Winbot W1 Pro was introduced after Ecovacs surveyed its customers and found that 53% of Australians spent more time on household chores than theyd like. Unsurprisingly, robot vacuums have contributed greatly in terms of reducing the mental load the average person dedicates towards cleaning, but little has been done in regards to other household chores. (If someone could create a device that will scrub my bathtub for me, I would be most grateful.)

As a result, the Winbot W1 Pro was designed to let its owners sit back, relax and enjoy the view. To get the job done, the Ecovacs Winbot features a suctioning power of 2,800Pa, dual direction cross auto-spray, edge detection, a user-friendly app and some built-in safety features to ensure you get those windows squeaky clean.

Ecovacs' newest robotic window cleaner.

$799.

Excellent cleaning, long extension cord to clean out-of-reach areas, easy-to-use and firm grip to window.

Loud, doesn't get in close to edges and struggles with wraparound windows.

The Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro is a square-shaped unit with a faux leather handle located in the centre of its exterior and comes with two detachable microfibre mopping pads. It features a long cord, as well as a safety carabiner that you can secure to a nearby railing to protect it against accidental falls. The box itself also comes with Ecovacs window cleaning solution and a measuring cup.

It doesnt take a genius to figure out how to use it. Once youve downloaded the app and created your account, you simply fill the Winbot with water and a proportional amount of cleaning solution before pressing it to your window and turning it on either manually or in-app.

So, how did it go? As someone who stands at about 160cm tall, reaching the higher up corners of my windows is a literal stretch. But, the Winbot W1 Pro takes all the hard work out of window cleaning.

The Winbot W1 Pro uses its 2,800Pa suction to keep itself firmly locked onto the glass. This suctioning power is almost equivalent to a few of Ecovacs own robot vacuums. Keep in mind that due to the suctioning, it can be just as loud as any other vacuum cleaner. It then uses its path planning technology to find its bearings, before moving in a systematic cleaning pattern, moving left to right from top to bottom.

You do have the option to choose between three modes: fast, deep or spot clean. Since my windows were quite dirty (I totally did that on purpose for this review), I started with a deep clean to see just how much of the dirt build-up it could remove. The Winbot left me pleasantly surprised, spritzing a tiny bit of its water and erasing any trace of dirt in one swipe. The effect was spotless I was gobsmacked.

As it finished its path ultimately it took about five minutes to do a deep clean of my seven foot tall balcony windows I found that it was able to replicate the same results across my windows, inside and out.

However, given the state that my windows were in, I noticed that when the Winbot finished it left a small imprint of dirty water residue. After examining the cleaning pads, they had managed to absorb a lot of disgusting dirt from the windows, so I had to switch the mopping pad to give it another pass.

While observing the way the Winbot navigates around edges, it does bump into the edges of the window pane to find its way around. However, it doesnt give as tight of a clean to the edges of the window because it prioritises collision avoidance over hovering for a few extra seconds to get into those tight spots. This may mean youll have to take care of the edges yourself if you want it 100% flawlessly clean, but for the most part, its very efficient.

With that said, the Winbot does a wonderful job at avoiding any obstacles alongside the edges. For instance, the glass on my internal windows have these little tags around the frame, so the Winbot simply gets as close as it can manage then navigates away from it. A solid tick for obstacle avoidance.

The addition of some side brushes that could also scrub at your window pane as it works would really elevate the efficiency of the Winbot. I know for certain that the edges of my windows could use a little extra love in that department, so it would be great to see Ecovacs implement something like this in future designs.

Unfortunately, its not compatible with all forms of windows, or rather glass for that matter. In some houses, glass windows can wrap around corners, but the Winbot will immediately shut down in a panic if it senses any emptiness ahead. This doesnt bode well for any of you hoping it could also clean your shower glass. I gave it a red hot go and Im here to tell you now dont bother.

