The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department has lost full-time and seasonal employees due to budget cuts over the last few years. Because of the cuts, the maintenance of the parks and trails in the city has relied heavily on the work of volunteers.

“It’s a nice partnership. I can’t say enough how wonderful our volunteers are,” said Kathy Bergen, Parks and Recreation manager.

Even with the help of volunteers, some facilities in the parks have fallen in to disrepair and the programs offered through the parks system have all but disappeared. The Parks and Libraries Referendum on the Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 ballot looks to help repair the parks facilities and revive some of the programs that have been lost due to budget cuts.

To read the rest of the article go to http://www.d.umn.edu/writ/jour/lakevoice/?p=7518 and be more informed when you hit the polls tomorrow.

LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. If you have a story idea or would like to submit photos you can email us at lakevoicenews @ gmail.com.

LakeVoice is your guide to Duluth’s Halloween festivities. This week we will be covering the Glensheen Jack O’ Lantern Spooktacular, the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship and the Survive Duluth zombie run. Stay tuned for more information about these events and the people that make them possible.

LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. If you have a story idea or would like to submit photos you can email us at [email protected].

Did you know that the Duluth farmers market accepts EBT cards now? They started the new program this past growing season and will continue with the program next year. To find out more about this new opportunity read Claire’s story on LakeVoice.

LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. If you have a story idea or would like to submit photos you can email us at [email protected].

Thursday May 5, 2011 will be the last publication day for this semester’s LakeVoice students. The publication is student run each Spring by journalism students at UMD.

Check out last weeks publication

We appreciate every one that has visited our site and has helped contribute content for our stories. Your comments and suggestions have helped our class learn the ins and outs of running a news organization. The experience will help us all in our future endeavors. Thank you!

We are still accepting “This Week in Duluth” photos for Thursdays issue. Submit your photos to [email protected].

Visit www.lakevoicenews.org this Thursday,  May 5th!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…or in some cases, in the eye behind the camera lens.

We have had some amazing pictures submitted to us that capture Duluth’s beauty in even the most unexpected places.

Check out our most recent slideshow: Boats, Bikes and Bulldog Pride

Do you have photos you would like to be published in our Duluth’s Week in photos? Submit them to [email protected]. Show Duluth residents the beauty you find in Duluth.

– LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. If you have a story idea or would like to submit photos you can email us at [email protected].

Recent articles on LakeVoice:

Local volunters give wild animals a second chance

Beaner’s brings in famous and never-before-heard acts

AmeriCorps funding cuts may leave Duluth education without tutors and mentors

Duluth native makes music out of junk

Iraq and Back: Part 2 Sgt. Matt Peterson

Spring fishing at Lester River

West Duluth Beaner’s Central started as a 16-year-old’s dream

Totally Warped: Traditional art with a conceptual, modern twist

Animal Allies volunteers changed their lifestyle to help the community

LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. If you have a story idea or would like to submit photos you can email us at [email protected].

See it. Hear it. Read it.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos last week for LakeVoice News. You can check out your pictures at the Week in Photos page on LakeVoice.

If you would like your pictures from the Duluth area to be showcased you can email us at [email protected].

Along with the photo submission please write a caption for it that explains what is going on in the picture, who is in the picture, where the picture was taken, and who took the photo.

LakeVoice News is a weekly online publication produced by UMD journalism students. The stories are reported on and written by students, but the content is for the community. See it. Hear it. Read it.