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‘A firefighter’s firefighter’: Harpswell Fire Administrator Mike Drake dies at 52

‘A firefighter’s firefighter’: Harpswell Fire Administrator Mike Drake dies at 52

By J. Craig Anderson • May 12, 2026

Harpswell Fire Administrator Mike Drake, a lifelong firefighter and leader at multiple departments on the Midcoast, died unexpectedly last weekend at the age of 52.

Mermaids and mythology mix in ‘paranormal romance’ set on Harpswell coast

Features

Mermaids and mythology mix in ‘paranormal romance’ set on Harpswell coast

By Kenneth Z. Chutchian • May 8, 2026

Sarah Milner isn't sure when her journey as a writer began, but when she gained traction on her first novel — a "paranormal romance" set largely in Harpswell — she learned that every writer's journey is different and personal. Like many writers, she learned the hard way.

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

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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

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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.

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