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"Alleged mayor biter"
From today’s Hibbing Daily Tribune, the greatest headline of our time: “Alleged mayor biter, attackers charged.” (Subscription only link). This is, of course, an update on the attempted robbery that led to Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata being bitten on the face by an assailant as he sought to hold down one of the attackers for…
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"My Fair Lady" on the Iron Range; auditions next week
This theater note was passed along. Those interested in enhancing the theater community of the Range should take note: Mesabi Musical Theatre will be extending the auditions for My Fair Lady: Mon-Thurs, 6-8 pm, May 16-19, Virginia High School music room (door 9, 6th Ave). Paid stipends for principal players. No parts have been cast…
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Northwoods Friends of the Arts announce first big event
Northwoods Friends of the Arts, a new Iron Range arts group, is kicking off its inaugural event next week. If you should be north of the formation, check this out: New Iron Range Art Group Presents First Event–Spring Art Expo Northwoods Friends of the Arts, (NWFA), the new Iron Range area arts group in Cook,…
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Hibbing mayor describes random bite attack
The story of Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata’s encounter with street toughs, including one who bit him above his eye, is worth a watch. The mayor and his wife and a couple friend of theirs were walking home Friday night when two adults and a juvenile attempted to rob them. Cannata and his friend simply refused…
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Minnesota redistricting to create "Great Northern" seat?
State Republicans released their proposal for the redistricting of Minnesota’s eight congressional districts. The main surprise is the way they redraw the 7th and 8th districts. Instead of two northern districts drawn east and west, you have a new MN-8 that cuts across all of northern Minnesota. The veteran western Minnesota DFL Rep. Collin Peterson…
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From MPR, e-commuting in Minnesota
MPR’s Ground Level has a fascinating piece on e-commuting in Minnesota. Here at the blog I advocate high speed internet infrastructure to support the very kinds of work described. I think it’s a huge growth opportunity in northern Minnesota, if not directly in the towns then right outside them. Related posts: No related posts.
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Dylan Days 2011 approaches in Hibbing
Dylan Days 2011 is coming. Readers might remember that I’m the spokesman and co-organizer of this annual music, art and literature event in Bob Dylan’s hometown of Hibbing. This year the event is May 26-29. Check out the site for information. I’ll be posting more here in coming weeks. Related posts: No related posts.
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Hibbing mayor attacked, bitten in attempted robbery
In a news brief on the front of Sunday’s Hibbing Daily Tribune, we learn that Hibbing Mayor Rick Cannata was attacked in an attempted robbery Friday night and suffered a bite near his left eye. There were three arrests, including an adult and two juveniles. The mayor’s injury required several stitches. According to the HDT…
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Clark first to announce challenge to Cravaack in MN8
Former State Sen. Tarryl Clark has announced her plans to seek the DFL nomination in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, currently held by Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack. Clark most recently ran against Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN6). She is from St. Cloud, currently located in Minnesota’s Sixth District. Clark is a prodigious fundraiser and amiable candidate. Her…
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MN-GOP redistricting plan offers Iron Range a Trojan horse
As I’ve written before, one of the major cultural barriers we face on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range is the notion that political clout and tradition will “save” the region from an unfolding economic and demographic fate. Not doom, mind you, but a region with a smaller, older population, a greater divide between relative wealth and…
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On the Range, industry built on red ore shows gray hairs
Paul Tosto at the MPR’s MinnEcon blog reported some interesting data today. Minnesota enjoys a diverse economy and, like most of the country, an aging workforce. Which sector of Minnesota’s economy has the most workers aged 55 and older? Well, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the answer is mining. And in…
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Newsweek explores copper boom
Newsweek‘s Niall Ferguson pens an interesting story about the booming prices of copper around the world and the increased viability of copper mines. This should rightly remind those of us on Minnesota’s Iron Range of proposed copper and other nonferrous mineral mining proposals in our area. The article does a good job of explaining the…
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Glasses guy and mustache guy have good night in Canada.
The Canada Global Post reports that Conservatives there won a “crushing victory” in yesterday’s election, which is to say that they won 40 percent. In a multiparty contest that’s sufficient to win a majority of parliament, however, and this is the first time Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s party has done that. The CBC has a…
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Community colleges poised along the future front
This April 22 HuffPost essay from John Hrabe “Harvard University or Community College? Why the Choice Isn’t As Crazy as It Sounds” has been on my desk for a couple weeks. Take a read. In essence, college has always been part of class struggle. College itself was once an important socioeconomic step for a talented…
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Canada votes!
With everything else, let’s not forget that it’s Election Day in Canada. I’m always able to summon interest in Canadian politics because: My section of Minnesota was negotiated away from the British at the last minute after the War of 1812, so I sometimes feel vaguely Canadian. I pronounce about, “aboot.” I love me some…