EVELETH — The advisory board of the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation will move to appoint a new chair after the resignation of Sen. Justin Eichorn.
Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate on Thursday, March 20, hours before his first scheduled court appearance for a federal felony charge of soliciting a person under 18 for paid sex. He had been appointed chair of the board on Feb. 25, with Rep. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, elected vice chair. Eichorn had already been removed from the list of board members on the IRRR's website as of midday Thursday.
The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Advisory Board consists of the state senators and representatives elected from districts in which one-third or more of the residents reside within the agency's service area. One additional state senator is appointed by the Majority Leader of the senate.
The IRRR is a state economic development agency that reinvests local taconite production taxes back into northeastern Minnesota businesses and communities in an effort to strengthen and diversify the economy. All expenditures and projects made by the commissioner are first submitted to IRRR Advisory Board. The service area encompasses 13,000 square miles in northeastern Minnesota, including 53 cities, 134 townships, portions of four tribal nations and 15 school districts.
In addition to Skraba, the board includes: Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis; Rep. Ben Davis, R-Mission Township; Sen. Robert Farnsworth, R-Hibbing; Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown; Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township; and Rep. Cal Warwas, R-Clinton Township.
According to a news release, Skraba initiated the call for a special meeting to reorganize the board and select a new chair. Additional information about the meeting will be provided at a later time, according to the IRRR.
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A lifelong Crane Laker shows off the area and reflects on the community's history with Voyageurs National Park just before the Crane Lake Visitor Center opens. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEA man impersonating a police officer shot Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times. -
And: Brainerd senior Ty Nelson wins a second triple jump title, and Red Lake County will play for a baseball title Saturday.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEEntrepreneurs shaped downtown more than 100 years ago near the Lake Bemidji waterfront. Members of the Bemidji Heritage Preservation are committed to sharing their stories. -
Contributed/Frazee Hornet Baseball via FacebookRain made for an interesting end to the baseball season for many Class A teams Thursday. Grand Rapids lost in the 3A consolation championship. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEThree of the four Republicans voted in favor of rescinding funding already allocated for public media organizations through the CPB and four Democrats voted against. -
Nicole Neri/Minnesota ReformerAlthough education spending will increase, school districts will notice cuts to state aid for special education, school libraries and student supports like counselors and nurses. -
Contributed/Pequot Lakes High School via FacebookBrainerd senior Ty Nelson won another triple jump title Thursday, June 12, 2025, as Northern Minnesota 2A and 3A teams collectively won 88 medals at the state track and field meet. -
Plus: the Northland has nine more state champs in golf, track and field after state tournaments.
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Contributed/Ely Wolves Track & Field via FacebookIn total, Northlanders earned 47 medals in Class 1A at the 2025 state track and field meet.
