News & Articles

Best of Health & Fitness

Health Club
 Anytime Fitness

The “anytime” part is the main selling point of Anytime Fitness. For instance, Essentia Health’s Fitness Center would beat Anytime Fitness, if judged on facilities alone. The Fitness Center has a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, indoor track, weight room, looker room, and the list goes on. But none of this helps if they are not open when you are able and ready to go.
Anytime Fitness works around your schedule. If you can’t sleep and feel like working out at 3 in the morning, then Anytime Fitness is there for you. You can use your electronic key to open the door anytime you want. Many like this freedom because they would rather workout when nobody is around.
If someone is serious about getting fit, being able to go anytime, helps that goal. Anytime Fitness has free weights, weight machines, aerobic machines, and showers. There is probably one close to your house with easy free parking. It gets the job done.

 
Best Bicycle Shop
Ski Hut

The wheel is a great invention and the Ski Hut knows this. Even when combined with only muscle power, the wheel allows us to travel easier, by letting us hold on to our kinetic energy for a longer time. Bikes let you go further and faster and allow you to sit down even while exercising.
The Ski Hut is well-aware of this millenniums-old invention and sells a lot of wheels, and bikes to hold them, when they aren’t selling skis. Bikes are an above-freezing version of skis. On bikes you can glide by pedestrians the same way you can glide by the walker on cross country skis in the winter.
They have a large selection and a knowledgeable staff who can help you pick the right bike for you. You don’t even have to wait till summer to get a bike from them. You can get a fat bike and prove the wheel is more versatile than ever.

Runner Up: Continental  
Twin Ports Cyclery

Best Ski Shop
Ski Hut

The Ski Hut has practically everything you can think of for winter sports. There are cross country skis, downhill skis, snowshoes, accessories, and the list goes on and on. Just as valuable as the these items is the knowledge of the staff.
One treasury of this wealth of information is Joe Trela. He has been working at the Hut for 30 something years and can tell you from experience exactly what you want to know about skiing, snowshoeing, or anything else. I talked to him recently and was given practically a whole book’s worth of knowledge about winter sports.
Their hillside location has their own parking ,which is great considering how hard it is to park in that neighborhood. I lived a block from the Hut for a short time and have never seen an area where the parking enforcement was so zealous to relieve you of your money and your vehicle.
But the Ski Hut has plenty of free parking and lots of goodies and good knowledge inside.They have won Best of the Northland Best Ski Shop 18 years in a row, and now you know why.

 
Best Hair Salon
Adeline Inc.
Adeline Inc. has won in years past and once again lands a win. We seriously get a lot of different salons that get one or two votes, but Adeline has always been a contender for this category. Adeline Wright has been giving people slick cuts for over 15 years. Along with stylists Bree Montgomery and Dena Yrjana, it’s fair to say that their masterful stylings along with quality and friendly service puts them a cut above the rest.

Runner Up: Trends

Best Optical
Vision Pro

It is a good thing we have glasses. Before glasses a lot of people must have been bumping into things during their nasty, brutish, and short lives. Like many great inventions, the origin is in dispute. Some believe it was invented in India. Many disagree. Many think Italy discovered both America and eye glasses.
Whatever their origin, eyeglasses are useless without someone to correctly match these light-bending wonders to your natural lenses, rods, and cones. Repeat winner Vision Pro currently has a staff of seven optometrists to help you see the light, clearly. They are friendly and knowledgeable and there to serve the local community. Speaking of community, Vision Pro has locations in nine Northland communities, which makes them a force to be reckoned with throughout the region.
Actually, they serve more than just locals. On their website Karli from Washington gave a great testimonial. Karli came to race in Grandmas Marathon and forgot to bring contacts. Vision Pro got Karli back in the race.

Runner Up: Blink

Best Place to Rollerblade
Lakewalk

As host to the largest inline marathon in North America, Duluth is also host to a skein of homegrown and wildly avid rollerbladers. “Skein” is the best way to describe them … because they fly!
So what draws these inline skaters to the Lakewalk? Duluth Outdoors sums it up well on their website:
The Lakewalk route “is paved and in very good condition. If you enjoy a laid back skate with great views of Lake Superior, this is a good option. … There are many restaurants along the way and shops in Canal Park if you are looking to make a few stops. You can also jump in the lake to cool off.”
All around, it’s a winning combination!

Best Place to Walk Lakewalk

Living right next door to the greatest of the Great Lakes, it can be easy to take this treasure for granted. But Reader readers have once more tipped their hats … and their hearts … to the Lakewalk.
This author frequently walks the section of the 4.2-mile trail extending from the Rose Garden to Canal Park. It’s the most pleasant way I have discovered to keep off the pounds!
No matter what the weather – be it a beautiful Spring day with greenery coming to life at the foot of the Angel of Hope, summertime with flowers blooming in the Rose, Peony, and “Wild Ones” gardens, autumn with its powerful gales, or one of those quiet, clear winter days when you can hear the ice “talking” – the Lakewalk never lets you down.  It’s accessibility and beauty make it a well-deserved repeat winner in the best walking trail category.

Best Bike Trail

Osaugie Trail Superior

The Osaugie Trail runs five miles along the Superior Bay from the intersection of Highways 2 and 53 out to Moccasin Mike Road which leads down to Wisconsin Point. There are plenty of views of the Lake along this relatively flat and straight trail.

Best Sporting Goods Store Northwest Outlet

Northwest Outlet has been providing the Northland with a wide variety of outdoor items and apparel since 1958. Don Hobson, a manager, has been working with Northwest Outlet for 20 years. Once he was done helping a customer pick out the best pair of socks to suit their needs, he took some time to talk with us. “We carry the needs, not the wants,” said Hobson. “Whether you need to survive in the cold or go camping and hiking in the boundary waters, we carry quality goods at low prices. We strive to provide great customer service.”

