News and Current Affairs Posts

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Blue Laws are Stupid, post #7

MPR News: Here comes the Sunday liquor sales debate again, this time with feisty craft beer brewers

Fargo TV remake will include Duluth character played by Colin Hanks

I just read that there is going to be a TV remake of Fargo. There will be a character on the show from Duluth.

“Colin Hanks plays Duluth Police Deputy Gus Grimly, a single dad who must choose between his own personal safety when he comes face-to-face with a killer.”

Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Kate Walsh and Glenn Howerton join FX’s limited series adaptation of Fargo

Is there a term for those jagged ice formations on Duluth streets?

It’s probably the worst on Grand Avenue in West Duluth, but above is a shot on Fourth Street in the Central Hillside. You know what it is and obviously it pisses you off, but what is it called? Duluth has probably never experienced it before to an extent worth coming up with a name for it.

A news release today from the city of Duluth refers to it as “caked-on ice.” Is that good enough, or does someone have a better term?

Duluth will study ATV trail

I’m curious to see what the study consists of and who will conduct it. I’m sure the public will have an opportunity to provide input and review the study. Regardless of whether an ATV trail is eventually approved, enforcement is an ongoing issue on our city trails (and not just regarding snowmobiles and ATVs).

Duluth News Tribune: Duluth City Council directs staff to study feasibility of ATV trail

Previous PDD post: Should ATVs be allowed on trails within Duluth city limits?

Paved Trails at Hartley

I was out at Hartley Park this morning and saw that someone had posted signs letting visitors know that the city is considering paving a bunch of trails there. I looked up the mini master plan for Hartley that SRF Consulting Group prepared, and it does indeed call for paved trails running through the park to provide access for bikers, wheelchairs, and parents with strollers. I’m curious about what other PDDers think of this proposal.

… and now for the jury of public opinion

Duluth police officer Jouppi found not guilty of assault

What do you think?

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This poll is now closed. The results are:

This is total bullshit — 90.6 percent
Jouppi was defending himself and the jury’s decision was wise — 9.4 percent

This fall at Lake Voice

This fall, Lake Voice News has been going stronger than ever. With each writer pursuing different interests and publishing at least one story a week, we have gathered a lot of different content. A few highlights from this past issue include:

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Photo credit: Kim Hyatt

1. On Veteran’s Day, two ROTC cadets stood at attention watching the flag outside UMD, undeterred by freezing weather. Kim Hyatt covers the full story behind their watch, as well as a following up with more information about the 24 hour watch that occurred. Click here for the ROTC cadets, and click here for the follow up.

Hometown Boy Makes Good

Dylan Granted France’s Highest Award

Hero in the Hallways: UMD senior Marie Havrilla’s story of service

Our veterans both fight wars and personal battles. Read about this UMD senior’s experiences saving lives in Afghanistan and battling PTSD back in the States.

UMD Statesman: “Hero in the Hallways

Medical Marijuana

My colleague and friend Shane Courtland pulled a great event together.  I hope you’ll read the stories and advance the conversation.

Minnesota medical marijuana bill forum draws huge crowd

Legislation by an Iron Range DFL’er is drawing big attention in Duluth.

More than 200 people attended a public forum at UMD Monday on a bill to legalize marijuana introduced this spring with help from Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing. Since then she’s been getting input and feedback from the public.

Melin said medical marijuana will offer pain relief with fewer side effects. She also said there are stiff penalties should anyone misuse the system.

See also: Minnesota lawmakers, experts debate legalizing medical marijuana

Duluth 2013 General Election Results

39 of 39 precincts reporting

Duluth At-large City Councilor
Top two candidates are elected
Zack Filipovich – 9,658 | 33%
Barb Russ – 9,364 | 32%
Ryan Stauber – 7,884 | 27%
Ray (Skip) Sandman – 2,490 | 8%
Write in – 115 | 0%

Duluth Second District City Councilor
Patrick Boyle – 2,195 | 97%
Write in – 61 | 3%

Duluth Fourth District City Councilor
Howie Hanson – 1,853 | 61%
Garry Krause – 1,153 | 38%
Write in – 44 | 1%

Voter’s Cheese

For years, I’ve noticed this sign when I go to vote at Pilgrim Congregational Church.

I assumed Voter’s Cheese was some sort of event, like an ice cream social, only with cheese, so I always just turned left and went to vote. Today I turned right and found a small room with tables displaying nuts, rosette cookies, felted hats, houseplants, frozen meatloaves, and several kinds of cheese.

The story I got from the nice church lady who was presiding was that the church holds its annual bazaar the weekend before Election Day and then sells whatever’s left over to voters. She said they sell more cheese on Election Day than they do at the bazaar.

Duluth 2013 General Election Sample Ballot

Click to see it larger. Keep in mind some races will not appear on your ballot, depending on which part of town you reside in.


The October Surprise: Local Astroturfing

I never voted for the fellow (and certainly didn’t intend to in the upcoming election), didn’t care for his politics but I did have a certain amount of respect for him and thought he was sincere and certain key issues aside thought he was an OK fellow.

Jim Stauber caught writing letter of support for himself

Ah Jimmy, looks like your twelve years of public service might be coming to a poor end.