Harpswell Anchor

12/27/2021

More than 50 local newsrooms launched during the pandemic - Poynter

The Poynter Institute included the Anchor in this list of more than 50 local newsrooms launched during the pandemic.

"I think there was an acknowledgement among news consumers that local news is important," said Penny Abernathy, visiting professor at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. "The pandemic brought that home in ways nothing else had."

From person-to-person coaching and intensive hands-on seminars to interactive online courses and media reporting, Poynter helps journalists sharpen skills and elevate storytelling throughout their careers.

12/27/2021

14 Quaint U.S. Islands To Explore In 2022

Travel Awaits, a website for travelers 50 and up, included Bailey Island in this list of "14 quaint U.S. islands to explore in 2022," inviting readers to "enjoy fresh-out-of-the-water lobster, browse through art galleries, or go on a hike to explore tide pools along the rocky shore."

With so many charming islands to explore in the U.S., you can take your pick of rugged and outdoorsy, or sleepy and beachy.

12/22/2021

Release Date: 12/21/2021
Release Time: 01:00 PM
Incident Synopsis: Phone Scam

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has recently investigated multiple scams. The scammers call individuals by telephone and state that they have several outstanding warrants for their arrest. The scammer often provides the individual with a dollar amount, in the thousands, that is either conveyed as bail or as a means of preventing the victim from being arrested. The scammer directs the victim to purchase gift cards. In some instances, the scammer has maintained connection with the victim while the victim purchases the gift cards, typically at a local Wal-Mart. Some phone calls have lasted several hours on the threat that if the victim disconnects the call, they will be arrested. Once the victim purchases the gift cards, the scammer requests the account number of the cards and completes the transaction.
Please note that any calls requesting the purchase of gift cards to prevent arrest is a clear indicator of a scam.
If there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be located and arrested, you may receive a call to either turn yourself in to the local jail or go to the nearest courthouse to handle any criminal charges. Law enforcement and the court have never accepted gift cards, nor will we ever, as a means of settling an outstanding criminal case obligation.
If you have been a victim of this scam or any others, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

12/21/2021

Community support leads to preservation of undeveloped Casco Bay islands

From the Portland Press Herald: Some of the last remaining undeveloped islands in Casco Bay have been preserved in perpetuity thanks to an outpouring of community donations.

The islands of Little Whaleboat West, Nate and Tuck are now protected under the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

12/20/2021

We live in a beautiful place!!!

Our very talented Manager Bobby Jo captured this beautiful shot on her way out of work this evening!

12/19/2021

School board aims to hire superintendent in April - The Harpswell Anchor

The Maine School Administrative District 75 Board of Directors has set a timeline for a superintendent search that targets a hiring decision on April 14. The new superintendent will take over on July 1, for the district’s fifth change at the top in four years.

School board aims to hire superintendent in April Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 19, 2021 | Education The Maine School Administrative District 75 Board of Directors has set a timeline for a superintendent search that targets a hiring decision on April 14. The new superintendent will take over on July 1...

12/18/2021

Accessible to all, Strawberry Creek section of Cliff Trail reopens after half-year of construction - The Harpswell Anchor

Hikers of all abilities can enjoy a peaceful and scenic stroll through the woods alongside Strawberry Creek after about six months of work to transform a section of Cliff Trail from a rough, narrow path into a smooth, wide walkway.

The 2,250-foot stretch of the popular trail now offers a 4-foot-wide, flat gravel surface. Four new bridges carry hikers over brooks and uneven terrain, while a new platform gives them space to soak in the view of the creek and its wildlife.

Accessible to all, Strawberry Creek section of Cliff Trail reopens after half-year of construction Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 18, 2021 | Nature A new bridge carries hikers across Strawberry Creek at the head of tide. (J.W. OLIVER PHOTO) Hikers of all abilities can enjoy a peaceful and scenic stroll...

12/18/2021

Maine’s shrimp fishery will stay closed, but regulators warm to idea of limited harvest

From the Bangor Daily News: Maine’s northern shrimp fishery has been closed for seven years and regulators decided Friday to continue the harvest moratorium for another three years with no signs of rebound.

But in a change, officials with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission entertained the idea of opening a small personal-use fishery at the suggestion of the Maine Department of Marine Resources and planned to look into it in the future.

Surveys from this summer showed the future of the species wasn't looking good. Abundance, biomass and the amount of baby shrimp were at a low-point for that time of year.

12/17/2021

Fire in Cundy's Harbor displaces 3 - The Harpswell Anchor

Fire destroyed a 1970 single-wide mobile home on Cundy’s Harbor Road on Wednesday, Dec. 15, displacing a family of three.

