GORHAM

Store customers returning contaminated kerosene

Little Mart customers who bought kerosene that was contaminated with gasoline have started returning it to get replacement fuel or refunds.

The Little Mart at routes 237 and 202 said Thursday that gasoline was added to a tank of kerosene. Gasoline is much more flammable than kerosene, and if it’s used in a heater or other device designed for kerosene, it could cause an explosion or a fire.

There have been no reports of incidents associated with the contaminated fuel, authorities said Friday.

The store determined that between 4 p.m. Tuesday, when the gasoline was added, and noon Thursday, when the problem was discovered, fewer than 300 gallons were sold, in fewer than 50 purchases.

The store is offering full refunds or replacement fuel, and has been taking back contaminated kerosene. The tank and the pump have been cleaned and the contents have been replaced with uncontaminated kerosene.

People with questions can contact the Gorham Fire Department at 839-5581.

PORTLAND

Martin’s bluegrass band performs at Merrill May 18

Steve Martin, best known for his comedy, will bring his bluegrass band, the Steep Canyon Rangers, to Merrill Auditorium for a concert on May 18.

Portland Ovations will present the show. Tickets will be available to Portland Ovations’ members and subscribers beginning at noon Wednesday, and will be available to the public at noon Feb. 7.

Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers first played together in 2009, and since then have toured often and made a record, “Rare Bird Alert,” which is due out March 15.

Tickets to the show cost $41 to $59 for members and subscribers, and $45 to $65 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.portlandovations.org.

First Lutheran Church hosts flu vaccination clinic today

The city is offering a seasonal flu vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the First Lutheran Church, 132 Auburn St.

The cost will be $10, or free for people with Medicare Part B cards. All types of insurance, including MaineCare, will be accepted.

This week, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention raised the incidence of flu from “regional” to “widespread.” The change in the federal flu code designation reflects the confirmed presence of influenza in every part of the state.

State epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Sears said it’s not too late for people to get flu vaccine. The CDC recommends vaccination against influenza for all Mainers 6 months and older. This year’s vaccine provides protection against H1N1 influenza and two other influenza viruses.

For more information about Portland’s clinics, contact the city’s Flu Hotline at 874-8946 or visit the Immunization Program website.

BRUNSWICK

Navy base closure process takes another step forward

The Navy has signed off on plans to redevelop the Brunswick Naval Air Station property after it closes this year.

The announcement Thursday was the final step in the process of evaluating the environmental effects of the plan, which calls for the redevelopment of the airfield, 43 buildings and 3,200 acres. Of that, 1,570 acres would be reserved for recreation, open space and natural areas.

The decision to close the base was made by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission in 2005. The last squadron of P-3 Orion patrol aircraft departed in late 2009, and the base will close for good on May 31.

LEWISTON

Fire Marshal’s Office gets mobile command post

The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office will get the keys today to a new mobile command post donated by a former Mainer whose company specializes in building mobile facilities.

Gil and Anne Blais, who own La Boit Inc. of Ohio, are Lewiston natives. They are donating the 33-foot mobile command post to help the Fire Marshal’s Office with investigations. The facility includes a work station, conference rooms, a bathroom and a galley for cooking meals.

Investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office respond to suspicious fires and explosions across the state to determine the cause and, if they are arson, help identify suspects.

The $180,000 command center will be presented to the state at the Central Fire Station in Lewiston at 10:30 a.m. today. Gov. Paul LePage is expected to attend.

Woolwich man arrested after shooting in Lewiston

Police say a Woolwich man has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Lewiston that injured a woman.

Lewiston police said Nicholas Malcolm, 22, is charged with reckless conduct with a firearm, aggravated assault and robbery. They said the victim, who was shot at 81 Marble St. a week ago, was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities said Malcolm also faces charges of burglarizing a home on the street. He is being held on $10,000 bail.

HOULTON

Limerick man killed when snowmobile hits moose

A York County man died after his snowmobile hit a moose on a trail west of Houlton.

Wildlife officials said Leon Botting Sr., 51, of Limerick died Friday. Botting was riding with two friends on Shaw Camp Trail in Hammond Township.

The friends were ahead of him on the trail when they looked back and did not see him. They went back to find him.

Wildlife officials say Botting was unable to stop when the moose stepped onto the trail. The animal also was killed.

AUGUSTA

Indigent defendants fund is running out of money

The state commission that pays for the criminal defense of poor Mainers says it’s running out of money.

The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services says it will run out of funds in May. Robert Ruffner, a Portland lawyer, told legislators this week that the state could be sued if it doesn’t meet the constitutional requirement to pay for indigent defense.

According to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, the agency says it needs an additional $400,000. Gov. Paul LePage is proposing a $98,000 cut.

The commission was established by the Legislature in 2009 and took over indigent defense payments in July from the judicial branch. Officials say the commission has been underfunded from the start.

BATH

Credit union issues cards due to security breaches

A credit union is issuing about 3,000 new credit and debit cards because of electronic security breaches involving an unnamed retailer and a processing center.

Five County Credit Union of Bath says the breach involved a third party, not the credit union. An official at the credit union told WGME-TV that no personal information or money is at risk.