Wisconsin

First-Ever February Tornado Forms In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first-ever tornado in February was spotted Thursday just south of Madison, the National Weather Service confirmed. It was the first tornado ever for the state of Wisconsin during the month since records have been kept, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Rock County officials, in the area where the tornado was reported, received reports of about…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

Vehicle Slams Into Superior Home, Rolls

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior police and fire responded to an out-of-control vehicle that slammed into a house Monday. The accident was reported around 3:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of East 2nd Street.  The vehicle left the roadway, struck a house and then rolled over, according to officials. Superior police said the driver may have suffered a medical emergency prior…

Man Arrested After Armed Burglary, Vehicle Theft In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. –Hermantown police are investigating an armed, overnight burglary and car theft. Police say it is an active investigation, but confirm that there was a burglary at Autobahn Sales and Service on the 5400 block of Miller Trunk Highway. The General Manager Of Autobahn told FOX 21 a Cadillac was stolen from the property. Police say the burglar was…

Duluth-Based Maurices Announces ‘Painful’ Layoffs

Maurices Downtown Duluth Headquarters DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based retailer Maurices says it has made the “painful” decision to lay off 10 percent of its corporate office positions. Maurices told FOX 21 on Thursday that 14 associates are being impacted at the downtown Duluth office, and 29 employees from its Brooklyn, New York design office and remote workers. Maurices Chief Administrative…

Authorities Investigate Fires at Royalton Manor Apartments in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — There has been a rash of fires in the Royalton Manor Apartment building complex over the last month and that has residents and city officials concerned. Since the end of December, the Superior Fire Department has counted four fires at the apartments. Fire Battalion Chief, Joe Tribbey, said the fires have been relatively small. “Since about December…

Superior Boy’s Basketball Raises Over $6,500 For Pediatric Patients

The team presented a check to Amelia, a five-year-old basketball fan in cancer remission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior High School Boy’s Basketball Team presented a check to one of their biggest fans today. The donation was all a part of the team’s annual cancer awareness game. Through a silent auction, raffle, bake sale, and t-shirt sales, the team raised $6,594. That money went to local basketball fan Amelia and other pediatric patients in…

‘Love Stinks’ Fundraiser Underway at the Humane Society of Douglas County

For $5, HSDC will put the name of a not-so-special someone onto a heart and into a litter box

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Not feeling the Valentine’s Day spirit? The Humane Society of Douglas County might just have a solution for you — not to mention a way to do some good. Now through Valentine’s Day, you can put the name of an ‘un-special’ person, place, or thing on a ‘poo heart’ that will go — you guessed it —…

New Superior Police Chief Sworn In

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior Police Department officially has a new Police Chief as Paul Winterscheidt was sworn in Monday morning. Winterscheidt is an 18-year veteran of the Superior Police Department and a graduate of U-W Superior. In an interview with Fox 21 in early December, Winterscheidt said he would continue and expand a program that’s designed to keep people…

A Hockey Lovers Dream

  SUPERIOR, Wisc. –If you’re a Hockey Fan, especially a pro hockey fan, there will be an auction Saturday in Superior that could land you a piece of history. The personal collection of Jim Finley, the former president of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be offered for sale at Savings Auction in Superior beginning at 11 AM. Mickey Greene,…

A Hockey Lover’s Dream

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — If you’re a Hockey Fan, especially a pro hockey fan, there will be an auction Saturday in Superior that could land you a piece of history. The personal collection of Jim Finley, the former president of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be offered for sale at Savings Auction in Superior beginning at 11 AM. Mickey Greene,…

Congressman Stauber Releases “Fact Check” On Blatnik Bridge

TWIN PORTS — Republican Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District was not at President Biden’s visit to the Twin Ports Thursday. Biden and democrats including Governor Walz have called Stauber a hypocrite for voting against Biden’s infrastructure bill, but taking credit, they say for the Blatnik funding in that bill. Congressman Stauber snapping back in a video online saying…

FOX 21 Live Coverage Thursday Of President Biden’s Visit To Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 will break into programming within the 11 a.m. hour Thursday, as President Joe Biden lands in Duluth and heads over to Earth Rider Brewery in Superior around 1 p.m. to deliver remarks on “Investing in America and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” according to the White House.   FOX 21 will then have team coverage on the…

