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New marine science center rises on Quahog Bay

New marine science center rises on Quahog Bay

By J. Craig Anderson • March 1, 2026

Construction of a new marine science center for Harpswell's Quahog Bay Conservancy is well underway, with work continuing on the waterfront site of the former Quahog Bay Inn.

From smoky brisket to huge cinnamon rolls, new cafe impresses Brunswick with eclectic offerings and large portions

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From smoky brisket to huge cinnamon rolls, new cafe impresses Brunswick with eclectic offerings and large portions

By Connie Sage Conner • February 28, 2026

Fried chicken on a jumbo biscuit with sausage gravy and a drizzle of maple syrup. Beef on weck, a favorite in Buffalo, New York, with thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a homemade kaiser roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt. A "big smoked breakfast" with brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, two eggs, home fries and toast. Hungry yet?

District abandons option to close Harpswell’s only public school

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District abandons option to close Harpswell’s only public school

By J. Craig Anderson • February 25, 2026

As work continues on a new long-range facilities master plan, the local school district has abandoned the idea of closing the aging Harpswell Community School and will focus on developing a plan to renovate it.

A lobster house in winter: Cook’s embraces offseason role as island outpost

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A lobster house in winter: Cook’s embraces offseason role as island outpost

By Bisi Cameron Yee • February 6, 2026

The wind off Garrison Cove was wicked on New Year's Day. The temperature on Bailey Island was in the low 20s, with a wind chill that made it feel like single digits. The sun had set by 4:15 p.m., and the temperature continued to drop in the cold blue of evening.

Bailey Island neighbors have grandsons on opposite teams in Super Bowl

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Bailey Island neighbors have grandsons on opposite teams in Super Bowl

By Troy R. Bennett • February 4, 2026

Parny Hagerman and her neighbor Surrey Hardcastle have a lot in common. They live just a few yards from each other on Bailey Island. Both are retired school administrators and each has nearly two dozen grandkids. What's more, Hagerman and Hardcastle both have grandsons in the NFL.

Amid ICE raids, Cundy’s Harbor minister chooses arrest over compliance

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Amid ICE raids, Cundy’s Harbor minister chooses arrest over compliance

By J. Craig Anderson • February 4, 2026

The Rev. Allison Smith describes her arrest not as a moment of panic, but of calm. "I felt like I was part of this wider community of faith and prayer and solidarity, and so I felt a great deal of peace … in the sense that I could risk arrest and be assured that I would be safe on many levels," said Smith, of Cundy's Harbor. "Tragically, that is not the experience of my neighbors and the families that have lost people."

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Harpswell officials see what happens to recyclables after they leave town

Representatives of Harpswell's Recycling Center and Recycling Committee recently got their first look inside the facility where the town's recyclables are sorted for sale and eventual reuse.

bySam Lemonick

October 30, 2025