City begins work with CanaRx

Beginning January 7, 2008, the City of Duluth will begin working with CanaRx, the first company to develop an international prescription supply program designed for large employee groups.

CanaRx will give City employees, retirees and their dependents voluntary access to new sources for name-brand maintenance medications. “This was one of the important parts of the retiree health care task force report,” Mayor Herb Bergson said at a news conference. “The cost savings to the city could be substantial and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our employees as well. Erik Simonson of the Duluth Fire Department has worked tirelessly on this issue and a number of other health-care related issues and we all owe him a debt of thanks.”

CanaRx brings substantial savings opportunities due to deep discount pricing negotiated between most developed nations (excluding the United States) and the multi-national drug companies. CanaRx has developed programs based on voluntary individual participation in order to comply with FDA directives that allow members to obtain medications for personal use.

CanaRx has contracted with government-licensed pharmacies in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Brand-name medications, packaged by the original manufacturer, are delivered directly from these contracted pharmacies to the member. The company, based in Detroit and neighboring Windsor, Ontario, also maintains large-scale public programs in Ilinois, Rhode Island, Indiana, New York and Massachusetts.

“In comparing the cost of available drugs, the savings to our health plan could be between 30 and 45 percent and the savings to the employee would be 100 percent,” said Simonson, who helped coordinate the program with CanaRx.

As this is a new and completely voluntary program, it is difficult to project savings opportunities for the City of Duluth. However as an example, during the month of November, 2007, 40% of the top twenty five prescriptions filled for the preferred plan group were either Tier One or Tier Two name brand prescriptions.

(more)

That 40% represents 59 individual prescriptions in which:

Plan Paid:	$16,000
Employee Paid:	$3,000
Total Cost:	$19,000

If 100% of those same prescriptions had been filled through CanaRx, the cost would have been:

Plan Paid:	$10,443
Employee Paid:	$0
Total Cost:	$10,443

Total Plan Savings:	$5,557(35%)
Total Employee Savings:	$3,000(100%)

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Memorial AIDS Quilt

Honors those who have died, generates awareness about prevention

Caption: Paul Eckhardt and Doug Stevens were close friends with Minnesota native Larry Ford. “He was the first gay man I ever met who was a Christian and believed that he was alright with God and was not afraid of death,” Stevens said.
Photo by Lisa Kane

By Lisa Kane
Angela Nichols, Director of GLBT Services at UMD, was shocked to learn that a few of her students had never heard of the Memorial AIDS Quilt. In response, she arranged to have a collection of 15 Memorial AIDS Quilt panels displayed last month at UMD’s Kirby Ballroom.

The Memorial AIDS Quilt is an international project that features 44,000 3 x 6 panels and honors the lives of those who have lived with or been affected by AIDS. Its purpose is to help people understand the devastating impact of the disease.

Founded in 1987, the Quilt is a poignant memorial that ultimately works to generate awareness and prevent new infections. It is also the largest ongoing community art project in the world.

The intention behind bringing The Quilt to Duluth was “hopefully not only educate at least one generation but to raise awareness once again of AIDS and HIV in our communities,” Nichols’s said.

Though some individuals choose to make their own, the panels are often created by surviving partners, family members, and/or close friends.

The background fabric is sometimes made from colorful T-shirts (highlighting specific moments in LGBT history), baby blankets, or handmade afghans. From time to time, love letters, photographs, and wedding rings are sewn into the fabric.

Dave Folken, Communications Director with the Minnesota AIDS Project, is especially touched by The Quilt’s ability to generate awareness about prevention. “This is a one-hundred percent preventable disease,” he said.

Folken acknowledges that even though the number of HIV infections in Minnesota has neither increased nor decreased over the past five years, a disproportionate number of women are being exposed. “Women often come in contact with the virus through heterosexual sex with someone who is positive,” he said.

Renee Van Nett with AIDS Information Duluth is equally concerned with the rate of exposure in the American Indian community. She believes that the key to prevention rests in communication. Her hope is that every parent will “talk with their kids about HIV” and that everyone who thinks they might have been exposed will “get tested.” Her message is “be safe and if you need protection just call. It doesn’t matter where you live – we will come to you.”
If you or someone you know has questions or concerns, contact the Minnesota AIDS Project at 1-800-248-2437. To reach Renee Van Nett call 218-720-6385.

Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

If you’re like millions of Americans, you work hard but don’t earn a high income. The EITC is a tax credit for low-income workers who meet certain qualifications, which usually means more money in their pockets. If you qualify, you could pay less federal income tax, pay no tax or receive a refund.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its community partners are working to increase EITC participation among taxpayers who have low incomes and meet EITC eligibility rules. We know the rules can be complicated and we want to help you understand all the eligibility requirements.

The following are income requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2007:
A taxpayer’s total earned income must be at least $1 and their earned income and must both be less than:
• $12,590 with no qualifying child ($14,590 if married, filing jointly)
• $33,241 with one qualifying child ($35,241 if married, filing jointly)
• $37,783 with more than one qualifying child ($39,783 if married, filing jointly)
• Investment income cannot be more than $2,900.

If you think you might qualify for EITC and would like assistance filing your tax return, the Community Action Duluth Free Tax Prep site opens on Tuesday, Jan. 29. We will have a new site in West Duluth this year to reduce waiting times at the Community Action Duluth site in Lincoln Park.

Community Action Duluth
Tuesdays starting at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays starting at 9:00 a.m.
19 North 21st Ave, W.
Walk-ins only

Memorial Park
-West Duluth
Wednesdays starting at 3:00 p.m. 5315 Grand Avenue
Avoid the lines. This site is for people with dependents only. Walk-ins also.
Appointments available 2 weeks in advance call (218) 726-1665.

Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Financial Services staff will be at this site to offer coaching on maximizing the tax return by most effectively paying off/down the debts and encouraging the importance of emergency savings. Free credit reports also available with LSS.

Extra services at both sites: savings accounts with Northern Communities Credit Union, benefit screening and information about financial education classes and matched savings accounts.

Community Action Duluth is still looking for volunteers for the tax sites. One hour of your time could put $2,000 in the pocket of a low-income family. Training is provided and we need volunteers to prepare taxes and also to work as assistants at our busy tax site. Some jobs require no prior knowledge about taxes.

On the Way to Wolf Ridge,

Grant Fourth grade sells candy, hosts dinner & writes grants



By the Fourth Graders of Grant School

Guess what? The Grant School fourth-graders are working to go to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. For many of us, this will be our first time out in the woods, but we are looking forward to the fun and the learning. The zip line on the ropes course looks really exciting.

Getting there also will take some work. We need to raise over $6,000 so that all 43 students can go. To do this, we are now selling candy bars. ($6,000 is a lot of candy bars.) We are also learning how to write grants.

One grant we are writing is to Kids Plus Youth in Philanthropy. When we go to Wolf Ridge, we will be learning about how to “Live Lightly.” This means doing more recycling and trying to use fewer resources. When we get back to school, we want to teach the rest of school (and the rest of Duluth) about how to help the environment. We hope that we will get this grant because it will help us go to Wolf Ridge.

