SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) issued the following statement about the passing of Bill Hanna, former editor of the Mesabi Daily News.
“Over his storied career, Bill Hanna not only kept the Iron Range informed, but he helped tell our region’s story to the entire world. I’ll never forget how a decade ago, he joined a visit to the Eagle Mine in Michigan, to see firsthand how emerging forms of mining can be done safely. His reporting let folks not only read about the opportunity, but to see it, feel it, and experience it.
“Bill had a tenacious nose for hypocrisy and mistruths, and a willingness to hold those in positions of power accountable. Now more than ever, people deserve a free press in our country, and strong, independent news outlets, especially in rural areas. Bill made each of these a reality on the Iron Range. I will miss Bill deeply, and my prayers are with his family for comfort.”