Naturally, there are a few areas it could improve on. For starters, you cant tell whether its water tank is empty simply by eyeballing it, which is quite frustrating since itll run out halfway through a cleaning cycle and youll have to stop it in the middle of doing its thing. It also needs to be plugged in constantly, so if your windows are far away from a power point, youll need to get an extension cord.

In addition, while the process of cleaning your window is essentially hands-free, you do need to linger and wait for it to complete its process. While I wouldnt say this is necessarily a bad thing (and neither is the act of moving it from the inside of the glass to the outside), it pays to be on standby in case it does run out of water or runs into an error.

Heres the thing. I believe that a lot of people would benefit from the Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro. On the one hand, its efficient, easy-to-use and damn good at its job. On the other hand, it is an expensive piece of tech that not many could justify. While Ill sing its praises to everyone I know, I also understand that many wont be able to afford this robot window cleaner.

Those who live in properties with very tall windows will get more bang for their buck. Cleaning large windows is no easy task and one that can be a little dangerous when atop a precarious ladder. It may also be of benefit to those with mobility issues that need extra help maintaining their home.

I do feel that a slightly smaller robot window cleaner at a lower price might hold some sway, especially for those who really cant stand cleaning windows, but dont need any of such a great scale. But if you do decide to drop the $799 on the Ecovacs Winbot, you truly wont regret it.

Amazon ($799) | eBay ($799) | Ecovacs ($799)

The article has been updated since its first publication.

Read more here:
Never Thought Id Be This Impressed by a Robotic Window Cleaner, but Here I Am - Gizmodo Australia

Get streak-free windows that sparkle using cleaning enthusiasts holy grail method (Image: GETTY)

Windows can quickly accumulate dirt from dust in the air, birds flying by and bugs taking refuge. For this reason they should be cleaned regularly to improve the look of a home and allow more natural light to enter. In search for tips to get streak-free windows, one woman took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page.

Sharon Lloyd wrote: What does everyone use to get streak-free windows? I'm so rubbish with glass, especially windows and mirrors.

Rather than typically suggesting a cleaning spray designed for windows, Mrs Hinch fans recommended using a household staple many rave about - white vinegar.

However, rather than buffing the white vinegar in with a microfibre cloth, group members recommended using some newspaper.

Mary Sheen said: Vinegar and newspapers make a lovely job of windows. Youll never look back.

READ MORE:Six things to never clean with baking soda - damages surfaces

Debbie Morris commented: Just white vinegar and then use newspaper, I swear by it. This is my holy grail way to get windows that sparkle and are steak-free.

Paula Pettet said: White vinegar solution then wipe off with scrunched up newspaper.

Angela Little wrote: Vinegar and newspapers the best or kitchen roll. In response, Val Laidlaw said: Definitely dry with newspaper. Brilliant finish.

Ann OCallaghan said: Ive just started using white vinegar and its great, give it a go.

Julie Wilkins added: Make sure you dry it off with scrunched up newspaper, thats the best for streak-free [results].

Caroline Kilbey commented: Vinegar and warm soapy water, then I dry of with old newspaper.

Karen Llamas recommended: Use white vinegar and newspaper, never a cloth, or youll always have streaks.

Before cleaning windows, its very important to dust them. If this step is missed, bits of dust and dirt will stick to the window and could scratch it.

READ MORE:Magic household staple to whiten, soften and remove clothing stains

Its important to use white vinegar because when this type of vinegar dries it leaves no residue.

The acidic acid in white vinegar makes it work efficiently to help break down the streaky film that can accumulate on windows and other glass surfaces.

Old newspapers can be great when it comes to cleaning windows as it removes any grease left over by the vinegar. However, this will also guarantee the streak-free finish most desire.

For those who have stubborn streaks which dont seem to disappear, try going over the area with clean water to help remove any of the remaining solution.

Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea

The benefits of using newspaper for window cleaning are numerous. For starters, its much cheaper than buying expensive chemical cleaners.

Newspaper is also biodegradable which makes it an environmentally friendly choice compared to other types of cleaners that contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and animals when released into the environment.

