Best of the Northland 2020 by readerduluth

2020

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2020

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Best Ski Shop: Ski Hut

4 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

2020

The 22nd Anniversary Reader Weekly Best of the Northland Awards has arrived! You have cast your ballots and the choice of the people is resounding through our hallowed halls. The Best of the Northland poll shines a light on the people doing great things in our area in a wide range of areas and can also tell you the best and worst restroom in town. Often emulated, never duplicated, we bring you the 2020 Reader Weekly Best of the Northland!

Best of Health & Fitness Best Health Club: Strength Factory

In 2010, to be the best role model for her daughters, Keely Kellnar decided to focus on her health and join a gym with a specific weight loss program. Soon after, she began teaching kickboxing and Kettlebell classes and became the area’s only Amazing 12 certified coach. She founded her own gym, The Strength Factory, in Superior in 2016. The Strength Factory provides a range of services from single and small group personal training, large group fitness and specialized wellness programs. The facility offers kickboxing, kettlebells, spin, bodyweight, mystery and suspension training fitness classes. Runner-up is the YMCA.

Best Bike Shop: Twin Ports Cyclery

This last year Twin Ports Cyclery

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Best Bike Shop: Twin Ports Cyclery faced the problem of having plenty of demand but not enough supply of bikes, parts, and accessories. “We were here working seven days a week trying to keep up on demand,” said Owner Denis Sauve. “It was a tough year for bike shops because getting parts and accessories was really tough.” Old bikes have something in common with dogs. During COVID times old bikes were happy to be getting a whole lot more attention and might even be seen “wagging their chains.” When it was hard to find a new bike people decided to restore some classics. “We had people who wanted us to

fix old bikes ‘in the garage 20 years.’” said Denis. “That’s what we do. We sold everything we had but people were asking ‘when are you going to get some bikes in’. They are dribbling in now.” Runner up: Continental Ski and Bike Best

Ski Shop: Ski Hut

While the Ski Hut is now known as a ski/bike center, this was not always the case. Long before the Ski Hut had bikes, it had skis. This is probably why it is not called the “Bike Hut.” The Ski Hut’s long history in Duluth is a big part of why they are an area favorite.”We’ve been a ski shop in

Best Ski Hill: Mont du Lac January 28, 2021

2020

Best Skate Park: Superior Skate Park Duluth for 65 years,” said owner Scott Neustel. “so we’ve always get people lined up with the right gear.” While the age of the store is important, the time staff have devoted to the sport of skiing while inside the store or outside on the snow makes for good customer service. “Our staff is very experienced and we love to ski,” said Scott. “When people come in we teach them to

love the sport and get them into the right gear.” Runner up: Continental Ski and Bike.

Best Ski Hill: Mont du Lac

The most modest of the region’s ski resorts is also arguably the most fun. You can log more runs in a day and the place has the rustic, traditional

Best Biking Trail: Munger Trail 6 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Best Place to Walk: Superior Hiking Trail

Best Sporting Goods Store: Northwest Outlet

mom & pop feeling you miss with bigger operations. Plus a tubing park and live music every Thursday in the winter, and disc golf and biking in the summer. Runner up: Spirit Mountain.

Best Skateboarding Spot: Superior Skate Park

Located in Heritage Park at 2828 Hammond Ave., the park features a variety of ramps, pipes, rails and boxes for skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX/trick bikes. The park is open until 10 p.m. daily. Runner up: Midtown Park Skate ramps.

Best Bike Trail: Munger Trail

Named after the renowned state legislator (Willard Munger, 19111999), this is 160 miles of multiple-

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use trails for hiking, bicycling, inline skating, snowmobiling and horseback riding. The paved Duluth-to-Hinckley section offers a spectacular 70-mile journey, following the historic 19thcentury route of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad. Along the way are the St. Louis River, Jay Cooke State Park, Thomson Dam, Andrew State Forest and the picturesque towns of Barnum, Finlayson, Willow River and Moose Lake. Runner Up: Lakewalk

Best Public Park: Lester Park

Lester Park features 9-plus miles of hiking and mountain biking trails between Amity Creek and Lester River. Seven Bridges Road follows along Amity Creek. Lester Park Rendezvous takes place in the park every September and features lots of food, January 28, 2021

crafts, and entertainment. Runner up: Leif Erickson

Best Playground: Playfront

The wooden playground, built in 1990 with its castle walls and turrets, had its Harry-Potteresque charms, but its normal lifespan was 20 years. So in 2010 the Junior League replaced it with a space-age metal-and-plastic jungle gym complex and a rubber base that feels like you’re walking on the moon. Runner Up: Billings Park

Best Place to Walk: Superior Hiking Trail

Enjoy 310-plus miles of trail along Lake Superior’s North Shore. The Superior Hiking Trail is ideal for day trips, thru-hikes, backpacking, and trail running. If you’d like to know more about the history of the trail, check our Rudi Hargesheimer’s 2020 glossy coffee table book The Superior Hiking Trail Story. Runner up: Lake Walk

Best Golf Course: Nemadji

Nemadji Golf Course in Superior is a 36-hole coourse with a fourstar rating from Golf Digest. As one golfer noted about Nemadji, “This public golf course with country club conditions has plenty to offer both the experienced and casual golfer.” Runner up Lester Park

Best Sporting Goods Store: Northwest Outlet

Northwest Outlet manager Chris Terwey believes the reason the store was voted Best Sporting Goods Store has something to do with the large selection of items they keep in stock year-round and their expertise and customer service. Among other things, he says they carry a good selection of Columbia, Northface and hiking boots. He also thinks the store is a great place for someone to stop by on their way to the Boundary Waters.”We have a lot of Boundary Water-specific backpacks,” said Chris “I don’t think a lot of people find things like that at a lot of other stores.”

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Best Hair Salon: Fitger’s Salon & Spa Runner up: Play It Again Sports

Best Yoga Studio: Align Yoga

“It is almost like I have two studios in one,” said owner Kat Warner about the current state of her yoga studio. She currently operates her raditional studio and also a virtual studio for those feeling safer staying at home. At certain times COVID restrictions made her do everything through the virtual studio. Now she is able to operate both studios at the same time. In the early months of COVID she had to completely shut down the studio for awhile. One of the first things she did was start Facebook Live yoga sessions. “So, I did initially all donation based,” Kat said. “That way people could afford to meet with me on the mat on Facebook Live.” She also started a YouTube channel and posted both 14 day and 21 day challenges. She does Zoom programs

Best Tattoo Studio: Skin Deep Tattoo & Piercing, Superior

and livestreams the studio sessions. Align Yoga has been very “flexible” in meeting the challenges of this bizarre new world. Runner-up: Runa Yoga.

Best Architectural Treasure: Duluth Central High School

Best of Services Best Attorney: Eric Beyer

Eric Beyer is a personal injury attorney in Superior. Since most of his work is office work, in many ways COVID hasn’t changed things much for him. Things have gotten a little more difficult when corresponding with clients and moderately more difficult when working with the courts. “With zoom and the telephone everything still can get done,“ said Eric. “It is more difficult with the court systems though – there is a lot of preliminary meetings that can be moved along with Zoom and that kind of thing.» Business has remained pretty constant although unfortunately some injuries and damages increased. Eric mentions how it seems like car-related incidents increased for awhile either because of short tempers or bored kids racing around on country roads. But after the dust settles Eric has still been able to get them started on the long but usually inevitable legal road to settlement and of course a check. “Most of my clients get it and we wear masks when we are seeing each other but we have just had to get by with a less in person contact.“ Runner-up: Tie between Pat Spott and Jim Balmer.

Best Antique Store: Father Time Antiques, Canal Park

Best Day Care Jefferson Children’s Center

Frankly, we’re puzzled by this one. A reader nominated “Jefferson” in the day care category and by far it got the most votes. But there are two unrelated day care facilities involving the name “Jefferson”: University Nursery School in the historic Jefferson Square building in Duluth and Jefferson Children’s Center in Hermantown. We can’t righteously

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Best Golf Course: Nemadji Golf Course, Superior

January 28, 2021

say who won, so we’ll say something about both. Located near St. Luke’s Hospital, University Nursery School is convenient for employees of Duluth’s hospitals as well as downtown business employees. The nonprofit was founded in 1972 and also has locations in the Coppertop Church and on College Street. It’s open to children age 6 weeks to 6 years. The state Department of Human Services put the Jefferson location’s license on conditional status for two years in October, 2019 due to reports of children being left unsupervised, but the place since has been under new management. Jefferson Children’s Center in Hermantown has been in operation for 20 years and has a capacity for 75 children. Many of the parents work in the medical profession, since the center’s varied schedule suits their needs. It provides structured learning for children from infant ages up to kindergarten. Runner-up: My Little Bumble Bees

Best Doctor: Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt

Best

Auto Repair: Kari Toyota

Kari Toyota has continued a tradition of quality and service. A family business serving the Northland since 1933, offering residents new and used vehicle sales and service, Kari Toyota carries on a family tradition that keeps customers coming back. One of Kari Toyota’s founders, Henry Kari, had a philosophy that is still adhered to today, “If you give the customer a fair deal and take care of them after the sale, they will come back to do business with you again.” Runner up: 4th Street Auto

