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.
Minnesota signed wide receiver Jahmal Banks, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound target from Nebraska. Banks brings size and catch-radius to the Monsters’ evolving offensive system, adding another option for a team that has emphasized physical receivers throughout the offseason.
Minnesota officials framed the signing as another example of the franchise’s aggressive push under new owner Jacob Lambert, who has vowed to go “all-in” as the former, rebranded Duluth Harbor Monsters — winners of two straight league titles — move up to the stronger AF1.
Lana is survived by her daughter, Jodi (David) LaFontaine; grandsons, Adam (Chelsea) LaFontaine, James LaFontaine; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Landon, and Mallorie LaFontaine; and many nieces and nephews.
“We only graduated two players from last year and had a fantastic summer with our players.” -- Hawks coach Andy Fenske
