Wisconsin

“No Snow Sale” A Sign of Winter (or Non-Winter)

Outdoors Gear Store Northwest Outlet adapts to what Mother Nature serves up.

Those who want to get outside and enjoy a real winter, don’t know how long they will have to wait. And there is a different kind of waiting going on for those who sell winter gear. Superior’s outdoors gear store, Northwest Outlet, has decided it can’t wait forever for cold and snow, so they’re putting out the sale sign for…

Is The Ice Safe? Better Check First

Those venturing out are urged to be careful because many have gone through the ice already.

The cautionary tone about being careful on lake and river ice was echoed this week as outdoor enthusiasts get antsy. At Duluth’s Marine General, this month they had customers torn between both ice and open-water fishing. Some anglers were rigging up their boats and heading out on the lake. But with the weather now turning back to a little bit…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sets Attendance Record in 2023–Again

The number of visitors was up 10,000 from year before.

While the weather has forced many businesses to adjust, others keep on trucking. Or maybe swimming? The Great Lakes Aquarium is finishing the year in record-breaking fashion. In fact, they’ve broken their attendance record for the second year in a row. In 2023 they had ten thousand more visitors than last year—hitting the 210,000 mark. Aquarium leaders say the holiday…

Santa Delivers To Meet Salvation Army Goal

Hartel's Disposal "picks up" the tab; provides $25,000 to help reach holiday goal.

FOX21 reported earlier this week that an anonymous Santa stepped in to help the Duluth Salvation Army this year. Today we all learned who that special Santa is. The Salvation Army says it was Hartel’s Disposal that disposed of the donation shortage. It did so in the form of a check for $25,000 that the company delivered Thursday. The contribution…

Snowblowers Went Out The Door Early; Now Waiting For Snow

Last winter primed people to get new machines.

While no snow and a lot of rain may have driven people inside to do things like check out Duluth’s trains and railroad museum, there are also those who think winter is going to come–eventually. There were still plenty of snowblowers lined up at Northern Tool and Equipment in Hermantown on Thursday. Store manager Mike Surface said it’s been quiet…

Wisconsin University Chancellor Says He Was Fired For Producing And Appearing In Porn Videos

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said Thursday that regents fired him because they were uncomfortable with him and his wife producing and appearing in pornographic videos. The regents voted unanimously during a hastily convened closed meeting Wednesday evening to fire Gow. After the vote, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and regents President…

Effort To Remember Veterans At Christmas Could Use Help

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Collecting Gifts for Silver Bay Veterans Home.

During the holidays there are many people who are surrounded by friends and family members. But there are also those who may not be remembered by a lot of people. That’s why the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has had a gift drive every year since 2012 to remember veterans during this season. They collect and accept…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Orders New Legislative Maps In Redistricting Case Brought By Democrats

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Republican-drawn legislative maps on Friday and ordered that new district boundary lines be drawn as Democrats had urged in a redistricting case they hope will weaken GOP majorities. The ruling comes less than a year before the 2024 election in a battleground state where four of the six past presidential elections have been decided…

Salvation Army Hoping and Praying For Deadline Giving

The agency is thankful for generous giving so far, but is tens of thousands of dollars behind in its fundraising goal, with program cuts a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re making a push to the Christmas finish line, you are not alone. For some it means serious shopping down the stretch. For others it means serious giving. The kettles were ready for every sixpence they could get Thursday. To reach its funding goal, the Salvation Army needs $22,000 a day through Saturday. It is a…

Superior Rotary Helping Ukraine

Superior, Wisc. — This February will mark two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Tens of thousands have died and even more people have been injured or wounded. The Rotary Club of Superior is doing its part to help the Ukrainians and has been raising money since September. The Rotary Club Ukraine Unity sent a video showing off an ambulance that…

Superior Firefighters Help Over 500 Kids During Annual Toys For Tots Fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Firefighters Local 74 were in the giving mood this weekend. The Toys for Tots fundraiser wrapped up helping over 560 kids from around 240 families in Douglas County. Many volunteer hours go into making sure the joy of Christmas is spread all around. Fire crews say they are thankful for the communities support each year. Categories:…

WI Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Bomb Threat Against Governor In 2018