Runner Up:Trailfitters



Best of Services

Best  Attorney

Richard Gondik

You undoubtedly saw it on the evening news or online – the dash-cam video of the violent arrest of Natasha Lancour in the Keyport Lounge parking lot. It happened about two years ago and absolutely shocked Northlanders.
It’s been a long and winding road for Ms. Lancour. But this past June a lawsuit was officially filed on her behalf against the City of Superior and three of its police officers because of the “excessive and unreasonable force” used during the arrest.
The lawyer who has been representing Ms. Lancour throughout this long and drawn out ordeal is Richard Gondik, selected Best Attorney in the Northland by Reader readers. Is it any wonder?
Attorney Gondik is based in Superior, Wisconsin. He graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1986 and has been a licensed attorney for 29 years.

Best Bank

Superior Choice Credit
Union: The Best Bank
which isn’t a bank.

This year Superior Choice Credit Union won in the category of best bank. AVP-Marketing and Sales Annie Lepper explains one of the main reasons why they won the prize as best bank is they are not a bank. When you call a credit union a bank the average credit union worker is likely to give you the same look as a science teacher when you just pronounced “nuclear” as “nu-cu-lar”. Annie explains the difference.
“All credit unions are member-owned. We take particular pride in our members/owners getting the best everyday value on all the products and services we offer,” Annie said.
So, Annie believes being a credit union already cuts down the possible candidates for best financial institution. What makes her institution stand out among the remaining finalists?
“We are always looking at our fees and services and how we can price them competitively, how can we provide better services, and stay on top of technology,” Annie said.
Because of their status as a credit union and these specific steps, Annie believes they are a “Superior Choice.”

Runner up: National Bank of
Commerce (NBC)

Best Florist
Engwall

Engwall’s has been around for over a century and that’s about as long as they’ve been among one of the top voted florists in this poll. Every year they keep on providing the area with top notch service and quality floral arrangements. It doesn’t stop there, on top of florist shops, there’s greenhouses and garden centers.

Runner Up: Bella Flora has won in the past and always gives Engwall’s some competition when the votes start pouring in.

Best Photographer

Three Irish Girls

This year marks the third year for Three Irish Girls to take the win for Best Photographer. Sharon McMahon started out taking photos for a catalog when she was running a yarn company. Today she specializes in baby, family, wedding, and headshots. “Duluth is an amazing place to be a working artist. There’s so many amazing people that live here and it’s such a gorgeous location. I just never run out of creativity. I’m so grateful to the community of being so supportive of me and my business,” said McMahon.


Best Tattoo Artist
Matt Osterlund (Ink)

This is a new category and it was exciting to see the outcome. Matt Osterlund started up his shop called Ink 10 years ago. He initially went to school to be an art teacher. “I took the long way in becoming a tattoo artist,” stated Osterlund. After being exposed to the “street shops” of Chicago he moved back up to apprentice at a local shop doing “grunt work.” “I became obsessed with the mechanics of tattoo machines, that’s when I started building my own, something I still find a ton of joy in. There are an entire generation of tattoo artists that don’t know the first thing about what makes their machines tick, let alone building one from the ground up. (Winding coils, cutting springs, machining frames and armature bars, etc.)” From his apprenticeship, Osterlund began expanding his artistic abilities and started tattooing customers himself.  We asked Osterlund about being voted Best Tattoo Artist. “I think it comes down to a combination of my work ethic, eye for design, and customer service.  Until recently I’ve worked 10+ hours a day, coming in 2 hours before the shop opens, and staying late if need be. Jill and I do a little bit of everything when it comes to style of tattoo. You can pigeon hole yourself in a small town, if someone wants a traditional, tribal, black and grey, watercolor, etc. we do that for them. We also, when needed, point our customers in the right direction. If they want something that might not age well, we’re honest with them. It’s unfortunate, but there are a lot of young artists that are looking for a quick buck, and they’ll tattoo anything, regardless of  ethics, design, and aging.  When it comes down to it,  I think people love our studio because we’re consistent.”

Best Cab Company

Inconclusive

 
Best Place of Worship

Peace United Church
of Christ

While some churches emphasize doctrine, Peace Church focuses on a more open approach to following the teachings of Christ. It doesn’t matter if you’re a liberal or conservative, Peace Church combines a since of community, social justice and Christ like attitude over taking everything in the Bible literally.

Best Service

Whole Foods Co-op
(Non-Restaurant)

The Whole Foods Co-op started from humble beginnings in the 70s and now with over 8,000 owners will be expanding to a second location soon. The WFC believes in healthy bodies and a healthy community and those who shop there will find not only top quality products but top quality service. Their staff is more than happy to point customers in the right direction and provide knowledgable guidance on eating and living better.

Runner Up: PAVSA. We have to commend those who also voted for PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault). Their service is invaluable to the community.

Best of Material World

Best Antique Shop

Father Time

Father Time once again wins for best antique shop. If you’re looking for vintage treasures that time has treated well, Father Time is a great place to explore. The shop is well-lit, well-liked, and well-maintained.
As one patron explained, “The staff is helpful and knowledgeable.  The store’s offerings, via many different vendor booths, displays and cases, are diverse and reasonable-prized.  A great place for vintage and antique furniture, lighting, jewelry, glassware, knickknacks and just about everything in-between.  Also, every purchase is impeccably packaged to make sure it makes it home with you in the same condition you bought it in.”

Runner Up: Old Town

Best Bookstore

Barnes and Noble

In our book, Barnes & Noble is the single best reason to go to Miller Hall Mall.  
 
The wide selection of new books, periodicals, music and movies is something you would expect of a large retailer like B&N. But an added bonus is the full and vibrant calendar of special in-store events that are offered for all ages.
 Just go to the Duluth B&N website and check it out!  The January-February schedule is especially strong on children’s storytime events. And while the kids are listening to “The Adventures of Beekle – The Unimaginary Friend” or any other featured storybook from the vast children’s section, Mom and Dad can be browsing through the shelves of fiction and literature or enjoying a coffee in the B&N café.  With such a broad array of offerings, it’s no surprise that B&N is a Northland favorite.

