Stories by Jessica Potila

2 years ago

Vikings top Fort Kent Warriors

The Fort Kent boys were handed their first loss of the basketball season Dec. 27 when Caribou defeated them

FORT KENT, Maine – August 4, 2022 – Andrew Birden is the newest director of Fort Kent Public Library. (Jessica Potila | St. John Valley Times)
2 years ago

New director wants Fort Kent Public Library to unite community

FORT KENT, Maine – The new director of Fort Kent Public Library has some innovative plans to provide services he hopes will increase public use of the facility.  Andrew Birden, 58, of Fort Kent replaces previous director Michelle Raymond. Fort Kent Public Library currently serves between 30 and 40 visitors a day, and offers almost 18,000 […]

A float drives down Main Street in Madawaska during the Acadian Festival Parade on Sunday, Aug. 13. The float advertised the traditional tintamarre, where folks march through streets making fanfare with improvised instruments and noisemakers, which was to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, during National Acadian Day. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Theriault)
2 years ago

Acadian Festival returns to Madawaska

MADAWASKA, Maine — You do not have to be Acadian to attend the 44th annual Madawaska Acadian Festival, where all are welcome to celebrate authentic Acadian foods, music, crafts and artistry. Thousands have attended the annual four-day event each year since it first began in 1978. This year the festival will take place Aug. 11-15. […]

FORT KENT, Maine -- July 11, 2022 -- Two new police officers, Mark Belanger and Daniel Plourde have joined the Fort Kent Police Department. The new officers were recognized at a Monday, July 11 town council meeting. From left, are, Suzie Paradis, Fort Kent town manager; councilman Joey Ouellette, councilman Corey Pelletier, council chair Jake Robichaud, Officer Daniel Plourde, Officer Mark Belanger, councilman Andrew Caron, councilman Carrol Theriault, Chief Michael DeLena, and Sgt. Garrett Albert. (Courtesy of Stacy Belanger)
2 years ago

FKPD reaches full staff with addition of 2 new police officers

FORT KENT, Maine — In a time when police officers are in short supply throughout the country, the Fort Kent Police Department is fully staffed with the addition of two new officers.  Officer Mark Belanger and Officer Daniel (DJ) Plourde were recognized at a badge pinning ceremony during a Monday afternoon Fort Kent Town Council meeting. […]

FORT KENT, Maine -- The Fort Kent RV Park was booked solid throughout the summer of 2021. (Courtesy of Rick Douglas)
2 years ago

Business booming for Aroostook RV parks including state’s only town-owned facility

FORT KENT, Maine — Business is booming at Aroostook County recreational vehicle parks, and most are having to expand to meet the demand, including the state’s only town-owned facility. Several Aroostook RV parks have increased their camping sites in response to a growing number of visitors since the pandemic. One family-owned park in Eagle Lake […]