The Ponderay Newsprint Co. has indefinitely shut down its paper mill in the small town of Usk, likely dealing a major blow to the economy of rural Pend Oreille County. The mill employed more than 130 people. …The plant is jointly owned by Lake Superior Forest Products, a subsidiary of Quebec-based Resolute Forest Products, and five major U.S. publishers. …Colin Willenbrock, general manager of the Pend Oreille Public Utility District, said the mill recently paused operations for two weeks and had been expected to reopen Saturday, but workers were told to stay home. …Local officials have anticipated the closure of the mill for years. COVID-19 pandemic prompted the recent two-week pause of operations at the mill, and it may have been the final nail in the coffin.