Aldi coming to Duluth and Superior?
The Germany-based discount supermarket chain Aldi has posted online ads for store manager trainees in Duluth and Superior, a strong indication the company is planning to open stores in the Twin Ports. The website cdinduluth.com first reported rumors of Aldi’s interest in Duluth back in January. Aldi has over 9,000 stores in over 18 countries. It is known for carrying inexpensive grocery staples and household items, generally with unfamiliar brand names (often contracted by Aldi), and for practices designed to lower grocery costs by lowering store expenses — i.e. quarter-deposits for use of carts, high credit-card processing fees, no free bags and limited store hours.
Duluth opens second dog park
Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division announced today that a fenced, off-leash dog park has officially opened at Observation Park, located on West Third Street between Ninth and Tenth avenues west. Features of the new dog park include a double-gated entry so leashes can be removed safely before entering the dog park, a separate small dog area for dogs 20 pounds or less, and off-street parking (at the Tenth Street dead end). Observation Dog Park is the second such park in Duluth. The first, Keene Creek Dog Park, located in Keene Creek Park in West Duluth on Grand Avenue and 62nd Avenue West, opened in 2006. Both dog parks are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals interested in supporting Duluth Dog Parks are encouraged to email Denette Lynch at duluthdogparks @ yahoo.com.
Sarah Krueger – “Better When You Are Around”
Duluth’s Sarah Krueger — along with pianist Jordan Taylor, drummer J.T. Bates, bass guitarist Steve Garrington and guitarists Nate Case and Erik Koskinen perform in the Current studio.
Click here to hear the full three-song set and interview with the Local Show’s host David Campbell.
Highlight Video: UMD Bulldogs vs. Ouachita Baptist University
Zach Zweifel hit quarterback Drew Bauer with a 9-yard scoring strike in overtime to cap UMD’s wild 48-45 win over undefeated Ouachita Baptist University last Saturday. The Bulldogs advance to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals, facing Minnesota State-Mankato this Saturday at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato.
The Trail’s Calling
Max Fierek and Charles Young hit the trails near Stewart Creek in Duluth’s Smithville neighborhood.
Snooty Fox Tea and Honey Tasting
The Facebook invitation for the Snooty Fox Tea and Honey Tasting, event indicated 80 people would attend, and that did not feel wrong. Maybe not 80, but the place was packed.
(more…)
Cars Sliding Down Duluth Avenues: 2014 Edition
This video is from the Nov. 10 snow/ice storm. It’s not as good as the one from 2003, but still … everyone loves a good car-sliding montage.
This Week: snowmobiles, speeches, seasonal sounds and more
Here’s a bit of what you’ll find on this week’s PDD Calendar:
Now that everyone has emerged from their food comas, there is plenty to see and do in the Twin Ports. Snowmobilers are now free to hit the trails, Karin Kraemer is speaking at the Tweed, Adam Swanson’s having a mural reception and they’re talking business at Clyde Iron.
Jamie Ness plays during Grog Time at Tycoons, Legally Blonde: The Musical opens and vets are remembered at a special dinner.
It’s not too early to get out over the weekend and start getting gifts: the Bizarre Bazaar and the Get it Local Gift Fair are two ways to do so.
And there’s lots of seasonal sounds to be had: O Holy Night is going down, as is the Sounds of the Season concert. Top off your weekend with the Rock and Roll Kamikaze and some stand-up comedy at Dubh Linn, and you’ve got all your bases covered.
Thanksgiving Stories
My Thanksgiving started Wednesday, and I want to point a few things out. (more…)
Selective Focus: Home
Richard C. Johnson, untitled
The theme of “home,” and the numerous ways we can represent that idea were especially meaningful to me for two principle reasons — first, for having spent the past few years without something that fit the word’s conventional definition, and second for having accomplished a longed-for arrival here, in this community. (more…)
Coach Cork: Lesson #3
The third installment of valuable cross-country skiing tips from Coach Cork, brought to you by Ski Hut.
See also:
Duluth Michael Brown Memorial
Filmed by Joe Olivieri of Lola Visuals.
Coach Cork: Lesson #2
Coach Cork dispenses more tips and advice for cross-country skiers in lesson #2.
