Welcome to the Willow Creek Gazette, Aroostook County’s oldest continuously published newspaper. Founded in 1797, we have chronicled the life of this community from its earliest days as a river-sloop shipbuilding hub through the timber era and into the present.

Browse the sections above or check back daily for new dispatches from the heart of Aroostook County.

Latest News

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Centennial Fundraising Campaign Launches with $250,000 Goal for Ice-Out 100th Celebration

By Clara Winslow — October 18, 2026

The Ice-Out 100th Anniversary Committee launches a capital campaign to fund the 2027 centennial celebration, including events, infrastructure, and the commemorative book.

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Students as Ambassadors: New Program Trains Willow Creek Youth as Tour Guides

By Kyle Dubois — September 5, 2026

A school-based tourism education program will train high school students to lead tours and staff the future visitor center, preparing the next generation for the tourism economy.

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Plein Air Painting Weekend Draws 45 Artists from Three States to Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — June 20, 2026

Artists set up easels across town for a weekend of outdoor painting, turning Willow Creek into a living studio and drawing visitors who watched them work.

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Maine Beer Trail Adds Willow Creek Stop as The Dry Dock Earns Recognition

By Kyle Dubois — May 28, 2026

The Dry Dock at Thorne's Bend becomes the first Willow Creek establishment listed on the official Maine Beer Trail, a boost for craft beverage tourism.

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Northwoods Outfitters Launches Paddling Guide Certification Program to Meet Growing Demand

By Kyle Dubois — May 2, 2026

A new professional certification program aims to train local paddling guides as interest in river tours along the Mattawamkeag grows.

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Willow Creek Custom Flooring Lands $340,000 Historic Restoration Contract

By Kyle Dubois — April 29, 2026

The 40-employee mill will produce custom-milled maple flooring for a National Register property in Bangor, marking one of its largest contracts in years.

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Vance Proposes Tax Incentive Program for Main Street Vacant Storefronts

By Kyle Dubois — April 22, 2026

Second Selectwoman Eleanor Vance unveiled a proposal offering property tax abatements to businesses willing to occupy seven empty Main Street storefronts.

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The Dry Dock Announces New Winter Events Series to Extend Season

By Kyle Dubois — April 15, 2026

Dean Moreau will launch a winter dinner series featuring guest chefs from across Maine, aiming to draw visitors during the quietest months of the year.

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Ice-Out 100: Commemorative Book Project Aims to Capture a Century of Homan's Pond Tradition

By Clara Winslow — April 10, 2026

The town historian and a team of volunteers begin compiling a commemorative book documenting 100 years of Ice-Out celebrations in Willow Creek.

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Pond Road Bridge Repairs Set to Begin June 1, Detour Planned

By Kyle Dubois — March 25, 2026

The town will close the Pond Road bridge for two weeks to repair deteriorating support beams, with a gravel detour via Farr Road.

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