AUGUSTA (AP) – An 18-year-old Augusta man charged in a machete attack on a father and daughter has pleaded not guilty to eight counts arising from the home invasion in Pittston two months ago.

Leo Hylton was arraigned Tuesday in Kennebec County Superior Court on four counts of aggravated attempted murder and one count each of attempted murder, robbery, burglary and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Hylton is the only suspect in the May 27 home invasion that left 48-year-old William Guerrette Jr. and his 11-year-old daughter Nicole hospitalized with machete injuries.

If convicted of attempted attempted murder, Hylton faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He is being held on $1 million cash bail.

Findings weighed in BIW union probe

PORTLAND (AP) – A three-member panel has wrapped up its investigation of alleged fiscal mismanagement and pornography on computers at Bath Iron Works’ largest union.

The panel held hearings in April into the allegations against the leadership of Machinists Local S6. It presented its confidential recommendation this week to the president of the international union, R. Thomas Buffenbarger.

John Carr, spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, says Buffenbarger has 15 days to make a decision.

Local S6 was placed in trusteeship in March and local officials were suspended while the international panel investigated the allegations.

Fire razes three buildings

MOUNT DESERT (AP) – A predawn fire and explosion destroyed three buildings on Main Street in Northeast Harbor.

Officials and residents said the fire began around 3 a.m. and triggered an explosion believed to be linked to propane tanks at Colonel’s Bakery. The Wingspread Gallery and the Joy Building also were destroyed.

Witnesses said residents of the Joy Building, which also houses an antiques store, were able to get out safety. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Firefighters were at the scene in the early afternoon and no additional details were available.

Motorcyclist hits bear in Vermont

WATERBURY, Vt. (AP) – A Hinesburg man is recovering from broken bones after he hit a bear while riding a motorcycle on Vermont Route 100 in Waterbury.

The state police says that 52-year-old Neale Gow was southbound on Route 100 at about 6 p.m. Sunday when the bear moved into the road on front of him.

Gow was thrown from his motorcycle. He was hospitalized with broken bones.

There is no word on the condition of the bear.

Maine boaters reel from costly fuel

BANGOR (AP) – Mainers aren’t putting their boats away but high fuel prices are altering boating habits this summer.

In Greenville, Peter Dunham of Big Lake Equipment on Moosehead Lake says boaters aren’t taking long trips. And he says the big speed boats are slowing down.

And Micah Peabody from Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor says he’s seeing few families coming for long trips on mid-sized yachts.

Dave Hall of Kennebunkport says his solution was to hitch his 25-foot cabin cruiser and haul it north instead of motoring up the coast this summer.

Sales tax revenue encouraging

PORTLAND (AP) – Maine tourism officials are encouraged by sales tax revenue figures from May, which includes the Memorial Day weekend.

According to Maine Revenue Services, sales tax revenue from Maine restaurants was up 4 percent and revenue from lodging was up 9 percent.

Those figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, but they’re still encouraging for those in the tourism industry. Other indicators haven’t been as positive.

Traffic on the Maine Turnpike was down 2 to 3 percent in June, and is down 1.4 percent from year to date.