Fire in Cundy’s Harbor displaces 3 Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 17, 2021 | Health & Safety A photo from the town’s tax records shows the mobile home at 420 Cundy’s Harbor Road prior to the fire on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Fire destroyed a 1970 single-wide mobile home on Cundy’s Harbor Road on Wedn...

12/17/2021

The Harpswell Anchor was so proud to co-host this Harpswell Aging at Home event this week! Part of our mission is to support our community, and this was the perfect way to do it. Happy holidays to all!

12/17/2021

A reader sent this photo to us tonight, along with the message: "drinking my favorite tea in my new favorite mug, a perfect end to a busy day!" Want to see more of our new merchandise? Take a look: https://harpswellanchor.org/store/

A reader sent this photo to us tonight, along with the message: "drinking my favorite tea in my new favorite mug, a perfect end to a busy day!" Want to see more of our new merchandise? Take a look: https://harpswellanchor.org/store/

12/15/2021

Boat sinks in Lowell's Cove - The Harpswell Anchor

A 26-foot pleasure boat, the Joint Venture, sank in Lowell’s Cove, Orr’s Island, on Nov. 22. The owner says he will salvage the boat soon, while the town is taking steps to ensure its removal.

Boat sinks in Lowell’s Cove Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 15, 2021 | Health & Safety The Joint Venture goes down on Nov. 22. A 26-foot pleasure boat, the Joint Venture, sank in Lowell’s Cove, Orr’s Island, on Nov. 22. The owner says he will salvage the boat soon, while the town is taking steps t...

12/14/2021

The Anchor was so proud to co-host Harpswell Aging at Home's "Snacks With Friends" this afternoon. The weather cooperated and we were able to meet outdoors, around the fire pit, warmed by hot chocolate and mulled cider.

The Anchor was so proud to co-host Harpswell Aging at Home's "Snacks With Friends" this afternoon. The weather cooperated and we were able to meet outdoors, around the fire pit, warmed by hot chocolate and mulled cider.

12/14/2021

'Very early' exploration of new Cundy's Harbor fire station underway - The Harpswell Anchor

After more than 70 years in the basement of the community hall, the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department could use more space — and early talks are underway about the potential to build a new station.

‘Very early’ exploration of new Cundy’s Harbor fire station underway Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 14, 2021 | Government & Politics, Health & Safety Fire and Rescue Chief Benjamin A. Wallace Jr. outside the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, in the basement of the community hall. (J.W. ...

12/12/2021

Neighbors helping neighbors - The Harpswell Anchor

A letter from Elizabeth Davis: I recently broke my arm when I slipped while putting my ducks in their pen at night. The pain was excruciating, and as soon as I was able to walk into the house, I knew I needed an ambulance.

Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue responded quickly and competently. I cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and skillful care.

Neighbors helping neighbors Posted by Harpswell Anchor | Dec 12, 2021 | Letters I recently broke my arm when I slipped while putting my ducks in their pen at night. The pain was excruciating, and as soon as I was able to walk into the house, I knew I needed an ambulance. Harpswell Neck Fire and Resc...

12/10/2021

Nomination papers available for select board, school board - The Harpswell Anchor

Harpswell voters will elect four town officials in March, and the time has come for candidates to file their paperwork.

Nomination papers are available at the town clerk’s office, Deputy Town Administrator Terri-Lynn Sawyer said during a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Dec. 2. To appear on the ballot, a candidate must take out nomination papers, collect signatures from at least 25 and no more than 100 registered voters, then return the papers to the town office by Jan. 11.

Nomination papers available for select board, school board Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 10, 2021 | Education, Government & Politics Harpswell voters will elect four town officials in March, and the time has come for candidates to file their paperwork. Nomination papers are available at the town clerk...

12/10/2021

Many thanks to everyone who joined us at the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust for our pop-up holiday shop! You can still order custom-designed t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, hats and stickers through our on-line shop: https://harpswellanchor.org/store/. .

12/09/2021

Student Voices: A little compassion goes a long way - The Harpswell Anchor

By Lucy Nelson: In the fall of 2020, Mount Ararat High School opened a brand-new campus on Eagles Way. In the past year, not only have we gotten a new school, but we have also gotten a new principal, new teachers, new school board members and, for the first time in almost two years, the entire student body has been back together in school five days a week.

As a current senior at Mount Ararat, I have had the opportunity to learn in both the old and the new school buildings, and to learn under both our past and our new principals. I believe the changes we are experiencing are certainly enhancing our learning environment.

Student Voices: A little compassion goes a long way Posted by Lucy Nelson | Dec 9, 2021 | Columns In the fall of 2020, Mount Ararat High School opened a brand-new campus on Eagles Way. In the past year, not only have we gotten a new school, but we have also gotten a new principal, new teachers, new....

