ABOUT

The Local News is an independent nonprofit newspaper with a mission of providing a balanced, free source of community news, ideas, and opinion for the people of Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport.

We believe local news drives civic engagement. In mid-2025, the Kennebunk Post ceased publication of its print edition, leaving Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport without comprehensive news coverage. Several months later, a small group of residents from our three towns called a meeting to ask for support in starting a new, non-profit, volunteer newspaper. Support was strong, enthusiasm was high, and five additional individuals immediately joined the startup committee.

Creating a name, mission, website, State of Maine incorporation, and completing our application for federal non-profit status took us well into the spring. The first online issue launched on May 18, 2026.

The Local News is staffed by volunteers who believe that:

• a local newspaper builds community by providing a vehicle for respectful community interaction, and
• an informed citizenry is an empowered citizenry.

The Local News will cover municipal activities; non-profit organizations’ news and events; RSU 21 board proceedings; local school activities, and student reporting. We will actively search out stories that illustrate what makes our communities what they are today. We also welcome letters to the editor. In all our reporting, we will strive to show multiple points of view and allow our readers to draw their own conclusions.

The Local News will generate revenue primarily by donations – as well as sponsorships and advertising. There are no paid subscriptions or paywalls – we want everyone to have access to The Local News. Please know that your donation doesn’t just give YOU access to The Local News – it gives EVERYONE access to The Local News.

We will be building reporting capacity and breadth of coverage on an ongoing basis.  And although we are starting out online, we hope to add a print version and professional staff when donations allow. The community’s willingness to financially support a community newspaper will influence the quality of the newspaper and if/when a print version can be realized.

The Local News retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and all sources of revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute our endorsement of donors or their products, services, or opinions.

If you have an idea for a story, a press release, a letter, or a news tip, please send it to editor@thelocalnewsonline.org.

If you’d like to make a donation, click HERE.

If you would like to be a business sponsor, email us at admin@thelocalnewsonline.org.

The Local News Board Members:

Susan Bloomfield, Kennebunk

Diane Franz, Kennebunkport

Jake Hawkins, Arundel

Joan Hull, Arundel

Carol Morris, Kennebunkport

Betsy Smith, Kennebunk

The Local News Start-up Committee:

Charles Kennedy, Kennebunkport

Ian Murphy, Kennebunk

Judith Pitchforth, Arundel

Karen Suhrhoff, Kennebunkport

Sarah Vander Schaaff, Kennebunkport

Nancy Viehmann, Kennebunkport

Thank you!

The Local News would like to express deep gratitude to the Sanford-Springvale News, the Harpswell Anchor, the Maine Monitor, Journalism New England and the Maine Community Foundation’s Press Forward for their support, guidance, and enthusiasm in getting us started.