Celebrate Father’s Day at the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s Rod & Custom Cruise-in June 14 and 15

OWLS HEAD, Maine - From hot rods to rat rods, motorcycles and bicycles, join us to show off your custom ride or muscle car at the Rod & Custom Cruise-in this Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15. This supercharged event casts the spotlight on power, innovation and design. A great outing for Father’s Day; come see our planes fly while perusing a diverse array of exciting vehicles during this weekend of ultimate automobile immersion.

While the theme of this popular show is custom vehicles, exhibitors arriving in pre-1994 vehicles

Governor LePage and Trade Center Leading Maine Delegation to Iceland and United Kingdom

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage departed Maine Monday for a six-day trade mission to Iceland and United Kingdom, coordinated by the Maine International Trade Center (MITC). The mission, the third during the Governor’s administration, will take Maine’s delegation, including a contingent of Maine business leaders, to the cities of Reykjavik and London. Sixteen Maine businesses and educational institutions will be featured during the mission, which seeks to create linkages between Maine and the North Atlantic region.

“Maine is going to be well represented,” said Governor LePage. “I am very proud of the delegation we have put together. This is a

Vocational Rehabilitation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Information Session

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Division of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened will hold an information session about vocational rehabilitation and the services that it provides. The session will take place at the Bangor CareerCenter at 45 Oak Street, Suite 1 in Bangor on June 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. A portion of the session will be reserved for questions and answers.

Rehabilitation Counselors for Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be present to answer questions from deaf and hard-of-hearing people who are current, former or potential clients.

For more information contact Terry Morrell, division director, at Terry.L.Morrell@maine.gov .

The Division of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, part of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) in the Department of Labor, works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information about hiring people with disabilities or identifying job training resources for people with disabilities, visit your local CareerCenter, call 1-855-ALL-HIRE (TTY users call Maine Relay 711) or visit http://employmentforme.org .

Runners and Walkers Enjoy 1st Annual Thomaston Trek

78 Thomaston Trek participants cross the starting line for the 5k/10k road race.

Thomaston Trek 5K Winners:
Leland Chang and Kimberly Maxcy-Chang.

THOMASTON, Maine — Nearly 80 people, young and old, ran or walked their way into a glorious late-Spring June morning to celebrate Trekkers’ 1st annual Thomaston Trek on Saturday, June 7. The 5k/10k walk/run event, held in warm, breezy conditions, began and ended at at the Lyman-Morse parking lot near the Town Landing. The course worked its way around the historic streets of Thomaston, with the 10K course repeating the 5K loop.

Leland Chang of New York, NY, came in first overall for the 5K race, finishing in 17:09, with Lucas Brower of Camden finishing second in 19:51, and Steve Cartwright finishing third in 20:38. The top three women in the 5K were Kimberly Maxcy-Chang of New York NY, 22:48; Catherine Sally of Thomaston finishing in 27:54; and Ariel Clark of Wiscasset finishing in 28:50.

The overall winner of the10K race was Darren Winchenbach of Waldoboro, finishing in 40:30.

‘BLOOD ORANGE MARTINIS’ TO PLAY LITHGOW SUMMER CONCERT ON 6/26

AUGUSTA, Maine – Bangor-area blues favorites the Blood Orange Martinis return to Lithgow Library to give a high-octane show on the lawn for the library’s popular Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.

      The Blood Orange Martinis formed a few years ago when guitarist Trent Souder and harp player Lauren Williams, who had been playing as a blues duo, joined forces with bass player Phil Pitula to create a trio with a more driving, electric sound. Souder and Williams had been playing together in various blues bands since the early 1990s.  In their initial collaboration with Pitula they formed the short-lived Sweet Northern Blues Band, which played festivals and local clubs for about a year before dissolving. Pitula, a veteran of such groups as Sister Sadie, Nevah, and Hot Wax, rejoined Sounder and Williams to form the Blood Orange Martinis, producing a tighter, more dynamic trio which has the power of a full band and the dynamics of a small group.

      The Blood Orange Martinis recently beat out a number of other acts to represent Maine in the International Blues Challenge, being held next January in Memphis. The group got its name one night by looking at the chalkboard over a bar which read, "Tonight’s Special: Blood Orange Martinis," and the name stuck.  They play old-school blues, sometimes swinging, sometimes chunky, but always rocking.

      Generously sponsored by the Friends of Lithgow Library, the concerts take place on Thursday evenings in the summer, and are free and open to the public. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the library’s Reading Room.

      Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street in Augusta.  For more information, call the library at 626-2415 or visit www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

Water Dog Tavern hosting Trekkers Fundraiser on June 28 with Cuban dance Music from Primo Cubano

THOMASTON, Maine - Water Dog Tavern is excited to host a Trekkers fundraiser with traditional Cuban dance music from Primo Cubano, on June 28th, 2014 at 8:30 pm. The event will be held at 1 Starr Street in Thomaston, ME. A donation of $8 is requested which will benefit Trekkers, a non-profit, outdoor-based mentoring program that connects young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education.

Primo Cubano delivers high-energy traditional Cuban dance music to anxious audiences around the State. Known for getting you up on your feet, Primo Cubano draws on their members' love and passion for Cuba and the country's diverse Latin music (not to mention the dance moves). The band is comprised of Paul D'Alessio, Marc Chillemi, Lenny Hatch, Eric Winter and Duane Edwards and includes congas, drums, horns, guitar, bass and so much energy you won't be able to sit still.

Trekkers began in 1994 as a volunteer community initiative for students attending Thomaston Grammar School and soon included students from St. George School. Since 1999 Trekkers has offered programs to local students from 7th to 12th grades living year-round in the communities of Cushing, St. George, and Thomaston. Trekkers provides myriad educational, experiential, and cross-cultural opportunities for young people, with an emphasis on relationship building and an appreciation of the earth as “educator”. Trekkers follows students as they “graduate” from one program into the next along a six year journey that starts when

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Alerts Public of Potential Phone Scam

AUGUSTA, Maine - Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is notifying the public of a potential phone scam. Detectives within the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) received complaints from citizens who have received phone calls claiming to represent the "Maine DMV." The callers say they are soliciting collection of alleged unpaid fines, and threatening the recipients with suspension of their driver licenses if fees are not paid.

"The Bureau of Motor Vehicles would never make solicitation calls to collect fine money or reinstatement fees," said Matthew Dunlap, Maine's Secretary of State. "The citizen is given notice by mail, either from our office or the courts that they are pending suspension. Then it is up to them to take care of their situation. If they don't, the consequences do become compounded, but we count on our citizens to do what we already know they do very well-respect the law."

Caller identification technology shows the calls to originate from the "Department of Motor Vehicles Bangor"

Paving Operations to Start on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - A paving operation begins this week on Route 77 (Bowery Beach Road) in Cape Elizabeth.

The operations will start at 40 Bowery Beach Road (at the Inn By The Sea hotel) extending approximately 1.3 miles. Motorists can expect lane closures with alternating one-way traffic.

It is anticipated all work will be completed during the first week of July.

This $381,000 project is being performed by F.R. Carroll, Inc. of Limerick.

Sea Dogs Salvage Finale 5-4 in 10

PORTLAND, Maine - The Portland Sea Dogs (41-22) fell behind for the third game in a row, but battled back to salvage the finale of the three-game series with the 5-4 walk-off win over the Bowie Baysox (32-30) in 10 innings Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field.

Both teams fought to a 2-2 tie after six in a pitcher's duel, but the Baysox plated a pair and took their second lead of the game. Mike Augliera began his seventh inning with a groundout to third, but gave up two singles to the next two hitters.

The righty battled back to get another out on a fly ball to right, but gave up a single to K.D. Kang that plated Chih-Hsien Chiang and ended his day on the mound. Michael Olmsted took over and was greeted by an RBI single off the bat of Niuman Romero and the lead elevated to 4-2 Bowie.

The Baysox's starter Eduardo Rodriguez along with Juan Morillo combined to pitch a scoreless seventh, but

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s Rod & Custom Cruise-in June 14 and 15

OWLS HEAD, Maine - From hot rods to rat rods, motorcycles and bicycles, join us to show off your custom ride or muscle car at the Rod & Custom Cruise-in Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15. This supercharged event casts the spotlight on power, innovation and design. A great outing for Father’s Day; come see our planes fly while perusing a diverse array of exciting vehicles during this weekend of ultimate automobile immersion.

While the theme of this popular show is custom vehicles, exhibitors arriving in pre-1994 vehicles

S&P Affirms Maine Bond Rating and Stable Outlook

AUGUSTA, Maine – Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has assigned their “AA” long-term rating and a stable outlook to Maine’s 2014 A and B general obligation bonds and has affirmed its “AA” rating and stable outlook on the state’s GO debt outstanding.

