Sophie Burchell

Staff Writer

Sophie is a community reporter for Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Falmouth and previously reported for the Forecaster. Her memories of briefly living on Mount Desert Island as a child drew her back to Maine to attend Bowdoin College, and back again to Portland after a year in Alaska. When she is not reporting, you can find Sophie rummaging through a thrift store or jumping in the ocean.

Do This, Maine, News

Hop into Big Night, Maine’s evening of amphibian migration

by Sophie Burchell March 27, 2026June 12, 2026

On a few nights each spring, Mainers help frogs and salamanders cross roads, witnessing the natural pilgrimage in their backyards.

Business, Maine, News

An island in Maine’s Casco Bay is losing its only store

by Sophie Burchell March 26, 2026March 27, 2026

‘It’s been the pulse of the island for a very long time,’ said Joshua Doughty, whose family has run Doughty’s Island Market on Chebeague Island since 1961.

Business, Maine, News

Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce hires new director, looks to Clam Fest

by Sophie Burchell March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Mary Sundeen will lead the business organization and Adrienne Nardi will direct the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

Maine, News

Bath Iron Works worker’s union set to strike Monday

by Sophie Burchell March 22, 2026March 23, 2026

The Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association is protesting the company’s contract offer, which did not meet their demands for better pay, insurance and retirement.

Maine, News

Lewiston lifts boil water order following Sunday’s water main break

by Sophie Burchell March 22, 2026March 23, 2026

Officials say residents in the impacted areas should run their cold water for 5 minutes before use to help flush out the system.

Maine, News

Iconic Yarmouth tree ‘Herbie’ gets second life, chance to share the town’s history

by Sophie Burchell March 20, 2026March 22, 2026

To honor his friend and former leader of 317 Main Community Music Center, a woodworker used pieces from the town’s past.

Maine, News, Schools and Education

North Yarmouth leaders don’t want school cost-sharing deal revisited

by Sophie Burchell March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Cumberland and North Yarmouth use a 60-year-old agreement to determine how much each pays toward the shared school district, and disagree whether it should be revisited.