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Mesabi Tribune

partner publisher · 6.1K followers

'Most exciting news on the Iron Range in 20 months'

Laid-off Minorca Mine steelworkers will have the opportunity to return to good-paying taconite plant jobs. A total of 268 laid-off Minorca Mine United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6115 members will be offered jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.,’s other northeastern Minnesota taconite plants, Al King, USW Local 6115 president said. Pending ratification of the USW’s tentative labor contract agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs, laid-off Minorca Mine union members will be able to go to work at Cliffs’ United Taconite, Hibbing Taconite Co. or Northshore Mining Co., King said. “It’s going to give these people an opportunity to work close to home until we restart,” King said. “Cliffs has told us time and again that they will restart Minorca.” It’s a major piece of good news for Minorca Mine steelworkers and the entire Iron Range. “This is an unbelievable development for our laid-off members and the Iron Range as a community,” John Arbogast, USW District 11 staff representative said. “This is undoubtedly the most exciting news on the Iron Range in the last 20 months.” “The crazy thing about this is it’s going to affect everyone in the community,” King said. “They’re going back to making $100,000 a year and be able to support their families

Iron Range, MN · 9h

Mesabi Tribune

partner publisher · 6.1K followers
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Good news for Cliffs' Iron Range miners

Two tentative labor contract agreements between the United Steelworkers union and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is a big piece of good news for steelworkers, families and the Iron Range as a whole. The tentative four-year labor contract agreements comes after months of tough negotiations. But there’s another part of the negotiations that’s just as significant. Steelworkers who had been laid-off at Cleveland-Cliffs’ Hibbing Taconite Co. are being offered the opportunity to come back to work, Chris Johnson, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2705 president at Hibbing Taconite said. With the call-backs, between 375 and 400 steelworkers could be back to work at the taconite plant, Johnson said. Laid-off Hibbing Taconite steelworkers are being called to determine whether they want to come back to work at the plant, Johnson said. “I just got done going through the list of laid-off members,” Johnson said Thursday evening. “So everybody who has been laid-off or transferred (to another Cliffs’ facility) has the opportunity to come back. All of our people are going to have a chance to get back to work and get good pay.” The USW bargaining committee and the Cleveland-based steel and iron ore producer reached a tentative agreement Thursday on a new labor contract

Hibbing, MN · 6d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers
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Itasca County Board sets 2027 legislative priorities, approves jail medical contract

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Itasca County Board of Commissioners finalized its 2027 legislative priorities, approved a $646,753 contract for jail medical services, and recognized local deputies for statewide honors during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Legislative Priorities Commissioners solidified a seven-point legislative agenda ahead of the 2027 session, focusing on local infrastructure, energy regulations, and rural funding. The finalized list includes: Supporting efforts for double-lane completion on Highway 169.Increasing Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) reimbursements, with an emphasis on lakeshore property.Securing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funding.Lifting the state nuclear moratorium and updating energy transition rules to include biomass as carbon neutral.Addressing recent legislative impacts on new business economic development and investment.Reforming the state funding process for recreation enforcement.Updating current sulfate standards. During the discussion, Commissioner Corey Smith pointed to the nuclear moratorium and energy transition policies, noting that state regulations have been tough on businesses and require legislative change. Commissioner Casey Venema agreed, calling the current regulatory climate “ridiculous.” Venema also emphasized keeping Highway 169 on the list and suggested looking into pedestrian safety improvements at the crossing near Four Seasons Market. The board voted to accept a $646,753 bid from Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH) to

Itasca County, MN · 1d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers
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Five Thunderhawks commit to college athletics

GRAND RAPIDS — Dozens of students, staff, and families gathered inside the Grand Rapids High School atrium on Wednesday to celebrate a number of student-athletes committing to college athletic programs to continue their pursuits following high school graduation. Five of Grand Rapids’ best: Senior multi-sport athletes Logan Wourms, Ethan Morgan, Sophie Carlson, Ava Limberg, and Quinn Cargill signed their letters of intent to continue playing the sports they’ve committed to at the schools they chose. Grand Rapids High School athletic director Dale Christy complimented the five for their athletic and academic accomplishments, and for being good representatives of the school and community. Each student had the opportunity to answer several questions about their plans and experiences while at high school, and had their respective coaches offer what set each of them apart. Logan Wourms, State University of New York at Cobleskill - Lacrosse A defenseman and a midfielder for Grand Rapids, Wourms committed to play college lacrosse at SUNY at Cobleskill where he’ll suit up for the Fighting Tigers. While playing lacrosse, he said he is interested in the canine training program offered at the school. He said that was a factor in him choosing Cobleskill, along with the coach’s

