In 1925, automaker Henry Ford opened what would be one of his company's most productive assembly plants in St. Paul, Minn. On December 16, the final Ford car will roll off the assembly line, WCCO reported.
In 1985, after years of producing a variety of automobiles, the plant was revamped to specifically produce the Ford Ranger, a fuel-efficient pickup truck. When the company announced its plans to discontinue the Ranger model, it inevitably meant the end of an era.
"At first, people were not really sure if it was closing, but now it's for sure," said Margie Rios, an employee at the St. Paul Ford Assembly Plant. "At first, they were in denial about that."
The St. Paul plant had generations of workers, such as third-generation worker Art Wiegele, who plans to continue his career elsewhere, unlike many of his fellow coworkers.
"I'm one of the lucky ones being transferred," said Wiegele. "I'm going to Louisville, Kentucky, but it's not easy."
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Although the Vikings season has been decided for some time, the fate of the Denver Broncos season is still very much in limbo. A place they wouldn't be if not for the outbreak of "Tebowmania."
After each victory, Broncos Quarterback and devout Christian Tim Tebow thanks God for blessing him and his teammates. For Tebow fans, his winnings ways only reaffirms their devotion to him.
"I think the reaction in Denver is that if the Broncos can continue to win like this, any of us would be happy to personally hold a Bible study every week," said Katelynn McBride, a Broncos fan and native Coloradoan living in Minneapolis.
After beginning the season 1-4, the Denver Broncos inserted Tebow into the starting lineup, and have since gone 5-1, placing them in the thick the AFC playoff chase. Although he isn't considered a prototypical NFL quarterback, his record is all that matters.
"Is he good for the league? Absolutely," said Greg Coleman of the Vikings Radio Network. "He's even better for the Denver Broncos."
