Willow Creek Gazette

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 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.

The Dry Dock Announces New Winter Events Series to Extend Season

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 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.

Willow Creek VFD Receives $47,000 State Grant for Rescue Equipment

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The volunteer fire department will use the funding to replace aging extrication tools and purchase new turnout gear for its 18-member roster.

Town Clerk Margaret Hollis Files for Re-Election, Seeks Fifth Term

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Hollis, who has served since 2014 and won her last election with 92% of the vote, will appear on the March town ballot unopposed.

Ice-Out Watch Begins: Homan's Pond Still Frozen as Predictions Pour In

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The 99th annual Willow Creek Ice-Out competition is underway, with entries flooding the town clerk's office and Amos Homan tipped as the favorite once again.

Vance Proposes Tax Incentive Program for Main Street Vacant Storefronts

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

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

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

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

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

Willow Creek K-8 School Posts Modest Enrollment Gain, First Increase Since 2017

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Principal Colleen Desjardins announced that enrollment ticked up by seven students this year — the first increase in nearly a decade.

Selectmen Deadlock on Broadband Initiative, Vance Vows to Continue Push

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The Board of Selectmen failed to reach consensus on Eleanor Vance's proposed broadband feasibility study, leaving the town's high-speed internet future uncertain.

Spring Police Blotter: Rooster on the Loose, Missing Mailbox, and a Car vs. Moose

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Deputy Patty LaFleur's latest police log brings the usual seasonal mix of wildlife encounters and neighborly disputes.

Town Hall Budget Hearing Draws Record Crowd Over School Funding Questions

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Residents packed the community hall for the annual budget hearing, with school funding and road maintenance emerging as the most contentious line items.

Winter Roads Committee Wraps Up Season, Praises Improved Plowing Response

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Fewer complaints and faster response times characterized this past winter, the roads committee reported, though salt costs continue to climb.

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.

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.

Artists Cooperative Gallery Opens on Main Street, Filling Another Vacant Storefront

By Clara Winslow — March 14, 2026

A collective of 12 local artists opens River Bend Gallery, bringing fine art and studio space to downtown Willow Creek in another sign of the town's cultural revival.

Nordic Cup Cross-Country Ski Race Becomes Annual Regional Event After Successful Debut

By Kyle Dubois — March 1, 2026

After a strong inaugural turnout, the Mattawamkeag River Trail Nordic Cup is officially added to the annual schedule of northeastern ski racing events.

First-Ever Winter Carnival Brings Ice Skating, Snowshoe Races, and Chili to Willow Creek

By Kyle Dubois — February 8, 2026

The town launches its inaugural winter carnival, betting that cold weather can be a tourism asset rather than a liability.

From Sawdust to Showcase: Old Mill Building Eyed for Museum Exhibit on Town's Industrial Past

By Clara Winslow — August 22, 2025

A proposal to convert a section of the historic Willow Creek Custom Flooring mill into a museum exhibit gains traction as the town embraces its heritage.

State Funds Historic District Study for Downtown Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — August 5, 2025

A $40,000 grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission will fund a survey to determine whether downtown buildings qualify for historic district designation.

Fall Festival 2026 Planning Underway with Hopes of Drawing Regional Crowds

By Kyle Dubois — July 11, 2025

Organizers begin early planning for Willow Creek's first major fall foliage festival, aiming to capture leaf-peeper traffic passing through Aroostook County.

Through the Lens: Library Hosts Photography Competition Celebrating Willow Creek's Landscape

By Clara Winslow — June 8, 2025

The Carnegie Library announces a new photography competition and exhibition showcasing the natural and built beauty of Willow Creek and surrounding areas.

Mountain Bike Race on New Singletrack Draws 80 Competitors to Willow Creek

By Kyle Dubois — May 17, 2025

The inaugural River Run mountain bike race puts Willow Creek's new trail network on the map for New England mountain bikers.

The Dry Dock Launches First Batch of Locally Made Hard Cider, Tapping Into Craft Beverage Tourism

By Clara Winslow — October 25, 2024

Dean Moreau partners with O'Flaherty's Maple to create a hard cider made from heirloom apples and local maple, betting on the growing craft beverage market.

Inaugural Mattawamkeag River Trail Half-Marathon Draws 200 Runners from Across New England

By Kyle Dubois — October 12, 2024

The first-ever half-marathon on the Mattawamkeag River Trail sells out its registration cap, marking a new addition to Willow Creek's event calendar.

Annual Fishing Tournament Reels In Record 120 Entrants from Four States

By Kyle Dubois — September 28, 2024

The 47th annual Willow Creek Bass and Pike Tournament sets a participation record, signaling the town's growing reputation as a fishing destination.

Wabanaki Heritage Interpretive Trail Planned Along Mattawamkeag River Route

By Clara Winslow — September 13, 2024

A new cultural heritage initiative will install interpretive signage along the river trail highlighting the history and presence of the Wabanaki people.

Visitor Center Proposal Would Transform Old Mill Office Building into Welcome Hub

By Clara Winslow — August 28, 2024

A plan to repurpose the vacant Willow Creek Custom Flooring administrative building into a year-round visitor center advances to the feasibility stage.

First Two EV Charging Stations Go Live on Main Street, Marking a First for the Region

By Kyle Dubois — August 2, 2024

Willow Creek becomes the first town in northern Aroostook County to install public electric vehicle charging stations, supported by a state grant.

Vance Proposes Year-Round Tourism Strategy to Smooth Seasonal Peaks and Valleys

By Kyle Dubois — July 18, 2024

Selectwoman Eleanor Vance presents a five-year plan aimed at developing shoulder-season attractions and reducing the town's dependence on summer tourism.

Lodging Study Reveals Severe Shortage: Demand Outstrips Supply 5 to 1

By Clara Winslow — June 5, 2024

A commissioned study finds Willow Creek lacks sufficient lodging to support its growing tourism economy, with visitor inquiries far exceeding available rooms.

Trail-to-Town Connector Sidewalk Project Secures Federal Funding

By Kyle Dubois — May 10, 2024

A $1.2 million grant will fund a sidewalk connecting the Mattawamkeag River Trail trailhead to downtown Willow Creek, improving walkability for visitors and residents.

Wood-Fired Pizzeria Opens Doors in Former Vacant Storefront on Elm Street

By Kyle Dubois — April 22, 2024

A new restaurant brings Neapolitan-style pizza to downtown Willow Creek, filling a storefront that had been empty for nearly four years.

Ice-Out Centennial Countdown Begins as Tourism Planning Committee Holds First Meeting

By Kyle Dubois — March 15, 2024

With the 100th anniversary of Homan's Pond Ice-Out three years away, a new planning committee meets to coordinate tourism efforts around the milestone event.

Elementary School Outdoor Education Program Becomes Regional Model

By Clara Winslow — October 10, 2023

Willow Creek Elementary's place-based outdoor learning program, launched with tourism partnership funding, is being studied by six other school districts across northern Maine.

