Google fest.

Google fest was a huge success said the organizers, Google Twinports. The event that included the conclusion of making the google movie, had an attendance of 700 people. Google Twinports was expecting about 500 people for the event. The event also have games, music and more.

The movie is being edited and should be available for people to watch soon. I will let you know when it is, also where you can watch it. Speaking of the movie it took 3 days to film and was filmed in various places in Duluth.

32 years ago today.

Today is it, the big day. That's right I am 32 today. Celebrating with me is Garbon, he is 31 today.

Google count down!!!!!

Cities trying for the Google fiber high speed internet only have a few days left. There are 46 cities trying to become the test site for Google's high speed internet. Duluth is just one of those 46 cities. Of those 46 cities, Duluth has the largest online support group. Duluth trailed Topeka Kansas for a short time, but Duluth was able to take the lead over in just one week's time, since then no city has caught up to us.

Duluth has done a number of things both publicly and privately to try to convince Google to make our city the test site. Many people know of the "stunts" done on our behalf, including a play on Topeka changing its name to Google Kansas. Mayor Ness jumped into a frozen Lake Superior -- laying down a challenge to all other mayors. Ness said, I have set the bar, lets see other mayors jump into Lake Superior.

There has also been a number of other public events. Google Twinports has had booth space at a number of events, including fun fest and the women's expo. The group is also making a movie. There is also a number of behind the scenes things the group is doing to entice Google to come to Duluth.

Google has given cities till March 26th to have all there items submitted

Jim Gradishar dead at the age of 47.

A man who was surrounded by controversy over the last few years took his own life on Wednesday. Jim Gradishar owned the NorShor Experience, a strip club here in Duluth. He had trouble with citizens and police since the strip club opened.

The owner of the NorShore building, Eric Ringsred, blamed Gradishar's suicide on the media and the police. Saying they had a witch-hunt out on Gradishar, Ringsred went as far as to use the word murder instead of suicide, saying the newspaper, city officials and the police all have blood on their hands.

Gradishar had trouble with the law here in Duluth and elsewhere. Here, in Duluth, he brought a gun to a public place while under the influence. His business, the NorShor Experience, has also had its run ins with the police and the city. They have been the subject of numerous police calls. The business also had its liquor license pulled by the city until a judge overruled the city and restored the license.

I did not know Gradishar at all. I do think the media seemed to focus on him because of the type of business he ran. I think if this would have been someone who ran a high tech industry, you would have heard little about it.

Buffalo wild wings.

So as many of you know Buffalo wild wings has been building a restaurant in the old gander mountain site, the restaurant is set to open it's doors on Monday March 22nd.

The staff has been in training and as of last night, there are already people camping out at the restaurant. Yep just like black Friday, people are waiting out side of the site for it to open. A bit crazy if you ask me.

Yes I want to try it. I have never eaten at one but people tell they are good, but is it worth waiting in the lot for five days?

Bye the way March 22nd happens to be some blogger's birthday, here is a good gift idea if you would like to get a certain blogger something for his birthday. A gift card works just fine thanks, LOL.

Lots going on, little time.

There is a lot going and I hope to blog soon about it. I have and will be busy the rest of this week. I will try to get caught up this weekend, even though it will also be busy.

That said check back daily as I will try to post what I can. As always thanks for reading.

Pawletny nice to Duluth in bonding bill.

Duluth gets projects from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty did what he said he would with the bonding bill, he did not veto it. He did however trim it down. That said, many Duluth projects stayed in the bonding bill.

Governor Pawlenty trimmed $319 million from a $1 billion bonding bill. Duluth is one of the cities that is left with many projects, however Duluth will get money for three projects.

Lake Superior College will be adding a Health Sciences building. The Duluth International Airport will receive funding for a new airport terminal, and money is allocated to help fix Duluth's wastewater control issues. Included is money to build two new sewage overflow tanks to prevent raw sewage from entering Lake Superior.

The projects come at no small cost to the state. The LSC building will receive $12.1 million, the airport project will receive $11.7 million and money for the wastewater control project is $27 million.

A day with a candidate.

Do you want to learn more about the Republican candidate for the Minnesota House District 7A? Saturday, March 27th will be your chance.

Carinda Horton will be running against DFL candidates Tom Huntley or Brandon Clokey in the primary. Horton has a number of events scheduled for March 27th. She would love to see people at any or all of them.

Her very busy day starts at 7AM and will end at 5PM. Her day starts with the Step Out Walk To Fight Diabetes at Miller Hill Mall, then a number of events for the campaign starts at Mr. D's Bar & Grill.

Here is a list of the events at Mr. D's: -

9am - Take Back Washington

10:30am Town Hall meeting -

1pm - Golden Gloves boxing show at The Actors Gym, 404 West Superior Street


3-5 pm - Meet and Greet.


Head on out to one or all the events if you would like more

Not much going on.

Not much going on, unless you like talk about furniture. The city bought furniture withs out the council approval. It is not that big of deal to me.

I might not be able to blog about the rest of todays games.

I know I will not be able to blog about the night games as I will be at work. The second after noon game will start shortly and I will try to blog about it, but I have other things I need to do.

I will have more tomorrow on the tournament. Again I will try to cover the second afternoon game.

HIgh school hockey update: Edina and Roseau

It is now 7-3 Edina this game is over. More on it later.

Edina leads 5-2 after two. Sorry I missed the last two goals. Edina is out shooting Roseau 30-11.

Champman gets his second goal of the period, this one at 8:57 of the second period. This one came off a tip in off his stick. The original shot came from the point he tipped it in. 3-2
Edina leads with 7 and a half left in the second.


Edina ties the game at 2 after crashing the net. The rams goalie could not get a hold of the puck and it laid free for Champman to punch in to the net at 4:57 of the second.


Roseau gets its first lead of the game. In the second period, at 1:57 in Adam Nockenmouth scored to make it 2-1 Roseau.

The first period is over and it remains tied at 1. There was just one power play oppertunity and that went to Edina, they could not score on the man advantage. Edina carried the play in the period out shooting roseau 15-6.

The first Class AA game has just started and there is already a goal. Steven Forgity scored for Edina just 32 seconds in to the game.

Just like that it is all tied up as Roseau has now scored and make. it 1-1. At the 1:52 mark of the game Norman scored off a deflected shot.

Class A recap. Two teams and two machines.

Four games are complete in the high school hockey tournament. The class single A teams are one with there quarter finale games, they now look a head to Fridays semi final games.

Two teams and two machines have made it passed the querter finals. The first semi final game will be Mahtomedi and Hermantown. Mahtomedi beat Alexandria 7-1, well Hermantown defeated Virgina-MIB 2-1 in there quarter finel game.

This game is the two teams that made it out of the first round. Well the second game pits the two machines against each other. Breck who is the defending champions beat New Ulm 11-1 well hockey power house Warroad won 9-0 against Rochester Lourdes.

Both of these semi final games will be very good. I don't even want to predict a winner in the Breck Warroad game. That said however Breck had beaten Warroad the last two years in the hockey tournament. I think Hermantown will win against Mahtomdi but it will be a close game.

High school hockey update: Rochester Lourd and Warroad.

More later tomorrow on the games.

Hamil scores the 3rd goal for Warroad. 2:35 in to the second period. Can you say game over? Rochester lourd looks lost.

The first period was dominated by Waroad, they lead 2-0 and held Rochester lourd shot less till 1 minute left in the period. Shots where 8-2 Warroad. Rochester is going to have to find some offense against this team. The problem is Rochester Lourd is built on defense not offense. There was just one penalty in the period, that was on Warroad but Rochester could do nothing with it.

Aaron Rasmussion adds to the lead for Warroad, scoring at 5:27 in to the first period. The shot was harmless but font it's way in the net. Warroad has shots on goal lead 4-0 so far in the first period. Both of Warroads have came off turn overs.

Game time shortly. Just some quick notes well we wait for the game to start. Action earlier today. Mohtomedi beat Alexandria 7-1 and Hermantown defeated Virgina-MIB 2-1, in the best game of the tournament so far.

That sets up the first semi-finale game on Friday for class A. Mahtomedi and Hermantown. This should be a great game. It will be a tough challange for Hermantown, Head coach Bruce Plant said his team can play with anyone. He and the hawks have a tough challange on Friday.

The first night session game is done and it was a blow out. Defending state champions Breck won 10-0 ( I think, last score I heard. I will update if score was different. ), over New Ulm.

Warroad is up 1-0 scoring 2:37 minutes in to the game, Brock Nelson with the goal.

High school hockey tournament: Breck and New Ulm.

I will have more on this game later. I will blog again in game 4 of the day. In about an half or so.

End of the second period breck leads 9-0, scoring 7 goals in the 2nd period. That ties a record held by two other schools. The first team to score 7 goals in one period was Eleveth in 1945 .

