50 Years Ago — July 3, 1974
Gagnon feted on retirement – A retirement party was given for Gerald Gagnon at the Valley Inn in Van Buren by the Post Office staff. A certificate was presented to Gerald from the U.S. Postal Service for his 38 years of service. He also received a gold watch and a survival boat seat from all the Van Buren postal staff. Buffet luncheon was served and a short film taken of the postal staff in 1948 was shown and enjoyed by all.
25 Years Ago — July 7, 1999
Honoring 60 years – A large crowd assembled for the open house-reception held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fort Kent on a Thursday, in June of 1999 to thank Fr. Alphie Marquis for his 60 years of service. The community icon was also presented with the Boy Scouts of America 40 year Veterans Award, honoring his 40 years of service as a Boy Scout.
10 Years Ago — July 2, 2014
New connection will bridge two nations — The new international bridge in Fort Kent now commands the view across the St. John River. It is expected to be open to traffic by July 31, 2014, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. Tractor-trailers wider than 9 feet and longer than 22 feet must use alternate routes, such as Madawaska and Van Buren points of entry, until July 29, 2014. Construction at the U.S. end has left a temporary travel lane that is too narrow and twisted to allow trucks through. According to MDOT, no construction will take place Aug. 8-24, while the Congres mondial acadien 2015/2014 World Acadian Congress is underway.
