Found: Your phone, lighter and two dimes
In general this is a public service announcement: Keep in mind during the winter months that if you reach into your pockets and pull something out from the bottom, everything else is likely to come out with it and land in the snow next to the railroad tracks. You probably won’t even notice.
Well, that’s at least my theory of what happened. If this is your stuff, inquire about it at the West Duluth Police Substation.
Life is a Journey
Photos of Duluth by Skyler Brewster, with an inspirational message.
Selective Focus: Warmth

Marissa Murdy, untitled
It’s good to be reminded that however bare and frozen our present surroundings may be (though granted, there’s an austere beauty there too) that current conditions aren’t permanent, and are not beyond most of our abilities to moderate them — given enough light, loved ones, woolen wear, fire, alcohol, some occasional nudity … whatever is close at hand. (more…)
#locateLakeVoice
Lake Voice News invites the public to participate in its community-wide #locateLakeVoice contest by finding cards with the #locateLakeVoice logo around Duluth at locations that have been featured in Lake Voice stories this past fall. The contest runs until Sunday, Dec. 14. (more…)
Job providing services to people with disabilities
Residential Services is a nonprofit organization that provides services to help people with disabilities live in the home setting of their choice. RSI has part-time and full-time openings working with adults and children in residential settings as a direct support professional in Duluth and on the Iron Range. No experience is required. Direct support professionals receive a blend of classroom and on-the-job training to perform their duties.
Applicants must be 18 and have a valid driver’s license. Visit rsi.jobs to view current openings and apply online. Applications can also be completed in person at 2900 Piedmont Ave. in Duluth.
Aldi coming to Duluth and Superior?
The Germany-based discount supermarket chain Aldi has posted online ads for store manager trainees in Duluth and Superior, a strong indication the company is planning to open stores in the Twin Ports. The website cdinduluth.com first reported rumors of Aldi’s interest in Duluth back in January. Aldi has over 9,000 stores in over 18 countries. It is known for carrying inexpensive grocery staples and household items, generally with unfamiliar brand names (often contracted by Aldi), and for practices designed to lower grocery costs by lowering store expenses — i.e. quarter-deposits for use of carts, high credit-card processing fees, no free bags and limited store hours.
Duluth opens second dog park
Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division announced today that a fenced, off-leash dog park has officially opened at Observation Park, located on West Third Street between Ninth and Tenth avenues west. Features of the new dog park include a double-gated entry so leashes can be removed safely before entering the dog park, a separate small dog area for dogs 20 pounds or less, and off-street parking (at the Tenth Street dead end). Observation Dog Park is the second such park in Duluth. The first, Keene Creek Dog Park, located in Keene Creek Park in West Duluth on Grand Avenue and 62nd Avenue West, opened in 2006. Both dog parks are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals interested in supporting Duluth Dog Parks are encouraged to email Denette Lynch at duluthdogparks @ yahoo.com.
Sarah Krueger – “Better When You Are Around”
Duluth’s Sarah Krueger — along with pianist Jordan Taylor, drummer J.T. Bates, bass guitarist Steve Garrington and guitarists Nate Case and Erik Koskinen perform in the Current studio.
Click here to hear the full three-song set and interview with the Local Show’s host David Campbell.
Highlight Video: UMD Bulldogs vs. Ouachita Baptist University
Zach Zweifel hit quarterback Drew Bauer with a 9-yard scoring strike in overtime to cap UMD’s wild 48-45 win over undefeated Ouachita Baptist University last Saturday. The Bulldogs advance to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals, facing Minnesota State-Mankato this Saturday at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato.
The Trail’s Calling
Max Fierek and Charles Young hit the trails near Stewart Creek in Duluth’s Smithville neighborhood.
Snooty Fox Tea and Honey Tasting
The Facebook invitation for the Snooty Fox Tea and Honey Tasting, event indicated 80 people would attend, and that did not feel wrong. Maybe not 80, but the place was packed.
(more…)
Cars Sliding Down Duluth Avenues: 2014 Edition
This video is from the Nov. 10 snow/ice storm. It’s not as good as the one from 2003, but still … everyone loves a good car-sliding montage.
This Week: snowmobiles, speeches, seasonal sounds and more

