News and Current Affairs Posts

Minnesota Point appears to be eroding from all angles

Zenith News has gone dark

Another alternative publication in Duluth appears to have fallen to the wayside. Zenith News has not published an issue since April.

FeMN Fest scaling down before ramping up

Last year’s FeMN Fest organization team was made up of Diona Johnson, Jesse Dykhuis, Abigail Mlinar, Brittany Lind, McKenzie Howe and Melissa La Tour. Photo by Jes at Mad Chicken Studio.

Since 2017 “a team of womxn-identified bosses” have brought “an unapologetically feminist festival” to Duluth. In its first two years FeMN Fest featured womxn-lead music, art, workshops and vendors. The third annual event on Friday, Nov. 15, at Pizza Lucé is a scaled-down version featuring three musical acts: Me-N-Her, One Less Guest and Wild Flower.

Beijing Restaurant could reopen before end of 2019

Fox 21 News reports Beijing Restaurant at 1918 London Road is close to reopening after a 2018 fire forced its closure.

Western Waterfront Trail will share corridor with excursion train

The Duluth News Tribune reports a plan has emerged to extend Duluth’s Western Waterfront Trail via a rail corridor, while maintaining a scenic train service that would continue to use the same route. The proposed future name of the trail is “Waabizheshikana” — pronounced: waa-bah-zhay-kuh-nuh — meaning “Marten way, path or road.”

They take blue balls pretty seriously in Rice Lake, Wis.

From the Rice Lake Chronotype of Rice Lake, Wis., about 100 miles south of Duluth. Via @hometownpolicelog on Instagram.

Duluth 2019 General Election Results

Emily Larson will serve a second term as Duluth Mayor. There will be three new city councilors: Derek Medved, Roz Randorf and Janet Kennedy. Paul Sandholm is new to the school board.

Duluth Mayor
Emily Larson – 13,340 | 63.65%
David Nolle – 7,509 | 35.83%
Write in – 110 | 0.52%

R.I.P. Xavier Bell, Family Freedom Center founder

A celebration of Xavier Bell’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m., at Peace United Church of Christ. Visitation is at 2 p.m. All are welcome.

PDD Quiz: October 2019 in Review

Another month of 2019 has nearly passed; how much of it do you remember? Take this quiz to test your knowledge of local headlines.

The next PDD quiz, on statues of people, will be published on Nov. 10. Submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at [email protected] by Nov. 7.

Two Harbors Carmody 61 closed until further notice

The bar/restaurant once operated by Rick Boo, Carmody 61 in Two Harbors, closed this week for unspecified reasons. Boo died at age 60 in August and was also part of the management at Carmody Irish Pub and Brewing in Duluth.

Both Carmody establishments have been on and off recent lists from the Minnesota Department of Revenue for delinquent payment of taxes.

Ed Gleeson, a partner in the enterprises, said he is “duty bound” to not comment until Boo’s estate has been probated.

“That’s for the family’s sake,” he said.

More Duluth climate-change refuge speculation

The international news agency Reuters is the latest to report on Duluth as a potential climate-change refuge. Back in April, it was the New York Times.

Wildwoods temporarily unable to accept animals

Wildwoods, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization in Duluth, announced it is temporarily unable to accept sick or injured animals due to permitting issues with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Split Rock welcomes first new lighthouse keeper in 36 years

R.I.P. Amendola Building

Demolition work on the Amendola Building in Downtown Duluth. (Photo by Mike Creger)

The Amendola Building at 405 E. Superior St. was demolished today to make way for Essentia Health’s Vision Northland project.

Amendola Building, Google Maps, 2018

Quirky vintage store will replace iconic Carr’s Hobby Shop

Beth Petrowske, left, and Jack Carr pose inside Carr’s Hobby Shop in Lincoln Park. Petrowske is buying the hobby shop building and will convert it to Boathouse Treats & Treasures.

A new store featuring a quirky assortment of vintage clothes, rare collectibles and usable curios will replace one of the oldest and most storied businesses in Lincoln Park early next year.