Good morning, Duluth.

Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center named Deb Schaber as its new executive director to lead operations and a $52 million renovation at the historic Armory.

She brings 20+ years in event production and leadership, replacing Mark Poirier, who retired in 2025—renovations are expected to finish by late summer 2027.

The Liberia-flagged Ocean7 Ranger is expected to be the first oceangoing vessel to arrive at Duluth-Superior today as it sails west across Whitefish Bay.

The Netherlands-built ship will discharge 30 pieces of project cargo at Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal, with Duluth Cargo Connect managing port operations.

The Duluth Public Schools board plans $4.2 million in budget cuts for 2026 to 2027 that will displace 43 staff positions (displacement is not a layoff since retirements may fill gaps), with a meeting held on April 7 and more scheduled for May 5 and June 9.

Starting April 13, the City of Duluth will close the 400 block of W First Street for six weeks to restore the school district building at the corner of First and Fifth; detours and reduced parking will affect drivers (sidewalk access will remain open on the City Hall side).

St. Louis County awarded three recipients with the 2026 Public Health Achievement Award for their work in infection prevention, pediatric dental care and rural healthcare support.

Lisa Hesse, Children’s Dental Services and a community foundation supporting Cook Community Hospital were honored at a county board meeting.

Benedictine Foundation received a $1 million donation from anonymous donors to support programs for seniors & those with dementia at Benedictine Living Community in Duluth.

The funds will be used for staff training & renovations to improve care for older adults.

Personal Support Group for Adults with Epilepsy in Duluth

6-7 p.m. — Caribou Coffee — Order food/beverage — Connect with peers managing epilepsy and share supportive experiences.

One Week Live Vol. 23 Album Release Weekend

7-10 p.m. — Wussow's Concert Cafe — $7 online / $10 door — Celebrate local talent with a weekend of live music featuring various artists.

An Evening with Rachael Kilgour and Zack Baltich

7-10 p.m. — Sacred Heart Music Center — $20-$25 — Enjoy a special night of introspective music by Duluth's McKnight Fellowship winners.

VOTE DAILY to help launch the LNPK Grocery

Vote daily (April 13-25th) to help Ecolibrium3 win a $27,500 grant to launch the LNPK Grocery this spring. Go to oldnational.com/cyc and enter Ecolibrium3 as your nonprofit of choice.

Women in Science: The Forecast Forum

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Great Lakes Aquarium — Free entry — Explore meteorology and hear from leading women in the field while enjoying a full exhibit experience.

Minnesota Ballet's 60th Anniversary Performance

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM — Minnesota Ballet — Ticketed event — Celebrate a vibrant mix of classic and contemporary dance as Minnesota Ballet honors its 60-year legacy.

Community Book Swap at EcoFest

11 AM – 3 PM — Clyde Iron Works — Free entry — Trade your beloved books for new treasures at this sustainable community event.

An Afternoon with the Romantics

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Music Center — $20 — Enjoy an organ concert featuring romantic works and a piece by J.S. Bach on a historic Felgemaker pipe organ.

The Entrepreneur Reset

A half-day, in-person workshop for entrepreneurs to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change in their business. You’ll walk away with greater clarity, renewed confidence, and tangible next steps.

Penny Whistle Sound Techniques Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Duluth Folk School — Class fee varies — Learn how to make your penny whistle sing with new techniques and confidence.