Best Local Credit Union Members Cooperative

Members Cooperative and Superior Choice traditionally vie for the top spot, and this year it goes to Members. It started out as the Cloquet Co-Op Credit Union in 1936. It’s now the 10th largest credit union in Minnesota, providing banking services to more than 52,000 members, with branches in Moose Lake, North Branch, Aitkin, Isanti, McGregor, Grand Rapids, Sandstone

Best New and Used Book Store: Zenith Bookstore and Cloquet, plus three locations in Duluth. Runner up: Affinity Plus

way for more than 95 years. Runner Up: National Bank of Commerce

As “The Bank of You,” North Shore Bank is about helping families thrive, businesses grow and communities flourish. North Shore Bank prides itself on being an advocate for its customers, helping them live the life they want, and supporting the community we all share. And it’s our employees behind every counter and behind the scenes that make the difference. With 46 offices throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, North Shore Bank and our nearly 500 employees remain committed to our customers by providing personalized service both in-person and from anywhere in the world through its online and mobile banking technology. It’s been that

Part of the Lincoln Park revival, The Duluth Folk School was created by Bryan French and Tim Bates to teach people how to make – things. Woodworking, fabrics, lotions, soaps, photography, paintings, music, snowshoes, canoe paddles – plus it has a great cafe, The Dovetail. The ‘rona greatly limited its hangout capability, but it’s soldiered on with privately scheduled classes (indoors and outdoors) and the cafe still sells baked goods, soup, coffee and more. Runner Up:

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Best Bank: North Shore Bank

Best All Ages Hangout: Duluth Folk School

Best Chiropractor Dr. Greg Luke

Dr. Luke has been a practicing chiropractor since 1989 when he

graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University. After partnering with practitioners in Detroit Lakes, and then in Superior, he began his own practice in 2009 with a dream of creating an exceptional healing environment in the Northland. Using his experience as a chiropractor along with procedures he developed during his time as a massage therapist, Dr. Luke brings the best of both worlds to his patients. He is certified in acute spinal trauma and works extensively with auto accident and workers’ compensation injuries. His passion is to inspire his patients to greater degrees of health and wellness long after the pain subsides. Dr. Luke has a passionate belief in the natural healing ability within each of us. Runner Up: Dr. James Hoeffling.

Best Dentist: Kathrynne Dryke

Dr. Dryke‘s passion for the creative arts and the sciences has made dentistry a natural career choice. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in German language studies from the University of La Verne, Cal., she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota. She has received the Crawford Award for excellence in dental research and presented her research findings at dental meetings in Singapore, Las Vegas, Orlando and San Francisco. Runner Up: tie between Dr. Steven Kotke and Park Dental.

Best Coffee House & Best Open Mic: Jason Wussow of Wussow’s

Best Doctor: Dr. Tim Kleinschmidt

Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt is an internal medicine specialist in Duluth, and has more than 27 years of experience in the medical field.

He graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 1994. Runner Up: Dr. Heather Winesett

Best Health Club: Strength Factory – Kelly Kellnar

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January 28, 2021

Best Ribs & Fish Fry: Eddie’s World Famous Ribs, Superior

Best Florist Saffron and Grey

Best Sandwiches: Corktown Deli

Flowers are often bought to bring beauty into your spaces and to show how you feel about a special someone. Since flowers are often involved with human relationships, florists should have a good relationship with their customers. “I think we just have a good connection with our community and we work very hard because we really care about what we do,” said owner Layla Olson. To keep these connections strong it is necessary to know your clients well. Saffron and Grey also works hard to keep their knowledge of flowers at a high level. “I think we really keep up on our education,” said Layla. “ We do a lot of continuing education and we keep up on trends and learn new

techniques.” Runner Up: Engwall Florists

Best Green Business Whole Foods Co-op

Established in 1970, Whole Foods Co-op has been the Twin Ports’ premier natural foods grocer for 45 years. In addition to being the only fully certified organic retailer in the area, the Whole Foods Co-op Hillside store is also the first building in Duluth to receive LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. We are proud to serve and sell the freshest and finest food around. Runner Up: Tie between Ren Market and Duluth Grill.

Best Catering Midcoast Catering

Mid Coast Catering specializes in creative menu options for any oc-

Best Park: Lester Park

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casion or event. Our name is inspired by our location here in Duluth. We combine the refined food culture of the East Coast with the experimental spirit of the West Coast to create something totally unique here on the coast of Lake Superior. Couple that with our desire to serve and our spirited service and you›ll be amazed by your overall experience. Runner Up: Kurtz Catering.

Best Hair Salon Fitger’s Salon & Spa

This last year, sometimes just going on a simple errand felt like going on a black ops mission. Sometimes you just have to gear up, go down to Walmart, watch for those attempting to breach your six foot perimeter, and execute a TP extraction with “extreme prejudice.” So businesses like salons, which are specifically designed to be places of relaxation and rejuvenation, have their work cut out for them. Fortunately, the professionals at Fitger’s Salon have worked hard to make their location a relaxing refuge where your body and mind are renewed. “We follow all of the protocols that are out their whether it comes from the WHO or the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology,” said Salon Manager Daphne Riggle. “We are very focused on making sure clients feel comfortable. We are very welcoming and still preserve that relaxing spa experience.” Runner Up: Adeline Inc.

Best Barber Jim Wright at Lakeside Barber

Jim Wright is the current owner of the barbershop that has had a presence in Lakeside since the 1930s. Jim began working with Pete Ullrich as a teen at Lakeside Barber. Pete, along with his mom, inspired him to look into and tour a barber school in the Twin Cities. “I think I got signed up the day we stopped in there,” Jim said. “And, the rest is history.” After barber school, he came back to work at Lakeside Barber and eventually bought the place from Pete.

Best Optical: Vision Pro

Like Burgess Meredith in the old Twilight Zone episode “Time Enough at Last” discovered after breaking

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Best Barber: Jim Wright, Lakeside Barber

his glasses, facing a post-apocalyptic dystopia is no fun, when you can’t read your favorite book. OK, things aren’t that bad, but some people might put off getting their vision fixed because of recent safety concerns. Because of this, Vision Pro Optical provides a safe place to make this world at least less blurry. “We always want to think primarily about the safety of our patients but also customer service is huge here,” said VP of Operations Gwyn Bell. “So when COVID hit we just continued that mantra.” Gwyn is happy to see customers highly support the company’s safety efforts. “The reviews we’ve seen from customers is they are really happy with the precautions we are taking,” said Gwyn. “They comment to us that they are happy we are making sure it is safe for them.”

Best Dentist: Kathrynne Dryke

Best American Restaurant, Best Breakfast and Best Vegetarian Option: Duluth Grill

Best Optometrist Dr. Theresa Theobald

Dr. Theresa Theobald Martin and Theresa Theobald founded of the Theobald Eye Care Center, which provides comprehensive eye exams and contact and glasses fitting with locations in West Duluth and on Arrowhead Road. Martin is from Duluth while Theresa is a Kansas native who graduated with honors from the University of Houston, College of Optometry in 1995. Runner Up: Dr. Beth Fischer January 28, 2021

and fishing trips throughout northern Minnesota. In November of 2017 he and his wife, singer/songwriter Aimee Tischer, opened Tischer Photographic Gallery at the corner of Lake and Superior. Recently they relocated to Canal Park. Ryan exhibits his fine art landscape photography at juried art festivals and galleries across the Midwest, where he sells his work for display in homes and businesses around the world. Runner up: Joe Polechek

Best Tattoo Studio: Skin Deep Tattoo & Piercing

Best Burger Joint and Best Really Cheap Food: Anchor Bar - Adam Anderson

Best Lodging Romantic Getaway: Larsmont Cottages

Best

Veterinarian Clinic: Superior Animal Hospital

Fully equipped small-animal medical and surgical practice committed to staying at the forefront of modern veterinary medicine. Their mission is to provide clients and their pets with the opportunity to receive high quality, progressive and compassionate services. Runner Up: Happy Tails

Best Local Artist: Anna Bailey

“Sawdust is my girl glitter,” Anna says on her Etsy page. She and her husband Nathanial run Bailey Builds, a studio and shop in a former gas station at 5727 Grand Ave. Their wood mosaic wall hangings find beauty in weathered, discarded and reclaimed wood, telling its stories through pattern, texture and color. In December she created “This Is What Brave Is,” a collection of works to raise money for Safe Haven. Runner Up: Sarah Brokke Erickson

Best Photographer: Ryan Tischer

Ryan was born and raised in Carlton. As a child he was exposed to the outdoors during family camping 14 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

It’s the details that matter. We’ll make sure your design and placement are perfect, then stand by our work with a full guarantee. At Skin Deep, we’re here to serve you – not our egos. Skip the pretentious shops and get tattooed in our friendly atmosphere. Runner Up: Peach Tattoo

Best Cab: Allied Taxi

Allied Taxi has been serving the Northland for more than 50 years, offering fast response times from multiple locations for your convenience. Providing dependable, prompt taxi service is our priority. We know how important your time is, and that is why we strive to go a step further. We not only want to meet your expectations, but to exceed them. Our experienced drivers provide courteous, reliable transportation and will get you to your destination in a timely manner. Whether you need a ride to work, the airport, a grocery store or an appointment, you can rely on Allied Taxi. Just give us a call, and let us take care of the rest.