Leaf-Peeping Shuttle Bus Grant Will Ease Fall Traffic Congestion

By Kyle Dubois — August 28, 2023

A $95,000 state grant funds a free Saturday shuttle service during peak foliage season, connecting trailheads, downtown and scenic overlooks.

Maine Open Farm Day Draws Record Crowd to Farr Family Farm

By Clara Winslow — July 25, 2023

Farr Family Farm hosts 340 visitors on Maine Open Farm Day, selling 120 pounds of produce and launching a weekly farm-stand subscription program.

Motorcoach Tour Makes Willow Creek Its First Scheduled Stop

By Clara Winslow — June 12, 2023

A commercial motorcoach tour company adds Willow Creek as a regular stop on its Northern Maine itinerary, bringing 45 passengers each week for a four-hour visit.

Historical Marker Installed at Thorne's Bend Commemorating River Driving Era

By Kyle Dubois — May 16, 2023

A new Maine Historical Society marker at Thorne's Bend tells the story of the Mattawamkeag River log drives, giving tourists a self-guided history lesson.

Library Local History Room Sees Visitor Boom as Tourists Seek Roots

By Clara Winslow — April 18, 2023

The Carnegie Library's local history room has seen a 200% increase in visitor traffic since 2021, driven by genealogy tourists and visitors seeking connection to Willow Creek's past.

Ice-Out Merchandise Sales Surge as Homan's Pond Tradition Goes Commercial

By Kyle Dubois — March 21, 2023

Official ice-out merchandise — hats, T-shirts, and commemorative mugs — generate $18,000 in sales as the annual Homan's Pond ice-out prediction contest grows into a tourism event.

Willow Creek Winter Festival Draws Record Cross-Border Visitors

By Kyle Dubois — February 28, 2023

The inaugural Willow Creek Winter Festival attracted 1,500 attendees and $120,000 in economic impact, with Canadian visitors making up 40% of the crowd.

Maine Guide Apprentice Program Places Six Aspiring Outfitters

By Kyle Dubois — February 14, 2023

A state-backed apprenticeship pairs six Willow Creek candidates with veteran Maine Guides, addressing a workforce shortage as tourism demand continues to climb.

Mattawamkeag Corridor Designated as Official Maine Birding Trail

By Clara Winslow — November 8, 2022

The Mattawamkeag River corridor earns a spot on the Maine Birding Trail, joining 120 other sites and promising a boost to ecotourism in Willow Creek.

Owl-Watching Tours at Homan's Pond Attract Nighttime Birders

By Clara Winslow — October 4, 2022

A new guided owl-watching program at Homan's Pond draws 140 participants in its first season, with barred and great horned owls spotted on 90% of outings.

Lumber Camp Interpretive Center Proposed at Old Mill Site

By Kyle Dubois — September 20, 2022

A $1.2 million plan to build a lumber camp interpretive center on the former Willow Creek Custom Flooring mill property aims to preserve the town's logging heritage for tourists.

Stargazing Events at Farr Farm Draw Astrotourists to Dark-Sky Country

By Kyle Dubois — August 16, 2022

Monthly stargazing nights at Farr Family Farm attract hundreds of visitors to Aroostook County's dark skies, with the farm considering permanent telescope infrastructure.

Pleasant Lake Beaches See Record Summer Crowds, Strain Facilities

By Kyle Dubois — August 2, 2022

Unprecedented visitation to Pleasant Lake's public beaches raises safety concerns and prompts the town to consider paid parking and lifeguard staffing.

Farm-Stay Accommodation Pilot Launches at Three Local Farms

By Kyle Dubois — July 19, 2022

A state-funded pilot program turns three Willow Creek farms into agritourism destinations, offering overnight stays alongside working farm experiences.

Mountain Biking Trail Proposal Promises Year-Round Recreation Boost

By Kyle Dubois — June 28, 2022

A proposed 18-mile network of singletrack trails on town-owned forestland could make Willow Creek a destination for mountain bikers, with construction targeted for spring 2023.

The Dry Dock Launches Tasting Menu Featuring Local Ingredients

By Clara Winslow — April 26, 2022

Dean Moreau's new seven-course tasting menu at The Dry Dock showcases Aroostook County ingredients and draws culinary tourists from across the state.

Five Local Candidates Pass Maine Fishing Guide Exam, Boosting Guide Pool

By Kyle Dubois — March 18, 2022

Willow Creek's aspiring fishing guides achieve a 100% pass rate on the rigorous Maine Guide exam, doubling the town's licensed guide count and meeting surging visitor demand.

Leaf-Peeping Season Generated $1.8 Million for Local Economy, Study Finds

By Kyle Dubois — November 15, 2021

University of Maine economists estimate that fall foliage tourism contributed $1.8 million to Willow Creek's economy in 2021, with the average visitor spending $187 per day.

Thorne's Bend Wedding Venue Draws Destination Couples to Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — September 6, 2021

The Dry Dock's riverfront event space has hosted 18 weddings since opening, generating $340,000 in revenue and establishing Willow Creek as a wedding tourism destination.

Broadband Feasibility Study Raises Hopes for Remote-Worker Tourism

By Clara Winslow — August 24, 2021

A proposed broadband expansion could bring high-speed internet to Willow Creek, opening the door to remote-worker tourism and extending the traditional tourism season.

Post-Pandemic Tourism Surge Sets Trail Usage Records

By Kyle Dubois — July 12, 2021

Willow Creek sees unprecedented visitor numbers as pandemic-weary travelers flock to outdoor recreation, with Mattawamkeag River Trail reporting a 340% increase over 2019 baseline.

Fall Foliage Festival Debuts, Aims to Extend Tourism Shoulder Season

By Clara Winslow — October 8, 2020

Weekend celebration of autumn color, harvest, and local food draws leaf-peepers from across the Northeast.

Moose-Watching Tours Launch as Wildlife Tourism Expands

By Clara Winslow — August 20, 2020

Northwoods Outfitters adds evening moose-viewing trips to the Mattawamkeag River watershed.

Pandemic Sparks Outdoor Recreation Boom in Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — July 16, 2020

Trail use, paddling, and camping surge as visitors seek safe, socially distanced escapes from cities.

First Airbnb Listing Opens New Lodging Option for Willow Creek Visitors

By Kyle Dubois — May 28, 2020

Renovated millworker cottage on Mechanic Street becomes town's first short-term rental on the platform.

Town Unveils New Branding Logo: 'Willow Creek — Where the River Meets the Pines'

By Kyle Dubois — August 15, 2019

Community-driven design process produces a new visual identity aimed at attracting visitors and investment.

Town Approves RV Camping Expansion at Pleasant Lake Shores

By Clara Winslow — June 20, 2019

New 30-site RV park and campground aims to capture overflow from Baxter State Park and Katahdin region.

Church Restoration Project Draws Former Mill Workers as Heritage Tourists

By Kyle Dubois — May 23, 2019

St. Anne's steeple repair reunites alumni of Willow Creek mills, drawing visitors who helped build the town.

Dean Moreau's Cookbook Brings Dry Dock Recipes to a Wider Audience

By Clara Winslow — December 6, 2018

'From the Dock: Recipes and Stories from a Maine Mill Town' sells out first print run in three weeks.

