SKOWHEGAN -- James A. Owens of Madison was elected Master of the Maine State Grange at on Friday October 26th during the 134th Annual session of the Maine State Grange. He was born on March 18, 1959 in Massachusetts to John and Annie Owens. He attended schools in Madison; he later received an associate degree in business management at Beal College. After graduation he worked for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

James A. Owens of Madison, Maine.

He joined Bingham Grange #237 in 1975 and in the last 32 years has served as Master seven times. He's also a member of Somerset Pomona (County) Grange #6 where he has served as Master five times, he is presently serving as Treasurer of both Bingham & Somerset Pomona Grange. James has been a very active Granger at the State Grange level serving as a state officer and also serving on several State Grange committees. He is currently completing his third term as Overseer of the State Grange. He also is at present a trustee and Treasurer of the New England Grange Building at the Eastern State Exposition. Outside of the Grange he is a member of several fraternal and patriotic organizations. As State Grange Master he will be representing the Maine as a delegate to the 140th annual session of the National Grange in Reno, Nevada this November.
  
James is succeeding Steve Verrill of Poland, who has served as Master of the Maine State Grange for the last six years. Steve has stated that he will remain a very active member serving the Grange in any way he can.