436 POSTS

John Ramos

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...

Unmasking Mr. O

It’s not easy being a big thinker. Christopher Swanson, the mayor of Two Harbors, Minnesota, has had a rough few weeks. On Jan. 20, 2022, the Duluth News Tribune reported...

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Do subsidized single-family homes address Duluth’s housing needs?

On a 2.5-acre site in Morgan Park, the Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is building 12 modest single-family homes on 50-foot-wide lots. The...

State Auditor reports red flags, discrepancies in Beaver Bay financial records

Beaver Bay citizens have been concerned about the town’s finances since 2023, when City Clerk Kristy Gregory was hired. After Beaver Bay resident Ellie...

Duluthian defrauded in Lakewood variance scam

When Duluthian Erik Lindgren was looking for property to build his hunting camp, he found a promising ten-acre parcel in Lakewood Township. The tax-forfeited...

Lake Superior College instructor faces 19 charges for recording students in bathroom

On July 8, 2026, Lake Superior College biology professor Maxwell Minor-Smith was charged with one felony and 18 gross misdemeanors for allegedly recording students...

Former Dean of Students charged for engaging in criminal sexual conduct with Rock Ridge High School student

In St. Louis County District Court, on July 6, 2026, Eveleth resident and long-time educator Christopher Chad was charged for engaging in criminal sexual...