Multiple Maine schools take safety precautions due to threats<\/b><\/p>\n
Wednesday morning law enforcement and area schools took safety precautions after \u2018hoax swatting calls\u2019 came through.<\/span><\/p>\n The first call came into Old Town Elementary, then all three schools in RSU 34 were placed on lockdown shortly after.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Other schools who received similar calls include Houlton schools and the University of Maine.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2026\/01\/21\/old-town-schools-lockdown-wednesday-morning\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Man accused of killing 12-week-old daughter faces $250K bail<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n A judge set a $250,000 bail for Shawn Samuels.<\/span><\/p>\n He is charged in the death of Lyla Samuels and he\u2019s also facing domestic violence, elevated aggravated assault and two counts of violation of bail.<\/span><\/p>\n State police are asking anyone with information related to the case to call them at 973-3700.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2026\/01\/21\/judge-sets-250k-bail-man-accused-killing-12-week-old-daughter\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Fire at Jackson Laboratory damaged heating system<\/b><\/p>\n According to the Bar Harbor Story, several departments worked on a two-alarm fire at the Jackson Laboratory Tuesday.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Firefighters battled the blaze for about 90 minutes however the cause of the fire has not been determined.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.bangordailynews.com\/2026\/01\/21\/hancock\/hancock-police-courts\/fire-damages-heating-system-jackson-laboratory-bar-harbor\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n George Stevens Academy looks to stabilize enrollment<\/b><\/p>\n Private town academy George Stevens in Blue Hill is looking to implement a town contract initiative.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a way to stabilize their enrollment.<\/span><\/p>\n Members of the board of trustees say this wouldn\u2019t be further evaluated without the support of the community so a public information session is being planned but no date has been set yet.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthamerican.com\/news\/education\/gsa-exploring-town-contracts-to-stabilize-enrollment\/article_4b975b74-6656-468a-abdd-00728f07619b.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Community Chess gathering at Ellsworth Public Library<\/b><\/p>\n This Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. the Ellsworth Public Library will kick off their \u2018Community Chess Gathering Series.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n The event will take place every fourth Saturday of the month but they welcome all children, families and players of all skill levels.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a place to learn, practice and enjoy social games.<\/span><\/p>\n