Modern Life in Northern Minnesota
The parent company of the Hibbing Daily Tribune, the paper that runs my column, has announced temporary unpaid furloughs for “many or most” of its employees in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Other papers involved include the Mesabi Daily News and Grand Rapids Herald Review. Some permanent layoffs are likely, according to the story.
By Aaron Brown A 21st century memoir of a place and a people: (Buy now on Amazon) -- The Iron Range is a string of blue collar towns along an iron formation in northern Minnesota, many of which ... Read More →
The Great Northern Radio Show features music, comedy & stories about modern life off the beaten path: Written, produced & hosted by Aaron J. Brown with a talented supporting cast and Minnesota musicians and guests. Each episode broadcasts from a different location. The next Great Northern Radio Show is Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 at 5 ... Read More →
Aaron: The slow market for taconite could well continue for a few years. Do you think this will have an effect on Essar’s plans for that new steel mill on the Range?
Rolf Westgard
Short answer: Yes.
They are still saying they plan to starting building as soon as their finance situation clears up. THey say that their decisions are not based on the actions of other taconite plants because their model is different and based on long term competition in the steel market. But this company seems to be short on cash right now and that’s cause for concern.