“I am pleased that S&P has affirmed our rating and has recognized—as did Moody’s—the efforts our administration has made to reform Maine’s public pension system, to pay $490 million in welfare debt to our hospitals and the reigning in of our welfare spending,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “These significant accomplishments have improved the financial stability of the state. Just as important, S&P notes our continually improving unemployment rate, which in April was below the national level again in April at 5.7%.”

S&P states that Maine’s rapid debt amortization and access to a large cash pool were considered strengths in the rating. It cites repayment of hospital debt and substantial pension reforms as improvements that offset the accumulated general fund deficits and unfunded pension ratios on the state’s balance sheets. It also notes the effort to control costs in the Medicaid (MaineCare) program, including reductions in income levels for eligibility and the elimination of coverage for childless adults.

“Today’s rating by S&P reinforces what Moody’s Investors Service reported yesterday,” said DAFS Acting Commissioner Richard Rosen. “Our responsible revenue forecasting model has allowed Maine to avoid the budget shortfalls and subsequent rating downgrades that have troubled other states.”

The S&P rating comes on the heels of yesterday’s rating from Moody’s Investor Services. Moody’s affirmed their ‘Aa2” rating of Maine’s GO debt, while improving their outlook on Maine’s debt from negative to stable.

S&P identified some areas of concern that could pressure the state’s credit rating over the next two years. Those include continued budget challenges, particularly with Medicaid spending, a slow economic recovery and minimal levels in the state’s rainy day fund.

Mainers Urged to be Aware of Insurance Risks When Using Transportation Network Companies

Governor Paul R. LePage joined Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa in alerting travelers about a relatively new service that could put users at risk. Although no Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are known to be operating in Maine, Governor LePage and Superintendent Cioppa says that Mainers traveling to other states where these services are offered should be aware of potential gaps in liability insurance coverage that could adversely impact those making use of them.

TNCs connect travelers to drivers, using internet-based applications or smartphone apps. Unlike taxi or limousine services, TNCs enlist individuals who either rent their private vehicles or use them to provide transport. A number of TNCs operate in more populous states, primarily in larger urban areas. Some of the established companies include Lyft, Uber, and Sidecar.

"Changes in technology and modes of transportation offer opportunities for travelers, but also present new issues to consider," Governor LePage said. "Superintendent Cioppa and I want to keep Maine travelers informed about emerging insurance issues before they present a problem."

Most private auto insurance policies exclude coverage for losses that occur when a covered auto is used to carry passengers for a fee. While some TNCs purchase liability protection for their services, questions remain about how coverage would be applied in the event of an accident.

"Individuals should ensure they are protected before using these new services," Cioppa stated. "Be familiar with your own auto insurance policy and the TNC's commercial insurance policy. Check in with your insurance agent or broker, or contact your insurance company directly, to determine if there may be gaps in coverage should an accident occur when using a TNC."

Cioppa encouraged individuals with questions to call the Bureau's Property and Casualty Division at 800-300-5000 (in Maine), or 207-624-8475. For TTY, please call Maine Relay 711.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (www.maine.gov/pfr), which encourages sound business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient oversight of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations.

Statement of Governor LePage on 70th Anniversary of D-Day

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage today issued the following statement to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day:

“Although we are losing members of The Greatest Generation every day, we must never forget the sacrifice, courage and bravery of those who landed on D-Day during the largest invasion by sea in the history of the United States,” said Governor LePage. “The landings on the beaches at Normandy claimed thousands of lives, but they were just the start of some of the most vicious fighting of the war. Those who fought so heroically and made it off the beaches cleared the way for the liberation of Europe and the Allied effort to make the world safe for democracy.”

Free on Father's Day: Maine State Park Admission

AUGUSTA, Maine - All Maine State Parks and historic sites will treat Maine residents to a free admission on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15. All vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be given free-admission that day at all 48 state-owned and operated locales, according to Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Parks and Lands.

"I encourage Maine families to visit and explore our State Parks and Historic Sites on Father's Day and throughout the season," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "This free-admission day, coinciding with Father's Day, is a way of thanking Maine residents and showing appreciation for their support of Maine parks and lands throughout the year."

Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb was equally enthusiastic. "June is ‘Get Outdoors Month' and Maine State Parks get you out there. Our park staff and devoted volunteers have the parks ready for visitors. Maine residents, in particular, are encouraged to visit our parks and historic sites this Father's Day," said Whitcomb.

Details of the free parks admission:

- Maine Resident's Day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 15; all vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic sites. No rain date will be available. The open admission does not apply to Baxter State Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that day.

