"Perhaps the cosmic joke is that everyone thinks they understand it." 

Houlton’s International Food Festival returns this Saturday, uniting flavors from 31 nations in a vibrant community celebration at Houlton Middle High School. Hosted by the Houlton Rotary Club, the event has tripled in size over four years, with local residents preparing authentic dishes connected to their heritage, travels, and family traditions, demonstrating the region’s surprising diversity.

From traditional Swiss cheese fondue and Victoria sponge cake from England, to Romanian 17th-century pastries, the festival lets visitors experience global cultures through food, music, and stories. Rotary President Johanna Johnston and international service chair Ruba Haddad highlight how uncovering these international ties has woven a rich tapestry across southern Aroostook.

The day features performances from the Houlton Community Handbell Choir, family-friendly activities, and chances to support charitable efforts like ShelterBox and World Central Kitchen. All tasting is free, encouraging attendees to celebrate community difference and connection through shared meals and stories.

Hazy skies have drifted over Maine, as smoke from wildfires in western Ontario has made its way into the state’s atmosphere. Although the smoke is mostly staying high above ground level, it’s causing moderate air pollution, according to Maine Department of Environmental Protection meteorologist Lillie Farrell.

While most residents aren’t facing immediate risks, the DEP still advises sensitive individuals—such as those with respiratory conditions—to reduce physical exertion and stay alert for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. These smoky conditions aren’t unique to Maine; much of the Midwest and Northeast is experiencing similar haziness due to the large expanse and intensity of the Canadian wildfires.

According to the DEP’s Martha Waverly, these smoky episodes have become more frequent in Maine in recent summers, and smoke’s chemical and reflective properties make visibility issues more pronounced than other types of air pollution. Last year, the state saw eight days of air quality warnings thanks to Canadian smoke. The department expects the current wave of moderate particle pollution to last at least through Thursday.

Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is expanding its reach by offering orthopedic services in Houlton every Friday, making care more accessible for local residents.

The hospital will see patients at the Katahdin Valley Health Center on Bangor Street, providing new and follow-up appointments, referrals, injections, and casting for a range of musculoskeletal issues from shoulders to ankles.

Leaders and providers highlight that this move addresses community requests and eliminates long travel, with hopes of adding even more services to the region in the future.

Houlton, Maine faces a major local leadership shakeup this November, with 17 municipal seats up for election, including five Town Council spots, along with openings on the school board, water company, library, and budget review board.

This comes after a turbulent 2025, marked by the arrest of former town manager Cameron Clark on domestic assault charges and subsequent council resignations that left Houlton briefly without a governing body. Temporary councilors stepped in, but now most council seats—as well as other key local positions—need to be filled for terms of varying lengths.

Interested residents must collect 70 signatures to appear on the ballot, with nomination papers available at the Town Office. Houlton is looking for engaged citizens ready to help guide the community forward.

The Bay Area faced intense summer heat this week, with a heat advisory in effect as temperatures soared into the 90s and even exceeded 100 in some spots.

San Francisco experienced its hottest July day in over a decade, seeing 85 degrees, while neighboring cities like San Jose and Livermore hit the mid to high 90s. The heat advisory was brief but notable, as it was accompanied by muggy winds from Tropical Storm Elida, leaving the region unusually humid for days to come.

Local officials advised residents, especially those sensitive to heat, to stay cool and hydrated as the Bay Area weathered these record-breaking conditions.

DOWNTOWN DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

One ad spot. Mailbox visibility. Online exposure. Newsletter reach. Facebook promotion. QR traffic.

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.

Baking Soda Hack of the Day

Got a cooler, lunchbox, or plastic container that still smells even after washing?

Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda inside, close the lid, and leave it overnight. In the morning, dump it out and wipe the container clean with warm water.

Baking soda helps absorb stubborn odors instead of simply covering them up.

Bonus tip: Keep an open box in the refrigerator and replace it every 30 days.