WATERBORO

Motorcyclist, 61, dies after his vehicle hits a tree

A 61-year-old man died when his motorcycle went off the road and hit a tree late Friday night, the York County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday.

The crash happened on Hamilton Road around 10 p.m., authorities said.

Deputies and a Waterboro Rescue crew said they found Chester Smith of Lyman dead at the scene. He was the only person on the motorcycle and wasn’t wearing a helmet, the sheriff’s office said, and speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.

PORTLAND

First cruise ship of the season docks at terminal

Portland’s cruise ship season is under way. The American Cruise Line ship Independence was due to call in Portland’s Ocean Gateway Terminal on Saturday morning. The first cruise ship to visit the city this season is carrying 98 passengers. The Independence will head north Sunday for Boothbay Harbor.

The 2013 cruise ship season is expected to bring 58 ships carrying more than 71,000 passengers and 28,000 crew members to Portland from June to November. The Carnival Glory, with about 3,000 passengers, will be berthing at the Portland Ocean Terminal on June 10.

AUGUSTA

House passes bill aimed at addressing online taxes

A bill that would close a tax loophole used by large online retailers faces only a final Senate vote after being overwhelmingly approved by the Maine House.

The so-called “e-fairness” bill won final House approval Friday by a 128-10 tally.

It would close a loophole that allows large online retailers that use affiliates to avoid paying sales tax. The bill is similar to another measure that was vetoed by Gov. Paul LePage. But the governor’s objections have been addressed in the e-fairmess bill that won passage Friday.

 

LePage says loans available for Lewiston fire victims

Gov. Paul LePage says federal low-interest loans will be available to help people affected by a rash of apartment building fires in Lewiston.

Fires over a span of just over a week in late April and early May displaced nearly 200 people. Two 12-year-old boys have been charged with setting separate fires and several buildings have been razed.

LePage says the Small Business Administration can provide loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

WATERVILLE

Colby College trustees opt to keep fossil fuel investments

The Colby College board of trustees decided not to divest from the fossil fuel industry, but students say they won’t stop trying to build support for the move, which they say would help combat global warming. Colby President William D. Adams said the link between divestment and global warming has yet to be fully made.

— From staff and news services