Stephen King to receive National Medal of Arts

BANGOR (AP) — Horror writer Stephen King is going to the White House.

The Bangor resident is one of several artists who will receive the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama will present the award Sept. 10 to King and 11 others.

According to the awards announcement, King is being honored as “one of the most popular and prolific writers of our time” with a penchant for sharp analysis of human nature and “remarkable storytelling.”

He’s the author of such notable horror novels as “The Shining,” “Salem’s Lot” and “It.”

Plan for Chinese-owned rail car factory hits snag

LIMESTONE (AP) — A plan for a Chinese-owned rail car factory at the site of the former Loring Air Force Base has been delayed because a top company official has been unable to get a visa to come to the U.S. and work on the project.

The Associated Press reports Sui Ping has been trying to get the work visa since spring. Loring Development Authority CEO Carl Flora says the agency is continuing to work with a company that builds rail cars in China on locating a manufacturing facility in Maine.

Flora says he’s not sure what’s holding up the visa. The state’s congressional offices have been contacted for help.

The company, NORINCO, hasn’t committed to Loring, but Flora and Sui have signed a preliminary agreement to work toward that goal.