The Forecaster

The town will hire a search firm to assist in finding a permanent town manager to replace Peter Joseph.

The Town Council will outline plans for at least 225 new residential units next week.

With sufficient access to high-speed internet in just 13% of the state, a regional coalition is working to increase availability throughout Cumberland County and in other underserved or unserved areas.

Sugarhouses open their doors for Maine Maple Sunday Weekend events March 25-26 with demonstrations, samplings and sales, pancake breakfasts and other family activities.

Five high school students are developing a filtration system for the forever chemicals and hope to advance to the national finals in a Samsung science competition.

The seal pup rescued after wandering town streets in January and another pup rescued a week earlier were safely returned to the ocean Thursday.

A federal grant will allow the town to proceed with planned upgrades, including improved lighting, trail work and additional pickleball courts.

The town’s tree warden said he has already spotted nests around town and has a plan in place to eradicate them and others that crop up.

The therapy dog is part of Greely High School's neuroscience-based animal-assisted education program, now in its 23rd year.

High school student Brynn Vogel's artwork was selected for the Youth Art Month exhibit.

The Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Board also calls for a community survey on the project to determine why last November's effort failed.

The grants from the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership will fund sustainable landscaping workshops in Cumberland and a nature backpack program in Falmouth.

The $18.9 million spending plan includes $300,000 to launch a fund for major projects over the next 10 years, including expansions and renovations at the town's two fire stations.

You Regatta, with a shop in Falmouth, has joined forces with Logo Owl in an eco-friendly venture to provide customized and promotional products.

The idea for the club came from a Cape Elizabeth student who played the game with her grandfather, who had dementia but "always remembered how to play chess."

The 114-year-old Boston Post Cane tradition is alive and well in some towns, but waning in others.

With a mostly favorable opinion of the overall project proposed for Main Street, the Project Review Board requests some exterior and landscaping changes and the developer says those changes will be addressed.

In addition, the town's housing authority should take on a bigger and more proactive role, the task force chairperson says.

The Cumberland-North Yarmouth school board has approved a rearrangement of modular classrooms at Mabel I. Wilson school and the addition of more of the units at the middle school.

Ruth Thurston-Coffey, who is having heart surgery this week, said she is “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support.

Two new programs from Finally Home in North Yarmouth will provide financial assistance to eligible Mainers whose old dogs require medical services, including being put down.

The GPS and navigation device company is expanding their Yarmouth offices to accommodate more employees.

Lisa Wentzell's "A Dog and His Boy" is based on her son, Scotty, a very active young man with Dubowitz syndrome.

The committee would be a means to bridge the gap between community members and the police department.

The residents in opposition believe the proposed complex detracts from the historic New England feel of the town and does not comply with local ordinances.

Twelve childhood friends meet monthly to socialize and play a fun little dice game.

Wisdom Tea offers a way for Falmouth High School students to learn from their elders as they tackle life's challenges.

Ruth Weeks has been competing in debates since her sophomore year and qualified for national tournaments twice.

The transfer station's new facilities will make recycling easier and more effective.

Annual mental "checkups" are in place in Cumberland and the Yarmouth police chief says he hopes to implement a similar program.

An inclusionary zoning ordinance in Yarmouth will require developers to include affordable housing in their projects.

Solo adventuring, on the Camino de Santiago and Mount Everest, gives Marieta Atienza, 68, a recently retired nurse, a new lease on life.

The once-obscure sport has quickly grown into one of the area's most popular activities.

Recent test results show oxygen levels below the level needed to support a fish population.

A campus master plan will be created through a multi-year process.

Police Chief Chip Rumsey says his new role with the International Association of Chiefs of Police will allow him to share valuable lessons and bring valuable knowledge home.

The Falmouth Planning Board approved site plans for The Shops at Falmouth Center.

The team's revival gives middle schoolers the opportunity to connect with others in the wider deaf and hard of hearing community.

