iron range Archives - Fox21Online

Solar Module Production Facility Taking Shape in Mountain Iron

The Sun is Shining Brighter in the Community of Mountain Iron as a New Solar Project Gets Underway

September 13, 2021

Brett Scott,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Aside from the vibrant mining industry, one Iron Range community is now helping to diversify the workforce, becoming a new leader in solar energy. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” said Martin Pochtaruk, President and CEO of Heliene. With the help of a dedicated state senator, solar energy will soon be shining brighter…

Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated to Late State Rep. Tom Rukavina

On Thursday, the bridge he fought so hard to build back in 2017 was officially dedicated to him.

August 19, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

VIRGINIA, Minn. — “He often urged people to buy American-made products. In fact, he would tell you even his underwear was made in the U.S.A by union workers. If you didn’t believe him, he would volunteer to prove it to you,” District 6 Senator, David Tomassoni says. Former Minnesota House Representative Tom Rukavina passed away two years ago after a…

Minnesota Discovery Center Optimistic for Strong Future Ahead

The COVID-19 Pandemic Provided Staff at the Minnesota Discovery Center Time to Rethink Their Mission & Impact on Visitors

August 3, 2021

Brett Scott,

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Staff at a museum on the Iron Range is thankful, and making a big impact as they work to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever before. They say the silver lining is shining bright at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “I think they’re excited to explore and run around, ride the trolley, and play…

Health Department Assists Rural Minnesota Town with Covid-19 Testing Site

East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

March 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

AURORA, Minn. – A temporary COVID testing site is now open at the Aurora Community and Senior Center. Due to the recent spike in cases in the area, the Minnesota Department of Health got the go-ahead to open up a facility in the East Range Area. “What we noticed over the last few weeks specifically in town here and kind…

U.S. Rep. Stauber Hears Iron Rangers’ Hopes to Bring Critical Minerals Mining to Region

In what he called a community conversation in Aurora, MN, the Congressman heard feedback which he plans to bring back to Washington D.C.

March 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

AURORA, Minn.- 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber stopped by the Aurora Community Center Monday for a town hall style meeting with Iron Rangers, joining them in wanting to bring critical minerals mining to the Iron Range. “It’d be nice to see a new generation of people coming to the Iron Range to take on the next generation of mining,” said…

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

August 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

August 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

Eveleth Bar Owner: ‘June 1st is Really the End of the Wire’

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

May 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…

Many in Hoyt Lakes Frustrated as Court of Appeals Halts PolyMet Permits

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

January 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

HOYT LAKES, Minn.- A three judge panel said the Minnesota DNR made a mistake regarding the PolyMet NorthMet project, as the Minnesota Court of Appeals put a halt on two crucial permits. “It feels like a slap in the face, to tell you the truth. It really does,” said Hoyt Lakes Mayor Chris Vreeland. The word on the streets of…

Break Room Bar Hosts 8-Ball Classic Amateur Pool Tournament

16 players entered at $300 each.

November 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Break Room Bar in Duluth hosted the finals of their first ever Amateur 8-Ball Classic Pool Tournament. 16 players entered the tournament paying a $300 entry fee higher than most amateur tournaments but means a bigger payout of $2,000 for first place. The tournament not only attracted Duluth pool players but players from the Twin Cities, Iron…

Independent Television Festival Finds New Home in Duluth

City Announces Festival Coming Next October

December 10, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Big things are in store for the city of Duluth, as it’s the new home of the Independent Television, or ITV, Festival. It started in Los Angeles then moved to Vermont – and is now on its way to make Duluth a TV star. It’s also expected to pump $1.5 million into the city’s economy. This adds to…

