Kate Irish Collins

The Forecaster

Kate Irish Collins has been doing community journalism around southern Maine since 1997, with a couple breaks here and there. Kate writes for The Forecaster group of weekly newspapers. Her beat includes the Portland schools and the towns of Falmouth and Yarmouth. Kate grew up in Gorham and now lives near the beach, where she walks her dog as much as possible. She always has a book on hand and always enjoys watching a good movie.

Latest

Published
May 14, 2019

2 seats, 2 candidates for Falmouth School Board

FALMOUTH — There are two candidates for two seats on the School Board this June. The uncontested candidates are James Cahan, husband of Town Councilor Hope Cahan, and political newcomer Krisztina Napolitano. According to Town Manager Nathan Poore, “There is no state law, town ordinance or Charter provision that would prohibit a councilor’s spouse from serving […]
Published
May 14, 2019

Cumberland County group gets grant to expand gleaning

YARMOUTH — Gleaning is an age-old practice that’s been gaining ground in recent years as food assistance programs seek to provide healthier, more nutritious options for their clients. The Cumberland County Food Security Council recently received a $25,000 grant to help expand its gleaning program, which provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables to about […]
Published
May 14, 2019

Portland elementary school uses native language playspace to build English skills

PORTLAND — Reiche Elementary School has found a unique way to help students with critical language acquisition needed for academic success. The school has created specialized a play space where students can speak their native languages, while also building their English language skills. Suzanne Chevalier, an English language learner teacher, said Reiche has a lot of […]
Published
May 14, 2019

‘The Twitter of its day’: Portland Observatory story told by new exhibits

PORTLAND — Climbing to the top of the 86-foot tall Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill provides fantastic views of the harbor and beyond. But there’s also a remarkable history behind the more than 200-year-old structure. That’s the story Greater Portland Landmarks is trying to tell with new exhibits designed to engage visitors in “a more dynamic […]
Published
May 8, 2019

Falmouth planners give councilors ‘discretion’ on zoning fix

FALMOUTH — The Planning Board showed a preference Tuesday for a complete rollback of dimensional standards to pre-2016 requirements in the Residential A zone. But the board also recommended the Town Council consider a proposal by the Long Range Planning Advisory Committee to increase lot sizes in RA, while keeping some of the changes allowed by […]
Published
May 7, 2019

Yarmouth plan: Make Main Street more charming, cohesive

YARMOUTH — The goal of a new Main Street Master Plan, according to the planning and development director, is to maintain the village character while making targeted improvements to further enhance its charm. Planner Alex Jaegerman has been working with an advisory committee of residents and several consultants for the past six months, including Terrence J. […]
Published
May 7, 2019

Yarmouth police lieutenant to replace Morrill as chief

YARMOUTH — The Town Council is expected to confirm Lt. Daniel Gallant as the town’s new police chief at its meeting next week. Gallant will replace Chief Mike Morrill, who is retiring as of June 14. Town Manager Nat Tupper said Gallant was the top choice for the post and he has earned the right to […]
Published
May 7, 2019

Portland councilors urged to approve school budget with no cuts

PORTLAND — Arguing that investing in public education is of critical importance, nearly everyone who spoke at a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2020 school budget Monday urged the City Council to support the entire amount the School Board is requesting. If the $263.3 million municipal budget and $117.8 million school spending plan are approved as […]
Published
May 7, 2019

Portland students pen connection with Falmouth seniors

PORTLAND — Through letters and art projects, second-graders at Lyseth Elementary School are brightening the lives of senior citizens at a Falmouth assisted living community. The pen pal project was the idea of teacher Linda Whittum, whose father lives at Foreside Harbor. “When I visit Foreside Harbor and see my students’ art projects adorning the hallway […]
Published
May 7, 2019

Portland urban orchard to host 1st public activities

PORTLAND — An urban orchard planted on a hill above the city near East End Community School will hold its inaugural public event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Begun six years ago, the Mt. Joy Orchard consists of more than 100 fruit trees, plus herbs and other edibles, and several native species. The orchard […]