Communities react to announced paper mill sale - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Ralph Fochs worked at the paper mill in Mosinee for 47 years.

"I have nothing bad to say about the mill," said Fochs. "It gave me a good living."

Fochs retired 6 years ago. Now his son and son-in-law work at the mill.

Wausau Paper says it's found a buyer for that mill and the one in Rhinelander.

"I'm sure they are worried," said Fochs. "But they kind of joked about it, because they're both go getters. And if it did go down, I would not worry about them finding something someplace, but it wouldn't be as good as the mill."

Fochs says he hopes the sale means stability.

"I would just like to keep it going the way it is," said Fochs. "I mean you're running 7 days a week, 24-hours a day. I just hope they're smart enough, whoever buys it, to keep it going good."

It's a similar feeling in Rhinelander. Mayor Richard Johns, who worked at the mill for 40 years, says the sale is a step in the right direction.

"The city of Rhinelander is willing to cooperate with anyone who purchases the mill," said Johns. "We will be looking forward to working with them in the future and I'm sure things will work out down the line."

But the question on everyone's mind, what will the new buyer do with the mills?

It's an answer we'll have to wait for.