12/09/2021

Lobster fishers to weigh in on plan for monitoring of boats | AP News

Federal fishing managers are looking for feedback from lobster harvesters about a plan to require electronic tracking.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Federal fishing managers are looking for feedback from lobster harvesters about a plan to require electronic tracking. An arm of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, an interstate regulatory authority, is considering implementing the tracking requirements for lob...

12/08/2021

Thinking in Public: 21st-century plague - The Harpswell Anchor

By Butch Lawson: This, the plague of the 21st century, seems to me in many ways an endless case of deja vu. Some of the challenges that we faced in the past year and a half I can remember being warned about in my childhood. These things aren’t new, they are merely forgotten, and it would have been helpful to have taken a few of these experiences along with us to the future just in case.

Thinking in Public: 21st-century plague Posted by Butch Lawson | Dec 8, 2021 | Columns This, the plague of the 21st century, seems to me in many ways an endless case of deja vu. Some of the challenges that we faced in the past year and a half I can remember being warned about in my childhood. These....

12/08/2021

A labor of love, renovations polish Cundy's Harbor Library into a community gem - The Harpswell Anchor

Take a precious piece of a small community, polish it up with plenty of volunteer elbow grease, apply an infusion of hard-earned grant money and what have you got?

A gem.

And that’s what the Cundy’s Harbor Library is becoming today, several years into a pandemic-prolonged renovation project that promises even better things ahead.

A labor of love, renovations polish Cundy’s Harbor Library into a community gem Posted by Doug Warren | Dec 8, 2021 | Business & Nonprofits From left: Cundy’s Harbor Library Director Heather Logan, board President Linda Prybylo, board Treasurer Rachel Miller and board member Dianne Chilmonczyk e...

12/07/2021

A visit to Harpswell: Couple from Harpswell, Maine explores Harpswell, England - The Harpswell Anchor

By Jonathan Barrett Adams: During a trip to England in September of this year, my wife and I took a daytrip to Harpswell, Lincolnshire, the original Harpswell after which our Maine town was named. The lifting of travel restrictions and a series of negative COVID tests enabled us to take a long-delayed trip to England, and Harpswell ranked first on our itinerary of destinations. Blessed with fine weather and prepared with Google Maps directions that proved mostly accurate, we set off.

A visit to Harpswell: Couple from Harpswell, Maine explores Harpswell, England Posted by Jonathan Barrett Adams | Dec 7, 2021 | Columns A good read: Jonathan Barrett Adams and Laura Nancy Adams, of Harpswell, Maine, display a copy of the Harpswell Anchor’s September edition during a visit to Harps...

12/07/2021

By crane, barge and tug, a 3-bedroom house travels to Haskell Island - The Harpswell Anchor

Maybe you’ve seen a tractor-trailer trundling down the highway hauling a mobile home. But have you ever seen a 73,000-pound, two-story house being moved — on a barge — to an island in Casco Bay?

Probably not. Nor had the barge owner, the homeowners or the crane operator. Nor had flabbergasted neighbors who watched a red tugboat push the barge, with the house perched on top, as it swiftly made its way to Haskell Island.

By crane, barge and tug, a 3-bedroom house travels to Haskell Island Posted by Connie Sage Conner | Dec 7, 2021 | Community A crane lifts a house onto a barge for transport from Harpswell Neck to Haskell Island on Nov. 5. (DAVE INSLEY PHOTO) Maybe you’ve seen a tractor-trailer trundling down the h...

12/06/2021

Committee suggests $20 minimum wage for town firefighters - The Harpswell Anchor

The Harpswell Fire and Rescue Planning Committee wants the town to add a third part-time firefighter and establish a $20 minimum wage for the town’s part-time and per diem firefighters.

Committee suggests $20 minimum wage for town firefighters Posted by J.W. Oliver | Dec 6, 2021 | Government & Politics, Health & Safety The Harpswell Fire and Rescue Planning Committee wants the town to add a third part-time firefighter and establish a $20 minimum wage for the town’s part-time and ...

12/04/2021

To everything there is a season — even in Harpswell's fisheries - The Harpswell Anchor

With the change in time, the increased breeze and the piling up of leaves, it is clear that the season is changing. It’s not that we have recently begun the official season of fall, but rather that we are entering late fall, when the changes are starkly apparent. Most of us see these changes on the land, but those working on the water experience them more directly, and in ways that impact when they fish, what they fish for and where they fish.

To everything there is a season — even in Harpswell’s fisheries Posted by Susan Olcott | Dec 4, 2021 | Press Releases With the change in time, the increased breeze and the piling up of leaves, it is clear that the season is changing. It’s not that we have recently begun the official season of ...