Breck is up 6-0 nothing still in the 2nd period. The 5th goal I did not see, putting the son to bed. The 6th scored by Opperman. This game is getting way out of hand. Breck is scoring at will, they have 3 more goals in the time I am typing. That is four goals in 52 seconds it is now 9-0. Andler has 2 goals in the game.

It is now the second period and breck leads 4-0. They are out shooting New Ulm 21-9 . The last goal by breck was scored 5 minutes in to the period. The goal was scored by Conner Anlder.


In the first period Breck leads 2-0 over New Ulm. I have not seen either goal because we flip between channels. This game is be all breck at any rate, they will be tough all tournament. I will keep you updated on what I see of this game. I hope to see more of the second period.

State Hockey tournament update: Hermantown and Virgina-MIB

It was the only goal of the 3rd period. Hermantown wins 2-1 over Virgina-MIB and will move on to the semi-finale game. Game three starts at 6pm.
2:57 in to the 3rd period Hermantown regains the lead,with a quick shot by Adam Krause. It was a very pretty play. Is the game is? Only time will tell. If the one goal a period holds true it maybe over. Again still 13 minutes in game any thing can happen.

Two periods of play are over, and it is tied at 1. Each team had 1 power play opputunity but neither could score on the chance. The period had a lot of play in the Hermantown zone but Virgina-MIB could only get the one goal to tie the score. The 3rd period of play should be just as good as the last two. It has been a great game to this point.

Virgina had 10 shots on goal well Hermantown had 9 in the second period. Shots on goal after two Virgina 16 Hermantown 15.

The night cap games will be New Ulm against defeanding champs in class A Breck. The last game of the night is Warroad and Rochester.

The second period is under way and Virgina tied the game early in the period. They have dominated the first few minutes of the second. Eddie got the tip in goal. Now Hermantown is going on there 3rd power play of the day. Game tied at 1. The Virgina goal game in the first and a half of the period.

The second game of the tournament is under way. The score is 1-0 in favor of Hermantown, they got the goal on the power. They are just now going on the second power play of the day.

Scoring the goal at 13:03 in to the first period was Christopherson with an assist from Krause and Kolquist. The power play goal came on the second shot of the power play. The penalty was for hooking on Virgina, it was a bit of a flop by the hermantown play.

The first period has just under 1 minute left. Virgina had 1 power play opportunity but could get nothing going on it. Hermantown had 2 power play chances scoring on there first one.

The period was pretty evan except when Hermantown had the power plays. Each team had six shots on net.

At the end of one period of play its Hermantown 1 Virgina 0.

Minnesota high school hockey tournament.

The winter version of the great Minnesota get together starts tomorrow. The boys high school state hockey tournament kids off tomorrow with four games and the Xcel energy center in St. Paul. The tournament has two divisions. Class A and class AA, A is the smaller schools around the State well AA are the large schools.

The four games tomorrow will feature the class A schools, two area schools will go head to head in the first game of the tournament. Hermantown will take on Virginia -MIB starting at 1pm Wednesday. The other local school involved in the tournament is Duluth East and they will take on Hill Murry in Class AA on Thursday in the quarter finales.

Good luck to all area schools.

Duluth to make a Google movie.

I will have more information on this later, for now here is the press release that google twinports send out today.


MARCH 8, 2010 — An open casting call for Google Movie will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, at the Carnegie Building in Duluth, located at 101 West Second Street, Suite 200. Participants don’t need an appointment for the casting call. “We’re looking for enthusiastic supporters of all ages,” says Patrick Garmoe, public information officer for the Google Twin Ports Fiber Initiative. “We’ve hired a Hollywood director to shoot a movie geared to impress both the public at large and Google specifically, and would love to have a big crowd of actors involved.” Part of the movie will be shot during the Google Fest rally between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on March 20, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

Bentlyville, should be ran by who?

So it begins, just one year after Bentleyville moves to Duluth the city is trying to take over the event. I said all along that Nathan Bentley, who runs the festival of lights should not move the operation to Duluth. My main reason is when the city sees something good, they try to take over and then it gets run down. Well that has not happened yet. It is starting just a year after the first season at Bayfront was completed. The city will consider a three year contract with Nathan Bentley to run Bentleyville at Bayfront at Monday's City Council meeting. In the contract are three new things, combined they indicates the start of the city taking over the event. It will be a work in progress by the City Of Duluth and City Council to take over the event. The three new items are: different start and end dates, new hours of operation, and a background check on persons portraying Santa Claus. If the three year contract is approved by the council, the festival of lights will run November 20th to December 26th, the times of operation will be 5pm - 9pm instead of 10pm. Let me first dive in to the date changes. I like the earlier start date, in fact I think it should open the same weekend as the Christmas City Of The North Parade. The event is being held in Duluth, creating a cool tie-in to the whole parade. The issue I have is the end date. Well, the festival with the new dates still runs as many weeks, but it takes some fun out of it. I've always enjoyed going to Bentleyville after Christmas. It was a neat way to start off the new year, by walking through the lights and taking time to remember the season, and to look ahead, it is a great place to ponder things. There are typically less people there once Christmas has passed, another reason to go then. You can really take time to enjoy the lights. There is no rush, no one pushing, just a nice atmosphere to spend time in. I think it is foolish to end it the day after Christmas, you are taking part of the joy and real moments families have away, by not operating it into the new year. The change of hours may not seem like a big thing to most, however to me it is just more evidence that the city wants to take this event away from Nathan Bentley. Note that the 9pm close is conveniently when most city parks close in Duluth. Gee residents, I don't think so. An hour also may not seem like a lot of time, however it is in this case. Any one who has ever gone to Bentleyville understands that there will be a lot of people there. They want to see Santa and having it close an hour earlier is going to allow for less people per night to accomplish this. I am not sure but I would guess that they will not allow new people in to see Santa after 8pm under the new contract. The gates to Santa this last season closed at 9pm. This was done because of large crowds. The last thing is a back ground check on Santa, while I agree in theory with this, I don't like it in this case. The same gentlemen has played Santa for the last 10 years and there has never been a problem. Councilor Fedora said it is not necessarily because of the current Santa but someone else may portray him at some point. That may be true, but I don't see it happening in three years. Tom Marciniak, who plays Santa has no problem with it. He said they will find nothing on his record. I think it is just another step of the city attempting to take the event away from Nathan Bentley.

Google twinports mission statement.

"Our Mission

To our supporters,

We wanted to take a moment to reiterate our mission, goals, contact information, and how you can help.
The mission of the Google Twin Ports Fiber Initiative is to win the Google Fiber project by showing Google the community’s passion for fiber – high speed Internet, video and voice – the highly skilled workforce in our communities, the strong, supportive entrepreneurial environment, and the community’s visionary leadership.

A. Fiber to each home and business is critical to Duluth and Superior’s economic vitality.

B. Communities that receive fiber first will be the ones that gain the biggest economic benefit, like the first towns with the railroad, electricity or Interstate highways.

C. Duluth and Superior can provide Google with the best return on investment in Google Fiber
The main organization number: Google Twin Ports Fiber Initiative

101 West 2nd Street
Suite 200
Duluth
218-260-2882

How you can help:
Fill out the two forms on http://www.googletwinports.com, one telling us you want to help, and second, telling Google they should come here.
And again, everyone is encouraged to come to headquarters office and donate your time when available."

Notice the name change.

Duluth Politics has changed it's name. If you don't know why go to http://www.googletwinports.com/ and watch the video,when there click on video and links.

The video was done in response to Topeka changing there name. It is meant in good fun, Duluth Politics is just joining in on the name change fun.

Google update.

Thank you readers of this blog. I have received about 25 or 30 emails the last few days saying they have or are going to sign up on the google twin ports page, because of seeing it on my blog. If you have not signed up I encourage you to do so.

If you want more information check out my google fiber page, link located on the right side of the blog. There is a fact sheet at the bottom of that page also some news and events coming up, which there is one on Thursday. There is also links to there google twinports page and much more so check it out.

It is also now easier to get to there page from here. Look up and click on the google twinports banner. There is also on located on the google fiber page.

Thanks again with community support we can bring this great project to the area.

Minnesota Vikings.

Brett Favre is expected to say he will play one more season. The announcement should come tonight on the Jay Leno show, where he is to be a guest. Favre had one of his best season's last year with Minnesota. The long time packer has been playing games during the off season the last three years. He seems to have been able to make up his mind quickly this off season on if he would play or not.

The vikings are working on signing Chester Taylor (running back). The vikings have said if they can't come to an agreement with him they will go after either Westbrook or Tomilison both have been released from there former teams. There is a reason for that, they are washed up. If the vikings don't sign Taylor it is possible they have a very poor running game next season.

