Current Publishing will begin publishing a community newspaper covering Sanford, Springvale, Acton and Lebanon this week.

A tabloid, the Weekly Observer will be mailed free of charge to homes and available on newsstands. With a circulation of 14,000, it will join Current Publishing’s family of six weekly newspapers, which together cover more than 35 towns in southern and western Maine and reach more than 145,000 readers.

“The Sanford/Springvale area is a vibrant and growing community, and we are eager to be an active member, serving these towns with a new local newspaper,” said Publisher Lee Hews Casler.

All Current Publishing newspapers strive to be an indispensable source for local news and opinions. The Weekly Observer will be no exception.

“We’ll be digging to find local stories that haven’t been reported anywhere else. We’ll also strive to be a newspaper that’s accessible to local people who are interested in getting publicity for local events and people,” said Executive Editor Brendan Moran.

The newspaper is searching for an editor to oversee the editorial content. It is also looking for local columnists and contributors. Michael DeAngelis, the former editor and a contributor at the Reporter newspaper in Waterboro, will serve as the interim editor. His wife, Associate Publisher Kerry DeAngelis, will design the paper and assist with editing duties, until that position is filled.

“Kerry is an exceptional newspaper person, literally breathing life into these fine community newspapers. The Weekly Observer will be well designed and well produced with the efforts of both Mike and Kerry,” said Casler.

The newspaper welcomes submissions via e-mail at [email protected] and by mail at P.O. Box 455, Sanford, ME 04073. The newspaper can also be contacted at its toll free number, (800) 840-2391.

Current Publishing produces The Current, serving Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and South Portland; the American Journal, serving Westbrook, Gorham and Buxton; The Lakes Region Suburban Weekly, serving Windham, Raymond, Standish and Naples; the Sun Chronicle, serving Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford; The Reporter, serving Waterboro, Alfred, Limerick, Lyman, Newfield and Shapleigh; The Citizen, serving Cornish, Parsonsfield, Porter, Baldwin, Bridgton, Brownfield, Denmark, Fryeburg, Hiram, Kezar Falls and Limington.

Current Publishing is based at 27 Gorham Road #3, Scarborough, ME 04074. The office can be reached at 883-3533 and by fax at 883-4372.