News Briefs

Koehler sentenced to life in Boutilier killing
    The man found guilty of murdering 19-year-old Holly Boutilier of Oakfield has been sentenced to life in prison. Colin Koehler, 35, was sentenced Monday by Superior Court Justice William Anderson to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
    A Penobscot County jury found Koehler guilty of murder on Oct. 1, 2010, after a five-day trial. He had been accused of stabbing to death the Oakfield woman, whose body was found in Bangor along the riverbank near a cluttered “burn hut” on Aug. 9, 2009.
    Justin Ptaszynski, 28, of Bangor, testified at Koehler’s trial that he had seen his friend inflict the deadly blows with a curved Japanese-style knife. Ptaszynski had originally been charged with murder and hindering apprehension or prosecution. He later pleaded guilty to a charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but six years suspended.
Midnight Madness fireworks will close North Street
    The Houlton Police Department will be closing a portion of North Street Friday evening to accommodate a fireworks display in Riverfront Park, as part of Midnight Madness. According to Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin, North Street from the traffic light intersection of Bangor and Kendall streets and Market Square will be closed to all traffic traveling north starting at about 9 p.m. and lasting for about 45 minutes. Mill Street will also be closed to prevent traffic from reaching the North Street bridge.
    For those traveling south on North Street, the road will be closed at the Smyrna Street intersection.
    “The plan is for North Street to be utilized for pedestrians to watch the fireworks,” Asselin said. “We are expecting a huge amount of people
    Market Square and a portion of downtown Main Street, as well as Court Street will also be closed for Midnight Madness. Motorists needing to travel north must access Highland Avenue from alternative routes and should anticipate delays while the fireworks are going off.
Burger sale benefits Vets
    The Disabled American Veterans Smart Ricker Chapter 10, with an affiliate Houlton, and Winnie’s Dairy Bar in Presque Isle will unveil a “Patriotic Burger” on July 4. Proceeds of the sale of Patriotic Burgers will benefit the chapter fund to help veterans in need, as well as the chapter’s building fund.