Carnegie Library Opens Archives to Public Research for First Time

By Kyle Dubois — October 11, 2018

Historical documents, photographs, and mill ledgers are now accessible to genealogists and visitors.

Stu Peller Launches Mill History Talks at The Dry Dock

By Clara Winslow — July 26, 2018

General manager of Willow Creek Custom Flooring offers weekly storytelling sessions on Willow Creek's industrial heyday for visiting history buffs.

Northwoods Outfitters Opens Doors on Main Street

By Kyle Dubois — May 14, 2018

Julia Chen launches guiding and gear rental business, bringing new tourism services to downtown Willow Creek.

The Dry Dock Featured in Down East Magazine's 'Best of Maine' Issue

By Clara Winslow — April 12, 2018

Dean Moreau's Thorne's Bend pub earns statewide recognition for its fish chowder and shipyard atmosphere.

Pleasant Lake Bald Eagle Count Draws Birders and Sightseers

By Kyle Dubois — February 8, 2018

Annual winter survey documents record 14 eagles as wildlife-watching tourism takes flight.

Snowmobile Club Welcomes 100th Member as Trail Network Expands

By Clara Winslow — December 14, 2017

Willow Creek Sno-Drifters hit milestone membership amid growing regional interest in winter riding.

Julia Chen Earns Maine Guide Certification, First in Town in a Decade

By Kyle Dubois — August 3, 2017

Northwoods Outfitters owner becomes licensed Registered Maine Guide, eligible to lead trips across the state.

Paddle-In Campsites Installed Along Mattawamkeag River

By Clara Winslow — June 8, 2017

Five primitive campsites give canoeists and kayakers a place to stay overnight on the river corridor.

Mattawamkeag River Trail Bridge Replacement to Begin Next Month

By Kyle Dubois — April 20, 2017

Decades-old span over Mill Brook to be replaced with wider pedestrian bridge, improving access for hikers and anglers.

O'Flaherty's Maple Opens Sugarhouse Tours for Maple Season

By Kyle Dubois — March 16, 2017

Niall O'Flaherty welcomes visitors to watch sap-to-syrup production, taste grades, and explore the sugarbush.

First Digital Nomad Visitors Discover Willow Creek's Remote Work Appeal

By Kyle Dubois — October 18, 2016

A pair of freelance designers from Portland test the town's broadband capacity for extended stay.

Farr Family Farm Launches Corn Maze and Pick-Your-Own Operation

By Kyle Dubois — September 22, 2016

Henry Farr diversifies the family dairy farm with agri-tourism attractions aimed at fall visitors.

Historical Society Launches Self-Guided Walking Tours of Downtown

By Clara Winslow — July 4, 2016

New map-and-brochure route highlights 22 historic buildings along River and Main streets.

Ice-Out Prize Pool Reaches Record $2,000 for 2016 Contest

By Clara Winslow — March 10, 2016

Homan's Pond Ice-Out jackpot more than doubles as interest in the annual spring tradition surges regionwide.

Travel Writer Discovers Willow Creek: Town Earns First Professional Review

By Clara Winslow — August 20, 2015

A freelance travel writer visiting from Portland, Maine, publishes the first professional review of Willow Creek as a tourism destination, drawing regional attention.

Inn-to-Inn Hiking Route Links Willow Creek Bed-and-Breakfasts

By Clara Winslow — May 21, 2015

A new 8-mile inn-to-inn hiking trail connects Willow Creek's two bed-and-breakfasts with the Mattawamkeag River Trail, offering multi-day hiking packages.

Leaf-Peeping Shuttle Service Debuts to Ease Fall Traffic Congestion

By Clara Winslow — October 9, 2014

A weekend shuttle service during peak foliage season aims to reduce traffic congestion on Route 11 and help visitors access trailheads, downtown and the Dry Dock.

School Heritage Field Trips Take Students Into Town History

By Clara Winslow — September 25, 2014

Willow Creek K-8 School launches a new heritage curriculum that sends students into town to document oral histories and explore historic sites.

Farmers Market Launches Tourist Outreach: 'Come for the Vegetables, Stay for the Town'

By Clara Winslow — May 15, 2014

The Willow Creek Farmers Market launches a tourist-friendly initiative featuring vendor maps, cooking demonstrations, and 'market passports' to draw visitors.

ATV Trail Access Expanded as Tourism Committee Targets Off-Road Riders

By Clara Winslow — January 23, 2014

New ATV trail connections link Willow Creek to the statewide trail network, opening a corridor for off-road vehicle tourism from Canada and southern Maine.

Pine Cone Motel Undergoes Renovation as Visitor Demand Outstrips Lodging

By Clara Winslow — December 19, 2013

The Pine Cone Motel completes a major renovation adding four new rooms and modern amenities, responding to growing demand for overnight accommodations.

Pleasant Lake Paddling Trail Opens as New Day-Trip Destination

By Clara Winslow — October 3, 2013

A scenic paddling route on Pleasant Lake, 10 miles east of town, offers visitors a quiet alternative to the Willow River with views of undeveloped shoreline.

Hunting Lease Tourism Takes Hold as Out-of-State Sportsmen Rent Private Land

By Clara Winslow — September 12, 2013

A new program connecting out-of-state deer hunters with local landowners generates income for farmers and fills motel rooms during the November shoulder season.

Bicycle Tour Groups Put Willow Creek on the Cycling Map

By Clara Winslow — June 27, 2013

Organized bike tours passing through Willow Creek bring dozens of cyclists to town, prompting discussion of bike-friendly infrastructure improvements.

Town Forms First-Ever Tourism Committee to Guide Economic Development

By Clara Winslow — April 11, 2013

The Board of Selectmen approves the creation of a five-member tourism committee tasked with developing a formal strategy for attracting visitors year-round.

First Kayak Rentals Hit the Water as Paddlers Discover Willow River

By Clara Winslow — July 5, 2012

The new Kayak Willow Creek rental service launches at Thorne's Bend, offering visitors a chance to explore the gentle currents of the Willow and Mattawamkeag rivers.

Main Street Vacancies Fuel Debate Over Tourism Role in Downtown Revival

By Clara Winslow — May 10, 2012

With seven empty storefronts on Main Street, residents and business owners clash over whether tourism or traditional commerce should anchor downtown's future.

Ice-Out Competition Expands Beyond Town Limits for First Time

By Clara Winslow — March 8, 2012

The annual Ice-Out competition on Homan's Pond opens to online entries from outside Willow Creek, drawing attention from as far as California.

Birdwatching Weekends Take Flight Along Mattawamkeag River Corridor

By Clara Winslow — February 16, 2012

A new series of guided birdwatching weekends aims to attract the growing ecotourism market, targeting spring and fall migration along the river.

Snowmobile Grooming Upgrades Promise Best Winter Trail Conditions in Years

By Clara Winslow — December 8, 2011

The Willow Creek Snowmobile Club receives new grooming equipment, opening 60 miles of maintained trails for the 2011-2012 winter season.