Grand Rapids, MN · 1d

islands.com

website

Goodbye Lake Superior, So Long Lake Minnetonka: This Minnesota Gem Is A Freshwater Fishing Paradise

It's not for nothing that Minnesota has been dubbed the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The North Star State is a fisherman's oasis, with places like Duluth offering access to Lake Superior, while folks in the Twin Cities can escape to Lake Minnetonka. Still, as serene as their natural beauty may be, summer crowding can be an issue. However, if you prefer a secluded fishing retreat off the beaten path and away from Minnesota's major cities, then say goodbye to these two destinations and hello to Little Jessie Lake. This body of water is located in Itasca County, in what is referred to as "Up North" by locals.

Minnesota · 2d

valleynewslive.com

website

Family asks judge to exhume Beltrami County grave over fears wrong body was buried

BEMIDJI, Minn. (Valley News Live) - Two brothers are asking a Beltrami County judge to order the exhumation of their brother’s grave, saying they have reason to believe he may not be buried there after an alleged funeral home mix-up. A hearing on the petition is set for 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. The brothers asked for an expedited hearing in part because winter frost could make the work harder.

Beltrami County, MN · 1d

Mesabi Tribune

partner publisher · 6.1K followers

Second Chance home revealed in Chisholm

CHISHOLM—A house located at 214 Second Street Southwest is the first of four former tax-forfeited homes on the Range to be given “a second chance” through a new pilot program. On Tuesday representatives from the partnering entities, along with elected officials from Chisholm and Hibbing, among others, stopped by to get their first look at the newly renovated home along with displays that included before and after photos. Launched in fiscal year 2024, the Second Chance Homes Pilot Program is a partnership among Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) and St. Louis County to rehabilitate formerly tax-forfeited homes and preserve to help meet a need for housing. Phase 1 includes three other homes, two in Eveleth and one in Aurora that are expected to be completed soon. The approximate $1.2 million investment is Phase 1, according to information provided by the IRRR. The work preserves existing housing, revitalizes neighborhoods and creates homeownership opportunities while helping prevent deterioration that could eventually require demolition. AEOA Executive Director Mark Page said the three bedroom, two bath home in Chisholm took about 12 months to complete. Before and after photos of the project were available for people to view

Chisholm, MN · 2d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Grand Rapids City Council receives critical updates during Monday’s worksession

GRAND RAPIDS — During the Monday, Nov. 9 Grand Rapids City Council worksession, the council received critical updates on two important local topics: property assessments and the replacement of an aging and near-expired water treatment facility. Itasca County Assessor William Hillback gave a comprehensive presentation on the landscape of the local Estimated Market Value (EMV) and how the market has changed in the last eight years, and what to expect next year. Hillback emphasized that the property assessor’s role is responsible only for the valuations of the property, and Minnesota state statute and the guidance or mandates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) dictate the methods used to determine property values. The DOR receives all the data collected from the local assessment and makes suggestions or mandates to the local assessors based upon local economic factors. The market conditions have led to some citizens buying and renting in the smaller surrounding towns as a result. Hillback indicated that property values have risen sharply since 2018, while sales have declined. Real estate data showed that the median home sale price in 2018 was $160,000, and was $269,900 in 2025. He feels that non-waterfront properties are likely to see more stabilized

Grand Rapids, MN · 2d

Main Street Dollars

partner publisher · 39.2K followers

UnitedHealthcare and Humana Medicare Advantage members lose M Health Fairview, White River, Fred Hutch and St. Vincent hospitals in four states on Jan. 1

Four hospital systems in four states have told Medicare Advantage members that they will be out of network on Jan. 1, 2027. M Health Fairview in Minnesota, White River Health in Arkansas and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Washington are leaving UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans. St. Vincent Health in Colorado is leaving Humana’s. The timing […]

Minnesota · 2d

lptv.org

website

Leech Lake Ambulance Service Moves to New Location in Cass Lake

The Leech Lake Ambulance Service opened up a new bay in Cass Lake earlier this fall, with a broadened focus on serving the community in more ways on top of responding to 911 calls. The reach of Leech Lake’s emergency medical services (EMS) spans more than 500 square miles to...

