AURORA — The city of Aurora celebrated the groundbreaking of its new industrial park Thursday.
Backers said the park will create new industrial space in the region and help to attract potential new manufacturing businesses.
In a news release, Aurora Mayor Doug Gregor says the park will provide economic growth opportunities in a community where there’s been a decline since the closure of LTV Steel Mining Co. in 2001.
Aurora has one of the lowest per capita income levels in the region, and Gregor says the park could lead to an expansion of the tax base and increases in the city’s population.
The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation supported the project with a $9 million Site Ready grant.
The funds will help to pay for the infrastructure and utilities to serve approximately 80 acres.
The agency will also provide the city’s economic development authority a $6 million business loan to construct a spec building for future tenants.
The groundbreaking ceremony was at noon on Thursday, July 25, at the site of the future park, northeast of the intersection of Highway 135 and County Road 11 in Aurora.
-
Plus: Demolition work is underway to make room for new construction in Bemidji's blighted rail corridor; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can once again bid on government contracts; and Essentia Health St. Joseph's will host its annual Tree of Life memorial service on Dec. 16. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECounties, cities and school districts host these meetings at the end of each year, after proposed property tax statements are sent out with tax estimates based on the proposed levies. -
Contributed/Lake of the Woods County Sheriff's OfficeThe man reported being surrounded by 400 feet of open water while standing on thin ice with a portable fish house. -
Officials with the state's Environmental Quality Board heard more on how data center development could impact the state's water resources. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyRyan Moller allegedly shot his father in the head in Fayal Township after an argument. He was charged with attempted murder and assault Dec. 5, 2025. -
Contributed/Any Lane via PexelsIt's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others? -
Plus: A Bemidji forum explores the affordability of child care, health care and more for families, along with potential legislative fixes.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEChild care providers, local officials and families discussed the high costs of child care and the low wages of child care workers during the Bemidji Affordability Forum on Dec. 3, 2025. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety. -
Contributed/Kate Batten via WTIPFinancial records showed Bryce James Campbell’s companies near-due and past-due business debts amounted to more than $14 million when the fire destroyed the beloved North Shore resort.
