413 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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No-bid “change orders” add $2 million to Shoppers Ramp/New Garrick Building project price tag

On Thursday, April 22, 2026, the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) will consider Resolution 12, which, if approved, will increase the price tag for...

Off-grid container home on Cass County farm triggers regulatory rumble

Is Chad Cane’s great sin going off-grid on the farm? When Cane began building a container home on private land, county officials trespassed on his...

Superior murder trial postponed until October, due to delayed ballistics report

The trial for a 2024 Superior homicide case was previously scheduled to begin on March 23, 2026. However, because a key piece of evidence...

Silver Bay greenhouse sues city for right to grow cannabis

In January 2025, the Silver Bay City Council passed Ordinance 11, which essentially prohibits “any retail cannabis business, temporary cannabis event or other cannabis...

Attend City Marshmallow Roast at own risk, says Parks Department

"Don't get burned," said a spokesperson.