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Essar Steel Minnesota nears bankruptcy
Essar Steel Minnesota is preparing for bankruptcy. This morning the Duluth News Tribune shared a Reuters report that the company building a new taconite plant near Nashwauk is close to bankruptcy. From a John Myers story: Essar has hired financial and legal advisers to help restructure its debt, several financial news sources reported over the…
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Ode to Deviled Eggs
Carnivores eat eggs. They have for a long time. I recall an artist’s rendition from my childhood “Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs” depicting a sneaky rodent-like dinosaur spiriting away some big egg from the Mighty Somethingosaurus. I imagined the crafty lizard cracking open that big egg, devouring the eggy goodness inside like slop from a trough. I…
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IRRRB reforms announced after tough audit
The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board will voluntarily reform itself to comply with findings from a recent Legislative Auditor’s report. Under a new plan, the IRRRB would retain its power to allocate funds from its unique regionally-funded state agency but those allocations would require the governor’s approval. This would address the Legislative Auditor’s finding that having…
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Jobless benefits for miners extended
On Thursday the Minnesota House of Representatives passed an unemployment benefits extension for workers affected by the downturn in the Iron Range mining industry. They also passed separately what House GOP leaders wanted attached in one bill: a rebate to businesses who pay into the unemployment fund, which now has a surplus because of the…
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Cliffs eyes acquiring Essar plant
As snow fades from the ditches of Northern Minnesota, the Essar Steel construction site north of Nashwauk remains frozen in time. Minor movement in and out of the site is but partial salve for the idled hope of hundreds of jobs from the region’s largest new mining project in a generation. Essar has stated that it hopes…
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Governor explains controversial mining decision
Two weeks ago Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton announced he would not support mineral exploration near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The controversial decision prompted strong reactions by those for and against new forms of copper nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota. As expected, Iron Range lawmakers, local officials and mining advocates criticized the governor in…
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Cliffs CEO: UTac to reopen in 2016
Today, Cliffs Natural Resources CEO Lourenco Goncalves said that he would reopen United Taconite in Eveleth sometime in 2016. He also said that the company remained committed to next-generation technology for Iron Range ores. He did not, however, name a date that United would reopen. About 500 workers are currently laid off from that mine.…
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Let us see what we believe
When immigrants came to America, their first image of the new land was the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This wasn’t just some green lady. She represented freedom and opportunity. She was all of America, welcoming those in need. The Statue of Liberty told a story that was happening in real time. She…
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Confusion over deal for unemployed miners
On Friday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill funding extended unemployment benefits for laid off Iron Range miners attached to controversial unemployment tax cuts for businesses. Though House DFLers opposed the pairing of those two issues, ultimately most Range DFLers argued for its passage so that unemployed miners without benefits could receive aid. Rep.…
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Report details serious problems at IRRRB
Today, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor released its report exploring the organization, authority, effectiveness and transparency of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). The OLA found that the IRRRB “has not adequately overseen the loans and grants it awards for economic development.” The report also dings the agency for its operation…
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State economic picture steady, except up North
Minnesota is a geographically and economically diverse state. It’s often remarkable when I travel from my home here in the North to the Twin Cities how different the very fabric of society and the economy feels. The two worlds seem like they don’t require one another to survive. That’s not really true, of course. The state…
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Legislative Auditor: Does the IRRRB work?
On Friday, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor will release a major report on the effectiveness of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Though not a subject of much conversation on the street, this report has been long awaited by members of the region’s political class. Some dread what it might say,…
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Adam Levy in Grand Rapids postponed
UPDATE: The panel discussion and concert by Adam Levy are being postponed due to the winter storm today. They will be rescheduled. Adam Levy, front man for the Honeydogs, will do two special events today with Northern Community Radio in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Both are deeply personal. From the NCR release: Adam Levy’s new solo…
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No spring for you
The Northern Minnesota tradition of briefly allowing hope to enter your heart despite knowledge that disappointment lies ahead carries on. Today, a significant winter storm is settling over our corner of the world. Lots of heavy wet snow, putting added pressure on tree branches, power lines and our fragile psyches. There are many school cancellations.…
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Deal to extend benefits for miners is done
A longstanding worry of many unemployed miners on the Iron Range and their families is being resolved today. Today, the House Ways and Means committee passed a bill that would offer up to 26 weeks of additional unemployment benefits for Iron Range miners affected by a downturn in the steel industry. It would also include…