‘Everything is changing’: Impact of Verso Paper mill closing will ripple beyond Bucksport

Got to hang out with Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, an independent logger who's business will be greatly impacted with the Verso Paper mill closing.

Check out the article Abigail Curtis here.

BUCKSPORT, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Verso Paper Mill is framed by downtown Bucksport Thursday. Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, is a self-employed logger and hauler who says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BUCKSPORT, MAINE -- 10/08/2014 -- Tozier's Joyce Achorn takes a coffee break while waiting for customers at the store in Bucksport Wednesday. After the announcement of the Verso paper mill closing, the future of many local business is uncertain. Dale Tozier did not believe that the closing would impact his store that greatly. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

 BUCKSPORT, MAINE -- 10/08/2014 -- Tozier owner Dale Tozier (left) talks with Holly Smith at the store in Bucksport Wednesday. After the announcement of the Verso paper mill closing, the future of many local business is uncertain. Dale Tozier did not believe that the closing would impact his store that greatly. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, loads logs onto this truck Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, loads logs onto this truck Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, loads logs onto this truck Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, loads logs onto this truck Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, uses a chainsaw to cut excess length off loaded logs Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, trims logs to fit his truck Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BLUE HILL, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, fills out his order form before heading to the mill Thursday in Blue Hill. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BUCKSPORT, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Tom Pelkey, 57 of Orland, rolls up this safety strap before unloading his load of logs at the Verso Paper Mill Thursday in Bucksport. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN

BUCKSPORT, MAINE -- 10/09/2014 -- Logs are seen reflected in the window of Tom Pelkey's truck at the Verso Paper Mill Thursday in Bucksport. Pelkey, a self-employed logger and hauler, says he can't make a living hauling to Jay with his small truck once the Verso Paper Mill closes. Ashley L. Conti | BDN