Picture blog: Funny.

I saw these on a blog that I like to visit. Visit Yellowdog Granny your self at www.yellowdoggrannie.blogspot.com.

Google twinports.

The group trying to bring google fiber-optic was at fun-fest on Saturday. They where there to get out the word and get people to join the group.


I have set up a page on the blog dedicated to the project. You can check it out on the right side of the blog is the link. There is not much there yet, I will be working on as I get information and interesting things to pass on. Check it out now however for what I do have. It includes links, news, and much more. I am also hoping to have there information sheet up there soon.

Interested in reading and talking about the possible city strike?

If you are interested about reading the possible city strike by AFCSME, head over to Duluth Citizens. You can find the blog by clicking this link, www.duluthcitizens.com or I have a link on the right side of the blog. Check it out and take part.

Creative minds, when picking schools names.

The names have been chosen for the two high schools that will remain in Duluth. What will the names be? The western high school will be called Denfeld and the eastern high school will be called East. Wait just a minute, those are the names of the schools now. Yep, our school board is pretty creative I tell you.

The mascots and team names will also remain the same, Denfeld Hunters and East Greyhounds. I thought with all the great minds on the school board they might have came up with some original names but I guess that was asking too much.

This is because of the red plan which I am not a fan of. The plan eliminates one high school and a number of elementary schools. I would rather us go to one high school and try to leave the grade schools in place. Another option was to consolidate some grade schools. A little of that will be done, I think more of it could have been done.

I would love to see Duluth have three high schools but understand that at this point it is not possible, because of declining enrollment. This is why I am for one high school, minimizing the east / west division in the city, a division the current plan would encourage"

Brilliant.

The task force that set out to come up with a decision, on if the fire department should take over control of ambulances service came out with there report last night. It was brilliant report.

The report said that even with the experts in the group the matter was far above there knowledge. They recommended that there should be two separate study groups set up in the future to discuss the issue.

Council response was not good to the report.

Change of heart.

Note: thank you to the person that was nice enough to edit this for me, in a freindly way. If you posted a comment on the old blog post please feel free to repost it.


You may remember a woman attacked another woman outside the Building For Women. There were a couple of women standing outside the building protesting against abortion. One woman came out of the building with a knife and held it to the throat of one of the protesters.

Mechelle Hall 26, the woman that had the knife, has now had a change of heart. She will keep the baby. Hall went to the building to discuss and set up an abortion, saying she felt stressed. She said in court that she realized it would be a mistake to kill the life she was carrying.

Hall received probation instead of jail time in a plea agreement.

I don't want to debate abortion, yet I don't want to stop people from talking about issues either. I have my own thoughts on abortion, but I also don't think it should be a political issue. You are free to talk about abortion but I ask that you be respectful.

Duluth Sports and Travel show.

The 44th annul Duluth sport and travel show kicks off on Wednesday at the Duluth Entertainment and convention center. The show features the best in outdoor products from fishing to hunting, boats to campers. They have it all.

This is a chance for many local business to show off there stuff in a high profile event. There are many fishing both that offer all the items needed to head out on opening day of fishing. They have great deals on them.

You want a boat, a truck to hail it and a camper to stay the weekend some where you can get it there. The event also has a number of other booth from mops, knives to outdoors papers you can buy. It also has your travel hot spots in the U.S. and Canada.

The sports show also feature many many other things including seminars free entertainment and a fishing for parents and kids a like. I still love to do the trout pond.

My only compliant about this years show is the entertainment. It is the same as last year. This is the first year I can remember that happening. The Stihl chain saw team is on the main stage. They do a competition. In the lounge they have Mr. Sound effects who was there last year as well. I wish they would bring music acts back to the main stage, I don't care about the main stage act this year nor did I watch them last year. Music acts have been good and I wish they would bring them back.

The other thing for entertainment the biggest thing they had last did is not coming back this year. The water skiing squirrel. You bring back to boring ones but leave out the biggest draw you have had in years.

At any rate I am going on Wednesday. The show runs till Sunday.

This sign.

This sign with President Bush has generated a lot of talk on talk shows and news cast around the country but has gotten little play here. It is located just down the highway from Duluth.

The sign is located in Wyoming Minnesota. The sign is paid for by a private business owner(s) that wish to be anonymous.

What is the meaning behind the sign? Is it a dig at Bush or is it a dig at the current President. I think the message is clear that, the miss me yet message is a dig at President Obama and his failed leadership.

The message I believe is a direct hit to the way Obama is handling the business claimed and seemingly wanting to have the government in control of everything. Leaving little for business owners.

The sign that caught the eye of many last week, still seems to have a lot of uncertainty around it. I don't think it should. Do you see anything wrong with the sign? Keep in mind this is not a political advertisement.

Not enough hours in the day.

I was hoping to get a number of post including Senator Tom Bakk's reply to the State of the State up today. I am not sure I will be able to. You can read Bakk's reply however at his site http://www.bakk2010.com/.

I will try to post today but I can't gaunter anything. Just not enough hours in a day I tell you. As note would anyone be willing to help in this blog if so shot me an email duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com .

DFL response: Roger Reinert

DFL Roger Reinert response to Governor Pawlenty's State of the State. His comments are short but to the point. They are in line with what I have heard all day from other DFLers.

Below is his reaction.

"I thought the Governor did a decent job with his final State of the State speech. I was concerned that it was going to be a speech really meant for a national audience, but he focused well on Minnesota's issues. While I've never met the Governor, the speech seemed to be genuine. While I don't agree with everything I spoke about, I did appreciate his focus on jobs and could be supportive of many of the small business proposals he mentioned. I have not received any specific proposals, or suggestions on where we found find additional revenues to fund new initiatives"

S.O.S. speech.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty delivered his 8th and final State of the State address this morning. The speech lasted about half an hour. The speech was set in a serious tone for the most part. Pawlenty Saying Minnesota faces challenging times. Lead by a national recession.

Pawlenty lead his speech off by welcoming home the national guard red bull unit. He talked about how important they where to our State. Also saying if Minnesota can bottle there courage, and energy then we will work past the issues facing the State.

Pawlenty comments where pointed and direct. Jobs had to be the top priority. There was some role for government in this but for the most part we had to step a side and lead business owners lead us in the right direction. A lot of his speech was about the size of government and the money they spend.

He toted his jobZ program and asked that it be renewed. He also mentioned making a car jobz for the ford plant. Even though Ford has said they will shut the plant down regardless.

Saying our tax system is not competitive with others in the country. Minnesota ranked 46th in the country for workable tax systems. He said we needed to up date our outdated system. We also needed to lower the burden of taxes on business. Allowing them to help grow.

The speech also included education, unallotment, and health care. I am hoping to get some others to comment on that so I will hold off for a bit.

I thought the speech was very good. He has pinned him self in a corner a bit by saying he will not raise taxes. Something he has said for the last eight years. For the most part he has stuck to that but with huge budget deficit this year it will be interesting to see how they work it out.

The speech was pointed and direct. He sounded very professional and his tone was almost presidential. A hint he will run for President in 2012?

Live blog of the State of the State.

12pm. The speech lasted about a half hour or so. It was filled with talk about jobs and education. I will have much more on this later this afternoon. As I said before I also hope to be getting a response from both party's. I wonder how many people from around the country listened to the speech?

11:47am The speech is now over. His 8th and final State of the State address focused on jobs. His speech was very serious and has a tone of economy recover to it. He said there will be more cuts coming. Ask business owners how to improve them.

11:42 We love Minnesota is the end of his speech. You needed to listen to it to get it but it was great. He had comedy and real stories of Minnesotans.

11:40am Get sex offenders off the streets by doubles there prison time. I am not sure who would not agree with that. I personal think we should have the death penalty. I am not saying this would be a death penalty situation. I do however think we should have it.

11:37 Minnesota leads in health care. We are moving to a true health care system and not a sick care state. Not sure what he meant there. By health insurance across State lines, online programs. Wants the reform bills passed on Minnesota Care and other State programs.

11:35am Local school districts need more power, the State needs to get out of the way. Teaching jobs need to be valued on performance.

11:32am Unalotments cut needs to stay. The budget will see many other cuts as well. We need to act now, we can't have a lack of action Pawlenty said.

11:31am" Spend only what we have not what we hope to have" Pawlenty said. He is going to introduce a bill that says we can only spend what we have. Not what we might have.

11:30am. The republicans on your feet well the democrats are sitting on the hands during the first part of the speech by Governor Pawlenty. He is not talking about the big government in Minnesota. Both sides are getting in to big government in Minnesota. Pawlenty who has always tried to cut the size of government is now saying we need to focus on reducing government.

