IRRRB News - June 9, 2016
 COOK – Cook
Hospital today broke ground on an $8.1 million nursing home addition and
renovation that will improve quality of life for nursing home residents and the
surrounding area.
The expansion creates 29 private resident rooms with private washroom
facilities for all residents. The project also renovates additional spaces to
improve efficiency and functionality.
“We’re really, really excited about this project,” said Cook Hospital administrator
Teresa Debevec at today’s groundbreaking event.
“It’s been a long time in the making.”
IRRRB supported the project with a
Commercial Redevelopment grant for the demolition of three buildings, making 17,275
additional square-feet of space available for nursing home renovations.
Cook Mayor Harold Johnston thanked area residents supporting the Cook Hospital
district and families of nursing home residents.
It’s the hospital’s fourth major building project, said Johnston.
State Representative Jason Metsa, an IRRR Board member, said the hospital is
special to the community and surrounding areas.
“The taxpayers in this district see the value of this facility, and the IRRRB is
so happy to be funding this project that will benefit the area for years to
come.”
Cook Hospital currently has 141 employees and generates an overall economic
impact of $16.3 million, according to the hospital.
The expansion creates an estimated five new permanent jobs and 45 construction
jobs.
Pictured above: Officials participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the nursing home addition and renovation at the Cook Hospital.
 Nearly 200 individuals came together with a common purpose - recharging Iron Range communities and the economy - on Monday, June 6, at Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm.
The Recharge the Range event was the fourth in a series of forums aimed at generating momentum around new and existing projects and ideas on the Iron Range.
Jessalyn Sabin, cofounder of ReGen, spoke about why the Iron Range is a good place to live, while Sandy Bryant, president of Hibbing Fabricators, shared why it is a good place to do business.
Participants broke into the following action groups based on their own interests and experience: Small Business Strategies, Large Business Expansion & Attraction, Natural Resources, Education/Talent Development, Infrastructure, Tourism/Recreation, and Livable Communities.
Vicki Hagberg, ReGen member and co-host of the Livable Communities action group, was encouraged by the
passion and commitment that the Recharge the Range participants have for their community and
region.
"I sensed a common understanding that there isn't a 'silver
bullet' that will solve our region's economic struggles," she said. "We need to work
on a variety of projects from promoting entrepreneurial ventures and expanding
our local businesses to revitalizing the pride and quality of life we have in
our communities. There is no one person, organization, or community that
can do this on their own."
Moving forward, the seven action groups will continue to meet and work toward implementing small and large changes. According to Hagberg, this will include helping to connect and support existing
initiatives, as well as encouraging the formation of new initiatives.
IRRRB, ALLETE, and Range Association of Municipalities & Schools hosted the forums.
Pictured above: ReGen members wrap up action group ideas at the Recharge the Range event. Seated left to right are: Julie Lucas, LaTisha Gietzen, Allyse Freeman, Wayne Kangas, Jessalyn Sabin, Andrew Hanegmon, and Vicki Hagberg.
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 Giants Ridge is offering a Father's Day special, where dads play free on Sunday, June 19 after 10 a.m., if they golf with a daughter or son who pays full price.
For this offer only, the 18-hole green fee for sons & daughters ages 18 and older is $65 (regular rate is $89) and for ages 17 and under is $35. To book a Father's Day tee time, call the Golf Shop at 218-865-3030.
Learn more about this special and other current promotions.
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 IRRRB publishes a print edition of The Ranger newsletter in the Mesabi Daily News, Hibbing Daily Tribune and Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
Article topics in the latest issue include:
- Locally-grown foods, farmers markets growing (pictured)
- KMDA tackles worldwide fishing market
- A message from IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips: "What’s your idea to help Recharge the Range?"
Read the print edition of The Ranger.
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The Ranger is a publication of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Our mission is to promote and invest in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota.
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