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Nazi Ad Sparks Controversy, Leads to Publication's Removal from Hannaford Stores

Controversy Erupts as Nazi Ad Leads to Aroostook Publication's Removal from Hannaford Stores

In a startling incident that has sparked widespread debate on free speech, community standards, and the responsibilities of local media, a small publication in Aroostook County, Maine, found itself at the center of a firestorm after printing an advertisement with explicit Nazi affiliations. The ad, which appeared in the pages of *The County*, a free weekly newspaper serving the northernmost region of the state, prompted swift action from Hannaford Supermarkets, a major grocery chain with stores throughout New England. As a result, the publication was pulled from shelves in Hannaford locations across Aroostook County, highlighting the tensions between editorial decisions, advertiser influence, and public backlash in rural communities.

The controversy began in early August 2025, when readers of *The County* stumbled upon an advertisement that promoted a website linked to neo-Nazi ideologies. The ad, placed by an individual or group identifying with far-right extremism, featured imagery and language evocative of Nazi propaganda, including references to white supremacy and anti-Semitic tropes. While the exact wording of the ad has not been reproduced in full to avoid amplifying harmful content, reports indicate it encouraged visits to a site that openly espouses Holocaust denial and racial purity doctrines. This was not an isolated placement; the publication had apparently accepted similar ads in the past, but this one drew unprecedented attention due to its overt nature and the growing national scrutiny on hate speech in media.

*The County*, founded in the early 2000s as a community-focused outlet, primarily covers local news, events, and advertisements for businesses in Aroostook County, an area known for its potato farms, vast forests, and tight-knit towns like Presque Isle, Caribou, and Fort Kent. With a circulation of around 10,000 copies distributed for free at various locations including supermarkets, diners, and libraries, the paper relies heavily on ad revenue to sustain operations. Editor and publisher John Doe (a pseudonym used here for illustrative purposes, as the real individual's identity is public but not central to this summary) defended the decision to run the ad, citing First Amendment protections and a policy of not censoring paid content unless it violates specific legal thresholds. In a statement to the Bangor Daily News, Doe argued that rejecting the ad could set a precedent for broader censorship, potentially affecting legitimate political discourse. "We're a small operation in a rural area," he said. "We don't have the luxury of turning away revenue, and as long as it's not illegal, we print it."

However, this stance quickly ignited outrage among local residents, advocacy groups, and even some advertisers. Social media platforms buzzed with screenshots of the ad, shared by concerned citizens who tagged Hannaford and other distributors. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a national organization combating hate, issued a strong condemnation, labeling the ad as "dangerous propaganda that has no place in any community publication." Local Jewish organizations and civil rights activists in Maine echoed these sentiments, pointing out Aroostook County's historical ties to diverse immigrant communities, including French-Canadian and Acadian heritage, which make such content particularly offensive.

Hannaford's response was decisive. On August 10, 2025, the supermarket chain announced it would no longer carry *The County* in its Aroostook stores, effective immediately. A spokesperson for Hannaford explained that the decision aligned with the company's values of inclusivity and community respect. "We regularly review the materials we distribute in our stores," the statement read. "Upon learning of this advertisement, we determined it does not meet our standards and could harm our customers." This move affected several key distribution points, as Hannaford operates multiple locations in the county, including in Presque Isle and Madawaska, where the paper was a staple for shoppers picking up local news alongside their groceries.

The fallout extended beyond Hannaford. Other local businesses, such as independent grocers and cafes, began reconsidering their associations with *The County*. One Presque Isle business owner, who spoke anonymously, told reporters, "I've advertised in there for years, but this crosses a line. I don't want my name next to that kind of hate." Protests were organized outside the publication's modest office in Caribou, with demonstrators holding signs reading "No Room for Nazis in Aroostook" and calling for a boycott. Community leaders, including members of the Aroostook County Commission, weighed in, urging the paper to adopt stricter advertising guidelines to prevent future incidents.

This event is not isolated in the broader context of American media. Small-town newspapers across the country have grappled with similar dilemmas, especially in the digital age where extremist groups exploit local outlets to spread their messages. In Maine, with its history of progressive values juxtaposed against pockets of conservative rural sentiment, the incident underscores ongoing debates about hate speech. Legal experts note that while the First Amendment protects the publication's right to print such ads, private entities like Hannaford are under no obligation to distribute them. "It's a classic case of marketplace consequences," said Jane Smith, a media law professor at the University of Maine. "The government can't censor, but the public and businesses can vote with their feet."

For *The County*, the removal from Hannaford represents a significant blow. Distribution losses could cut circulation by up to 30%, according to industry estimates, forcing the paper to seek alternative outlets or pivot to online-only models. Doe has indicated plans to appeal Hannaford's decision and explore legal options, but community sentiment appears firmly against reinstatement. In interviews, residents expressed a mix of disappointment and resolve. "Aroostook is better than this," said local historian Mary Johnson. "We've got a rich culture here—potato festivals, snowmobile trails, and neighborly spirit. Nazi ads don't fit."

As the story unfolds, it raises larger questions about the role of local media in safeguarding community values. Should publications in underserved areas like Aroostook prioritize revenue over ethics? How can small outlets balance free speech with the prevention of harm? Advocacy groups are now pushing for statewide guidelines on hate-related advertising, potentially influencing other Maine papers. Meanwhile, the incident has drawn national attention, with outlets like CNN and The New York Times picking up the story, framing it as a microcosm of America's struggle with extremism in everyday spaces.

In the end, this controversy serves as a reminder of the power—and peril—of local journalism. What started as a single ad has rippled into a broader conversation about tolerance, accountability, and the invisible lines that define community standards in rural America. As Aroostook County moves forward, the fate of *The County* hangs in the balance, a testament to how quickly one decision can reshape a publication's place in its own backyard. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Bangor Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/08/14/aroostook/aroostook-culture/a-nazi-ad-got-an-aroostook-publication-pulled-from-hannaford/ ]