Runner Up: The Bookstore at Fitgers’

Best Bookstore (Used)

Amazing Alonzo

The Amazing Alonzo has been on the corner of 19th Ave. East and Superior Street since 1982. That’s when Barb Plumb and her late husband Jerry first opened the doors. They were looking for new careers and decided to give it a try. Looks like their experiment was a success! Thirty-four years later the store still stands, continuing to delight Northlanders looking for a good read at a good price.  
It’s a real treat to weave your way through the different rooms of the shop – with everything so nicely arranged by category. Modern literature, classics, mysteries, you name it!  Barb smiles when she talks about the wide range of readers she sees – from little kids to older people in wheel chairs.
And for those of you who might be looking to cull your book collection, Barb has a well thought out trade-in policy – designed to be a win-win.  
By the way … the store is named in honor of Barb’s Uncle Alonzo. He’s the one who first gave Barb and Jerry the idea of opening a used bookstore.  Thanks, Alonzo! You done good.

Best Car Dealer

Kari Toyota

Kari Toyota is like a small-town sports team that just keeps winning. Kari Toyota has lost the Reader Weekly’s poll only once, since the Best of the Northland Issue has been around.
“It is like when a professional sports team wins and says ‘We have the best fans in the world’” said Chris Kari.
Awhile back, Jerry Seinfeld made an observation about how most professional sports teams change players so often. Once, a player changes sides he is loved by the new city and hated by the old. He said that you are really rooting for your uniform to beat the other side’s uniform.
This is not true with Kari Toyota. Members of their team don’t switch sides very often.
“And our employees, most of them, have worked here for many years and have a great knowledge of the product,” said Chris.
Also, the team is not run by some corporation hundreds of miles away. Chris points out that the owners and managers are there all the time and not “bouncing between 20 dealerships.”
Kari’s hometown fans appreciate this. Chris mentions how they have about 2500 people following their Facebook page, which is more that most Toyota dealerships in the cities.
You can just here the team at Kari Toyota saying like Lou Gehrig, “Today, we consider ourselves the luckiest dealership on the face of the earth earth.”
Runner Up: Krenzen…again...

Best Fashion (Men)

Mainstream

Mainstream Fashions wants to help their patrons go with the flow, when it comes to the current fashion treads. They help men navigate in this area, which most hardly think about.
“We work hard to stay very current with the trends,” said owner Doug Melander
This is not always easy. Fashion ebbs and flows and trends disappear and come back later. The staff look for help in helping their customers
“But it comes down to this, we just spend so much time with our industry experts and our affairs with other stores in other part of the country and the world to see what is going on,” said Doug.
But Doug realizes it is also about being your own man as well.
“When you come in we are going to talk to you about what is going on, and who you are hanging with and what budget you have in mind,” said Doug.” Our experience is very individualized. Everyone has different pals to hang out with.”
Runner Up: TJ Maxx

Best Fashion (Women)

Blue Arrow Boutique

This woman’s clothing boutique in Superior opened in 2014 and it’s exciting for us to see a relatively new, locally owned clothing store that’s not in the middle of a mall plaza take the win for this category. The store was started by two elementary school friends who had a dream to start a clothing store with a unique and fresh atmosphere. It’s good to see that some of you are looking at places like these and hopefully give them some business.

Runner Up: TJ Maxx

Best Fine Jewelry

Security Jewelers

For seventeen consecutive years, Security Jewelers has won “Best Fine Jewelry”.The Seiler family has operated this downtown bastion since 1924, steadily building an impeccable reputation for fine jewelry and quality watches such as Rolex, Christopher Design engagement rings and Forever Mark diamond jewelry.  Jay Seiler’s grandfather, who immigrated from Germany in 1917 came to Duluth “without two nickels to rub together.”
The original location was where the Radisson is currently located. The store moved to its current location in the mid-40s and business has been thriving  ever since.
Security lives up to its reputation as ‘The Areas Leading Jeweler’. They have the largest manufacturing facility of any retail store in the state of Minnesota where they can create custom work, do repairs, they are capable of making anything someone can dream.  
Jack Seilor offered, “If you treat people right, offer them the highest quality product and low prices, we find they tell four or five friends. Advertising, as in the Reader, has also been beneficial to our business, but ultimately it is our reputation that keeps people coming back.”

Runner Up: The Jewelry Bench

Best CD Store

Electric Fetus

It’s good to see that Electric Fetus has continued to keep winning in this category. It’s fair to say that buying from local businesses helps the local economy and we do cringe a little at the votes that came in for Amazon.com. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find everything from local musicians to music across the world. They will gladly assist in special orders and perhaps even direct you to something new that you’ll love.

Runner Up: Vinyl Cave

Best CD Store (used)

Electric Fetus

This category has been a close back and forth between Electric Fetus and Vinyl Cave in years past with Vinyl Cave coming out on top back in 2012. Both have their own charm when it comes to their selection of used vinyl and CDs but the Fetus located in the heart of downtown Duluth once again holds on to the title.  

Runner Up: Vinyl Cave

Best Music Instrument Store

Music Go Round

Music Go Round once again wins our “music store” category. Many of the music stores in the area have knowledgable staff and Music Go Round is no exception. Where they’re hard to beat is their prices. A lot of their instruments and equipment are used and in excellent condition. The store is filled with great playing instruments and gear that can be “taken for a test drive” making it a better bet than picking up something on Craigslist or from a catalog. The store has an excellent reputation for standing behind its gear; if you get home and your new instrument is not working the way you thought, call them up and there’s a good chance they’ll let you bring it back for a trade. The people at the pawn shop might know a thing or two, but as far as servicing instruments and finding the perfect one for you at an unbeatable price, most local musicians will tell you, “Music Go Round is the place to go.”
Runner Up: Schmidt Music

Best Art Gallery

Lizzard’s Art Gallery
and Framing

Lizzard’s is out to frame you. No, they aren’t going to plant some incriminating evidence on you and come up with a pretext for a search. No, they want you to search for anything iconic or even ironic and put it in a nice frame behind glass. This could be art, diplomas, posters, or some disputed bill you will never pay.
Of course, they are also a gallery, putting on display various works from local artists. As you would expect, there are the painters. Some paint nature and some paint people. Alberta Marana has a painting that sort-of morphs between nature and a person as you keep staring at it. There are many abstract paintings and many concrete images painted abstractly.
The gallery also features ceramics, blown glass, cast metal and other means to bring the imagination into three dimensional space.
For over a decade the Tweed Museum of Art and Lizzard’s have duked it out for top honors in the area, often swapping positions year in and year out. Of course, the REAL winner is the public, blessed with an abundance of arts in our community.
Runner Up: Tweed Museum of Art - UMD
 
