Oct. 15, 2026
 A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Oct. 7 to celebrate the completion of an eight-lot, single-family housing addition on the northwest edge of Cook. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $180,000 Housing grant to the city, which provided funding for the utility infrastructure, roadway and sitework. Other funding partners included the city and St. Louis County through a Community Development Block Grant. Total project investment is estimated at $362,514.
The 13-acre residential development was once part of the Eldien family’s 160-acre farm. A member of the Eldien family who grew up on the farm and now lives out of state later approached the city about purchasing the 13 acres for future development. The city acquired the property in 2021.
Each of the eight lots is about a half-acre and is accessible from Eldien Drive, the development’s main road. One lot has been sold, and the other seven are available for purchase.
Cook experienced a devastating flood in June 2024 that caused extensive damage to community infrastructure, businesses and homes. The natural disaster ranks as the second-largest in St. Louis County in the past 30 years and caused damage to several other local areas. The new lots are located above the floodplain elevation, providing both the city and prospective residents assurance against future flood damage.
A 2024 city housing market analysis identified a need for new housing in the Cook area. The Eldien Addition will help meet that need.
Email Kevin Steele or call him at 218-735-3067 for more information about Housing grants.
 A picture-perfect stop on DEED's Stronger Regions, Stronger Minnesota roadshow. Catalina Valencia of DEED captures a group selfie during a tour of Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing in Hibbing, one of the final business visits on the statewide tour.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) concluded its three-month Stronger Regions, Stronger Minnesota roadshow in northeastern Minnesota on Oct. 8, bringing together regional economic development partners to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the region.
The day began with tours of Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing and Midwest Aircraft Refinishing in Hibbing. Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing, part of Daimler Truck North America, is adapting its remanufacturing capabilities to support electric vehicle technologies. Midwest Aircraft Refinishing specializes in aircraft restoration and refinishing, serving customers beyond Minnesota.
Following the tours, participants gathered at Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation's Mineland Reclamation facility in Chisholm for a presentation on DEED's programs and services and a discussion of regional economic development priorities.
The discussion focused on business expansion and retention, community needs, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and federal and state policy. Topics included housing and childcare availability, infrastructure improvements, industrial site readiness, access to financing, business succession planning, and permitting and regulatory challenges.
|
The conversations highlighted challenges shared by communities across Minnesota, including workforce shortages, housing needs, infrastructure development and access to capital. Northeastern Minnesota's natural resources and industrial capabilities were also identified as opportunities for growth.
The Chisholm gathering marked the final stop of DEED's statewide roadshow, emphasizing the importance of regional perspectives and partnerships in supporting economic development.
|
Local nonprofit organization Finland Minnesota Historical Society completed improvements to its historic schoolhouse, helping preserve the building as an educational resource for residents and visitors. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $4,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment is estimated at $9,985.
The historical society maintains five buildings that tell the story of Finland and its Finnish heritage. Its mission is to connect people to the community’s past and share stories of the “sisu,” a Finnish word associated with perseverance and determination, of those who came before them.
The schoolhouse dates to the early 20th century, when it served as a one-room school. Over the years, the building also served as a town hall, teen center and Finnish and Scandinavian gift shop before it was donated to the historical society in 2006.
|
Restoration work included scraping and repainting the schoolhouse interior, replacing deteriorated molding and rotted windowsills, and rehanging lights and shades. The improvements are part of the historical society’s ongoing effort to maintain its historic buildings before more extensive repairs are needed.
The schoolhouse and other buildings are open for tours from June through October, giving visitors an opportunity to experience life in Finland more than a century ago. The schoolhouse also hosts educational activities during special events, including the historical society’s annual Tori, a traditional Finnish marketplace. The restoration will help preserve these experiences for area residents and visitors for years to come.
|
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) awarded a $21,044 Residential Redevelopment grant to the city of Cohasset to help demolish six vacant, blighted structures, including two houses, two garages and two accessory buildings. The demolition and site cleanup prepared about 10.4 acres of city-owned property, known as the Glenwood Addition, for future housing development.
The city identified the property as a potential site for single-level patio homes with attached garages. The homes would offer accessible, low-maintenance living for older adults and residents who want to downsize while remaining in the community. The city plans to partner with a developer to explore housing options that meet community needs.
“Our city is at a pivotal moment, facing the dual challenge of addressing deteriorating housing conditions while meeting a growing demand for safe, accessible and affordable homes,” said Cohasset Financial Controller Barbara Baird. “Strategic investment in targeted redevelopment is essential to remove barriers to growth, strengthen neighborhood stability, and ensure the community can support residents across all stages of life.”
|
Future development of the Glenwood Addition could attract private investment and support economic growth. By preparing city-owned property for housing development, Cohasset is creating opportunities for current and future residents.
IRRR Residential Redevelopment grants assist with demolishing residential structures or full deconstruction of homes for reuse of materials. Eligible applicants include cities, townships, counties, Tribal governments and nonprofits. Homeowners interested in applying should contact their municipality. Learn more about Residential Redevelopment grants.
Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Residential Redevelopment grant information.
|
 More than 1,000 grants and approximately $18.75 million in Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) funding have helped small businesses make improvements and revitalize downtown buildings across the Taconite Assistance Area.
IRRR and Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency celebrated the milestone Oct. 7 in Virginia, highlighting the impact of the Business Energy Retrofit and Downtown Building Rehabilitation programs. The event featured three local businesses that have benefited from the programs: Maco Theater, W.A. Fisher Co. and Virginia Plastics.
Read the full news release and view event photos.
Have questions about our Business, Community or Workforce Development programs? Click the button below to complete a brief form, and we’ll connect you with the right Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation staff member for assistance and follow-up.
|
