Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation

The Ranger: Hoyt Lakes completed a $4.86 million upgrade to its community arena and wellness center, including accessibility improvements and a new ice plant. IRRR supported the project with a $250,000 Public Works grant. bit.ly/4swxx5Z

Registration is open for the Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit! Join state and industry leaders to discuss broadband expansion, digital skills and more. April 29, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., $20 Learn more and register: mn.gov/deed/events/co…

Check out The Ranger! Regional partners brought NE MN priorities to the Capitol during Duluth & St. Louis County Days. Plus, IRRR supported major upgrades to the Hoyt Lakes Recreation and Wellness Center. And more! bit.ly/4swxx5Z

Help shape the region’s 2027–2031 economic strategy. Arrowhead Regional Development Commission engagement sessions: March 24, 10 a.m.–noon, Mineland Reclamation, Chisholm March 25, 10 a.m.–noon, ARDC, Duluth Your input matters.

Brownfield redevelopment in Grand Rapids is gaining momentum. Local leaders say collaboration, expertise and funding are turning sites like the Ainsworth plant and Block 19 into new opportunities. bit.ly/40bZELf

Great to see the @IMA_MN at last week’s Boys Hockey State Tournament, educating attendees, including many students, about the impact of Minnesota’s iron mining industry. IRRR is funded by the taconite production tax supporting NE Minnesota communities. bit.ly/4bEOQf0

The Ranger: Harvey Street, Ely’s main thoroughfare, has been reconstructed through a partnership between the city of Ely and St. Louis County, with support from a $200,000 IRRR Public Works grant. bit.ly/40bZELf

The Ranger: Broadband expanded to more than 100 households in Great Scott Township and Mountain Iron bit.ly/40bZELf

On #InternationalWomenDay, we celebrate the women who help power the Iron Range. From mining and manufacturing to schools, clinics, job sites, public offices and community organizations, women lead throughout our region.

Looking for your next opportunity? Save the date for the 2026 Iron Range Job & Volunteer Fair on Thursday, April 23. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Iron Trail Motors Event Center. Additional information is coming soon.

The Ranger: W.A. Fisher Co. owner Jeff Leese made energy efficient upgrades with help from a $20,000 IRRR Business Energy Retrofit grant, including a steam conversion to natural gas, lighting upgrades, new HVAC and a commercial paper cutter. bit.ly/40bZELf

Check out today’s edition of The Ranger! Minnesota leaders connected with global mining officials and investors at #PDAC2026 in Toronto. Plus, an IRRR Business Energy Retrofit grant helped a downtown Virginia small business upgrade its building. bit.ly/40bZELf

IRRR staff attended today's Iron Range Economic Alliance meeting in Chisholm, where partners shared updates and discussed opportunities to strengthen the regional economy.

Another great day at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada International Convention in Toronto! Commissioner Ida Rukavina, IRRR staff & members of the Minnesota Minerals Coordinating Committee are at booth #1043 building connections. Stop by! #PDAC2026

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center has upgraded a two-mile trail section with a new ADA-accessible boardwalk to an overlook of Saganaga Lake. New interpretive signs this spring, developed with Grand Portage Band consultants, add an Anishinaabe perspective. bit.ly/4kPycg0

“The Excitement is Building” was the theme of North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity’s annual dinner in Mountain Iron last night. IRRR Community Development Director Whitney Ridlon attended to show support for Habitat and the families it serves. ⚒️🏡

Beth Pierce, executive director of Discover the Range, recently was named the 2026 Explore Minnesota Tourism Industry Leader award recipient. She was recognized for her leadership in promoting NE MN's outdoor recreation, history, arts and culture. bit.ly/4kPycg0

The Ranger: Ely native Kate Kalan returned home in 2020 — and in 2025 opened Étoile du Nord Day Spa. With no-cost help from Northland SBDC and a $9,250 Business Energy Retrofit grant from IRRR, she renovated a downtown space and brought her vision to life. bit.ly/4kPycg0

Register for Lead Local: Fundraising That Works, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 9, at Minnesota North College Hibbing. Deadline is Feb. 27. bit.ly/4l0bgL5

MINE EDITION: Mining downturns hit far beyond the mine site, affecting household budgets, routines and security across the Iron Range. IRRR is backing retraining with Minnesota North College, including CDL programs and flexible workforce grants. bit.ly/4shcjbX