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who made a bomb threat in 2018 that prompted a search of then-Gov. Scott Walker’s office in the state Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison and two years of extended supervision, the state Department of Justice announced on Friday. Terrance Grissom, 53, was already serving time for making other threats…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Makes Interim State Court Director Permanent Despite Complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court announced Thursday that the director of state courts job will be filled by the person who has been doing it since August, despite complaints that the hiring was illegal because she had been elected to serve as a Milwaukee County judge. Audrey Skwierawski took a leave from her job as a Milwaukee County circuit…

Superior Firefighters Rescue Deer Stranded On Ice

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A deer stranded on the ice of the St. Louis River was safely rescued Wednesday morning by fire crew members in Superior. Reports of the little guy stranded on the ice came in Wednesday morning. The Superior Fire Department says Platoon 3 crews then arrived on scene, put on their ice rescue suits, took out their inflatable…

Yes Cheese Offering Christmas Boxes This Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local business is keeping it cheesy this holiday season. Yes, Cheese located in Superior, is offering Christmas boxes filled with festive treats for any family gatherings or holiday work parties. They are even selling “12 Days of Cheese-mas” advent calendar style boxes. A majority of the cheeses are from Wisconsin, and they have also partnered with…

Proposed Passenger Train Between Duluth and Twin Cities Gets Limited Federal Funding

Northern Lights Express misses out on biggest chunk of federal funds announced Friday.

Ten rail projects across the country received over $8 billion in funding Friday, but the proposed Northern Lights Express was not one of them. The Federal Railroad Administration announced its choices Friday. While not included in the major funding for projects, the Duluth/Superior to the Twin Cities proposal was among dozens of ideas that will receive much smaller funding of…

Domestic Violence Prevention Gets Christmas Gifts and Big Check

Cenovus Energy teams up with United Way to help CASDA families.

It is the time of year when a lot of people are doing good things for one another. And Wednesday was another example of that. Gift paper and gift wrappers came together in Superior to bring some Christmas to clients of CASDA, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Cenovus employees and their families were wrapping gifts for twenty CASDA…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Morgan Music

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Whether you’re playing the Amsoil or just learning the chords, Morgan Music on Banks Avenue in Superior is here for you. “We employ friendly gear gurus,” said Tal Morgan, owner of Morgan Music. “Noncommissioned. They’re just here to help you on your journey.” Opening their doors in November they’ve already seen a healthy flow of local musicians….

Superior Names Next Chief of Police

SUPERIOR, Wis. –The city of Superior announced Friday that Paul Winterscheidt will be the city’s next police chief.  The current chief, Nicholas Alexander retires in January of 2024. Winterschieidt, a 2003 graduate of UW Superior, joined the Superior Police Department in. In his 18 years on the force he has worked patrol, investigations, and narcotics investigations. He was chosen after…

Agreement Reached For Sale of KQDS-TV, FOX21

Duluth, MN – The owners of KQDS-TV, FOX21, have entered into an agreement for the sale of the station. Red River Broadcast Co., LLC has signed an asset purchase agreement with Coastal Television. Coastal Television operates ten television stations in seven states; Alaska, Wyoming, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana. “We think Coastal will be a good fit for…

An Infectious Canine Respiratory Illness Spreads Throughout The Country

DULUTH, Min. –Dr. Scott Beeman, a veterinarian at Duluth Veterinary Hospital, has devoted his life to working with animals. He says it is important to remember that during this time of year any respiratory illness is common. However, he noted there is an increase in cases, along with some that are significantly more severe and long lasting. “This has been…

Tenants Struggle To Find Housing After Superior Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Thanksgiving morning, a fire broke out at a building housing the Viking Lounge and eight apartments. By the time the Superior Fire Department was able to fully extinguish the flames, 14 people were left homeless. A fire official said a lit cigarette was the source of the fire. “Initially there were signs that there was a…

Superior Fire Department’s Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Well Underway

Organizers are asking for early donations, especially for teenagers

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Christmas is coming early at the Superior Fire Department, and they are asking for the community’s help. Their annual Toys for Tots campaign is well underway. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, the department will spread holiday cheer early, on the weekend of December 16th and 17th. Superior Firefighter John Lundberg said people can help…

Twin Ports Grad Sharing Naval Academy Experience

Talks to students about his desire to serve his country, as well as the opportunities.

