Constitutional Carry Approved By Legislature
LD 652, "An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit," sponsored by Senator Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin), has passed the Legislature. The measure has now passed both the House and Senate, and is awaiting further procedural action before returning for a final vote in the Senate.
Though citizens would no longer be required to seek a permit to carry a concealed weapon, the legislation does not remove Maine's permitting system so that citizens can enjoy reciprocity with other states. Additionally, under an amendment attached to the bill, Mainers between the ages of 18 and 21 would still be required to obtain a permit to carry unless they are an active military member or an honorably discharged veteran.
The bill does not change who may carry a firearm, it does not change what kinds of firearms may be carried, nor does it change where firearms may be carried.
The Maine State Police support the legislation.
Several states are already Constitutional Carry states, including Vermont, Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, and Wyoming.
Maine Moose Lottery Festival to be Held June 12-14
The 2015 Moose Permit Drawing will take place on Saturday, June 13 as part of the Bethel Maine Moose Festival. The weekend-long event is highlighted by the moose lottery drawing at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Bethel Common, when the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will announce the names of those drawn for one of the 2,740 moose hunting permits.
On Friday evening, June 12, the Moose Festival gets started with a qualifying round of the Maine Moose Calling Championship at Gould Academy's Bingham Auditorium. The Mallett Brothers will perform that night at The Bethel Inn Resort.
In addition to the moose permit lottery on Saturday, June 13, the schedule for the day also includes the finals of the Moose Calling Championship, appearances from the cast of North Woods Law, kids' activities, hunting and fishing demonstrations, raffles and vendors, crafts and food.
Sunday's events include Youth Field Day at the UMaine 4-H Camp & Learning Center in Bryant Pond and a golf tournament at The Bethel Inn Resort to benefit camp scholarships.
For prospective moose hunters who can't make it to the lottery drawing, the names of permit winners will be posted on the Department's web site starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Visit http://www.mefishwildlife.com to access the list once it has been posted.
To see the complete schedule of events for the 2015 Moose Lottery Festival, go tohttp://www.bethelmainemoosefest.com.
June 14th is Flag Day
The "Stars and Stripes," the official national symbol of the United States of America was authorized by Congress on June 14, 1777.
Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations requesting June 14 be observed as the National Flag Day. It wasn't until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.
Many local organizations throughout Maine such as Elks Clubs and scouting groups will hold public services to observe Flag Day.
For information on proper flag etiquette in advance of Flag Day, click HERE.
Maine CDC Offers Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning This Summer
As Mainers head to camps, pull out their grills, and put boats in the water for the first time this season, health officials at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MeCDC) have issued an advisory to raise awareness of the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Spring and summer activities often put people in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Each year in Maine, there are about 100 emergency department visits and between one and five deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning this summer, the Maine CDC recommends the following:
- At camp: Check vents for propane-powered appliances in your camp and make sure appliances are working the right way. Make sure you have a working CO detector in your camp near where people sleep. Check or replace the battery each summer. If your CO alarm goes off, get outside right away and call 911.
- Off-roading: If you get stuck in mud or water, immediately check if the exhaust is blocked. If it is, carbon monoxide could build up inside an enclosed vehicle to deadly levels in just a few minutes. Get everyone out of the vehicle. Get as much fresh air into the vehicle as you can. Getting back into the vehicle could be extremely dangerous.
- Engine repair: Don't leave vehicles or any other gas-powered motors running inside a garage or other enclosed space, even if you leave the windows and doors open.
- While boating: Stay away from the boat's exhaust areas, like the back platform. Don't swim behind the boat when the motor is on.
- Cooking out: Don't use a charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gas or charcoal-burning device inside a camp, tent, home, enclosed porch or garage, or near a window or door.
Get prompt medical attention: If you think you are becoming poisoned and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous call 911.
