The Minnesota Senate voted on March 9 to confirm Ida Rukavina as Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. 

On Dec. 21, Gov. Tim Walz appointed Rukavina to lead the agency. She officially assumed the role on Jan. 2. Rukavina oversees the state of Minnesota economic development agency, with a mission of investing resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota.

Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. Most recently, she served as the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). She also has worked extensively with numerous levels of government and with the labor movement, representing public and private employees in northern Minnesota.

Her educational experience includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and American Politics with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations from Clark University and a Master’s Degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

"I’m proud that Ida Rukavina will serve as the next Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation,” said Gov. Walz. “With a proven track record serving schools, townships, and cities on the Iron Range, she is well-positioned to ensure the Northland doesn’t just survive, but thrives.”

"As a dedicated public servant with deep roots in community, Ida Rukavina will meaningfully serve the Iron Range,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “From good schools to reliable infrastructure to thriving businesses, she will lead with her One Minnesota values to ensure Minnesotans on the Range have the support and resources they need to succeed.”

“I am humbled by the support of Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan to serve the people of northeastern Minnesota," said Commissioner Rukavina. “I am committed to working toward a future that includes jobs that support families, a strong educational system and thriving cities and towns." 

Read the full announcement.

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion of Minneapolis was appointed on March 9 to the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Advisory Board by the Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration. Champion represents District 59 and is the current president of the senate.

The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Advisory Board consists of the state senators and representatives elected from state senatorial or house districts in which one-third or more of the residents reside within the agency's service area. One additional state senator is appointed by the Majority Leader of the senate.

With this appointment, the board is now complete. Champion will serve with the following new and returning advisory board members: 

• Sen. Grant Hauschild, District 3, new.
• Rep. Roger Skraba, District 3A, new.
• Sen. Justin Eichorn, District 6, returning.
• Rep. Ben Davis, District 6A, new. 
• Sen. Robert Farnsworth, District 7, new.
• Rep. Spencer Igo, District 7A, returning.
• Rep. Dave Lislegard, District 7B, returning.

NorthRidge Community Credit Union opened a new 4,680-square-foot facility in January on an undeveloped commercial property in Hibbing. NorthRidge moved its location from East Beltline Road in Hibbing to the new facility north of the Hampton Inn on 9th Avenue West. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $300,000 Development Infrastructure grant to the city. Total project investment was $3,358,600.

As a full-service financial institution, NorthRidge provides lending and banking services to nearly 7,000 members. Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations that accept deposits, make loans and provide other financial services similar to traditional banks.

NorthRidge currently has nearly thirty full-time employees and is expected to add up to two more as the new Hibbing location grows. NorthRidge has four other offices in northeastern Minnesota: Biwabik, Ely, Hoyt Lakes and Virginia. Learn more about NorthRidge Community Credit Union.

“Our new location in Hibbing has significantly greater visibility,” said Nicholas Mathiowetz, NorthRidge president/CEO. “We look forward to the potential of adding new jobs and continuing to provide access to affordable banking and lending services, including to those who have poor credit or no credit history.”

NorthRidge leased a portion of the new building to Twin Ports Dermatology who is completing final interior construction of their new medical office space. Twin Ports is scheduled to open this spring to provide dermatology care to the Iron Range. Learn more about Twin Ports Dermatology-Hibbing.

Project partners for the new facility include NorthRidge Community Credit Union and the city of Hibbing.

Email Chris Ismil or call him at 218-735-3010 for Development Infrastructure grant information.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation grants are funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.

The Sagamore Adaptive Trail opened last year within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA). It is the first purpose-built adaptive mountain bike trail in northeastern Minnesota and provides riding access to those who need handcycling equipment and trails to accommodate their physical disabilities. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $303,700 Regional Trails grant to the city of Riverton. Total project investment was approximately $2.1 million.

Most handcycles are built in a tricycle configuration and are powered by the rider’s arms versus legs. The adaptive trails that accommodate handcycles and other adaptive equipment are typically wider with less downhill and uphill gradients.

The Sagamore Adaptive Trail is 7.4 miles and may be used by adaptive and non-adaptive cyclists. It is available year-round for biking and hiking. It connects to an additional 10 miles of mountain bike trails within the Sagamore Unit of CCSRA, an existing network of over 50 miles of mountain bike trails in CCSRA, and 9 miles of state paved trail. The trail network interconnects the cities of Riverton, Ironton, Crosby, Cuyuna and Deerwood.

“Many major businesses and organizations within the Cuyuna area have been able to recruit new workers to the region during the past several years, in part due to our outstanding outdoor destination and quality of life,’” said Aaron Hautala, president emeritus of Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew. “The trail systems and variety of trails can potentially impact the workforce recruitment and retention of an estimated 50 businesses and organizations in the Cuyuna area including those in the medical, manufacturing, technology and retail industries.”

CCSRA is spread across 600 acres surrounding reclaimed mining lands. In addition to the 70 miles of mountain bike trails, there are 25 miles of natural shoreline. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), CCSRA had approximately 300,000 total users in 2021, of which 119,000 were bike users. The DNR anticipates those numbers to increase with recent expansions, which include the new Saginaw adaptive trail.

“Being able to offer riding experiences to people with disabilities opens up Cuyuna to a whole new population of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Hautala. “Mountain biking is more than people on standard bikes with two wheels. It is also for people who use wheelchairs in their daily life, and Cuyuna provides inclusivity and equity for them when they recreate off road on their handcycles.”

Other project partners included Minnesota State Bond Appropriation, Minnesota DNR Division of Parks and Trails, the city of Riverton, Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew and International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Email Jim Plummer or call him at 218-274-7006 for Regional Trails grant information.

Learn more about CCSRA.