Lorrie Janatopoulos for County Commission
Join in to support Lorrie’s run for St. Louis County Commission.
5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1
Carmody Irish Pub – 308 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN
Lorrie is running for Commission in District 5 (Virginia/Eveleth) but that official makes decisions for Duluth, too. We need new, sensible people on our County Commission, so come to the party, meet and talk with Lorrie, and give what you can.
HotMaids post removed
A note from your friendly neighborhood PDD moderators:
Many people read and commented on a post from August 29 about a cleaning business called HotMaids. We have decided to remove the post due to deceptive tactics engaged in by the author of the post, who is also the owner of the business.
Many of the comments responding to the post were made by the author, under multiple names, all raving about what a great idea the business is. Initially we removed those comments and left the post up, but ultimately we felt the entire thing should be removed.
The post also received many negative comments from people who did not appreciate the nature of the business. That had nothing to do with why the post was removed. We simply felt that the deceitful tactics of the author were reason enough to include the phrase “let the buyer beware” at the front end of the discussion.
With that in mind, we now resume the forum on this topic — unless everyone prefers to ignore it at this point.
Duluth’s 2011 Proposed Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget
Click here for the mayor’s summary.
The city council will approve a maximum tax levy in September, followed by budget presentations from each of the city departments in the upcoming months. The council will vote on and certify the final 2011 tax levy and budget in December.
Highlights:
- Fourth consecutive year of decreases in general fund expenditures
- Zero increase in general operating tax rate
102.5 has changed formats … again?
I like to listen to Bob and Tom on the way into work. Today on my way home I thought the song they were playing was a bit odd for a classic rock station. They then announced the call letters as KDWZ or something like that. I cannot find any info on the Midwest Communications site. Does anyone know anything about this transition, and if they will keep Bob and Tom in the morning? From the two songs I heard it seemed to be another top 40 station. I think it’s a bit humorous that 102.5 has come full circle from KZIO in the mid ’90s. Somehow I doubt “Album Side Thursday” will survive this transition which is a bit of a shame.
Pride Fest After-Party at R.T. Quinlan’s
The party doesn’t end at Bayfront! Come down to R.T. Quinlan’s on Saturday for the Duluth/Superior Pride Fest after-party! Live music by the Adventurer, Dewskiwater Grooves, Forest of Men, and Dirty Horse.
Park Point Amusement Park
My mom, who was born in Duluth in 1935, was re-telling me stories about the amusement park at the end of Park Point. She recalled bumper cars (she called them “dodge-em carts”), a penny arcade, a carousel, spinning swings, a candy shop (Fritz’s) and various other amusements. I know the canopy for the carousel is in the Sports Garden, but I have never seen any pictures of this park and don’t know if the topic has been addressed here. Just wondering if anyone has any insight as to whether my mom’s recollections are accurate.
Help Me Identify This Spider
This spider moved into the overhang outside my kitchen window. I first noticed it this morning, and it’s still there tonight. It’s really hard to get a decent picture, but I did the best I could. Anybody have any idea as to what kind of spider this is, or if they’re usually around here? It’s about as big as the end of my thumb (from the knuckle to the tip). It’s huge. HUUUUUUUUGE. Right now it’s fascinating to watch, but I think I’d have to move if it ever got in.
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Loud & Angry
“Councilor Kerry Gauthier said he plans to support the proposed ordinance, especially after witnessing the effects of K2 on a neighbor boy who ‘got loud and angry’ after smoking the stuff.”
Lost Superior: St. Joseph Orphan Home
I found some amazing pictures of the chapel in St. Joseph Orphan Home. It was mostly referred to as “the orphanage” and was located just to the east of the Mariner Mall in Superior.
See the photos at the Badger Catholic blog.
Eaten Alive!
Holland and Holly (both good swimmers) are frolicking in Fish Lake just beyond the dam west of Highbanks. Me, I’m lounging on the beach as the designated adult. They had thrown a large log into the water and were trying to sit on it, splashing their feet and paddling further out into the lake.
Suddenly, screaming. “A snapping turtle! Trying to bite us! Lynn! Help!” I spring up and swim to them. Coming into view, a very large snapping turtle head poking up out of the water not far from them. The Goliath had noticed the commotion. I swear that turtle had a shell that was at least a yard in diameter, the largest I have ever seen and I grew up in the land of 10,000 lakes.
As I dog-paddled in place by their log, the turtle submerged. I comforted “he is just passing by, don’t worry.” Except he swam by underwater, inches from the girls, going in the wrong direction. And then, just a few minutes later, he swam by again from the other direction. His flippers and tail looked like a dinosaur to me as he stalked us, his jaws open.
I surmised at this point the girls were telling the truth, the turtle was after them. It had now been twenty minutes and that turtle kept coming back like clockwork. So I proclaimed “Girls, swim for it!” and we got the hell out of the water.