Cooper Wright builds Lego's largest set in under 9¼ hours and wipes two hours off the previous record time.

High-potency marijuana used in vape pens and other devices increases the risks, according to experts at a forum in Yarmouth.

The Cumberland-North Yarmouth library has expanded three times since its doors opened in 1923, and it plans to keep expanding.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is holding a recruitment campaign until March 1 and is especially in need of male volunteers.

The Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Board agrees to an option to buy the 76-acre parcel on Gray Road for up to five years.

More than 30 small marine enterprises work out of the Sea Meadow Marine center, which also offers education programs and has plans for an eco-friendly expansion.

Greater Portland Family Promise has been working with area congregations to shelter asylum-seeking families for two weeks at a time.

A solar power project will begin soon at Falmouth Land Trust's Hurricane Valley Farm, where more than 50 families of New Mainers grow food, and a fundraising campaign is underway to renovate a dilapidated barn.

Fiona Meyer will compete in the North American Irish Dance Championships in 2023.

A pool of 40 woodchoppers, stackers and haulers helps provide firewood to local families who need help with heat.

"Over the Path," sculptures of swallows and swifts by John Bowdren, can be found overlooking the Blake Skating Pond in the village.

Follow a map in Yarmouth or drive through a lit up landscape at the Cumberland Fairgrounds.

The board says it will need to see the result of a traffic review for the Route 1 project.

Cape Elizabeth resident Trevor Maxwell's Man Up to Cancer community has taken off across the country, inspiring men not to go through it alone.

This year's concert hosted by organist James Kennerley features two local choirs, the Kotzschmar Festival Brass and Percussion ensemble, a renowned opera singer – and the audience.

Dixie Hayes of the North Yarmouth Historical Society authors a children's book about the Old Town House that she hopes will appeal to young readers and adults alike.

A forestry management plan to remove dead and dying trees has made the popular Falmouth preserve safer for all, the town says.

Residents speak for and against a proposed recreation trail connecting Portland and Auburn using the unused St. Lawrence and Atlantic Rail corridor.

The statement will be a foundation for the town's new 10-year comprehensive plan.

Clothing and shoe recycling drop boxes are becoming more available in the state.

Short-term solutions to overcrowding in Cumberland-North Yarmouth schools will be the immediate focus, the superintendent says.

The family of Ryan Rogers, who died in April 2021, dedicate a renewed basketball court at Huston School Park to his legacy.

The Yarmouth Elementary School students are working with BirdSafe Maine to find prevent bird strikes against school windows.

Freeport Meetinghouse Arts will perform 'Our Town' this weekend, dedicated to Theo Ferrara and Maddison Cunningham with the hope the story will help heal the grieving community.

Laurie Dorr of the Finally Home shelter in North Yarmouth will hold a Pack Party this weekend to raise funds to help care for the old dogs she has taken in.

A pay-as-you-throw system will start in January.

With the goals of teaching the importance of skilled trades and giving students a stake in the project, Hebert Construction hires teenagers for the renovation of the Travis Roy Ice Arena. It's also donating $25 back to the project for each hour individual students are on the clock.

Officer Kathleen Oelschlegel, the recovery coach, assists those seeking recovery from substance misuse, their family members and their loved ones, get the help they need.

SAD 51 is facing an ed tech shortage ahead of summer hiring, Yarmouth saw double the usual number of resignations and retirements during the 2021-2022 school year and Falmouth has more than 20 vacancies.

The town plans for the sale of the West Main Street School building to come with preservation guarantees.

The town is hosting nine public sessions in July and August to come up with a vision statement that will be the basis for a new 10-year comprehensive plan.

The two Democrats handily beat their Republican opponents in a four-way race for two seats.

Former budget committee member Darla Hamlin won the second open seat over Peter Godsoe.

Another $3,000 is needed for pay for library "extras," such as speakers and performers.

