Mitchell Institute announces 13 new Mitchell Scholars from Somerset County (2025)

Thirteen recent high school graduates from Somerset County have been named 2025 Mitchell Scholars by the Mitchell Institute. The 2025 scholars join more than 3,800 past recipients who have been unlocking their potential, having successful college experiences and contributing to the vitality of their communities since 1995. Students receive a $10,000 scholarship award, along with ongoing personal and professional support to ensure they find success in their journey throughout college and beyond.

These students include: Desmond Robinson – Carrabec High School, Allie Dunning – Forest Hills Consolidated School, Addy Battis – Lawrence High School, Harley Greatorex – Lawrence High School, Kallie Richards – Lawrence High School, Bryan Donnelly – Madison Area Memorial High School, Aurora Norsworthy – Madison Area Memorial High School, Sophia Barrientos – Marine Academy of Natural Sciences, Johnathan Batchelder – Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Grace Curtis – Overman Academy, Cailyn McKechnie – Skowhegan Area High School, Michela Provost – Skowhegan Area High School, and Madeline Hill – Upper Kennebec Valley Memorial High School.

“Senator Mitchell realized a bold vision when he created the Mitchell Institute – to increase the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education,” said Jared Cash, CEO. “In our 30th year, his vision is more important than ever before. We’re proud to support these remarkable young people as they begin journeys that will benefit Maine for generations to come.”

Each year the Mitchell Institute receives more than 1,600 applications and is tasked with choosing at least one student from every public school in the state. Scholars are chosen with a balanced view of their financial needs, academic achievement, and community impact.

This year marks the largest class in Mitchell’s 30-year history – with 200 Ssholars in total.

But this year was unique in more ways than just the numbers: “Every part of the Mitchell community had a hand in choosing who made up the incoming class,” said Casey Near, Scholarship Director. “I was joined by our Access Ambassadors to help promote the Mitchell Institute on visits to high schools, and Alumni were able to read applications for the first time ever, along with the staff and board to help select recipients.”

The benefits of this unique program can be proven through its statistics: Scholars graduate college at a rate 30 percent higher than the national average; 81 percent are working in career-related jobs; 29 percent report they hold a master’s degree; 10 percent hold either a doctorate, JD, or an MBA; and 71 percent say access to the Mitchell Board, donors, and alumni network have had a positive impact on their careers.

The Mitchell Institute unlocks the potential of Maine college students so that they can find success in college and contribute to the vitality of their communities.

PHOTO: Mysterious sighting

Lite Zhang, of Skowhegan, sent along this photo of a mysterious 996 cutting in the grass. There has been no explanation, yet. Or, it could be a hoax.

Skowhegan woman earns national recognition

Amber Lambke

In the last 20 years, the face of corporate leadership has begun to change – and many of those new faces are women. From boardrooms to balance sheets, female CEOs are making a powerful impact, reshaping industries once dominated by men. Their rise marks real progress, but it’s not yet the finish line. Women are still vastly underrepresented in top executive roles, particularly in the country’s most influential companies.

To spotlight the women changing that narrative, MarketBeat.com, a financial media company, surveyed 3,021 people to uncover the most inspirational female leaders in the country. The aim? To celebrate both household names and hidden heroes – leaders whose stories deserve a wider audience.

Amber Lambke, of Skowhegan – Co-Founder & CEO; Maine Grains

Amber Lambke co-founded Maine Grains, a company revitalizing the local grain economy by producing stone-milled flour and other grain products. Operating out of a repurposed jailhouse in Skowhegan, Maine Grains supports regional agriculture and promotes sustainable food systems. Lambke’s leadership has positioned the company as a model for community-based food production. She was ranked 111th in the country.

Housed in a Victorian-era jailhouse the Somerset Grist Mill / Maine Grains sources grains from local farmers, and has fostered the creation of a CSA and a farmer’s market that provides local produce to area residents. Maine Grains specializes in freshly milled, organic and heritage grains for stoneground flour and rolled oats, selling to bakers, brewers, and chefs throughout the Northeast. Their restaurant, the Miller’s Table at Maine Grains information below.

The gristmill is also home to the Maine Grains Dry Goods Store, The Miller’s Table cafe, Happyknits yarn shop, the Skowhegan Farmer’s Market, and the Maine Grain Alliance teaching kitchen.

