"Belief is a tool—use it carefully, and never mistake it for truth." 

Houlton, Maine continues its search for a new town manager, with the position still unfilled since January. Interim town manager Nancy Ketch, who is also the town’s Communications Development Director and Grant Writer, shared that councilors have decided to seek assistance from the Maine Municipal Association’s Executive Search service after several months of internal searching.

The town council met this week with an MMA consultant to outline what they’re looking for in a candidate and to kick off the next phase of advertising for the role. With manager positions open across Maine, competition for strong candidates is fierce, making the process especially challenging for Houlton and similar communities.

Despite juggling multiple roles and the pressures of being short-staffed—evidenced by periodic office closures—Ketch expressed gratitude for the support of town staff, department heads, the council, and the public’s patience during this period of transition. She’s hopeful the new town manager will be in place before winter arrives, and in the meantime, she’ll continue to serve in the interim role until a permanent leader is found.

Houlton is gearing up for a major municipal election this November, with 17 leadership seats across several local boards and committees up for grabs.

The community will choose new representatives for the Town Council, RSU 29 school board, Houlton Water Company, Cary Library, and the Board of Budget Review.

Five out of seven Town Council seats, covering terms from one to three years, are open—an unusually high number following last year’s dramatic resignations.

 A series of departures stemmed from the controversy surrounding former town manager Cameron Clark, whose arrest and subsequent legal proceedings led to public unrest and loss of confidence in the town’s leadership. Councilors resigned at differing stages, leaving Houlton without a functioning council until interim appointments were made.

After a period of temporary governance and contested re-elections, the town is now inviting interested residents to step forward and run for office. To qualify, candidates will need at least 70 signatures from registered voters, with nomination papers available at the Town Office.

This election is a chance for Houlton to rebuild its local government and restore stability after a turbulent year. Community engagement will be key as residents decide the direction of their town’s future leadership.

The Town of Houlton, Maine has announced the cancellation of its upcoming Planning Board meeting originally scheduled for July 21, 2026.

Residents with questions can contact the Houlton Town Office on Water Street during regular business hours for more information.

Aroostook County has launched its first-ever Adult Treatment and Recovery Court, marking a major milestone for the region’s approach to justice and substance use recovery. After years of planning, funding efforts, and community advocacy, the specialty court opened at the Aroostook County Superior Courthouse in Caribou on July 9, welcoming its first participant into an intensive program aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction and crime.

Led by Superior Court Justice Stephen Nelson, the program offers eligible individuals an alternative to incarceration, combining judicial oversight, therapy, frequent drug testing, and support services. The court is open to referrals across Aroostook County, with applications currently under review from those whose criminal cases involve substance use disorders.

This effort comes after legislative action—supported by figures like former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson and District Attorney Todd Collins—and a thorough planning process that involved law enforcement, treatment professionals, and court officials. Funding allocated by the legislature in 2025 enabled the court to offer pre-trial services, public defense, and additional legal staff to support participants.

The program is an important new resource in a county that was, until now, the only one in Maine without a drug treatment court. Officials hope it will help individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen the community’s response to addiction.

DOWNTOWN DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

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Summer Tip of the Day:
Keep a refillable water bottle in your vehicle and take a drink before you feel thirsty—heat can dehydrate you faster than you realize.

Secret BBQ Grill Hack:
Keep one side of the grill hot and the other side cooler. Sear your meat over direct heat, then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking without burning the outside.