For more information about Maine state parks and historic sites, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

SUNSET HIKE CELEBRATES SOLSTICE ON BEECH HILL PRESERVE

ROCKPORT, Maine - Coastal Mountains Land Trust will celebrate the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 20 at 6:30 pm with an evening hike on its Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport. The outing is open to the public and free of charge. No advance registration is necessary. Please leave dogs at home.

Land Trust staff will lead a moderate 3/4-mile walk up Beech Hill; participants can meet at the Beech Hill Road trailhead or head up to the top on their own. Beech Nut, the historic sod-roofed stone hut, will be open and staff will be on hand to provide guests with information about the history and management of the preserve, including the hut and the surrounding blueberry farm. Visitors may also enjoy field guides, spotting scopes and a Beech Hill community scrapbook. Hikers are encouraged to bring a dinner picnic to enjoy at the hut. Sturdy hiking shoes, water, and bug repellant are also recommended. The preserve offers spectacular panoramic views, a perfect location for a sunset picnic to celebrate the arrival of summer.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust owns and manages Beech Hill Preserve and completed rehabilitation of the historic building from its foundation to its sod roof in November of 2007. The Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of western Penobscot Bay, and has protected over 9,500 acres in the region for their natural, scenic and public recreation resources. For more information on the Land Trust, visit www.coastalmountains.org or call 236-7091.

3 is the magic number, 'Dogs beat Erie 5-3

Stefan Welch with two triples, highlights a 3-run 8th/Doubront 4 IP in MLB Rehab

PORTLAND, Maine - The Portland Sea Dogs (40-20) scored the game's final four runs, and beat the Erie SeaWolves (27-31) 5-3 on Thursday night at Hadlock Field. Portland took two of three from Erie and improved to 20 games over .500 for just the second time since 1997.

With the game tied at two in the eighth inning, 1B Stefan Welch (2-for-4, 2 triples) cleared the bases with a two-run triple, giving the 'Dogs a 4-2 lead.  Jonathan Roof knocked in the fifth run with a two-out single to left.

RHP Mike McCarthy (5-2) retired the final 11 batters faced and yielded one hit over four scoreless frames to earn the win. McCarthy did not issue a walk and fanned two.

Erie's Slade Smith (0-2) took the loss, giving up three hits and four runs over 1.2 innings pitched.

Left-hander Felix Doubront lasted four innings in a Major League Rehabilitation Assignment with Portland. Doubront gave up both runs and all three hits in the second inning.  Corey Jones led off the frame with an infield single and scored on a throwing error by catcher Blake Swihart. Erie's second run came on a two-out RBI single from DH Ramon Cabrera.

Doubront threw 43 pitches (31 strikes), yielding three hits, two runs, no walks and two strikeouts. He became the 33rd Major Leaguer to make a rehab assignment with Portland and the 27th as a Red Sox affiliate.

Portland cut the deficit to 2-1 Erie with a run off Tommy Collier (ND) in the fourth. The Erie righty threw 25 pitches in the inning, but only nine strikes. Keury De La Cruz and Heiker Meneses each walked, and Derrik Gibson was hit-by-a pitch to load the bases. Bo Greenwell picked up his 7th RBI with a fielder's choice.

Collier worked six innings for Erie, giving up just two hits on one run, four walks and seven strikeouts.

The Sea Dogs tied the game in the eighth inning off Smith. Matt Spring was hit by a pitch and lifted for Roof. Heiker Meneses moved Roof to second base with a sacrifice. After a wild pitch, Roof scored when Derrik Gibson reached on an error by 2B Devon Travis.

The Sea Dogs open up a three-game weekend series against the Bowie Baysox (Orioles affiliate) on Friday night at Hadlock Field. Righty Keith Couch (7-0, 2.26) makes his 12th appearance for Portland against Bowie lefty Tim Berry (3-3, 4.12). Radio coverage begins at 6:40 PM on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network. MiLB.tv coverage gets going at 6:55 PM.

Cote Baughman & Jason Baughman Charged With Threatening

Cote Baughman

Cushing, Maine - The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person, Jason Baughman, 46 of Cushing threatening another man and his teenage son with a knife.  It is reported that Baughman chased the two out of the residence and attempted to stab them.  The victim and his son took refuge in a truck where Baughman continued to threaten while slashing a tire and yelling he was going to “gut them like a fish.”  The victim attempted to get away and put the truck in drive and “stepped on it.”  The vehicle went forward and pinned Baughman between the truck and another car in the yard.  The victim and son left the residence and called 9-1-1.  He had to stop a short distance down the road due to the flat tire.  Baughman was transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center initially and then transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center.  Before being transported to Eastern Maine, he was arrested and bailed at the hospital.  Baughman was charged with Class D, Criminal Mischief and two Class C Felonies of Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon.

