Sunday August 30, 2026

Weekly Updates from the Ridge

"Nobody will ever believe you."

Arbor Distillery, a small operation based in Oakfield, has become an unexpected sensation across Maine with its locally crafted rum and its wildly popular new creation, Sasquatch Summer Spiked Lemonade. Co-owners Peter and Annie Hansen, along with friend Vlad Yepifanov, started the distillery after learning to make rum from veteran moonshiners and perfecting their techniques over several years. With a playful nod to Maine legends, Arbor’s lineup features imaginative spirits like Sasquatch Sawmill Silver Rum and Space Lobsters Spiced Rum.

The latest hit, Sasquatch Summer Spiked Lemonade, is the result of an inventive collaboration with Houlton Farms Dairy, blending their beloved lemonade with Arbor’s Sasquatch rum. The drink became an instant best-seller—selling out its first 50 cases in days and drawing lines at stores across Aroostook County and beyond, as fans scrambled to get their hands on limited six-packs.

Arbor Distillery has embraced its quirky, community-driven spirit by hosting events like the now-famous Sasquatch Calling Contest, which gained international media attention last year. As production ramps up to meet demand, the team is already preparing to launch a new fall apple pie spiked cider and build a distinctive tasting room—complete with a floor made from authentic bourbon barrel staves. Arbor’s story is proof that a little local collaboration, creative branding, and a dash of folklore can go a long way.

With just a little over two months until the November midterm elections, the town of Houlton is facing a critical shortage of candidates for local leadership. Despite 17 available seats—including roles on the Town Council, school board, budget review board, library trustees, and water company directors—only two residents have filed nomination petitions so far.

Khylee Wampler, Houlton’s town clerk, urges more participation, especially as recent years have shown a struggle to fill council and board positions. If no one runs, the Town Council must appoint individuals to serve until the next election cycle. This recruitment push comes on the heels of a surge in civic interest, following last September’s arrest of the town manager, which prompted packed council meetings and calls for greater resident involvement.

Currently, councilors Fred Grant and Sue Tortello seek additional terms, while Carl Lord has declared as a write-in for the budget review board. To appear on the ballot, candidates must be registered voters in Houlton and submit a petition with at least 70 signatures from fellow registered voters by September 3. Declared write-in candidates have until September 18. Forms and information are available at Houlton’s town office, with open seats ranging in term length and responsibility.

School officials in northern Aroostook County are considering revisions to a plan that would merge the MSAD 33 and Madawaska school districts, aiming to address aging buildings and overcrowding with a new, state-funded PreK-12 facility.

Community members are invited to suggest possible locations for the new school, with the final merger plan expected to go before voters in November. If approved, the merged district will be called RSU 33, and the project could bring much-needed upgrades to both communities’ schools. A public hearing is planned for October, with site selection and legal review underway.