News and Current Affairs Posts

Duluth 2023 Primary Election Results

With 34 of 34 precincts reporting, here are the unofficial results of Duluth’s municipal primary election.

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.

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 [email protected] by Aug. 9.

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.

Duluth Mail Bag: What does a city councilor do?

Hobbs Mail BagAs 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!

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.

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 [email protected] by July 5.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected] by June 7.

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.

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.

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.