Best Place of Worship: Peace United Church of Christ

Peace Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ denomination. We are an Open + Affirming, Just Peace, and Sanctuary Congregation. Runner Up: Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior.

Best Realtor: 1st Place tie: Jim Philbin, One Roof Housing, and Kevin O’Brien, Messina & Assoc.

Best Art Gallery: Lizzard’s Gallery and Framing

Jim Philbin is a real estate agent who works with One Roof Housing to make it easier for people to get into and afford to keep a house. He helps facilitate people buying and selling Land Trust Homes. The way Basically, the way Land Trust Homes work is you get a better house Jim Philbin for cheaper but you don’t get as much money if and when you sell it. The details are complicated but suffice to say many people are happy with the experience they have had with this program. If you are looking to buy a house, call One Roof and see if they offer the right solution

5TH YEAR OPEN 5TH YEAR WIN 2020

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January 28, 2021

his coffee, he calls up Tylor. Tylor then goes down to meet this valued member of the public and checks out the pothole for himself. “These meetings were usually outside anyway,” said Tylor. “So, this kind of meeting is not much different after COVID.” Of course, like everyone else, Tylor has had to utilize some modern communication techniques and help his constituents to communicate electronically with him too. This is where it helps that he co-owns the IT company discoverpc.NET Computer Solutions Center. It is always good when you can use your skills to do multiple jobs and handle a variety of situations.

Best Retirement/Assisted Living Facility: Keystone Bluffs

Best Fine Jewelry: Security Jewlers

for you. “Especially with Covid-19, people are happy to have a place they can enjoy and spend time working on,” said Jim Philbin. Kevin, last year’s winner as well, has lived in the Duluth area for 30 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at UMD in 1993 and earned his real estate license in 1995. His community involvement includes being an active board member on the Duluth Police Foundation and a member of Port of Kevin O’Brien Duluth Kiwanis. He is also a veteran of the Minnesota National Guard. Runner Up: Greg Follmer

Best Elected Official Superior City Councilor Tylor Elm

Best Auto Repair: Kari Toyota - Wayne and Chris Kari

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City Councilor Tylor Elm usually works on solutions to problems “where the rubber meets the road.” Often this is literal. When a constituent complains about the pot hole that keeps making him spill

This last year, Assisted Living Facilities have faced particularly difficult times. As always, the superessential workers at Keystone Bluff worked hard to give their clients the greatest quality of life possible. “We have really tried to have a lot of family contact,” said Director of Nursing Michelle Reynolds. “When the families couldn’t come in we made sure we contacted them all the time and let them know how their family was doing. That was really important to them.” This was also a time for the families of clients to shine. They got use to frequent video conferences and increased updates. They also did much to encourage the workers at Keystone Bluffs. “The families were very thankful for what we were doing and what we had to go through,” said Michelle. “They were very empathetic and they just gave us a lot of support. We were all supporting each other all the time.” Runner Up: Edgewood Vista

Best Small Employer (20 or less) Bent Paddle

Bent Paddle is a production craft brewery which also operates a tap room. According to Minnesota law, a business is classified as a “production brewery” when it produces beer

Best Hotel: Pier B Resort which can be sold to stores. A production brewery is allowed to sell its own beer in its own taproom, but cannot it serve food beyond a few snacks. Bent paddle is a great place to enjoy their beer and marvel at their brewing equipment. You can also bring and order outside food to enjoy with your beer. When you can’t make it down there, you can buy their products in various stores around the area. You can also go down there and have your growler refilled and maybe stay for a few onsite drinks. Runner up: Superior Public Museums.

Best Large Employer (25 or more): Kari Toyota

See Best Auto Repair.

Tie for runner up: Duluth grill/omc/ corktown; Kwik Trip Inc.

Best Service (nonrestaurant): Vision Pro Optical

Best Pizza Place: Thirsty Pagan

Convenience and safety are often inversely proportional to one another. So this last year’s increased COVID safety measures surely made many aspects of life less convenient. At Vision Pro Optical they have worked very hard to still be a very convenient business while greatly increasing safety. “We always want to think primarily about the safety of our patients, but also customer service is huge here,” said VP of Operations Gwyn Bell Fortunately the same digital wonders that have kept us properly entertained provide instant feedback to companies like Vision Pro. The internet declares customers think Vision Pro provides both great service

2020

Best Elected Official: Superior City Councilor Tylor Elm HOURS: 10 am-3 pm Mon.-Sun.; Curbside pickup 10 am-6 pm Mon.-Sat.; 10-3 Sun.

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January 28, 2021

and great safety. “The reviews we’ve seen from customers is they are really happy with the precautions we are taking,” said Gwyn. “They comment to us they are happy we are making sure it is safe for them.” Runner Up: Tie between Kari Toyota and Tortoise and Hare Footwear

Best New Business: Jamrock Cultural Restaurant

We serve homemade Jamaican food with a local twist. Our owner and head chef was born and raised on the islands, and he’s been cooking for over 25 years. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Visit our Caribbean restaurant in Superior tonight to see why everyone loves our food. Runner Up: Great Lakes Gear Exchange.

Best All-Ages Hangout: Duluth Folk School

2020

“Thank you readers for naming Ski Hut the Best Ski Shop in the Northland!”

Best Use of Taxpayer Dollars: Makwa Ziibiins (Bear Creek Trail in Superior)

Makwa Ziibiins Miikana (Bear Creek Trail) is a 4.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Superior that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Best of the Material World

Best Architectural Treasure: Old Central High School

Save up to 30% on downhill ski gear

A local landmark dating to 1892 and one of Minnesota’s leading examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It occupies an entire city block and sports a 210foot clock tower. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Duluth Central High School in 1972 for its state-level significance in the theme of architecture. Runner Up: Aerial Lift Bridge.

Best Antique Store: Father Time Antiques

Explore more than 10,000 square 18 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

to people and we have certainly maintained social distancing in the gallery as well as setting up private appointments and things like that.” The store also did well due to their great customers. “During this last year we found our loyal customers came and bought and helped us out and we actually ended up having a decent year under these circumstances,” Penny said. Runner Up: Tischer Gallery.

Best Bookstore: Zenith Bookstore

Best Steak: Hammond Steak House

feet of antiques from more than 50 vendors in one location. Find treasure and pieces to grow your unique collection at Father Time Antiques. Signs, clothing, toys, bar signs, fishing gear, home decor, dishes and furniture are just a sampling of the items you’ll find in store. Check back often to shop their ever-rotating selection. Runner Up: Old Town Antiques and Books. Best Art Gallery:

Lizzard’s Art Galllery & Framing

Lizzard’s Gallery faced two major difficulties this year and prevailed. Besides the COVID problem we all had to deal with, they also had to try and survive the infamous Superior Street closure. During this time people could not park in front of the store and for awhile tourists had a really tough time making it from the beach to downtown. “During that time we luckily had a back door and one parking space back there,” said Gallery Director Penny Clark. “We did more deliveries

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Besides being voted “Best Used Bookstore” Zenith Bookstore was voted “Best Bookstore overall.” A lot of this is due to all the new and used books in the store. Owner Bob Dobrow says it is also due to all the people who come into the store. “I would like to say how grateful we are,” said Bob. “We have a tremendously supportive community and great customers. We and our customers but love reading and books and we try to foster a very inviting space community-based space.” Runner Up: Barnes and Nobles.

Best Used Bookstore: Zenith Bookstore

There are two basic reasons someone goes to a used book store. The first reason is to save money on common books they could get elsewhere. The other reason is to find something that may only exist at used bookstores. By chance you may see a book you once read as a kid or you might find some obscure out-of-print book that is most likely not even anywhere online. “We have high quality books that are affordable, interesting, and we have many hidden gems,” said owner Bob Dobrow. Runner Up: Amazing Alonzo.

Best Bowling Alley Incline Station Bowling Center

Bowling fun for all ages in downtown Duluth, featuring birthday parties, bowling specials, leagues and great food & beverages. Runner Up: Skyline.

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So sorry, Folks! 2020

The Reader regrets: There will be no 2020 Best of the Northland Party this year. 20 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

And in 2022 we can party like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1999! In the meantime, enjoy some photos from past BOTN celebrations

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January 28, 2021

Best Music Instrument Store: Music Go Round

way you wish all stores could be! Runner Up: Mainstream Fashions for Men.

