103.7 THE LOON » Verso Paper Mill Fire

Report Says Overheated Compressor Caused Verso Explosion

Abby Faulkner — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:21:51 +0000

SARTELL – An overheated compressor has been determined as the root cause of the Verso Paper Mill explosion. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal wrapped up their investigation and released a full report on Monday. Investigator John Steinbach says the plant experienced a severe reduction of cooling water flow to it’s compressors. [...]

Verso Will Not Reopen Sartell Paper Plant, 259 Laid-Off Permanently

Jim Maurice — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 21:13:36 +0000

The Verso Paper Company Plant in Sartell will not re-open and 259 paper plant workers will be permanently out of jobs. That’s the word this afternoon from Verso officials at a news conference at Sartell City Hall.

Sartell Mayor Joe Perske Gives Insight on Verso Paper Mill [AUDIO]

103.7 The Loon — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:24:37 +0000

Sartell Mayor Joe Perske still doesn’t know if the Verso Paper Plant will re-open in his city, but he says from all the indicators, he has reason to be optimistic.

Sartell Paper Plant Manager: 'Too Early to Tell' When Verso Might Re-Open [AUDIO, VIDEO]

WJON Staff — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:01:38 +0000

SARTELL — The plant manager of the crippled Verso paper mill in Sartell says it will be a week or more before they know when the plant might re-open.

Matt Archambeau told reporters at a news briefing this morning it’s too early to say what’s needed in order to re-open the plant.

About 100 of the plant’s w

Central Minnesota Rallies Around Sartell Mill Fire

Abby Faulkner — Thu, 31 May 2012 19:57:17 +0000

Nearly 40 area community fire departments and numerous agencies are being praised for their efforts in the wake of the Verso mill explosion. At Thursday’s news conference, officials released a complete list of those who’ve pitched in to fight the blaze. FIRE DEPARTMENTS: – Rice – Clear Lake – Becker – Clearwater – St. Augusta [...]

Fire at Sartell's Verso Paper Mill Continues to Burn, Effort Underway to Douse Hot Spots

WJON Staff — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:32:41 +0000

A new fire fighting effort’s underway at the Verso Paper Mill in Sartell to finally put out a fire that’s been burning for over three days. An explosion rocked the plant late Monday morning, killing one worker and hurting five others. At a news conference at Sartell City Hall this afternoon, Fire Chief Ken Heim [...]

Fund Established for Verso Employees, Maus Family

Jim Maurice — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:26:54 +0000

SARTELL – A fund has been set-up for Verso Paper employees and the family of Jon Maus.

Bank Vista has established the Jon M. Maus Memorial Fund and the Sartell Verso Employee Relief Fund.

You can make a contribution at:
Bank Vista
125 Twin Rivers Court
Sartell, MN 56377

Funds can be mailed or made in person. If you have q

Verso's Sartell Paper Mill from Above [VIDEO]

103.7 The Loon — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:37:16 +0000

Our Web Producer Abby Faulkner got an aerial view of the aftermath of the Verso paper mill fire.

Governor, Lawmakers Concerned About Sartell Paper Mill's Future [AUDIO]

WJON Staff — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:45:07 +0000

SARTELL — Just over a day after an explosion rocked the Verso paper mill in Sartell killing one worker and hurting five others, Governor Mark Dayton and area lawmakers are voicing their concerns on whether the plant will be rebuilt. Dayton and lawmakers representing Sartell each voiced their support for mill officials to reopen. They [...]

UPDATE – Name of Man Killed in Verso Explosion Released [AUDIO]

WJON Staff — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:17:23 +0000

There are media reports of a large air compressor exploding, but Archambeau says a cause has not been determined. But he says a preliminary inspection shows “very substantial damage” to the plant.

Plant Manager: "Very Sad Day for Our Verso Family" [AUDIO]

WJON Staff — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:25:25 +0000

The plant manager of Sartell’s Verso paper plant says the cause of a massive explosion is still unknown.

One Dead, at Least 4 Hurt in Sartell Paper Plant Explosion, Fire [AUDIO]

WJON Staff — Mon, 28 May 2012 21:32:51 +0000

Officials say one person was killed and four hurt in the explosion and subsequent fire at the Verso Paper Plant in Sartell. The explosion happened just after 11:15 this morning.