The business is located at 42 Court Street, in Skowhegan, Maine

LETTERS: Get involved with civic engagement

To the editor:

After attending a screening of “Join or Die” last year, a documentary about the decline of civic engagement across the United States, I felt inspired to get involved in Skowhegan. That led me to join the Skowhegan Heritage Council, a town commission dedicated to preserving our history and strengthening collaboration among local organizations.

In many ways, the Heritage Council is about building bridges: between generations, between organizations, and between our past and our future. It’s a small but essential part of our civic infrastructure. Like all infrastructure, it depends on people to keep it strong. In a time when federal funding is shrinking and competition for grants is growing, Skowhegan needs structures like this. Not only to protect what we value, but to coordinate efforts effectively and make the most of our shared resources.

Right now, the Heritage Council is seeking new members to help sustain its work and safeguard Skowhegan’s heritage for the future. You don’t need to be an expert, just someone who cares about Skowhegan and wants to contribute. If you’re interested in joining, nomination applications can be submitted to the Town Manager’s Office at the Skowhegan Municipal Building.

And if you are located elsewhere, I encourage you to get involved where you are. Whether it’s a committee, a library, or a local volunteer group, showing up is how we shape and strengthen the places we call home.

Celeste Banda
Skowhegan

PHOTO: Cup-a-Joe, and lunch to go

The Cup Café, located at 103 Dr. Mann Rd., Skowhegan, in the Methodist Church, provides free coffee, snacks and lunch-to-go on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – noon. All are welcome! Charleen Gordon, kitchen leader, serves a cup of coffee to guest, Bradley Chipman. (contributed photo)

Skowhegan man named to ABMA federal legislative committee

The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Rod Wiles, Vice President of Human Resources at Hammond Lumber Company, as the chairman of the Federal Legislative Committee. With 38 years of experience at Hammond Lumber Company, Wiles brings exceptional industry expertise and a proven track record of leadership to this vital role.

Since stepping into the role, Wiles has swiftly led the adoption of a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 that focuses on critical issues impacting the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. Under his leadership, ABMA has also set the dates for its annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on April 7-8, 2025, ensuring timely and effective representation of the industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.

Wiles has held numerous leadership positions in the LBM industry, including serving on the Board of the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine (RLDAM), chairing its Legislative and Safety Committees, and serving as its President. He has also contributed to the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee as Chairperson, and various other committees.

ABMA 2025 Legislative Agenda

Under Wiles’ leadership, ABMA’s 2025 legislative priorities are focused on strengthening the LBM industry and addressing key challenges:

Legislative Priorities

Main Street Tax Package: Advocating for policies that support businesses in the LBM industry, including provisions such as bonus depreciation, immediate expensing, and estate tax reform.

Credit Card Fees: Addressing the impact of rising transaction costs on businesses.

Workforce Development: Expanding training opportunities to build a skilled workforce.

Regulatory Priorities

CDL Licensing: Supporting industry-specific training to address driver shortages.
Crane Certification: Advocating for certifications tailored to building materials operations.
Salaried Overtime: Promoting manageable overtime regulations for businesses in the LBM industry.

Monitoring Key Issues

OSHA Heat Illness and Injury Prevention: Tracking changes and their impact on operations.

Corporate Transparency Act: Monitoring compliance requirements for businesses in the LBM industry.

Tariffs: Observing developments that may impact material costs.

Said Rod Wiles, “ABMA is a powerful voice for the lumber and building materials industry. By adopting a comprehensive 2025 agenda and securing dates for Advocacy Day, we’re ensuring that our industry’s priorities remain front and center in the federal policy conversation.”

Leader of Main Street Skowhegan recognized at White House event

Kristina Cannon

USDA Rural Development State Director Rhiannon Hampson joined U.S. Under Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Basil Gooden, in Washington, D.C. Together they recognized Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan, as a Rural Innovator. Cannon was one of 14 Rural Innovators honored at a special White House event commemorating the positive impact these leaders have in their communities. Public nominations for the awards began in May and were announced this fall.

Maine Rural Development State Director Hampson nominated Cannon for the award. Recently she wrote, “Kristina Cannon is a trailblazer who has revolutionized the way Skowhegan approaches revitalization—through asset-based, community-led initiatives—leveraging outdoor recreation, local agriculture, and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for economic development.” She went on, “Kristina has built trust locally, regionally, and nationally by partnering and collaborating with dozens of organizations, state and federal government agencies, and businesses. Rural Development is proud to be a partner in this work.”