Willow Creek Custom Flooring Opens Mill to Historic Tours

By Clara Winslow — October 13, 2011

The town's oldest operating business begins offering guided tours of the historic 1903 mill, showcasing the original steam-powered planer and the craft of hardwood flooring.

Foliage Season Poised to Break Records as Leaf-Peepers Descend on Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — September 29, 2011

A dry summer and ideal temperature swings promise one of the most spectacular foliage displays in years, drawing crowds to the Mattawamkeag River Valley.

The Dry Dock Brings Farm-to-Table Dining to Willow Creek

By Clara Winslow — June 23, 2011

Dean Moreau, a Willow Creek native who spent 15 years working in Portland and Boston kitchens, opens the Dry Dock restaurant in the restored Thorne & Sons boat shed.

Mattawamkeag River Trail Pilot Program Launches This Spring

By Clara Winslow — April 14, 2011

A 14-mile multi-use trail along the Mattawamkeag River will open in a pilot capacity this May, offering hiking, biking and cross-country skiing access.

Dean Moreau Returns to Open The Dry Dock at Thorne's Bend

By Clara Winslow — May 20, 2010

Dean Moreau, after 16 years in Boston, returns to Willow Creek to open The Dry Dock restaurant in the renovated Thorne & Sons boat shed at Thorne's Bend — the town's first destination restaurant and a milestone in the emergence of culinary tourism.

Ice-Out Archive Project Begins at the Library; 96 Years of History Indexed

By Clara Winslow — November 12, 2009

Doris Kim begins a multi-year project to index every Gazette Ice-Out article by date, winner, and prediction margin. The project will fill three binders and become the definitive record of the competition's history.

Mattawamkeag River Trail Bridges Replaced with Modern Wooden Trusses

By Clara Winslow — September 18, 2008

Two of the three original wooden bridges on the Mattawamkeag River Trail — dating from the 1908 railbed construction — are replaced with modern wooden truss bridges at a cost of $90,000, funded jointly by the county and state.

Eleanor Vance Elected to Board of Selectmen; Pledges Economic Revitalization

By Clara Winslow — August 30, 2007

Eleanor Vance is elected as Second Selectwoman on a platform of economic revitalization, bringing a background in non-profit management and a plan to fill Main Street's vacant storefronts.

Clara Winslow Reflects on 20 Years at the Gazette's Helm

By Clara Winslow — January 27, 2005

Clara Winslow marks 20 years as publisher of the Willow Creek Gazette with a reflective front-page editorial about her father's decision to buy the paper, her reluctant return from Bangor, and her decision to stay.

Doris Kim Appointed Town Librarian; Begins Gazette Digitization Project

By Clara Winslow — June 17, 2004

Doris Kim, 47, is appointed head librarian of the Willow Creek Free Public Library. She brings experience from Portland and immediately begins work on digitizing the library's collection of bound Gazette volumes.

Mill Centennial Celebration Draws 300: 100 Years on the Same Site

By Clara Winslow — April 3, 2003

Willow Creek Custom Flooring, LLC celebrates 100 years of mill operations on the same site. The celebration features tours, a Jed Thorne-curated history exhibit, and a speech by Stu Peller.

Amos Homan Wins Second Ice-Out Championship; Joins Elite Ranks of Multiple Winners

By Clara Winslow — May 9, 2002

Amos Homan wins his second Ice-Out championship, becoming the third multiple winner in the competition's history. His prediction methodology blends his father's data with modern barometric readings and intuition.

Randy Boucher Buys Route 11 Irving Station; Frames Family Ice-Out History on Wall

By Clara Winslow — May 9, 2002

Randy Boucher purchases the Route 11 Irving gas station and towing service. He immediately frames a family record showing four generations of Boucher Ice-Out entries dating back to 1927.

Arthur Pendelton Elected First Selectman; Pledges to Fill Main Street's Empty Storefronts

By Clara Winslow — May 22, 1997

Arthur Pendelton is elected Willow Creek's First Selectman on a platform of economic development and Main Street revitalization. The election marks a generational shift in town leadership.

Amos Homan Wins First Ice-Out Championship; Homan Family Legacy Continues

By Clara Winslow — April 11, 1996

Amos Homan, son of the legendary Ezra Homan, wins his first Ice-Out championship with a prediction just three minutes off the actual ice-clearing time, fulfilling a family destiny decades in the making.

Maeve O'Donnell Takes Over General Store; Installs Town's First Espresso Machine

By Clara Winslow — February 16, 1995

Maeve O'Donnell, the third generation of the O'Donnell family to run the General Store, takes over from her father and installs a proper espresso machine, marking a new chapter for the Main Street institution.

Dean Moreau Leaves Willow Creek for Culinary Career in Boston

By Clara Winslow — April 21, 1994

Dean Moreau, 25, leaves Willow Creek to pursue a culinary career in Boston. His departure is noted in the community news section. Sixteen years later, he will return to open The Dry Dock at Thorne's Bend.

Mattawamkeag River Trail Completed; 14-Mile Corridor Opens with Full-Color Map

By Clara Winslow — August 5, 1993

The final 4.6-mile segment of the Mattawamkeag River Trail opens, connecting Thorne's Bend to the Mattawamkeag Lake Overlook. The Gazette publishes a full-color map pullout celebrating the completion of a project seven years in the making.

Ice-Out Entries Top 1,000 for First Time in 66-Year History

By Clara Winslow — February 20, 1992

The 66th annual Ice-Out draws 1,023 entries, topping 1,000 for the first time. The Gazette publishes a special statistical insert, and Maeve O'Donnell inaugurates her front-window whiteboard tally system.

Fire Damages General Store; Community Rallies with Benefit Supper

By Clara Winslow — March 28, 1991

A second fire in the General Store's history — traced to faulty wiring — causes extensive damage to the back storage area. Maeve O'Donnell vows to rebuild, and the community raises $4,600 at a benefit supper.

Willow Creek Custom Flooring Opens in Original Mill Site; Restoration Niche Fuels Revival

By Clara Winslow — June 14, 1990

The mill reopens as Willow Creek Custom Flooring, LLC, specializing in quarter-sawn white oak and hard maple for the historic restoration market. The grand opening draws 400 people, and the Gazette runs a triumphant headline.

Young Stu Peller Takes Job Sweeping Floors at the Reopening Mill

By Clara Winslow — October 12, 1989

Stu Peller, then 22, takes a job sweeping floors at the newly reopened Willow Creek Custom Flooring, LLC. He will work every position in the mill over 28 years, eventually rising to general manager.

First Segment of Mattawamkeag River Trail Opens to Public

By Clara Winslow — July 21, 1988

The first 4 miles of the Mattawamkeag River Trail open, connecting the Willow Creek Trailhead to Thorne's Bend. The ribbon-cutting attracts 150 people and marks the first tangible result of the town's bet on recreation-based tourism.

State Awards $180,000 Grant for Railbed-to-Trail Conversion

By Clara Winslow — August 7, 1986

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands awards a $180,000 Recreational Trails Program grant to convert the abandoned logging railbed into the Mattawamkeag River Trail, the largest investment in Willow Creek's recreational infrastructure in decades.

