Vicki Hagberg is excited about how a new IRRRB grant program could help improve downtowns within the IRRRB service area.

The IRRRB Downtown and Business Corridor Grant Program from Nov. 1-Nov. 30 is accepting applications for projects that create attractive, highly-visible downtown and business corridor improvements which benefit shoppers, workers and visitors.

Grants of $12,500 to $50,000 are available to cities, non-profits or grassroots groups which partner with a city or non-profit.

Out-of-the-box ideas that create noticeable improvements in downtowns are encouraged under the grant program. 

“It’s a great opportunity for communities to guide their vision,” said Hagberg. “I think this program can not only help with visual impacts, but have the added benefit of increasing community pride.”

Hagberg, a geotechnical engineer, chairs the Recharge the Range Livable Communities Focus Group. The group, strategizing plans to enhance communities, grew out of a series of Recharge the Range forums held this spring and summer on the Iron Range.

Revitalizing downtowns was one of the main themes emerging from the Recharge the Range forums.

The Livable Communities Action Group is supportive of projects already being planned in Chisholm, Hibbing and Virginia, said Hagberg. 

“The action group is focusing on key areas in our communities” said Hagberg. “One of those areas is downtown community revitalization. Over the next month we will be looking for more people to join us in working on other initiatives.”

Citizens interested in becoming part of the Livable Communities Focus Group can contact Sara Ferkul at sara.ferkul@state.mn.us or (218)735-3020.

View the Downtown and Business Corridor Grant Program guidelines. 

Chris Masciantonio and John Rebrovich, co-chairs of Iron Ore Alliance, presented at the Laurentian Vision Partnership (LVP) meeting today in Chisholm.

During the last decade, LVP has been working with mining, government, business and community interests on the Mesabi Iron Range to demonstrate how the mining process can create land forms to accommodate the residents, the environment, and the economy of this region’s promising future. Through participation in LVP, a diverse group of stakeholders have a voice in designing the future landscape of the Iron Range.

Learn more about LVP.

The State of Minnesota employs over 50,000 people at more than 100 agencies, boards, and colleges. From Crookston to the Twin Cities to Rochester, at any given time, there are hundreds of job opportunities throughout the state. 

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the first State of Minnesota Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Senate Office Building in St. Paul. 

All 24 cabinet level agencies will be on hand with open job opportunities. There will also be on-site job interviews for select positions, professional headshots, resume review, and networking with state leaders. 

Learn more about the career fair and employment with the State of Minnesota.

BIWABIK – It's not too late to take advantage of super savings during the Giants Ridge season pass sale, which runs through Oct. 31 in Biwabik. Passes can be purchased online or by calling 218-865-8005. Alpine passes are $25 off during the month of October. Season passholders receive a variety of valuable discounts and perks.

View the season passholder membership perks.

On Oct. 21 and 22, the annual ski swap will be held in conjunction with the Giants Ridge FallFest and new chalet grand opening. 

Learn more about the season pass sale and ski swap. 

Check out the weekly specials at the Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews.

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