11:25am Governor Pawlenty said jobZ needs to be renewed. This is a contensise point for both democrats and republicans. People on both sides have strong thoughts on the jobZ program. He is asking that the ford plant gets a jobZ car program as well.

11:22am Pawlenty says if you ask business people what they want, it is for government to get out of the way. Pawlenty said let the business do what they do best. Let them work not hold them back. Our tax system is no where close to being competitive. Minnesota is rated 46th in the country for tax system.

Pawlenty ask that his business tax program be passed.

11:20am The economy is hurting. Jobs are key not bigger government said Pawlenty. Well times change jobs change. The State needs to change with it.

11:15 Minnesota Governor states by saying that the biggest thing for the state this week was that the members of the national guard came home. (red bull) unit. Welcome home guys, thanks for all you do. Minnesota will strive with strength, wiliness to move forward.

Governor Pawlenty thanked all the elected officials saying it is tough on there family's.

11:13am. An interesting note about the State of the State address. Six of the eight address by Governor Pawlenty we have had a budget short falls.

11:12am. Governor Pawlenty being announced to the legislator and guest. Pawlenty has been Governor for 8 years.

11:08am. Governor Pawlenty is expected to talk about problems facing the State. How he thinks things should be solved.

11:05 Governor Pawlenty has not yet started his speech. The guest have just been announced and Pawlenty is expected soon.

Governor Pawlety to deliver State of the State.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is delving his final state of the State this morning we will have more this afternoon. We will break down what he said. I am also hoping to get a response from Representative Roger Reinert. I am not sure if he will be able to do it but I have a request in to him.

Pawlenty elected to not run for another term. Many are speculating with good cause that he will run for President or Vice President in 2012.

More later this afternoon.

John Murtha dies at the age of 77.

John Murtha has passed away at the age of 77. Murtha died from complications from surgery. He was an outspoken critic on the war in Iraq. Murtha represented Pennsylvania.

On the move.

Talk of the town will not end. It will move stations. Talk of the town will end a 2 year run on ESPN radio. The show will move to Kool 101.7 fm. It will also change days and time. It will air Saturday mornings from 7am to 8am on the FM station.

Keeping with the sports theme.

Sunday is the super bowl. It also is the super bowl bakers doubles tournament at Country Lanes North. They are located behind Kmart up by the mall.

I will be taking part in this tournament if you want to come up and watch some great bowling feel free. The tournament starts at 10 am and will go most of the day. Stay and watch the big game as well.

Barron not able to win third straight Beargrease.

Nathan Schroeder is the winner of this years John Beargrease sled dog race. Two time defending champion Jason Barron is expected to finish in second place this year.

Nathan Schroeder crossed the finish line at 10:04 am. He was on the trail for just over 40 hours ( 40 hours 4 minutes and 25 seconds). His average travel speed was 9.3 MPH. Barron was second all along the last leg of the race. He is expected to finish soon.

Nathan Schroeder is from Chisholm Minnesota and this is his first win.

Congratulations to Nathan for the big win.

Beargrease update.

The race is its final leg. The winner is expected to be in with the next half hour to hour at Billy's bar. Mushers will come in all day long so if you get a chance go up and welcome them in. They have been on the North woods trails sense Sunday and a big crowd is always nice for the mushers.

The leader out of the final checkpoint was Nathan Schroeder followed by Jason Barron. Barron was two hours behind Schroeder. It looks like there will not be a three peat champion this year.

Workers agree to contract--- but not happy.

The workers represented by the united steelworkers agreed to a contract in a vote held yesterday. Many of them are not happy with the contract but did not or could not afford a strike.

The contract is much like the previous two that SMDC offered. No raise over the next two years. They will talk about the third year. Not only that the bonus for being at the SMDC for so many are going no longer going to offered by SMDC. SMDC also won on the out sourcing of jobs.

Many workers are not happy with the negating team. You may see some changes coming next election vote. They have talked about it for years this maybe the time for change.

I will have more later.

John Beargrease update.

the mid distance race is complete. There may still be some coming today however most are in now. The winner Don Gallaway was the winner of that race

Big news on full race is John Barron has dropped out of the race. Barron a two time champion 1999 and 2000 dropped out of the race this morning because of an stomach illness. John was racing with his son Jason who is looking to repeat and win his third straight beargrease. No on has done that as of yet.

More later.

John Beargrease sled dog race.

With everythink going on over the last couple of weeks I did not get a chance to mention that it is the beargrease. This year is the 27th running of the event. It is a great winter event to head out and watch the kick off.

This years starting point is different because of the construction at ordean school. The race will start at Lake Park Soccer fields of the Jean Duluth road. They have a map at www. beargrease.com.

This years field is one of the deepest ever. There are four returning champions. Including the defending champion, Jason Barron, his father John Barron, Jamie Nelson (a three time champion) and Mark Black are the returning champions. It also features some up and coming races.

The event starts at noon with meet the mushers and the race is at 1pm. Come out and enjoy the start of the race. You can get updates on the beargreas's site. I will post updates of the race as it goes on as well. The race is expecting to run till the February 3rd as it runs threw the North woods and back to Duluth as it finishes at Billy's bar.

picture blog.

Well I was out an about today I thought I would stop at a bus shelter and take a couple of pictures. I send the DTA an email asking there thought on the passed ordinance. I hope to get something back soon.

Ones show the signs that have been in the bus shelters for many years regarding smoking and how far 15 feet is from a shelter.

Holy Cow!!!

Okay so I know these days it does not take that long to update a website. That said the Duluth News Tribune has a new look and it happened in a matter of hours or less. Well I don't remember the last time I went there today before just now. It was not any longer then 2 hours.

I think I like the new look. What are your thoughts on the new look for the online DNT?

Talk of the Town coming to an end?

I believe talk of the town with Tracy Lundeen will be coming to an end. On January 17th Tracy posted a question a on his face book fan page. The question was should I keep doing the ( the radio show)?

When asked if his show is coming to an end, his reply was he will be making an announcement next week.

My guess is that the show will end. If that is the case it is to bad. Tracy has a good show that focus on local business, politicians, and other local stories. The other thing he could do is go to every every other week but again my guess is the show will be ending.

Thanks for the show well you where able to do it Tracy if this is the end.

Still searching.

The search continues for Slyvester "sly" McCurry. He went missing almost two weeks ago. When he left a Superior nigh club by him self. He has not been seen or heard from sense then.

The family was to meet with police today to talk about the next step. The family also is reporting they have received death threats against them. They reported this on a face book page set up to help find Sylvester. It is my hope they report this to the police. It could be a clue in the case and if not it is against the law and it needs to stop.

I know that this site has devoted a lot of time to this case but it is some thing that does not happen here offend. No I don't know Slyvester at all nor do I know any of his family or friends but is the this blog can at all help bring him home then I am happy.

It is my hope he is found safe and sound and returns home soon.

Sports a top priority?

I was reading an article this morning on the Duluth News Tribune web site. The story was about the Minnesota Twins caravan that stopped in Duluth last night. The story made it seem like there where still people real ling from the Minnesota Vikings lose on Sunday.

It made me wonder in today's world where there is so much going on, on so many different levels. Is sports really a top priority to people. Now I love sports and am a huge fan of baseball, football and college hockey. As far as more recreational sports go I love bowling. The PBA and local bowling tournaments are a must for me.

I guess my thought is if you are still in disbelieve from a game that took place days ago then you need to get your priority's straight. Our City, State, and Nation have much bigger issues then what a sports team is doing or not doing. I understand that sports is an out let to get a way from the real world, but lets not try to make it the real world.

Gatorades: New flavors.

Gatorade has announced they will produce two new flavors. They will be exclusive to Minnesota.

The first one will be a sour grape it will be called Purple choke. The second will be a light gold color. It will be a mix of white grape and lemon lime. This one will be called baby Favre .

No smoking near bus stops.

The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance last night, that does not allow smoking with in 15 feet of a bus stop. It passed by a 7-2 vote. Duluth is the first city in Minnesota to pass such an ordinance. There is a state law that does not allow smoking in a bus shelter.

The State law is no enforced and I don't see this one being enforced either. It is hard to enforce unless a cop is right there. What happens some one calls the cops there is some one smoking with 15 feet of a bus stop. By the time a cop gets there they are done with there cigarette and nothing can be done. It is an ordinance if easily enforced I would have been okay with. I don't see this serving any good.

It will not prevent people from smoking in or around a bus stop. I have seem plenty of people smoke in the shelters and downtown at the transit center.

I agree with councilor Jay Fosle this is going to difficult to enforce. It is going to be another wasted law on the books.


Todd Fedora and Jay Fosle where the two no votes.

Favre hater.

