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The whip cracks: More Iron Range mine shutdowns announced
WDIO and the Mesabi Daily News are reporting that two Cleveland Cliffs Iron Range mining operations, Hibbing Taconite and Northshore Mining, will see additional layoffs and shutdowns in 2009. Northshore will be shutdown in April. HibTac will idle a line in March and then see a 15-week summer shutdown from May to September. Cliffs also…
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Oh, just release the budget forecast so these guys can stop writing bills
Iron Range State Sens. Tom Bakk and David Tomassoni have authored legislation that would extend state senate terms from four years to six and state house terms from two years to four. The amendment, if passed into law, would go to Minnesota voters for approval. The move would save public money and reduce the amount…
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They took’ar jabs!
I’ll say this, if it it weren’t for fear and anger about immigrants the local papers would have hardly anything to run as guest commentaries and letters to the editor. Hooray, xenophobia! Your angry ranting might save newspapers! “Celebrate our melting pot, but don’t make it a jackpot” (Duluth News Tribune) I agree. The world…
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On the brink of the new, or the end
This is my weekly column for the Hibbing Daily Tribune published Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. On the brink of the new, or the endBy Aaron J. Brown Today, amid the droning headlines of the flagging national economy, Iām here to write the words you long to hear. Everything on the Iron Range is going to…
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Future cleanup represents sticking point for nonferrous mining on the Iron Range
The Mesabi Daily News ran a Sunday piece by Jon Collins about the ongoing debate about a new bill that would limit nonferrous mining (copper, nickel and other minerals) in Minnesota to a very precise set of circumstances. Mining proponents say the bill amounts to a ban on nonferrous mining. Supporters of the bill say…
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Sunday remainders from the Iron Range
Here are some remainders from the bad news files over the weekend: Hibbing to close Family Investment Center, reopen with narrower focus (Hibbing Daily Tribune, link to be updated) Hundreds pack room to offer DFL legislators opinions on state budget fix (Mesabi Daily News) Community to rally for Cherry school amid closure rumors (Mesabi Daily…
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Northland arts mag Oeuvre sets sail amid turbulent times
Sophisticated readers of this blog (all 12 of you) know that Northern Minnesota has a surprisingly deep arts community. From visual artists to photographers to writers and poets, we are much more than beer and hypothermia. Thus, you should know that a new online arts, literature and culture publication called Oeuvre Magazine based in Duluth…
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Largest Iron Range mine lays off 590
UPDATE: Friday morning information has been added. Also, correction to note that the layoffs begin in 2-3 weeks, and will likely last longer than 2-3 weeks. The Mesabi Daily News reports that U.S. Steel’s MinnTac plant will lay off 590 workers in 2-3 weeks because of the economy. MinnTac is the Iron Range’s largest mine…
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IRR showdown over new hire
CLARIFICATION: This post has been updated to reflect the nature of the position being discussed at Iron Range Resources. Officials describe the job as being “community development” rather than business recruitment. Thus I have moved this post up from the morning to allow people to see the new information. The Mesabi Daily News reports on…
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Copper-nickel showdown on the Range
This Mesabi Daily News story clearly demonstrates the coming battle over nonferrous mining on the Iron Range at the legislature. A bill that would severely limit nonferrous mining is now in the hopper. Storm clouds a’ gathering. Related posts: No related posts.
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Thank you, Hibbing!
The “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range” road show entered the familiar environs of the Hibbing Public Library last night as I did a reading and lecture in the downstairs auditorium, feet from the famed “Bob Dylan” room. Nine hearty souls, more if you count the looky-loos by the door, banded together to hear…
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Hibbing Public Library ‘Overburden’ lecture tonight! Also, a special review!
Reminder: Tonight at 6:30 p.m. I’ll be giving a lecture based on my new book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range” at the Hibbing Public Library. I’ll be offering selections from the book, a perspective on how Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range remains defined by its people, traditions and potential. I’ll also be answering questions,…
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‘Don’t go there’
Yesterday, St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford advised the county board not to pursue a policy restricting citizen recordings of board meetings. Commissioner Keith Nelson had suggested the new rule at a previous meeting, essentially saying that recordings can be taken out of context and that people are free to attend the midday meetings. The…
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Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s understated gem: broadband plan for all of America
Most aspects of the federal stimulus bill are designed to kick in immediately, but there’s one provision that may prove to be the most prescient. Stimulus bill directs FCC to create broadband policy (from CED Magazine) The FCC report is to include: An analysis of the most efficient mechanisms for ensuring broadband access A strategy…
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‘Overburden’ tour comes home to Hibbing Public Library Feb. 18
I’ll be doing a reading/lecture and signing for my new book “Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range” at the Hibbing Public Library at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 18. (Click on “Book News” for more information about the book). The presentation is free and open to the public. This is the first time I’ve…