NTSB investigating school bus accident that killed student
WABI news reports the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the Standish school bus crash that killed five-year-old Simon Gonzalez.
The Maine Senate Republican office told WABI they typically publish a preliminary report within a few weeks and look to complete the investigation in 12-18 months.
That depends on the circumstances.
This just weeks after another fatal school bus accident occurred in Rockland.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/18/ntsb-investigate-school-bus-accident-that-killed-maine-child/
George Stevens Academy preparing to pay off staff positions
The Bangor Daily news reports Blue Hill’s George Stevens Academy plans to lay off positions in the next school year.
The paper reports due to a declining enrollment and revenue, the school plans to lay off positions totalling in $325,000 however it’s unclear how many jobs that will result in.
This after the school received an anonymous donation for their technical education and workforce program.
Versant Power prepares for Friday storm
Ahead of Friday’s storm, Versant Power officials say they are preparing for the high winds and heavy rain.
They say extra crews will be on standby to jump in when needed and there are things costumes can do to prepare as well.
They say to ensure you have a supply of fresh water, non-perishable foods, charge your cell phones and other electronic devices, prepare flashlights and battery-operated radio and those with special medical needs create a plan to follow if the power is interrupted.
Maine PUC collaborating with regional partners
The Maine Public Utilities Commission announced that Maine will join Connecticut and other New England states in selecting clean energy sources.
They tell Star 97.7 the multi-state solicitation is an effort looking to result in approximately 170 megawatts of new solar generation.
The projects are expected to be active by the end of 2030.
National Park service awards contracts to complete construction at Harden Farm
The National Park Service has awarded two contracts to help complete employee housing at Harden Farm in Bar Harbor.
A $3.4 million contract will connect the site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system and a $7.4 million contract will construct an additional 28 rooms for Acadia national park employee housing.
The construction at Harden Farm has been possible because of Friends of Acadia and funds raised through the ‘Raise the Roof’ campaign as well as funding from the National Park Foundation.
https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/news/20251218.htm
Bagaduce Chorale presents ‘One Perfect Moment’ production
A symphony of voices will be performing in Bucksport and Blue Hill this weekend according to WABI news.
The Bagaduce Chorale is presenting “One Perfect Moment.”
The community choir is based on the Blue Hill Peninsula and it was founded more than 50 years ago.
Singers will perform at the First Congregational Church in Blue Hill Friday night at 7:30 and then Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m..
Then on Sunday at 3 p.m. the chorale will be performing at the Bucksport Performing Arts Center next to the middle school.
WABI reports Sunday’s show is by donation only thanks to Wednesday On Main.
For more information, follow the link below.
https://www.bagaducechorale.org/
Nominate a teacher of ‘Maine Teacher of the Year’
If you have a favorite educator who has made a true impact in a local school you can nominate them for the Maine Teacher of the Year.
The Maine Department of Education has officially opened up the forms to learn the stories of teachers across the state and how they serve their community as a whole.
Nominations are open now through Friday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. so if you have a teacher in mind follow the link on our website to submit the nomination.