Later on, Deputies were at the hospital continuing the investigation when the son of Baughman, Cote Baughman, 25, of Cushing made threatening statements that he was “going to kill him;” directed at the previous victim to revenge for his father being injured, and ran out of the hospital.  Deputy Smith chased Cote Baughman to the parking lot and placed him under arrest for Terrorizing, class D.  He was transported to Knox County Jail without further incident.

Suspicious Package Closed Main Street From Park To Tilson Avenue

ROCKLAND, Maine - The Rockland Police, Fire & EMS closed off Main Street for a suspicious package found in front of Key Bank by a trash can around 12:30pm in the area between Park/Main and Tilson Avenue.

Suspicious package turned out to be a lunch bag left by a male who later returned to pick it up. The male was questioned by PD.

The bomb squad was called to the scene than later cancelled by Rockland PD.

At 1:10pm Main street was reopened with Rockland Police and Fire clearing the scene.

Maine Lobster Festival headliners set, tickets go on sale

ROCKLAND, Maine - A wonderful harbor setting, and tasty Maine seafood galore. Welcome to summer in Maine! Now add 2 solid national country acts one night, hard-rocking blues the next, and you’ve got the ultimate celebration of the season.

The 67th annual Maine Lobster Festival gets underway on Wednesday July 30 with the spectacle of Coronation of the Maine Sea Goddess. Thursday night July 31 will warm things up further with an evening of Maine-made artists including the Veayo Twins, Amy Allen Band, David Mallett and his band, and the great Mallett Brothers Band, all included with Festival admission.

Friday night will welcome country stars Daryle Singletary and Confederate Railroad. Tickets for seats to this show in a reserved section in front of the stage are just $20.00 and include gate admission to the Festival.

AMY ALLEN

Saturday night promises to be a blues-rock blowout with three hours of non-stop jam power from Johnny Winter and his band, plus sets from Edgar Winter, Vanilla Fudge, Pete Rivera of Rare Earth, and Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown.  Tickets for this show are just $30.00 and include Festival admission.

Tickets are available through the web site, www.mainelobsterfestival.com , by phone at 1-800-LOB-CLAW, or at either the Camden or Rockland office of the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce.  All other music is included in your Festival admission.  The full schedule is available at the web site.

The 67th Annual Maine Lobster Festival kicks off on Wednesday July 30th with the arrival of King Neptune and the raising of the American flag.

For interviews with any of the artists or questions about the Maine Lobster Festival entertainment, please contact Chuck Kruger at 207-354-8928 or cbk@entertainmaine.com .  For tickets or Festival information, call the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce at 207-596-0376 or visit  www.mainelobsterfestival.com.

THE VEAYO TWINS

Governor LePage Appoints Jonathan LaBonte as Director of Office of Policy and Management

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today the appointment of Jonathan P. LaBonte as the Director of the Governor's Office of Policy and Management.

LaBonte will take over the leadership of OPM from Richard Rosen, who has been appointed Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

"I am pleased to appoint Jonathan LaBonte as head of OPM," said Governor LePage. "He has a deep understanding of municipal, county and state budgets, and he is not afraid to propose bold and innovative solutions that protect the taxpayer, but continue to provide services more efficiently and with less cost. We appreciate his out-of-the-box thinking, and we welcome his knowledge and his enthusiasm for moving the state forward.”

LaBonte has served as a county commissioner in Androscoggin County. In 2011, he was elected as the youngest mayor in Auburn’s history. He is now serving his second term.

A native of Auburn, LaBonte attended the University of Maine in Orono, graduating with a B.S. in chemical engineering. He worked at a consulting firm in the private sector in Massachusetts before returning to Maine for graduate courses in public administration and governance at the University of Maine.

LaBonte has served as a municipal policy consultant in higher education and transportation planning. Most recently, he was the executive director of a regional land trust focused on supporting working forests and farms and securing recreation and public access along the Androscoggin River.

He has been named to the MaineBiz “Next” list, which features individuals who are predicted to influence Maine’s economy, as well as to MaineToday Media’s “Forty under 40” list, which recognizes young leaders under 40 who are making a difference in the business community and throughout the state.

LaBonte has also been named the Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year.