J.W. Oliver

275 posts

J.W. Oliver is the editor of the Harpswell Anchor. A former editor and reporter at The Lincoln County News, he was the Maine Press Association's Journalist of the Year for 2017-18.

2 minute read

News

Fire destroys home in North Harpswell, sends 2 to hospital with burns

Four people escaped a house fire in North Harpswell early Thursday, Oct. 29, although two men suffered burns and had to jump from the second story. The fire destroyed the 2.5-story building and two outbuildings.

byJ.W. Oliver

October 29, 2026

1 minute read

News

Harpswell woman caused crash while fleeing deputies on Great Island, police say

A Harpswell woman fled police twice and caused a crash that injured another driver on Monday, Oct. 12, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

byJ.W. Oliver

October 14, 2026

2 minute read

News

Harpswell Neck fire displaces family of 4

A family of four was displaced, but no one was hurt, when a mobile home near Stover's Point caught fire overnight on Sunday, July 12.

byJ.W. Oliver

July 13, 2026

1 minute read

News

Shed fire sends occupant to hospital with burn injuries

A person who was staying in a shed in North Harpswell suffered burns and smoke inhalation when the structure caught fire on Wednesday, June 24.

byJ.W. Oliver

June 26, 2026

2 minute read

News

Driver in fatal January crash charged with manslaughter

The driver in a January crash that killed a pedestrian on Orr's Island has been charged with manslaughter, operating under the influence and cocaine possession.

byJ.W. Oliver

June 19, 2026

4 minute read

News

Harpswell voters support school budget, back Shah and Charles in primaries

Harpswell voters supported the school district's 2026-27 budget and backed Democrat Nirav Shah and Republican Bobby Charles in Maine's gubernatorial primaries on Tuesday, June 9.

byJ.W. Oliver

June 10, 2026

4 minute read

Features

At memorial for fire administrator, stories emerge of a calm leader — and his teenage heroics

On April 16, 1993, 19-year-old volunteer firefighter Mike Drake had just arrived at a burning building in Bath when someone said a baby was inside. Drake grabbed a ladder and raced to an upstairs window. Once inside, he plucked the 18-month-old girl out of her crib before hustling back down.

byJ.W. Oliver

June 9, 2026

1 minute read

News

Moped operator suffers ‘serious injuries’ in crash on Great Island

A moped operator suffered "serious injuries" in a crash at a Great Island intersection the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26.

byJ.W. Oliver

May 27, 2026

1 minute read

News

Young bicyclist injured after running into emergency vehicle

A juvenile bicyclist was flown to a hospital with "serious but not life-threatening" injuries after running into an emergency vehicle on Cundy's Harbor Road the evening of Friday, May 22.

byJ.W. Oliver

May 22, 2026

3 minute read

News

Next HCS principal brings background as school administrator, Navy veteran

The next principal of Harpswell Community School brings experience as an administrator in the district and a background as an intelligence analyst in the Navy. The Maine School Administrative District 75 Board of Directors appointed Bridgette Ortiz to the position in a unanimous vote on Thursday, March 26.

byJ.W. Oliver

March 31, 2026

J.W. Oliver

Fire destroys home in North Harpswell, sends 2 to hospital with burns

Harpswell woman caused crash while fleeing deputies on Great Island, police say

Harpswell Neck fire displaces family of 4

Shed fire sends occupant to hospital with burn injuries

Driver in fatal January crash charged with manslaughter

Harpswell voters support school budget, back Shah and Charles in primaries

At memorial for fire administrator, stories emerge of a calm leader — and his teenage heroics

Moped operator suffers ‘serious injuries’ in crash on Great Island

Young bicyclist injured after running into emergency vehicle

Next HCS principal brings background as school administrator, Navy veteran

Bridging the gap

Harpswell seeks public input on Mitchell Field’s future

School district agrees to negotiate with bus drivers

J.W. Oliver

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