Superior Getting Respite House to Help Those in Crisis

Respite Houses Offer An Short-Term, Intermediate Step For People in Mental Heath Crisis

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Work is well underway on a new peer respite center in Superior. Centers like this are free, voluntary, short-term programs that offer hope to those experiencing a mental health crisis. When completed, the Hope Haven Respite Center will have room for four occupants. Chrissy Barnard says Superior is a ‘desert’ for mental heath services. The lack of…

UWS Attracts Foreign Students From All Over the World.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wednesday was the first day of the Spring Semester at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Students from across the country and from 40 different nations are attending the school this semester. In all, there are about 2,700 students at UWS, and 21 of them are first-year students from other countries. Kali Kelleher, is in charge of international…

NTEC Neighborhood Meetings To Answer Questions And Concerns

Two meetings Tuesday on the project.

People interested in the new natural gas-powered electric plant being planned in Superior had a couple of chances to get their questions answered Tuesday. Two open houses were put on in Superior for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center. At mid-day and late afternoon sessions, representatives were available to answer questions, and citizens could learn more about the plant. Although the…

DFL: Stauber “Hypocrite” Over Blatnik Money; Once Law, Congressman Says He Pushed For Funding

Back and forth over federal funding vote.

On Monday, many Minnesota and Wisconsin lawmakers lauded the announced federal funding that will help with the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge. Among those was Minnesota’s 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber. State DFL leaders said the republican lawmaker was a “hypocrite” because he voted against the law that provided the funding. Tuesday, Stauber responded and said that after the bill…

$1 Billion Dollars From Federal Government Committed to Blatnik Bridge Replacement

DULUTH, Minn.  — There was very exciting news from Washington on Monday. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the cities of Duluth and Superior one billion dollars to replace the Blatnik Bridge. Senators from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with the governors and state transportation departments have been working to have the federal government commit the money to rebuild…

Scholarship For Those Remembering and Honoring Veterans

Iron Range student now at UWS wrote about his grandfather.

The sacrifices people make often have an impact for generations. An example is a scholarship awarded Monday to a student from the Iron Range. Patrick Douglas wrote an essay about his grandfather who served during the Vietnam War on the USS Duluth. Patrick received the $1500 Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship at the Veterans Memorial Hall at the Depot….

President Biden To Visit Superior Thursday, 2nd Time Since In Office

President Joe Biden at UW-Superior SUPERIOR, Wis. – President Biden is returning to Superior later this week. The White House announced Monday that the President will be visiting the city on Thursday, January 25.  The purpose of the visit is to “discuss how his Bidenomics and Investing in America Agenda are rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering costs, spurring a small business…

Superior Fire Department Tackles Two House Fires

  SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Fire Department battled two structure fires Saturday Morning. Just before 8:00 a.m., fire crews responded to a residential structure fire at 708 Winter St. Crews remained on scene until 2:00 p.m. and were able to stop the fire from spreading to neighboring houses, but the home itself was deemed a total loss. There were no…

Wisconsin Republicans Introduce A Bill To Ban Abortions After 14 Weeks Of Pregnancy

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly quietly introduced a bill Friday that would call for a binding statewide referendum on whether abortion should be banned after 14 weeks of pregnancy. The GOP has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is almost certain to veto…

UWS And Cenovus Energy Announce Partnership To Benefit The College And Athletics

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UWS and Cenovus Energy have announced a partnership that will benefit the college and its athletics. The agreement comes with a 3-year term and totals $450,000. A portion of the funds will go toward Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium and additional enhancements, such as a video board. Cenovus will also sponsor the Cenovus Energy Fan Zone which…

Information on Nemadji Trail Energy System Heard By Superior Plan Commission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Superior Plan Commission met Wednesday afternoon, and the major item on its agenda was the  Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The commissioners heard from representatives of Minnesota Power and Clean Wisconsin. Before the meeting got underway, which had a standing-room-only crowd, we talked to representatives of both groups who explained their position on the natural gas energy plant…

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Organized labor came together inside Superior City Hall Tuesday to debunk what they call false information from Mayor Jim Paine and some city councilors involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Members of the Northern Wisconsin Buildings Trades took to the podium for a press conference Tuesday night.  They’re calling on the community to educate themselves…

Superior Holds First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

City officials, activists, and children gathered at the Superior Public Library the Day After MLK Jr. Day

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Today, Superior held its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Community members joined together at Superior Public Library to read about and discuss King’s legacy. The library, which was closed for the official holiday yesterday, put out book displays featuring King and other Black activists. Children were invited to color and complete word searches. Mayor Jim…

Hang In There On Those New Year’s Resolutions!

