Mills Selected as ‘Elk of the Year’

Exalted Ruler, Erynn Lowery of the Little Falls Elks Lodge #42, is proud to announce William Mills as the recipient of this year’s Elk of the Year Award for 2026.

The Elk of the Year Award is presented to a member in recognition of their service to the lodge. Bill was inducted into the Lodge in 1978. Since that time, he has served as Esquire and Lecturing Knight. He is currently serving as a Trustee. He also volunteers for Chicken BBQs, serving at luncheons for community organizations, and has worked through the years during Canal Days. He has performed handyman work inside and outside the structure, including the recent bathroom renovations.

Bill is a lifelong resident of Little Falls. He served 4 years in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. He worked alongside his father in the family oil and coal business, Brown Bros, until its closing in 1978. He then took a position with R.K. Casadonte Heating for a short while.

In 1979, Bill took a position at the Burrows Paper Mill, where he worked for 35 years, rising to the position of Machine Tender. He retired in 2014.

Bill Mills cuts up some downed limbs during the Buttermilk Falls Park cleanup.

Bill currently volunteers at several local organizations and entities. He is a member of the City of Little Falls Park, Recreation, and Harbor Board. He helps out at the Little Falls Food Pantry, the Cheese Festival, and is a flagman at several local races in the area. Bill enjoyed his work on the project crew clearing trees and rocks to open up the Buttermilk Falls Trail area throughout much of 2024.

Bill married Linda Casler in November 2024. While his days of running marathons are over, he and Linda can be found either walking or biking the canal trail to complete various Canalway Challenges. They also enjoy cooking together and visiting museums and art exhibits. Bill’s passion for Bluegrass Music has rubbed off on Linda, and they camp throughout the state to chase the bands that bring them so much enjoyment.

Dinner and a Cocktail Hour will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, starting at 5 pm at the Elks Lodge. The event will be catered by Ruth Petkovsek. Tickets are $35.00/person and can be purchased from an Elk member or at the Lodge by calling 315-823-2371. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this honor with Bill and his family and friends.