Rising global tension has put a spotlight on armed forces around the world. Some of those currently training to serve were among college students who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Kai Braaten grew up in the Twin Ports and is now a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy. He said a primary goal for him was…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Open Slopes for Winter Season

TWIN PORTS– “The fact that we’re open today is exciting and we’re looking forward to the winter,” said Director of Resort Services at Spirit Mountain, Jon Regenold. “Opening’s been great. We got a lot of people out here yesterday. We started off with the kids hill,” said Hills Manager at Mount du Lac Resort, Mike Ohara. The recent cold blast…

Snowmaking Begins At Spirit Mountain, Mont Du Lac

DULUTH, Minn. — Snowmaking season began at Spirit Mountain Tuesday evening.   This comes after frustrations from staff because of the unseasonably warm weather for much of November.  Usually the ski hill opens on Black Friday, but that won’t be happening this season.  None the less, opening day will arrive soon, as temperatures are forecast to continue to be well below…

Wisconsin Opening Weekend Deer Kill Down 16%; Weather To Blame

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lack of snow and warm temperatures that suppressed deer movement led to a lackluster opening weekend of Wisconsin’s nine-day gun season, with hunters killing thousands fewer deer than last year. The state Department of Natural Resources released preliminary data Tuesday that showed hunters registered 92,050 deer compared with 103,623 deer last year. That’s a 16%…

Washburn County Man Arrested at Jail For Impaired Driving

SHELL LAKE, Wis. — A Washburn County man was arrested after driving to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department Jail impaired with a 6-year-old in their vehicle. On Saturday at approximately 6:56 p.m., the Washburn County Sheriff Department Jail Staff advised that Anthony Koprowski of Spooner, Wis., was to pick up an intoxicated individual who was arrested earlier that evening. Upon…

Wisconsin Deer Firearms Season Starts Saturday

Minnesota's firearms season wraps up this weekend.

As the weekend approached, the winds changed and the temperatures dropped just in time for the end of Minnesota’s firearms deer season, and the opening of the Wisconsin firearms season. In the Badger state’s Douglas County, deer stands have been checked out to make sure they’re still safe and make any needed repairs. Woods that have been quiet will soon…

Update: Superior Firefighters Battle Wind-Driven Fire On Wisconsin Point

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior firefighters battled a wind-driver wildfire on Wisconsin Point Thursday evening. Multiple fire department units responded around 4:30 p.m. in the area of Moccasin Mike Road and Lake Shore Drive. Fire crews arrived on scene and reported “a sizable” fire on the beach area between Schafer Beach and Wisconsin Point Lot #1. “Fire crews utilized bladder packs,…

Second Missing Canoeist’s Body Recovered In Wascott

The two men in their 20s were from New Ulm, Minnesota.

(Nov. 15) — Searchers from the St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located and recovered the body of 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, according to a release from Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard. DeRock had been missing since Oct. 28 after a canoeing incident on the Minong Flowage in Douglas County. Ryan Busch, who was also missing…

Cenovus Superior Refinery Responds To Third-Party Railcar Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cenovus Superior Refinery responded to an emergency railcar leak Tuesday. Cenovus Energy told FOX 21 the railcar was not theirs but belonged to a railroad company with cars at the plant. On Wednesday, Cenovus said the issue had been resolved and no external emergency response was required. Superior Fire Chief Cam Vollbrecht told FOX 21, it’s his…

Bayfield District Attorney Named Wisconsin DA of the Year

Kimberly Lawton Recognized for Her Work in the Community

A Northland attorney got some major recognition today. Bayfield’s Kimberly Lawton was named Wisconsin District Attorney of the Year. In the last seven years, Lawton has handled over 1,000 criminal cases. Her prosecutions have led to numerous convictions of serious crimes, including homicide, sexual assault, and possession of child pornography. When nominating Lawton, her colleagues said: “in short: this woman…

Wisconsin State Senate Approves Downsized Milwaukee Brewers Stadium Repair Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers approved a plan Tuesday to spend nearly half a billion dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers repair their stadium over the next three decades, pushing the proposal to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk despite arguments that the team has more than enough money and doesn’t deserve such a sizable government subsidy. The Senate approved the legislation on…

UW-Superior Celebrates Red Cross Day

Students tried hands-only CPR and learned about AEDs

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Today was all about getting blood pumping and saving lives at UW-Superior! Community members were invited to celebrate Red Cross Day and learn about CPR. Students and staff tried their hands at doing chest compressions on manikins. Volunteer Brooke Defoe said her father, at the age of 35, passed away after going into cardiac arrest. She hopes…