Best Fashion (Women): Blue Arrow Boutique

Blue Arrow Boutique is a store which uses local vendors and focuses on the individual. They only sell about six of a particular item before replacing it with something else. This way, the chances you will run into someone else with that exact same outfit is small. To continue this sort of great individualized service during COVID, the Blue Arrow team has had to find creative solutions. “We have had to continue to adapt to the different situations and try to make shopping as convenient as possible for people to still get things locally and still get it how they want it.” said co-owner Aimee Glonek. “Whether it is shipping or pick up or curbside or shopping alone we have to continue to do what our customers want.” Runner Up: Trailfitters.

Best Car Dealer: Kari Toyota

This choice may come as a shock. But probably not. Kari Toyota has won this award once again. They have been community leaders in transportation for nearly a century, with Edwin Kari and his sons starting a bicycle repair shop from their home in the 1920’s. The Kari family has transformed a lot over the years and have used the wealth of experience to bring the Northland a great car

Best Shoe Store: Tortoise and Hare

While the moral of the Tortoise and the Hare story is “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” the Tortoise and the Hare store is there to help even if you have no interest in races at all. The store likes to meet the needs of athletes or those who just wish to do some basic walking. “We aren’t very particular about what your pace is,” said owner Jim Stukel. “We are going to take care of your footwear needs wherever you are whether you have sore feet, are a fast runner, or a slow walker.” The store also does its best to personalize your shoe-buying experience. “We do a computer gait and arch analysis” said Jim. “We focus on a lot of attention to detail.” Runner Up: Bender’s

Best Fine Jewelry: Security Jewelers

For the 22nd time, readers have chosen this place. Since opening in 1924, they have worked to be the perfect fit for everyone.

dealership. Runner Up: Miller Hill Subaru.

Best Fashion (Men): Duluth Trading Co.

At Duluth, we don’t do anything the usual way. And that includes our stores. Sure you’ll find all our incredibly useful clothing, but you’ll also find unique historical displays, found objects, plus our incredibly helpful and knowledgeable associates. Yup, it’s a store like no other – just the

22 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Best Tap Beer Selection: 7 West

Best Activist: Deb Holmen

DuluthReader.com

January 28, 2021

21-time winner Twenty time winner in theinlast two years! the twenty last 22 years!

Thank Best of the

BEST CAR CAR DEALER BEST DEALER

For more than 81 years, the Kari family has been taking care of families’ more 87 years, the Kari family has been taking care of families’ autoFor needs in than the Northland.

auto needs in the Northland.

Since 1933

And while the company is now run by its third and fourth generations, while company is now runthe byadvice its third fourth Jim, And Wayne andthe Chris Kari still follow of and Henry Kari,generations, the company’s body shop manager, and the sonadvice of founder Edwin Kari – “If Jim, original Wayne and Chris Kari still follow of Henry Kari, the comyou give the customer a fair deal and take care of them after the sale, they pany’s original body shop manager, and son of founder Edwin Kari – “If will come back to do business with you again.”

you give the customer a fair deal and take care of them after the sale, they will come back to do business with you like again.” The Kari philosophy – to treat customers family and give them the honesty and respect they deserve – has helped the company grow into philosophy – to treat customers like family and give them whatThe it isKari today.

the honesty and respect they deserve – has helped the company grow into Starting 1920s, Edwin Kari and his two sons, Henry and Ray, worked what itinisthe today. on bicycles in their garage to earn a little extra money. Salvaging bicycles from junkyards, the three would thetwo bikes and then sell Starting in the 1920s, Edwin Karirepair and his sons – Henry andthem. Ray – Eventually, they moved to garage selling to gasoline cars on a ramp worked on bicycles inon their earn a and littlerepairing extra money. Salvaging outside the garage.

bicycles from junk yards, the three would repair the bikes and then sell them. Eventually, prospect, they moved on to selling gasolinefamous and repairing Quite a challenging given the northland’s winters.cars on a ramp outside the garage – quite a challenging prospect, given the NorthBy land’s the 1930s, however, famous winters.the family had purchased a built a repair shop with an indoor hydraulic lift, even though the ramp remained outside. Later, 1937, Henry Kari went to thehad Michigan Trade School in Detroit, Byinthe 1930s, however, the family purchased a built repair shop with MIan to indoor study welding and body work. It was there that he met Henry Ford,in hydraulic lift, even though the ramp remained outside. Later and the idea of owning a car dealership was born.

1937, Henry Kari went to the Michigan Trade School in Detroit to study and body work.a ItStudebaker was there that he met with Henry Ford,running and the idea In welding 1939, the Karis started dealership Henry the body shop and Edwin and Ray serving of owning a car dealership was born. as the mechanics. As World War

1002 Tower Ave. Superior, WI

715-394-4429 24 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

II broke out, the dealership closed because of war rations. But that didn’t theSensing Karis started a Studebaker dealership, withafter Henry stop In the1939 Karis. that interest in cars would take off the running War, Edwin Kari built a new building at 1002 Ogden Avenue. The new building the body shop and Edwin and Ray serving as the mechanics. As World War included radiant heat and indirect florescent lighting, automotive repair II broke out, the dealership closed because of war rations. But that didn’t innovations at the time.

stop the Karis. Sensing that interest in cars would take off after the war, Edwin Kari built a new building at 1002 Ogden Avenue. The new building included radiant heat and indirect fluorescent lighting, automotive repair innovations at the time.

You for

Northland

TIMES! 22TWENTYONE TIMES!

2020

Twenty time winner in the last twenty two years!

BEST LARGE EMPLOYER

2020

BEST AUTO REPAIR

RUNNER UP: BEST SERVICE

Studebaker sales took offoff and reached a peak in 1949, but but started to fall Studebaker sales took and reached a peak in 1949, started to fall after that. With sales dwindling, the Karis decided to take on selling the after that. With sales dwindling, the Karis decided to take on selling the InInternational Harvester light duty truck line in 1965. Later, in 1968, they ternational lightItduty line in 1965. Later, in 1968, they took onafter the took on theHarvester Toyota line. was perfect timing for the family. One year Toyota line. It on wastheperfect timing for Japanese the family. year after the Karis the Karis took Toyota line, the carOne company had gobbled up of the import market. car Then, in 1973, oil crisis forced took53onpercent the Toyota line, the Japanese company hadthe gobbled up 53 percent people to look for cheaper, more gas efficient cars.

of the import market. Then, in 1973, the oil crisis forced people to look for cheaper, more cars.International Harvester light duty trucks Along the way,gas-efficient the family sold

and Chrysler’s Simca and English Sunbeam cars. Later the family sold Renault AMC cars, which eventually turned into Jeep/Eagle products. Along the way, the family International Harvester trucks and The increase in sales forcedsold the company to move to a light-duty larger showroom with more Simca office space. Now atSunbeam 1002 Tower thefamily company Chrysler’s and English cars.Avenue, Later the soldisRenault exclusively a Toyota dealership. The family sold the Jeep dealership in the AMC cars, which eventually turned into Jeep/Eagle products. The increase late 1980s to focus on the best-selling cars in the country for one of the in salesautomobile forced the company to in move to aAmerica larger showroom with more office largest companies North and the world.

space. Now at 1002 Tower Avenue, the company is exclusively a Toyota

Even though Henry Kari passed away in 2001, his sons and grandson condealership. The family sold the Jeep dealership in the late 1980s to focus on tinue the family tradition of excellent customer service and low pressure the sales. best-selling carstreat in the country for of the largest automobile compacar And they customers likeone family – like their annual customer nies in North dinner, Americawhere and the world. appreciation they serve customers a free Famous Dave’s BBQ dinner during their Wessman Arena Sale. It’s just another way for them to Eventheir though Henry Kari awayappreciate in 2001, his sons and grandson conshow customers how passed much they them.

tinue the family tradition of excellent customer service and low-pressure car

Chris Kari Toyota’s generallike manager, family traditionapsales. Kari, And they treat customers familycontinues – like theirthe annual customer started by his great grandfather so many years ago. Whether it’s in person preciation dinner, whereit’s they serve a free on Famous Dave’s BBQ or online, and whether a car youcustomers want, or service your existing dinner during their Wessman Arena It’s just another way for them vehicle, Kari Toyota is there for you –Sale. providing high quality service, withto the respect and honesty you deserve. You’d expect nothing less than a show their customers how mush they appreciate them. business that’s been around for 86 years, serving the Northland.

Chris Kari continues the family tradition started by his great-grandfather so

many years ago. Whether it’s in person or online, and whether it’s a car you want, or service on your existing vehicle, Kari Toyota is there for you – providing high-quality service, with the respect and honesty you deserve. You’d expect nothing less from a business that’s been around for 87 years, serving the Northland.

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January 28, 2021

We couldn’t have done it without you. We at the Duluth Grill want to sincerely thank Reader readers for voting for us

Thank You Northland!

OUR PRINCIPLES 2020

2020

• A full 25% of our food is from local suppliers. That’s not counting the food we grow ourselves in our urban farm and our parking lot gardens.

Best American Restaurant

•We also offer a free food every shift and a retirement plan with a 4% match. •Local art covers our walls and we sell it at our retail counter.