Duluth store trying to help people reach their goals.

DULUTH, Minn. — The holidays are over, and all those parties and plates of cookies are in the rearview mirror. Those with resolutions for the new year are sixteen days into 2024. Many people looking for added motivation were making their way into All-Star Nutrition in Duluth, Tuesday. Everyone had their own goals and benchmarks for reshaping themselves a bit…

Superior Mayor Determined To Stop NTEC As Labor Ramps Up Support

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Billboards and yard signs are beginning to pop up in Superior in support of building the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). This comes as Mayor Jim Paine says he’s continuing to do whatever he can to derail the natural gas power plant for good. Mayor Paine is banking on Wisconsin state regulators to change their approval of…

Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander Retires

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A little over two and a half decades ago Nick Alexander joined the Superior police department. It was his first job in police work. Since then Alexander has held just about every job that exists in the police department. As friends and colleagues stopped for his retirement party Friday afternoon,  Alexander spoke about his roles in the…

Remembering Veterans All Year Long

Gifts during the holidays a symbol of a year-round need.

Special efforts continue with a commitment to remember veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. Gifts were delivered there Wednesday by the Bong Veterans Historical Center after their holiday collection drive. American Legion Bong Post 435 played an active role in the effort. Commander Butch Liebaert said it is the culmination of a year-round attempt to help all…

UW-Superior Students Place Third in Global Supply Chain Competition

Hayden Thomas and Mitchell Hecimovich Created Sustainable Solution to a Real-World Problem

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior students took home third place in an international supply chain competition. They competed against students from universities around the globe, including China, France, and Algeria. All seventy one teams created sustainable solutions to real-world supply chain challenges, according to Khadija Ajmal, UWS Assistant Professor of Transportation and Logistics. That’s what this competition exposed students to, to…

Wisconsin Representatives Talk Proposed Limited Medical Marijuana Bill In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin representatives gathered at Superior’s Government Center Monday unveiling a plan to legalize medical marijuana. The bill would create a limited plan for medical marijuana use to those with serious, chronic diseases such as cancer or those with severe chronic pain. There would be 5 state-run dispensaries and smokeable marijuana would not be allowed. The smokeless options…

Wisconsin Republicans Unveil Medical Marijuana Bill After Evers Voices Support

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans on Monday unveiled a highly restricted plan to legalize medical marijuana in the state, a proposal years in the making that comes less than a week after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers voiced support for the idea. The bill would limit medical marijuana only to severely ill people with chronic diseases such as cancer and allow for…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

WI State Rep. Angie Sapik Announces Run For Reelection

Wisconsin State Rep. Angie Sapik is running for reelection for Dist. 73 in Northwestern Wisconsin. The Republican from Lake Nebagamon made the announcement over the weekend at the Log Cabin Tavern just outside of Superior. “We accomplished a lot of things in this cycle from the largest increases in shared revenue in history, to holding people accountable for fentanyl deaths,”…

White Snowshoe Hare Waiting (And Hiding) Until Snow Comes

The big-footed critter's bright white winter coat stands out against brown and gray forest.

The long wait for winter is beneficial for some wildlife, but potentially deadly for others. Ironically, the lack of snow actually makes life more challenging for some animals. An example of that is a snowshoe hare that was hiding under some brush and branches at Gooseberry Falls State Park on Wednesday.  The hare was spotted by park interpreter and naturalist…

1 Arrested After Superior Officer’s License Plate Reader Spots Stolen Vehicle

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A heavy police presence happened Wednesday afternoon around a McDonald’s in Superior. The incident happened at the North 21st Street McDonald’s around 3:30 p.m. Officials said a police officer’s “Automated License Plate Reader” in his squad spotted the stolen vehicle in front of him. Per the Superior Police Department’s procedures, multiple officers arrived on scene to order…