In 2025, for instance, they raised the levy by 1.85 percent but declared it a “0 percent” year for current taxpayers because new development supposedly absorbed the increase. But that’s a shell game. The levy still grew by nearly $800,000.
The Wild got their man. Kirill Kaprizov got security. But the real winners are Uncle Sam and the Minnesota Department of Revenue. They’re the only ones guaranteed to cash in.
A new fall festival will debut on Duluth’s waterfront this weekend, featuring local vendors, food, live animals and autumn-themed activities. The inaugural Gourd Days, organized by Duluth Loves Local and Wonderfully Made in partnership with the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, will run Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.
Since 2008, Duluth Public Schools has paid more than $300 million toward Red Plan debt service, with $175 million remaining. By the time the bonds are gone, Duluth will have spent half a billion dollars servicing a plan that shrank the district, buried its budget, and doubled property taxes.
“In a single day, students can access resources, build skills, and make connections that support their success throughout their entire college journey and career.” -- Nicola Scott
Debt service alone — bond redemptions and permanent improvements — is north of $65 million a year. Legacy pension obligations for police and other retirees tack on another $10 to $15 million. That’s before you fund a single squad car or snowplow.
Duluth Schools' levy creep isn’t an accident. It’s a feature of the system, baked into Minnesota law, and the district has leaned on it harder than any of its neighbors. The taxpayers? They’re the audience at a rigged show, asked to clap politely while the board insists there’s no other way.
The DTA’s union contract, signed in 2022, runs through 2026 and requires $2.5 million a year in pension contributions. That wasn’t fine print. That was bold type. They knew it, signed it, and now pitch it like an act of God.
On a night packed with pageantry, history and a homecoming crowd that filled Corey Veech Field, Hermantown stumbled early and never fully recovered. Grand Rapids spoiled the celebration Friday, handing the Hawks their first loss of the season in a 34-20 Northeast Red high school football game. “It was just
Respect the game? That would mean staying home, keeping the shield where it belongs, and remembering that football is supposed to be a sport, not a traveling carnival. But the owners can’t hear you. They’re too busy counting the money.
Hermantown Events to Watch Next Week Football Hermantown visits Esko at 5 p.m. Friday. Boys Soccer The Hawks play two matches on the road: Wednesday at Duluth East, 5:30 p.m. at Ordean Stadium, and Thursday at Duluth Denfeld, 6:30 p.m. at Marv Heikkinen Field. Girls
Howie's column is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar For half a century, the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault has stood as one of the Northland’s most trusted resources for survivors of sexual violence. As the nonprofit marks its 50th anniversary this week, leaders say
The city expects test results over the weekend and will share updates when available.
And the only voices that still carry weight are the hyper-locals, the independents, the ones who refuse to let their towns go silent. That’s where the future is. That’s where the trust is. That’s where the eyeballs and ears are. And no rebrand, paywall, or quarterly reorg will ever change that.
Lake Superior College is a two-year community and technical college in Duluth, offering more than 90 programs. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Stella Maris Academy swept the top three singles matches, but Hermantown took all three doubles and a split at No. 4 singles to earn a 4-3 nonconference girls tennis victory Thursday in Hermantown. Della Seyfer won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles, Madeline Plote added a 6-3, 6-2 decision at