Best Breakfast

Best Vegetarian Friendly Restaurant

•We use our marketing dollars to support the Boys and Girls Club, the African American Men’s Group, the Duluth Community Garden Program, the Lincoln Park Business Group, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, KUMD, the Duluth Children’s Museum, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, the Lake Superior Zoo, the food shelf, CHUM, numerous benefits, MPR and more. Except for this ad, which we’re paying The Reader handsomely for. •We compost pre-consumer and post-consumer food waste, recycle 2/3 of our waste, and have saved more than a million plastic portion packs (creamer, jelly, ketchup, etc) by using reusable containers.

Best Sandwiches

Runner up for Best Ribs

•We offer healthy kids’ meals, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and ethnic-inspired breakfast items.

Peace, Love, Food and You. Thank you Reader readers for being great eaters!

26 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Runner Up: White City Studio.

Best Record Store (New): Electric Fetus

Electric Fetus has been voted best new record store in their area due to their large selection, which continues to grow. It may surprise many that in this digital age vinyl records are making a comeback. Many stores are now clearing space to make room for more vinyl. The Electric Fetus has been adding to their already-large record section. “We actually just added two additional record bins two weeks ago,” said General Manager Carrie Brow. “So, we’ve dedicated more space to records that we ever had before.”

Best Record Store (Used): Electric Fetus

The first thing people usually notice is the name. National Lampoon magazine singled the store out for having the worst name for a business. Be that as it may, it’s a name people don’t forget. No one seems to remember the exact original inspiration for the lighting rod of a moniker that our store was born under; it just seemed to fit the times. It made a lot of sense at the time and somehow still does. Runner up: Globe News, Superior

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 knowledgeable 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. As far as servicing instruments and finding the

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Best Bartender: Spirit Room - Lindsey Graskey

January 28, 2021

2020

Best Mexican Restaurant: Guadalajara perfect one for you at an unbeatable price, most local musicians will tell you, “Music Go Round is the place to go.” Hours are 10 am to 5 pm, except Sunday, which is noon to 5 pm. Runner Up: Christian Eggert.

Fish Fry Specials!!! Early Bird 3-5 pm

Best Movie Theater: West Theatre

Runner Up: Zinema.

Best Second Hand Store: Goodwill

2-9 PM Tuesday - Saturday 12- 8 PM Sunday Beargrease (paw)

The Breeze Inn Just minutes up Jean Duluth Rd 218.525.2883

thebreezeinn.com 28 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Best Liquor Store: Keyport Liquor

When you shop at and donate to your local Goodwill, you find great items and help provide job placement and training opportunities for people in your community! Looking for greater variety than what you find on your average department store shelves? Most Goodwill stores introduce more than 2,000 new items onto the sales floor each day. When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not the only one who gets a great deal. Last year, sales from Goodwill stores funded employment training, job placement services, financial education, youth mentoring and more to 36 million people. Runner Up: Great Lakes Gear Exchange.

Best Hotel Pier B Hotel

Pier B has become one of the most impressive hotels in town with its unique location overlooking Bayfront and Canal Park. Although the hotel is new, the silos on its property are over 100 years old. This is the kind of high end modern hotel that even the locals want to stay at next time they attend a Bayfront Park event. Runner up: Fitger’s Inn.

Best Lodging-Romantic Getaway Larsmont Cottages

Sweet place with 40 acres on the Lake Superior shore between Knife River and Two Harbors. Runner up: Superior Shores.

Best Book:

No winner here. There was only one nominee, Frontier Village, published by the Douglas County Historical Society, but that came out in 2003. At least we can let you know about some of the books published in 2020 by regional authors. (We couldn’t possibly have left anyone out, could we? Let us know and we’ll mention it in the Reader book section.) A Common Thirst by Gary Boelhower Decennia By Jan Chronister Distanced: Poems From the Pandemic by Jan Chronister Duluth: An Urban Biography by Tony Dierckins The Horror Anthology Handbook by Keith Tyler Hopkins Holding Ground by Melanie Hallstein How Good are You Willing to Let it Get? by Sarah Bamford Seidelmann In the Night of Memory by Linda Legarde Grover Karma’s Broken Dolls by Hickory Mack Kotimaa: Homeland by Mark Munger MacGuffin By Roy C. Booth and John F. Mollard Monkey With a Tool Belt Blasts Off by Chris Monroe A Nice Relaxing Sea Cruise by Dale R. Botten The Superior Hiking Trail Story by Rudi Hargesheimer Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus

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Best Bakery: Johnson Bakery - Scott Johnson The Wolf’s Trail by Thomas Peacock

Best Live Music Club Thirsty Pagan

In the wacky year of 2020, Thirsty Pagan was voted the area’s Best Live Music Club. They continue to have live music 7 days a week and twice on Saturday. This will NOT be “the Day the Music Died” if the Thirsty Pagan has anything to say about it. “We are at 25% capacity and we are trying to keep everything clean as possible and everyone as safe as possible,” said Bar Manager Willie Wells. “We brought in extra measures for sanitization and other things of that nature. We have the social distance seating and everything set

up.” Different points last year brought different ebbs and flows of fortune to the Thirsty Pagan. Back in March they were only doing take out. Then in the summer, they were doing outside dinning. Now they are inside with a reduced number of customers. There was even those six weeks when Minnesota was closed but Wisconsin wasn’t. This brought them lots of extra business, making up for some of the slow times.

Best Band: Kaylee Matuszak

Although Kaylee Matuszak is from a performing family she started playing an instrument relatively late. Her dad

Brian Matuszak is locally famous for running the Rubber Chicken Theatre. She did have some opportunities early to show her love for the stage but idea of playing music did not catch on with her. It changed when, at the age of 15, a teacher recommended she listen to Brandi Carlile. Kaylee loved this artist and this inspired her to start playing guitar. She learned to play a lot on her own and then her dad and others like the Music Resource Center MRC staff helped her become the artist they knew she was capable of becoming. She went on to perform at Homegrown and to release albums.

January 28, 2021

Best CSA: Northern Harvest Farm

Best of Food & Drink

Best Public Restroom Kwik Trip

Their bathrooms are cleaned by the staff every 30 minutes and if that’s not enough there’s a button you can press to let the employees know it needs to be attended. They have bathrooms so clean they advertise it on their billboards. Runner up: Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.

Best American Restaurant Duluth Grill

The restaurant is at a convenient location, has a great environment, and delicious food. They serve simple

hearty favorites and more exotic items. “We do serve all kinds of the hometown classics,” said manager Dan Lefavre. “We use local farmers and we use and showcase the best ingredients we can. Our customer base is really appreciative of that.” Runner up: Bridgeman’s.

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 eyes. Specializing in freshly prepared sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes including Teriyakis, tempura and pan fried noodles, Hanabi has won best Asian Cuisine for the third time. Aptly described as “Japanese Fusion”, there is adventurousness to 30 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

the menu that keeps Reader readers returning. The muted tones and clean lines and cosmopolitan feel of the decor create a peaceful, elegantly austere atmosphere that transports Hanabi’s patrons half-way across the globe. Runner up: Golden Inn Restaurant -

Best Bakery Johnson’s Bakery

Johnson’s Bakery, a frequent winner of this category, has been in business for over 70 years. “We have the best doughnuts in town and decent prices,” said owner Barb Johnson. “Everything is made from scratch. We don’t use frozen ingredients.” Runner-up: Positively 3rd Street.

Best Bar & Grill Anchor Bar

The Anchor’s burgers and fries are as authentic as they get. If you look 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 the 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.” The Anchor keeps winning this category because they aren’t just any old bar and grill. They’re special in the hearts of Northlanders. Runner up: Breeze Inn.

Best Bartender Lindsey Graskey, Spirit Room

I remember once me and a friend were doing some work on our laptops at Red Mug Coffee shop which was

Best Ribs & Fish Fry: Eddie’s World Famous Ribs - Dina Conner

2020

Serving the area for 73 years. We appreciate the support during these trying times.

DuluthReader.com

January 28, 2021

downstairs in same building as the Spirit Room. When Red Mug closed and we still had a lot of work to do, we went upstairs to the Spirit Room. Lindsey was very friendly and set us up in a nice spot in the back where we could work and drink coffee. We stayed for awhile and never felt pressured to leave. She checked up on us occasionally and we added the occasional bar appetizer to our work session. We did this a few other times and either Lindsey or another bartender treated us very well when we turned their bar into a workspace. Runner up: Shawna, The Ripple Bar.

kept secret. It is unobtrusive 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 Bloody Mary” which is the Spirit Room’s specialty. While there are a dozen places in the area which serve good Bloody Mary’s, Spirit Room offers that plus quality, classy cuisine. Runners up: The Ripple Bar; Choo Choo; Doc’s Sturgeon Lake

Best Breakfast Duluth Grill

Best Beer Selection On Tap 7 West Taphouse

While 7 West Taphouse has tasty burgers and other eats, where they have really shined for six 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. The first location was launched in downtown Duluth

Best Martini: Spirit Room in 2012 by Rick Lampton, Steve Letnes and Pete Poepping, owners of Grizzly’s. It’s all about beer (46 varieties on tap) and burgers (“Build your own monstrosity!’), targeting the downtown lunch crowd and evening hops enthusiasts. They now

32 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

have locations in Miller Hill, Superior, Mankato and St. Cloud. Runner-up: Sir Benedict’s Tavern.

