Maine’s firefighter shortage is part of a national problem, but the state’s size, rural makeup and aging population complicate matters — and the solutions are proving elusive.
Drew Johnson
Staff Writer
Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts, Drew grew up going to his family’s lake house in Denmark, Maine, learning to snow ski at Pleasant Mountain and water ski on Moose Pond. While he started as a “Vacationlander”, Drew adopted “the way life should be” motto and moved to Portland in 2021.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine high school teacher fired for comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination
Derek Brewer, a social studies teacher at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, was fired by the RSU 67 school board in a unanimous vote.
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Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
3 takeaways from Maine’s annual crime report
The overall crime rate has steadily declined in Maine since 2021, but some types of crime increased in 2024.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Disaster loans available for Maine businesses hurt by May downpours, cold spell
The federal disaster loans can be used by eligible businesses and nonprofits to pay debts, payroll and other bills that went unpaid due to the weather’s impact.
Posted inMaine, News, The Maine Forecast
Maine forecast has more snow and a potential mix of sleet, freezing rain
The National Weather Service is warning that the quickly changing conditions could make for messy commutes, especially Wednesday morning.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Tremont couple’s deaths were a ‘mutual decision,’ family says
Maine State Police had been investigating the deaths of William and Jyoti Hawley, who were found Dec. 23 on Mount Desert Island, as a murder-suicide.
Posted inMaine, News
MOFGA cuts 6 positions
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association announced the layoffs this month, citing a loss of federal funding and future budget projections.
Posted inNews
Winter storm brings ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ to Maine on Monday
The storm brought icy rain and sleet throughout Maine, resulting in lowered speed limits, closures and car crashes across the state.
Posted inMaine, Maine Mariners, News, Sports
Maine Mariners games postponed amid labor dispute between league, players union
The Professional Hockey Players’ Association began a leaguewide strike Friday and is accusing the ECHL of unfair labor practices.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, New England, News
Maine to benefit from new solar projects across New England
Nearly 30% of the power generated by five selected projects — including two within the state — would benefit Maine.