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Franken enjoying warm reception on Iron Range
Northland NewsCenter covered the first of several Iron Range parade appearances by Sen.-elect Al Franken in Aurora last night. It looks like the DFL-friendly environs of the Iron Range were glad to see him. But you have to see the video because it shows all sides of the contentious political recount battle to be crazy.…
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God Bless America, and the Wienermobile
Happy Fourth of July! Yesterday, my family and I were able to see the most American of American meat-related vehicles, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, in Grand Rapids, Minn. This was significant to more than just the kids. In fact, my kids — like most of the kids I saw that day — were only moderately…
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The MinnesotaBrown Palin files
On a night when Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin executed her holiday weekend news dump of her impending resignation, I share my previous posts. These were all pre-election, but share some unique, sometimes first-hand observations. See Russia, sure, but true Alaskans throw their garbage at Russia, tooIt’s good to have Alaska friendsNorth to Alaska, going north,…
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‘Overburden’ and the Fourth of July on the Iron Range
With so many Iron Range natives returning to the area for the Fourth of July for parades, street dances and festivals, I must point out that my book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range” won the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award and is available now at book stores all over the state and online at…
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The Wienermobile is coming
NEWS FLASH: The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile will be in Grand Rapids today from 11-1 p.m. at Ogles. I AM SO THERE! Look for pictures later. At the right time I will explain why the Wienermobile played an important role in my youth. Not now. No time! Related posts: No related posts.
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Franken to take part in legendary Range Fourth parades
Sen.-elect Al Franken will be joining Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Jim Oberstar in the Iron Range’s famous Fourth of July parades. Everyone in Range politics got their start at these parades. They have a reputation for controlled chaos. Their reputation for good times is why we’ve got both senators here so soon after last…
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‘Da Range on ‘Da Fourth
One of the most common observations made about the Iron Range by outsiders is that we Rangers put on a hell of a Fourth of July every year. Parades, street dances, fireworks, stuff for the kids, stuff most definitely for the adults. We’ve got it all. A lot of people walk out with a smile,…
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One take on Rukavina’s governor ambitions
My urban progressive friend Grace Kelly penned a post for the Minnesota Progressive Project that is bullish on legendary Iron Range State Rep. Tom Rukavina’s chances if he runs for governor. This post is worth a read, but you should especially check the video of Rukavina’s speech at the recent DFL State Central Committee meeting…
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Tonight only
Amid the stream of bad news that’s come out today, don’t forget that there is a great opportunity to get together with friends and neighbors and enjoy a great show to save HCC Theater tonight. The HCC Theater Support Gala featuring the Blues Brothers and hosts of other performers will take place at 7:30 p.m.…
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Report: Hibbing Taconite may be closed until April 2010
On a scale of 1-10 on the “Oh, hell no” Iron Range bad economic news metric, this would be a 7. Cliffs Natural Resources has announced that Hibbing Taconite may remain in temporary shutdown until April 2010 because of the global economic slump and slow steel sales. This is bad news at a bad time.…
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What’s in a name?
A strong reaction in opposition to the decision by the former Ironworld’s management to rename itself the Minnesota Discovery Center. This June 20 Mesabi Daily News op/ed by Pam Brunfelt is worth a read. Pam was a key source in my book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range.” Related posts: No related posts.
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Major No. Minn. trucking company to close
This is bad news. Monson trucking, a longstanding trucking company in northern Minnesota and throughout the region, is closing. 200 jobs lost. The loss of these kinds of jobs will deeply affect people living on the margins between middle and low income levels. Anyone who’s driven up Highway 53 or from West 169 into Virginia…
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Iron Range Blues Brothers preview movie links
The HCC Theater Support Gala is Thursday, 7:30 p.m., at the Hibbing High School auditorium. I’ve been sharing the preview videos featuring the star attraction(s): The Blues Brothers. This event has the added benefit of being a perfect Blues Brothers metaphor, the reunion of an old collection of performers to save something that matters to…
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A mine or a mill? Both? Let’s make sure
I’ve been holding onto this for a couple days trying to find time to write about it. Check out this June 27 story from the Sault Star (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) about Essar’s Algoma steel facility. The Algoma CEO explains Essar’s long range strategy in North America, including its plans for Essar Minnesota in Nashwauk.…
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Report: Range population holding (with slight bleed)
The real problem facing the Iron Range and places like it is population loss. You can argue about any matter of policy you want, but things won’t really start getting better around here or anywhere in the Rust Belt, small towns or rural areas until population loss is reversed. This Mesabi Daily News story explores…