ROCKLAND

Monaco art buyer sues Vinalhaven ‘LOVE’ artist

An art buyer from Monaco has sued Robert Indiana, the pop artist known for his “LOVE” works.

Joao Tovar filed the lawsuit against Indiana last week in Knox County Superior Court, claiming that Indiana’s actions made Tovar’s investment in what he thought were the artist’s works worthless.
Indiana lives in Vinalhaven. His sculptures feature the L above the V and an off-kilter O above the E.

Tovar alleges in his lawsuit that he bought versions of those sculptures with the word “Prem” – Hindi for love – that he thought were created by Indiana and were worth $1.5 million.

When Indiana said he had not created them, the lawsuit says, the sculptures were made worthless.

GOULDSBORO

Fire sweeps through barn, killing birds and animals

A fire that swept through a barn in Gouldsboro early Monday killed horses, sheep, pigs, calves and young ducklings and chickens, but no people were hurt.

Owner Bill Thayer said he tried to rescue his three draft horses but was driven back by the intense heat. He said his wife was burned while trying to let 20 sheep out of the burning barn. 

Thayer told the Bangor Daily News that the fire may have been sparked by a heat lamp .

AUGUSTA

Plans for new church draw opposition from neighbors

Plans to build a church in Augusta are drawing opposition from some neighbors.

Leaders with the Augusta Spiritualist Church have struck a deal to buy a 1.3-acre parcel between Townsend Road and High Ridge Drive, between a residential area and shopping plaza.

Jean Goding, whose home overlooks the land, says she fears that increased traffic from the church will disrupt the peace of her neighborhood.  Goding told the Kennebec Journal that her concerns have nothing to do with religion.

Church President Theresa Clifford says she understands neighborhood concerns, but her church is “low-key,” with only about 35 members .

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.

Interstate bridge inspection could cause traffic delays

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says an inspection of a bridge between Portsmouth and Kittery could cause traffic delays.

The structural inspection of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, on the Route 1 bypass, is scheduled to run through Saturday.

The Portsmouth Herald said flaggers and signs will be used to notify motorists of lane closures. If there is bad weather, the inspection could be delayed. If possible, drivers are asked to use other routes, such as the Interstate 95 bridge .

NORWAY

Fire at rooming house investigated as arson

A mattress fire at a rooming house in Norway over the weekend is being investigated as arson.

Investigators say two police officers who dragged the burning mattress from the rooming house on King Street just before midnight Saturday probably saved the residents from serious injury or even death.

Fire Chief Dennis Yates said the mattress was blocking the entrance and is believed to have been intentionally set on fire. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

The two police officers and one resident were taken to Stephens Memorial Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The building sustained some smoke damage and the Red Cross is assisting the residents.

BATH

Negotiations under way between BIW, Local S6

Contract negotiations are getting under way between Bath Iron Works and the Navy shipbuilder’s largest union.

The Machinists union Local S6 says negotiations begin Monday.

The current four-year contract expires May 20. A ratification vote on a new contract is scheduled that day at the Augusta Civic Center.

Four years ago, the union negotiated a contract that gave workers annual pay raises of 3.5 percent to 4 percent.

Local S6 represents about 3,200 jobs that include mechanics, fitters, welders, painters and electricians.

BANGOR

Horses are off and running for Bangor’s race season

The horses are off and running for the 129th race season in Bangor.

The Bangor Raceway opened Monday with its first live races of the season.

Following opening day, racing will be held every Monday, Tuesday and Friday through July 21, with Saturday race cards on July 14 and 21. A special racing card is also scheduled for July 4.

Race fans can bet on the live races while wagering on other races elsewhere through simulcast racing offered at the track.