Cass Lake, MN · 3d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Midco plans $20 million fiber investment in central, northeastern Minnesota

Midco plans to invest more than $20 million over several years to expand high-speed fiber internet service to approximately 14,700 homes and businesses across central and northeastern Minnesota, including several communities in and around Itasca County. The project will replace portions of the company's existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network with fiber-to-the-premises technology. The planned upgrades will cover approximately 400 miles of network infrastructure. Communities included in the project include Bovey, Coleraine, Floodwood, Hill City, McGregor and several others. Portions of Grand Lake, Greenway and Canosia townships are also included. Midco President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Dold said the investment reflects the company's long-term commitment to the region and will provide improved connectivity for residents, businesses and local institutions. Work is already underway in McGregor, where Midco is completing approximately five miles of fiber construction during 2026. The project is expected to serve about 277 locations. The company is also upgrading network facilities acquired from SCI Broadband, including installing new equipment and transitioning network systems. Midco expects to have completed upgrades to approximately half of the acquired service area by the end of 2026. Broader construction is expected to continue in phases beginning in 2027 and extending over several years. Specific

Itasca County, MN · 5h

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Fothergill and Jordan win Redfish Cup Championship

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Grand Rapids native and world-class angler Easton Fothergill and his partner Clark Jordan took home the top prize of $37,000 after winning the 2026 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship. They finished second in last year’s Redfish Cup, and earned a redeeming victory Nov. 6-8 with a three-day total weight of 42 pounds even - 4.1 pounds ahead of second place Mike Lauer and Jesse Craddock out on Aransas Bay, Port Aransas, Texas. Fothergill and Jordan’s haul after Day 1 saw them just outside the lead by less than a pound. They overtook the tournament lead after Day 2 and extended it through the end of Day 3. Following the win, Fothergill wrote the story of the team’s redemption himself. Redemption on Redfish Easton Fothergill I had a great time fishing the Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship at Port Aransas, Texas, and winning the event alongside Clark Jordan was an incredible experience. Clark and I finished second at last year’s event, so to take home the trophy this time felt really good. After last year’s finish, with my competitive nature, I wanted redemption. I wanted to come back and get another shot at it, so to do that

Grand Rapids, MN · 7h

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Declining kindergarten enrollment, sub pay top agenda at Grand Rapids School Board meeting

GRAND RAPIDS — Declining kindergarten numbers and a push to raise substitute teacher pay topped the agenda as the Grand Rapids Area School Board met for its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 10. Director of Business Services Alex Kaczor and Superintendent Matt Grose opened with an Enrollment Indicator Report detailing current district trends. Total enrollment across ISD 318 stands at 3,874 students. While total headcounts match figures from two decades ago, district leaders pointed to a sharp drop in incoming kindergarteners as a growing concern, with this year's class sitting at just 198 students. Grose noted that smaller incoming classes bring financial and staffing consequences that the district will begin navigating as early as this spring. Demographics across Minnesota show families having fewer children, though nearby districts are reporting similar drops. ISD 318 has scaled back from 73 elementary sections in 2022 to 60 this year. Kaczor also pointed to the district’s massive geography—the third largest in Minnesota—as a unique factor alongside state funding rules, which set basic funding at $7,863 per pupil for FY27. Debate over substitute teacher pay The board also took up a proposal from Kacie Maeder to increase pay for substitute teachers to stay competitive with

Grand Rapids, MN · 3d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Honoring a fishing and conservation legacy

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources dedicated the Tioga Public Water Access in Cohasset in memory of Tom Neustrom, a nationally recognized fishing guide, Hall of Fame angler and longtime conservation advocate who died in July 2026. Pictured at the dedication are DNR Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier, Neustrom’s wife, Renee Neustrom, and DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. Neustrom, who made his home in the Grand Rapids area, devoted much of his life to sharing his passion for fishing and helping others experience Minnesota’s outdoors. His contributions extended beyond guiding, including serving on the DNR fishing roundtable and the State Walleye Advisory Committee and Mille Lacs Advisory Committee. He also introduced countless people to fishing through seminars, radio programs and podcasts while advocating for the conservation of Minnesota’s fisheries.