Cumberland, Yarmouth, Freeport, North Yarmouth and Brunswick, working with Greater Portland Council of Governments, will apply for a state grant to help meet their climate goals.

The wildly popular annual event, which was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, will feature more family-centered events, an expanded family care station and more handicapped-accessible parking.

"The Story of Falmouth" spanning four centuries lines a wall at Town Hall.

The Beyond 2020 strategic plan stresses more support for students and attracting and keeping quality educators.

A 15-member committee will decide whether a walking trail can be built on or near the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad tracks or if the corridor should remain as is for future train use.

In addition to school budget validation votes, contested races to be decided in Falmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth and Yarmouth include those for municipal boards and school boards.

Pownal artists John Bowdren's birds in flight will overlook the skate pond in the village.

The project will get by underway with tree clearing and pipe laying along Middle Road, starting at Lunt Road and extending to the Falmouth Spur overpass.

The Maine Office of the Public Advocate opposes the proposed seven-year rate plan, which would hike the average natural gas bill by 16% in the first year.

With a lot of help from SAD 51 students, teacher John Marlowe raises money with the goal of fostering a love of literacy in a West African village.

Anna Siegel, recognized for her leadership roles in statewide youth groups, spearheaded successful passage of a bill in the Legislature for the state to divest of its assets in the fossil fuel industry.

Public input will be sought at a June 29 meeting on the assessment results, which will include scenarios for future use.

The town is mapping out preliminary design and safety improvements for the busy pier.

A consultant and a residents' group will explore how the library can be more environmentally friendly.

The proposal is in response to the tight housing market that is precluding families and asylees from moving to town and seniors from aging in place, the Town Council chairperson says.

The candidates for two seats in Cumberland and one in North Yarmouth weigh in on addressing the growing student enrollment and the district's equity and inclusion efforts.

Brian Kilgallen hopes to unseat either Bob Vail or Michael Edes, both of whom are running for re-election.

Subscribers are able to stream multiple devices simultaneously with the same speed for uploads and downloads.

Royal River Alliance is hosting a World Fish Migration Day event May 21 to bring attention to the need to remove the Bridge Street and Elm Street dams to restore fish and the health of the river.

Town voters June 14 will choose from Peter Harvey Godsoe, Darla Hamlin and Andy Walsh.

Five candidates are running in the June election for two three-year seats and two seek a one-year seat amid tension in town over development.

Scott Booth, Emily Hinman, Sara Juli and Laurel Regan hope to be elected in June to the seats vacated by James Cahan and Krisztina Napolitano, who opted not to run again.

Greely High School in Cumberland was ranked first in the state based on test scores and college readiness, Greely Middle School 6-8 made the grade for the first time.

Property owners in all three towns will see an increase in their annual tax bills.

The Yarmouth Historic Preservation Committee will advise residents who want to renovate their houses with the goal of keeping intact the town's history and character.

The 8-year-olds track down the Portland artist and discover the history of a lobby sculpture at Mabel I. Wilson Elementary School.

Royal River Conservation Trust makes its first substantial foray into Gray with the 150-acre site.

The Cumberland Town Council receives assurances from the Cumberland Farmers Club and approves the permit for 10 circus performances this summer.

The department, limited on space, is seeking an outside assessment of its facility needs to determine its next steps.

The native plant nonprofit has doubled in size and is ramping up its community partnerships and events.

The liaison will respond to mental health-related calls, provide crisis intervention and connect people to mental health services.

A fourth grader at Greely Middle School in Cumberland was the driving force behind a read-a-thon that raised $45,000 for relief efforts, and a Yarmouth High School club raises thousands more than their original goal.

The gift means the department can fully outfit its force with stun guns and cameras and its patrol cars with dash cams at no cost to the department or taxpayers.

The Royal River watershed in New Gloucester, Pownal, Durham and Auburn "is special in the context of the unknown of the future climate," according to the Royal River Conservation Trust, which is looking for land donations.

