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Vol. 3 No. 45 | Richmond Suburban News | July 18, 2018
Bear Island site gets new life with Canadian firm By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
Photo courtesy of JLL
The Bear Island paper mill is located just south of the Kings Dominion theme park in northern Hanover County.
HANOVER -- When Bear Island closed the doors at its Hanover County facility more than a year ago, the economic loss for the county was significant. But, the real impact was felt by the 165 employees who lost their well-paying jobs. An upcoming announcement by Gov. Ralph Northam is breathing new life into the shuttered plant and bringing some of those jobs back to Hanover County. Cascades Inc. of Canada announced
plans this week to invest $275 million to open the first pulp production facility in the United States. The company’s website provides insight regarding the scope of their operations. “Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs 11,000 employees, who work in more than 90 production units located in North America and Europe.” When the Bear Island site on Old Ridge Road closed in 2017, officials of
parent company White Birch Paper cited declining demand for their main product, newsprint. The plant produced more than 240,000 metric tons of pulp-based newsprint annually. Gov. Northam said, “This major investment and the 140 jobs it will create is a major win for Hanover County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. International companies continue to choose the Commonwealth for its world-class workforce and outstanding infrastructure. The see BEAR ISLAND, pg. 5 Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
Roger Bourassa, left, and Bob Hundley were chosen by their fellow Hanover County School Board members on July 10 to serve as vice chair and chair for the 2018-2019 year. Melody Kinser/The Local
A fundraising project is underway to purchase equipment to attract children ages 5 to 12 years old to Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park in Ashland.
Kiwanis, town raising funds for park equipment By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – With a goal of attracting children in the 5- to 12-yearold range to the Kiwanis Pufferbelly Park, the Kiwanis Club of Ashland and the Town of Ashland are raising money to purchase equipment for that
age group. The park is located at 601 England St. in Ashland. On Thursday, Kiwanian Ranny Robertson, Ashland Clerk Joseph Collins and Ann Martin explained the joint venture. Suz Morrison also is working with them to get the funds. see PUFFERBELLY, pg. 4
Hundley and Bourassa elected to lead school board in the new year By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- Hanover County School Board members turned to a familiar face to lead the panel for the upcoming year. Bob Hundley was selected as chair during the June 10 regular reorganization session. First appointed in 2004, the Chickahominy District representative accepted a third turn with the
gavel and has served as vice chair several times during his tenure. Current vice chair Roger Bourassa, Mechanicsville District, was selected to fill a second term in that position. Hundley thanked his fellow board members for their unanimous vote of support. Following the meeting, he identified several areas see HUNDLEY, pg. 8