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John Ramos

City considers 87 percent stormwater utility rate increase over 6 years

At the Jan. 21, 2020, meeting of the Duluth Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Senior Engineer Tom Johnson provided commissioners with an overview of the city’s stormwater utility system. He...

City employees forbidden to speak with reporters at public meetings

Ever since Mayor Emily Larson took office, she has spoken about her administration’s commitment to openness and transparency. Recently, however, she has begun placing roadblocks in the way of reporters. The first roadblock appeared...

“It’s going to be tight”: Spirit Mountain hopes not to run out of money before April

At the Spirit Mountain board meeting on Jan. 16, 2020, Finance Director Jane Kaiser updated the board on the hill’s financial condition. Even with the $235,000 bailout that Spirit...

Officials, citizens focus on Park Point erosion

At the Duluth City Council’s agenda session on Jan. 9, 2020, Mayor Emily Larson presented the Council with a proposed list of legislative priorities, which Duluth will pursue this...

Say anything to get it built

Every new project that comes along in Duluth is supported by specific interest groups—for example, the Great Lakes Aquarium was vigorously supported by environmental educators and tourism officials, AMSOIL...

City uses state grant to preserve 44 acres above Skyline

On Jan. 8, 2020, Senior Parks Planner Lisa Luokkala informed the Parks Commission that the city had been successful in securing a $400,000 Conservation Partners Legacy grant from the state. Conservation...

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County emails reveal concerns with Community Action Duluth began in 2023

Executive Director Classie Dudley began working for Community Action Duluth (CAD) on June 7, 2022. Even though 29-year-old Dudley had no experience running a...

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...