News and Current Affairs
Duluth 2023 Primary Election Sample Ballot
Duluth’s Municipal Primary Election is on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The first two races on this sample ballot — mayor and at-large city council — appear on ballots citywide. The fourth-district council race is pertinent to the Lincoln Park, Piedmont Heights and Duluth Heights neighborhoods. The third-district school board race is pertinent to Duluth Heights, Piedmont Heights, Central Hillside, Central Business District and Park Point. (more…)
PDD Quiz: July 2023
As we close out another month of summer, take this week’s PDD quiz to see how many July 2023 headlines you remember.
The next PDD quiz will be published on Aug. 13. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by Aug. 9. (more…)
State fast-tracks funds for I-35 pedestrian bridge in Lincoln Park
A cyclist travels over I-35 on the Lincoln Park pedestrian bridge last week. The bridge has been targeted for replacement by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. (Photo by Mark Nicklawske)
A longstanding I-35 pedestrian bridge that connects Lincoln Park to its working waterfront and serves two well-traveled trail systems through the city has been fast tracked for replacement by state officials. (more…)
Duluth Mail Bag: What does a city councilor do?
As a two-time Duluth city councilor, now in my final year of service, one of my goals is to make city government more accessible, or at least help citizens become more informed. I figure there are many Duluthians who would like some simple answers to some simple questions. I learned in school that if there is something you don’t understand it’s likely there are many others who feel the same way. Hence the idea of the Duluth Mailbag column.
I won’t divulge who is asking the questions, but I’ll answer them in this format about once a month. Feel free to put a question in the comments for next month’s “Duluth Mailbag” or tweet me via @Hobbs_Duluth or email me at hobbsforduluth @ gmail.com.
Also, if you want to have a longer conversation, you can sign up for a 45-minute cup of coffee through my 100 Cups of Coffee project.
OK, here we go! (more…)
Duluth-area beer production back on an upswing
When Perfect Duluth Day last took stock of regional craft beer production in 2020, the Twin Ports and surrounding region had generated roughly 50,000 barrels of brew — more than 1.5 million gallons. Pandemic production dipped slightly but has stabilized and started to rebound. The 2022 tally shows a production level of more than 61,000 barrels of brew as well as optimism that there’s still some untapped potential for growth. (more…)
PDD Quiz: June 2023
See how many June 2023 headlines you remember with this edition of the current affairs quiz.
The next PDD quiz, coming your way on July 9, will test your knowledge of area waterfalls. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by July 5. (more…)
Round-up Bar and Grill plans new patio space
Round-up Bar and Grill owner Mike Ronning stands outside the site of a new side patio. Landscaping, furniture, games and a small stage will be built on the site of the former Fine Frog Emporium. (Photo by Mark Nicklawske)
A longstanding Duluth bar known for its family-owned roots and connection to country music will add a new outdoor patio after an adjacent antique store was condemned and torn down earlier this year.
The Round-up Bar and Grill, 415 E. Fourth St., will construct space for outdoor dining and bar service along with a small stage on the east side of its building this summer. Fencing and signage have already been assembled and final landscaping work, lighting and furniture installation is expected to take place in the next few weeks. (more…)
Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards 2023 Nominees
Lake Superior Writers has announced the titles of the 24 books nominated for 2023 Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards. For the past three decades, the awards have recognized books that substantially represent the history, culture, heritage and lifestyle of northeastern Minnesota. (more…)
The Social House in Canal Park is open
The Social House, a casual restaurant in Duluth’s Canal Park district, held a soft opening over the weekend and officially opened this morning. The location is the former Famous Dave’s at 355 S. Lake Ave. (more…)
Lake Superior Writers 2023 writing contest winners announced
Lake Superior Writers has announced the winners of its 2023 writing contest. There were nearly 200 entries focused on this year’s theme of “Connections.” First place winners in each category received $200 and their works can be read online at lakesuperiorwriters.org. (more…)
PDD Quiz: May 2023
As the Northland shifts into summer mode, see how many May 2023 headlines you remember with this week’s current events quiz!
Hartley Park will be the subject of the next PDD quiz, which comes your way on June 11. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by June 7. (more…)
Duluth 2023 Primary Election Primer
The filing period for Duluth city and school board offices runs from May 16-30. Below is a rundown of candidates who filed before the deadline. (more…)
Lincoln Park building renovation unearths 1893 newspapers, Buffalo Bill history
Duluth Grill Family of Restaurants co-owner Louis Hanson looks over a newspaper from 1893. The business is renovating the former Duluth Press building and discovered dozens of newspapers in the floorboards. (Photos by Mark Nicklawske)
Buffalo Bill Cody has been buried under the floorboards of a historic Duluth building for 130 years.
Owners of a Lincoln Park business recently discovered a variety of 19th century newspapers inside a building financed by the legendary wild west star and used by his sister to operate a weekly news publication. The treasure trove turned up during major building renovations this winter. (more…)
Ursa Minor takes gold at 2023 World Beer Cup
Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup on May 10. It’s the sixth medal for Duluth-area breweries at the annual competition.
