NORTH YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) — The husband of a Maine elementary school teacher who disappeared from her home said his thoughts are about his wife’s safe return, and not gossip in the community about her disappearance.

Jay Westra spoke to WCSH-TV on Wednesday, three days after his wife Kristin Westra was last seen at their North Yarmouth home. The Westra family has said the 47-year-old was gone when they awoke Monday morning, but her car, cellphone and keys were still at home.

Jay Westra said he has done nothing to impede the police investigation, and he has done everything he can to help.


“My situation is secondary, my feelings are secondary. My primary thing is the return of Kristin to me and her family,” he said. “Everything else is secondary. I don’t care what people think. I don’t care what people gossip.”

Authorities were continuing their search for Kristin Westra on Thursday, the Maine Warden Service said. The service said search teams have covered an area nearly 1½ miles surrounding Westra’s home. They’re also encouraging anyone who might have information related to the disappearance to contact the police.

Police have said there is nothing to indicate foul play is involved.

Kristin Westra teaches at Chebeague Island School. Principal Michael Pulsifer said they are trying to keep normal routines for the students.