395 POSTS

John Ramos

Woot woot! Mayor Swanson promoted Swanson businesses 50 times on Facebook

On March 9, 2022, I published an article entitled “Mayor Swanson promoted own businesses 97 times on city Twitter account.” The mayor, who did not appreciate my findings, filed...

Short-term rental boom creates housing shortage in Two Harbors

“There’s one house for sale in Two Harbors,” realtor Sue Bott told the Two Harbors Planning Commission, incredulously, on March 1, 2022. “Well, there was a couple hours ago....

Swanson News Roundup

As the Monitor enters its sixth week investigating Two Harbors, our switchboard operators are having trouble keeping up with all the news tips and rumors coming in. One story we...

Boss Swanson, Part I: Poaching Lou’s Fish

“We love jobs and want to see more in Two Harbors. If you are looking to start a business, or already have a business, feel free to reach out...

Mayor Swanson promoted own businesses 97 times on city Twitter account

The first tweet on the official Twitter account of Two Harbors Mayor Chris Swanson is a pun. It appeared on April 5, 2017, shortly after Swanson took office. “Hey...

Two Harbors mayor allegedly used position to fundraise for nonprofit, while under contract with them

Mayor Chris Swanson can’t blame Mr. O for his own behavior. The mayor of Two Harbors recently came under fire when news broke that his daughter’s newly-formed company, First Day...

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Entire jury pool dismissed in Deyette case; trial postponed indefinitely

On Feb. 3, 2026, jury selection for the Andrew Deyette case began in Lake County District Court, in Two Harbors. Since being filed, in...

Burger King franchisee settles with City of Duluth for failing to comply with Sick and Safe Time ordinance

On Jan. 26, 2026, the Duluth City Council passed Resolution 70, approving a settlement agreement with Cave Enterprises, a franchisee which operates 178 Burger...

Grand Marais church youth leader arrested for stalking, threatening minor girl

On Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, 2026, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office received calls from members of the Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church, because...

Council approves $35,000 to pay for delays in DECC hot water line project

In March of 2025, the City of Duluth advertised for bids to replace the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) hot water line, which heats...

Hayward school district covers up basketball coach’s complaints

For three years, Matthew Lobitz was involved with the Hayward, Wisconsin athletic program. As Junior Varsity boys basketball coach and an assistant soccer coach,...