Ezra Homan, Beloved Mill Foreman and Ice-Out Institution, Dies at 79

By Clara Winslow — March 14, 1985

Ezra Homan, who entered every single Ice-Out competition from its 1927 inception through 1985 — an unmatched streak of 61 consecutive entries — dies, passing his legendary prediction notebook to his son Amos.

Harold Winslow, Gazette Publisher Who Restored Local Ownership, Dies at 61

By Clara Winslow — May 10, 1984

Harold Winslow, who purchased the Willow Creek Gazette in 1974 and returned it to local ownership after a decade of chain ownership, dies of a heart attack. His daughter Clara assumes the publisher's role.

Christmas Eve Fire Destroys Abandoned Mill Storage Shed; Main Building Spared

By Clara Winslow — December 22, 1983

A fire of undetermined origin destroys an abandoned storage shed on the old mill property on Christmas Eve, raising questions about the future of the mill complex that has stood empty for 11 years.

Community Hall Renovated with Federal Grant; Building Gets New Lease on Life

By Clara Winslow — September 9, 1982

A $40,000 federal community development grant funds a complete renovation of the Willow Creek Community Hall, modernizing the 1924 Grange hall that serves as the town's primary gathering space.

Snowmobile Club Proposes Multi-Use Trail on Abandoned Logging Railbed

By Clara Winslow — June 18, 1981

The Aroostook Nordic Club proposes converting the abandoned Aroostook Valley Lumber railbed into a multi-use recreational trail, marking the first concrete step toward a tourism economy in post-mill Willow Creek.

Town Council Rejects McDonald's Franchise Proposal; Willow Creek Says No to Everytown

By harold-winslow — October 11, 1979

A fast-food franchise proposal divides Willow Creek, but the Board of Selectmen ultimately decides that the town's character is not for sale.

Bicentennial Parade Draws 800, Showcases Town's Heritage

By harold-winslow — July 4, 1976

Willow Creek's bicentennial celebration draws the largest crowd since the mill closure, as residents turn out to celebrate 200 years of American independence — and their own resilience.

Harold Winslow Purchases Gazette, Returns Paper to Local Ownership

By harold-winslow — May 2, 1974

After nine years of chain ownership, the Willow Creek Gazette returns to local hands when a Bangor newspaperman buys the paper and moves his family to town.

Town Debates Selling Homan's Pond to Private Developer

By harold-whitcomb — January 25, 1973

A developer's proposal to purchase Homan's Pond for a summer camp divides the town in a four-hour town meeting that tests Willow Creek's post-mill identity.

Unemployment in Willow Creek Reaches 28 Percent; Town Seeks Federal Aid

By harold-whitcomb — June 22, 1972

Three months after the mill closure, the full economic toll becomes clear as Willow Creek applies for federal assistance and families begin leaving in large numbers.

Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company Closes After 69 Years

By harold-whitcomb — March 16, 1972

The mill that built the town idles its final shift, leaving 87 workers without jobs and Willow Creek without its economic anchor.

Town Population Dips Below 2,000 for First Time Since 1910

By arthur-whitcomb — May 1, 1969

A special census confirms what residents have long suspected: Willow Creek is shrinking, and the exodus of young people to the cities shows no signs of stopping.

Willow River Floods Main Street After Rain-on-Snow Event

By harold-whitcomb — December 19, 1968

A December rain-on-snow weather event causes the Willow River to jump its banks, flooding lower Main Street and the Thorne's Bend area.

Mill Lays Off 30 Workers; Southern Competition Cited

By arthur-whitcomb — July 14, 1966

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company lays off 30 workers, the first major reduction in the mill's workforce since the Depression.

Ezra Homan Retires from Mill After 44 Years, Never Took a Sick Day

By arthur-whitcomb — November 5, 1964

The beloved foreman who started on the green chain at age sixteen ends his mill career with an unmatched attendance record and a legendary Ice-Out diary.

Pendelton's Hardware & Feed Closes After 40 Years in Business

By arthur-whitcomb — September 14, 1961

A Main Street institution shuts its doors, joining the growing list of vacant storefronts that signal Willow Creek's economic contraction.

State Proposes Route 11 Bypass; Main Street Merchants Organize Opposition

By arthur-whitcomb — May 26, 1960

A proposal to divert Route 11 traffic away from Main Street threatens the commercial heart of Willow Creek, and local merchants are fighting back.

Walter Thorne Appointed Rural Mail Carrier; Thorne Name Continues in Public Service

By ezra-thorne — February 12, 1959

The son of Ezra Thorne II is appointed as rural mail carrier for the Willow Creek route, continuing the family's long tradition of service to the community.

Cormac O'Flaherty Taps 60 Maples, Begins Sugaring Operation

By ezra-thorne — April 17, 1958

A new enterprise on Sugarhouse Road produces the first batch of O'Flaherty's Maple syrup, a business that will become a Willow Creek institution.

Aroostook Valley Lumber Closes Logging Spur; End of an Era for Rail Transport

By arthur-whitcomb — October 31, 1957

The 14-mile logging rail spur connecting the upper West Branch to Willow Creek ceases operations, as truck logging renders the short line uneconomical.

Fire Damages General Store; Community Rallies to Rebuild

By arthur-whitcomb — March 21, 1957

A grease fire in the General Store's kitchen threatens the town's oldest business, but a community fund drive and volunteer labor have the store reopened within weeks.

Ice Storm Paralyzes Town for Three Days; Gazette Delayed

By arthur-whitcomb — December 23, 1954

A devastating ice storm on December 22–23 knocks out power across southern Aroostook County, testing the resilience of Willow Creek families during the holiday week.

Granite Marker Dedicated at Thorne's Bend Shipyard Site

By ezra-thorne — October 8, 1953

A granite historical marker commemorating the Thorne & Sons Shipworks is unveiled at Thorne's Bend, preserving the memory of the town's first industrial era.

Mill Sets All-Time Production Record: 2.4 Million Board Feet

By arthur-whitcomb — October 2, 1952

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company reports its best year ever, surpassing even wartime production levels as the post-war housing boom drives unprecedented demand.

Television Arrives in Willow Creek: General Store Installs First Set

By arthur-whitcomb — June 19, 1952

Seamus O'Donnell's new television set draws crowds to the General Store on Saturday nights, marking the beginning of the television era in Willow Creek.

Private First Class Leonard Dumont Killed in Action in Korea

By arthur-whitcomb — November 8, 1951

The first of two Willow Creek casualties in the Korean War, Private First Class Leonard Dumont is remembered as a quiet mill worker who answered his country's call.

Returning GIs Find Mill Jobs Waiting as Post-War Housing Boom Takes Hold

By arthur-whitcomb — March 14, 1946

Unlike the aftermath of the First World War, returning veterans find the mill ready to hire as the post-war housing boom creates strong demand for hardwood flooring.