Best Movie Theater

Zinema 2

It’s once again a win for Zinema-2. Ever since Duluth’s only independent film cinema started rolling reels they’ve been running away with a healthy lead in our annual poll. No, they probably won’t be showing the latest multi-million dollar block buster with no plot or an obnoxious action flick that only your 10 year old nephew will like.
But if you’re interested in foreign and art-house movies … if you like the kinds of films that win at Sundance … if you like doing quirky artsy things like watching old episodes of the X-files with fellow X-Philes … or if you simply enjoy watching a good flick in a small, intimate setting while sipping a glass of wine … then Zinema-2 is for you.
We also like the vintage cartoons they run before rolling the featured film AND the fact that every Wednesday every movie is just $5.
But there’s a bigger picture, too. The Zeppa Foundation (now operating as Zeitgeist Arts) took a chance on bringing an independent cinema to downtown Duluth. It was part of their vision for spurring a local arts scene, but no one knew if Duluth would really embrace it.
If Reader readers are any gauge, it looks like the chance the Foundation took is paying off. And that makes for a sweet win.

Best Second Hand Store

Goodwill

There are 14 Goodwill retail stores across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin where you can shop for great bargains or donate gently used household goods. Four of the stores are located right here in the Twin Ports.
This writer is most familiar with the one on Garfield Avenue. Wow! What a nice selection of clothing, dishes and household goods! I especially like how the women’s clothing is organized not only by size, but color. It makes shopping for the right outfit so much easier.
Of course, even a better reason to feel good about Goodwill is their commitment to helping the men and women who train and work there become a real part of the community. The public got a poignant glimpse of this about a month ago, when the Goodwill community lost one its own, Brian Respler. This dependable and hardworking husband and father who had gotten where he was with the help of Goodwill, was struck and killed by a driver under the influence. And when the tributes started to roll in, Goodwill’s positive impact on this precious man’s life was clear.
When you support Goodwill, you support people like Brian, and that’s what makes this year’s choice of Goodwill as best second hand store feel really good.

Runner Up: Dannie Duluth

Best Public Restroom

Tavern on the Hill

Tavern on the Hill is right in the center of the college scene. The restaurant has a bar area, a couple of regular eating areas, and an outside area by the fire. In various rooms there are hand-drawn murals depicting areas of Duluth, sometimes taking poetic license with the geography.
Then, there’s the bathroom … What first caught my eye was the sign you encounter head-on that says something like “men to the left because women are always right.”  Since I’m a man, and since I’m never right, I will be telling you about my journey to the left.
The men’s room has a nice decor, like the rest of the building. It’s spacious and, at least when I was there, well-ventilated. The urinals have some sort of LED screen above them with advertisements.
The coolest feature of the bathroom has to do with the faucets. After you are done washing up, move your hands over two inches. A sensor detects your hands and dispenses blown hot air. For the really vain, you can look at yourself while drying your hands!
It’s no wonder that many people stop by the bathroom at Tavern on the Hill, whether stopping in or passing by.


Runner Up: Shorty’s in Superior. They have urinals that are fun!

Best Bowling Alley

Incline Station

The Incline Station has won this years poll as the Best Bowling Alley, in the area. Admittedly, there are not many bowling alleys left. Still, the incline station knows that it needs to keep improving and keep moving ahead.  This is not just because of other bowling alleys.
“It is not just competition for bowling alleys but for all entertainment, “ said owner Tom Sorensen.
In the age of Netflix and smartphones, bowling still offers well-rounded entertainment. Tom mentions how they just put in a new game room and they have the sports bar, if you are so inclined. Tom notes how bowling alleys offer advantages over going to the movies.
“We are a perfect date night place to go,” said Tom. “You go to movies and you can’t talk.”
Tom knows the alley needs to keep working to get better as time goes on.
Tom said, “We are just keeping our ears open for any new things coming along. We are just modernizing and keeping up to date.”

Runner Up: Country Lanes




Best Lodging Romantic Getaway

Bluefin Bay

Reader readers have once again given Bluefin Bay the nod as Best Place for a Romantic Getaway. When your accommodations are this close to the exhilarating waters lapping at the shores of Lake Superior, inhibitions run wild and your entire vacation is enhanced!
And then there are all the extras, some natural (breathtaking views of the lake, Technicolor sunrises …), some man-made (in-suite fireplaces, whirlpool baths, champagne …). Plus there’s the added bonus of seclusion from the world outside.  
Whether you’re starting a new romance or rekindling an old flame, Bluefin Bay prides itself in “bringing you closer to the lake, so you can get closer to each other.”  Can’t get better than that.
Runner Up: Rittenhouse

Best of People & Media

Best Politician

Don Ness

Don Ness has been winning this category by a healthy lead for years. This year he had some competition but that was from newly elected Mayor Emily Larson. “Mostly, I’m just glad to escape my 16 years in elected office without having been voted ‘Worst Politician’.” We told Ness that he had obtained a few votes for “worst” and has each year he was mayor. “You can’t do the job right without getting ‘worst’ votes,” Ness replied. Despite some criticism from people and even The Reader, we feel that Don Ness has done a lot of positive things for Duluth and the community will miss him. It will be interesting to see how Emily Larson does with her new position as mayor, but it’s safe to say that she’s off to a good start…at least with our readers.



