Sunday August 23, 2026

Weekly Updates from the Ridge

"There’s something about the wide, quiet skies of Aroostook that makes you feel like there’s more room to think—and to dream."

The Houlton School District is racing to fill nine open positions just weeks before the new academic year, with Superintendent Joe Fagnant pointing to a shrinking candidate pool and ongoing nationwide educator shortages. The district may rely on veteran substitute teachers and educational technicians to cover roles until permanent hires are found, including a recent vacancy for a first grade teacher and multiple ed tech and long-term substitute positions for upcoming maternity leaves.

Compounding the challenge, Houlton Middle High School’s principal, DeWayne Morse, retired in May. Despite a thorough search, a hiring committee was unable to secure a replacement in time, prompting the school board to install a temporary leadership team led by senior staff and administrators. Fagnant highlighted Morse’s student-focused leadership, especially during the difficult post-pandemic years.

The staffing crunch mirrors a national crisis, with thousands of teaching jobs unfilled across the country and nearly half of Maine’s vacancies considered tough to fill. District leaders hope new salary agreements and competitive hourly wages for educational technicians will help attract and retain essential staff as the school year quickly approaches.

Houlton’s downtown just got a major upgrade: a $1.3 million sidewalk improvement project, years in the making, has wrapped up. Crumbling concrete walkways have been replaced with more durable, ADA-compliant asphalt, plus accents of decorative brick and new benches in Market Square to enhance accessibility and charm.

The massive undertaking spanned key sidewalks in the historic district and included updated lighting, storm drains, and curb work. With the finishing touches complete and a final inspection ahead, residents and business owners are excited to enjoy a safer, more welcoming downtown—just in time for the next Maine winter.

The Coddiwomple festival is returning to New Sweden, Maine, continuing a rich tradition of local roots music in a scenic outdoor setting. Inspired by the long-running Arootsakoostic event, Coddiwomple brings together folk and Americana musicians from around the state at Thomas Park’s woodland amphitheater.

This year’s festival features the Portland-based bluegrass string band Dark Hollow Bottling Company and County band 40 Thieves, known for their cosmic folk and harmonies. The event is family friendly, with music, art, and a welcoming atmosphere—guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the summer celebration.

This week, we’re encouraging our community to support the Houlton Humane Society.

They do the hard, quiet work of caring for local animals, helping pets find safe homes, and supporting the bond between people and their animals across Southern Aroostook.

Whether you can adopt, foster, donate food or supplies, volunteer, or simply share their posts, every little bit helps.

A strong community takes care of its people — and its animals.

Let’s show some love this week for the pets waiting for their next chapter.