Governor visits cloquet mill

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visited the Sappi mill in Cloquet last month for conversation and a tour. Interim Sappi mill manager Tom Radovich said mill leadership wanted to talk to Gov. Walz about forest products in general, which have faced many challenges in recent years. "There have been lots of mill closures [due to declining demand] and we wanted him to know what we are planning long term and what the state can do to help us as one of the largest manufacturing sites in Minnesota," Radovich told the Pine Knot News. Above, he explains some of the Sappi mill processes to Walz during his visit. Below, Walz met with many Sappi employees during his meeting and tour. Pictured from left are Jeff Brungardt, Archie Chelseth, Kraig Melin, Gov. Walz, Sen. Mike Sundin, Tom Radovich, Loren Manty, Lloyd Grooms, Rob Schilling, Jay Arnston, Gary Erickson, Kevin Pierce and Chuck Skalsky. Photos courtesy of the Governor's Office