The Verso Paper mill smoke stacks loom over the town of Bucksport on Thursday, one day after the company announced it will close the mill and lay off more than 500 workers in December.
Millworkers enter the Verso mill in Bucksport on Thursday morning.
Master Barber Frank Dunbar gets his beard trimmed by his daughter Diana Roberts on Thursday. Dunbar's barber shop has been a staple on Main Street in Bucksport since 1961, making it the oldest business on Main Street. In his role as town councilor, Dunbar was caught off guard when Verso Paper officials announced the mill closure Wednesday.
Kim Rosen and her husband, Richard, decided to close their clothing store on Main Street in Bucksport 18 months ago when they saw a decline in business. With the Verso Paper mill closing, their plans for the space are on indefinite hold.
Millworkers leave the Verso Paper mill at Thursday's midday shift in Bucksport.
Pastor Peter Remick stands in front of his church, the Franklin Street United Methodist Church, in Bucksport on Thursday. Remick says the closing of the Verso Paper mill will permanently change the community of Bucksport and bring hardship to many families.
Millworkers leave the Verso Paper mill at Thursday's midday shift in Bucksport. Verso announced Wednesday that it will close the mill and lay off more than 500 workers in December.
Pam Chaisson, left, and Karen Wardwell take a walk along Bucksport's waterfront on Thursday. The Verso Paper mill anchors one end of the riverfront walkway.
Retired Verso Paper millworker Vernard Coffin, left, and current employee Stephen Bowden talk about the mill closure in front of the deli at Tozier's Family Market on Main Street in Bucksport on Thursday.
Verso mill worker Tim Craig makes a paper rose for the bartender as he sips beer at Ramona's in Bucksport on Wednesday. Craig, a 36-year veteran of the mill will be one of 570 workers out of work when the mill closes its doors for good in December 2014. Kevin Bennett Photo
Verso Paper workers leave the Bucksport mill at the end of their shift on Wednesday after the company announced it would close the mill by year's end.
Verso production workers Raye Rolston, left, and Anthony Milano discuss the closing of the Verso mill in Bucksport as they leave their shift at the mill Wednesday.
The Verso mill in Bucksport as seen on Thursday morning. Verso announced Wednesday that they will close the mill and lay off over 500 workers in December.
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