Reading through this week’s Lakes Region Weekly, readers have no doubt noticed some changes – there are three sections, more columnists, more communities represented, and much more news. We here at Current Publishing hope you like it that way. We know we do.

The Lakes Region is growing with every new resident who chooses the beauty and quality of living our communities provide. The area is booming and will keep booming. The newspaper, in response, needs to grow as well. As a result, the “new and improved” Lakes Region Weekly will expand its focus to include Windham, Standish, Raymond, Casco, Sebago, Gray, New Gloucester, Naples and Bridgton.

Tied together by pristine Sebago Lake, the Route 302 corridor and the tendency of area residents to shop in either North Windham or Bridgton, the Lakes Region is a dynamic and changing place. It offers everything from quiet, secluded beaches and beautiful, million-dollar homes to sweeping farm fields, stable companies with which employees can build a future, and busy shopping areas. There is truly something for everyone in the Lakes Region and the new Lakes Region Weekly wants to bring each and every part of it to you, the reader, every week.

So what can you expect each week from the Lakes Region Weekly? First, we are excited to introduce columnists from each of the nine Lakes Region communities. These folks will get you the news of their towns that reflects what’s happened and what will happen. You’ll find information about local organizations, schools, and people making an impact. As we progress, each community columnist will have her own special twist, and that will be fun to read each week.

Also new is an Arts and Entertainment section to lead off the second section of the newspaper. With so many wonderful artists, actors and musicians living and performing in the Lakes Region, it was clear the new paper should focus on upcoming cultural offerings and stories about artists making their mark here in the Lakes Region. There will also be a new Arts and Entertainment calendar on Page 3 of the second section. Weekly, we hope you will turn to the A&E pages for a comprehensive menu of hip happenings in the Lakes Region.

In addition to these new focal points, there will also be a regularly appearing outdoors page, business page, opinion page and religion page. The sports pages will expand to include more games and features. Obituaries and senior news will continue to appear. Police and court logs will be expanded to include the Bridgton area. School news will stay a focus, as will coverage of breaking news and in-depth reporting from each community.

We are excited to be entering a new phase here at Current Publishing, one in which we hope you will enjoy and take part. As always, thanks for reading and drop us a line if you hear of any news or have any comments to share.

-John Balentine, editor