Former school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting a minor<\/b><\/p>\n
A Wesley man accused of sexually assaulting a minor will make his first court appearance on Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n The Washington County Sheriff\u2019s office say they arrested 67-year-old Duane Geel on a felony warrant however he is charged with six counts of gross sexual assault.<\/span><\/p>\n Following an extended investigation, WABI news reports he formerly worked as a school bus driver for AOS 96 but he resigned in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n Geel was taken to Washington County jail where his bail is set at $100,000 including no contact with the alleged victim or children under the age of 18.<\/span><\/p>\n Gov. Mills announced $4.3 million in funding for school bus safety measures<\/b><\/p>\n On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills announced funding for bus safety measures in the upcoming budget following two tragedies involving school buses in Rockland and Standish.<\/span><\/p>\n The safety measures included in the funding will focus on retrofitting Maine school buses with crossing arms and anti-pinch door sensors.<\/span><\/p>\n Mills also announced she signed an executive order to establish the Maine School Transportation Safety Commission which will serve as a board to review statutes, rules, and the well-being of students, staff and drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n Statement below:\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n “The unimaginable tragedies that occurred last year demand action to ensure that every student in Maine is safe traveling to school. By committing funding to retrofit school buses with enhanced safety measures and creating this commission to study what more can be done, we are taking steps to prevent future tragedies,” said Governor Mills. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to approve these funds in the upcoming budget and will welcome the recommendations of the Commission when it completes its work in April.”<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n “For approximately 80 percent of Maine students, the school day begins and ends with a ride on the school bus. These students are entitled to safe, secure transportation to and from school,” said Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “The Maine Department of Education is deeply committed to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of all Maine students, whether in the classroom or on their daily journeys to and from the classroom.”<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n “The Maine Department of Public Safety looks forward to working with the Commission on ways to improve safety on school buses for Maine students,” said Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck. “We are committed to developing strategies and solutions to make sure tragedies like those last year are prevented.”<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n “Since 2020, the Maine School Safety Center has worked diligently to provide the necessary supports to schools and districts to keep our state’s students, educators, and school staff safe. A critical part of that conversation involves student transportation to and from school,” said Rob Susi, Director of the Maine School Safety Center. “The Maine School Safety Center is dedicated to continuing this work and will lend its expertise to this Commission in the months to come.”<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n “Student safety is the number one priority for every Maine school leader,” said Eileen King, Executive Director of the Maine School Superintendents Association. “Retrofitting of crossing arms and anti-pinch door sensors on all school buses will ensure that our families and students feel safer when they head to class every day. We look forward to further working with state leaders on additional steps to improve student safety.”<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits to start May 1<\/b><\/p>\n According to the Maine Department of Labor, the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave authority unanimously voted to begin the benefits on May 1.<\/span><\/p>\n After a meeting discussing the solvency of the insurance fund, leaders concluded that the paid family medical leave trust fund is projected to be solvent over a ten year span.<\/span><\/p>\n Applications will open up in April and the DOL will make the announcement on how you can apply.<\/span><\/p>\n To keep up with the latest happenings around the benefits, just follow the link on our website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/paidleave\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n $75K gift honoring instrumental leader at Friendship Cottage announced<\/b><\/p>\n During an open house at Friendship Cottage, a transformative announcement met those in attendance with surprise and gratitude.<\/span><\/p>\n $75,000 has been anonymously gifted to the \u2018Save Friendship Cottage Building Fund\u2019 in honor of Gerry Bryan, a beloved community advocate.<\/span><\/p>\n The donation keeps up the momentum toward the $700,000 looking to be raised by March 1 to continue operating the program out of Blue Hill.<\/span><\/p>\n Friendship Cottage has served as a lifeline for families caring for aging or dependent adults, including those with dementia, stroke or other disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Maine Sea Grant received $1.4 million<\/b><\/p>\n Some good news for the Maine Sea Grant program at the University of Maine.<\/span><\/p>\n $1.4 million for lobster research and outreach has been awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.<\/span><\/p>\n The funding is part of the American lobster Initiative funded by the NOAA Sea Grant according to WABI news.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019ll help address changes seen in the lobster fishery for the next four years.<\/span><\/p>\n Findings from the research will be made available to fisherman, policymakers and the public.<\/span><\/p>\n