Any one that has followed this blog and or knows me, knows I am no Favre fan. I was mad as hell when the vikings signed him. I swore to not watch them all year, which I did with exception of two games. The play-off games. I watch cheering for Dallas and New Orleans.

I watched the Dallas game only because Dallas is one of the four other teams I enjoy watching when I get a chance to. If the vikings would have played any one else I would not have watched. I watched the New Orleans game because I thought it would be a good one, and it was.

Back to why I hate Favre. The number one reason is because he is a Green Bay Packer. He of course played for them for many years and is a big rival of the vikings. I don't understand how a team that plays against a team like Green bay and developed in to one of the NFL's biggest rivalry could go and get there quarter back.

Well many people say Favre is a sure hall of famer I wonder why? Yes he is very good. That said he made just as many stupid plays as he did good ones over his long career. You saw it at the end of the game Sunday.

I am okay with the pass play after the team got a five yard penalty after 12 men in the huddle. The problem is he roiled right and threw across his body to the center to center left of the field. A pass that will be picked off all the time. You can't get enough on the ball. More then that he had a receiver wide open on the right side line at the 20 yard line. He also could have ran to the 30 yard line. At best toss the ball and try the long field goal. He has been in the league far to long to make that mistake and he does it time in and time out in big games.

He makes poor decision just as much as good ones. That is why he is number one in interceptions in the NFL.

Now the talk will go on if he should/will retire or not. I hope he does so I can watch my team again.

More then one reason to hate Favre.

I have a number of reasons I don't like Favre you saw one last night. I will have more later. Most likely tomorrow possible tonight.

One week.

Today marks one week sense Sylvester "Sly" McCurry disappearance. He has not been seen or heard from sense late last Sunday. He and a friend went to a club in Superior. McCurry left the club by him self around 11pm.

The search continues by both family and friends and the police departments of Duluth and Superior. The search has included knocking on doors, searching along rail roads, fields, and woods of Superior's north end.

There is still no leads of any kind to what may have happened to McCurry. The police are ruling nothing out. Family member and the community remain hopeful for his safe return.

If you have any information please call 911. There is also a reward being offered by the family leading to information that leads to McCurry.

This blog will continue to give updates until he is found. I hope safely.

NFL "live" updates here.

Note I will not have updates today. Plans for us have changed and Iam un able to do them.


I will have live updates of today's vikings game, yes that means I will watch it. I may also blog the jets and colts game not sure.

If you are a fan of Duluth Politics on face book I will have short updates there as well. The longer more in depth post will be here. Tune and and chat about the game(s).

Bulldogs and more.

Last night the UMD bulldogs had the first of two games against Bermidji. It is a home and home series, last nights game up there tonight's game at the DECC.

UMD lost 4-1 to a much improved beaver team. Lets hope for a better result at home tonight. Game time is 7 pm.

Speaking of hockey today is hockey day Minnesota. This is the fourth year that the event has gone on. It features three games out side. This years events takes place in Hermantown, just up the road from Duluth Minnesota.

All three high school games will be on state wide television (fox sports north). The games start at 10:30 with two boys games and a girls game is the last of the day. Head up to hermantown and support all the teams that take part in hockey day Minnesota.

Now on to football this weekend. With all of Minnesota's injuries it will be difficult for them to win, much less even be competitive. The only hope I see for them at this point is Brett Favre. As you all know I am fan of his. I see a saints win 31-10. I hope the jets can beat the colts but it will be difficult for them to do that. That said I will go with a jets win 21-17.

Door to Door campaign.

A door to door campaign has started. It is just another effort to find the missing Duluth teen. Sylvester McCurry has been missing sense Sunday.

Friends and family knocked of doors of homes in Superior the effort will continue.

Superior Police say no evidence of foul play.

*******UPDATE****** Well the police found no evidence yesterday of foul play, they still are not ruling any thing out.

At this point there is no sign of foul play. That is what the Superior police are saying after a search today.

Slyvester "sly" McCurry the 18 year old teen left Stargate night club Sunday night around 11pm. He has not been seen our heard from sense then.

The search today focused on the north side of Superior along railroad tracks, woods and fields. There was no sign of him or any sign of foul play this point.

Lets hope he is a live and well.

SMDC and Steelworkers union reach a tentive agrement.

It seems as if the picket will not happen. At least to this point it has been called off. This is because the the union and SMDC have reached a tentative agreement.



The agreement was reached late Wednesday night. The union members will vote on the contract February 1st.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Please if you have any information regarding the missing Duluth teen call 911. Sylvester McCurry went missing Sunday. He left a Superior night club by him self late that night.

Missing person.

Duluth Police are searching for a missing person. The kid left Stargate night club Sunday night by him self about 11pm.


Sylvester "sly" McCurry disappeared Sunday night he has not been seen or heard from sense then. The last contact he had with any one was 10:45 with a good friend at the club.

There police currently have no good leads.

If you have any information please call 911.

A full story can be found on the Duluth News Tribune web site. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/

KDAL's line up change.

The once great AM 610 KDAL is again changing there line up. The station use to have mostly local talk. The last couple of years the local talk has been less and less. Now with the line up change the only live and local program is the morning show from 6-10am. The 9 to 10 am is a contention of the morning show. It is an all news hour with Dave Walter and Dave Stranderg, from 9 to 10 am.

The only other local program KDAL had left is now being eliminated. The 1 to 2pm hour use to be a local business show, but that will now go away. It is being replaced by Clark Howard.

When will local radio get it? We want local talk.

SMDC and union back at the table.

Saint Mary's/Duluth Clinic and the Steelworkers union are back in talks. When it looked like SMDC was set to not go back to the table for some time.

The two groups are trying to work out a deal that would stop the informational picket that is set to start in five days. The union gave the notice to SMDC that they would conduct the picket and set the date of the 25th to start.

Today the two groups got back to negations with a mediator. This is good for both sides I think. It is best to talk about the issues facing you. If one group choices not to take part it just breaks down in to a bad saturation for both sides.

Correction.

A correction to a story below. The Steelworkers union will have an informational picket not a strike starting the 25th.

Employees are encouraged to still go to work. They are asked to join the picket on days off or when able too. They hope by the union is to bring SMDC to the table with a reasonable offer.

Note to anonymous poster your comment did not get posted. It is clear you don't fully understand the issue not me. Besides when you talk about an issue like this if you don't use your name then I will not post it. Just the way it will be.

MLK Day.

Yesterday was Martin Luther Kings Jr. birthday. A day that this country celebrates because of his work to help provide equal rights to all. King help shape the movement of equal rights, peace and justice.



Duluth has a march and rally every year. This year they was about 500 people who marched from the Washington Center to the DECC. Where the rally took place.



Well this year I thought the crowd done a lot, there is normally a lot more who take part in the march. At least it seems to me, last year there was a huge crowd and in years past I remember much larger crowds. The media is reporting there was about 500 people if that is true it did not seem like that many. Again even if there was that many it seems to have been down to me.



The event was strange to me this year. The program at the DECC was not well attend if there was 500 people in the march most did not go to the rally. It is normally the other way around people wait for the march at the DECC.



The part of the rally that stuck out to me was a part that UMD did. A person by the name of Dan did a piece where he said the police send out crime report about a break in at CSS. The report said the suspected was a black male about 5' 9". He said he fit that description. Making it sound the way they do reports is wrong.

Yet if you think about it they always describe a person of interest that way. They have to it is the best way to relate info about the person. They always use ethnic or color skin to describe the person. It does not matter if you are white, black, or Native American.

Norm Coleman: Not this time.

Former Mayor (St. Paul) and U.S. Senator Norm Coleman will not run for Minnesota Governor this go around.

Norm Coleman used Face book to issue a statement saying he would not run for Governor. He loves the State and public service. He said now is not the time for him and his family.

More later.

Steelworkers give SMDC notice.

Saint Mary's Duluth Clinic and it's largest union have been unable to reach a contract agreement. Therefor the union has given SMDC it's 10 day notice that they will strike.

Steelworkers local 9460 is set to strike on Monday January 25th. The strike would effect 1,400 workers and main departments with in SMDC.

The unfortunate thing is well unions are suppose to stick together and support each other that does not seem like it will happen in this case. Many of the other union workers (that work under different unions). have a no strike cause in the there contract. This in part allowing them to still work well another union is on strike. Many of those workers have said they will continue to work for SMDC.

The good think is that a lot of the hospitals patients are also union workers and they will not cross the picket line at least a large group of citizens have already said so. The union also has a large backing of non union employees across the city.

Should there be a strike in 10 days you can beat the employees will have a lot of support from this community.

The dispute is over out sourcing jobs and a hiring freeze. Well SMDC has given pay increase to none union employees and it's top people they are set on not allowing an increase to the Steelworkers for some reason.

SMDC says they are ready for a strike if they don't reach an agreement in the next 10 days.