Additionally, newspapers are readily available in most households so theres no need to buy special products just for window cleaning purposes.

Another great benefit of using newspaper for window cleaning is that it leaves behind no streaks or residue on windows like some chemical cleaners do.

More:
Get streak-free windows that sparkle using cleaning enthusiasts holy grail method - Express

We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

April is Earth Month, and theres no more fitting time than now to search forthe most sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural products to effectively use around the home. Cleaning our kitchens, specifically, requires cleaning products that are tough on grease, stains, stuck-on food, and all other kinds of stubborn residue. To make sure we got the best insights on which natural cleaning products to use in our kitchen, we asked Vanesa Amaro, professional housekeeper and TikToks Queen of Cleaning, to tell us her favorites.

The kitchen is where you prepare everything for yourself, your family, and even pets, so its important to treat those surfaces with an extra level of care when it comes to choosing cleaning products, Amaro says. Multi-use cleaning products that can be used on a variety of surfaces are not only helpful in saving you money, but will also help minimize clutter.

All of the following products are EPA Safer Choice Certified, meaning they meet the Environmental Protection Agencys strict standards to be deemed safe for human health and the environment; and/or have an A rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization that researches and advocates for safe ingredients in consumer products.

With any of these natural cleaning products, you can feel assured about using them in your kitchen not only throughout Earth Month, but also through the rest of the year.

Continued here:
7 Natural Kitchen Cleaning Products to Try | Kitchn - The Kitchn

Buffalo Grove, IL - Window Washing Expert has built a strong reputation as a top window cleaning service provider in Buffalo Grove, offering high-quality services for commercial and residential properties. Their turnkey window cleaning service is delivered by fully trained employees who use state-of-the-art professional equipment to ensure maximum efficiency. The team at Window Washing Expert utilizes environmentally friendly products and special detergents to effectively remove all dirt and debris from windows, leaving no streaks, stains, or scratches.

The company's window washing Buffalo Grove services can greatly enhance the appearance and value of any property. By removing dirt, grime, and smudges, their team of professionals can transform the look of windows, allowing more natural light into buildings, which in turn can improve indoor air quality. Additionally, they offer stain removal, awning cleaning, and cornice cleaning services to further enhance a property's overall cleanliness and appearance. Stain removal services can help to eliminate unsightly stains on windows caused by environmental factors, while awning and cornice cleaning can remove dirt and debris that can accumulate over time, ensuring that these features continue to look their best.

Window Washing Expert is reputed for top-of-the-line window cleaning services with numerous 5-star ratings on leading platforms, a testament to the skill and professionalism offered by their cleaners. The company also enjoys a high rating from Home Advisor.

Additionally, clients consistently express satisfaction with their work, leading to a significant portion of the company's business coming from repeat customers and referrals. A client had this to say about the company's services, "Max contacted me and walked through the property to give me an accurate estimate of the time, scope, and cost of the job. Texted me the day before doing the work and then texted the day of when he was on his way. Max and his colleague couldn't have been nicer or more professional. Did a great job, cleaned up after themselves. A thoroughly positive experience. Will definitely use again."

The team at the window washing company has undergone extensive training to handle risky heights, lift heavy equipment with expertise, and work efficiently. Their skills and experience enable them to perform their tasks swiftly and competently, ensuring high-quality results. Moreover, Window Washing Expert provides flexible payment and service terms, making it convenient for clients to access their services at any time. With this approach, they ensure that all clients can enjoy the benefits of their excellent window washing services without worrying about breaking the bank.

Window Washing Expert is located at 906 Stradford Cir, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089, USA. Visit their website to view a photo gallery of some of their window cleaning projects and for detailed information on their other services. To schedule a consultation or make other inquiries, call the company at (888) 322-8995.

