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First Person: Orr’s Island mechanic John Kaler ‘just can’t say no’

First Person: Orr’s Island mechanic John Kaler ‘just can’t say no’

By Jeffrey Good • May 7, 2026

"My stepfather ran gas stations all his life. He was old style, where you'd go in and someone would pump your gas, check your oil, wash your windshield. When it was slow at the pumps, he'd show me how to work on the cars in the garage. Growing up, my friends and I had cars, and we'd do our own work."

On humanitarian mission, Great Islander observes effects of Cuban embargo

Features

On humanitarian mission, Great Islander observes effects of Cuban embargo

By Kenneth Z. Chutchian • May 6, 2026

The humanitarian crisis in Cuba may not resonate with Americans who feel whiplashed by conflicts and crises around the globe and at home. But one Harpswell woman who first crossed the 90 miles between Cuba and Florida years ago recently returned to help people whose basic necessities are disappearing under the U.S. oil embargo imposed in January.

Filming fear on Bailey Island

Features

Filming fear on Bailey Island

By Bisi Cameron Yee • May 3, 2026

The boathouse on Bailey Island is dark and cold. A couple of long, wooden kayaks coated in dust are pushed to the side behind a stack of lobster traps. Johnny Berchtold kneels in a pool of light, trying to ignite an old tin heater. He looks up and peers into threatening shadows, then turns his attention back to the task at hand.

New volunteers rescue support group for Cundy’s Harbor fire department

News

New volunteers rescue support group for Cundy’s Harbor fire department

By J. Craig Anderson • May 1, 2026

The Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary was on life support in 2025 when local business owner Allison Hawkes and a group of friends stepped in to revive the organization before it slipped away.

Features

In ‘life-changing’ program, Mt. Ararat theater students learn what makes a good show great

High school theater is a rite of passage for many students, but for the cast and crew of Mt. Ararat Stage Company's "A Year with Frog and Toad," it's much more.

byBisi Cameron Yee

April 2, 2026