Another thing we are doing is hosting a spaghetti dinner and benefit concert. This will take place on Friday, February 1st at Peace Church. It is located at 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. The dinner will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Grant fourth-graders will help serve and provide entertainment. Then, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be a concert, featuring Rudy Perrault and the band Clear. Singer Sara Thomsen is also checking her schedule to see if she can come.

We hope you will support us going to Wolf Ridge by coming to the dinner and concert or buying a candy bar. Thank you.

(For more information, contact Doug Bowen-Bailey at (218) 722-7166 or dbb@digiterp.com.)

Lincoln Park Business Group revises logo

The Lincoln Park Business Group has revised their logo to include the Heritage Center.

Cliff Tanner to manage City of Duluth's Office of Sustainablity

Cliff Tanner is the manager of the City’s Office of Sustainability. To learn how your business, school or agency can share ideas on sustainability phone (218) 730-5182.

Mayor highlights the City of Duluth’s Office of Sustainability

Members of Sustainable Duluth and Mayor Herb Bergson spoke to the media. Left to right: Bergson, Bill Mittlefelt, Cliff Tanner, Jan Karon, Warren Howe and Julie McDonnell.

Mayor Herb Bergson hailed the environmental accomplishments made by the City of Duluth during his tenure in office and urged that the City’s new Office of Sustainability be allowed to continue its work in the future.

“We’ve made great strides,” the mayor said at Dec. 29 news conference. “Obviously, the work isn’t done but we have laid the groundwork for real environmental protection and progress according to the principles of sustainability.”

The Duluth City Council passed a resolution declaring Duluth a “sustainable city” eighteen months ago in accordance with the “Natural Step” process, which includes:
Reducing wasteful dependence upon fossil fuels, scarce metals, and minerals; Reducing wasteful dependence on chemicals and synthetic substances that can accumulate in nature; Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems; Meet present and future human needs fairly and efficiently.

Since that time, the City has taken an active role in environmental protection including the refitting of the Duluth Steam Plant to reduce harmful emissions; the purchase of high-mileage scooters for city travel; and the transition to green cleaning products throughout the city. In addition, all new carpeting purchased by the City will be from recycled content, and old carpeting will now be recycled. This is especially important in the Library’s replacement of 7,500 square feet of carpeting in its Main Branch. The City has also taken the following additional measures:

In the recent Auditor’s Office Renovation, all replacement lighting was either electronic ballast fluorescent or low voltage lighting, saving approximately 75 percent of the original energy consumed from the existing lighting layout.

The new West Duluth Police Department’s lighting was handled in a similar manager, with up to sixty percent recycled content in its furnishings.

The Fire Station #5 remodeling on Park Point will include geo-thermal space heating, passive and active solar power for domestic hot water and emergency communication electrical needs and the buildings mass will support energy reductions that meet or exceed the State of Minnesota’s B3 design standards for energy consumption.

“It’s all about taking action,” Mayor Bergson said. “The social justice component of sustainability is very important. We are all stakeholders in creating a better community and as we move forward, my hope is that we won’t lose sight of the need for all stakeholders both to have an equal voice and to use that voice for relevant action.”

Homeless

A vigil titled “No Place to Call Home,” was held on Dec. 24 at 12 noon in front of the Federal Building at the Civic Center in Duluth. These people hold the names of people who died in Duluth while homeless this past year.

By Prophetess Naomi-Tamar

For that family sleeping in their car, running the engine to keep warm. Going from soup line to soup line. From shelter to shelter, being told all the beds are taken, come back tomorrow. (Survival is what it’s all about.)

For that single mother stuck in the shelter system with her young children for months on end. There’s a housing shortage. The rent is too high, your credit is inadequate. Your rental history is not good enough. Your application fee is non-refundable. We don’t rent to people on welfare. Your income has to be three times the amount of the rent. (Survival is what it’s all about.)

For that family fleeing to safety from domestic violence. You only have 30 days to find a new job, and get an apartment. There is no childcare. Your kids have to be with you at all times. No transportation can come to the shelter for you. So, you walk two blocks to meet your ride. Your children are crying because they’re cold. You get there, the apartment has been rented, just 15 minutes before you arrive. It’s not fair, you’re absolutely right. (Survival is what it’s all about.)

People with mental illness going untreated, misunderstood in every way. Wandering aimlessly. People who are forgotten in this cruel society. They need more treatment programs, more counseling, more funding for halfway housing and independent living programs. They struggle from day to day. (Survival is what it’s all about.)

Three hundred and forty billion dollars is funded for highway construction and remodeling a sports arena, but people, human beings walk the streets homeless and hungry. People get so desperate when they’re homeless and hungry, depression sets in, then crime and chemical dependency are on the rise. Instead of spending more millions to build penal institutions, why not start more adequate programs for homeless prevention and welfare-to-work transition. Affordable, safe adequate housing. More domestic violence prevention programs. (Survival is what it’s all about.)

Hmong community rings in New Year

The Hmong New Year Celebration is the single most important cultural event in Hmong society. It is a time for renewal, celebration, relaxation, sharing, and traditionally, to find potential lifetime mates. Cultural activities include “Pov pob” (ball tossing), “hais kwv txhiaj” (singing), and “nthuav txuj” (talent shows).
This year’s celebration took place at the First United Methodist Church and included contemporary and traditional entertainments included playing homemade Hmong instruments, singing and dancing, and a traditional Hmong meal.

On Dec. 1, 2007 Kaxee Vang celebrated the Hmong new year.

City crews to remove snow on streets

Many streets posted no-parking
City of Duluth crews will be removing snow at various points around the city beginning next Wednesday along the following schedule:
• Wednesday, Jan. 2, 8:00 a.m. to completion – Third Street from 21st Avenue East to Mesaba Avenue (upper side)
• Thursday, Jan. 3, 8:00 a.m. to completion – Second Street from Sixth Avenue East to 24th Avenue East (lower side)
• Friday, Jan. 4, 8:00 a.m. to completion – First Street from 21st Avenue East to 14th Avenue East (lower side)
• Friday, Jan. 4, 8:00 a.m. to completion – 14th Avenue East from London Road to Fourth Street (west side)
All streets will be posted as no-parking areas 24 hours prior to the beginning of the work. Cars remaining in these areas at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the work will be ticketed and towed. Citizens are asked to have cars out of the work areas prior to the crews’ arrival.

City law: shovel your sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of every snow fall

Lots of people walk in Central Hillside, East Hillside and Lincoln Park. Children, disabled people and others depend on clear sidewalks and the City of Duluth is asking residents, “ Please be diligent in removing snow from sidewalks and boulevards, particularly in school zones.”

