Interim Update from Rep. Warwas

Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,  

Fall is peeking around the corner as the leaves are starting to change colors. Hopefully the rain in the forecast will help bring a bit cooler weather to usher in the northland's favored season. 

Checking Out the North Star Expo 

The North Star Expo brought together a strong crowd and highlighted the importance of Minnesota’s timber industry. I appreciated the chance to connect with folks from Minnesota Forest Industries, constituents from the ACLT, and even Shari McGregor-Overbye (the Iron Lady herself!). It was really cool to take part in the log loading competition alongside Senator Keri Heintzeman, Representative Spencer Igo, and Representative Josh Heintzeman; next year at least I’ll have had some prior experience! Thank you to the loggers, truckers, mechanics, and suppliers whose work keeps this industry moving and supports so many communities. 

Teeing Off at the ‘Better In Our Back Yard’ Golf Classic 

I attended the 'Better In Our Back Yard' 4th Annual Golf Classic with my daughter Leah, who took a day away from her contractor work at Mesabi Metallics to join me. The event brought together people committed to strengthening opportunity for our union trades, mining, and manufacturing industries. It was a solid day of conversation and connections. Also, I was grateful to Elliot and Justin for carrying our team! 

Looking into the Tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School 

It has been several weeks since the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Alongside 35 fellow legislators, I signed onto a letter to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension calling to release the toxicology report of the Annunciation school shooter. It is imperative that we investigate every possible factor in this case to best inform our actions and legislation moving forward. As the investigation continues and additional details are released, please continue to keep these affected families and community members in your prayers.  

The State of the Range 

The annual State of the Range event brought 350 people to the ITMEC in Virginia (this will always be the “new Miner's Memorial Building" to some, I know), with Iron Range Resources highlighting the progress being made across the region. From community development to support for local businesses, the agency continues to play a key role in keeping our economy moving forward. 

Speakers included Commissioner Rukavina, Board Chairman Senator Rob Farnsworth, USW District 11 Staff Rep John Arbogast, Iron Mining Association Director Kristen Vake, MiningMinnesota Director Julie Lucas, and Beth Pierce from Discover the Range. Presentations from Whitney Ridlon, Ryan Malich, and other IRRR staff underscored the breadth of work being done on behalf of the Range. Thank you to all who spoke and contributed! 

This event remains an important opportunity to hear directly about the challenges and opportunities facing our region, and I hope you’ll be able to attend next year. 

Ribbon Cutting at AMGS 

I was glad to attend the ribbon cutting for Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS) in Hibbing, a major step forward for manufacturing on the Iron Range. Owner Jason Wobbema chose to build this 35,000-square-foot facility here to create local jobs and prioritize American-made steel, supporting our mining industry. The project was made possible with help from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, the Hibbing EDA, and other partners, and the plant is already designed for future growth. It was great to join Representative Spencer Igo, Senator Rob Farnsworth, Mayor Pete Hyduke, Commissioners Rukavina and Jugovich, and company leaders to celebrate this investment in our region. 

MiningMinnesota Dinner 

Maria and I attended the annual MiningMinnesota dinner and meeting late last week, which was a valuable chance to hear updates from Twin Metals, NewRange, Talon Metals, and other mining industry leaders. It was also a pleasure to welcome Environment and Natural Resources Co-Chair Representative Josh Heintzeman and his wife, Senator Keri Heintzeman, to our part of the Range for the evening. 

Cycle for ALS 

Supporting my friend Todd Lauer and his team of riders during the Never Surrender Tomassoni Tour – Cycle for ALS, was the goal for this past Satuday, and the weather was perfect for it, too. Our group traveled from Gilbert to Chisholm, finishing at the Senator David Tomassoni Bridge of Peace arch before a fundraiser banquet and award program at Fortune Bay. Volunteers raised more than $300,000 for ALS research, an incredible achievement. The Never Surrender organization is an outstanding group of people, and I look forward to joining them again next year.