Here’s a bit of what you’ll find on this week’s PDD Calendar:
Now that everyone has emerged from their food comas, there is plenty to see and do in the Twin Ports. Snowmobilers are now free to hit the trails, Karin Kraemer is speaking at the Tweed, Adam Swanson’s having a mural reception and they’re talking business at Clyde Iron.
Jamie Ness plays during Grog Time at Tycoons, Legally Blonde: The Musical opens and vets are remembered at a special dinner.
It’s not too early to get out over the weekend and start getting gifts: the Bizarre Bazaar and the Get it Local Gift Fair are two ways to do so.
And there’s lots of seasonal sounds to be had: O Holy Night is going down, as is the Sounds of the Season concert. Top off your weekend with the Rock and Roll Kamikaze and some stand-up comedy at Dubh Linn, and you’ve got all your bases covered.
Thanksgiving Stories
My Thanksgiving started Wednesday, and I want to point a few things out. (more…)
Tin Can Gin
Video by Kelsey Marrin.
Selective Focus: Home

Richard C. Johnson, untitled
The theme of “home,” and the numerous ways we can represent that idea were especially meaningful to me for two principle reasons — first, for having spent the past few years without something that fit the word’s conventional definition, and second for having accomplished a longed-for arrival here, in this community. (more…)
Coach Cork: Lesson #3
The third installment of valuable cross-country skiing tips from Coach Cork, brought to you by Ski Hut.
See also:
Duluth Michael Brown Memorial
Filmed by Joe Olivieri of Lola Visuals.
Coach Cork: Lesson #2
Coach Cork dispenses more tips and advice for cross-country skiers in lesson #2.
Thanks to Ski Hut for sponsoring Coach Cork. See also, Coach Cork: Lesson #1
Duluth moving company recommendations … another try
About a year ago, an inquiry was posted to PDD for moving company recommendations. Bob at Wherley was the only person/company recommended.
I’m bringing the question back as my sister is moving — it’s a local job — packing her two-bedroom house (with garage) and transporting less than 10 miles away. Does anyone have a solid, dependable recommendation?
Also, can anyone speak to how the price is set or if there is an extra cost if the stuff is packed and loaded but sits on the truck for the next day? I appreciate your thoughts.
Duluth featured in Bicycling magazine
The hyperbolic headline “The Town Cycling Saved,” is a tad unfortunate, but the interview with Duluth Mayor Don Ness in this month’s issue of Bicycling magazine is now online. In the print edition, the headline is “Transformer Man,” which is maybe only a little better. Other than that, however, it’s a fun and quick read. The mayor clarified on his Facebook page today that the recent improvements to bike trails is just one part of Duluth’s turnaround, saying “it’s because of Duluth’s revitalization and the new energy around town that groups like COGGS have taken on ambitious goals and have inspired hundreds of volunteers to take ownership of these trails.”
Stalked by a Loon?
Nothing earth-shattering here, just a – nearly invisible! – close encounter with a curious aquatic bird this summer. Must be viewed in HD (ideally fullscreen) to discern anything, but it is there. I was unaware of this until reviewing the footage months later, but for a split second, behind me and to the left, some form of diving waterfowl peeks at me. This inconclusive footage is slowed down 16X to be able to get a glimpse of this ephemeral moment. It doesn’t even stick its head all the way out of the water but I believe a bill may be discerned, a white spot on the head, and possibly a crest off the back of the head although that may simply be a reflection in the water. Anyway, getting decent underwater footage of a curious loon or merganser is something of a holy grail of mine – these birds are often seen diving in the area and I know they sometimes approach human divers. So although thrilled to know I came close to one – within 10 feet by the looks of it – I am also frustrated to have missed the shot.
Sarah Krueger – “Nothing Hits Me”
Video directed, shot and edited by Trent Waterman. Song from the forthcoming Sarah Krueger album Lustrous.