Ursa Minor’s win was in the Irish-style red ale category for its beer Equanimity. (more…)
Interpretive signs will mark former Incline Railway sidewalk
Grassroots group to install Incline Stairway signs - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
A guided hike Tuesday down the stairs will be followed by a fundraising opportunity at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. through the end of the month.
duluthnewstribune.com
The Duluth News Tribune reports the sidewalk and stairway that marks the location of the former Incline Railway at Seventh Avenue West, designated as a recreational hiking trail, will soon have interpretive signage.
PDD Quiz: April 2023
It’s time to take stock of another month of 2023. How many of the local headlines do you remember? Step up to this week’s current events quiz and find out!
The next PDD quiz, previewing upcoming summer events, will be published on May 14. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by May 11. (more…)
Edgewater Resort and Waterpark taking down abandoned wing
The Edgewater Resort and Waterpark will be tearing down a portion of its complex that served as its main motel for decades. (Photos by Mark Nicklawske)
A long-running and ever-changing Duluth hotel will tear down the oldest part of its sprawling complex as owners begin work on a new renovation plan for the Endion neighborhood tourist destination.
The Edgewater Resort and Waterpark, 2400 London Road, started demolition work this month on a vacant, two-story wing that was constructed in 1965 and served as the Edgewater Motel for decades. The Edgewater Resort and its adjacent waterpark will remain open during the project. (more…)
Record Breaker: Winter 2022-23 is snowiest in Duluth history
It’s official: Duluth breaks season snow record - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Power was restored Friday morning to most Minnesota Power customers in the Duluth area and Carlton County, where ice and wind toppled trees.
duluthnewstribune.com
The Duluth News Tribune reports that the 2 inches of snow that fell overnight was enough to make the winter of 2022-23 the snowiest since records starting being kept in 1870. The season snowfall total as of 6 a.m. today sat at 137.1 inches.
Timber structure washes up near Lakewalk
A large timber structure has washed up on the Lake Superior shoreline just west of the Beacon Pointe condominium and hotel complex. (Photo by Mark Nicklawske)
Another large timber structure has washed up on the Lake Superior shoreline just west of the Beacon Pointe condominium and hotel complex.
The structure appeared on the shoreline below the Duluth Lakewalk trail following an April 4 snow and wind storm. It is made up of 12 x 12 timbers, metal cables and bolts and looks to be the size of Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pick-up truck. (more…)
Duluth Mail Bag: Potholes, TIF, Snowplow GPS and More
As a two-time Duluth city councilor, now in my final year of service, one of my goals is to make city government more accessible, or at least help citizens become more informed. I figure there are many Duluthians who would like some simple answers to some simple questions. I learned in school that if there is something you don’t understand it’s likely there are many others who feel the same way. Hence the idea of the Duluth Mailbag column.
I won’t divulge who is asking the questions, but I’ll answer them in this format about once a month. Feel free to put a question in the comments for next month’s “Duluth Mailbag” or tweet me via @Hobbs_Duluth or email me at hobbsforduluth @ gmail.com.
Also, if you want to have a longer conversation, you can sign up for a 45-minute cup of coffee through my 100 Cups of Coffee project.
OK, here we go! (more…)
Renovation of Androy Hotel ballroom in Hibbing underway
New partnership brings life to Hibbing hotel's 1920s ballroom - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
BoomTown and Trellis Co. are teaming up to provide a new space for catered events.
duluthnewstribune.com
The Duluth News Tribune reports that BoomTown Brewery & Woodfire has partnered with Androy Hotel owner Trellis Co. to retrofit the 1920s ballroom of the historic Androy Hotel in Hibbing into an event space, expanding catering abilities with a new commissary kitchen.
Press releases supporting Giant Colossal Statues of Bob Dylan
The Committee for Building Giant Colossal Statues of Bob Dylan is pleased about the following press releases from the Building Trades and Essential Health:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MN Trades and Building Council Endorses Plan to Build 12 Giant Colossal Statues of Bob Dylan
[Duluth, MN] – The Minnesota Trades and Building Council (MTBC) is proud to announce its full support for the construction of 12 giant colossal statues of Bob Dylan.
The MTBC believes that this project will bring significant economic benefits to the local community, and we look forward to working with the Committee for Building Giant Colossal Statues of Bob Dylan to make this project a reality.
PDD Quiz: March 2023
Another month of 2023 is in the books; how much of it do you remember? Quiz on to find out!
An April Fool-ish quiz comes your way on April 16; submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at aklawite@d.umn.edu by April 10. (more…)
New harbor commission seeks to buy Madeline Island Ferry Line
Minnesota Public Radio reports the town of LaPointe has formed a harbor commission is negotiating with the owners of the Madeline Island Ferry Line to purchase the business and transfer its assets to public ownership.
Video: Duluth State of the City Address 2023
Via PACT-TV, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson outlines priorities for Duluth with her State of the City address, which she gave on March 22 at the West Theatre.
Mayor Larson’s remarks begin at the 20:30 mark in the video.