We’ve gotten so accustomed to bad news about Maine’s paper mills that it’s easy to not recognize the good.

International Paper has agreed to what is essentially a 12-year contract to sell lightweight industrial paper made on its No. 5 paper machine in Jay to Kohlberg & Co. LLC.

IP’s No. 5 machine produces about 50,000 tons of paper, which is used in such products as microwave popcorn bags and foil wraps. With a long-term deal in place, the overall prospects for the mill improve.

Earlier this month, IP announced it was shutting down its No. 1 paper machine in Jay and cutting about 90 jobs. According to Ruth Marden, town manager in Jay, the cuts are already having a ripple effect, and it’s not good.

In the wake of bad news, the Kohlberg contract offers a certain measure of security for the workers at IP and the community in Jay that depends on the mill.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s great news,” Marden said.

IP might not be able to regain the jobs it has already lost, but at least with Monday’s announcement of the deal, we have reason to hope the mill will hold on to what is has.