Aroostook Milling opens in Star City
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A company with a long history of meeting farm and garden needs in Houlton, has now expanded to Presque Isle to meet the needs of customers farther north.
Staff photo/Gary Bowden
AROOSTOOK MILLING celebrated the opening of a new store in Presque Isle on May 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Pictured from left are: Chamber members Floyd Rockholt and Gail Clukey; Lyn Frederick, executive assistant at the CACC; representing Aroostook Milling are Jessica Beaulieu, Ian Crane, Nick Crane, owner Mark Crane, Josh Hall, Chelsie Nickerson and Roy Crane; and Theresa Fowler, executive director of the CACC.
“Aroostook Milling was established in 1960. We took over last July at the 15 Hillview Ave. location in Houlton,” said Nick Crane, co-owner of the business with Mark and Ian Crane.
A ribbon-cutting event hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce was held Friday at the new store at 191 Parsons Rd., Suite 1 — the former site of Ben’s Trading Post.
“Our current business hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Crane.
Crane said it’s a hands-on, family-run business.
“All three of us will be taking turns at the Presque Isle location,” he said.
He said expanding the business will better serve customers to the north who might not venture to Houlton to shop.
“We decided to move to Presque Isle to better serve our customers in the area and felt there was a need for the products we offer,” Crane said.
Feed for livestock as well as house pets can be found at Aroostook Milling.
“Customers will find Blue Seal livestock and pet food, along with Taste of the Wild dog and cat food. We also make our own livestock feed that is milled at our Houlton location,” said Crane.
In addition to feed, customers will also find whatever they need to put in this year’s garden.
“We carry a wide variety of garden supplies. We sell a large selection of livestock products, from horse supplements and waters, to gates and shavings,” said Crane. “We sell Coast of Maine organic potting soils and our own AMC Feed made in Houlton.”
Three people are employed at the new Presque Isle location, which officially opened on May 1. For more information, call 554-4250, visit www.aroostookmilling.com or look for their Facebook page.
