Duluth Mayor Emily Larson on Thursday is expected to announce the Love Your Block mini-grant recipients for the remainder of 2023.
The Love Your Block program supplies small mini-grants to support resident-led projects that reduce blight in the Lincoln Park and Central Hillside Neighborhoods.
Love Your Block is part of a rich tapestry of current efforts by agencies, organizations and individuals to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all Duluthians.
Local Government Aid alone covers nearly $35 million, about one-third of the budget. It’s the difference between black ink and red. Lose even 5 percent of that aid, and Duluth’s “balanced” budget implodes by millions. That’s not financial strength — that’s dependence disguised as stability.
Duluth’s short-term goal is tactical — keep Inland’s exclusivity alive, hit the paperwork milestones, and convince the Legislature to fund the $10.85 million in site-prep money the city calls the key that unlocks $250 million in private investment.
In 2025, for instance, they raised the levy by 1.85 percent but declared it a “0 percent” year for current taxpayers because new development supposedly absorbed the increase. But that’s a shell game. The levy still grew by nearly $800,000.
The city expects test results over the weekend and will share updates when available.
No. 4 Minnesota Duluth heads west this weekend for an early-season National Collegiate Hockey Conference test at altitude, opening a two-game set Friday night against Colorado College at Ed Robson Arena. The Bulldogs (11-3) arrive with one of the nation’s most productive offenses and an unbeaten mark in Friday
Robert “Bob” Fechner, age 74, passed away on November 18, 2025. Born on April 14, 1951, to his parents Joyce Fechner Carlson and Kenneth Fechner, Bob was a lifelong Duluth resident and proud Denfeld graduate. Known by many as “Uncle Bob,” he had a rare gift for making everyone feel
On November 19, 2025, Linda Dianne Jeannette (Hoch) passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her closest family. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Joe; her sister, Patty (and Tom Cartier); her three sons, Jeremy (and Karen), TJ (and Kelley), and Griffin (and Stacy); her six
Hermantown is playing a schedule that looks like it handed the AD a crayon and told him to circle every team that makes teenagers cry.