Media Contact

Company NameWindow Washing ExpertContact NameMaksim VerevkinPhone(888) 322-8995Address906 Stradford CirCityBuffalo GroveStateILPostal Code60089CountryUnited StatesWebsitehttps://windowwashingexpert.com/

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Window Washing Expert is a Premier Company Offering First Rate ... - Digital Journal

This ingenious hack was posted onTikTokby kristinmariehome,who often posts affordable and budget-friendly DIY projects as she renovates her own house. Wanting the look of modern gridded windows without the higher price tag, she grabs a roll of electrical tape to create grilles on the existing windows in her living room. Standard window grilles range from 5/8 inches to 2 1/4 inchesin width, so you should look for electrical tape that is wide enough to achieve the look you want.

Start by cleaning your windows with a glass cleaner to ensure the best surface for adhesion. Once you've decided on the grid pattern you want, you should measure out the sections and then stick strips of electrical tape at those measurements you can use a ruler or a level to ensure your lines are straight. In just a few minutes, your windows will look brand new at a fraction of the cost.

See more here:
Give Your Windows Faux Frames With The Electrical Tape Hack - House Digest

The parents of the man accused of slaying themas they stayed with friends in Bowdoin sought to rehabilitate Joseph M. Eaton when he was released from a Maine prison five years ago.

Cynthia R. Eaton, 63, and David Lee Eaton, 66, both of Ocala, Florida, advocated for their son to serve his probation at their home and work for his mothers window cleaning business. They and the Maine couple, Robert C. Eger Jr., 72, and Patti Deraps Eger, 62, were found shot to death Tuesday in the Egers home at 1459 Augusta Road in Bowdoin.

Their deaths have been ruled homicides by the Maine medical examiners office. Joseph Eaton, 34, has been charged with four counts of murder.

The letter, which was datedJan. 20, 2017, and sent to the courthouse in Wiscasset, is attached to a court file and is a window into the parents challenges with a son who had a violent criminal historybefore and afterward. They said he needed their support and guidance.

The elder Eatons asked that Joseph Eaton be allowed to serve the three years of probation on his Maine sentence in Florida and live with them. The letter said that he was expected to be released in late July or early August from the Downeast Correctional Facility in Machiasport.

The letter was signed by both parents, who noted their occupations. David Eaton was a retired U.S. Navy chief, while Cindy Eaton owned a window cleaning company in Auburndale, Florida, which is roughly 48 miles east of Tampa.

The parents said they wanted Joseph Eaton to stay with them until he could settle into his own home and they were willing to do whatever it takes to comply with all requirements and regulations to allow this to occur.

Cindy owns her own business, has battled through some serious health concerns over the last two years and currently needs assistance to keep the business profitable, the letter read.

The parents went on to say that three years earlier an older son had lived with them after getting out of the U.S. Marines and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

He moved in with us and we worked with him and successfully helped him get back on his feet and focused on his future, the letter went on. Our efforts helped him become a positive contributor to society and he now has a bright future with a great career.

The Eatons hopes for their younger son were thwarted when Joseph Eaton was arrested by deputies with the Nassau County Sheriffs Office on Jan. 21, 2018, after a violent incident at a relatives home. After Eaton served three years in a Florida prison, he was returned to Maine, where his probation was revoked.

Eaton was on probation in Florida for a 2015 assault in Maine on a relative. His probation was revoked because of the new criminal convictions in Florida. Eaton, whose criminal history in Mainedates back to 2013, has convictions for operating while under the influence of intoxicants, assault on a child under the age of six and an assault on a fellow prisoner at the Maine State Prison in Warren.

Joseph Eaton was released Friday from the Maine Correctional Center in Windham after completing his sentence. His mother picked him and took him to the Egers where they were staying, according to the Maine State Police.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said that the Downeast Correctional Facility in Machiasport is now closed. Although it had closed, the facility reopened a few years ago.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated when Joseph Eaton was arrested by Nassau County Sheriffs Office. That happened in January 2018.

More articles from the BDN

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Accused killer's slain parents asked for him to serve probation near ... - Bangor Daily News