Superior Meats Has You Covered For Holiday Meals

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s time to start talking turkey. Superior Meats on Tower Avenue is gearing up to serve your Thanksgiving needs. Turkeys are available starting this Friday. Aside from the traditional bird, they’ve stocked up on all kinds of fixings for your holiday meal. “Lotta hams, prime ribs, steaks, change stuff up breakfast stuff, breakfast links, obviously bacon, can’t…

Superior Mayor, Some Councilors Now Against Proposed Natural Gas Plant; Labor Not Happy

Mayor Jim Paine first supported the project in 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If Superior Mayor Jim Paine has it his way, Minnesota Power and its partners will not be allowed to build a natural gas plant (Nemadji Trail Energy Center) near the Enbridge Energy Terminal and Cenovus Energy. “All this project will do is raise our utility rates, pollute our city, and desecrate a cemetery. I don’t know who…

Lights, Curtain, Dice Roll; ‘She Kills Monsters’ Debuts at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With a new theater professor, the University of Wisconsin-Superior nears opening day for “She Kills Monsters.” The stage is set for comedic and heartwarming dungeon crawler at UW-Superior’s Manion Theatre, as the curtain rises Friday, Nov. 10, for ‘She Kills Monsters.’ Making his directorial debut at UW-Superior, Director Sean Naughton was excited to bring a fresh playwright…

Winter Adventurer and Youth in Action Aim to Inspire Students

Make a Difference Conference Held at the DECC Today

Duluth, Minn. — A backpacker from Duluth spoke to students in Duluth today about how they can impact the environment. Emily Ford is passionate about introducing people to the outdoors in safe and healthy ways. She was the first woman to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Scenic Trail in winter.Youth in Action, a group focused on the positive change young people…

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Asks For Help In Finding Missing Tennessee Man

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the publics as they search for a man who went missing in the Brule River State Forest. Authorities say Philip Joshua Johnson from Nashville, Tennessee was reported missing on October 18. A white PT Cruiser was linked to him abandoned on a trail off of Brackett’s Corner Road…

UW-Superior Encourages Girls to Pursue Mathematics

Over 130 students gathered to celebrate Sonia Kovalevsky Day

Superior, Wis. — Today was all about encouraging girls’ passion for math at UW-Superior. Girls from 15 different high schools spent the day exploring mathematics and career opportunities. They listened to speakers, explored jobs, and participated in workshops, all relating to math. Teaching Assistant Professor Heather Kahler said she hopes girls left the event feeling uplifted and open to new…

First-Generation College Students

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Haley Stalls is a senior at the University of Wisconsin Superior. She is majoring in Elementary Education and wants to teach kindergartners. Haley knew she needed to go to college to be a teacher but neither her parents nor her three sisters had attended college.  She would be a first-generation student. She heard about the Upward Bound…

Two Canoeists Missing In Wascott

Rescue crews are searching for two men reported missing on the Minong Flowage in Wascott. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the men went out in a canoe Saturday evening. Family members called 911 just before 1 a.m. Sunday after locating the capsized canoe. Multiple agencies are helping in the search effort, as of Monday evening. Categories: News, News –…

Welder Generator Helps Northwood Technical College Hit the Road

Joint effort made it possible.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In March, Northwood Technical College unveiled its 53-foot mobile welding lab that has eight individual welding booths. However, to make the lab work anywhere other than on campus, a generator was needed. And, it had to be a large generator–one that costs $90,000. The college didn’t have the money and needed help from others. So, two local…

Trunk or Treating Hits Big Around Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The cold didn’t stop early trick or treaters from hitting up the trunks this weekend. On Sunday Allouez community members and businesses have been handing candy out of their trunks at President’s Bar and Liquor in Superior. Trunks were decorated in the spirit of Halloween. Trunk or Treat-ing have been a popular alternative for trick or treaters…

Jordan Loses Third Vote For House Speaker; Stauber and Tiffany Differ

Wisconsin's Congressman sticks with Jordan; Minnesota's Stauber goes with Westerman again.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan failed badly Friday on a third ballot for the House speaker’s gavel, rejected by even more Republicans from the conservative mainstream who warned the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump that no threats or promises could win their support. The Republicans have no realistic or workable plan to unite the fractured GOP majority, elect a…