GRAND RAPIDS — KOOTASCA Community Action will celebrate the grand opening of its early childhood hub at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at the former Murphy Elementary School.
The Grand Rapids hub will offer child care and education for 171 children, from 6 weeks old to 5 years. It will also offer supports for families, according to a news release, including adult basic education.
Nick Hansen, planning and development director for KOOTASCA, stated the initiative is the result of unwavering collaboration and marks a new era in early childhood education.
The Grand Rapids School District closed Murphy Elementary in 2022, later selling it to KOOTASCA. The 70-year-old building was outgrown by the student body, despite being added onto three times over the years. It was at one time slated for possible demolition.
The celebration will include a welcome and speakers along with tours of the facility.
The early childhood hub was funded in part by a $1.4 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
-
Plus: Industry-specific minimum wage goes into effect for Minnesota nursing home workers; lawmakers hear continuity of care concerns amid fraud battles. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe organization aims to help Minnesota forests regenerate after fire and disease and protect them in the future. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Public Utilities Commission approved a plan for how Minnesota Power will generate power on Thursday, Sept. 10. That includes new details about the future of Boswell in Cohasset. -
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff geek out about primatology, evolution, and fantastic teachers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Sept. 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of fireflies, bald cardinals, and more from our friends in Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe FBI confirmed in an email that federal agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs executed a search warrant at Ombimindwaa on Sept. 10, 2026. -
Events this week include a food truck festival in Virginia, a fern walk at Itasca State Park and an open house at Ripple River Gallery near Deerwood. -
Plus: Fosston Schools accept garden bounties to fill gap from lost program.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBecause of low free-and-reduced lunch numbers, the Fosston school district no longer qualifies for a fresh fruits and vegetables program for elementary students. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Board deliberated on the offer for Greenhaven Elementary in a closed-door session at Hibbing High School on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.
