Community shares hopes and concerns for future
ONTONAGON -- As people around the world are celebrating the start of a New Year, the residents of Ontonagon and the surrounding areas are dealing with the end of an era.
On Thursday the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation permanently closed its local plant.
Many residents who remember the mill from long before Smurfit’s time are hoping it will be revived even after the shutdown.
"People are still in shock, but within the last week there's been a rise in spirit because people are willing to fight for the mill and community,” said Village Manager Tom Cogswell.
Nearly 200 people are now out of a job because of the closure, which may lead to a domino effect for local businesses like the Nonesuch Gallery on Main Street.
"I’m worried about that, but we do have a lot of tourism and I think I’ll be able to stay afloat,” said owner Edna Yonker.
The gallery's customers seemed to agree that the end of Smurfit-Stone doesn't mean the end of the town they love. Some are choosing to embrace possible new opportunities.
"People have come together to try to think what do we really want here,” said resident Karen Berg. “In a strange way it might be an impetus for some new ideas.”
"I’d like to see some new businesses, possibly some green businesses,” said another resident, Bob Kekke. “I think we have to look way outside of the box."
No matter what happens to the mill in the future, this New Year, people in Ontonagon are resolved to keep fighting for their town and for a brighter future.
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