FALMOUTH – The Forecaster, publisher of several weekly newspapers, intends to expand its coverage area by launching a Mid-Coast edition in October.

“It’s a natural extension for us,” said David Costello, president. “There’s a real connection between that area and Portland.”

The new edition will cover the towns of Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell. Other Forecaster editions cover Portland and its suburbs to the north and south. With the launch of the Mid-Coast edition, the Forecaster will provide news as far north as Bath and as far south as Scarborough.

A free circulation newspaper, the Forecaster distributes more than 50,000 copies each week among the three editions covering greater Portland. The Mid-Coast edition will make its debut on Oct. 21 and start with a circulation of 12,000. It will be available in supermarkets and stores throughout the area.

The Mid-Coast edition will feature local news, including town government, schools and education issues, as well as the police beat and extensive local calendar listings.

Costello said the Mid-Coast area is growing and vibrant, despite its recent setback with the announced closure of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. He said sustained interest from people in those communities asking for the Forecaster helped lead to the decision to expand.

New editorial and advertising personnel will be added to staff the new paper.

The Falmouth Forecaster was purchased by the Sun Journal nearly two years ago. The Mid-Coast edition will be its third expansion under Sun Journal ownership.

– Carol Coultas