With unusually high amounts of snow already on the ground, residents are reminded of city ordinance which requires snow to be removed from residential sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

Sec. 45-56. Abutter defined: For the purposes of this Division, the word abutter shall mean any person who owns, leases or otherwise lawfully occupies any parcel of land, which abuts any public sidewalk with the city. (Ord. No. 5915, § 1; Ord. No. 9353, 11-10-1997,1.)
Sec. 45-57. Duty of abutters--within 24 hours: All abutters shall remove or cause to be removed sufficient snow falling on any public sidewalk abutting such parcel of land within 24 hours after the end of every snowfall to create a clear path of a minimum width of 36 inches. (Ord. No. 5915, § 3; Ord. No. 9353, 11-10-1997, 2.)

“We ask for the cooperation of our citizens, especially in those areas where children congregate and walk,” Public Works and Utilities.

Director Jim Benning said, “It’s important for safety reasons that people stay on the sidewalks and not in the streets. We’ve received very good cooperation from our citizens in compliance with ordinance in the past and we hope for another good season this year in this regard.”

Over 140 Landlords attend class to learn how to curb crime

By Debbie Isabell Nelson

Neighborhood Housing Services

Landlords from across the City turned out in droves for the Community Safety Initiatives’ (CSI Duluth) Landlord and Property Manager Training held on December 12 at the Central Hillside Community Center. The 140 landlords attending received tools from two nationally recognized consultants: Julia Ryan, National LISC Community Safety Initiative Program Director and Tim Vance, a residential crime and asset management consultant, whose clients include LISC and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Both trainers hail fromTopics of discussion ranged from establishing house rules and lease language to preventing crime through property maintenance and environmental design.

CSI is a collaborative effort of Duluth LISC, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) Duluth, and Churches United in Ministry (CHUM.) Together these three organizations work closely with the Duluth Police Department to improve neighborhood safety, raise awareness and curb crime.

Local lawyer and city councilor, Greg Gilbert, added expertise concerning residential evictions in Duluth. Community Officer, Barry Midthun, provided participants with information on tenant screening including how to obtain background checks on potential tenants.

In addition, two special sessions were held focusing on building safety issues, problem properties, and crime “hot spots” in Duluth. A task force was formed and will continue to meet.

“The Duluth Police Department, NHS Duluth and CHUM are partnering in a way that is very unusual,” said Ryan, “Their commitment and creativity is paying off in the form of stronger Duluth neighborhoods, and they are quickly becoming leaders in LISC’s national community safety network.”

CSI is part of the larger Creating Neighborhoods That Work-At Home in Duluth collaborative. Its ongoing work includes hosting block parties and community meetings to address crime “hot spots” in Duluth. “It’s really exciting to see so many landlords interested in addressing crime and safety issues,” said Duluth LISC Executive Director Pam Kramer. “Community safety and raising awareness are vital to creating thriving, sustainable neighborhoods, which is what our Creating Neighborhoods That Work-At Home in Duluth is all about.”

Future plans of the CSI collaborative are to hold a drug awareness meeting for landlords to be scheduled this spring. For more information or to be added to our mailing list, contact Debbie Isabell Nelson at NHS (218) 727-8604, ext. 12 or Ben Small at CHUM at (218) 625-1739.

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Mayor Bergson vetoes council’s nix of the Housing Investment Fund

Mayor Herb Bergson says that he doesn’t understand why people who are traditionally conservative and more business oriented don’t see the $1.46 million Housing Investment Fund (HIF) as good for Duluth’s economy.
On Wednesday, Nov. 21 Bergson held a press conference to announce his veto of the city council’s decision to nix the funding for HIF.
Bergson quoted statistics from the City’s Community Development Division which show HIF has invested $1.46 million into eleven different projects, leveraging an additional $42.8 million in construction funding which created 334 housing units, 27 full-time jobs and 479 construction jobs.
The HIF money was taken out of the Community Investment Trust fund, a pool of revenues from the Fond-du-Luth Casino the city used primarily for infrastructure projects such as street maintenance.
Mayor Herb Bergson has vetoed Council Resolution 07-0653R, which eliminates new funding for the Housing Investment Fund.
The resolution passed 6-1 with
two councilors not present at the November 13 meeting of the Duluth City Council. “It is surprising to me that after seeing the demonstrated benefits of funding low and moderate income housing projects, we are still having this discussion,” Mayor Bergson said. “The benefits both to our local economy both in terms of construction jobs and outside investment in Duluth, not to mention the obvious benefit of providing good housing to people who need it, are there for everyone to see.”
The resolution called for $656,758 to remain in the fund for the discharge of obligations to Neighborhood Housing Services, Spirit Valley Citizens Neighborhood Development (SVCND) and the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), but directed any remaining money in the fund to be returned to the Community Investment Trust (CIT).
“We are having a needed discussion on what services the City of Duluth can and should provide,” the mayor added. “But the quality of the projects we’ve already seen leads me to believe that this funding should stay as it is. It’s an important part of our community growth and just as important, it’s a way to help people who frankly deserve an opportunity. We talk all the time about wanting to make Duluth a better place to live. Here is a way to do that through a fund that does good work for real people. We shouldn’t be talking about closing it down.”
At-Large city councilor Jim Stauber said the money from the Fond du Lac Casino is earmarked for street improvements. He said,“Right now the city has a plethora of available homes and rentals units.” He said that the funds compete with construction businesses for all income levels of homes, not just the low income.

Former First Lutheran Church pastor's work published in series of books

Book signing for "Shining through the Darkness: Sermons for the Winter Season" by Michael D. Wuchter

Book signing by the late author's wife, Shirley Dryer Wuchter at
Northern Lights Books and Gifts
Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1-2 p.m.
307 Canal Park Drive,
Duluth, MN 55802

From the website: CSS Publishing Company :

With their recurrent themes of "waiting" and "traveling on a journey," these 12 imaginative messages are especially appropriate for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons -- yet their ecumenically oriented expressions of Christian faith, hope, and love also make them relevant for any time of the year. Wuchter's keen eye for the telling detail and his ability to connect scripture with familiar things in our lives make Shining Through the Darkness compelling reading for anyone who wants a deeper appreciation of God's grace and the Gospel of Christ.

Michael Wuchter's sermons weave together the ancient texts of the Bible with modern insights. His careful historical research and winsome stories combine for a rich tapestry of gospel proclamation. These sermons stretching from Advent through Epiphany form a sort of mosaic for the beginning of the church year -- each story, each illustration, each wonderful tangent serving as tiles for a larger, clearer view for the one who came among us as the Word Made Flesh.
John D. Morris, Pastor
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Dublin, Ohio

Michael Wuchter was a master of the English language and an excellent, excellent preacher.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger, Former President
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

In this remarkable collection of sermons, Wuchter fully acknowledges a world rampant with violence and injustice that millions experience today. Against this backdrop of pain, he weaves with poetic creativity and sensitivity the acts of waiting, grieving, and hoping within and among personal, familial, and communal relationships. Long, cold winters are made shorter and warmer with these Christ-centered sermons in hand.
Daniel F. Martensen, Ecumenical Research Fellow
Washington (D.C.) Theological Consortium
Former Director, Dept. of Ecumenical Affairs, ELCA

Michael D. Wuchter is the author of Uplifting Christ Through Autumn (CSS). He served as the senior pastor of First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota, as university pastor at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and as the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Hamilton Square, New Jersey.


