But it’s not clear whether the governor has the legal authority to close schools.

The syringes are collected to prevent the spread of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases.

Realtors rehearse ballroom dancing Thursday in Augusta in preparation for the Dancing with Realtors fundraiser on Feb. 10. The event at the Augusta State Armory begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dancing starts at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit Habitat For Humanity and tickets — at $20 each — are available by calling the ERA Webb Augusta office at 623-4182. This is the second year the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors has offered the event pairing Realtors with professional dancers.

Firefighter Jim Lane examines the smoking remains of a snowmobile that burned in Fairfield on Thursday. Owner Justin Bouchard said he had done some recent work on head gaskets on the Arctic Cat and took it out for a ride. “It started up real easy and while I was running it, I saw smoke and flames and jumped off,” Bouchard said.

FARMINGTON — A Massachusetts man accused of fatally stabbing an 81-year-old woman is expected to enter a not guilty plea in court today in Farmington, his attorney said.

AUGUSTA — A state representative from Alfred could learn the fate of his seat in the House of Representatives by the end of this month, House Speaker Robert Nutting said.

AUGUSTA — Rafael Encarnacion, 22, crawled out of a back bedroom of a Vassalboro home early Tuesday, shot in the stomach with a homemade gun by the homeowner, who said it was in self-defense.