Sartell paper plant explosion

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal has wrapped up their investigation into exactly what caused the Verso Paper Mill explosion on Memorial Day.

We've posted this story before, but with the news of the mill closing, thought you might be interested in reading about the history of the mill once again. In 1908, the Watab Dam for the Sartell Paper Mill was finished. The Watab Pulp and Paper Company was formed by a group of investors from Wisconsin and the company began constructing the paper mill in Sartell in 1905.

Company officials say they won't re-open the Verso Paper Mill in Sartell after a devastating fire Memorial Day.

Verso Paper is planning to make an announcement about their Sartell Paper Mill this (Thursday) afternoon. The news conference is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

When John Maus was killed in the Verso Paper Mill explosion this past Memorial Day, he left behind a wife and four children. Now, Verso and the United Steel Workers Local Union #274 have come together to organize a benefit for the Maus family.

Verso Paper has sent layoff notices to a large portion of its Sartell workforce after a devastating Memorial Day explosion and fire. A spokesman for Verso says a "clear majority" of the mill's 259 hourly and salaried workers has been laid off.

Clean-up continues at the Verso Paper Mill in Sartell, after the Memorial Day explosion and fire. William Cohen is the Manager of Communications and Public Affairs. He says the investigation into what happened continues, and they don't know how long it will take to assess the damage.

Mayor Joe Perske addresses what is next for the City of Sartell.

The Sartell City Council is expected to make a Declaration of Emergency during tonight's (Monday) meeting. City Administrator Patti Gartland says the declaration is necessary as the city begins the process to request financial assistance for the cost of fighting the fire at Verso Paper.

As the cleanup and investigation into the Verso Paper Mill explosion and fire continues, officials with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development are standing by, waiting to help.