Best Bloody Mary Spirit Room

The Spirit Room is still a fairly well

Whether you are a local getting some food before work or a traveler taking a quick stop on your way to the Boundary Waters, the Duluth Grill is a great place for breakfast. They have a large selection of items from the more simple to the more exotic. Being proud of supporting local food, their menu mentions where key ingredients (such as “Bay Produce tomatoes”) come from. The Duluth Grill has perfected their breakfast menu during the many

Best Grocery Store and Best Green Business: Whole Foods Co-op

DuluthReader.com

January 28, 2021

years. “We’ve been around doing this for almost 20 years now,” said kitchen manager Dan LeFebvre. “We’ve really put an emphasis on providing the best ingredients for our guests. We love breakfast and we try to showcase that the best that we can.” Runner up: At Sarah’s Table/Chester Creek Cafe

Best Burger Joint Anchor Bar

The long time champion of the Northland’s best burgers reigns supreme for another year. Yes, the Anchor has once again been awarded by readers as the best burger joint. It is also worth noting that the Anchor won more votes in this category than any other business in any other category. They must be doing something right. Runner up tie: 7 west Taphouse and Big Daddy’s Burgers.

Best Business Lunch Tavern on The Hill

If a new or existing client meets you

for lunch here they will first enjoy the parking. Unlike downtown, parking is easy and free. Then you will enjoy the sparkling artwork on the outside of the building. Your client will see this is a fun and inviting place. Inside are lots of fun and colorful murals depicting a somewhat-fanciful artistic rendering of the Duluth area. Maybe you can try to sit by a section depicting a scene connected to your particular industry. You can also sit at the bar or a private booth, depending on your mood. During the summer, you might also enjoy some light conversation outside. Or, after you conclude your business you can enjoy some sports on the TV. Tavern on the Hill has spaces to match any mood or stage in the negotiations. Runner up: Lyric Downtown

Best Coffee House Wussow’s

Wussow’s Concert Café is a great coffee shop and a great venue for listening to live music. During the day

You’d be smiling too if you were at Sir Ben’s

Voted “Best Happy Hour” 2020

34 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for taking part 2020

•FREE DESIGN •FREE ESTIMATES

3107 TOWER AVE. SUPERIOR, WI

715-394-7721 campbelllumber

You Deserve A New KITCHEN!

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January 28, 2021

it is a nice place to sit and do work on your laptop while looking out the window. You can also sit on one of the many rows of table, set up for the nightly events. If you are looking for more public contact, you can sit at the coffee bar. Note: Some of these seating arrangements may have changed during COVID. They also have some good food which you can eat in the café, take out, or have delivered. They are currently not doing any live music, but before you know you will be listening to some good (and some not so good) open-mic performers with friends. Runner up: Yellow Bike Coffee

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner: Va Bene

Best CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Northern Harvest

Northern Harvest was voted the best Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSA farms sell shares of their farm’s production to customers and provide them regular deliveries of produce during the growing season. Rick and Karola Dalen own and operate Northern Harvest. He then mentioned that Northern Harvest Farm has made great efforts to provide the highest quality produce possible to their members. “We’ve been doing this for more than 15 years and we’ve gotten better and better over time,” said Rick. “We pay attention to what people want.” Runner up: Lake Superior CSA.

Best Desserts The Cupcake Lady

Annie Sitek is the Cupcake Lady. Instead of having a storefront she runs her licensed small business out her home. She offers over 75 different flavors of cupcakes. Her cupcakes are delicious and always fresh because they are made to order. “I just do cupcakes. I specialize in gourmet cupcakes,” said Annie. “I deliver all over Duluth and Superior. For bigger events like weddings, I will travel further distances.” Runner up: Love Creamery.

Best Dining Worth the Drive (20+ miles from Duluth) Rustic Inn Cafe

During this tough last year the Rustic Inn did well because they have a solid business model. Don’t worry this “model” is easy to understand and requires no math. The first of three parts of this strategy is simply “Do your best.” “Everyone was just doing their best,” said owner Beth Sullivan. “And we are just grateful for our customers.” This quote gives us a clue to their second business secret to their COVID-year success. This is “Have great customers.” “We have a very good customer base and we are very thankful for them,” said Beth. “We all were going through things we never experienced before so there was a lot of understanding and a lot of compassion.” The last business lesson we can learn from the Rustic Inn is “Diversify.” This really worked out for them last year. There was a time when the authorities made restaurants close but not bakeries. Even when the restaurant opened back up, lots of people driving up the shore stopped for a pie. “The other thing that was pretty niffy for us is we have our bakery section which was way up last year

36 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Best Place for a Gourmet Dinner: New Scenic Cafe and that was very much a blessing,” said Beth. “We were able to keep most of our staff working.”

Best Fish Fry Eddie’s World Famous Ribs

A place with “ribs” in the title seems an odd winner in the Fish Fry category. But the fish fry at Eddie’s is so good that it’s included in Jeff Hagen’s book, Fry Me To The Moon. a guide to Friday night fish fries across Wisconsin. Eddie’s fish fries are actually available on Thursday and Friday. Runner-up: The Wabegon Bar & Grill.

Best Grocery Store Whole Foods Co-op

Not only did the Whole Foods Co-op win Best Grocery Store, they, also won Best Green Business. Whole Foods Co-op has been on a roll the last few years with their still relatively new store on East 4th St, and their brand new store in Denfeld. The trend towards local and organic food has finally caught up with the principles the WFC has been espousing all along. Don’t get me started talking about the incomparable deli. The personality of WFC is a little quirky, but the member owned atmosphere invites loyalty…it

truly is your grocery store. Runner-up: Mount Royal Fine Foods

give it a try.Runner-up: Pizza Luce

Best Liquor Store Keyport

Best Happy Hour Sir Benedict’s-

Sir Ben’s has been a local favorite for after-work fun for decades. Whether you want a bar seat, an intimate lobby-area seat, or an outdoor seat overlooking the Lake, you can enjoy your drink and food the way you want it. Sir Ben’s is also place where you can play games, listen to live music, or even try out the stage for yourself sometime. Sir Ben’s is known for having lots of jam sessions and open mic nights. They have put the live music on pause at the moment, but they are open indoor for eating and drinking. When it warms up hopefully live music will be going again. If not you can always enjoy a summer night by the Lakewalk and then walk across the street to Sir Ben’s for a cold beer.

Best Actor: Jody Kujawa -

Best Late-Nite Grub Jamrock Cultural Restaurant

Jamrock in Superior is so new we don;t know much more than that, but

Keyport has a wide variety of wine, an excellent craft beer selection, friendly employees. We asked Nick Casper at Keyport about their win 23 years in a row and how they keep staying on top. “Prices and selection,” said Casper. They have renovated and expanded their selection of whiskey and beer, making them an even more formidable competitor. Runner up: Mount Royal Bottle Shop.

Best Local Brewery Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Bent Paddle was launched in 2013 by two married couples, Bryon and Karen Tonnis and Colin and Laura Mullen. From day one they not only wanted to run a successful brewing business, they also wanted to leverage that business to become a strong community supporter, partner and voice for the company’s charitable and sustainable values. Bent Paddle is especially committed to organizations that support wilderness conservation, human powered activities and outdoor recreation (especially if there is a paddle involved), education, humanitarian and social causes, economic stability of our Northland neighbors, armed forces / veteran services and local arts / music. With their “Paddle It Forward” initiative, Bent Paddle has donated money, beer, auction and raffle items, special tours and taproom venue use on off-days to over 500 nonprofits,totaling more than $400,000. They have supported American Red Cross, Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, Clean Your Creek, Climate Generation, Duluth Firefighters Operation Warm, Duluth Playhouse, Duluth Superior PRide, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Hartley Nature Center, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Duluth Playhouse and Zeitgeist Arts. Runner up: Earth Rider.

Best Martini Spirit Room

Best Reporter: Dan Hanger - FOX 21

DuluthReader.com

The winner is Spirit Room (in Superior) with an enticing, if occasionally baffling, variety of martinis including January 28, 2021

Thank you, voters! We’re so happy The West was voted best Theater in the Northland that we could

SCREAM! We hope to see you soon!

Best Radio Personality: Ron Houk

Thank you for voting Sir Ben’s

“Best Outdoor Dining”

Learn more about coming events at thewesttheatre.com.

It’s not too bad in the the summer either! 38 January 28, 2021 DuluthReader.com

Cherry Cheesecake, Horseradish Black Pepper Gibson, Rosemary’s Salts, Banana Chocolatini and Christopher Walken-tini. Runner up: Hog Wild Smokehouse & BBQ.

