Skowhegan - A traditional grist or flour mill sits in a not so traditional place in Skowhegan. Amber Lambke and her business partner bought the former Somerset County Jail to run their business called Maine Grains and lease other parts to local entrepreneurs like themselves.

"Our goal here with Maine Grains, the grist mill, is to be able to process locally grown grains like wheat and oats, spelt, rye for bakers and consumers in their homes," said Lambke.

Since they bought the place, they've helped other new businesses grow, while getting theirs underway too.

Maine Grains has bought and installed much of its equipment and finished most of its renovations, but there's still some work to be done.

"Our final fund raise here is to be able to install the last of the equipment, which includes grain bins and augers and dust collection systems and then we'll be getting the place painted and start turning equipment on," said Lambke.

To make it happen, they've started a campaign on kickstarter.com. The way it works is that anyone can donate any amount of money to the project, but there's a deadline. Maine Grains has only until April 12 to raise $29,500 or they get none of the money.

Executive Director of Main Street Skowhegan, Jennifer Olsen, hopes the community will support Maine Grains' project.

She said, "The idea that communities can invest in their communities in this way through the medium so people can do small investments if that's appropriate for them or do larger investments but they can really make a meaningful difference in projects they care about."

If successful, that campaign will help get the mill up and running, while helping local food and business in Skowhegan flourish.

If you'd like to donate to the kickstarter campaign or learn more, click here.

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