A huge thank you to everyone who attended S’mores ‘N Snores last Saturday at the newly-updated Rogers Bridge Park! It was wonderful to see families enjoying the great outdoors, making memories under the stars, and participating in all the fun activities we had planned.
It was a big party last Saturday on the Town Green for the Duluth Fall Festival Concert, with performances by Heidi, Jo, Lefty & Mo and the Guardians of the Jukebox putting on an electrifying show for the crowd. Thanks to everyone who attended.
The rain couldn’t stop the community from coming out and having an good time at Good Word Brewing’s Les Bon event in Parsons Alley! Fresh oysters, a fantastic selection of Saison beers from over 16 breweries, and great tunes from DJ Fernando and Penelope Road. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 12:01 pm, the City of Duluth, in cooperation with Norfolk Southern Railway and the Federal Railroad Administration, established a “Quiet Zone” also called a “Reduced Whistle Zone” in downtown. This means you will not regularly hear trains blowing their horns anymore at Brock Road, SR 120, or Davenport Road. There are circumstances and emergencies under which the horn will sound, but we hope those are few and far between. Look for more information in your next edition of Duluth Life magazine, and in the meantime, be sure to approach all RR Xings with caution and awareness. Our crossings will still have flashing lights, signs, pavement markings, and gates. They are also now equipped with additional safety measures. The only thing that will no longer be there (on a regular basis) is the sound of the train horn. 24/7/365.
For those who live and work in or near downtown, this may be a welcomed relief. For those who love the train horn, fear not – the Southeast Railway Museum RR Xing is not part of the quiet one, and trains will still sound their horn as they approach. You can visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays 10a-5p and on Sundays from noon until 5pm. They are located at 3595 Buford Highway (Duluth). Should you have any questions about the quiet zone, please reach out to our Community Development and Engineering Department at 770-476-1790.
PSA – Travel safely, and NEVER stop on the railroad track. If you are ever stopped on the track and a train is approaching simply pull forward (or backward). The gates are breakaway and will let your vehicle pass. If you are stuck, get out of your vehicle and move away from the collision site. Your vehicle is replaceable. You are not.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Multicultural Night!
Congratulations to Councilmember Manfred Graeder, who received the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificate of Achievement during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on June 24. The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials.
“This is a significant milestone,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We congratulate Councilmember Graeder and his dedication to professional development is an inspiration and a testament to the valuable resources and quality of service we strive to provide in local government.” To receive a Certificate of Achievement, a city official must complete 72 hours of training, including at least 36 hours from the required list and the Newly Elected Officials Institute.
“We are proud of our partnership with GMA to provide high-quality, relevant training to Georgia’s more than 3,500 municipal officials,” said UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government Director Rob Gordon. “The institute remains committed to being the trusted resource that city officials across Georgia turn to for leadership and professional development training that makes a difference in the lives of the citizens they represent.”
About the Georgia Municipal Association: Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and consulting services to all of Georgia’s 537 cities. GMA anticipates and influences the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and provides leadership, tools, and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive. Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization representing municipal governments in Georgia. For more information, visit www.gacities.com.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Pop 2000 concert last weekend!
#DuluthPD
Help us welcome our newest Councilmember, Manfred Graeder!
Council Post 4 became vacant upon the passing of Councilmember Kelly Kelkenberg earlier this year. Graeder won the special called election for this post.
Manfred is originally from Germany and moved to Duluth, Georgia in 2003. He is married to Eva and is currently employed as a Senior Program Manager Server Development. Prior to being elected to Council, Manfred served on the Finance Board, Planning Commission and Citizens Budget Committee for the City.
His goal is to continue to develop policy in the spirit and vision of the current City Council while adding focus to the areas outside of the downtown. He is ready to make decisions using common sense, weighing all available information, and valuing the input from our citizens.
“We look forward to working with Manfred to continue moving Duluth forward. We are excited to have Manfred’s attention to detail and new perspective on our team,” said Mayor Nancy Harris.