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Maine couple seeks help after cars crash into their Hartford home [Video]

A couple from Oxford County is in need of help from the community after their home sustained major damage from multiple car crashes.Herbert and Marilyn Stevens, of Hartford, had a car crash into their bathroom in January, leaving a gaping hole in the wall that is now covered with a tarp.”It moved this whole house,” Marilyn Stevens said. “So, we got up, and I went out and looked, and I just started crying.”Good thing nobody was in the shower. They wouldn’t be here, because they hit right in the shower,” she added.In October, another vehicle crashed into the corner of the couple’s home and damaged the living room.”The front tire hit that pole, broke the pole right off. The van flipped right up on its side and slammed into that building,” neighbor Roger Berry said of the October crash.Berry, who lives across the street from the couple, said he has seen three crashes happen at the corner of Route 140 and Route 219.”They’re going too fast. People plain going too fast,” Berry said.After receiving complaints, the Maine Department of Transportation installed flashing stop signs a couple of weeks ago to warn drivers of the intersection ahead. But that is too little, too late for Herbert and Marilyn Stevens.Herbert, 81, and Marilyn, 62, are now living in their kitchen. They have heat from a wood stove, but no running water.”It ain’t very comfortable ,” Herbert Stevens said. The couple does not have insurance. They said they have been battling with the insurance companies of the drivers who hit their home. They are also trying to find a lawyer, but they feel stuck, as they are unable to make repairs to their damaged house.”I’m already crying. I want to go, and I can’t,” Marilyn Stevens said. “It’s too cold for me.”Hartford town officials said they are aware of the couple’s situation, but admitted there are limited resources available.”I know we need help. We have nothing,” Marilyn Stevens said.Neighbors and town officials said they hope to organize a community supper so the couple can at least get some help.

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Home Based Business

Push against NY’s natural gas ban on new builds continues [Video]

With nearly 12 months left until New Yorks natural gas ban is set to take effect, local lawmakers and business owners feel this bill is going to hamper peoples ability to effectively, efficiently and affordably heat their homes. More from WBEN:

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Home Based Business

850 cars at Kansas City’s Mecum Auction this weekend [Video]

The Schrader family is auctioning 69 cars, a golf cart, and two motorcycles this weekend at the Mecum Auto Auction in Kansas City.Weve got 69 cars, one golf cart, and two motorcycles, said Veronica Schrader, a member of the Schrader family.The familys journey into the car world began as a hobby decades ago with Veronicas father and has since grown into a thriving family business.We buy them all over, Schrader said. Weve got some new Corvettes, some new luxury cars.The Schrader family collection is among the highlights at this weekends auction, one of the largest auto events of the year in the area. It features more than 850 vehicles, from cutting-edge models to nostalgic classics.I think the older cars are kind of nostalgic for the older generation, Schrader said. These were the cool cars when they were 16.The auction isnt just about buying and selling cars. Some vehicles are being sold to support local charities. Proceeds from certain sales will benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members.For every dollar raised for the Folds of Honor Foundation, 91 cents goes to scholarship programs, said Col. Nick Nichols, the foundations president.The event also offers opportunities for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.You can definitely look at it as an investment, but you can also just buy something that youre going to enjoy for a year and then sell it, Schrader said.When asked about her personal favorite from the familys collection, Schrader shared a sentimental pick.You know, Ive got a little pink Porsche 911 at home that I love. I like to keep that one around.