Duluth flag?
I’ve lived in Duluth for 21 years and have only recently discovered that we’ve got a flag — one that actually looks kind of cool (for a flag).
My questions are:
1) Why doesn’t this flag get used more often?
2) Where can I get one?
Drums! Dance! Duluth! Performance!!!
Experience Over the Top Dance Studio’s new production, “Drums! Dance! Duluth!” an exploration of the rich dance and rhythmic traditions of Latin America!
Aug. 30-31, Sept. 1 @ Teatro Zuccone
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Sixth District Candidate Forum
Sixth District House and Senate Candidate Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Duluth in cooperation with the Citizens Federation.
Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30pm
Lakewood Town Hall, 3110 Strand Road, Duluth
Candidates scheduled to appear at the forum are: Senator Tom Bakk, Jennifer Havlick, Rep.Mary Murphy, and Keith MacDonald.
The candidates will respond to prepared questions. Each candidate will be given equal time. The forum will last about one hour. It will be open to the public at no charge.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influenced public policy through education and advocacy.
For more information contact LWV Voter Services co-chairs:
Gay Trachsel (218-728-5478) or Elizabeth Olson(218-343-4281).
Cars & Trucks/A Winter Downpour/Atlas Mts. @ Pizza Luce
Cars & Trucks headline a night of great music along with two of Duluth’s newest post-post supergroups A Winter Downpour and Atlas Mts. There’s a little something for everyone here so come out and bring your college friends with you! Pizza Luce/Saturday September 4th./10pm/21+/$5.
Poster artwork by Paul Connolly
Sled dogs for sale
My friend Megan is a musher up in Alaska and is looking to downsize her dog team. She has five trained, awesome dogs that she is trying to find good homes for. They would be great for someone wanting to mush, ski-jour or just looking for a companion. Check out her website for photos of Bess, French Fry, Chopper, Little Bear and Dylan. Megan will be back in Duluth on Sept. 12 and will bring the dogs with her if people are interested. Call her at 507-269-8110 for more details.
Funky Fresh Friday – DJ Dance Night at Hell Burgers
Once again, DJs Branologic, White Privelegé and Nessie will be spinning nothing but the phrestest new tracks and the phattest oldies. Put on your dancin’ shoes and get ready to bob your head.
Prepare your ears to hear tracks from such artists as: Daft Punk, Crookers, Mr. Flash, Justice, Sebastian, the Bloody Beetroots and much much more…
Open to all ages, but for you 21+ers, it’s $3 pints all night! The kitchen is open until midnight, so you’ll have a chance to grab a burger too.
Friday, Sept. 3, 11pm-1am. @ Hell Burgers
Movies in da park.
Went and saw Harry Potter last night. The nacho supreme from Uncle Loui’s gyro stand is amazing. Layered nacho fixins … mmmmmm.
Bonfire!
The Bonfire of Profanities is Friday night, Aug. 27. “Start time” is around 8:30 p.m. If things go sideways, meet at the Choo-Choo Bar. No bottles!
15th NorthShore Inline Marathon just around the corner
Saturday, Sept. 11 will be the 15th running (skating) of the fastest show on eight wheels. Skate 26.2 miles from Two Harbors to Duluth on one of the most scenic racecourses this side of Hawaii. It is not too late to sign up or volunteer.
Banjos and fiddles and guitars! Oh my!
I’m delighted to present a fine evening of entertainment at Beaner’s Friday. Adam is a good friend from the cities and Orienta Carwash are more friends from Port Wing who wrote a great song called, “I Smell Bad.”
Fontanelles, Meridene and Excuse Me, Princess at Pizza Luce
That’s right it’s a show! Locals Excuse Me Princes and Meridene of Amble Down Records (Eau Claire, WI) will be joining F-Elles for a night of enchantment and meriment.
See you at 10PM 🙂
Uncle Paul Retires from Positively 3rd St. Bakery
Uncle Paul Steklenski, aka “The Cider Man,” is retiring after 27 years of baking wholesome breads for the community. He is one of the bakery’s founders, establishing the worker-owned co-operative in 1983. Luckily he will still do some part-time maintenance.
Snowmobile Mechanics in Duluth
I need some work done to my 2000 Ski-Doo. I have contacted local dealers and their shop rates are astronomical ($65-$90/ hour!) and they typically will not let me purchase the needed parts on my own which adds many hundreds of dollars to the total bill. I have asked around and many mechanics are too busy to take on any more projects.
Does anyone know of a reputable snowmobile mechanic that has immediate availability? I also have some friends that would be interested in booking some smaller maintenance type jobs with him/ her. I am trying to keep within a 20-30 mile radius of Duluth.
Thanks in advance for any responses, and I know it is only August but we may have snow in the next 90 days, and I’m trying to be prepared.