Woman Arrested on Five Charges After Assault and Theft Incidents on Iron Range

Suspect Allegedly Assaulted 75-Year-Old Woman

July 30, 2018

Site Staff,

IRON, Minn.-A 23-year-old woman from Virginia has been charged with five different counts after allegedly committing multiple theft and assault crimes Sunday night on the Iron Range. Lindsay Mayry was charged with first-degree aggravated robbery, fourth-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, fifth-degree assault, obstructing the legal process, and theft. Police are reporting at about 6:20 p.m. that night, a theft…

Splish Splash on the Iron Range This Weekend

The Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is Happening Thursday, July 26 Through Sunday, July 29

July 25, 2018

Brett Scott,

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – The 63rd Annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is happening Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29. Organizers say you’ll have the chance to take part in family-friendly fun, games, the annual parade and fireworks display. The festival serves as the communities summer “welcome home” celebration, attracting thousands of people back to Hoyt Lakes for the weekend….

Fond Du Lac College is Helping Connect Students with Local Jobs

Officials say the expo shows students other routes their degree can take them.

April 24, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

CLOQUET, Minn.- One local college is helping health and nursing students get a foot in the door for jobs after graduation. Fond Du Lac Community College is hosting a Nurse and Health Sciences Expo. The event brings local organizations in the industry to show students the many job opportunities in their field locally. “It’s great to have the local job fair…

How to Become an Iron Range Tour Guide

Interested community members can take a class on April 17th

April 13, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

HIBBING, Minn.- The Iron Range is becoming more tourist-friendly with the help of members of the community. A certified tourism and ambassador program is being incorporated from Hibbing to Hoyt Lakes. You can become a tour guide but you need to know the must-see attractions from trails to disc golf. “Most of us have gone out to these attractions and certainly…

Iron Range Community Displays Support for Sexual Assault Victims

April is sexual violence awareness month.

April 13, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

IRON RANGE, Minn. During the month of April the Iron Range is decorated to honor victims of sexual violence Over 300 teal ribbons are placed around trees to honor local victims of sexual assault.Organizers hope the display brings awareness and understanding. “We live in a world where it’s hard to come forward with sexual abuse and sexual assault problems,” executive director…

10 Commandments Plaque Relocated To Commissioner’s Office in Hibbing Courthouse

Although the plaque is in a less-visible location, the Freedom From Religion Foundation remains in opposition.

April 5, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

HIBBING, Minn.- A plaque of the 10 Commandments hung in the County Courthouse for 60 years, but a month ago it was taken down. This happened after a local resident reported it to an advocacy group — Freedom From Religion Foundation — that threatened to sue the county for a violation of church and state if it was not taken…

Healthy Vibes Provides Nutritional Fast Food

The family owned restaurant provides community members with nutritional plans.

April 3, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

CHISHOLM-Minn.- Healthy Vibes is a family owned shop, giving the community nutritional help. Leo Lambert and his wife are the owners of Healthy Vibes. “People can come in and get what we call a healthy burger fries and shake,” Leo said. The most popular items on the menu, are dessert flavored smoothies packed with high nutritional value. “You can’t always…

New Studies Show Art Plays Large Impact on the Economy

Artists on the Iron Range are gathering to help further creativity.

March 29, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Artists on the Iron Range are banning together tapping into their creativity as a community. Art comes in all forms from paintings to plays, but artists on the Iron Range are discussing how creatively effects the future of the economy. “Every community; every town, every neighborhood has artists and that this is a wonderful under tapped asset,” Springboard for…

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Details Growth In 2017 State of the Company

February 1, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

EVELETH, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is starting 2018 with a goal of bringing more jobs to the Iron Range and to continue expanding operations. That was the talk of Cliffs’ 2017 State of the Company event in Eveleth. From the number of new jobs Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. brought to Minnesota to its financial performance, 2017 was a memorable year for the company. The Eveleth Auditorium was a…

Former Miners Create Project to Preserve History of Erie Mining Company

Traveling Exhibit to Open at St. Louis County Historical Society

January 19, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former miners on the Iron Range are working together to ensure the legacy and history of the Erie Mining Company is never forgotten. A group of Erie Mining alum is writing a book with oral history recounts and information about the company throughout the years. The book will be distributed to libraries and stores around the Northland,…

Several Northlanders Hospitalized from Possible Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Several Northlanders were hospitalized due to possible exposure, some were airlifted into Duluth.

