Alex Lear

Staff Writer

Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.

Brunswick using public input to update bike-ped improvement plan

by Alex Lear January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

A series of regional meetings culminates Feb. 27 with a town-wide gathering.

The Forecaster

‘Power duo’ Muddy Ruckus to perform on Bath stage

January 22, 2020

BATH — Muddy Ruckus, a Portland-based “power duo,” performs at the Chocolate Church Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 1. The 804 Washington St. show runs from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door, can be purchased at chocolatechurcharts.org or by calling 442-8455. Composed of guitarist Ryan Flaherty and drummer […]

The Forecaster

Land trust to host full moon trek in New Gloucester

January 22, 2020

NEW GLOUCESTER — The Royal River Conservation Trust hosts its ninth annual Pisgah Hill Full Moon Trek on Saturday, Feb. 8. The 4-7 p.m. mountain-top, moon-rise trek takes place at the Pisgah Hill Preserve, 74 Dougherty Road in New Gloucester, near the Pownal town line; the street is called Chadsey Road in Pownal. A bonfire […]

Coastal Journal, The Forecaster

Topsham Police eyes women’s locker room expansion to keep up with changing ranks

by Alex Lear January 21, 2020January 21, 2020

The department now has three full-time female officers among its 16-member roster.

The Forecaster

Freeport seminar to cover forest pests

January 21, 2020

FREEPORT — The town is working with master arborist Mike Hughes to offer quarterly seminars on arbor and land management issues that can affect residents’ properties. The winter session, to be held at Town Hall from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, will provide information on the browntail moth, the hemlock woolly adelgid, and emerald ash […]

The Forecaster

SAD 51 kindergarten registration begins Feb. 3

January 21, 2020

CUMBERLAND — Kindergarten registration for School Administrative District 51 students in Cumberland and North Yarmouth will be held at the Mabel I. Wilson School from Feb. 3-7. Children who will be 5 on or before Oct. 15 are eligible to attend kindergarten this fall. Registration is available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. The […]

The Forecaster

SAD 51 to hold workshop on proposed primary school

January 21, 2020

CUMBERLAND — School Administrative District 51 will hold a public input project on its proposed primary school building project Tuesday, Jan. 28. The 6-7:30 p.m. event, which has a snow date of Wednesday, Jan. 29, will be held in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. The district is working with Oak Point Associates to […]