Is any one else having trouble.

What good is it to have the paper on line if you can't read it? I have had trouble the last couple of days. I don't know why, I have went to sign in and when I do I get a big long error message.

Is any one else having trouble?

The Police department is hiring who/what?

Last night the council accepted a donation to the Duluth Police Department. The money is going to the K-9 unit. The money will be used for the expansion and up keep of the unit.

The Duluth Police Department plans on hiring 2 new dogs. Wait what, Hire? I did not know that they paid dogs. How much does a dog make these days? I found it odd this morning well listening to the radio and a Northland News report on B-105. The story was phased that way.

I know the dogs play a huge roll in the police department and I am glad we have them. Also glad the department received this money, so they can use it to replace dogs lost last year to retirement.

I just thought the word hire was an interesting way to put it.

Does Mayor Ness run you out?

Does Mayor Don Ness run you out of your job is he does not like you? You could ask any number of people. Byran Brown, Genie Stark, Mark Winson, and more.

Lets start with Mark Winson and the position of Chief Administrator. Winson came back to be the C.O.A. and left after about two month of being back on the job. Winson said that working for the city just was not same and he was going to return to LSC.
To many there was othere issues behind him leaving you heard speculation that he and the Mayor did not get a long. Few answears where given by either Winson or the Mayor making it more suspicious. Yet no one could find any thing out. Also out of COA has been Lisa Potswald, John Ashcraft. Ashcraft was for sure run out by the Mayor. Potswald still works for the city but in a smaller capacity.

Genie Stark was clearing ran out of the city. She worked for 33 years as finance director. She was placed on leave under Mayor Ness in October of 2008. Yet when asked why she never got any answers, city councilors where also concern about the way the Mayor was conducting things. It seems like if you are being investigated at some point you should know for what. That was never the case. Stark retired quietly, but her reputation is at ruined. Yet the Mayor will not give any specifics.

Long time City Attorney Bryan Brown retired before Ness took office this after he was told he would be welcomed under his administration.

If you work for the city don't get on the Mayor's bad side or he will run you out.

Huskies,Bulldogs,birds,cowboys.

It's an all sports post. This weekend was a huge weekend for sports on both the local and pro world.

First lets talk hockey. It was a great for our local college teams. The U.M.D. Bulldogs took on the number 3 ranked team in the country at the DECC. Well the bulldogs are ranked in the top 20 them selves at number 12.

It was #3 Colorado College against #12Bulldogs. The dogs where able to stifle the tigers and take both games. They allowed just 2 goals in a two game series. The bulldogs on the weekend only allowed three goals and 38 shots in two games. The dogs walked away with a 5-2 win on Friday and 4-1 win on Saturday. They allowed just 19 shots both nights to a high powered offence in Colorado.

Well the other college in town St. Scholastic is doing well them self's. They play D3 hockey and started there second half off ranked 5th in the country. They had two games also this weekend. There result was the same as U.M.D. a sweep. Two more wins for the program.

In D3 hockey you don't play the same team two nights in a row like you do in D1. The Saints had two different opponents Friday they took on Hamline a tough team. They where ranked 7th in the country but the saints took it to them beating 4-0
The second night they traveled Bethel and took yet another win to complete there sweep. The saints beat bethel 5-1 but remain ranked 5th in the country after the weekend. The bulldogs have jumped up 6 spots and are now ranked 6th in country.

Now on to the NFL playoffs this last weekend. It was a wild card weekend. I must say I was right about the out come on 3 of the four games. The only one I got wrong was the Patriots game. I just thought it is the playoffs there time to shine. Well that was not true they looked horrible in there game.

The N.Y. Jets defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-14. Boy the Bengals looked good for most of the year but after the lose to the Minnesota Vikings they struggled after that. The Bengals had a great and look for a good year next year as well. The only other news note for this game is that the Jets won with a rookie quarter back.

The second game was of the weekend was Dallas and Philadelphia. For the second straight weekend the cowboys made the Eagles look foolish. This time walking away with a 34-14 win. The cowboys and Eagles in one of the biggest rivals in the the NFL. The two teams don't like each other. The Cowboys where able to get back at the Eagles this year. Last year the cowboys lost there last regular season game to the eagles keeping them out of the the playoffs. This year they win the last regular season and the playoff game the following week. How great it must be for Dallas.

Dallas will come to Minnesota next week to take on the Vikings. I would not want to play the cowboys at this point. They are coming off to huge wins, where they looked great. Romo has the boys playing at the top of there game right now. That said however I give the vikes the slight edge only because they are at home. They have yet to lose at home. I think this game will be tight. It could also be very high scoring it the defences decide not to show up. Both teams can put up huge numbers. The score Vikes 27-21. There is a great possibility it is a higher scoring game then that.

The Ravens made the Patriots look silly with a big win 33-14. They came just a wild game. The Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals. A game I would love to comment on but I can't much because I went to take a nap at the half. The cards where up 27-7 and I thought game over. Nope it was a wild second half I guess. The game went in to over time and the Cardinals won 51-45.

BREAKING NEWS----- The Duluth Airport Evacuated.

The Duluth News Tribune is reporting that the airport has been evacuated. There is a report of an unoccupied bag. The airport is not closed and flights will still come and go for now. There however is not another flight for an hour.

The bag is being investigate now to determine what is in it.

Stay tuned, the Duluth News Tribune will report more and if I find any thing further out I will pass it a long as well. You can read the whole story at www.duluthnewstribune.com

Union rejects worthless offer by SMDC.

The largest union at St.Mary's/ Duluth Clinic has rejected the last best offer that they will make. What was this great offer by SMDC? Wages frozen and out sourcing of jobs.

The United Steel Workers soundly rejected the offer made by SMDC. It was same contract that the union had voted on a month or so ago. This time SMDC is claiming it is there last offer. They workers also voted to strike if necessary.

Many people pit me as anti union I am not. Sure I don't agree with everything about a union. Yes a speak out against them when I find them in the wrong, I however support them when they are in the right. As I do any group.

This time the union and the workers at SMDC where fully in the right. SMDC should be grateful to have such great workers. Yet they don't show it. When a contract comes up they offer nothing. Yet the heads of SMDC who make well over a million dollars give them self's a 19% wage increase and for what? Sitting in there nice office doing nothing. Well the workers are helping the people.

If a strike happens I will be more then willing to stand it picket with them. Please be aware that your Health WILL be at RISK if there is a STRIKE. You will not receive top medical help like you are use to at SMDC.

Clean up.

I have updates my links and other items on the side bar. I have deleted some sites and added some new ones.

The ones I have deleted for the most part where no longer active. I will add new ones I find interesting sites. If you know of any I may be interested in let me know.

4th street market.

The day has come. The 4th street market is once again open. I believe it opened yesterday. That is when I noticed it any way.

State of the City.

The State of the City was last night. It took place at the DECC as Mayor Don Ness delivered his third State of the City. There was a good crowd by all reports. The crowd seemed up beat and looked forward to the the Mayor's speech.

As speculation was the message was going to be more up beat after last years some what pointed and not so positive message. Last year's message was all items that needed to be brought to the citizens attion however.

Every speech has a title or theme. This years was setting the foundation. Yes I will say it, other will not. Setting the foundation for what? Gee let's see his re-election. This is his final year of his first term. This after he served two terms as a city councilor.

Mayor Ness focused on the good the city has to offer, he also talked about economic development and talked about success stories. Which on of the first things was a new animal shelter. What? The animal shelter a success story sure it is great and it will help them a lot but a success of what? It's an animal shelter.

As he talked about development it seems like he will focus on local business. It almost seems like he will not search to bring in new business for a while. A bad move if you ask. Yes I agree 100% with focusing on business already and helping them however you need to continue to grow business.

More later.

My State of the city report will come later.

This years address was the first one I completely missed in a number of years. I was unable to go to it this year but was hoping to watch it. That did not happen either, I did however have some one go to it for me. They reported back to me and also I have the paper and there story along with some other feed back from people that send me emails.

Change at Fox 21 News?

The quick easy answer yes. Today fox 21 fired there news director Julie Moravchick. Will this lead to more changes to come? Moravchick has over seen the news cast and news department sense 2006. They started there news cast in 2007. She build and hired everyone on the news side at fox 21.

Fox 21 came on the air a blaze. They where hot early. I am okay with the decision by management. Lets hope they get real news going again.

The other person I would be okay with leaving the station is there top news caster. He is an arrogant person that thinks his shit don't stink. Guess what Nick it does just like everyone else's.

I hope the station starts to turn around and get back on track.

State of the City.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness will deliver his third State of the City address tonight at the DECC. Mayor Ness said he hopes this year's message is more upbeat this year then last.

