Last week, the Taconite Harbor Energy Center power plant building, a significant part of our community, was brought down, marking the end of an era. The 225-megawatt coal-fired electrical generating power plant, which opened in 1957 under the ownership of Erie Mining Co., was later acquired by Minnesota Power in 2001 and renamed Taconite Harbor Energy Center. In 2015, Unit 3 was taken offline, leading to a reduction in power production. Units 2 and 3 were retired in 2023, and the plant was subsequently shut down. Today, Minnesota Power, in a collaborative effort with West End Townships, the EDA, Cook County, and other stakeholders, is working on a future project for the property, ensuring that the community's voice is heard in this transition. Photo courtesy of Ginnie Storlie