War Ends; Town Hall Bell Rings as Mill Whistle Blows

By arthur-whitcomb — August 16, 1945

The end of World War II is announced by radio at 7:00 PM. The town hall bell rings continuously, the mill whistle blows for a full minute, and the Gazette prints a victory edition.

D-Day News Reaches Town via Radio at the General Store

By arthur-whitcomb — June 8, 1944

News of the Normandy landings reaches Willow Creek by radio broadcast as residents gather at the General Store, where Seamus O'Donnell places a radio on the front porch.

Rationing Board Reports 100 Percent Compliance in Willow Creek

By arthur-whitcomb — May 27, 1943

The local rationing board, chaired by James O'Donnell, reports full compliance with federal rationing of sugar, gasoline, and meat as the Gazette launches a weekly 'Rationing Recipes' column.

Ezra Thorne II, Bridge Between Eras, Dies at 74

By arthur-whitcomb — August 13, 1942

The fourth-generation Thorne who worked 32 years as a millwright at the flooring mill dies at home on River Road, his obituary tracing the family's arc from shipbuilders to mill workers.

War Declared; Town Mobilizes for Blackout Drills as Mill Shifts to Munitions Work

By arthur-whitcomb — December 11, 1941

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Willow Creek holds its first blackout drill within a week as the mill converts to wartime production of hardwood components for munitions crates and military vehicles.

Draft Registration Held at Town Hall; 60 Men Register

By arthur-whitcomb — January 9, 1941

Sixty men register for the draft at the Willow Creek Town Hall as the Gazette prints the names of all registrants on page one — Ezra Thorne II's son Walter among them.

Mill Race Dam Repaired After Spring Flood Nearly Breaches It

By arthur-whitcomb — July 13, 1939

Heavy spring rains nearly breach the Homan's Pond dam for the first time since 1900, requiring $800 in emergency repairs and reinforcing the spillway with granite blocks.

Hurricane of '38 Fells Trees Across Town; Mill Roof Lost

By arthur-whitcomb — September 22, 1938

The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 reaches Willow Creek as a severe windstorm, toppling hundreds of trees and tearing the roof off the mill's main building.

Polio Outbreak Closes School for Six Weeks

By arthur-whitcomb — August 26, 1937

Three cases of polio reported in Willow Creek force a six-week school closure as the Gazette runs public health notices on the front page for the duration of the outbreak.

Tenth Annual Ice-Out Draws 200 Entrants; Out-of-Towner Wins

By arthur-whitcomb — March 19, 1936

The Ice-Out reaches a milestone tenth year with 200 entrants — the largest field yet — as a man from Pottersville wins, sparking a debate about out-of-town entries.

WPA Grant Brings Concrete Sidewalks to Main Street

By arthur-whitcomb — October 17, 1935

A $4,200 federal Works Progress Administration grant replaces the worn wooden boardwalks on Main Street with concrete sidewalks, employing twelve men for four months.

Ezra Thorne II Objects to Pond Naming at Heated Town Meeting

By arthur-whitcomb — June 28, 1934

Ezra Thorne II formally objects to the adoption of 'Homan's Pond' as the official name, arguing the pond should reflect the town's heritage rather than one family's good fortune in living beside it.

Prohibition Repeal Celebrated Quietly at the General Store

By arthur-whitcomb — April 20, 1933

The end of the 18th Amendment is noted with a shared bottle of rye at the back of the General Store as Whitcomb's editorial observes that 'the noble experiment has ended.'

Roosevelt Wins Landslide; Mill Workers Hope for New Deal Relief

By arthur-whitcomb — November 3, 1932

Franklin D. Roosevelt's victory is greeted with cautious optimism in Willow Creek, as Ezra Homan begins his famous spiral notebook of Ice-Out conditions — noting barometric pressure on the same day the election results arrive.

Town Relief Committee Formed for Families of Unemployed Mill Workers

By arthur-whitcomb — January 22, 1931

As the Depression deepens, Willow Creek forms a relief committee to distribute food and firewood to families of the unemployed, chaired by General Store proprietor James O'Donnell.

Mill Cuts Wages by 20 Percent; Workers Accept After Reviewing Books

By arthur-whitcomb — June 12, 1930

A threatened walkout at the Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company is averted when the mill manager demonstrates the company's financial books to the workforce, who accept a 20 percent wage cut without striking.

Stock Market Crash Brings Anxiety but No Panic to Mill Town

By arthur-whitcomb — October 31, 1929

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 receives subdued coverage in the Gazette as the mill continues operating, but Whitcomb's editorial warns that the prosperity of the past decade has come to its natural end.

Second Annual Ice-Out Draws 75 Entrants; Competition Formalizes

By arthur-whitcomb — March 8, 1928

The Ice-Out returns to Homan's Pond with officially printed entry slips, a fixed dollar entry fee, and seventy-five entrants as the informal wager becomes an annual tradition.

Albert Boucher Wins Inaugural Ice-Out; Predicts Within Five Minutes

By arthur-whitcomb — April 7, 1927

The first official Ice-Out champion is crowned at Homan's Pond as Albert Boucher's prediction of April 7, 11:47 AM comes within five minutes of the actual ice clearance.

Mill Workers Idled by Logjam Start Pondside Wagers — The First Ice-Out

By arthur-whitcomb — March 31, 1927

With the mill shut down by a logjam on the Willow River, a group of workers gathered at Homan's Pond and began making informal bets on when the ice would clear — the unrecognized beginning of a Willow Creek institution.

Mill Workers Turn Winter Standstill Into a Wager on the Spring Thaw

By ezra-thorne — March 12, 1927

When a late-winter logjam idled the sawmill, a handful of men on the riverbank started something no one in Willow Creek had thought to try before.

Route 11 Paving Completed; Bus Service Begins

By Walter P. Dinsmore — January 17, 1924

The long-awaited paving of Route 11 through Willow Creek is finished, and a daily bus line from Bangor to Houlton begins service — the greatest improvement in local transportation since the railroad arrived in 1890.

Seamus O'Donnell Opens the Willow Creek General Store

By Walter P. Dinsmore — April 26, 1923

An Irish immigrant who worked five years at the flooring mill becomes Willow Creek's newest merchant, opening a dry goods and grocery on Main Street that would serve the town for generations.

Ezra Homan, Age 16, Begins Work at the Flooring Mill

By Harold Finch — June 7, 1922

The eldest son of Elias Homan starts on the green chain at the mill at sixteen, beginning a 44-year career.

Mill Closes for Three Months as Post-War Orders Dry Up

By Walter P. Dinsmore — March 24, 1921

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company shuts down for the spring, idling 110 workers and sending families south to seek work in the shoe factories of Lewiston and Auburn.

War in Europe Stalls Timber Exports

By Walter P. Dinsmore — September 3, 1914

The outbreak of World War I disrupts timber exports, causing the mill to reduce hours and raising uncertainty across Willow Creek.

Mill Expands, Adds Night Shift

By Walter P. Dinsmore — May 30, 1912

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company adds a night shift, increasing the workforce to 130 men.