Many people thought last years message was negative, well many others thought he said what needed to be said about what kind of shape the city is in. Well his first speech three years ago was more of cheer leading expedition. Again last year some thought he said what was needed to be said, I however though he kind of beat around the bush. He seemed to touch on issues but not dive in to them.

This year he will be setting up for his re-election. I look for a lot of fluff in this years speech. We will have to wait and see. What are your thoughts? What should his message be?

The speech is again tonight at the DECC it starts at 6:30.

Note: This will be the first State of the City that I will miss going to in a long time. I will however have a report about it tomorrow. I have some one going in my place plus I will be able to listen to just not be there is person. It's a little thing called work that is preventing me from going this year.

Bag's.... yep that's right bags.

Yes this blog post is going to be about bags. Mainly because this is something I never saw my wife and I doing and now it makes more sense then ever.

Okay so for the last number years now place have sold the re-usable bags. It did not matter where you went Wal-mart, cub foods ect... they all have been selling them. Most the time for
$1.oo or less.

My wife and I have fought getting them for ever, we both thought for dump just use the paper or plastic bags, if you really want to you can recycle those. We like many others I am sure have hundred's of plastic and paper bags sitting in our back hall. We don't know what to do with them? Well we use the paper ones for our recycling bin the plastic ones we don't have much use for. We do use them in our small garbage can upstairs however as I said before we have hundred's of them.

Last week we bought our first reusable bag and sense that have bought like 6 more of them. We now are going to use them in stead of plastic or paper. We are using them because they are convent and easy to carry most the time better then paper. Plastic rips to easy.

Well many people have already made the change we have just started. We made it as a way to not keep accumulating bags not so much because other reason's.

Op-ed piece.

Note: Tony from Duluth Citizen link below has provided the link to the DNT story in the comments here. If you care to read the op-ed and see what we are talking about. He also provide a link to another blog and that writers response to it.


A few days ago there was an op-ed about abortion. The writer was some one from the range and he wrote about how most Democrats lie about the issue. You can go to the Duluth News Tribune site and find it or there is a link to the story at http://www.duluthcitizens.com/ .

Now what I found interesting is to me the writer was very vague and pointed to no real evidence to support his point.

My thought on abortion is private. Yes I have my thoughts on the issue. That said I don't believe that abortion should be a political issue, it is a private matter if you ask me.

The other thing about the writer is he seems to be a single issue voter again something I don't like. When you look at a candidate you need to listen to everything they say and pay attion to what they do. No matter what they are under.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! As of right now I have no special plans for tonight. How about you what are your plans for the big evening?

As we say so long to this year and the start of a new decade lets look back at some of the big stories for the year and the decade.

The big story has to be the 9/11 attack and the war that came after the attack. The war is still on going in both Iraq and Afghanistan. There seems to be little end in site. The attack and war started under past President George W. Bush. President Bush was the 43rd of this country and served two terms 2001-2009. He was the second President with the name Bush. His Father George H.W. Bush also served as Vice President and President of the United States.

Now as we move in to 2010 the current President Barack Obama is faced with running the war. A war he campaigned to be against. Yet now he is supporting the war by sending more troops. He has upset many of his supporters.

That is about the biggest national story.


The Other story big story of intestrest has to be the election of Barack Obama. Some one I did not support and his numbers have fallen faster then any Presidents. Yes even faster then President Bush's. Obama and the media are claiming he is the first black President elected. He is not he is the first Muslim elected President.

Local story's include a year that is seeing three city councilors not run for re-election, the most I can remember in some time. The three that elected not to run again, Gary Kruase, Gary Eckonburg ( who was appointed after Rienhart won another seat), Greg Gilbert.

Gilbert also is leaving the council after serving 12 years (3 terms). He lost two bids to become Mayor in that same time frame. Gilbert was a councilor that was always endorsed by the AFL-CIO.

Speaking of the council this years election was a heated one. It saw in the final four two men and two women looking to fill two seats. In the end both of the men where elected to the council Dan Hartman and Jim Stauber who will be serving his third term. The at-large was heated because of a number of issues that came up. Beth Olson on of the candidates had her background looked in to. It found that she was arrested at the visit of President Bush. She also is part of the gay community that was an issue for some people. That included local talk show host. The issue did not matter to me.

The other women Becky Hall how has ran a couple of other times and ran good campaign ran a poor one this year. Hall was the big conservative in the race and she finished fourth in both the primary and the general election. I don't believe her problem was her politics for the most but how she ran the campaign. Some also thing a web site hurt her. The web site Duluth Citizens Blog, http://www.duluthcitizensblog.com/ .

Another story was the election Mayor Don Ness who used to serve as Jim Oberstars right hand man here in Duluth. Ness is a young man who most consider the front runner for Oberstar's seat when he decided to retire. I only consider this to be true if Oberstar retires in the next couple of years.

This blog Duluth Politics has 1,233 post to date sense it started in 2005. The biggest year of post came back in 2006 when I had 404 post this year we are getting close to 330post. Next year I am hoping to post a lot too.

As I have said many times I am very proud of this blog and how many readers it has. I wish more people would take part in posting but blogs are much like radio talk shows. Only a small number of people post. On that note if there is something you would like me to talk about here send me an email duluthneedshelp@yahoo.com . I have a couple of ideas for early next year.

This year saw a lot of post about Mayor Ness, the Duluth City Council, unions and more here on the DP.

I look forward to next year and again Happy New Year!

Councilor Greg Gilbert.

Last night the AFL-CIO said good bye to thee favorite city councilor Greg Gilbert. The AFL-CIO was the primary host of the good bye party to councilor Gilbert who will have served three terms (12 years) at the completion of this year.

Well I did not agree with Gilbert much of the time, I want to say thank you for your service. Councilor Gilbert did what he though was right for the city. If you agreed with him or not you always knew where he stood.

Joining him as councilors that are retiring (did not run for re-election). Gary Krause and Gary Eckonberg.

Vike Queens do it again.

The Minnesota Vike Queens have do it again. They have lost 3 out of the last four games. The three loses have all came during prime time games, they also have all came against very poor teams. This time they lost to the hope less bears in over time. The vike queens had but them self's in a hole at half being down 16-0. They came back and tied it, they headed to overtime tied at 30. Only to lose off an Andiron Peterson fumble.

The vike queens are lead by the number one teamvestite Brett Favre. Favre played the victim in Green Bay when he was not. He had turned in to a cry baby and the team was ready to move on. He then retired and came back and played just one year playing for the Jets. He stared hot there and then fizzled and the team did not even make the playoffs. He then retired again to only return again this year as a vike queen. The team started off hot and is in the playoffs but is playing bad at the wrong time.

The team had controlled it's own destiny now they don't. They could have still possible got the number one seed in the playoffs with a win, at least they would have locked up the number two seed. With the lose they could drop all the way to the number four seed in the playoffs, they could also still be the number two seed but would need to win next week and have the Philadelphia lose to the cowboys. I think Dallas will win but the vike queens will lose next week to the giants. This possible dropping them all the way to the number four seed.

Christmas wrap.

Christmas was great fun at our house. I hope you all had a good one as well. The kids enjoyed then self's. We have two kids one 4 years old and one 18 month.

Santa was cool this year when we came down stairs by the tree was candy canes and packs of cookies spread out all over the floor. Then came present opening, both kids got a bike from Santa. They will be able to ride them this summer together. They both got very nice toys from both sides of the family.

Christmas eve we where at my wife's dads house and Christmas day we hiked up to my parents house. As we live close and the snow was gong to prevent us from driving to works. The kids jumped in the sled and we pushed them up the hill to my parents. They had a great time with that.

Duluth Police say park on the right side of the street or get towed.

After the 5th largest winter storm the Duluth Police have a message for everyone. Park in the right side (odd) street or get towed to them it is that simple. There seems to be on little thing they are forgetting.

Most places have no where to park on the odd side. Most streets still remain with little to no parking available on them because of the storm.

Christmas Eve day.

Today I woke up and we had snow on the ground. That was a very nice site to see. We have about four inches of new snow. Up to today we had very little. It makes it so beautiful out side. It will also help Santa get around tonight.

Santa will visit kids all around the world tonight. He will make little boys and girls dream come true with presents and the magic he shares with everyone. It is truly a wonderful time of year no matter your age.

I hope you all have a very enjoyable Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Duluth Politics.

There has been a lot going on however. Also Random thoughts.

There has been a number of things happening the last couple of days. That said however they are not good news and at this time of year I am not going to report on the bad. I am looking for good positive stories at this time of year.

We are just a couple of days out from Christmas and still little snow is on the ground. They say we may get up to 6 inches Christmas Eve and Day but also are now saying it may stay farther south so who knows.

I love how 6inches over two days is now a storm it never use to be but at any rate it is what it is I guess.