The $5.5 million expansion project at 317 Main includes a performance hall, 10 studios and an elevator for handicapped accessibility and is expected to be completed by December.

The school's Make-A-Wish Club has raised more than $60,000 over two decades to fulfill the wishes of critically ill children in Maine.

The support for changes in town depends upon where residents live and how long they've lived there, according to a Falmouth Visions & Values report.

Founded in 2020, Youth Work Makes the Booth Work is encouraging teenagers to participate in the democratic process – whether by voting or by working the polls themselves.

The roundabout at Route 100 and Blackstrap Road would include new bike and pedestrian lanes, but the project is contingent on state and federal funding.

Jackie Mundry's beloved grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and Mundry's marathon team is raising funds to benefit the national Alzheimer's Association.

"Prices are up 100% in some cases, which is unheard of," says the co-owner of a Freeport shop that buys and sells comic books.

The Cumberland Town Council strongly encourages SAD 51 to build a solar field to supply all of its campuses.

As proposed, the schools would contribute an increase of $1.70, or 8.6% to the current tax rate of $19.80.

The Freeport and Yarmouth theater programs were regional winners in the Maine Drama Festival and individual students were also recognized from the three high schools.

Pavel Sulyandziga, an opera singer whose father lives in Yarmouth, says he is particularly sensitive to the invasion of Ukraine because he has many friends there.

The Route 100-area tax district consists of 45 acres and includes two housing developments, a restaurant and office buildings.

Two teams of 15 Waynflete students will compete next month in the Maine State Science Olympiad, which Waynflete has won seven times out of the past eight competitions.

Gretchen McNulty took over for in July for former Superintendent Geoff Bruno.

The Yarmouth Elementary School was been a "beacon of strength" in navigating pandemic requirements and complications, according to his nominator.

The four new buses also will be larger and last longer.

The property tax rate would increase 30 cents, adding $150 to the bill for the owner of a $500,000 home.

The council will vote on funding for improvements in April.

The municipal budget plan includes the addition of two full-time paramedics.

The spending plan is up 7.6% over this year's municipal budget.

Police Chief John Kilbride said his department has seen a marked increase in "high conflict calls."

Residents around Farm Gate Road and Marigold Lane say there are already problems with speeding traffic and delivery trucks blocking the road.

The Catholic program, Walking with Moms in Need, offers emotional support and information on adoption, career counseling and community resources.

A 2007 questionnaire is being resurrected to see how residents' priorities have changed over the last 15 years.

The Tidewater Village project would include commercial space and be built across from Rivalries restaurant on Hat Trick Drive.

Those who access the intersection at Lafayette Street, Princes Point Road and Pleasant Street can weigh in about safety concerns through an online survey that's open until April 1.

The proposal to add 13 acres to the 334-acre preserve will go to voters at Town Meeting on April 30.

A North Yarmouth man takes home the prize for the biggest togue at last weekend's Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby.

If it passes at the polls, the new limit would mean no more than 30 building permits would be given out annually.

Under the spending plan, the fire department's budget would increase almost 40% and property taxes would rise by nearly 4%.

Clark Baston donated his late father's collection of documents to the town.

The bridge and road work around Exit 9 and Route 1 are expected to have major traffic impacts and drivers are encouraged to detour around the area in April.

Virtual career fair brings expanded opportunities for middle schoolers and students in more remote areas.

Krista Cole, who also owns Sur Lie in Portland, will continue to offer dishes made with local ingredients.

A team of middle school students is designing a medical experiment that will be launched into space this fall.

Residents are urged to get involved as the town begins looking at improvements over the next decade.

A group of Falmouth High School freshmen and sophomores has initiated an independent study project to build a pump track in town this summer or fall.

Let's Talk at Falmouth High will feature three speakers discussing race, women's rights and consent education.