Best Mexican Restaurant Guadalajara Superior

Guadalajara has been chosen as the Best Mexican Restaurant in the area for the third year in a row. Since food is obviously a big part of how good a restaurant is, part of the restaurant’s success comes from good recipes. “We do everything homemade from original recipes from Mexico,” said owner Rebeca Mata. “We brand our family recipes from grandma and my mom. They are very authentic and traditional recipes.” Another important ingredient in making a successful restaurant is the environment. Guadalajara is an environment where people feel at home. “We try to be as friendly as we can,” said manager Rebeca Mata. “People say when they come in they feel very welcome. It is our goal to make people welcome and comfortable.” Runner-up: Pedro’s Grill and Cantina, Cloquet.

Best Outdoor Dining Sir Benedict’s

You don’t likely think much about outdoor dining during a polar vortex, but Sir Ben’s is a great place to eat on a summer afternoon. The front features a look over the lake and is wide-open to the noon-day sun. If the sun is too strong, the umbrellas have you covered. You can look over Superior Street and see the lake, between the trees. These trees are the beginning of Leif Erickson Park, which tourists enter holding cones from the nearby ice cream stand. The side and back of Sir Ben’s are quieter and shielded from the busybut-not-too-busy Superior Street. The back is great for summer nighttime sitting. This is a nice place to hang back a little from the street crowd in the dim lighting. But, you aren’t that far back. You and your friends can still pick out faces from either Superior or the side street and say “isn’t that

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Best Artist: Anna Bailey so and so”. The low-walled partially enclosed back patio partially traps the sound of local music from inside, while still allowing easy conversation. You can hear the band better when you go to get another beer. Speaking of which, Sir Ben’s has a great selection of craft and import beers. Runner up: Silos.

Best Pizza Place Thirsty Pagan

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner Va Bene

Va Bene is Italian for good and readers have agreed that Va Bene in Duluth is a great place for a romantic dinner. Va Bene’s has so many moods compressed into one location. The outside patio facing Superior Street might be good for a first date. It’s out in public and perhaps your

friends might pass and help you out a little. Or, it might be a fun way to experience European-style street cafe. Inside, the main dining area feels like a happy home in the Mediterranean. It’s the sort of place to sit close and comfortable and talk for a long time over some wine. The open deck is great in the summer. If it’s windy you can’t hear quite as well as the main area. But, the view is great. You can both be awed by the vast lake and talk about how maybe you could cruise the Greek Isles someday. If the sun gets to you, it doesn’t have to be over. You can retreat to the indoor section and have some coffee at the bar. The solarium is an all season climate-controlled version of the open deck. The grotto is like a back porch…that is, if you were rich enough to have Lake Superior in your backyard. It is a good place to sit and watch a rain storm together. I don’t know if they would like it, but bringing a blanket to the grotto seems like fun. This is the place to fall in love. Runner up: JJ Astor.

Best Place for Gourmet Dinner New Scenic Cafe

Reader readers have chosen New Scenic Cafe 20 times for great gour-

Thirsty Pagan wins the prize for the Best Pizza Place. We have to assume the reason is part because of the “pizza” and in part for the “place.” “Place” has to include the live music 7 days a week and of course the craft beer. Last year the staff at Thirsty Pagan worked hard to keep access open to both the “pizza” and the “place.” At times this meant sitting in a tent or picking up at the curb. “We had a lot of regular customers coming and sitting in the tent and we also had a lot of take out,” said Bar Manager Willie Wells. “We were closed in the beginning and we were just doing take out back in March.” But now you can put on your mask, eat pizza, drink, and listen to live music inside, where seating capacity is currently at 25%. Runner up: Sammy’s Pizza

Best Optometrist: Dr. Theresa Theobald January 28, 2021

Best Actress and Best Musician: Kaylee Matuszak

Thursdays and Fridays you can enjoy an All You Can Eat Fish Fries for less than $10. Seriously. Runner up: OMC Smokehouse.

Best Sandwiches Corktown Deli and Brews

The runner-up for the past two years finally comes out on top. The deli provides handcrafted sandwiches, schmears, soups and a variety of salads, all ready in minutes. Plus local beer and wine. Sandwich options: Mondo Reuben, Pastrami Reuben, Fire of Phoenix, Pit Master, Lunch Lady, Alabama Brisket Slama, MN Midnight, Cozy Pig, Ed Special, Mama Mia., Jammin’ Smoked Salmon, Knuckle Sandwich, Hummus Among Us, Kind of a Big Dill, Mafioso Meats. Runner up: Northern Waters

Best Serving Staff Lake Avenue Cafe

Lake Avenue focuses on a locally sourced menu and Midwestern spirits. Comments on their Facebook page, not from anonymous sources:

“Friendly staff”, “terrific staff”, “great staff”, “The owner and staff are amazing”, “It’s clear everyone who works here is passionate about the quality of their food and beverages”, “attentive (but not too much) staff”, “excellent friendly bartender,” “service was top notch”, “The dishes are always very clean” … So this award seems well-earned. Oh, and “Try the coconut soup; it will change your life.” Runner up: Spirit Room

Best Steak Hammond Steak House

With more than 50 years experience, and nearly 20 Best of the Northland awards, the Hammond has perfected the art of the steak, serving certified Angus beef, carefully aged, fresh-cut daily and grilled on an open flame, Porterhouse, Longhorn, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Chateau. Their other specialties: seafood, chicken and ribs. The restaurant itself has an oldfashioned, comfy feel. Runner-up: Texas Roadhouse.

2020

met food. A dinner at the New Scenic café is virtually guaranteed to impress, both in taste and presentation. With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, New Scenic features masterful entrees such as duck with root vegetables and fried sage, and starters like curried blue mussels. Runner up: Lake Ave Cafe.

Best Really, Really Cheap Food Anchor Bar

The Anchor Bar in Superior wins this category every year because most of the burgers are in the $4 to $5 range. Plus they’re really delicious. With unique offerings such as the cashew burger, the Hawaiian and the fresh (slaughtered before your eyes) potato fries, it’s no real wonder that the Anchor just keeps winning. Can you believe it? The same place whose burgers have been voted Best in the Northland (read “Best Burger”) also

has the best prices. Runner up: “Kitch’s” The Kitchen, Superior.

Best Ribs Eddie’s World Famous Ribs

It is in the name, folks, and our readership has agreed that the best place to go for ribs is Eddie’s, a ‘50s style restaurant in Superior’s eastend. “We have tried hard to stay consistent over the 23 years we have been here to keep the fall off the bone texture everyone loves,” said Dina Connor. Eddie’s was originally founded in the ‘60s and has maintained the theme from the era since and this has prevailed through their ribs. Their award-winning ribs and excellent customer service are what have created loyal customers. Conner is proud to have won this award for 8 years in a row. Eddie’s can accommodate parties up-to-twenty and cater events for two hundred! On

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We have fat tire bikes!

2914 W. 3rd St., Duluth 218-624-4008

Best Vegetarian Friendly Restaurant Duluth Grill

Though they serve lots of meat, the Duluth Grill is very vegetarian friendly. They have a number of vegetarian dishes where they use fresh vegetables they grow themselves or source locally. They have put much time into perfecting choices everyone will love. “I think it’s good to have some variety that the entire family can come out and eat and everyone

has something they can enjoy,” said manager Dan Lefavare. “So, even if there is one vegetarian in the family and another person is gluten free, everyone has something they can enjoy. Our emphasis in bringing people together.” Runner-up: At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe.

Best Pizza and Best Live Music Club: Thirsty Pagan

Best of People & Media

to show her love for the stage but idea of playing music did not catch on with her. It changed when, at age 15, a teacher recommended she listen to Brandi Carlile. Kaylee loved this artist and this inspired her to start playing guitar. She learned to play a lot on her own and then her dad and others like the Music Resource Center MRC staff helped her become the artist they knew she was capable of becoming. She went on to perform at Homegrown and to release albums. Runner up: Black River Revue

Best Actor Jody Kujawa

Last year he was dethroned by a dog who played Toto, but otherwise he’s won every year for two decades. He’s usually in numerous local stage shows every year, though obviously there hasn’t been a whole lot of opportunity in 2020. Runner-up is Brian Matuszak, who is officially retired from Rubber Chicken Theater but showed up again this year for the online holiday revue, which won for best play.

Best Band Name Bratwurst

Best Actress Kaylee Matuszak

Kaylee, who performs in Rubber Chicken productions (the theater company founded by her father, Brian) has won this category three years in a row. This year she’s also the winner for Best Musician. Runner-up Kate Horvath.

Voted Best Place for a Gourmet Dinner

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Best Band/Musician Kaylee Matuszak

Although Kaylee Matuszak is from a performing family she started playing an instrument relatively late. Her dad Brian Matuszak is locally famous for running the Rubber Chicken Theatre. She did have some opportunities early

There should be caution tape around a Bratwurst performance. The band is an electronic freak show loosely based in noise metal. Anyone fascinated with factory-floor industrial guitars, movie screens filled with bizarre found footage, metal grinding firestorms, oversized hazmat suits and packaged liver are advised to attend wearing safety goggles and a bib. Bratwurst is led by mad scientist and bullhorn vocalist Tyler Scouton. Jason Ratajek and Benny Tryon play guitar and bass like dueling pneumatic punch presses, and somewhere in the chaos Brennan Atchison holds the beat down on drums coated in hardened steel. This is where music, steel fabrication and raw meat collide.