Best Band/Musician

Todd Eckart

We’ve got his name spelled right? We think so. Better double check. We’re 90% sure we’ve got his name spelled right.
Last year Todd Eckart came in as runner up behind Trampled by Turtles. Considering that Trampled by Turtles are now a nationally known group, that was a bit of an accomplishment. This year Eckart came out on top after playing music for many years before any of the Turtles could tell you what a whole note is.
Eckart moved to the area as a child in 1971 and attended a number of schools in Duluth and was in the last class to graduate from Morgan Park before they switched to Denfeld.  Eckart started with music during his years in the Duluth public schools and made his debut singing in front of people with the Kenny Rodgers’ song “Lady” in his senior year.
Eckart went on to pursue music with a friend. First, they performed in Duluth, and in 1985 they started a band in Minneapolis. After 11 years, Eckart came back up and started playing at coffee shops and open mics under the name Hot Toddy. Eventually he formed a group called Hot Toddy and the Bluetones and they would play area events such as the Dragon Boat Festival. Eckart remained quite active in the area until he moved to Los Angeles in 2007. “I have a lot of opportunities because of that (moving to L.A.). I got to play with Chris Isaac’s original guitar player. His name was James Wilsey, we became friends and play parties. He said, ‘you’ve got to hear this guy, he sounds just like Chris Isaac.’ So, I got to hang out with Lucinda Williams, and sang at Frank Sinatra’s house through a contest that I won.”
Eckart would come back and play a few gigs occasionally and then moved back to Duluth permanently in 2012. He plays regularly in the Northland including feature shows where he covers Elvis, Sinatra and The Everly Brothers to name a few. “I think it’s amazing. I’m humbled to say the least. There’s so many great musicians and artists in this town and I’m really honored. I guess in a way, it’s a good sign that people are voting. It’s a great style of music for the people that I play for in the area,” said Eckart.

Runner(s) Up: Trampled by Turtles just narrowly beat out Joe Lindzius and Sarah Jane Hale of “Joe and Friends.”


Best Band Name

Ball Slashers

This band name is truly tied to the area after a young man named Christopher Bjerkness was caught for having an unusual fetish. News of his ball slashing exploits soon traveled around the area. “We we were all sitting around and thinking for a long time. We kind of wanted to name ourselves after something in Duluth that’s a little on the sour side. It’s Duluth, but not that happy part that everyone thinks about,” said Joe Ulvi on his band’s arrival on the band name.  We asked Ulvi if Bjerkness really needs to be locked up. “We know that he hasn’t physically hurt anybody and he may not. Who knows? He might be a better person to hang out with over a lot of people like Donald Trump or something. It’s a thing too, where guys start out small and get big. It’s hard to say when it comes to something like that.” Regardless or whether Bjerkness is truly a danger to society or not, our readers thought that a band named after his actions was the best this year.

Best Album in the Last Year

Low: Ones and Sixes

After 20 years and 11 albums, it looks like the slow-core/alternative band Low still has a bit of a following. Their album “Ones and Sixes” was released in September and has been met with generally good reviews. The album carries a bit of a heavy intense energy throughout most of it which is what we’d expect from Low. The album topped out at 158 on the Billboard 200 charts making it a moderate success as far as albums from this area goes.

Runner Up: Woodblind (ST)

Best Concert in the Last Year

Trampled by Turtles
the Bayfront

It’s always good when they boys from Trampled by Turtles come home from a show. They came back to play the Bayfront last July with an all Minnesota show with John Mark Nelson, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank and Actual Wolf opening.

Best Community Activist

Deb Holman

The good news is that Deb Holman from the CHUM center has once again been voted Best Community Activist of the year. The bad news, and we’re sure Deb would be the first to agree, is that we still need her.
Duluth has yet to solve its homelessness problem.     
Deb works tirelessly in the field as CHUM’s Street Outreach Worker. “Working with people experiencing homelessness who are living outside … meeting with them where they’re at, trying to get them services and housing, that’s what I do in a nutshell,” said Holman.  And she does it well.
This past September Deb received state-wide recognition for her work when she was given the Bruce Vento Distinguished Service Award. In the words of her colleagues:
“The hopeless, the throwaways, the deeply affected and damaged are Deb’s people. She does not shy away, but meets people where they are at ... She finds a way to help them. …  She begs for tents, tarps, clothing and any other small thing that the homeless may need, and she is relentless. She also advocates for their animals, knowing that many folks who are homeless also have mental health issues and need their animals.”

When you support CHUM, you support the good work of people like Deb. To make a donation, please call (218) 720-6521.

Runner up: Laura Erickson

Best Dance Club

The Flame-Duluth

Ever since The Flame in Duluth opened they have been winning this category. It’s not hard to see why. They have a full dance floor, professional sound system and lights, plenty of space to socialize and mingle, and a generally cool vibe. It’s a great place for anyone looking to hang out and have some fun to be themselves.  

Best Open Mic

Beaner’s Central

There’s sometimes not a whole lot going on on a Wednesday evening in the Twin Ports. One mainstay is the open mic at Beaner’s Central which has been going for around 16 years and has been winning Best Open Mic for a number of years now. “The most important thing is to have a place to crack your nerves open and get up on a stage with sound and light, people looking at you and hopefully to have a listening space where there’s a welcoming environment. That’s the hope at least,” said Beaner’s owner Jason Wussow. “It can be a platform if you’re new in town to hook up and meet other musicians or just come out and check the emerging song writer scene.” The open mic is held every Wednesday with sign-ups starting at 6 p.m.


Best Music Club

The Red Herring Lounge

We have to hand it to Bob Monahan the owner of Red Herring. He took a gloomy stripped out building that consisted of mostly the stone walls and rafters and made it into one of the most happening music venues in town. All we can say is that he had a vision to make the space into something special. There is live music from some of the area’s best original acts several nights a week and it’s not uncommon for well known acts from the Twin Cities or on tour to play the venue. It certainly fills a needed niche in the area for a music club. On top of music the Herring often has art showings, community events and even has a studio in the basement.

Runner Up: Beaner’s Central

Best Local Play in the Last Year

Twin Ports Live Radio
Soap Opera

The Twin Ports Live Radio Soap Opera is an ongoing series of live radio theater held at Belknap Lounge in Superior and broadcast by KUWS 91.3 FM. The productions are put on by a theater group called Twin Ports Stage. There were at least three Soap Operas held in 2015 featuring two episodes each. The group consists of around 15 actors including some familiar faces/voices such as Barbara Reyelts and Brian Matuszak.  
Runner Up: Kitchen Witches. It’s a little interesting to see that Kitchen Witches is was also a production put on by Twin Ports Stage.

