Minnesota Power is hosting a series of open houses this week where members of the public can learn about the company’s proposed 63-mile-long, 345-kV transmission line.
The line would run from its Iron Range Substation near Grand Rapids to its St. Louis County Substation near Hermantown with a connection to American Transmission Co.’s nearby Arrowhead Substation.
The project is one in a portfolio of transmission projects approved by the regional grid operator, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, intended to enhance grid reliability, and increase economic efficiency, the company reported in a news release.
The open houses are an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide input to determine the best possible route. Project displays and detailed maps will be available for review, and project team members will be available to answer questions.
Open houses are scheduled for:
- 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, Floodwood Event Center, 201 W. Seventh Ave., Floodwood
- noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Hermantown Government Center/City Hall, 5105 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown
- 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Solway Town Hall, 4029 Munger Shaw Road, Cloquet
Open houses also took place Tuesday in Grand Rapids and Meadowlands.
For more information about the project and to view a map of the initial study area, visit ISATransmissionProject.com. To ask a question, leave a comment, or be added to the project mailing list, send an email to connect@ISATransmissionProject.com or call the project hotline at 1-888-510-5303.
-
Ruby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026.
-
Heavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026.
-
-
Flooding in June 2024 closed the underground mine to tours for nearly two years, following another two-year closure in 2022 for restoration.
-
Candidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026.
-
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Sam Miltich, Charmin Michelle, Boss Mama, Elsa Krantz, John Cannon, Raina Wallace, Project: Constellation and more.
-
“Area Voices” hit the road to visit the annual five-day Ely Film Festival. Andrew Dziengel talked with the festival’s director and program director.
-
During the week of March 31, 2026, we enjoy reports of the Spring's first flower, the maple sap running, and emerging moths. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
-
Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.
-
Kimberly Soon Jim Rife, 39, died, and her 13-year-old daughter suffered life-threatening injuries. Rife ran an adult foster care and coordinated a program to help hungry students.