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Bohren Named WLSSD Successor

The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Marianne E. Bohren as Assistant Director and designated her as the successor to the position of Executive Director of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Bohren will succeed Kurt N.W. Soderberg, who has announced his intent to retire in June 2008. The WLSSD Board unanimously approved the appointment at its regular Board meeting this evening.

Bohren, 44, is a native of Cloquet, MN and has been with the District since 2004 serving as Manager of Business Services and Director of Organizational Development. Bohren will assume the role of Assistant Director effective immediately.

“We are pleased that Marianne brings with her a strong balance of environmental responsibility and business experience,” said Rob Prusak, WLSSD Board Chair. “We are confident that Marianne’s diverse background, personal skills and qualifications will allow for continued strong leadership to carry out the District’s mission and will allow for transition to occur as seamlessly as possible.”

“Marianne was identified as a leader in the organization early on,” continued Prusak. “She was one of the candidates recommended through a succession plan presented to us by Mr. Soderberg earlier this year. WLSSD is committed to developing leadership from within the organization. It’s gratifying to know that this process is working well.”

Prior to joining WLSSD, Bohren served as Vice President of Marketing and Services for Potlatch Corporation in Cloquet, MN. Bohren also has extensive background in industry, previously holding positions at Potlatch as Process Engineer, Manager of Environmental Engineering, Division Manager of Business Planning, and Director of Customer Service. She also served a three-year term as a member of the WLSSD Board of Directors, representing the City of Cloquet. Bohren has a B.S. in Chemistry from University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), also from UMD, graduating with honors in 2005.

Bohren is married to her husband Scott and resides in Cloquet, MN. The couple has two daughters.

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 500 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.





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Turkey Bingo Tradition Continues in Lincoln Park!

The Lincoln Park Business Group’s 59th Annual Turkey Bingo and Dinner is scheduled for November 15, 2007 at the V.F.W Post 137.

Duluth, MN, November 5, 2007 – The Lincoln Park Business Group will host its 59th Annual Turkey Bingo and Dinner on Thursday, November 15, 2007. The event will begin at 5 pm with a social/networking hour which will then be followed by dinner at 6 pm. The event will take place at the V.F.W Post 137 located on 2024 West Superior Street in Lincoln Park.

The cost for each ticket is only $25.00 and includes dinner, 15 games of bingo, and an entry to win one of three great door prizes. You’ll have a chance to win 30 turkeys, 6 hams, and many other prizes playing bingo. There is limited seating available and tickets are selling fast so call Heath today at 218-727-6573 or email him at heathhickok@lpbg.org for your tickets.

Heath Hickok, executive director of the Lincoln Park Business Group, wants everyone to come and experience for themselves how much fun this event is. “There are people from all walks of life that enjoy attending the Turkey Bingo event every year,” said Hickok. “Many people bring their families and coworkers to let them experience the joy of winning a turkey or other great prizes from playing bingo,” continued Hickok.

The Lincoln Park Business Group is a non-profit organization 501 (C)3 whose mission is to assist and promote the growth of the Lincoln Park community through business and economic development. They are leading the efforts to improve Lincoln Park’s image by working with businesses, residents, and other city organizations to reduce crime, develop new business opportunities, and improve the streetscapes of the great Lincoln Park District.





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Mn/Tips on how to handle "black ice" DOT warns motorists to watch out for black ice

DULUTH, Minn. - With below freezing temperatures just around the corner
in northeastern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation strongly urges drivers to be especially alert for a phenomenon commonly called "black ice," which can rapidly develop during extremely cold temperatures.

Black ice is almost invisible and can easily catch drivers off guard. It quickly forms in extremely cold weather when the air temperature is just slightly warmer than the pavement, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze, creating a very thin and almost transparent layer of ice on the roadway.

Black ice can form on heavily congested highways from auto exhaust emissions, tire friction and moisture vapors given off by industries located adjacent to the highway. In addition, black ice often forms on roadways in shaded areas, near lakes and rivers, in tunnels and on overpasses.

Although salt and sand can help minimize the effects of black ice,road salt loses its effectiveness at temperatures lower than 15 degrees.

According to Mn/DOT, motorists can increase their safety by observing the following tips:

1. Be aware that black ice is almost invisible. It can form on asphalt or concrete pavements.

2. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and tunnels and in the early morning when the air temperature is rising faster than the pavement temperature.

3. Use extreme care while driving on suspicious roadways. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice can easily cause a vehicle to skid. Do not use cruise control during winter driving conditions.

4. Use an appropriate safe speed for the existing driving conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

5. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

6. Remember: common sense is the best rule to follow when driving in inclement conditions.
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AIDS Memorial Quilt coming to UMD

Free and Open to the Public
Hours: December 5,6,7th Quilt is open from Noon -7pm, and Saturday December 8th 9 am - 5pm.
Contact Angie Nichols, GLBT Services Director 218-726-7300
anichols AT d.umn.edu






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Alexis Livadaros appointed to DTA Board of Directors

Alexis Livadaros has recently been appointed to the Duluth Transit Authority Board of Directors as an “At Large” representative.

Livadaros was born in Greece and after earning a 4-year degree as a Mercantile Marine Engineer from the Piraeus Mercantile Marine Academy, spent 15 years working for Orion & Global of New York. In 1985 he permanently moved to U.S. as a resident and became a U.S. citizen in 1989.

He has been employed by the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District since 1986 and is currently a Senior Waste Water Treatment Operator at their Process Control System facility. Livadaros holds a Class A Chief Engineers License, a Class B Waste Water Treatment Operators License, and has studied business management at the College of St. Scholastica.

Livadaros is a member of AFSCME / Local 66 and member of their Executive Board. He is also a delegate to the Duluth Central Labor Body.

Livadaros is a member of the Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church and has served on its Parish Council. He is a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and served on the local chapter of the Sam G. Solon, Duluth #267 as a president for five consecutive years.

Livadaros and his wife Debra Ann live in East Hillside and have three children - two living and working in Duluth, and one in Milwaukee.

Livadaros says he was inspired to serve on the DTA Board in memory of his late mother, who was an avid bus rider and loved to talk about her experiences riding the DTA.






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City’s Veterans’ Day event scheduled for Sunday, November 11

Captain John P. Dorin, USA, an Afghanistan veteran who is currently serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Duluth-based 2nd Squadron, 194th Cavalry, will serve as guest speaker for the City of Duluth’s Veterans’ Day observation on Sunday, November 11.

Captain Dorin was raised in Superior and graduated from Superior Senior High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Captain Dorin began his military career when he commissioned into the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1997. His assignments have taken him to Cloquet, Roseville, and Moorhead, where he earned his first assignment as a company commander.

He is an Afghanistan veteran, serving as a Company Advisor/Mentor, and won the Bronze Star. His civic affiliations include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Guard Association of Minnesota, and the National Guard Association of the United States.

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October Calendar

Alternate Weekly Parking Schedule
Change sides Sundays between 4-8 p.m.
09/30 - even numbered side
10/07 - odd
10/14 - even
10/21 - odd
10/28 - even

All phone numbers listed have the 218 area code unless specified otherwise.

