( Augusta, Maine ) - The head of the Portland branch of the NAACP wants an investigation to be launched into whether a state senator violated the legislature's code of ethics by sharing offensive Facebook posts.

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Rachel Ross joined senate democrats at the statehouse today to condemn republican Sen. Michael Willette's posts, which, among other things, suggested that President Obama's  family is part of the Islamic state group. Ross says Willette should be temporarily removed as chairman of the State and Local Government Committee.  She says the Republican Senate president refused to meet  with her and Democratic leaders about the issue today. Willette has apologized and says his posts were inappropriate.

IN OTHER NEWS:

A man  died in a house fire last night in Milton. 59 year old Anthony Disciscio was killed in the blaze. The State Fire Marshall says he was smoking while using oxygen.

 A hiker is recovering after he slid off a trail and down a ledge into some trees, on Mount Chocorua, leaving him unable to move due to the steep grade and ice. 21-year-old John Ng of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was able to call 911. Rescuers found him about five hours later, suffering from symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

 A man from Falmouth, Maine has been convicted of tax evasion,  conspiracy and other charges in connection with his business. 72-year-old John Kendall was found guilty on Tuesday, after he withheld income taxes from employees' wages at his company called Chipco International and  diverted the funds to pay for business and personal expenses.

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