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Howie

Duluth's homegrown columnist. Since 1971.

Pen-and-ink portrait of Howie Hanson

Howie Hanson

Editor & Publisher of HowieHanson.com

What I Cover

I write about power, business, sports and civic life in Duluth and across Minnesota. My columns examine the people making decisions, the organizations behind those decisions and what their choices mean for the communities they serve.

My Background

My journalism career began in 1971 at the Cloquet Pine Knot. More than five decades later, I'm still reporting and writing from Duluth. I publish HowieHanson.com, an independent site built around original columns, local reporting and Minnesota sports coverage.

My Approach

My work combines reporting, analysis and commentary. I believe in checking facts, asking direct questions and giving readers enough information to make up their own minds. My reporting and opinions are mine, and I stand behind the words I publish.

Contact Me

I welcome story ideas, questions, corrections and tips from readers. Email is the best way to reach me.

Email: GuyHowieHanson@gmail.com

Latest

Obit: John Haugland

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Haugland, born on February 14, 1943 — a true Valentine’s baby. John spent most of

Obit: Patricia McClellan

Patricia Regina McClellan, 99 years old, passed peacefully on the 15th of November 2025 of natural causes. She was born in Hibbing, MN on

Howie: Bulldogs, Max Plante blitz CC

Plante scored three goals — two on 5-on-3s and the closer into an empty net — on the exact same night he sat for five minutes on a boarding major. The kid collected a hat trick and a criminal record in the same game.

Bulldogs at CC this weekend

No. 4 Minnesota Duluth heads west this weekend for an early-season National Collegiate Hockey Conference test at altitude, opening a two-game set

Obit: Bob Fechner

Robert “Bob” Fechner, age 74, passed away on November 18, 2025. Born on April 14, 1951, to his parents Joyce Fechner Carlson and Kenneth

Obit: Linda Jeannette

On November 19, 2025, Linda Dianne Jeannette (Hoch) passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her closest family. She is survived by her

Obit: Robert Ronald Slater

Completing a life both rugged and tender, Robert Ronald Slater, 85, passed away peacefully on his Mahtowa farm Monday, November 17, 2025. He was

Minnesota adds size at receiver; Michigan bolsters secondary

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.

Howie: Monsters sign WR Jahmal Banks

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.

Obit: Lana Anderson

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.

Obit: Rolland Neal Mammenga

Rolland N. Mammenga, 91, of Hermantown, MN passed away on Monday November 17. 2025 in Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was

Howie: Monsters add elite DB, Delvon Randall

Randall played last year for the Orlando Predators in AF1 and emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive threats. He led AF1 in interceptions and became a centerpiece of the Predators’ secondary, routinely matching up with top receivers in tight coverage.

Obit: John Locker

John was a true inventor and serial entrepreneur — creative, relentless, and often years ahead of the market. In 1978, he brought the family back to Duluth and built the Courthouse Racquetball Club, which he operated until the mid-1990s.

Obit: Dale Hietala

Dale “Finn” Eugene Hietala, 88, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born in Duluth

Funding secured for new air traffic control tower

Airport officials say the project will enhance safety, improve operations and support economic growth in the region. With full funding, construction could begin as early as next year and is expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs.

Obit: Michaeleen Lucy Kraemer

A generous and giving person, Mickie had a strong Catholic faith and, together with Danny, served for many years as ushers at their church.

Obit: Virginia Kay Carlson

It was as a mother that she truly thrived, dedicating her life to raising her four children. The one thing that made Virginia prouder than anything else in this life was her grandchildren.

AF1

Arena Football One teams completed three signings and one release Monday as roster activity resumed across the league. Oregon signed defensive back Kevin Walker

Hanson, Bulldogs blitz Omaha in series opener

UMD’s offense continues to run through sophomore forward Max Plante, who still leads the NCHC with 23 points through 13 games. Plante remains second in the league with 10 goals and ranks fourth in shots with 45, giving the Bulldogs one of college hockey’s most efficient high-volume scorers.

Monsters hire DC

After retiring as a player, Jackson moved into coaching and quickly rose through the indoor ranks. He spent multiple seasons with the Salina Liberty, eventually taking over as defensive coordinator.