Howie: Don Ness set the bar for Duluth leadership
Plenty of mayors cut ribbons. Ness cut liabilities. He took on the most challenging problems and proved that authentic leadership isn’t about comfort but courage.
Don Ness
Thanks, Emily Larson, for your years of service to our region
Larson’s return to frontline service signals a continuation of her public mission. As the nonprofit sector increasingly takes on responsibilities once handled by local governments, her crossover experience may prove vital.
Quote Me, Howie: On the Timberwolves-Lakers first round series
"A disappointing draw, to be sure. I would have much preferred to see the Nuggets in the first round." -- Don Ness
Quote Me, Howie: On Denfeld returning to state in boys basketball
"Beyond the excitement of this run, Denfeld’s success has the power to unite our city and inspire future generations of young athletes across the region." -- Matt Baumgartner, president, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce
Quote Me, Howie: On the Vikings' offseason moves and non-moves
"I like a lot of it. I love the Jones resigning, love all the interior offensive line adds and the bulking up of the defensive side with Hargrave and Allen. The cornerback re-signings were good." -- Kelly Grgas Wheeler
Duluth's 2025 legislative priorites; Ness, Doty, Fanning on Lot D
"Lot D, while a difficult parcel to develop because of its location to the bay, seawall issues and contamination, is a prime site that can become a valuable asset and addition to the Canal Park/Bayfront District." -- Former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty
Republish It! Don Ness on retiree health care
"I'm proud to say, that problem has been solved. City retirees have the security knowing that the benefit will remain for the rest of their lives. Taxpayers will see a massive DECREASE in the costs of providing this benefit from this day forward." -- Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness
Quote Me, Howie: On the 'Wolves big series win against Denver
Fred Friedman – "Defeating the defending world champions on the road in game 7 is historic. Defense wins championships is more than just a slogan. The radical approach of playing with essentially two centers has worked before but rarely. The best examples were the San Antonio Spurs with Hall of
Quote Me, Howie: Don Ness, Gary Doty, Daniel Fanning on Lot D development
I invited legendary former Duluth mayors Don Ness and Gary Doty and Daniel Fanning of the Duluth Chamber to comment on the planned revitalization and redevelopment of Lot D located near Pier B in the Duluth Bayfront district. Their comments: Ness – “This sort of brownfield redevelopment requires patience and foresight.
Quote Me, Howie: On the Vikings' personnel/draft options
How should the Vikings approach the upcoming draft? Gary Doty, former Duluth mayor, businessman and Bulldogs and Duluth Central football great – "While Kirk Cousins isn’t the exciting type of quarterback that draws attention, his numbers before his injury placed him with the best in the league. Therefore, we
Quote Me, Howie: Roger Reinert on DECC finances, layoffs
"Duluth, and our region, need the DECC to succeed. It serves as a foundation for our hospitality industry, home to the DSSO Symphony and Bulldog Hockey, and an important civic gathering space." -- Duluth mayoral candidate Roger Reinert
Quote Me, Howie: On downtown housing
Ordean Foundation Executive Director Don Ness, among other community leaders, on converting the Ordean Building to workforce housing and retail – "I’m very enthusiastic about the progress being made to convert additional properties from commercial office space into housing. It addresses several concerns – housing shortage, commercial vacancy rates, and
Quote Me, Howie: Don Ness
Duluth Central Alumni Association chair Don Ness on a Trojans alumni gathering at the Depot last week: "What a beautiful event! I can’t tell you how meaningful it was to have over 200 Central Alumni across several generations gathering together to celebrate Duluth Central’s proud legacy. When
Duluth Central, Ocktoberfest, St. Louis County in the news
What promises to be the largest gathering of Duluth Central High School alumni in one location since the historic school closed will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Duluth Depot. And everyone – even those who never were Central Trojans – is invited to the free reception.
Publish It! Don Ness on Duluth's previously unfunded retiree health care liability
"Sometimes people will ask me what I am most proud of during my time as mayor. There are certainly more exciting and visible accomplishments, but this is the one I care about most." -- Former Duluth mayor Don Ness, on the city's unfunded retiree health care obligation