Following the White House gathering, Cannon reflected on her experience in Washington and her work in Maine. “It’s humbling to be honored alongside highly accomplished colleagues from across the nation,” she said. “In rural communities, it’s never just one person doing the work; this recognition belongs to our steadfast partners, supporters, volunteers, and my amazing team who are working tirelessly every day to ensure Skowhegan and Central Maine realize their ultimate potential as a thriving and resilient rural region.”

Under Secretary Gooden helped celebrate the honorees at the event. Recently he traveled to Maine, attending the GrowSmart Maine Annual Summit, in Waterville, on October 21, 2024. In delivering a keynote speech at the summit, he recognized the power of innovative collaborations between federal, state, and local partners in rural communities. “Don’t ever underestimate the power you have when you collaborate,” he urged the audience.

The community leaders recognized as Rural Innovators this week collaborate at all levels. Many have leveraged federal resources to create good-paying jobs, spur economic growth, and improve rural quality of life. At Main Street Skowhegan, for example, Cannon has led an effort to raise more than $10 million for revitalization initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization has become a major player in regional economic development, spearheading a comprehensive approach to community transformation through outdoor recreation. The organization also provides business planning support and programming as part of a regional hub-and-spoke entrepreneurial ecosystem partnership.

Supporting rural-led economic development, investing in rural American infrastructure, and strengthening local and regional food systems were a few of the priorities of the Rural Innovators Initiative. The work of the nonprofit Skowhegan Main Street and partnering organizations exemplify these goals.

Pursuing federal funding can be a labor-intensive but impactful way to advance community projects, and the collaborating groups in Skowhegan have been successful in this regard. For example, this week USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced an award for Maine Grains in Skowhegan to increase grain processing capacity. Previous USDA awards to area nonprofits include a Rural Business Development Grant (Main Street Skowhegan) and a Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant (Land and Furrow).

Somerset K of C completes two-year project

Before

The Knights of Columbus Guardian Angel Council of Somerset, Council #2089, of Madison and Skowhegan, have recently completed a two-year project at the St. Sebastian Cemetery, in Madison. The old iron fencing at the front of the cemetery was removed and replaced with newly-painted posts and chain link fencing. (Contributed photos)

After

AARP Awards Grants to two central Maine towns

AARP has announced 14 organizations throughout Maine will receive 2024 Community Challenge grants – part of AARP’s largest investment in communities to date with $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

Included in the recipients are the towns of Vassalboro and Skowhegan.

Town of Vassalboro – Raised garden beds with benches will be added outside Vassalboro’s municipal office. The new community garden will serve as an outdoor classroom and gathering space and will allow residents to grow healthy food.

Town of Skowhegan – This project will install directional signage and replace a deteriorated chain-link fence flanking an access trail, keeping walkers safely away from a steep river embankment. The town will also clear overgrown brush, plant flowers and install benches to create a pocket park.

This year, AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older.

Since 2017, AARP Maine has awarded 71 grants and $472,438 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by December 15, 2024.

Skowhegan volunteer receives Commitment to Excellence pin from Girl Scouts of Maine

Victoria Noyes

Victoria Noyes, a dedicated volunteer from Skowhegan for the Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) within the Somerset Service Unit, recently received the Commitment to Excellence Pin for her above-and-beyond service and support of the organization this year. The Commit­ment to Excellence Pin is awarded to a volunteer who has received a board-level award and continues to serve above and beyond expectation at that scope of service.

As a recipient of the Appreciation Pin during 2023, Noyes continues to serve Maine Girl Scouts by providing above-and-beyond support to members of more than one troop. For the past several years, she has taken on the role of Somerset Service Unit Manager.
Noyes’ sense of volunteerism for Girl Scouts is echoed through vast outstanding achievements. In addition to her service unit position, Noyes has also been an active leader for several troops to help them get started or fill in as a co-pilot.

Noyes lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, always leading by example and digging in to take on new responsibilities when necessary.

“There are no people more generous with their time, talent, and investment in growth than Girl Scout adults who go just that bit further, share just that bit more, to make the world a better place,” says GSME Director of Adult Learning, Dawn Walker-Elders.

Noyes’ Commitment to Excellence Award was honored alongside other adult recognitions at this year’s annual celebration held on May 11, in Fairfield.