News Briefs

Boulos Family Scholarship formed for Maine Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

AUGUSTA, Maine - Beginning next Tuesday, February 1st, Maine veterans
who served in Iraq or Afghanistan in the post-September 11 conflicts can apply for financial support for college under the Boulos Family Scholarship. The Scholarship is funded by a $1 million pledge from Maine businessman Joe Boulos and his wife Sheri.

"We created this scholarship as a way to say thank you to our servicemen and women who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Joe Boulos.
"Sheri and I hope this scholarship shows Maine veterans how proud we are of their service to our country," he said.

The Boulos Family Scholarship can be used at any regionally accredited Maine college or university. The Scholarship amount is based on the average cost of tuition (60 credits) for a two-year degree program at a Maine Community College. Effective January 2005, the total Scholarship amount is $4,080 (based on the $68 per-credit-hour tuition rate).

Joe Boulos announced the gift at a Christmas party he hosted last month for veterans and their families. The Scholarship is being administered by the Maine Community College System, on behalf of the Boulos family.

A web site has been set up to provide veterans and their families with information on the Scholarship, at: www.boulosscholarship.me.edu. An online application form, which will be active starting February 1, 2005 at 8:00 a.m., must be filled out by applicants and a college official. The Scholarships can be used starting in the current January 2005 semester.

Wanted: Harry J. Smith, Jr.

This is the most recent addition to the Maine's Most Wanted web site, administered by the Brunswick Police Department. Special attention to Washington and York counties.

In March of 2003 HARRY J. SMITH JR. was convicted in Washington County Superior Court of Illegal Handling Of Hazardous Waste (Class C) as well as other environmental violations. He was sentenced to 4 years in jail, with all but 12 months suspended. Smith was released on bail pending his appeal and, at the time of his conviction, he was also on probation from 1999 criminal convictions of the environmental laws. Smith's probation was revoked in July of 2003 and his appeal was denied in December of 2003. Smith failed to report to the jail as ordered and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Information suggests Smith may still be involved in the salvage/recycling business and frequenting Kittery, Maine/Portsmouth, NH area motels. He may also be in contact with a former business associate and friend who works at a Portsmouth metal business.

Smith is believed to be traveling in a white Ford van with New Hampshire plates and may be crossing into New Brunswick, Canada to travel to Quebec & Nova Scotia.

There is a current active warrant on Smith out of Washington County Sheriff's Department that authorizes nationwide extradition. Anyone having contact with Smith should call their nearest police agency or the Maine State Police in Augusta at 1-800-452-4664 or 207-624-7000.

Questions or information concerning Smith should be directed to Det. Charles Love of the Maine Attorney Generals Office: 207-626-6520 or Lt. David Denbow of the Washington County Sheriff's Department at 207-255-4422.

Sunday hunting views to be heard next week
Rep. Bryant encourages attendance at public hearing

AUGUSTA—Sunday hunting will be considered next week in a joint session of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, is encouraging area residents to testify at the public hearing Thursday.

“In the last year, we’ve heard so much discussion about our outdoor heritage,” said Bryant. “I know everyone has an opinion on Sunday hunting, and it would really help the committees make an informed decision to hear those voices at the hearing.

The Sunday hunting proposal was included in the budget Governor Baldacci submitted to the Legislature earlier this month. It would change some of the laws governing hunting license fees and changes to various hunting regulations. Besides allowing hunting on Sunday, the proposal would also permit out-of-state residents to hunt on the Saturday of deer season, a day traditionally reserved only for Maine residents.

“No matter where you stand on the issue, this proposal is important because we’re talking about changing something fundamental—something that’s never been done in Maine history,” said Bryant.

The hearing will occur at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, in Room 228 (Appropriations Committee room) of the State House in Augusta. Individuals who want to testify in person should bring 20 copies of typed testimony to the hearing. Written testimony may also be submitted for individuals who are not able to attend. As a member of the committee, Rep. Bryant is willing to assist any area resident in submitting testimony.

If unable to attend the hearing, the audio portions of the committee may be monitored online at http://janus.state.me.us/legis/audio/approps.html. Rep. Bryant may be contacted for more information at repmarkbryant@yahoo.com, or through his legislative Web page, www.mainehousedems.org/mbryant.