Cohasset, MN · 3d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

Lights in the Pines drive-through display opens Nov. 27

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.—Lights in the Pines, a drive-through holiday light display at the Itasca County Fairgrounds, opens Thursday, Nov. 27, and runs for 10 nights. The display will be open Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 and 21. The gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m., and lights go out at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per passenger car or truck and $25 per small transportation bus or van. The fairgrounds event also includes North Pole Junction, a walk-in display in the commercial building. This year’s theme is gingerbread. Organizers say more than 75 trees are decorated. North Pole Junction also features chick races, model trains, the Grinch and Santa. A gingerbread house contest will be held Saturday, Dec. 19. Participants can bring their decorated gingerbread houses to the North Pole Junction building at 3 p.m. and pick them up at 8 p.m. the same day. Cash prizes will be awarded: $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third. A $50 prize will also go to the overall best house by a participant under age 10. Questions can be emailed to lightsinthepinesmn@gmail.com.

Itasca County, MN · 1d

Mesabi Tribune

partner publisher · 6.1K followers

Remembering Hibbing, Chisholm World War II centenarians

HIBBING/CHISHOLM—On this Veterans Day 2026, thoughts turn to World War II, which ended 81 years ago. About 16.4 million Americans served in the armed forces during World War II. Fewer than 0.2% of those original service members—approximately 30,607 American World War II veterans—are still living. Six years ago, it was my distinct privilege to interview then-99-year-old Joseph Berklich at his home in Hibbing. He lived to age 101, and his Chisholm friend William Loushine lived to age 102. — William “Bill” Loushine was born on February 3, 1921, and died on February 26, 2023, in Chisholm. He was 102. Joseph “Joe” Berklich was born on February 24, 1921, and died on May 31, 2022, at his home in Hibbing. He was 101. — In 2023, someone shared these heartfelt words on the Rupp Funeral Home website: “God bless you, Mr. Loushine! You were a great person.” The words were in tribute to William “Bill” Loushine, age 102, lifelong resident of Chisholm, who died February 26, 2023. Mr. Loushine had lived more than a century, and his mind remained active until God called him home. A year earlier, another shared these words on the Dougherty Funeral Home website in tribute to

Hibbing, MN · 2d

Grand Rapids Herald Review

partner publisher · 2.6K followers

City Council finalizes local election

GRAND RAPIDS — To open its meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, the Grand Rapids City Council adopted a resolution finalizing the municipal races held during last Tuesday’s midterm elections. The resolution canvasses and declares the results from the election, which determined Grand Rapids Mayor Tasha Connelly was reelected as mayor with 3,599 total votes. Dale Adams (2,899), and Tom Sutherland (2,770) were both elected to council seats. The city council adopted the resolution declaring the election results in a unanimous roll call vote. During Positive Happenings, Mayor Connelly highlighted the Grand Rapids High School football team, who just won the Section 7AAAA Championship and will play in the state quarterfinals this Friday in Brainerd. Connelly also said that Rob Mattei of the economic development authority (GREDA) notified the city council that the city of Grand Rapids received several large census tracts as federal Qualified Opportunity Zones in southern Grand Rapids, designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The hope is that the designation draws interest with lucrative economic opportunities and tax incentives to spur development and redevelopment for two areas inside Grand Rapids, effective Jan. 1, 2027, through 2036. COUNCIL REPORTS Molly MacGregor went as an alternate to the Grand

Grand Rapids, MN · 2d

Mesabi Tribune

partner publisher · 6.1K followers

Chisholm volleyball falls 3-0 in state quarterfinals

ST. PAUL—The Chisholm volleyball team couldn’t find their footing in their Class A State Tournament opener on Thursday as the No. 5 Bluestreaks fell to No. 4 Sacred Heart 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 26-24). With the loss, Chisholm falls to the consolation bracket where they’ll take on Pine River-Backus on Friday in St. Paul. The Bluestreaks trailed early in the first set and never truly found a way to cut into the Eagles lead. Sacred Heart opened the set with back-to-back kills from Lydia Riskey and Bryn Stevens while Chisholm benefited from some early hitting errors, not scoring their own kill until setter Hennessy Temple got one over to make it a 5-3 game in favor of the Eagles. A kill from Stevens and back-to-back aces from Stevens stifled any Chisholm potential and Sacred Heart continued to score at a two-to-one clip until Bluestreaks coach Pam Pioske took her first timeout with her team trailing 10-5. That scoring ratio never let up for the rest of the set as the Eagles hit at a .278 hitting percentage on their way to the 25-13 win. Riskey and fellow hitter Alexis Lawrence secured four kills apiece for Sacred Heart. Chisholm came out much

Chisholm, MN · 20h