January 28, 2021

Best Community Activist Deb Holman

Best Local Website Perfect Duluth Day

This will be the third year for Deb Holman to take the win for Best Community Activist. As the Street Outreach Worker for the CHUM Center, her work is never over in helping others. “It’s getting tougher to do what I do as resources and housing dry up. I find myself using the community more and more for the help I need. The help is funneled through Chum but I certainly get a lot of help just by asking such as on Facebook. I could not do what I do without the communities’ help. I think lots of times what I do too is just lend an ear to people that are lonely out on the streets, it obviously is very tough to just leave people out there.I continue to be motivated by resilience of these folks, they amaze me and help me keep on, literally,” said Holman. Runner up: Arne Vainio

Best Community Fest (Last 12 mo.) Superior Spooktacular

PDD was launched in 2003 by Scott (Starfire) Lunt and Barrett Chase, and became the go-to place for locals to converse, snark and fight online until Facebook stole that activity. Today it’s a blog with history, culture and a comprehensive calendar. Content is created by community members and paid journalists. A limited liability company was formed in 2009, with current partners being Lunt, Lawrence Lee, Cory Fechner, Brian Barber and Paul Lundgren. Runner up: DuluthReader.com (Dagnabit!)

Best Newspaper Columnist Sam Cooke

Best Ski Shop: Ski Hut evening with friends, or fly solo.

Best Free Event (last 12 months) CASDA’s New Year’s Eve Gala

Best Concert in the Last Year Superior Siren @DHGMF Best Dance Club The Flame Superior

Twenty below on a Friday night, you could stay in with the cat watching X- Files on Hulu or you could go out for a night on the town and get your dance on. Many of you felt that The Flame is a great place to show your slick dance moves and you’re right. The Flame is probably the best place to shake it in the Northland. We talked with part owner, Alvin Berg, who started up The Flame in Superior back in 2010 and more recently, The Flame in Duluth (which he recently sold). It is also a dance room featuring a mix of electronic music DJs. “We have any kind of music from top 40 to electronic,” said Berg. With the diversity of styles of music, a large dance area with good lighting, a full bar, a fun atmosphere for gay and straight people to hang out in, The Flame is a great way to spend an

Best Live Music Club Thirsty Pagan Brewing

Not a lotta music options open this past year with all the bars closed, though Wisconsin has had looser regulations and Thirsty Pagan has been open on more of a regular basis. Similar Dogs is practically the house band, with Chris Clemens, Hodag & Hooch, Stel, Owen Polifka, SonofMel and more making regular appearances. Runner up: Wussow’s

Best Local Elected Official Superior City Councilor Tylor Elm

Superior City Councilor Tylor Elm usually works on solutions to problems “where the rubber meets the road.” Often this is literal. When a constituent complains about the pot hole that keeps making him spill his coffee, he calls up Tylor. Tylor then goes down to meet this valued member of the public and checks out

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the pothole for himself. “These meetings were usually outside anyway,” said Tylor. “So, this kind of meeting is not much different after COVID.” Of course, like everyone else, Tylor has had to use some modern communication techniques and help his constituents to communicate electronically with him, too. This is where it helps that he co-owns the IT company discoverpc.NET Computer Solutions Center. It is always good when you can use your skills to do multiple jobs and handle a variety of situations. Runner up: Wis. Rep. Nick Milroy

Best Local Play in the Last Year Take It With You Take It With You is an hour-long, originally scripted, live radio theatre podcast complete with versatile voice actors (think The Simpsons), all original music (think South Park), and old-school foley sound effects (think Monty Python coconut horses) performed in front of a studio audience in Duluth. Runner up: Here We Come A-Quarantining

Wow, he actually did it. The Duluth News Tribune’s Sam Cook finally retired. And he STILL ends up winning for Best Newspaper Columnist again. Cook has been a mainstay in our region and has won this category nearly every year with his gentle wit and keen eye for nature. Runner up: Ed Raymond

Best Open Mic Wussow’s

Perhaps one of the reasons so many musicians have found Wussow’s to be a great venue is that it was started up by Jason Wussow, who is an active musician. Wussow had been touring for many years and knows how to make musicians feel at home. Each year he holds the “One Week Live” series of shows which features some of the area’s best acts and he records them and releases a compilation album of some of the performances from the week. It’s all ages, sign up starts at 6 pm, and all talents are welcome to share in 15 minutes of entertaining the crowd. Guest hosts rotate in running this very fun and long lasting open mic.

Best Radio Personality Ron Houk

Houk, of KOOL 101.7, is a perennial winner in this category. He was raised in the area and sought to become a DJ from a young age. Runner up: Jeanne Ryan, Mix 108

Best Radio Station KUMD

Best TV Commercial: There Is No Poop Fairy

Why are we not surprised that the readers of an alternative weekly newspaper would vote for a college radio station? KUMD provides a wide array of programing and shows such as the student run show, “The Basement” and NPR’s “The World Cafe.” The station also provides programming such as “Democracy Now” and Duluth City Council Meetings. When you get tired of listening to the same songs over and over again, KUMD should be first on your dial. Runner up: Mix 108

In a time where all Americans are trying to “make it” in many different ways, you might want to learn about some business people who are “making it” within what is probably a short drive or bus ride from your home. After watching some Making it Up North videos, you might feel more of a connection to many of the places and people you pass by on these cold roads of the north. If you don’t watch TV anymore, don’t worry. Just type Making it Up North into YouTube to find their channel complete with what appears to be all of the show’s content. They feature just about every kind of small business you can think of. The stories are true and the challenges are real. Runner up: Almanac North

Best Reporter Dan Hanger

Fox 21 news anchor Dan Hanger moved to the Northland from his hometown in Chicago in 2006 and took on his first reporting job at KBJR after graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a major in broadcast journalism. He joined Fox as a reporter in October 2010 and was promoted to anchor in August 2011.. “I am so interested in people! Always full of questions, Love to find the truth in every story. Love telling stories that nobody wants to talk about. Plus, it’s different every day. I would go nuts sitting in some cubical!” replied Hanger in an email about what made him interested in being a reporter. Runner up: Baihly Warfield - WDIO

Story Swept Under the Rug

• Superior City Council opposes MLK Jr holiday. • Superior Street project sucks • Mayor Paine tells council that Zagster bikes not out because of Covid, but Zagster went bankrupt and assets sold in early spring 2020. • LSMR RR Mud Lake

Best TV Commercial There is No Poop Fairy

Danger Bird Productions of Duluth made this wildly clever (albeit with a lot of fart sounds and poop jokes) public service announcement for Duluth Parks & Recreation and the Regional Stormwater Protection Team. Perennial Best Actor winner Jody Kujawa, at his dumpy best, educates Jenna Kelly about the need

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Best TV Program (local) Making It Up North, WDSE

Good Cop Jacob Willis, DNR Conservation Officer

Runner up: Nick Eastman & K9 Marik to pick up after her dog. “It’s only one poop,” she argues, to which he responds, “There over 69,000 dogs in the Greater Twin Ports region and they make 14 million tons of poop annually,” he says. “But Poop Fairy, poop is natural,” she says. After strenuously denying he exists, he explains, “Dog poop is very nutrientheavy, unlike bear scat, who eat only berries and twigs. All that poop eventually ends up in the stream, where it releases those excessive nutrients and disease-causing pathogens. That can make the water murky, green, smelly and (grieved expression) unswimmable.” We have to question the math: 14 million tons? Pounds, maybe, but not tons. Lucie Admundsen, who wrote the script, acknowledges, “i think I err’d on the decimal point.” We concur with the intent anyway, knowing what a hassle it is to clean that stuff out of the grooves of our sneaker soles. Runner up: Blue Arrow Boutique

Best TV News Station WDIO

It’s been a long time since Dennis Anderson’s mustache graced the airwaves at WDIO. We knew that the anchors, meteorologists, reporters and camera operators have always done a great job at WDIO, but we always figured there needed to be a mustache on board to give it that last special bump. The people are at WDIO are really that good, not one of them has a mustache and things are being held down great at the station. Runner up: Fox 21

Best TV Personality Dan Hanger, FOX 21

And Dan Hanger wins this category again. And again. As usual. We’re not sure if it’s the glasses, the public appearances or the witty banter, but Hanger has been getting the votes for a number of years now. Hanger took a chance by moving from Chicago to be a broadcast journalist in Duluth and has been embraced by our community. Runner up: Brittney Merlot, FOX 21.

Person of the Year Local Health Care Workers

Runner up: Local postal carriers

Worst of the Northland Bad Cop Facebook Police

Runner up: Tyler Leibfried

Worst Local Elected Official U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber

Tied to Trump’s coattails, Rep. Stauber has shown his true and ugly colors in this divided time. Runner up: Duluth Mayor Emily Larson

Worst Road Raleigh Street Worst Use of Taxpayer Dollars

• Referendum for Part-Time Mayor • Zagster in Superior (bankrupt) • Riot Gear for DPD January 28, 2021

Voted Best of the Northland 23 times in a row!

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