ONGOING
Duluth Laughing Club every Monday 12:10-12:20 p.m. Duluth Civic Center in
front of the St. Louis County Bldg.
Tweed Museum of Art Gallery Talk each Saturday at 2 p.m. A free, informal tour of current museum exhibitions.
East Hillside Community Club
1st Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Grant Rec. Center, 901 E. 11th St.
Northland Childbirth Collective Topic Night 1st Thursday, 7 p.m. Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. Contact Emily 218-393-7042 for more info.
Neighborhood District 5 1st Thursday, 7 p.m. Central Hillside Center, 12 E. 4th St.
The Hillsider Board 2nd Monday, 6:30 p.m. HBA office, 928½ E. 4th St.
The Arrowhead Stamp Club 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Rainbow Senior Ctr.
The Twin Ports Coin and Currency Club 2nd Tuesday, 7 p.m. Rainbow Senior Center.
Campus Neighbors 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m. Grant Rec. Center, 901 E. 11th St.
Hillside Business Association 3rd Wednesday, 12 p.m. Village Place meeting room, 602 E. 5th St.
Neighborhood District 7 3rd Thursday,
7 p.m. Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E. Superior St.
Park Point Community Club 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m. Lafayette Square, 3026 Minnesota Ave.
At Home in East Hillside 4th Tuesday,
5:30 p.m. Grant Rec. Ctr., 901 E. 11th St.
Central Hillside Community Club meets when needed 4th Tuesday, contact Gene 591-2682
Gloria Dei Community Breakfast
4th Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 219 N. 6th Ave. E.
 

Zumba Mondays, starting Oct. 1, 7–8 p.m. Temple Israel, 1402 E. 2nd St. This six week fitness program is set to upbeat Latin music. You do not need a partner or know how to dance to take this class. Can be adapted to all fitness levels. $30. Contact Judy at 340-7738 for registration information. Limited scholarships available, call Patch at 728-4287.

CORE FOUR Business Planning Course Tuesdays, Oct. 2-Oct. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m., or Thursdays, Oct. 25-Nov.15, Ordean Bldg. $244 (financial assistance available for eligible participants). Call 1-800-422-0374 to register or go to info@entrepreneurfund.org

The Morgan Park neighborhood planning session with LHB will be held on Tuesday Oct. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. The Good Fellowship Club in Morgan Park. The West Duluth neighborhood planning session with ARI will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. City Center West. All residents, businesses owners, property owners and anyone who lives, works and plays in these two neighborhoods are encouraged to attend.

Creating Neighborhoods That Work-At Home in Duluth Showcase & Assembly Saturday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-noon, First United Methodist (Coppertop) Church. Welcoming remarks from Congressman Oberstar, 9:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to come together in support of Duluth’s five core neighborhoods: East & Central Hillsides, Lincoln Park, West Duluth and Morgan Park. Childcare by Little Treasures is provided upon request; call NHS at 727-8604. The free event is open to the public.

Washington Galleries presents "Works by Sandra Swenson" Opening reception Saturday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m. 315 N. Lake Ave. Sculpture relief of magical and mystical proportions on exhibit Saturdays/Sundays, Oct. 7-28, 1-5 p.m.

"Nuclear Power is Not the Answer" presented by Dr. Helen Caldicott, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. College of St. Scholastica Mitchell Auditorium. Dr. Caldicott’s mission is to educate colleagues and the public about the dangers of nuclear power, nuclear weapons and nuclear war. No charge. For more information call 723-5940.

Project Homeless Connect Community Wide “Night without a Home” Sleep Out Saturday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Join in with your neighbors throughout the city to raise donations that will help those in our community who won’t have a warm bed or even shelter during this upcoming cold winter season. Consider joining us at one of the designated locations or at your own site. Contact Kim for further information 625-1739 or www.chumduluth.org.

Introduction to Business Planning Thursday, Oct. 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Ordean Bldg, free of charge. Register at 1-800-422-0374; info@entrepreneurfund DOT org.

Another Third Saturday Dance, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. YWCA, 202 W. 2nd St. Featuring Four Mile Portage String Band “The Thrill on the Hill”. All dances taught. Everyone welcome. $8 adults, $5 members, seniors, students, low income. $2 kids under 12. Tots are free. FFI call 728-1438.

Restoring Campus Communities Monday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. East Hillside Community Center 1406 E. 2nd St. Our mission is to bring together and facilitate dialogue and problem-solving among neighbors living near university campuses. Contact Denise 591-1104 or restoringcampuscommunities@yahoo DOT com

4th Annual “Area 61” UFO Convention Saturday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.-
2 a.m. Lakeview Castle, 5135 North Shore Dr. Featuring lectures, witness forum, movies, art show, costume contest, games, vendors, food, music and more. Music begins at 8 p.m. $5 admission. Contact Jim and Allen Richardson gonzoscience@hotmail DOT com or go to www.gonzoscience.com

Boo Hoo Ball—A Costume Gala Saturday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.-midnight. The Duluth Art Institute, 2229 W. 2nd St. A benefit for Little Treasures Childcare and Family Center. This season’s most eerie evening for grown-up ghouls is just around the corner; live music, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, silent auction and costume contest. Cost is $65 per ticket. For more info call 348-3517.

I Am Dying Of Alzheimer’s, But There Is Still A Person In Here Monday, Oct. 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Marshall School Chapel, 1215 Rice Lake Rd. Forum presented by The Greater Duluth End-of-Life Coalition who serves as a catalyst to improve experiences at the end of life through enhanced community awareness, understanding of options, education and participation. Free and open to the community. Tim Robinson, GDEOLC@charter DOT net.

Halloween Carnival! Thursday, Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior St.-Greysolon Road entrance. A dinner will be served and goodie bags handed out for children to fill as they move through several game areas, face painting, and a "spooky alley" that children can go through. Children and adults are encouraged to wear non-violent costumes. No masks allowed. Come and enjoy the free fun!
PAVSA's Annual Art Auction Saturday, Nov. 10, Holiday Inn Great Lakes Ballroom. Tickets are on sale now for $45 by calling 726-1442.

Submit your calendar events to Mona:
monajc AT hotmail DOT com

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Connecting the Dots, Groups get together to revitalize Duluth's core neighborhoods

Gather with your friends and neighbors at the First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop, 230 E. Skyline Parkway) the morning of Saturday, Oct. 6 to attend “Connect the Dots.” Learn what people in your neighborhood and other neighborhoods are doing to make Duluth a better place to live.

The main program is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Congressman James Oberstar will kick-off the presentation. More than 20 booths will be open before and following the program until 12 noon after the program. Childcare, refreshments and entertainment are provided. Transportation will also be provided to those that need it. Phone Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) at (218) 727-8604 for transportation and/or childcare.
“Connecting the Dots” is creating a collaborative effort to revitalize thee core neighborhoods of Duluth. Central Hillside, East Hillside and Lincoln Park have already completed plans through the “At Home in Duluth” collaborative. The “At Home” plans will implement housing, commercial and other neighborhood improvement activities.