Best Actor

Brian Matuszak

By day, Brian Matuszak is an instructor in the Department of Communication at UMD and a newspaper columnist. By night, he’s a pie-throwing mad man.
Yup, Brian wears a lot of hats in the community … but the one most beloved to Reader readers is his Chicken Hat.   
Brian has been delighting Duluthians with his artful antics for years – going back to the 1980s when he joined the local comedy troupe, Colder by the Lake. And then there was Renegade Comedy Theater. And now there is Rubber Chicken. Why all this running around like a chicken with its head cut off? Brian has a pattern of “moving on” and starting a new troupe whenever the old one decides to stop doing Christmas shows.
He LOVES doing Christmas shows.
But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Brian announced late last year that he was retiring. But not to panic! He’ll still be producing theater. It’s just that we won’t be seeing him on the stage.   
Hmmm.  Maybe someone should suggest to the Rubber Chicken troupe that they stop doing Christmas shows. Brian, would it bring you back?


Best Actress

Rachel Ronding

In 2015 Rachel Ronding captivated the audience with her voice and performance with her portrayal of the character Ilse in the theatrical musical “Eastland” put on by Renegade Theater Company last summer.

Runner Up: Barbara Reyelts for Twin Ports Radio Soap Opera.

Best Athlete

Ross Kennelly

Superior High School senior Ross Kennelly made big news last August when the 6-0, 190-pound outside linebacker committed to North Dakota State.  If you take a look at his profile, as posted online by Wisconsin Sports Network, you will see why he thrilled Spartan fans AND why NDSU was so interested to recruit him:
 “Kennelly was the Big Rivers Defensive Player of the Year and a WFCA All-State selection as a junior, helping the Spartans to a league title and Level 3 playoff trip. He recorded 125 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss with 6 sacks and 3 interceptions, and led the team in rushing with more than 850 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s a tackling machine for the Spartans, attacking the line of scrimmage with his 4.65 speed.”
 Thanks, Ross.

Best Author

Don Ness

A lot of people in politics write books. Not so many take on the approach that Don Ness did with his book Hillsider. Ness took relevant and often humorous clips from his life in Duluth and terms as City Councilor and Mayor for the reader to take in easy to absorb bites. The narrative doesn’t drag on or grow weak because it keeps moving. We’re guessing you liked that because Ness takes a win for Best Author.

Runner Up: Margi Preus

Best Book in the Last Year

Hillsider by Don Ness

During his last months as Duluth Mayor, Don Ness spent a good amount of time promoting his book Hillsider. It’s not uncommon to see an author do a book signing at the book store at Fitger’s, but Ness was traveling all around the area doing book signings. On top of making sure his book got out there, it’s a darn good book. It’s not a boring amorphous blob of black and white. If Ness was going for interesting and entertaining, that’s how the book ended up. There are plenty of visual aids, pictures and illustrations to go along with his essays and memoirs that make the book kind of fun to read. “My approach is pretty simple - whether its my time in office or writing the book: step one, look for opportunities to bring attention to Duluthians doing amazing things in our city. Step two, try not to screw things up,” stated Ness about putting together the book and his political career. Our readers think that Ness definitely managed to not screw this book up.

Runner Up: Amethyst and Agate: Poems of Lake Superior - Edited by Jim Perlman, Deborah Cooper, Mara Hart & Pamela Mittlefehldt

Best Rumor

Inconclusive



Best Story Swept Under the Rug

Mayor Ness’ Secretive Plans for a New Library

If it weren’t for The Reader, this story truly would have been swept under the rug. In a nutshell, we uncovered and were the only news team to report on Mayor Ness’ secretive plans to tear down the existing Duluth Public Library and build a new one at great expense to the taxpayers. And we did it by following the email trail.
Lots of intrigue, including our discovery that the city’s hired-gun consultant had filled its report with bogus numbers and false claims.
The Reader learned that the City had requested Johnson Controls to examine the needs of the library back in 2005, and they had concluded it could be fixed up nicely for less than $11 million.
Ness had high-balled the renovation figure, and it turns out that he had also low-balled the figure for constructing a new library.
The City tired of the relentless questioning from Reader reporter John Ramos, sent an email that we later got ahold of. Daniel Fanning (Ness’ Director of Communications) the email said, “We should reach out to John Ramos and offer to sit down with him (without giving him any details, of course) just so he’s not tempted to write some piece blasting the city’s lack of transparency.” Well, Fanning’s plans fell flat. Ramos proceeded to blast the City royally.

Best TV News Station

WDIO

What is it about Channel 10/WDIO that puts them at the head of the pack? All the stations in town report on the same stories, so we’re venturing it has to do with the chemistry between newsroom personalities and the chemistry they have with Joe/Josephine Northlander sitting in front of the TV set.
Maybe it’s how you just have to chuckle whenever Darren Danielson and Justin Liles go off-script, or maybe it’s how viewers occasionally get to hear a cute little story about Renee Passal’s son. Or maybe it’s something crazy, like when the camera panned to the hairy (and also manly) legs of someone on set who was wearing shorts during a November weather segment. We’re all human and can relate to those kinds of things, eh?
But then there’s the quality of the broadcast itself, too. Without it, all the good chemistry would fall flat. Yup, the WDIO team has found a good balance between taking their job seriously and showing us their human side. That’s why it works.

Best TV Personality

Dan Hanger (Fox 21)

Dan Hanger once again takes the win for “Best TV Personality.” Whether it be watching him on FOX 21 news or seeing him at a community event, there’s not doubt that Hanger brings a lot of personality to what he does. Many who watch Hanger also follow him on social media such as Facebook where he often shows his outings with his adorable dog Brewster who also seems to have plenty of personality. “Well, just as I thought I was developing some solid haters and thinking I should finally skip town, the ‘Best Of’ comes out to stop me from taking a double dose of Prozac and gets me ready for another year at FOX 21. Thanks for letting me keep it real, you crazy critters!” replied Hanger when we asked for a quote. We interviewed Dan last year at his station when he took the win for 2014. Check out the humorous chat we had with him at www.tinyurl.com/bestof2014dan - the link leads to a Youtube video.  

Runner(s) Up: We count every last vote and Renee Passal, Michelle Lee and Darren Danielson ended up in a three way tie for runner up.