Harold Finch Sells Gazette to Bangor Publisher

By Harold Finch — April 14, 1910

After 19 years, Harold Finch sells the Willow Creek Gazette to Walter P. Dinsmore of Bangor.

Aroostook Valley Lumber Builds Rail Spur to River

By Harold Finch — September 10, 1908

A 14-mile logging rail spur connects the upper West Branch timberlands to the Bangor & Aroostook main line.

Thorne Family Home Gets Indoor Plumbing

By Harold Finch — December 19, 1907

The original Nathaniel Thorne home on River Road is modernized with indoor plumbing and a coal furnace.

Mill Manager's Residence Completed on Mill Pond Road

By Harold Finch — November 16, 1905

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company completes a two-story residence for the mill manager, built with materials shipped by rail.

Carnegie Library Dedicated at Main and Elm

By Harold Finch — September 22, 1904

Andrew Carnegie's $8,000 grant builds the Willow Creek Free Public Library, stocked with books delivered by rail.

Hardwood Flooring Company Opens for Business

By Harold Finch — May 14, 1903

The Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company opens with a ribbon-cutting and 85 employees, ushering in a new industrial era.

Mill Construction Underway; 60 Men Employed

By Harold Finch — July 31, 1902

Construction begins on the Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company with a steam-powered planer and a rail spur to the Bangor & Aroostook line.

William Thorne, Last of the Shipbuilders, Dies at 68

By Harold Finch — March 14, 1901

The third-generation shipwright who closed Thorne & Sons when the railroad arrived dies of pneumonia.

Mill Race Inundates Thorne's Bend Boat Launch

By Harold Finch — June 21, 1900

Spring runoff combined with the new dam creates record water levels, submerging the old Thorne & Sons shipyard launching slip.

Dam Completed; Pond Level Rises Four Feet

By Harold Finch — April 12, 1900

The Homan's Pond dam is finished, raising the pond's water level by four feet and flooding the lower portion of Thorne's Bend.

Court Rules in Favour of Mill, Dam Will Be Built

By Harold Finch — November 2, 1899

Judge Merrill rules that the Thorne family no longer holds exclusive water rights, clearing the way for a dam at Homan's Pond.

Homan and Thorne Face Off in Water Rights Suit

By Harold Finch — January 19, 1899

Elias Homan and the Willow Creek Hardwood Flooring Company file suit against the Thornes to establish the right to dam Homan's Pond.

Town Musters Twenty Volunteers for Spanish War

By Harold Finch — May 26, 1898

Twenty men from Willow Creek volunteer for the Spanish-American War, departing on the Bangor & Aroostook line.

Silas Homan's Pond Stocked with Trout by State

By Harold Finch — June 10, 1897

The Maine Fish and Game Commission stocks Silas Homan's kettle pond with brook trout fingerlings delivered by rail.

Log Jam on the Willow Draws 50 Men to River

By Harold Finch — August 13, 1896

A major logjam at Thorne's Bend requires 50 men working three days to clear, one of the last major river drives before rail takes over.

Thorne Family Marks Century in Willow Creek

By Harold Finch — March 21, 1895

A special Gazette supplement traces the Thorne family's 100 years in Willow Creek, from Ezra Thorne's scouting of the river crossing to the closing of the shipyard.

Timber Cruise Reveals Vast Stands of White Oak

By Harold Finch — October 11, 1894

A state forestry survey reports one of the last significant stands of virgin white oak in the upper Willow River watershed.

Bank Failure in Bangor Felt Locally

By Harold Finch — May 4, 1893

The Panic of 1893 reaches Willow Creek when the Bangor Savings Bank suspends specie payments.

Town Debates Mill Race Scheme at Meeting Hall

By Harold Finch — June 16, 1892

Bangor investors propose building a hardwood flooring mill on the Willow River, citing abundant timber and the newly arrived railroad.

Deep Snow Paralyzes Road to Houlton; Railroad Keeps Running

By Harold Finch — January 28, 1892

A January blizzard drops 36 inches of snow on Willow Creek, stranding mail delivery for eight days.

Shipyards Fall Quiet as Rail Era Begins

By Harold Finch — July 10, 1891

William Thorne officially closes Thorne & Sons Shipworks after 78 years, marking the end of Willow Creek's maritime era.

The Willow Creek Gazette Prints Its First Edition

By Harold Finch — April 3, 1891

Harold Finch publishes Volume 1, Number 1 of the Willow Creek Gazette from a rented room above the General Store.

Opinion

Monday trash pickup has become unreliable

By ms-dorothy-bouchard — May 23, 2026

A letter to the editor from Ms. Dorothy Bouchard.

Water bills are rising faster than the town will admit

By ms-ruth-pendelton — May 23, 2026

A letter to the editor from Ms. Ruth Pendelton.

Main Street sidewalks are a hazard to pedestrians

By mr-leonard-bouchard-sr — May 22, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mr. Leonard Bouchard Sr..

Something must be done about the speeders on School Street

By ms-patricia-cormier — May 22, 2026

A letter to the editor from Ms. Patricia Cormier.

Editorial: The Case for Broadband Is the Case for Willow Creek's Future

By Clara Winslow — May 21, 2026

Clara Winslow makes the editorial case for the broadband feasibility study and argues that connectivity is no longer optional for small-town survival.

Editorial: The Ice-Out Reminds Us of What We Share

By Clara Winslow — May 21, 2026

With the 99th Ice-Out approaching, Clara Winslow reflects on the tradition that brings Willow Creek together year after year.

Letter to the Editor: On Preservation and Progress — Both Are Possible

By Clara Winslow — May 21, 2026

Town Historian Jed Thorne writes in response to the selectmen's broadband debate, arguing that the town can embrace change without losing its character.

A word of support for the community mural project

By mr-david-michaud — May 20, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mr. David Michaud.

Pond Road needs paving before someone loses a wheel

By mr-harold-st-pierre — May 20, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mr. Harold St. Pierre.

Please reconsider the library's reduced hours

By mrs-andrea-thibodeau — May 19, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mrs. Andrea Thibodeau.

The old flooring mill is an eyesore and a hazard

By mrs-claire-michaud-leblanc — May 19, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mrs. Claire Michaud-Leblanc.

On dogs and the loose enforcement of town ordinance

By mr-richard-gagnon — May 18, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mr. Richard Gagnon.

The Dry Dock's patio is lovely. The noise is not.

By mr-thomas-ouellette — May 18, 2026

A letter to the editor from Mr. Thomas Ouellette.

Arts

Town Hall Seeks Artist for Community Mural Celebrating Willow Creek's History

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The selectmen approved a $4,000 community arts project to create a mural on the blank wall of the town hall annex facing Main Street.

Gazette Launches Digital Archive Project, Seeks Community Help Identifying Historical Photos

By Clara Winslow — May 21, 2026

Clara Winslow is digitizing the paper's century-spanning photo collection — and she needs the town's help identifying the faces in them.

Postmaster Martin Croft Builds Scale Model of the Lydia Barnes for Historical Society

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

After forty years behind the post office counter, Croft completes a labor of love that will join the town's historical collection.

