Multiple Maine schools take safety precautions due to threats
Wednesday morning law enforcement and area schools took safety precautions after ‘hoax swatting calls’ came through.
The first call came into Old Town Elementary, then all three schools in RSU 34 were placed on lockdown shortly after.
Maine State Police worked with Old Town PD to investigate the nature of the threats however state police tells WABI news the threats were deemed non-credible.
Other schools who received similar calls include Houlton schools and the University of Maine.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/21/old-town-schools-lockdown-wednesday-morning/
Man accused of killing 12-week-old daughter faces $250K bail
A 24-year-old Orrington man faced a judge Wednesday morning via Zoom after being charged with murder in the death of his 12-week-old daughter.
A judge set a $250,000 bail for Shawn Samuels.
He is charged in the death of Lyla Samuels and he’s also facing domestic violence, elevated aggravated assault and two counts of violation of bail.
State police are asking anyone with information related to the case to call them at 973-3700.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/01/21/judge-sets-250k-bail-man-accused-killing-12-week-old-daughter/
Fire at Jackson Laboratory damaged heating system
According to the Bar Harbor Story, several departments worked on a two-alarm fire at the Jackson Laboratory Tuesday.
The call came in at about 1 p.m. and the Bar Harbor fire chief and crews determined an active fire was inside a vessel within Building 65 which is a boiler building.
Firefighters battled the blaze for about 90 minutes however the cause of the fire has not been determined.
George Stevens Academy looks to stabilize enrollment
Private town academy George Stevens in Blue Hill is looking to implement a town contract initiative.
The Ellsworth American reports the contract would entail towns like Blue Hill, Brooksville, Surry, Brooklin, and more to sign a contract agreeing to send their high school students to GSA.
It’s a way to stabilize their enrollment.
Members of the board of trustees say this wouldn’t be further evaluated without the support of the community so a public information session is being planned but no date has been set yet.
Community Chess gathering at Ellsworth Public Library
This Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. the Ellsworth Public Library will kick off their ‘Community Chess Gathering Series.’
The event will take place every fourth Saturday of the month but they welcome all children, families and players of all skill levels.
It’s a place to learn, practice and enjoy social games.
https://ellsworth.libcal.com/event/15947791
Northeast Harbor Library movie night series
Who says you have to wait until the weekend to unwind?
Mark your calendars because the Northeast Harbor library wants to help you relax in the middle of your week.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. the library will kick off its free monthly film series.
You can enjoy a variety of hit movies and some that’ll give you some nostalgia.
There will be free popcorn and comfortable seating will be provided but if you want to bring an extra snack or two feel free!
If you can’t make this upcoming event don’t worry, movie nights will be hosted on the fourth Wednesday of each month through May!
