Email Chris Ismil or call him at 218-735-3010 for more information about Public Works grants.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 3 for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa’s Vermilion Public Works Service Facility. The new $5.15 million facility will relocate the Public Works department vehicles and activity from the current location at the Lake Vermilion Community Services Facility, which houses Head Start, Early Head Start/Child Care, Tribal government administrative services, community social center, medical and dental clinic, family wellness and fitness center and the Boys and Girls Club.

The 13,800-square-foot facility on the Vermilion Sector will provide a larger area for the equipment and vehicles used in the Bois Forte Public Works and Housing departments. There will be four bays for equipment and vehicles, a food shelf area, much needed office space, conference room and restrooms.

IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina spoke at the event and referenced the agency’s support of the project with a $386,500 Public Works grant. She discussed how agency investments are helping to support Bois Forte priorities and community needs. The facility also received funding from other state and federal resources.

Email Chris Ismil or call him at 218-735-3010 for more information about Public Works grants.

The city of Hibbing constructed six outdoor pickleball courts in Bennett Park, which is the community’s recreation hub. IRRR supported the project with a $30,000 Culture & Tourism grant to the city of Hibbing. Total project investment was $320,000.

The Central Range Pickleball Club and the city of Hibbing hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the new amenity on July 10. The event was highlighted with remarks from project organizers and an inaugural volley. 

Bennett Park currently has three baseball fields, a softball field, a Miracle Field, two pavilions, splash pad, basketball court, skateboard park, walking trails and picnic area. The addition of the pickleball courts aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, which calls for expanding existing leisure and recreational activities.

Pickleball combines features of tennis, ping pong and badminton. A lightweight solid paddle about twice the size of a ping pong paddle is used to hit a wiffle ball over the net on a court smaller than that in traditional tennis. The sport is taught in school as part of the physical education curriculum in most parts of the nation, including here in northeastern Minnesota.

The pickleball participation rate has continued to rise in America. There were over 8.9 million participants in 2022. Pickleball first became popular with seniors, and has since expanded to adults and youth. The average participant age is 35. The 25 to 34-year age group has the most participants, and the 18 to 24 and 65+ age groups were tied for the second highest. (2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report and 2023 Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report.)

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Culture & Tourism grant information.

Mesabi Musical Theatre (MMT) will present its summer production on the Iron Range. The latest show is Ruthless! The Musical, billed as a killer comedy about a little girl who isn’t as innocent as she appears. Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical. The musical is not recommended for young children.

This aggressively outrageous musical hit garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run. Broadway veteran Laura Bell Bundy played Tina during the show’s first performances, and her understudies were Natalie Portman and Britney Spears.

“MMT’s 16th musical is a lesser-known title with more jokes than we can count. We dare you to keep up with the numerous allusions to classic musicals, films and TV shows," said Tucker Nelson, producer. "Although the audience will enjoy the midcentury set design and costumes of this satirical comedy, don’t expect Mayberry or the Cleavers, because Tina Denmark is no Shirley Temple! We expanded our audience base after a successful production of Always...Patsy Cline, and we invite Iron Rangers to experience this unique piece of musical theatre created and presented by all local directors and performers.”

Director Susan Nelson said, "There is more than meets the eye to this musical. Nothing is as it seems. The cast has fully embraced this and is giving their all to this madcap romp of a show. The talent and dedication of both the performers and creative team is something to be admired and shows in their performances." 

Ruthless! will be presented at the historic Hibbing High School Auditorium on Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

IRRR supported the project with a $2,000 Culture & Tourism grant for marketing, set pieces and costumes. Total project investment was $35,140.

MMT's mission is to bring the best of Broadway to the Iron Range. The community-focused organization has presented 15 musicals on the Iron Range, including The Sound of Music, Chicago and most recently, Always…Patsy Cline.

Get additional details and ticket information. 

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Culture & Tourism grant information.

IRRR staff are continuing to meet with local community and economic development authority (EDA) leaders. The purpose is to discuss financial resources and technical services available through the agency and ways that the agency can partner on and support each community's priority projects related to business, community and workforce. 

Pictured in front at a recent Ely EDA meeting are EDA members: Jerome Debeltz, Albert Forsman, Ryan Callen and Adam Bisbee. Pictured in back are IRRR Director of Business Recruitment Janelle Greschner, IRRR Director of Community Development Whitney Ridlon, Ely Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski and Ely Economic Development Consultant John Fedo.