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (Duluth LISC) is dedicated to bringing private, nonprofit and pubic sectors together to transform distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities. This includes reducing blight, helping to provide jobs and creating a great place to raise children.

“The purpose (of the Oct. 6 “Connecting the Dots event) is to reach out to people and get more neighbors, businesses and more community leaders to help our neighborhoods be the best they can,” said Pam Kramer, executive director of Duluth LISC. She said that the phrase, “Connecting the dots,” is used to recognize that there are so many good things happening in Duluth that can be strengthened by bringing people and programs together. And while many of the improvements have to do with the physical state of homes and storefronts, other issues such as increasing income, job training, recreation and making neighborhoods safe are also a part of the bigger picture.

Kramer said, “The event is a huge collective effort by the neighborhood residents, “At Home” collaborative members plus many business and philanthropic partners like Mercury Investment, Minnesota Power, North Shore Bank of Commerce, SMDC, State Farm, US Bank, Wells Fargo and many more including APEX, City of Duluth, Duluth Chamber, Duluth HRA, and the Northland Foundation. (See advertisement on this page to see all sponsors.)
Through “At Home,” older, deteriorated housing is being upgraded, low-income families assisted into homeownership and new homes constructed on vacant, infill lots. The “At Home” initiative also led to the creation of two employer-assisted homeownership programs generating 108 home-buyers over the past five years. (For information on these home-ownership programs phone (218) 727-8624.)

Improving the neighborhood means more than just fixing up dilapidated buildings. It means making sure there are activities for the children, friendly parks with areas for people to meet and walk their dogs, and feeling comfortable and safe enough to walk to the store. When people feel good about their neighborhood, people from other neighborhoods feel comfortable visiting and doing their shopping.

The August 2006 issue of “The Hillsider” interviewed Scott Neustal, owner of Ski Hut. Neustal says independently owned neighborhood stores are vital to the success of small business. If customers don’t feel comfortable shopping because of the surrounding neighborhood, small business owners will go out of business. Any thing businesses can do to add to the quality of life for residents comes back to benefit the businesses and customers of those businesses.
Jim Capraro, a consultant for LISC visited Duluth in May. He told Duluthians about the successful revitalization of the southwest Chicago neighborhood surrounding Marquette Park. The key to success for this neighborhood was getting people to take “ownership” of the plans. They did this by getting to know and trust one another.

Everyone has ideas on how to make Duluth a better place to live. This summer and fall political candidates have spouted their ideas on how they would improve Duluth if elected. Duluth needs more than just the elected officials and non-profits working to improve our town. Learn what your neighbors and others throughout Duluth are doing to make Duluth a better place to live. Whether your income is large or small, no matter what your race or education, Duluth needs you to “Connect the Dots.”
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 6.
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Unlicensed, untagged, and vulnerable…the “tail” of loose dogs & cats in the city

By Pat Castellano
There’s an older dog who wanders
from Lake Avenue to Second Avenue
East anywhere from Fourth to Sixth
Streets. He (or she) is a shepherd/
something mix, pretty slow-moving
and very friendly. I cringe every
time I see her cross the street in
front of me. Someone at night or
who might be not watching on a turn
could easily hit the dog. I wonder
where it might live. I think I should
follow on one of its adventures to see
if I can track him or her home and
let the family who must love this dog
know that their dog is crossing streets
and not looking both ways. I livetrapped
a beautiful orange cat a few
months ago. I couldn’t stand to think
of him crossing Mesaba Avenue and
ending up as road-kill. I’ve buried a
few dogs who ended up not making
it home after just such a crossing.
I have never understood the
thinking behind our human behaviors
when it comes to caring for our
animal friends. Letting a cat outside
for even an hour can prove to be lifethreatening,
not only to the cat, but to
the songbirds or nests of baby birds
and rabbits it might get into during
that hour. I always get a bad feeling
when I see cats hiding under cars,
the ones that freeze and stare when
I call a friendly “Kitty, kitty…”
More often than not, those cats run.
Perhaps the cat has been chased by
children, had rocks thrown at it, or
its feral, born outside and not social.
They will have a hard life outside.
The two loose cats, unspayed and
unneutered in the neighborhood will
provide the shelter with plenty of
litters to fill its cages. Or the small
cats will survive a winter, live a feral
life, and have more kittens. Fight
cat overpopulation: keep your cats
indoors. Spay and neuter.
In my 15 years in the Central
Hillside, no less than 25 dogs have
found their way through my yard.
Many have been taken to the shelter,
having no tags, no license, no method
of tracking that would lead me to their
home. Some of the dogs have been
tagged or at least collared and there’s
been some means of finding family.
At least I knew at the shelter they’d
have a warm bed, food, and safety
out of the range of neighborhood
dangers. I would hope someone
would do the same for my dogs.
Best practice: keep your animals
close and indoors. There is a leash
law. Even the best dog or cat won’t
always stick right around the yard.
They don’t know about traffic.
People have related stories of
being attacked or at least aggressively
approached by loose dogs as they
walk streets in the Hillside area.
Dogs in some areas have gone after
the humans and the pets they were
walking.
One man was even attacked
by cats on a porch as he delivered a
package to a home. Turns out there
was a female in heat and the male
cats considered him competition!
We shouldn’t have to be afraid to
walk our neighborhoods for fear an
animal will be loose and harass us
or our own animals and maybe harm
someone. I live with a group of nice
dogs. But even nice dogs who love
people can be protective of their
home, sidewalk, or humans. Ask the
burglar who tried to enter the house
last summer. The 14 pound Lhasapoo
I live with is proof that size
doesn’t matter. My dogs are always
on their leashes or leads and I’m
always out with them in the yard.
One time a young boy stepped into
the yard to supposedly pet my dogs.
Had they bitten him, (I don’t think
they would have unless provoked by
some behavior) it would have been
my fault. I won’t put them in that
situation. I will protect them from
unthinking humans. It’s important to
be aware of the laws that pertain to dog
bites both on and off your property.
Humans can do a lot to prevent
incidents from happening. It usually
isn’t the animal’s fault. Foresight
and good citizenship should guide us
in good pet companionship.
If you would like your dogs to
be loose and off-leash, do so legally
at the Keane Creek dog park. Be a
good citizen: Be familiar with and
obey the city animal ordinances.
Please make the City of Duluth
Animal Control personnel aware of
any problems with animals in your
neighborhood whether that be loose
animals, neglect, abuse, barking
dogs or aggressive animals.
If you find a stray animal and
you aren’t sure what to do with it,
call. Animal Control is a city service
that citizens pay for and is a unit
of the Duluth Police Department.
Their phone number is 723-3259.
If you cannot reach anyone at that
number, call 911. Don’t give up or
get frustrated if you don’t get a call
back. Keep calling. If you are not
getting a resolution to the problem,
call the Duluth Police Department.
Most importantly, license your
animals, give them tags, keep them
close, and teach children respect
for all creatures, including wildlife
around us.





