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Harpswell’s June ballot includes school spending, dog rules

Harpswell’s June ballot includes school spending, dog rules

By J. Craig Anderson • June 2, 2026

Harpswell voters will weigh in on the proposed school budget and two other education spending questions, a change to town leash rules, and party nominees for county, state and federal offices on Tuesday, June 9.

Photo Gallery: With help from Grammy winner, island church remembers a beloved member

Features

Photo Gallery: With help from Grammy winner, island church remembers a beloved member

By Jessica Rivers • May 29, 2026

The Grammy-winning pianist Paul Sullivan performed to a full house at Islands Community Church on Bailey Island on May 2. The church put on the concert in memory of Jean Johnson, a member and volunteer who died when she was struck by a vehicle in January.

Investigator’s report confirms details of October house fire

News

Investigator’s report confirms details of October house fire

By J. Craig Anderson • May 29, 2026

A report by the investigator of an October 2025 house fire on Harpswell Neck confirms that a 78-year-old man found dead by firefighters had died of natural causes before the fire started, and that the fire started because another occupant failed to properly dispose of a lit cigarette.

Emergency services building project faces rising costs, possible delays

News

Emergency services building project faces rising costs, possible delays

By J. Craig Anderson • May 28, 2026

A voter-approved project to build a central station for Harpswell's municipal fire and rescue workers is facing setbacks on multiple fronts, including construction cost increases and possible delays to address environmental concerns.

Bronze flag holders disappear from veterans’ graves in apparent theft

News

Bronze flag holders disappear from veterans’ graves in apparent theft

By Sam Lemonick • May 26, 2026

The Orr's Island Cemetery discovered dozens of bronze flag holders missing from veterans' graves just weeks before Memorial Day, an apparent theft that has cemetery associations and the town considering affordable alternatives to the expensive fixtures.

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