Best TV Commerical

National Bank of
Commerce with the
Yester Song

We’ve only seen this commercial once and we can’t find it anywhere on the internet. We can say that the production of this commercial is pretty good for the area. It doesn’t look like someone let their nephew make the family business a commercial for his high school “intro to video” class. It seems that a few people liked this commercial because it has a song from the local band, Yester. We’re pretty sure that Yester has been inactive for around a year and the members have moved on to other projects, but you never know, they might come back. This commercial only got a few votes overall compared to “Budweiser Superbowl Commercials” that so many of you were nice enough to vote for. Budweiser is from St. Louis and it’s highly unlikely there will ever be a Superbowl in or near Duluth, so we couldn’t really count it as a “Best of the Northland.”

Visual Artist of the Year

Adam Swanson

Adam Swanson has won this category before a few years ago and he’s back again. The last time he won he was heading over seas and didn’t even get to see the issue before he left. It’s safe to say Swanson will be around the area for awhile now. We asked him what he’s been up to and it turned out to be quite a bit, “a lot has changed for me personally in the past three years. I’m married, with two sons, Jasper and Oliver. I moved to Cloquet into a log home, on a dirt road, in the woods. I paint full-time (and have been for almost four years now). Last year I went to Turkey on an artist fellowship, which was awesome. I’ve been working on painting people into my photos, while exploring the human connection with the natural world. This past year my personal paintings have been about alternative energy, outer space and human animal hybrids. I am thrilled to have been nominated as a finalist again. It makes me really happy to think that the things I make strike chords with your readers. Almost all of my time is spent alone, in my studio. I never really know what people think about my work, as it hangs in the coffee shops, bars and galleries. It is a terrific honor and I am grateful for the support of the northland. I would not be painting every day without it.”

Runner Up: Sarah Brokke Erickson

Best Local TV Program

The Playlist (WDSE)

 Last September I had my first real look at how The Playlist is produced. Now I understand why the program is as good as it is … and why Northlanders have once again voted it Best Local TV Program.
It was at Tycoons, and I was part of the live audience for a taping of a performance by Paul Metsa and Cats Under the Stars. Metsa, of course, did not disappoint (can’t wait to see WDSE’s upcoming documentary on the band), but an added bonus for me was seeing The Playlist’s producer, Karen Sunderman, in action.
She wasn’t loud. She wasn’t barking out commands. She wasn’t trying to micro-manage the cameraman or set up any kind of shot that would’ve looked good on camera but not been real.
She simply “let it be.”
Don’t get me wrong! Everything that needed to be done by the production team was done and done well. But, somehow, Karen has figured out how to do it without cramping anyone’s style … or anyone’s art.
Her hands-off approach allows people to be themselves and shine … and then her production team quietly captures it all on tape and brings it into our living rooms. Now how good is that?

Best Radio Station

KUMD 103.3 FM

Some people like to listen to the same songs over and over again and some people, perhaps people like you, like some variety. KUMD offers a wide array of programming that has a little for everyone. Well, maybe not much for those who love to listen to the same beaten-to-death songs. Student run shows such as “The Basement” to the always wonderful “The World Cafe” make for a broad listening experience. Local artists are often featured on KUMD and they keep you up on local and world news as well as new bands and shows to check out.

Best Radio Personality

Ron Houk (KOOL 101.7)

For the past few Best Ofs Jeanne Ryan has dominated this category. It’s not that we have anything against Jeanne, but it is nice to see a new winner here and there. Enter the new winner for Best Radio Personality, Ron Houk from KOOL 101.7. People who have tuned into KOOL 101.7 may have heard the Rayman in the afternoon. Rayman retired and Houk is the replacement spinning your favorite classic hits. Of course we weren’t too happy to hear REM the other day on the “oldies” station.
Houk was raised in the Superior, Wisconsin area and graduated from Superior high school. Before being a DJ for KOOL 101.7 Houk was with The Night Flight with KQ and has done held other radio positions before that. Aside from radio, Houk has spent some time as an automotive mechanic. “What I think what is lost in today’s radio is not the personality, but personal interaction with people. When I grew up, I remember going to the Head of the Lakes Fair and going to watch the DJ broadcasting live. He was cool and hanging out. It was entertaining to go out and see something,” said Houk.

Runner(s) Up: Jeanne Ryan with Jason Manning coming in very close behind.

Best Newspaper Columnist

Christa Lawler (DNT)

For years this category has been a battle between Reader humor columnist, Paul Ryan, and Duluth News Tribune outdoors writer, Sam Cook. We didn’t really expect arts & entertainment writer, Christa Lawler of the DNT to come and take the win, but alas, she did. Aside from her a&e reporting with the DNT, she also writes a more personal column about things she observes and interactions she has while out and about to things like her pajamas. Apparently some of our readers enjoy Lawler’s adventures with “hoodie-footies.”  

Runner Up: Paul Ryan


Good Cop

Gordon Ramsay

We have made a decision. This is the last year Gordon Ramsay will win the award for Good Cop. This is not because he doesn’t want to get typecast playing good cop. He has not been seen at tryouts for bad cops. It is because Gordon will be moving. That’s right. Within the next couple of weeks, he is leaving Duluth. Like Wyatt Earp, the lawman is going west to Kansas, except to Wichita instead of Dodge City. I don’t know if he will end up in Tombstone, Arizona.
Duluth Police Chief, Gordon Ramsay will be missed by most in Duluth.


