BREMEN

Authorities search for cause of fatal house fire in Bremen

State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that killed one person at a small house at 435 Turner Road in Bremen.

But they may never know because of the amount of destruction it caused at the Lincoln County home, said Stephen McCausland, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman.

A body was recovered from the rubble left by the fire, which leveled the small home around 3 a.m. Saturday.

The body was taken to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and identification.

The owner of the home is Steven Sidelinger, 56, who lives alone and has not been located. Investigators suspect the body may be his.

The house was a former seasonal camp, built of posts, that had been converted to a year-round residence.

AUBURN

Concrete block kills worker in Auburn business accident

Police say a 60-year-old Auburn man is dead after being struck by a large piece of concrete at an Auburn business where he worked.

The Sun Journal of Lewiston reported that police are investigating the death of David Brooks, who had been stacking concrete blocks on a vehicle at American Concrete Industries for transport Friday afternoon when the concrete block hit him.

Police are being assisted in the investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

PORTLAND

Early-morning fire causes damage to city apartment

A fire caused moderate damage to an apartment at 124 Riverton Drive early Saturday.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Wassick said no one was hurt in the 1:42 a.m. blaze, which started near a stove. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Wassick said.

About 24 firefighters responded to the fire. The apartment, one of seven in the building, is inhabitable, Wassick said.

Three people were at home when the fire broke out, Wassick said. He declined to identify the occupants.

AUGUSTA

Gov. LePage wants Mainers to call about Medicaid cuts

Gov. Paul LePage says the federal government is dragging its feet on deciding whether to allow Medicaid cuts affecting 33,000 Mainers.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, the governor appealed to Mainers to call their representatives in Washington and demand that the federal government hurry up and decide whether to allow the cuts, which he says are needed to balance the state budget.

LePage said the cuts, amounting to $20 million, are needed to make sure programs to protect the state’s most vulnerable are adequately funded.

In the Democratic response, state Rep. Emily Cain of Orono, the House minority leader, said it’s time to set aside politics and vote in Tuesday’s election.

Cain also said Mainers can help those hurt by Hurricane Sandy by donating to the Red Cross.

BOSTON

Anti-Semitic incidents rise in Bay State, Connecticut

The Anti-Defamation League says anti-Semitic incidents have increased in Massachusetts and Connecticut, but decreased in other New England states, including Maine, and nationwide.

The organization’s annual audit shows hate incidents aimed at Jewish people in Massachusetts increased from 64 in 2010 to 72 in 2011.

In Connecticut, incidents increased from 38 to 43.

ADL Regional Director Derrek Shulman said the Internet “has breathed new life” into destructive stereotypes about Jews.

Nationally, many reported incidents involved bullying at schools.

But ADL found that hate incidents dropped in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, also posting a 9.5 percent national decline.

The organization uses crime statistics, and information from victims, law enforcement officials and community leaders for the audit. It identifies acts of harassment and intimidation, including threats, slurs and hate propaganda distribution.

CONCORD, N.H.

N.H. small businesses show products at open house

Small businesses across New Hampshire are showcasing their products this weekend as part of a statewide open house event.

The idea behind “NH Open Doors” is to give people an appreciation for locally made items — and take some home.

Artisans, shopkeepers, farmers, bed and breakfast owners and others are hoping to get the attention of tourists, and a jump on the holiday shopping season.

Visitors to the event’s website can plan their outings using selected itineraries and participating businesses by region.

Muzzleloader season begins for New Hampshire hunters

New Hampshire hunters are toting their long guns in pursuit of deer as muzzleloader season got under way Saturday.

Muzzleloader season runs through Nov. 13, ending the day before firearms deer season begins Nov. 14.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials say the deer population is plentiful due to a relatively short winter and an abundance of food.

Archery deer season — which began Sept. 15 — runs through Dec. 15. Officials say archers have taken upwards of 2,000 deer to date — up significantly from the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Hunters 16 years and older must have a hunting license. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years old.

Hunters last year bagged just over 11,000 deer.