J. Craig Anderson

353 posts

Harpswell Anchor reporter J. Craig Anderson is a veteran journalist whose work has earned state, regional and national awards.

1 minute read

News

Select Board approves new leash rule for Cliff Trail

Starting Sept. 1, dogs must be leashed at all times on the accessible portion of Harpswell's Cliff Trail. The town Select Board voted unanimously on Aug. 7 to adopt the rule, which applies to the trail segment built in 2021 along Strawberry Creek.

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 19, 2025

2 minute read

News

Select Board approves 4.7% tax increase

The Harpswell Select Board is hoping residents won't get too superstitious about the town's new property tax rate of $6.66 — an increase of 30 cents, or 4.7%.

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 13, 2025

6 minute read

News

Some sea farmers decry lengthy lease application process

Vienna resident Ben Weeks has been a lobsterman for 17 years and is hoping to start a sugar kelp farm in the New Meadows River in Harpswell to diversify his income. However, Weeks has been waiting almost three years for his lease applications to be approved by the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 3, 2025

5 minute read

News

As farming innovation collides with fishing tradition, Harpswell brings both sides to the table

Last year, Harpswell oyster farmer Samantha Bohan learned the town was considering a one-year moratorium on new aquaculture leases because of concerns about their impact on traditional fishing.

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 3, 2025

8 minute read

Features

Aquaculture ‘gold rush’ brings opportunity — and change — to Harpswell coast

Just before the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020, marine biologist Darcie Couture had set up a small oyster farm in Harpswell as a hobby, "or possibly a retirement plan." But as her income from other projects began to dry up because of the pandemic, Couture made a choice that altered her life's trajectory.

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 3, 2025

3 minute read

News

‘Hike at your own risk,’ town officials warn about Cliff Trail

After a handful of harrowing rescues in recent months, town officials are warning hikers to come prepared and…

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 1, 2025

1 minute read

News

Overnight ramp closures on Route 1 could affect Harpswell drivers

Harpswell motorists who rely on U.S. Route 1 to travel toward Topsham or Bath and points beyond should…

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 1, 2025

2 minute read

Columns

Ask the Anchor: Is Harpswell still trying to acquire Little Mark Island?

Question from Cathy Quinn: A few years ago, there were stories about Little Mark Island and the possibility of Harpswell acquiring it, as the government had declared it to be excess property. Where does that effort stand today?

byJ. Craig Anderson

August 1, 2025

2 minute read

News

Lane closure begins Monday for Ewing Narrows Bridge repairs

Traffic over Harpswell’s Ewing Narrows Bridge, on Mountain Road, will be reduced to one lane starting Monday, July…

byJ. Craig Anderson

July 25, 2025

2 minute read

News

Harpswell hosts meeting for nonresident taxpayers

The town hosted a meeting July 7 at Harpswell Community School for nonresident taxpayers to ask questions about the draft comprehensive plan, an ongoing townwide property revaluation and other issues.

byJ. Craig Anderson

July 24, 2025

J. Craig Anderson

Select Board approves new leash rule for Cliff Trail

Select Board approves 4.7% tax increase

Some sea farmers decry lengthy lease application process

As farming innovation collides with fishing tradition, Harpswell brings both sides to the table

Aquaculture ‘gold rush’ brings opportunity — and change — to Harpswell coast

‘Hike at your own risk,’ town officials warn about Cliff Trail

Overnight ramp closures on Route 1 could affect Harpswell drivers

Ask the Anchor: Is Harpswell still trying to acquire Little Mark Island?

Lane closure begins Monday for Ewing Narrows Bridge repairs

Harpswell hosts meeting for nonresident taxpayers

Harpswell Naturalist: The eastern moose

Drivers: District must raise pay, add benefits to end shortage

Never Not Amazed: Don’t borrow trouble

J. Craig Anderson

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