December 3, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Seven Northlanders on the Iron Range are in the hospital after possible carbon monoxide exposure. The owner of the residence where this happened says three people live in the home and four others were visiting. Their condition has not been released Sunday. Fire Department Officials say it’s important for people to be educated about this silent killer. The…

Locals Returning Home Thanks to New Job Opportunities

The job opportunities are allowing Northlanders to stay closer to home.

December 1, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The employment opportunities on the Iron Range, are allowing more Northlanders to stay where their roots are. “Everybody is employed, it’s a great thing for us and we’ve seen that economic boom,” Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe said. The mines are in full swing, the health care industry is also providing jobs for many workers. Mayor Cuffe said part…

Aunt of Beheading Victim Shares Message of Forgiveness

Family Shares Forgiveness Message to David Haiman's Killer

October 22, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

More than a year after a horrific brutal murder on the Iron Range, some family members of a Hibbing man tell us they are finally getting some closure. Back in June of 2016, 20 year old David Haiman was beaten, stabbed, and beheaded by a Grand Rapids couple, Kayleene Greniger and Joseph Thoresen. Thoresen was found guilty of first degree…

Aurora Woman Dies in Three-Vehicle Crash

May 11, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

BIWABIK TWP., Minn. – An Aurora woman has died as a result of a crash Wednesday night. Marilyn Kriner, 66, has been identified as the victim of the crash. Kriner was driving a 2005 Chevy Classic and heading eastbound on Highway 135. A semi, driven by 40-year-old Todd Statsman of Eveleth, and a Toyota 4 runner, driven by Mary Walker of Hibbing, were…

Mother Pleads For Answers In Unsolved Hit and Run

Scott Christensen Was Killed Seven Months Ago

May 8, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

Seven months after losing her son, one Iron Range mother is hoping someone out there can help her find closure. Rita Licari wants answer about what happened to her son, Scott Christensen the night he died. Investigators say Christensen was hit and killed on Highway 100 near Aurora sometime before 4 a.m. Oct. 2 of 2016, but they still don’t…

Great Outdoors: Giant’s Ridge

Ski Season Kicks Off on the Iron Range

December 28, 2016

KQDS Staff,

A look at the skiing and snowboarding at Giant’s Ridge

iron range

The Sun is Shining Brighter in the Community of Mountain Iron as a New Solar Project Gets Underway

On Thursday, the bridge he fought so hard to build back in 2017 was officially dedicated to him.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Provided Staff at the Minnesota Discovery Center Time to Rethink Their Mission & Impact on Visitors

East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

In what he called a community conversation in Aurora, MN, the Congressman heard feedback which he plans to bring back to Washington D.C.

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

16 players entered at $300 each.

City Announces Festival Coming Next October

Suspect Allegedly Assaulted 75-Year-Old Woman

The Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is Happening Thursday, July 26 Through Sunday, July 29

Officials say the expo shows students other routes their degree can take them.

Interested community members can take a class on April 17th

April is sexual violence awareness month.

Although the plaque is in a less-visible location, the Freedom From Religion Foundation remains in opposition.

The family owned restaurant provides community members with nutritional plans.

Artists on the Iron Range are gathering to help further creativity.

Traveling Exhibit to Open at St. Louis County Historical Society

Several Northlanders were hospitalized due to possible exposure, some were airlifted into Duluth.

The job opportunities are allowing Northlanders to stay closer to home.

Family Shares Forgiveness Message to David Haiman's Killer

Scott Christensen Was Killed Seven Months Ago

Ski Season Kicks Off on the Iron Range

Latest News Update