30 Lobsters Disappeared From a Maine Dock. The Theft Hit a Nerve.

Lindsay McDaniels lost hundreds of dollars in catch when two men took lobsters from her crate in Northeast Harbor, fueling an online backlash among islanders. Aug 05, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn. By Sabrina Martin/BDN NORTHEAST HARBOR—In late July, Lindsay McDaniels, a lobsterer who makes a living hauling traps off Mount Desert Island, often with her 16-year-old daughter on board, … Continue reading 30 Lobsters Disappeared From a Maine Dock. The Theft Hit a Nerve.

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news

A Grand Dame Returns: Asticou Hotel Begins Its Next Era.

At the Asticou, the Past and Future Share the Same Rooms Carrie Jones Jun 20, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden. MOUNT DESERT—The Asticou Hotel in Northeast Harbor opened its historic doors for an open house and neighborhood community welcome, June 16. And what greeted them was an embrace of new ownership of a 19th century hotel that … Continue reading A Grand Dame Returns: Asticou Hotel Begins Its Next Era.

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With Summer Staffing Short, Mount Desert Tries New Approach Mount Desert Selectboard Approves Staffing Shift, Discusses Comfort Station Repairs and Asticou Parking

news

Mount Desert Moves Forward With a Parking Committee.

Parking on Sidewalks, Commercial Vehicles, and Enforcement All Up For Discussion. Carrie Jones May 20, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden. MOUNT DESERT—The Mount Desert Selectboard approved creating a parking committee to help the town address its parking issues. “I think it’s time for us to tighten up a little bit without having a ton of inadvertent issues … Continue reading Mount Desert Moves Forward With a Parking Committee.

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obituaries

People We’ve Lost

Amy Manring. Lawrence A. Goldfarb. Daniel Powell Poteet II. Robert Gerald Hersey- “Buddy/Bud.” Dale Roger Fugel. David Earle Keep. Lois I. (Myrick) Crowley. Carrie Jones Feb 22, 2026 Note: “People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island lost in the previous 1-2 weeks. We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered … Continue reading People We’ve Lost

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news

It’s All the Briefs and Press Releases.

(So, basically all the inside parts of the paper that reporters don’t write themselves, but you should read it.) Carrie Jones Feb 07, 2026 Each week we compile briefs and put them initially only on the website (Substack) and then send them all on Friday or sometimes Saturday if things are chaotic. We do that so that: If you click through to a release that … Continue reading It’s All the Briefs and Press Releases.

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news

Maine Hotelier Faces Glampground Foreclosure and More Liens

Feb 03, 2026 by Sabrina Martin/BDN NORTHEAST HARBOR—A foreclosure auction has been scheduled for a Kennebunkport camping resort owned by a Maine hotelier who also owns resort properties on Mount Desert Island. Sandy Pines Campground, a 47-acre, 268-site “glamping” resort located at 277 Mills Road in Kennebunkport, will be auctioned off March 5, according to a description of the property on Keenan Auction Company’s website. Tim Harrington, the … Continue reading Maine Hotelier Faces Glampground Foreclosure and More Liens

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news

Mount Desert Will Likely Weigh Using Debt Service Reserve to Cushion Tax Impact of School and Municipal Bonds

Planning board approves on Hall Quarry Road Carrie Jones Dec 20, 2025 MOUNT DESERT—Facing approximately $775,000 in annual debt payments tied to school renovations and municipal borrowing, Mount Desert officials are weighing whether now might be the moment to tap a long-set-aside reserve fund. It’s an effort the town manager says that could soften future tax increases even as rising costs ripple through budgets across … Continue reading Mount Desert Will Likely Weigh Using Debt Service Reserve to Cushion Tax Impact of School and Municipal Bonds

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features, news

In Northeast Harbor, Santa’s Arrival by Sea Will Once Again Mark the Start of a Cherished Holiday Tradition

Carrie Jones Nov 17, 2025 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware. NORTHEAST HARBOR—Long before Santa’s boots hit Main Street, families in Northeast Harbor know the holiday season has officially begun the moment the Maine Seacoast Mission’s Sunbeam rounds the bend into the harbor, Santa and Mrs. Claus waving from the bow. That beloved moment is just one of many highlights returning Saturday, December 6, … Continue reading In Northeast Harbor, Santa’s Arrival by Sea Will Once Again Mark the Start of a Cherished Holiday Tradition

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news

Hotelier Has a History of Forcing Contractors on MDI to File Liens

Oct 28, 2025 By Bill Trotter/BDN MOUNT DESERT—The 13 liens filed against a Mount Desert Island hotel over a recent $28 million renovation of the property are not the first time the hotel’s owner has been accused of stiffing contractors on their bills. Tim Harrington, who bought the 124-year old Asticou Hotel in 2023, also had previous contractor liens filed against other projects he has pursued … Continue reading Hotelier Has a History of Forcing Contractors on MDI to File Liens

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news

Contractors File $14M in Liens Against Owner of Renovated MDI Hotel

Oct 23, 2025 By Bill Trotter/BDN NORTHEAST HARBOR—The owner of the Asticou Hotel on Mount Desert Island, who last year extensively renovated the historic oceanfront property, has been accused of stiffing contractors out of $14 million in materials and services. Eleven contractors from seven different counties in Maine have filed 13 liens against Asticou Hospitality LLC, the company created by Kennebunk hotelier Tim Harrington when … Continue reading Contractors File $14M in Liens Against Owner of Renovated MDI Hotel

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