IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina spoke at the event. IRRR staff and board member Rep. Cal Warwas also attended, along with local community and business leaders.

Rukavina said, “An exciting aspect of this project is that it’s one of the first to use our new Downtown Redevelopment Grant and Loan program. By helping close financing gaps for new construction on vacant properties, the program supports private investment and redevelopment in local communities. Bringing this project to construction and breaking ground today has truly been a team effort between Pohaki, the city of Virginia and IRRR.”

The new location will be at 706 N. Sixth Ave., next to Pohaki’s current store. It will include kitchen and bath showrooms and full displays, an enhanced appliance department, building materials displays, a warehouse and parking area.

“This isn’t just a new building,” said Brandon Seppala, owner of Pohaki. “It’s the next chapter of a story our family started generations ago. We’re excited to see what the future brings for our community.”

Founded in 1952, the family-owned business has served the Iron Range for generations. It has grown from a lumber supplier into a full-service provider of building materials, design services and appliances. The expansion will help Pohaki grow while supporting efforts to revitalize Virginia’s north corridor.

“Our goal is to remain a one-stop shop for home and cabin owners across northern Minnesota,” said Brady Seppala, fourth-generation employee and operations controller at Pohaki. “We’ve served the region for nearly 75 years, and we’re proud to continue helping build the region one project at a time.”

Email Chris Ismil or call him at 218-735-3010 for Community Development grants. Email Scott Sundvall or call him at 218-735-3015 for business loan information.

A new dock, tables and chairs were added to the Loon Lake Community Center, improving the site for recreation and events held throughout the year. The dock provides better access to Loon Lake, and new portable tables and chairs are available for indoor and outdoor events.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $14,965 Culture & Tourism grant to the Town of White. Total project investment was $35,000.

Originally built in 1957 as a public school, the building was later converted into the Loon Lake Community Center after the school closed. Today, it serves more than 1,565 residents and 5,000 visitors each year. The building has a gymnasium, full commercial kitchen with all amenities plus a serving area and plenty of seating. It hosts cultural events, educational programs, local art exhibits, tourism activities, law enforcement training, elections and government meetings. The center also can be rented for weddings, graduation parties, family reunions and other private events. Laskiainen, an annual Finnish sliding festival that began in the 1930s, is held at the center each winter.  

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

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) recently awarded an $8,360 Residential Redevelopment grant to the city of Marble to demolish two houses and two accessory structures that were dilapidated and blighted. The two cleared lots will be combined with two adjacent city-owned parcels to create a redevelopment site for a new 20-unit senior cottage community.

Stanwell Holdings, a woman- and veteran-owned family business, has agreed to purchase the four lots from the city for the phased construction of affordable, single-level cottages with one or two bedrooms.

Marble Mayor Eric Staydohar said, “The demolition creates space for future housing options and economic development while improving neighborhood safety and appearance. Our city appreciates IRRR’s commitment to supporting local communities and efforts to prepare for the future.”

Eligible Residential Redevelopment grant applicants include cities, townships, counties, Tribal governments and nonprofits to demolish single-unit residential homes, residential duplexes, residential multi-unit structures, garages, sheds and barns located within a residential zone. Homeowners interested in applying should contact their municipality. Learn more about the Residential Redevelopment grants.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for information.

Greenway Joint Recreation Association (GJRA) upgraded the entrance to the Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine. The arena was built in 1962, and its entry doors were last replaced in the 1980s. The new entrance is ADA-accessible and insulated to improve energy efficiency during northern Minnesota winters. The new doors will also help reduce heating and maintenance costs.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) supported the project with a $9,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment was $46,145.

Considered a historic venue by Vintage Minnesota Hockey, the indoor arena seats about 2,000 people. It hosts youth and community activities, including figure skating, hockey and roller derby. It also serves programs for youth football, baseball and fast-pitch softball at the nearby Jen Guyer Field in Bovey. The arena includes a community fitness center and a meeting room available to rent for private functions.

The arena and sports complex are owned and managed by Greenway Joint Recreation Association (GJRA), which is comprised of 11 government entities within the Greenway Independent School District. Cities include Bovey, Calumet, Coleraine, Marble and Taconite. Townships are Grand Rapids, Greenway, Lawrence Lake, Nashwauk and Trout Lake.

The association’s mission is to provide quality youth sports programs and sports facilities to residents within its service area.

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

Minnesota's outdoor recreation industry will gather for the 2026 Minnesota Outdoor Industry Summit on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Hyland Hills Chalet in Bloomington.

Hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership, the summit will bring together businesses, government agencies and community leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen and grow Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy.

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership is a collaboration among Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation.

Get full details and register.