A new era to begin next week

This occurs 26 years, nearly my whole lifespan, after the shuttering and demolition of the old Butler Taconite plant. That dark event, and the massive layoffs across the Iron Range that came with it, defined the last three decades of Range history. Perhaps this new event will define a better future. One thing, though, must be remembered. This is not enough. Our schools, infrastructure, economy, even our collective attitudes, must also modernize and expand if our communities are serious about surviving the 21st century.