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COUPLE IN THEIR 60’s AID IN ARREST OF BURGLARY SUSPECT

On September 6th, 2007 at 2015 hours Duluth Police responded to the 200 block of W. 9th St. In reference to a Burglary In Progress. A couple in their 60’s had arrived home to find a burglar in their residence. The couple began struggling with the suspect in an attempt to restrain him. The struggle continued through the main floor of the home and out onto the porch, where the male was finally able to flee from the couple.
During the struggle, the suspect lost all of his clothing. Several neighbors pursued the suspect through the neighborhood and updated police on his location. The suspect was eventually located near Red Rock Trail and Village View Drive, where he was taken into custody by police.
The suspect, a 20 old Duluth man, had several outstanding warrants and was lodged at the St. Louis County Jail for the warrants and 1st Degree Burglary.
Duluth Police were assisted by the St. Louis County Sheriff.s
Department and Minnesota State Patrol. Duluth Police would also like to thank area residents for their assistance in locating the suspect in this incident.

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Senate hearing on affordable health care

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Tell your health insurance story

Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee and the Legislative Commission to End Poverty

The Senate Health, Housing & Family Security Committee will be holding a hearing in Duluth on September 17th to learn your concerns about problems relating to health care access and affordability.

Committee members would like to hear from medical providers, individuals who are uninsured, and those who depite having medical coverage are still unable to access medical care because it is unaffordable. The Senate Committee is traveling throughout the state to hear about the unique health care problems facing each region of Minnesota.

Please contact Laura Blubaugh in Senator Marty's office if you have questions, or wish to testify before the committee: 651-296-5712.

Senate Health, Housing & Family Security Committee Hearing>Monday, September 17th

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

DECC City Side Convention Center

French River Room

Entrance B

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Greater Minnesota Loses Without Special Session

By Conrad deFiebre, Minnesota 2020 Fellow &
Matt Entenza, Minnesota 2020 Board Chair

A short five weeks after the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed, killing 13, Minnesota’s leaders have already dropped their push for prompt attention to hundreds of other structurally deficient spans around the state that are new disasters waiting to happen.
It’s a shame and an outrage, and most of the blame belongs to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who quickly qualified his apparent U-turn on tax policy in the wake of the bridge tragedy to the point of meaninglessness. His bottom line, expressed to legislative leaders, was that the gasoline tax, which all Minnesotans pay to fund roads and bridges, could only be raised if the income tax, which falls heaviest on the wealthy, were cut.
Not coincidentally, that would reduce state investments in education and health care, which are ordinary Minnesotans’ vital thoroughfares to the upper tax brackets.

Questions of tax fairness aside, the biggest losers from the apparent collapse of negotiations toward a special session of the Minnesota Legislature are folks in Greater Minnesota.

There are hundreds more bad bridges in rural parts of the state than in the metro area. But comprehensive transportation and bonding bills that would finance long-neglected repair and replacement of them are now off the table until next year.

“What’s it going to take?” asks Glen Johnson of the International Union of Operating Engineers, whose members build roads and bridges. “How big of a tragedy will it take for our governor to wake up?”

Flood-ravaged rural southeastern Minnesota will have to wait for much-needed state relief, as well. Pawlenty’s early release of state aid to the area will help local governments keep cash flowing in the short term, but it does nothing to actually repair damaged homes, businesses and public infrastructure. FEMA estimates that cost at $68 million, some of which must be picked up by new state funds.

Gone, too, is the hope of many homeowners in Greater Minnesota for property tax relief via increased local government aid. According to the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, 70 municipalities outside the Twin Cities, places such as Bemidji and Worthington, would reap more than $25 million from revival of the bipartisan tax bill that won large legislative majorities last spring. For example, the bill’s increased state aid would allow Winona to slash its proposed 16 percent increase in property taxes all the way to 2 percent.

Pawlenty has said he supports the bill’s closing of corporate tax loopholes and the relief for local property taxpayers that it would fund, but he vetoed those provisions last spring in a side dispute over how to forecast the state’s budget.

Whatever the governor’s motivation, the winners again were big businesses and the wealthy and the losers were ordinary Minnesota taxpayers.

They, by the way, have been forking over more than $1 billion a year in property taxes just for local roads and bridges.

Which brings us back to the reasons a special session was being discussed at all. Those who have watched the deterioration of Minnesota’s roads and bridges most closely say it reached crisis stage long before Aug. 1. Bipartisan legislators responded with comprehensive transportation funding in 2005 and this year, only to be rebuffed by Pawlenty vetoes.

Fortunately, time hasn’t run out. The governor and legislative leaders should come together for a bipartisan special session that addresses the state’s emergency needs while laying out a vision for Minnesota’s future.

Conrad deFiebre is a Fellow at Minnesota 2020. He covered state government for 11 years for the Star Tribune.

Matt Entenza is Minnesota 2020’s Founder and Board Chair. A former state legislator, he served as House DFL Leader from 2002 to 2006.

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League of Women Votrs fall membership kick-off

LWV Duluth Chapter Fall Membership Kick-Off and LWV of Minnesota 2007 Fall Regional Workshop Saturday, September 29thS pirit Mountain, Moosehead Room, Duluth, MN 9:30- 9:45 a.m

(Click here to see clean up project of LWV)

Registration 9:45-10:15 a.m

LWV Duluth Fall Membership Kick-Off 10:15 a.m.

Introduction of LWVMN Co-Presidents: Vivian Jenkins Nelsen, Judy Stuthman 10:30 a.m.

Local LWV Introductions 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

LWVUS Immigration Study: Judy Stuthman 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Win Friends and Influence People - Promoting LWV: Peggy Kvam11:45 - 12:15 p.m.

Action Report, Lobbyist Recruitment: Gwen Myers 12:15 - 12:45 a.m.

Lunch Break 12:45 - 1:00

State of Democracy Project: Susan Hoyt, David Brauer1:00 - 1:30 p.m. LWVMN Judicial Study: Helen Palmer, Miriam Simmons

1:30 p.m. Adjourn

This event is open to current members and those interested in joining the league. To attend just the Membership Kick-off is free - from 9:30-10:15.

The cost is $15.00 for both lunch and registration materials.

If you wish to just attend the workshops and not have lunch the cost is $5.00. Lunch will include: chicken salad on croissant with fresh fruit and dessert. (vegetarian requests available with prior registration only) RSVP's by Monday Sept. 24.

Late registrations may not be able to have lunch. To RSVP please contact LWV of Duluth at 218-724-0132 or Deb Ortman at 722-2421To register - go online at:http://www.lwvmn.org/members/FallWorkshopRegistration.aspPlease print this page and send in with a check made out to "LWVMN" for $15.00 to the LWVMN office:550 Rice StreetSt. Paul, MN55103

Find out more about the League of Women Voters of Duluth and activities scheduled for 2007-2008 and how you can join the league; then stay to meet the new Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and find out state studies and activities.

