Former Ellsworth PTF treasurer faces felony theft charge
The Ellsworth American reports the former treasurer for the Ellsworth Elementary-Middle school parents, teachers, friends group was charged with felony theft on Monday.
The paper reports the man is accused of stealing over $37,000 from the organization.
Police tell the Ellsworth American the school notified authorities of missing funds on July 12 and that was the last day he held his title.
The publication says the investigation shows checks written to himself, cash withdrawals and envelopes marked for fundraisers through the school at his residence.
Eliot Cutler denies violating probation
Tuesday morning saw a quick appearance from Eliot Cutler in a Hancock County courtroom according to WABI news.
This time, for allegedly violating his probation this fall when he accessed sexually explicit content online and by possessing unmonitored devices.
Former gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler served seven months behind bars after a May 2023 conviction of four counts of sexually explicit material of a minor under 12.
In court Tuesday, Cutler denied violating probation initially asking for a bail of $5,000, the State also put forth a motion to prohibit Cutler’s internet access.
WABI reports Cutler, at the direction of his probation officer to avoid going back to jail, must attend counseling for sex offenders.
Cutler is due back in court in late January.
Kindergarten student killed by school bus in Standish
WABI news reports a 5-year-old kindergarten boy was hit and killed by a MSAD #6 school bus Tuesday morning, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office identified the student as Simon Gonzalez.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened on North East Road just before 8 a.m., according to officials.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce told WMTW there was only one student on board the bus at the time of the crash. That student is the half-brother of Gonzalez.
Maine State Police told WMTW they were assisting in the investigation.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/16/student-killed-accident-involving-school-bus-standish/
George Stevens Academy receives $300K gift
An anonymous donor sent a $300,000 gift to the George Stevens Academy to help establish the Career and Technical Education program according to the Ellsworth American.
The publication says the program is looking to offer training in fields such as carpentry, electrical work, health care and skilled trades.
School officials tell the paper the first certification class is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026.
Bar Harbor voted best small town to visit in the U.S.
WABI news reports Bar Harbor topped the annual Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2026 in the U.S. News and World report.
The restaurants, unique character and natural beauty led the town’s way to the top.
Camden ranked 18!
To check out the full list just follow the link on our website.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/16/bar-harbor-ranked-best-small-town-visit-us/
Open Mic Night Holiday Party
If you’re looking to jam out the jolly way head to Hammond Hall Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. for the Open Mic Night unplugged Holiday Party.
You can share tunes, poetry or even stories but don’t forget your ugly sweater for the contest.
It’s all presented by the Schoodic Arts for All and it’s at 427 Main Street in Winter Harbor.
Solstice celebration in Belfast
If you’re looking to celebrate the Winter Solstice join the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast on Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Pen Bay pilot reports starting at 4 p.m. participants can enjoy the spiral walk, a children’s story, music, poetry and more.
Snacks and cider will be available and all proceeds will go to the Belfast Soup Kitchen.
The church suggests a donation of $10 a person or $20 a family.
