Harpswell Anchor

The Harpswell Anchor was founded in 1998 by Robert (Bob) Anderson, who served as its editor and publisher. This monthly newspaper became a vital source of information for the distinct community it represented, which includes areas like Harpswell Neck, Orr’s Island, Bailey Island, Great Island, and Cundy’s Harbor. Unfortunately, the Anchor ceased publication in the fall of 2020. The closure left many residents of Harpswell disappointed, as the paper was an important way for them to remain informed about local events and news. In response, a group of community members decided to "raise the Anchor" by bringing the newspaper back to life and broadening its content and audience. They discovered that establishing a nonprofit organization is the most effective way to sustain a local newspaper. This approach allows for support through tax-deductible contributions from both individuals and businesses, in addition to advertising revenue. In February 2021, the group officially incorporated as "Harpswell News," which will oversee the publication of a new iteration of the Harpswell Anchor, along with a companion website that will feature current news, social media updates, and future programs.

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Articles

Harpswell Conservation Commission seminar explores 'Power of Plants'

3 days ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

The Harpswell Conservation Commission recently hosted the third installment in a lecture series about understanding and preserving the town’s limited water supply. This time, landscaping and tree care experts explained how plants can help slow runoff from rainfall, decrease erosion and allow more water to seep into Harpswell’s groundwater reservoir. The seminar, “The Power of Plants,” was held May 17 at Harpswell Community School.
Harpswell Heritage land Trust loses AmeriCorps member in funding cuts

4 days ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

Harpswell Heritage Land Trust is among dozens of Maine nonprofits that lost an AmeriCorps member this spring after the Trump administration announced sweeping program cuts. Executive Director Matt Newberg said the AmeriCorps member, who started in February, left abruptly in late April after the funding cuts were announced. A recent federal ruling to reinstate the funds won’t bring that member back, he added. He had been expected to stay on through November.
PTO reschedules inaugural striper tournament after anglers strike out

1 week ago | harpswellanchor.org | Sara Coughlin

More than two dozen anglers set out on June 14 to see who could catch the most stripers with the longest cumulative length and take home hundreds of dollars in prizes. The catch? No one caught a single fish. The Harpswell Community School Parent Teacher Organization organized the 24-hour catch-and-release striped bass tournament to raise money for student programs, teacher appreciation and school lunches.
Town leaders cheer referendum results, but not all residents happy

1 week ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

Town leaders praised the outcome of Harpswell’s June 10 special referendum and thanked voters for approving a new municipal fire station and other items. But some residents, particularly those who oppose the voter-approved demolition of a 70-year-old building at George J. Mitchell Field, voiced frustration with the process. Harpswell Select Board Chair Kevin Johnson said he was relieved that voters approved the proposal to build a $6 million central emergency services facility.
HNPEA's new tennis and pickleball courts set to open by July

2 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | Sara Coughlin

The Harpswell Neck Physical Education Association’s new tennis and pickleball courts at Fulle Field are set to open to the public in July, the culmination of a seven-year fundraising campaign. “There will be a whole new experience from what was there before,” said David Chipman, president of the HNPEA Board of Trustees. Tony Cornish, acting treasurer for HNPEA and site coordinator for the project, said on June 11 that he hopes to have the courts ready for use when HNPEA summer camp starts June 30.
Study proposes solutions to flood-proof 2 low-lying roads

2 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

A grant-funded engineering study proposes a variety of solutions to mitigate flooding on two low-lying roads in Harpswell, including temporary flood barriers that would narrow the roads to one lane during storms. The study, by South Portland engineering firm Gorrill Palmer, was commissioned by the town of Harpswell and funded by a grant from the Maine Department of Transportation’s Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund.
Interim planner made permanent, town adds new hires

2 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

The Harpswell Select Board has appointed Margaret McIntire as permanent town planner and approved three new hires. McIntire has served as interim town planner since December, when former Town Planner Matthew James resigned after just five months on the job. McIntire is a former Harpswell code enforcement officer with a bachelor’s degree in international development. The Select Board unanimously approved McIntire’s promotion at its meeting on Thursday, June 5.
Select Board approves $621K contract for Peabody Road improvements

2 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

The Harpswell Select Board has unanimously approved a $621,000 contract with Richmond-based All States Construction Inc. for improvements to Peabody Road, on Harpswell Neck. Peabody Road branches off from Harpswell Neck Road and runs parallel for about seven-tenths of a mile before the roads reconnect. The road improvement project was approved by voters at the March 2024 Town Meeting by a narrow margin of 97-72. The Select Board approved the contract at its meeting on Thursday, June 5.
Weasel hunter puts Harpswell Community School on brief lockdown

3 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | J. Craig Anderson

Harpswell Community School was put on temporary lockdown Wednesday morning as sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of an armed man in the area. But the lockdown was lifted soon after, when Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies determined the man was a local property owner hunting a pine marten — a type of weasel — that had been going after his chickens, a school official said.
Jim Henderson dedicated career to preserving state history — and the public's access to it - The Harpswell Anchor

3 weeks ago | harpswellanchor.org | Sam Lemonick

Harpswell resident James “Jim” Henderson, a lifelong public servant devoted to preserving Maine’s history and making it publicly accessible, died on April 18 at the age of 83. Henderson spent 20 years in charge of the Maine State Archives in Augusta, retiring in 2007. In retirement he continued work on a personal project called Maine: An Encyclopedia, an online compendium of the state’s people, places, animals and more that he started in 2001.