Best of Food & Drink Best

American
Restaurant

Duluth Grill

Have you heard it through the grapevine (which literally grow along the front edge of the property) that the Jewel of the West End was voted yet again Best American Restaurant? Passing beneath Duluth Grill’s newly erected, massive, yet whimsical log pergola (brought to you by Max Taubert a la Duluth Timber) you enter one of the most unique restaurants in our region. It’s difficult to describe (and this is a good thing) what constitutes American Food these days. Each American staple, multigrain pancakes and free range eggs, gluten free mac & cheese and grass fed beef burgers are far from “standard.” The quality of ingredients and unique twists that patrons have come to know and love, make Duluth Grill a favorite among Reader readers! Knowing you’re supporting a local business that supports other local businesses and practices sustainability makes the experience all the more enjoyable.”We like thinking out-of-the box. Our son Louis, and our capable kitchen staff have created many of our popular items on the menu.” Manager Jeff Petcoff, has recently created a smoothie, “The Red Hot” that includes Maca root powder and Cayenne pepper in the ingredients. It’s very popular!
Runner Up: Taste of Saigon

Best Appetizer

Tapas at the Spirit Room

The Spirit Room is still a fairly new restaurant and bar in the area. Last year they won “Best Kept Secret,” which was probably due to how new the place was and the fact that it doesn’t stick out in the old Superior City Hall. One would have to know the place was there or it is easy to drive by. This year, the Spirit Room has been voted “Best” for a couple of categories including “Best Appetizer” for their Tapas menu. For those not in the know, Tapas are essentially appetizers and that is the Spirit Room’s specialty. While there are a dozen places in the area that serve some great mozzarella sticks, Spirit Room offers quality, classy cuisine.  

Runner Up: Zeitgeist. Their French Fries with Aioli Sauce.

Best Asian Restaurant
 
Hanabi

Sitting at the sleek sushi bar, its base emanating soothing lapiz light, it is both mesmerizing and entertaining to watch sushi masters create edible art right before your very eyes.

Specializing in freshly prepared sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes including Teriyakis, tempuras and pan-fried noodles, Hanabi has won best Asian Cuisine for the second year in a row.  
Aptly described as “Japanese Fusion,” there is adventurousness to the menu that keep Reader readers returning. The muted tones and clean lines and cosmopolitan feel of the décor create a peaceful, elegantly austere atmosphere that transports Hanabi’s patrons half-way across the globe.

Runner Up: Taste of Saigon


Best Bakery

Johnson’s Bakery

Baked items are usually best when newer. The same is not always true for bakeries. Johnson’s Bakery was voted the best bakery in the area. Johnson’s Bakery is far from new.
“We are just in the process of celebrating our 70th anniversary,” said owner Scott Johnson. “So, it is very gratifying that people have been coming to us for 70 years and we’ve been able to service the Duluth-Superior area”.
Contrary to recent thinking, Johnson believes they are a favorite because they do many things and do them well.
“We still do most things,” Scott said. “We do everything from bread to buns to donuts, pies and cakes and we carry a very full line of products like cookie bars. So, we still have the wide selection that people are still looking for.”
Scott’s son is involved with the bakery as well. They will continue to offer old favorites and keep offering new things. Maybe they will last another 70 years.

Runner Up: How Sweet It Is

Best Bar & Grill

The Anchor  

The Anchor keeps running away or should we say floating away with Best of Awards. This year they won four!  

• Best Bar and Grill
• Best Burger
• Best Really, Really Cheap Food
• Best Dive
So what’s the deal with this place? The first time I walked into the Anchor, I was transported immediately to coastal Maine. I was half expecting a longshoreman from a previous century to sidle-up next to me saying “Move over, Barnacle Butt, I need me Brew and Bacon Burger, Arrrrr!”
But seriously folks, the Anchor’s burgers and fries are as authentic as they get. If you peak around the bar, you can see a whole potato practically being drawn and quartered (mild exaggeration) before your very eyes and turned into the freshest French fries you’ll ever eat (no exaggeration). No frills, but delish!
Adam Anderson credits his late father with Anchor’s success.  “My dad started the establishment in 1977,” he said, “and we’re just trying to keep it going. It’s been successful, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! We put out a fresh product at a reasonable price.”

Best Bartender

Kelli Barker
(Spirit Room/Tower
Avenue Tavern)
Many in the Northland may not get to know their doctor, lawyer or mechanic as well as they get to know the bartender at their favorite watering hole. Kelli Barker takes the win again this year for being voted “Best Bartender.” Barker doesn’t consider herself to be the “Best Bartender” but definitely loves what she does and is often personable at her jobs. For some reason Superior bartenders come out well ahead of Duluth bartenders for overall votes.

Runner up: Josh Roux
(The Dugout)

Best Locally Brewed Beer

Bent Paddle

It’s simple math. (Bryon and Karen Tonnis) + (Colin and Laura Mullen) = Formula for Success.
These four individuals – two married couples – are behind the crazy vault of Bent Paddle Brewery to the top of the Duluth craft beer scene. And when you see their credentials, it’s a no brainer.
Bryon was head brewer at Rock Bottom Brewery in Minneapolis and Colin at Barley John’s in New Brighton before opening Bent Paddle with their mates. Karen brought years of Human Resource management experience to the table. And Laura, who had served as Guild Coordinator for the Minnesota Craft Brewer Guild, knew how to kick ass with marketing!
Bent Paddle offers four flagship beers (this writer’s favorite is the Black Ale) plus an additional four specialty/seasonal brews. You can find their products in bars, restaurants and stores across the region. Plus, there’s a taproom attached to the brewery where you can sample their wares by the glass. Hungry? Not to worry. The owners are totally okay with patrons ordering food for delivery from any of the great local restaurants while sipping on a brewski. Now how cool is that?
And in case you are wondering …  Bent Paddle is named for the bent shaft canoe paddle that Bryon used for mixing his brewing mash while at Rock Bottom Brewery.

Best Beer Selection

7 West Taphouse

While 7 West Taphouse has some tasty burgers and other eats, where they have really shined for four years now is for “Best Beer Selection.” It’s hard to beat 40 taps that are regularly rotated so there’s hardly a week that goes by where there isn’t some high quality new brew on tap. If you are a beer lover, 7 West must be checked out. Their Superior location on Tower Avenue(which is opening soon) will bring a similar huge selection across the bridge in the near future.

Best Mexican Restaurant

Guadalajara

If you live in Superior the best Mexican Restaurant is in your backyard. If you live in Duluth and want visit the best Mexican Restaurant in the area you need to run to the border. Actually, the Mariner Mall sometimes resembles a scene from some western about a man trying to make it to the border. Everyone has cleared the streets before the gunfight and you expect to see tumbleweed blow by.
But there are a lot of great things about the mall and Guadalajara is one of them. They offer authentic Mexican food. The owners are from Mexico, as are much the staff.