Ida Rukavina serves as the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. As Commissioner, she leads an agency charged with investing resources to create economic growth and diversity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships, and strengthening business and worker education.

Prior to her appointment, she served as the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). Commissioner Rukavina has primarily worked in government at the state, local and federal levels. She has also been involved in the labor movement, representing public and private employees in northern Minnesota. Commissioner Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and American Politics with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations from Clark University and a Master’s Degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. She and her husband Jesse enjoy living on the Iron Range with their two daughters. She is passionate about the Northwoods and enjoys spending family time camping, skiing, hiking and fishing.

Aaron J. Brown is the author of the book "Overburden: Modern Life on the Iron Range" and the forthcoming book "Power in the Wilderness" (2025). He is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune, Mesabi Tribune, and Minnesota Reformer. He produces programs for KAXE-Northern Community Radio, most recently the historical podcast "Power in the Wilderness," the Great Northern Radio Show, and the political podcast "Dig Deep." He teaches communication for Minnesota North College on its Hibbing campus. He and his family live in Itasca County.

Dennis Matson currently oversees operations at Canelake’s Candies.  If there is any job to be done, Dennis will do it. 

He co-owns Canelake’s Candies, Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen & the Arrowhead Bar with his family.  His previous occupations as a lumber yard employee, weatherization technician, hardware store clerk, window & door assembler, millwork warehouse worker, custodian, Jeno’s Pizza line and relief Zamboni driver helped him to hone his skills for his current occupation 

His goals are to keep the businesses up and running for the next 100 years and to keep making improvements to make all operations run smoother. 

Dennis has been a participating partner, helping to operate three businesses during his retirement years.  His expertise is in organization, fine tuning and fun! He most likely will get out his Atlas Road map from under the soda fountain counter, when greeting out of town customers. He likes to pinpoint their exact location and make a connection! 

Visitors will always be entertained by Dennis’ great sense of humor! He is known for free samples, adding a little extra candy to the purchases and great tours of the kitchen and sneak previews of the bar to be!

Pamela Canelake Matson currently oversees operations at Canelake’s Candies.   She enjoys running a business that was started by her grandfather in 1905. 

 Her first storefront business was acquired in 2007 after she and her sister purchased a smoked fish shop in Knife River, Mn that became Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen.   

Their interest in preserving Minnesota’s oldest candy store, led the Canelake siblings to buy Canelake’s Candies when it was for sale in 2018.  Canelake’s Candies was back in the family after 36 years that it was under different ownership!  

Since that purchase, the store has been remodeled and two adjoining buildings purchased to provide the extra space.   The Arrowhead Bar is the latest building purchased that has provided recently completed kitchen space. The front of the building is under restoration & will re-open as the Arrowhead bar in the spring of 2025.

 Pamela’s previous positions as apple doll maker, computer lab specialist, library technician and her education in sociology and art have provided her with skills for her current endeavors. Her interest in production, sales & marketing has led her to her favorite activities: candy making & chocolate dipping, creating new candies & store displays. In addition, she maintains Canelake’s history & adds to her antique candy machine collection and restored Dayton’s animated holiday figures.  

Her goals are to finish the Arrowhead Bar & to have more time for visitors. 

She loves sharing her enthusiasm for Canelake’s Candies, listening to memories and inspiring others to develop their own business ideas. 

Pamela is always ready to give tours of the store’s candy museum & candy kitchen. If you are a former Canelake’s employee, Pamela will lead you to look at the photo books of employees past, take your photo and post you on Facebook!