Thanks to Ski Hut for sponsoring Coach Cork. See also, Coach Cork: Lesson #1
Duluth moving company recommendations … another try
About a year ago, an inquiry was posted to PDD for moving company recommendations. Bob at Wherley was the only person/company recommended.
I’m bringing the question back as my sister is moving — it’s a local job — packing her two-bedroom house (with garage) and transporting less than 10 miles away. Does anyone have a solid, dependable recommendation?
Also, can anyone speak to how the price is set or if there is an extra cost if the stuff is packed and loaded but sits on the truck for the next day? I appreciate your thoughts.
Duluth featured in Bicycling magazine
The hyperbolic headline “The Town Cycling Saved,” is a tad unfortunate, but the interview with Duluth Mayor Don Ness in this month’s issue of Bicycling magazine is now online. In the print edition, the headline is “Transformer Man,” which is maybe only a little better. Other than that, however, it’s a fun and quick read. The mayor clarified on his Facebook page today that the recent improvements to bike trails is just one part of Duluth’s turnaround, saying “it’s because of Duluth’s revitalization and the new energy around town that groups like COGGS have taken on ambitious goals and have inspired hundreds of volunteers to take ownership of these trails.”
Stalked by a Loon?
Nothing earth-shattering here, just a – nearly invisible! – close encounter with a curious aquatic bird this summer. Must be viewed in HD (ideally fullscreen) to discern anything, but it is there. I was unaware of this until reviewing the footage months later, but for a split second, behind me and to the left, some form of diving waterfowl peeks at me. This inconclusive footage is slowed down 16X to be able to get a glimpse of this ephemeral moment. It doesn’t even stick its head all the way out of the water but I believe a bill may be discerned, a white spot on the head, and possibly a crest off the back of the head although that may simply be a reflection in the water. Anyway, getting decent underwater footage of a curious loon or merganser is something of a holy grail of mine – these birds are often seen diving in the area and I know they sometimes approach human divers. So although thrilled to know I came close to one – within 10 feet by the looks of it – I am also frustrated to have missed the shot.
Sarah Krueger – “Nothing Hits Me”
Video directed, shot and edited by Trent Waterman. Song from the forthcoming Sarah Krueger album Lustrous.
Coach Cork: Lesson #1
Perfect Duluth Day has teamed up with U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Coach Jason Cork to present a three-part instructional series on the magic and thrill of cross-country skiing.
Please enjoy lesson #1, sponsored by Ski Hut.
Outdoor fitness groups in Duluth
A question from PDD’s e-mail inbox:
I just moved here from Southern California. Do we have non-motorized events in Duluth? I mean joggers, walkers, bikers, skaters will gather and ride together. Example is CicLAvia in Los Angeles, where they closed downtown the city for motor vehicles.
57th Avenue Roadway / Flood Reconstruction Video
The flood of 2012 left its mark on Keene Creek, Highland Avenue and 57th Avenue West in West Duluth. This relatively boring video was shot a few days before the roads were closed and one day after completion of the summer-long, 11-million-dollar reconstruction project. Let’s take a rip from Grand Avenue to Skyline for some before/after video.
This Week: Schurke, Cirque and turk(ey)
Though it was just Halloween, and it may seem like it’s already the Christmas season due to the fact that halls everywhere are decked, holiday music is already running 24/7 on Kool 101.7 and seasonal commercials have taken over televisions for nigh on two weeks, it’s actually Thanksgiving that’s on the way.
Here’s a bit of what you’ll find in the Gobble-week edition of the PDD Calendar:
Adventurer Paul Schurke is giving a talk at Mitchell Auditorium on Monday, The Road Kill Boys are at Clyde Iron on Tuesday, and Cirque du Soleil is at the DECC on Wednesday.
Carve up some pre-holiday laughs with the cut-ups at VIP Pizza’s comedy night, hit the Gobbler Glide skating event at the Heritage Center, and win some meat at the Rustic.
On Turkey Day itself, enjoy some free parking, run off some pre-meal calories, hit the DECC for the Thanksgiving Buffet 2014 and get some pie and Chuck at the Zinema.
And, after the veil of Black Friday lifts, there remains much to do in the Twin Ports over the weekend. Head to the PDD Calendar for all the stuff(ing) one could ever want.