Directions to Spirit Mountain Resort:Spirit Mt. is located off of I-35 as you enter Duluth from Proctor.Take exit 249 off of I35 and continue past McDonalds and the Country Inn and Suites, take a left after theRailroad bridge and another left at the marquee. The entrance is clearly marked with signs. Number for Spirit Mountain: (218) 628-2891 http://www.spiritmt.com/

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Meet Your Council District 3 Candidates on Thursday

Primary Election is on September 11. Have you decided who you will vote for? Come Meet Your Council District 3 Candidates Vying for Duluth City Council Office

Sharla Gardner
Heather Rand
John Rathe


Thursday, September 6, 2007
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Central Hillside Community Club
12 East 4th Street (Lake Avenue and 4th Street)


Duluth Council District 3, which includes precincts 14 thru 22, and generally those residences west of 17th Avenue East to approximately 11th Ave. West including Park Point, and the East and Central Hillside, has a contested primary election coming up on September 11. There are three candidates running for the seat currently held by Counselor Russ Stewart who has chosen not to run for another term.

The League of Women Voters Duluth and District 5 Neighborhood Planning Group will be co-sponsoring a forum that will include all three candidates. The forum will allow for audience questions and discussion. If you would like to know more about the candidates for which you are casting a vote, please come join us on the September 7th.

For a map showing the boundaries of Council District 3, go to http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/clerk/images/council3_mndot.pdf

For more information contact: LWV Duluth: 32 E. First St., Duluth, MN 55802
218-724-0132
http://www.lwvmn.org/LocalLeagues/Duluth/

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Thursday: Superior Street closed for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

On Thursday, September 6, 2007, beginning at 9:00 a.m. traffic will be diverted from Superior Street at First Avenue East and Second Avenue East in Downtown Duluth in preparation of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert. The concert will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the 100 block of East Superior Street.

Motorists should expect traffic delays in that area and plan on taking alternative routesto the downtown area. They should also obey temporary "No Parking" areas on Superior Street from First to Second Avenues East. Violators will be tagged and towed. Traffic will be detoured all day Thursday. Motorists should be alert for officers directing traffic in that area.

Traffic should return to normal by approximately 12:00 a.m.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is sponsored by the Greater Downtown Council and the Fond-du-Luth Casino.

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Mr. Nice answers "The Hillsider" Questionnaire

1) Please tell us a little bit about yourself
I am 30 year old puppet made of blue felt. I have a history of public service and when I realized that there were no puppets in the race for Mayor, I had to step forward.

2) Family I’m told that there are quite a few illegitimate children in the twin ports who have button eyes and red string hair but I deny any knowledge or responsibility for the little rascals.

3) Educational background I studied at Cambridge and Oxford before completing my Bachelors in Political Satire from UMD.

4) Employment background I was in a trunk with some other puppets for about fifteen years. I finally escaped in time to run for Vice-President of the Free Republic of Duluth back when Duluth was its own country in February of 2005. I ran for City Council later that same year once relative stability had been restored. My campaign for Council hit a snag when profanity and violence erupted at a Campaign stop. I’ve learned a lot since then. See gonzoscience.com for footage of these events.

5) Volunteer background
I frequently lecture neighborhood children on the evils of toilet humor.

6) Hobbies I enjoy smelling flowers, shoplifting, plagiarism, tax evasion, internet pornography,

7) Your address and contact information 626 N 8th Ave E Duluth, MN 55805 218-260-5177 www.myspace.com/mrniceformayor

8) The Hillside and the Lincoln Park neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically diverse areas in the city of Duluth. How do you see this ethnic diversity as an asset to Duluth? I think its common knowledge that people of Caucasian descent are generally mean-spirited and delusional, and so any ethnic diversity which offsets the maniacal bloodthirst of white people must be a good thing.
Disclaimer:
Added Nov. 5, 2007
"The Hillsider" apologizes for this question. It was originally asked in August 2007 and published in the September issue. "The Hillsider" does not believe the statement/question below is true. It was asked in an effort to pin down the candidates on an his or her personal beliefs on crime and newcomers. The statement is often heard at many venues. "The Hillsider" did not intend that newcomers were immigrants as in not citizens and did not mean the word in a negative connotation.

9) Some people blame the increase in neighborhood problems such as crime on immigrants from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Do you think it's true?

We must never forget that the real criminals are upper-class families who’ve been in Duluth for generations and who control the economy. However, if we want to compete with larger cities we’re going to need more street crime. Street crime is the primary justification for the excessive use of force so beloved by police everywhere and so we should be grateful that people want to come to Duluth to share their law-breaking skills in our communities.

9a) If so, what do we do about it?
When I’m elected I will legalize gangsterism, extortion and vigilante justice because it’s a common sense solution. I’ll para-militarize the police and personally assume control of all criminal activity, skimming a little off the top of the proceeds for my slush fund and for much needed public services.

10) It is estimated that 15 percent of Duluthians are living below the poverty line including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65. What are some of your ideas to bring Duluthians out of poverty?
I propose we give more loans and credit cards to the poor and just hope they shape up.

11) The city has a mandatory recycling law yet walking by many people’s homes it is obvious that they do not recycle. Is recycling important?
Recycling is an un-American socialist plot to counter our God-given right to be wasteful.

12) Why do we have a law on the books if it isn’t going to be enforced?
I’ve proposed a number of new laws that hopefully will not be enforceable such as requiring animal control to baptize all stray dogs. The lack of enforceability can sometimes be a blessing.

13) Over-flowing garbage cans are a problem in lower East Hillside. Many of the homes where this is a problem are rental units. What kinds of ideas do you have to prompt landlords to encourage their tenants to take better care of their property?
The City should authorize landlords to get medieval on their tenants. Its no secret how to torture somebody and it gets results.

14) In the last census, Duluth had a dearth of people age 24 to 35? What can be done to attract and keep this population in Duluth?
Lure them back with false promises of a vibrant economy and then chain them down when they realize we were lying.

15) This city has yet to settle the retiree’s health care budget. What type of action would you take?
I pledge to find out who would perpetuate a hoax as cruel as promising health care for life for retirees. These pranksters will pay dearly for their shenanigans.

16) Is paying for health care a problem that needs to be addressed on the city, state or national level?
I feel health care should be addressed at the sub-atomic level.

17) Have you or anyone you know, had trouble paying a health care bill or worried about how much health care would cost?
I recently needed oral surgery to replace some of the yellow felt in my mouth. I took care of it with no anesthetic, just a shot of whiskey and a needle and thread. Cost about 10 bucks including the whiskey. I don’t see what the big deal is.

18) Do the city departments work well together? How can inter-department work be done more efficiently?
There’s room for improvement and I propose making City employees play ‘Twister’ with folks from other departments. I mean the game, not the movie. It brings people together.

19) What makes you unique as a candidate for city office?

Well, I’m pretty sure I’m the only blue contestant. Other than that, I’m a pretty average fellow and I think Duluth is ready to embrace the firm shaft of my confident leadership. I’m the only candidate who’s not afraid to say that I do not believe in Duluth’s future. Future, future, future- everybody wants to talk about the future! I only believe in the present- I’m the ‘No Future’ candidate.


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