Man arrested in connection with Skowhegan homicide
After a multi-state pursuit, Maine State Police have arrested a man in connection to the death of a woman found dead at a home in Skowhegan.
Officers were called to the home for a person not breathing and when they arrived, they found 46-year-old Nicole Jackson of Skowhegan dead.
The autopsy from the chief medical examiner in Augusta determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and sharp force trauma.
Police say they arrested Jackson’s boyfriend 55-year-old Dane Burke of Skowhegan Saturday in Lowell, Massachusetts after a pursuit started there into New Hampshire.
Burke was arrested on a Maine warrant charging him with murder.
Congress approves funds for Maine Law Enforcement and Public Safety
$14.5 million has been secured by Sen. Susan Collins to fund Maine law enforcement and public safety projects.
Hancock County public safety will receive $2.3 million for public safety equipment for agencies across Hancock county.
Washington County will receive $187,000 for public safety equipment for law enforcement agencies.
Waldo County will receive $688,000 for public safety equipment across the county as well.
Maine pausing new federal license plates
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles halted plans on issuing new confidential license plates to federal agencies.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the BMV recently got a request from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for undercover Maine plates after Maine officials say they’re preparing for potential ICE operations in the state.
WABI news reports Bellows said the state has not revoked any plates already in use however the new plates will not be issued until it’s confirmed they won’t be used for “lawless purposes.”
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/18/maine-pauses-new-federal-license-plates-amid-ice-activity-concerns/
Maine DOT considers traffic light along route 1 intersection
The busy interchange off Route 1 in Orland has been a hotspot for collisions and injuries have been reported in recent years.
That’s why the Maine Department of Transportation is considering installing a traffic light where route 1 intersects Upper Falls and School House roads according to the Bangor Daily News.
There will be a public online presentation available for residents to review from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4 according to the publication.
City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth collaborate for community events calendar
Sometimes it’s hard keeping up with all of the community events in the region or finding accurate details so a collaboration in Ellsworth is aiming to make that easier.
The City of Ellsworth in partnership with Heart of Ellsworth has launched a new community events calendar for you to discover what’s happening in the city.
The city will include fun events, activities and programs.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/residents/things-to-do/
Speed Puzzling for Kids series
The Ellsworth Public Library is calling on kids in the area who enjoy challenges.
On Friday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. the Ellsworth Public Library will host their speed puzzling for kids series.
Participants will work individually or as a team to build problem-solving skills while racing on the clock.
It’s a friendly competition with a supportive environment for kids to explore new skills!
It’ll take place on the fourth Friday of every month at 3.
https://ellsworth.libcal.com/event/15933755?hs=a
Northeast Harbor Library ‘Winter Awakenings Yoga’
It’s important to get out and get active especially during the winter months however the cold weather and snowy conditions can make that hard.
The Northeast Harbor Library will host a free Winter Awakening yoga workshop Sat. Jan. 24 at 12:30 p.m. for you to relax and restore.
People of all abilities and experience levels are welcomed and equipment will be provided as needed however space is limited.
