Duluth mayor Emily Larson (pictured below), on why she's running for a third-term in office: "It has been an honor to serve as your mayor. Thank you for your trust and support. I discovered Duluth when I was five years old on a family vacation and then came back when I attended St. Scholastica on a scholarship.

For a while I didn’t have a car and I was taking the bus between my work at CHUM and playing the violin in a quartet. Slowly I found my own place in this beautiful community. It is such an incredible city and I’m proud to call it home. I live in the Hillside neighborhood with my husband Doug, in the same home where we raised our two sons.

Who leads Duluth matters. How they lead it matters more. We deserve a leader with good, consistent values and personal relationships. A leader who has a clear vision for how we move forward together as a community and a record of effectively getting things done. Our community will always be stronger when we put people over politics, work hard, stay focused, and deliver results. I’m proud of our successes already and I’m committed to continuing to build a better Duluth, together.

When I think about our city, I reminisce on the many stories and visions you have shared with me. The importance of having work that is meaningful, supports your family, and gives you purpose. Having parks that are accessible and abundant. Having a safe and affordable place to call home. Having schools that support your children to grow into the best version of themselves.

Having safe drinking water and clean air and the assurance that we will continue to have that for decades to come. Having a community you feel seen by, part of, and are an active participant in.

The achievement of these hopes is not an easy task and not something worth walking away from.

And that is why I'm running again. To continue the promise made on a vision for something greater. Not only am I ready, I am eager for what's next. I know what we've done and how it leads to where we want to go. I'm prepared to continue this worthy effort with you.

We are already making significant progress but further changes in outlook and policy are needed to cement the realities of this vision. It is increasingly clear to me that the people of Duluth are committed to looking outward toward their neighbors for solutions of lasting impact. We have a vibrant community that is truly at its best when it is fully supported.

Together our city will continue to lead on climate, racial equity, housing, infrastructure, and supporting working families. My administration has delivered on all these issues. We have delivered in deep, real, and meaningful ways. We have not backed down from the challenge of building economic vitality for a thriving community. And we will continue to lead and innovate, because this vision is for our community’s shared future, not simply a single moment or election.

This task we’ve embarked on is a far greater task than we have ever purposefully undertaken as a community. It takes daily commitment and sacrifice. I am grounded in, invested in, and devoted to this work. I'm proud of my record and I'm proud of the incredible city workers who make Duluth beautiful every day. Together we have accomplished so much. Together we will

accomplish much more." Photo Note: Emily Larson / Howie

► Denfeld boys basketball coach Phill Homere (pictured below) on the 7-8 Hunters: “We are currently making great strides. The goal is the finish the season strong so we are ready for section play in March. The team is doing fairly well. We suffered a tough loss to Esko on Tuesday night. We face East tonight. Marnaries Ferguson, Aidan Altona and DaShawn Moore have really stepped up.

I am very positive on a good finish for the rest of the season. The goal is to continue playing the right way so we can go into playoffs on a winning streak. We are looking forward to playoffs. If we do the little things we can make some noise come playoff time.” Photo Note: Phill Homere / Howie

► Duluth mayoral candidate Roger Reinert (pictured below), after attending a popular youth hockey tournament at Piedmont Community Club last weekend: “It’s fun to be back in this location and see exactly what I talked about Thursday — kids being kids, community involvement and the labor of love needed to keep these rinks maintained. We used to have 27 hockey and skating rinks in Duluth.

Today, we only have six. These decisions have real consequences. These neighborhood parks and rinks are safe places for kids to be kids. I believe these rinks are core city services our community should expect, and a great opportunity for the city government to be a good partner. And, do better.” Photo Note: Roger Reinert / Submitted

► VISITING DULUTH?

Hotels we recommend in the Downtown Duluth (Canal Park)-Hermantown area:

► Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown

► Holiday Inn Express & Suites Duluth North-Miller Hill

► Pier B Resort Hotel

Photo Note: Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown / Submitted

► WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE DECC?

January

Today | Sunrise Coffee – Symphony Hall

21 | Cider North – Harbor Side Convention Center

21 | Father Daughter Ball– Lake Superior Ballroom

26 | Sunrise Coffee – Symphony Hall

27 | UMD Women’s Hockey vs. University of Minnesota



27 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. St. Cloud State

28 | UMD Women’s Hockey vs. University of Minnesota

28 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. St. Cloud

February

3 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. Western Michigan

4 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. Western Michigan

10 | UMD Women’s Hockey vs. St. Cloud State

11 | UMD Women’s Hockey vs. St. Cloud State

11 | Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Masterworks IV – Symphony Hall



11 | Father Daughter Ball – City Side Convention Center

16–19 | Duluth Sport Show – City Side Convention Center, DECC Arena and Pioneer Hall

18 | Old Dominion – AMSOIL Arena

24 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. Miami

25 | Duluth Women’s Expo – City Side Convention Center

25 | Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Pops II – Symphony Hall



25 | UMD Men’s Hockey vs. Miami

► A MESSAGE FROM URSHAN RETIREMENT GROUP

Urshan Retirement Group, Inc. strives in helping people achieve retirement goals. This is accomplished through education of the financial planning process, analyzing each individual's investment needs, as well as continuously reviewing and monitoring their personalized plan. Jordan Urshan (pictured) and Dan Urshan work as partners to ensure long-term consistency to your investment portfolio. They look forward to earning your business. Please give them a call to schedule your appointment. Call 218.625.7575 or stop by their office located at 5033 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Urshan Retirement Group and Securities America are separate entities.