Howie Hanson
Editor & Publisher of HowieHanson.com
What I Cover
I write about power, business, sports and civic life in Duluth and across Minnesota. My columns examine the people making decisions, the organizations behind those decisions and what their choices mean for the communities they serve.
My Background
My journalism career began in 1971 at the Cloquet Pine Knot. More than five decades later, I'm still reporting and writing from Duluth. I publish HowieHanson.com, an independent site built around original columns, local reporting and Minnesota sports coverage.
My Approach
My work combines reporting, analysis and commentary. I believe in checking facts, asking direct questions and giving readers enough information to make up their own minds. My reporting and opinions are mine, and I stand behind the words I publish.
Contact Me
I welcome story ideas, questions, corrections and tips from readers. Email is the best way to reach me.
Email: GuyHowieHanson@gmail.com
Latest
St. Louis County installs solar renewable energy systems on three Public Works facilities
With Minnesota currently importing 100% of its fossil fuels, solar power adds “homegrown” renewable sources of energy to the building and the state’s electrical grid.
Hawks enter fall with contenders, questions and unfinished business
That is the broad Hermantown picture entering training camp starting Aug. 17. Football and girls cross-country should expect to contend for section championships. Boys soccer and volleyball return enough proven talent to make deep playoff runs realistic.
Howie: Durrwachter has become the council’s most trusted voice
The council is not an advisory committee to the mayor. It is a separate branch of city government, obligated to scrutinize administrative proposals, protect public money and represent residents whose voices cannot be heard from behind the closed doors of City Hall.
Howie: Duluth should vote yes on both school referendum questions
Duluth Public Schools is not asking voters to finance a cure-all. It is asking for enough stability to protect student learning while the district continues the harder work of controlling costs, correcting financial procedures and reshaping operations.
Stella Maris trap program takes aim at breakout fall season
The Sentinels now have returning captains, increasing roster depth and a championship-tested young core. The next objective is to prove that last spring’s breakthrough in Alexandria was the beginning of something sustainable.
Steve Anderson Legacy Scramble nears capacity for 15th annual event
The tournament has carried Anderson's legacy forward by bringing together many of the people he influenced as a coach, golf professional, teammate, competitor and friend. His wife, Nancy, and children Aaron, Jennifer and Julie are included in the first group on this year’s pairing sheet.
DECC to celebrate 60th anniversary with free public tours
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will celebrate its 60th anniversary by opening its waterfront campus for free public tours from 5 to
Nashville dominates AF1 All-Arena selections
Individual awards, including most valuable player and offensive and defensive player honors, are scheduled to be announced Friday at the AF1 Awards Banquet in Clarksville.
Not-Too-Early Prep Preview: Hermantown turns to seven seniors as scoring roles undergo major reset
Hermantown’s final record will depend less on finding one player capable of replacing everything that left and more on whether its senior class can make the game easier for one another. The Hawks have experience, numbers and a realistic opportunity in Section 7AAA.
Howie: Mark Wilf draws a championship line for Vikings
Wilf also addressed the family’s long-term commitment to the franchise amid soaring NFL team values and recent ownership sales. The Vikings are not being positioned for an exit. The next generation of the Wilf family is becoming involved, and ownership intends to remain in place.
Tim Meyer: Prepare our children for a future that is already here
Tim Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com Robotics and artificial intelligence are not distant possibilities.
The Hermantown Six: Ty Hanson is UMD’s blueline engine
Hanson is a No. 1 college defenseman entering his prime, and UMD’s championship ceiling will be tied directly to how completely he controls the back end.
Six decades later, DECC Arena remains Duluth’s classic stage
The Arena continues to work because it has never depended on being the newest or largest venue. Its appeal is rooted in permanence: the steep rows, the compact concert setting, the proximity to the lake and the accumulated memories of everyone who has passed through its doors.
Defending champion Albany outguns Minnesota in AF1 semifinal
Monsters finish 9-5 after winning seven of their final nine games.
Howie on Vikings Training Camp: Murray leans on repetition, experience in quarterback competition
Murray’s arrival gives the Vikings a legitimate alternative to McCarthy and gives O’Connell flexibility he did not have when injuries repeatedly forced changes at the position last season. It also gives Murray a fresh opportunity after seven years in Arizona.
Funding for Scandia Cemetery shoreline restoration clears important hurdle
By DANA KAZEL St. Louis County's request for funding to stabilize the eroding shoreline of the privately-owned Scandia Cemetery, has cleared
Howie on Vikings Training Camp: Flores begins reshaping Vikings defense around Adams, Turner
Flores said Minnesota has assembled a productive mix of rookies, developing players and established veterans, creating legitimate battles at several positions.
Howie on Vikings Training Camp: O’Connell outlines Murray-McCarthy competition
“You don’t have to watch his tape very long to feel that play extension and the ability to not only steal some first downs with his legs, but he can go get a lot more than that.” -- Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on projected QB1 Kyler Murray
Howie: Reinert must answer Duluth’s $4.5 million budget question
The City of Duluth administration cannot warn taxpayers about a projected $5.5 million deficit while refusing to explain a recurring $4.5 million funding stream redirected from general operations. The account now has nearly $9 million.
Monsters face Albany in AF1 semifinal Saturday afternoon in NY
Minnesota must limit QB1 Ja’Vonte Johnson’s turnovers and create points through defense or special teams. Albany must protect its quarterback, prevent explosive returns and force the Monsters to sustain drives.
Duluth’s 2027 mayoral election will test the DFL’s progressive turn
The 2027 election will not finally be decided by whether Duluth wants a progressive or a centrist. It will be decided by which candidate can make voters believe that City Hall is working for them.
Chloe Johnson’s national profile grows with elite summer invitations
Johnson has spent much of the summer competing for All Iowa Attack’s 17U team, regularly playing against athletes two and three years older. At the Nike Tournament of Champions West from July 10-13 in Las Vegas, Johnson averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists over six games.
Tim Meyer: Lester Park Golf Course Redevelopment Observations
Tim Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com Observations from this week's discussions on
Wendy Durrwachter has become the council’s independent conscience
Wendy Durrwachter understands what it means to work for a living, raise children under financial pressure and confront people with more institutional power than
Wendy Durrwachter has become the council’s independent conscience
Durrwachter understands what it means to work for a living, raise children under financial pressure and confront people with more institutional power than she possesses. She does not appear to regard City Hall as a private club.