An update on the 4th street market, they will now open in January as the construction has taken longer then thought. I can't wait for them to open. Best wishes to the Potters on there new store.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

4th street market set to open.

4th street market will again be open. It is set to open just days before Christmas. There grand opening will be December 21st.

Funny and uh-0oh stuff.

Dam it that is where my pet goat went!!!! The Superior water treatment center has a goat on it's property yes a goat. The goat has been on the lose in Superior sense Sunday night. There are people from animal control and Dan's feed bin on site to try to catch the goat.

The goat has a broken rope around it's neck and the best guess is it came from a farm just out side of Superior.

The Miller Hill Mall closes. A water main brake near the Miller Hill Mall has forced the closer of the mall. The water main broke this morning. The break took place on the Decker road and it the water was turned off to the area.

The water has been restored to the mall now, it was mid afternoon before it was turned back on to the mall. Some stores will open today again at 4 pm, it is not clear if all the mall will open or if just some stores will.

The closer came with just 11 shopping days left till Christmas.

What is the rail car doing? Duluthians bitch about nothing again. Some people have complained about rail cars blocking the view of the lake on I35.

People need to get over them self's. You are not guaranteed a view of the lake ever. That said yes I want to see it and yes I don't want to lose places to see the laked, however this site is being used for a purpose to the trains and it is not pruminet. The trains are there because it is a turn around and the site they sit at when not in use to head to Bentlyville.

The trains will be stored else where after December 23rd when the trains stop running to the light display.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Still here.

Hi everyone sorry for no post as of late. I am still here and doing well as I hope everyone is this Christmas season. With the season comes many events and family things going on, I will post as I can. The posting may be light till the new year but check bad offend and as I will do my best to post.

There also has not been a lot going on. A couple of things came up last week but I choice not to comment on them as they were pretty out there. You had two councilors whining about various things. Gary Krause cried like a little baby about Bentlyvil and being on there "naughty list". There was one other councilor on that list Jim Stauber. The reason they both voted against funding the light display at Bayfront.

Councilor Gardner once again whined about her sister city issue.

President Obama's Christmas wish list.

President Obama released his Christmas list today. It was a simple request. The wish list had just one thing on it.

President Obama's Christmas wish list, His poll numbers improve.

His Christmas reality his numbers will continue to decline.

Random post.

Just some things to mention here in this post.

Winter weather may finally be on the way to the northland. Most weather reports have up to six inches possible Tuesday night in to Wednesday. This would be great let's hope so. Then I take the kids out sledding and stuff. Plus we will then have a white Christmas.

The vikings sucks last night, sure glad they put on prime time. They played so well NOT!!!
Dallas took a hart breaking lose yesterday to the NY Giants I hate the Giants.

The 4th street market is set to open soon. Well I heard the 9th is no longer the date it seems as if it may be. Potter has it as the Grand opening on his facebook page yet then says they hope to be open by Christmas. Either way I can't wait for them to open.

It is hard to keep on schedule when you are opening almost a brand new store as they with all the remodeling they are doing. I will keep you updated on the open date.

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin deer hunting season saw a big decrease in the harvest.

There where fewer deer shot in the gun hunting season's for both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wisconsin which only has a 9 day hunting season saw a 50% decrease from last year. Minnesota was also down from last year.

Many hunters say it is because of wolves but is it? The Wolf population is back on the rise as many know. However there numbers are still low and I don't think they play a significant role in the fewer deer being taken during the season's. There are a number of issues as to why the season was down in both states.

One has to be the weather it is hard to track deer with out snow it is also much harder to see them in the woods with out snow, they blend in better. The other major is has to fall on the DNR and the hunters.

Both the Minnesota and Wisconsin DNR gave out doe permits like they where candy, and hunters where gobbling them up. There where more doe's taken the last couple of years and it is hard to reproduce with out a female. I know the effort was to control the deer population. That said however the DNR had to take in what may happen in the other elements of a deer's life. Such as being hunted by other predators and deer killed by humans other ways, such as hit by a car. Age of deer and just plain death by natural cause. The failed to do this and it extra permits only hurt the deer population farther.

That is my take.

Shopping for Christmas watch out.

When you are going to buy things it is important to watch what you are getting. There has been an increase in illegal items being sold around the country. Knock off name brands are being sold at some stores.

As you may remember about a month ago the Duluth Police along with the Federal agency's found three Duluth stores selling counter fit items. Fred and Marks sport located at the Miller Hill Mall, also two stores downtown, New U Clothing, and Christopher's Clothing. Two of the three have gone out of business. One remains open that I know of. At least it was as of a couple of weeks ago.

All three were selling name brand clothing at unheard of prices. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency says if the price is to good to be true it more then likely is. Use good judgement and really look at the item.

A few good ways to tell if the item is not authentic is if logos are upside down, the items are looking bad such as bad sticking and strings hanging from the items. You would think these items would be easy to spot fact is they are not. Many times people are in a hurry or just don't take the time to look. Also some times you have to really look as the item may look good but the defects are on the inside of the clothing.

The illegal company's that produce these items are causing troubles for everyone. It drives up the price of the real items. It also has another effect on you the buyer. You think you are getting a great deal on a sports jersey and what you have is really only worth five dollars.

Neither the Duluth Police or the feds would say if there is other stores they are watching only that the investigation in to the three places about a month ago is on going.

Tiger Woods the #1 golfer and #1 ass?

The world's best golfer got in a car crash last Friday and is saying very little about it. He has canceled meeting with the police three times. He is saying the crash is private along with other information.

Sorry Tiger but when the police are called like they were for your crash it is no longer a private matter. You owe to the the police to meet with them to wrap up there investigation of the accident that happened at about 2:30 am. The police have already said that liquor did not play a role.

There are reports out that he has been cheating on his wife and there was an argument and Woods was leaving the house. There has also been reports that Wood's wife went after him possible causing the accident.

If we don't get the real story I hope people are upset at Woods. The way he has handled this is wrong.

BREAKING NEWS: Another drug bust in West Duluth.

There is very little information out but there is yet another drug bust in West Duluth. It just happened this morning. When more information becomes available I will have it for you here on Duluth Politics.

****UPDATE**** Two people where arrested. A search of both a house and vehicles was conducted. Again more as it becomes available.


*****UPDATE #2*******

The drug bust happened at 9am this morning in West Duluth. It seems like a much smaller scale then the other two. The house has been being watched by the police for some time. They found many bags of something, most likely marijuana

Thanks to my source on this issue I will have more if it becomes available once again.

It's December 2nd.

Well November came and went, with little snow and non that stayed. With highs in the 40's for most of the month. Now here we are December 2nd still no snow on the ground. It is going to get closer to normal temps today around 30 degrees.

There is snow in the forecast for the next couple of days but nothing that is going to stick. I hope we have some for Christmas.

Drug bust of last week

As many of you know there was a big marijuana bust last week here in Duluth. A house on 56th ave West was growing more then 200 plants.

There has sense been three arrested in the case and they have all seen there first day in court and have asked for public defenders. Two of them had jobs well one did not. The three arrested where James Lyons, James Lyons II and his girlfriend. Lyons II said he worked at Sam's club well his girlfriend worked as an adult forster care giver. The Dad did not work and lost his disability some time ago. James Lyons has an extensive criminal record mostly dealing with illegal drugs.

The drug bust more then likely came as a tip from a drug bust a few weeks earlier. This is being recorded as one of the biggest bust in Duluth history.

In some circules it has opened the talk once again on if the drug should be made legal. What are your thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you enjoy and the time with family.

SMDC contract or lack there of.

St.Mary's and the Duluth Clinic along with many of it's employees are in contract talks. Today the union workers went to vote on a contract that SMDC I am sure hopes passes. I am sure it will not.

The deal set out by SMDC was basically an extension of the current contract. No pay increase or any help to benefit packages by the hospital. The contract gives the employees little to no benefit it passed. It sounds like a clear defeat to the first offer by SMDC.

As expected Snocross will be held at a later date.

Much I like I did with Fourth Street market opening I was going to beat the DNT on the snocross announcement. I however went to bed instead after working overnight. At any rate many people knew that there was a chance the snocross would be canceled or re-scheduled do to lack of snow and warm temperatures in the Duluth area.

As temps have been in the 40's during the day and no snow it has called on the promoters to postpone snocross. Even with cooler temps and maybe some snow coming later in the week. It is just to late to hope on the snow fall and Sprite mountain may not be able to make enough in time for the event this weekend.

Snocross at Spirit mountain has been the first race of the season for a long time, it also is the first qualifying event for the winter x-games. The event traditionally takes place the weekend after the Thanksgiving holiday and draws thousands of people every year.

This years event has been moved to December 11-13th it will still take place at Sprit Mountain.