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.

Community, News

Falmouth approves $22 million budget

by Sophie Burchell April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

The budget is up 4.9% from the current fiscal year.

Community, News

Draft North Yarmouth municipal budget up less than 1%

by Sophie Burchell April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

Proposed increases in staffing costs, contracted services and capital expenses are driving the small hike.

Arts & Entertainment, Community, Life & Culture, News

Making to the music at Portland ‘craft rave’

by Sophie Burchell April 26, 2026April 26, 2026

Two friends hosted an afternoon of creativity, socializing and a DJ’s beats on Sunday afternoon, and hope to throw more similar events.

Community, News

Cumberland fire chief was placed on leave over misconduct at meeting

by Sophie Burchell April 24, 2026April 27, 2026

Chief Dan Small was disciplined in March after a meeting was found to be “inappropriate” and “intimidating.” Some firefighters say this is not isolated behavior.