Rachel Ohm

Staff Writer

Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.

Maine

Scarborough BMV to reopen following water damage from extreme cold weather

by STAFF REPORT February 15, 2023February 16, 2023

The office was closed for a week after a roof drain above the ceiling broke, sending water cascading into the building.

Cops & Courts, Maine

Department of Public Safety names new state fire marshal and MDEA director

by Rachel Ohm February 15, 2023February 15, 2023

Richard McCarthy has been nominated to serve as the next state fire marshal and Richard Desjardins has been appointed as the new director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Business, Maine

Portland board approves 179-room hotel for major project next to City Hall

by Rachel Ohm February 14, 2023February 15, 2023

The 179-room hotel with nine condos and 75 parking spaces was approved unanimously, but the developer says it’s too soon to say when construction might start.

Maine

At Portland’s Family Shelter, people sleep sitting up – but state help is on the way

by Rachel Ohm February 10, 2023February 11, 2023

City staff and immigrants’ advocates welcome MaineHousing’s announcement about funding for 13 temporary overnight warming shelters statewide, including 3 in Portland.

Maine

Judge dismisses landlord’s appeal of Portland rent board ruling on increases

by Rachel Ohm February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

The city does not plan to collect $15,350 in fines the rent board asked it to consider for Trelawny 657 LLC, saying ongoing cooperation from the landlord contributed to a decision to not impose the fine.

Maine, Schools and Education

Audit confirms staffing, lack of controls led to payroll problems at Portland schools

by Rachel Ohm February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

The report by Spinglass Management Group also recommended outsourcing payroll and said the district’s decision to work with ADP Inc. should help resolve many outstanding problems.

Maine

Portland council approves rezoning for Roux Institute development

by Rachel Ohm February 6, 2023February 8, 2023

The vote is a critical step toward building a new graduate school and research center at the site, along with housing and other development.

Maine

Portland councilor says she was threatened for speaking out against white supremacist banner

by Rachel Ohm February 6, 2023February 6, 2023

Victoria Pelletier said she received several hateful messages and threats after condemning a banner on display in Congress Square that read ‘It’s ok to be white.’