Iris Beaumont's 'Ice-Out Studies' to Be Exhibited at Carnegie Library

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The retired art teacher's decades-long watercolor series documenting Homan's Pond in every season will be on display through June.

Carnegie Library Launches Summer Reading Program for All Ages

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Librarian Doris Kim has organized a season of reading challenges, author talks, and the return of the popular weekly story hour.

Artist-in-Residence Program Launches at Mattawamkeag River Studio

By Clara Winslow — May 10, 2022

A new program funded by the Maine Arts Commission brings six visual artists and writers to Willow Creek for month-long residencies, with public workshops included.

Community Theater Troupe Launches, Draws Visitors to Weekend Performances

By Kyle Dubois — February 27, 2020

Willow Creek Players debut with sold-out production of "Our Town" at the Community Hall.

Willow Creek Folk Music Festival Draws Hundreds to Thorne's Bend

By Kyle Dubois — September 9, 2019

First-ever three-day festival features Maine musicians, craft vendors, and a Friday night contra dance.

Historic Downtown Walking Map Guides Visitors Through Willow Creek's Past

By Clara Winslow — June 12, 2014

A new self-guided walking map highlights 14 historic sites along Main Street, from the 1797 town founding to the shipbuilding era.

Photography Workshops Capture Willow Creek's Landscapes Through the Lens

By Clara Winslow — September 20, 2012

Local artist Iris Beaumont leads the first of a monthly series of photography workshops aimed at attracting amateur photographers to the region's scenic landscapes.

Sports

Willow Creek K-8 Track Team Preps for County Meet with Largest Roster in Years

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Coach Dan Tremblay has 24 students signed up for spring track — the most since 2019 — buoyed by a strong fifth-grade class.

Annual Homan's Pond Kids Fishing Derby Set for June 12

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The 30th annual derby returns, offering prizes in multiple age categories and the coveted 'Biggest Catch' trophy.

Snowmobile Season Wraps Up with Strong Numbers, Record Trail Permits Sold

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Despite a late start, the winter trail season saw strong ridership and a record number of Maine snowmobile trail permits sold in Willow Creek.

Youth Baseball and Softball Signups Open for Summer Season

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

The recreation commission announces registration dates for the town's summer baseball and softball programs for ages 6-14.

Cross-Country Ski Rental Program Launches at Mattawamkeag Trailhead

By Clara Winslow — January 17, 2023

A $28,000 investment in cross-country ski equipment makes winter recreation accessible to visitors without gear, with rentals available at the town trailhead kiosk.

Snowmobile Season Stretches Into April as Trail Conditions Set Records

By Clara Winslow — December 29, 2021

Unusually persistent snowpack extends Willow Creek's snowmobile season to 142 days, the longest on record, delivering an estimated $900,000 to the local economy.

First Annual Pleasant Lake Cross-Country Ski Race Draws 60 Competitors

By Clara Winslow — February 7, 2019

Five-kilometer race through snow-covered trails launches Willow Creek's winter sports calendar.

Willow Creek Canoe Regatta Paddles Its Way Onto Summer Calendar

By Clara Winslow — July 25, 2013

The town's first organized canoe regatta on the Willow River draws 22 teams for a 6-mile race from Thorne's Bend to the Mattawamkeag confluence.

Cross-Country Ski Trail Grooming Gets Boost Ahead of Winter Season

By Clara Winslow — November 29, 2012

New grooming equipment and expanded trail connections promise improved conditions for cross-country skiers on the Mattawamkeag River Trail system.

First Annual Ice Fishing Derby to Be Held on Homan's Pond

By Clara Winslow — January 19, 2012

The Willow Creek Recreation Commission organizes the town's first ice fishing derby as a winter tourism attraction, with prizes for largest pickerel and most fish caught.

Ice-Out Draws Record 500 Entrants; Prize Pool Tops $500

By harold-whitcomb — April 15, 1971

The 45th annual Ice-Out breaks records as it approaches its half-century mark, with competitors coming from across northern Maine.

Ice-Out Marks 30th Year; Amos Homan, Age 10, Enters for First Time

By arthur-whitcomb — April 5, 1956

The 30th annual Ice-Out draws 350 entrants, including a ten-year-old boy who will go on to become the competition's all-time champion.

Feature

The Day the Mill Went Quiet: Remembering Willow Creek Custom Flooring's 1972 Closure

By Kyle Dubois — May 26, 2026

A long-form narrative of the final shift at Willow Creek's largest employer — the day 180 people walked out of a building that had hummed with machinery for seven decades, and the decades it took the town to recover.

Senior Spotlight: Jedidiah Thorne, the Town's Memory Keeper

By Kyle Dubois — May 25, 2026

At 78, the retired history teacher and great-great-grandson of Willow Creek's founder has dedicated his retirement to preserving the Thorne legacy — and the town's — one handwritten index card at a time.

Senior Spotlight: Iris Beaumont, Painting a Life's Work One Season at a Time

By Kyle Dubois — May 24, 2026

After 34 years in the classroom, the retired art teacher has created a watercolor legacy that captures Homan's Pond in every season — and quietly documents climate change in the process.

The Four-Time Champion: Amos Homan on the Art of Ice-Out Prediction

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

At 68, the all-time Ice-Out winner reveals the method behind his four victories and explains why this year is different.

The Last Milking: Henry Farr and the Fight to Keep Willow Creek's Dairy Heritage Alive

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

Farr Family Farm hasn't turned a profit in seven of the last ten years — but Henry Farr is not ready to shut the barn doors.

Lydia Barnes at 82: A Life Lived in the Rhythm of Willow Creek

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

A profile of the town's oldest resident, who has entered the Ice-Out 64 times without a win — and is still certain the law of averages will catch up.

The Last Tapper: Niall O'Flaherty Keeps Willow Creek's Maple Tradition Alive

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

At 29, Willow Creek's youngest year-round resident is running 400 taps alone, racing the Ice-Out against the sugaring season.

Where Sloops Were Born: The Story of Thorne & Sons Shipworks

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

A deep dive into the shipyard that put Willow Creek on the map, now home to The Dry Dock — and a keeper of the town's maritime memory.

When Willow Creek Built Ships: Tracing the Maritime Legacy of an Inland Town

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

A feature on how a town 70 miles from the coast became one of Maine's unlikely shipbuilding centers — and what remains of that legacy today.

Senior Spotlight: Doris Beaumont, the Town's Living Memory

By Kyle Dubois — May 21, 2026

At 96, the former mill office worker who was there on the final day of the 1972 closure still lives on School Street — and still remembers the names, the faces, and the sound of a whistle that has been silent for 54 years.

Last Log Drive on Mattawamkeag River Ends a Century-Old Tradition

By ezra-thorne — June 6, 1963

The final commercial log drive on the Mattawamkeag River system concludes, marking the end of a practice that had defined the region's economy since the 1820s.

Farr Family Hosts Milk Route Reunion; 80 Gather at the Barn

By ezra-thorne — August 11, 1955

Former customers of the Farr family's door-to-door milk delivery service gather for a reunion that celebrates a tradition fading from American life.