Wisconsin town agonizes over mill closure, its effect on community

Published: 2008-02-21

PORT EDWARDS, Wis. (CNS) -- The production of pulp and paper products is synonymous with the small Wisconsin town of Port Edwards. Together with the other towns and cities in the La Crosse Diocese that straddle the Wisconsin River -- including Nekoosa, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Mosinee and Wausau -- Port Edwards is and always has been a paper town. Ever since Port Edwards' first sawmill was built in 1840, the Port Edwards mill has always fed the town's economy and provided its residents with jobs, as well as a source of pride and identity. Generations of fathers and sons have worked the same paper machines. "When I was growing up, this was the job to get, and if you got it you were set for life," said Esther Becker. She and her husband, David, who was hired at the mill nearly nine years ago, are members of St. Alexander Parish in Port Edwards. "Set for life" is the case no more. The parish is trying to help families figure out how they'll make ends meet when the mill closes down this spring. Its owner, Domtar Corp., announced the closure Dec. 13, although an exact date has not been set. The Canadian company cited a loss of profits and higher costs.

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