In a move to strengthen its presence in York County, Current Publishing has formed a new partnership with a well-known local entrepreneur and media executive.

David Flood has joined the firm as publisher of the company’s three award-winning York County weekly newspapers: the Sun Chronicle (Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach), the Reporter (Waterboro, Alfred, Lyman, Newfield, Limerick and Shapleigh), and the Weekly Observer (Sanford, Lebanon, Acton).

In addition to serving as publisher of the three newspapers, Flood has been named president of York County Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Current Publishing. The announcement was made Feb. 16 by Lee Hews, publisher of Westbrook-based Current Publishing, and Flood.

Flood, a Biddeford city councilor, intends to resign his seat.

The company also produces three weekly newspapers in Cumberland County: The Current (Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland), American Journal (Westbrook, Gorham, Buxton) and Lakes Region Weekly (Windham, Raymond, Standish, Naples, Casco, Sebago, Bridgton, Gray, New Gloucester). In addition, the company publishes the niche magazines Maine Women, Food Etc., My Generation and 95 North.

Flood, of Biddeford, is the former publisher of six weekly newspapers, including the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. Flood and his wife Carolyn started Mainely Newspapers, Inc. in 1989 with the Courier, eventually expanding the company to include papers in Scarborough, South Portland, Kennebunk, Gorham and Sanford. They sold the assets of the company in 2007 to Mainely Media Inc.

In joining forces with Flood, Hews said that as a former competitor, she understands how strong Flood is in the York County market.

“I don’t think we could have a better person leading us in York County than David Flood,” she said. “We are just thrilled to be partnering with him in this venture, and share a common goal of publishing outstanding newspapers serving the residents and businesses in all of the communities we cover.”

Flood said he is looking forward to returning to the role of community newspaper publisher.

“I’m glad to be joining with the team of professionals at Current Publishing,” he said. “Lee Hews and her group have demonstrated great success in putting out credible and reliable community newspapers.”

Flood and Hews anticipate opening a Sun Chronicle office in Biddeford by April.