This week we continue our retrospective of some of The County’s business happenings in 2025. Here’s a look at highlights from July through December.
July
A growing number of Amish-owned businesses along Route 2 were gaining popularity with Mainers, including The Back 40 Farm Market in Smyrna, which is a retail hub for local meats, cheeses, dairy, baked goods and canned jams and jellies from the Amish community. Other businesses are general store Pioneer Place, Moosehead Meats and Sturdi-bilt Amish Storage Buildings.
Aroostook Mental Health Services Inc. announced the promotion of Sarah St. Pierre, LMSW-CC, to therapist/consultant at its Madawaska outpatient office. Kayla Henson, LCSW, MSW, joined as a therapist/consultant in August.
Andrew and Kassidie Shaw, who launched Designer Refind 2024, opened a new bin store that adds a modern twist to discount shopping. The couple receive new merchandise each week and place assorted items in priced bins — $2, $5, $10, etc. People dig through the bins “like a treasure hunt,” Andrew Shaw said.
August
Verizon Wireless Zone expanded to Houlton, opening a location at 137 North St.
Owner and founder Gerri Nadeau opened Timber Candle Bar & Boutique, a pour-your-own-candle shop that offers unique crafting experiences plus gifts and cooking items. The boutique is located at County Ag and Turf Supply, which she and her husband, Randy, also own.
The Northern Maine Community College Foundation raised over $19,500 from its annual TD Bank Golf Tournament, held Aug. 14 at the Presque Isle Country Club.
Cary Medical Center announced the expansion of its occupational therapy services to the Kimball Community Health Center in Fort Fairfield.
September
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation held its 3rd annual Walk for Hospice on Sept. 13 at the Caribou High School track & trails, raising more than $68,000 in support of the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle.
Wintergreen Arts Center welcomed Allyson “Ally” Midgley to serve as executive director of the nonprofit organization. She succeeds Dottie Hutchins, who served in the role since 2016.
Northern Light AR Gould Hospital in Presque Isle started once again offering free in-person childbirth classes. Michelle Medvedoff, CNM, a certified nurse midwife in the hospital’s OB/GYN practice, and Jayme Hovey, RN, BSN, CCE, a certified childbirth educator from Houlton, are the instructors.
Acadia Federal Credit Union distributed $80,648 in hunger relief funds throughout the summer.
October
The Town of Ashland received a new 2024 four-wheel drive ambulance, a critical upgrade to the region’s emergency medical response capabilities. The vehicle was made possible through $431,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending.
Aroostook Mental Health Services Inc. announced that Lori Deschaine, LCSW, was appointed chief operating officer.
The Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Bulrush Farm Mercantile in Hodgdon with a ribbon cutting.
New Madawaska Economic Development Director Kristen Henry talked about her plans. Her priorities include looking at ways to bring in tourism beyond winter activities, exploring opportunities to bring new businesses in and collaborating with nearby communities.
November
Northern Light Health and Anthem announced a new contract to keep the health system within the insurer’s network. The move ended months of uncertainty for more than 30,000 Mainers who faced the possibility that their doctors would move outside Anthem’s network.
Iconic Caribou restaurant Burger Boy closed and was sold at a foreclosure auction for $155,000. The diner, a staple in the community since 1968, had had financial troubles including a mortgage default. The buyer was not identified.
The County Federal Credit Union held the annual Fall Festival to End Hunger at BigRock Mountain in Mars Hill and raised just shy of $50,000 for local food pantries.
Steve Adams, owner of longtime Fort Fairfield restaurant Boondock’s Grille, said the business would close on Dec. 6 as he retired from the restaurant business.
December
The Presque Isle Future Business Leaders of America donated coats and jackets to Homeless Services of Aroostook. The group collected the donations at a supper and auction in the fall. FBLA is a career and technical student organization that prepares high school students for careers in business through academic, competitive events, community service and leadership development.
Katahdin Trust announced promotions, including Janet Doak as the newest member of cash management services, seasoned manager Melissa Dahlgren as the new branch manager for Presque Isle and Ashland, and Lucinda “Cindy” Kelley as the new branch manager for the bank’s Mars Hill and Fort Fairfield locations.
Kashonnon “Kay” Elgin opened The Book and Brew Cafe on Court Street in Houlton. The bookstore and cafe offers espresso, tea and books, and Elgin hopes to expand into book clubs, poetry readings and other gatherings.
