Spring Update

I thought that this would be a good time to share some random thoughts, that have been talked about recently.

With Spring in the air, pot hole season is upon us again.( Of course the foot of snow we recieved on Wednesday is covering them for a few days.) Do you think the town will ever finish fighting with the State and get Bangor Street repaired?.......speaking of fighting with the State, I think there must be someway that we can over ride their 2 year old surveys and FINALLY get a stop light at the end of Putnam Ave. Wait until it's a member of your family in there and the ambulance has to wait to cross the street. Time could mean a life at this intersection, and I have to think most people wouldn't mind giving up 35-40 seconds at a light here. Plus it would help cut down on speeding in the other parts of North Street. A win-win situation for everyone.

Speaking of North Street, there are some changes coming, and some RUMORED big changes coming. It seems that the land behind York Ford has been sold. Funiture and Floors North is building a new store there now. It will be open this summer. Their old place of business was bought last year by the Chineses Restuarant in the Shopping Center. They will be moving there in the future.

But the biggest noise seems to be that Wal Mart will be building a larger store by Furniture and Floors North. Nothing is officail yet, but it seems like some papers have been signed. This WILL have a MAJOR impact on Houlton.

The last time Wal Mart came to town, businesses in the down town area were hurt badly, many closed. A new Super Store, would have that same devastating effect on many small businesses. I personally can see this being the kiss of death for places like Andys IGA, Beals Variety, Daniels Florist, Yorks Bookstore, Jeans Serendipity, and some of the areas smaller garages.

Then what becomes of the old Wal Mart Store? If another retail store eventually takes over the space, it hurts down town once again. Our Economic People will really have to brianstorm, because changes ARE coming.

One change that has taken place, that will be announced shortly, is that Foggs has been sold. One of Houltons oldest businesses, founded by one of our Town Fathers Almon H Fogg, Foggs has been sold to S W Collins of Caribou. This may not be a bad thing, as the Collins family has been in Caribou almost as long as the Fogg family was in Houlton..SW Collins has a store in Presque Isle as well and seem to be positioning themselves to better compete with the Giant Big Box store Lowes, in Presque Isle. Time will tell,but it will be sad to see the Fogg name leave Houlton, and you have to believe that it will.

I attended the Southern Aroostook Trade show last week. Much better than in recent years. Lori Weston of the Chamber has really worked hard at promoting Houlton since she took over last fall, and it shows. Kudos to her! Now if folks would get behind her so they can get the money and find a location to move into their new DONATED building.

Once the Chamber moves, I would love to see the Town move the museum too. The present building is basically a firetrap. Worse than that, it is not handicap accessable. It's a true shame tha a lot of people can't navigate the stairs to get in, then most of the displays are upstairs, once you get inside. Houlton could do soooooo much better. With many people coming home for the Bicentennial this summer, it's a shame many people won't be able to see Houlton's History, tucked away in this building, simpily because they can't get to it.

The Town recently hired a new Police Chief from the Skowhegan area. He seems like a nice addition to town.

I can't wait for the Ron White Comedy Show in a few weeks. Another feather in the cap of the Houlton Fair Committee.

I had a chance to meet the new owner of the Radio station a few weeks ago. He was pull of fire. It's too bad the deal fell apart. WHOU could have used him - badly! Now the Town is once again stuck with present ownership, who really don't seem to care. WHOU is basically a joke these days. People may listen for a few hours in the morning, or during Red Sox or High School basketball - but thats basically it. Our "local" station is really now the Country station in Presque Isle. How sad is that?

I watched the Harlem Rockets Friday evening at the High School. What a nice show they put on. Before that , the local 3rd and 4th graders played Caribou for the County Championship and won. What a thrill for those young kids to play on the big floor of HHS in front of a big crowd! Future Shires .

Locals are starting a slow buzz about the Fair this summer and the Bicentennial celebration in August. Should be a lot of folks return home this summer.

Hearing some rumblings about the Christian school looking for a new place, as they are getting crowded. Where ever they end up next, let's hope they get enough land to have ball fields of their own and a decent gym. It's a shame that they can't even use the fields in the Park, because the local High School has priority. I can understand that, but I can't understand not being able to use them at all. That's just plain stupid in my eyes. And don't get me going on those kids having to travel to UMPI to play ball because the local schools won't rent them a gym. Local schools budgets are getting cut on every corner and here is a chance to get a little bit back - but no one will work with GHCA.

Jimmy Brown has another project in mind, Watch what takes place at Bells on Military St in the coming months.

If you like Steak and Cheese subs, try one from Ferris Quick Stop. Houlton's Best.

Bob Askren and Scott Emack are retiring this year from HHS. Both have been there almost 40 years and have helped many kids along the way. Hats off to both of them and hopefully they'll have many more years of enjoyment in their next phase of life.

Congrats go out to Mr Joe Fagnant of the HHS Music Dept on his nomination of Teacher of the Year. Great guy, who has done great things with music in our area.

Speaking of Mr Fagnant and music, The McGills Community Band will be starting their summer concert series at the Ampitheather soon. Just one of the many real good things about living in Houlton.

That's the view from my couch!

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar is now open for the season. Summer can't be too far away. (file photo)
That's the view from my Couch!