The middle school students are on North Yarmouth Academy's Civil Rights Team and wrote 'Alex' as a teaching tool to encourage acceptance.

The $4 million facility will allow the research and education nonprofit to provide more indoor programing year round.

Masks and other supplies will be distributed free of charge in an attempt to stem the omicron variant.

The project is still in the conceptual stage, but property owner Tamson Hamrock hopes the mixed-used project can get started next year.

Falmouth, Yarmouth and SAD 51 have been grappling with a shortage of substitutes and volunteers as the omicron variant sends staff home.

Dogs must be leashed at Woods Road Community Forest from December through March to protect the winter deer habitat.

The North Yarmouth Fire Company has broken ground for the project and needs to raise about $80,000 to complete its $100,000 fundraising goal.

Residents will vote in June on whether the option should be added to the district's curriculum.

Viktoria Wood is the new town administrator and the former deputy clerk is the new town clerk.

Casco Bay Inn has been designated a satellite location for the city of Portland, which has run out of space to accommodate new arrivals.

The deadline to apply for the Falmouth superintendent's position closes at the end of the month and the school board hopes to have the post filled by April.

A committee was initiated after three race-related incidents in 2019.

The material commonly used to seal driveways contains carcinogens and also harms aquatic life.

Wildwood Health Center moved from Portland to be part of the community and to be more accessible to its clients.

The last mile of the West Side Trail will be open to all and should be complete by early 2023.

Raising the wharf 2-3 feet is also being considered as sea-level rise threatens the coastal community.

The changes address some earlier complaints from owners who wanted to make their outside pandemic service a permanent part of their offerings.

Amid a statewide child care shortage and being unable to find a spot for her daughter, a real estate broker closes on a deal near to her heart.

Hazardous deadwood will be removed from the popular 29-acre preserve in Falmouth.

The accident on Main Street spurred the Town Council to beef up an existing plan for new crosswalks.

The donation will aid Weekend Anime's efforts to expand, while also raising awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

A new working group is researching proposals to improve internet access in town.

A branding campaign will culminate in a marketing plan and streamlining the town's website.

Diane Barnes is officially North Yarmouth's town manager.

The Cumberland Police Department will also replace in-car cameras and Tasers, but probably not until next fall.

Due to a projected increase in enrollment, the school district looks to construct at least one and possibly two new school buildings in a subdivision in North Yarmouth.

Work on The Woodlands portion of the sewer modernization and upgrade project is scheduled to begin Jan. 3.

The post has been vacant since Rosemary Roy stepped down in July.

North Yarmouth Historical Society's Old Town House is relocated to a new foundation on Walnut Hill Road.

Singer and actress Laura Darrell, who performed at this year's "Magic of Christmas," is finding it nice to be back home in Maine.

The town is expected to offset about 92% of its municipal electricity bill.

The money had been misallocated to the general fund as surplus, but the hall is now back in the black.

The annual review is "independent" of three recent gun incidents in SAD 51, the superintendent says.

Motorists should expect delays and reduced speeds on the interstate between now and 2025.

Jim Rodimon of North Yarmouth hands out the overdose reversal drug and other supplies on the streets of Portland.

A fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House and Salvation Army created by three girls from Falmouth and Yarmouth includes delivering season's greetings to local seniors.

If approved, the new plan would allow riders on the OceanView and Town Market loops to schedule rides, and Metro would add stops at Maine Medical Center and Thompson's Point in Portland.

After being canceled for the past two years because of the pandemic, organizers expect a full return of the popular fundraising event in July.

The town wants to determine the local impact of pollutants carried by storm water or snowmelt that can damage aquatic life.

The drive-thru attraction includes a "Twelve Days of Christmas" display and a tunnel of lights.

Book Review will more than double in size when it opens in January as a Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop.

What started as a pop-up store last winter is now a permanent, year-round marketplace operated by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

Pooled testing has also eased the toll on schools, superintendents say.