Wisconsin

Superior High School Students Prepare For Trip to Japan with Fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Over the past 20 years Superior has built a connection with its sister city in Japan, Ami Machi through Superior High School’s exchange program, and after taking a pause due to covid, the cultures will blend again this year. Superior high school students held a pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday morning at the United Presbyterian Church on North…

No One Injured After Car Smashes Through Salvation Army Thrift Store

It shattered to full glass window panes and a piece of the structure as well as some shelves and inventory.

SUPERIOR, Wis- No injuries were reported after a car crashed into a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior Friday afternoon. According to a spokesperson with the Superior Police Department, the 70-year-old driver told officers she tried to park in front of the store on Belknap Street when the car went forward suddenly and burst through the front of the store….

No Injuries Reported After Car Crashes Into Superior Salvation Army Store

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Authorities in Superior say there were no injuries reported after a car crashed into the Salvation Army store Friday afternoon. According to police, the driver, a 70-year-old woman, told officers she was attempting to park in front of the store when her car “went forward suddenly” and crashed into the storefront. The Salvation Army Superior Facebook page…

Bong Center Announces New Executive

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Richard I. Bong Veteran’s center is happy to announce that they have a brand new Executive Director. John Gidley has been involved with the center for years, as part of the education branch of the center. He says he is so excited to take on this new role and wants to continue the legacy of Richard…

UW System to End Mask Mandate by Spring Break

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin System officials say they plan to end their campus mask mandates by spring break. UW System President Tommy Thompson announced Wednesday that widespread vaccinations and waning case numbers on system campuses and across the state justify the move. Thompson says vaccines and tests will still be available on campus and students and employees…

Evers Calls On Legislature To Approve $150 Taxpayer Refund

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers used his election year State of the State address on Tuesday to call on the Republican-controlled Legislature to approve his plan to send $150 to every taxpayer in Wisconsin, saying inaction by lawmakers now while people are suffering is “baloney.” Republicans reiterated after the speech that the plan is dead on arrival and the special session Evers…

Local Flower Shops Busy with Last Minute Valentine’s Day Shoppers

For "Artistic Florals by Leslie" on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Even though Valentine’s Day is today some flower shops are still busy helping people get the perfect bouquet for their “boos.” For “Artistic Florals by Leslie” on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers. Owner Leslie Hietana said she’s seen supply chain issues impact some of the containers…

Fans Flock to Local Liquor Stores for Super Bowl Sunday Beverages

People have been buying up beers and even higher end spirits, management said.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Super Bowl Sunday is just two days away and local liquor stores are seeing fans come to stock up for their watch parties. Over at Keyport Liquor and Lounge on Belknap Street in Superior, they say even though there’s less excitement than if the Packers or Vikings were playing, people have still been buying up beers and even…

Man Accused in Wisconsin Parade Deaths Pleads Not Guilty

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A Milwaukee man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he drove an SUV through a suburban Christmas parade is pleading not guilty to multiple criminal charges. Thirty-nine-year-old Darrell Brooks Jr. entered the pleas Friday to 77 charges, including six counts of homicide and multiple counts of reckless endangerment. Last month, court Commissioner…

Man Accused of Killing 6 in Wisconsin Parade Due in Court

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A Milwaukee man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he drove an SUV through a suburban Christmas parade is due back in court. Thirty-nine-year-old Darrell Brooks Jr. is expected to enter a plea Friday to 77 charges, including six counts of homicide and multiple counts of reckless endangerment. A Waukesha County Circuit…

Richard I. Bong Brings 4th Annual ‘Escape The Bong’ to the Museum

SUPERIOR, Wis. — This weekend, the Bong Center is bringing back its 4th annual Escape the Bong event. The Bong Center is bringing 4 different escape rooms to the museum like FDR’s bunker, which is a fan favorite, along with an under the sea adventure room, escape from Alcatraz jail break, and save your parents prom. The executive director says…

Wisconsin GOP Looks to Block Abortions if Heartbeat Detected

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Republicans have introduced a bill that would prohibit abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill is modeled after a Texas law that passed last year. The legislation would prohibit anyone from performing or attempting to perform an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is present unless the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or…

‘Unity Fund’ Launches In Twin Ports To Strengthen African Heritage Communities

To celebrate Black History Month, the Unity Fund has launched in the Twin Ports to help strengthen African Heritage communities through current and future projects. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and the Ordean Foundation are supporting the fund by each matching up to $50,000 in donations. Organizers say it’s critical to acknowledge racism and our nation’s dark history with…

Two Arrested in Connection to Shooting Incident in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two people have been arrested in connection to a shooting incident that took place in Superior over the weekend. According to the Superior Police Department, on Friday officers responded to the 700 block of Bridge Avenue after receiving multiple calls of a male shooting a gun out of a second-story apartment window. One caller told dispatch that…

Wisconsin Couple Claims $316 Million Powerball Prize

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A couple from northeastern Wisconsin have claimed $316 million won in a Powerball drawing last month. The Wisconsin Lottery said Monday that Tammy and Cliff Webster split a $632.6 million jackpot from the Jan. 5 drawing with a winner who bought a ticket in California. The jackpot was the seventh-largest in Powerball’s history….

Duluth YMCA Bans Official, Stands with Girl Wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ Swimsuit

An independent volunteer race official claimed the 12-year-old's suit went against USA Swimming's policy of no political language. The YMCA said that was inappropriate.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Duluth YMCA has banned an independent volunteer official from all future swim meets after that person nearly disqualified a young girl for wearing a swimsuit sporting the words “Black Lives Matter” at an event at Superior High School Sunday. “I was like, why do I have to take my suit off if like my life matter, other…

Belgian Club Offers One-Stop-Shop for Local Valentine’s Day Gifts

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the Belgian Club held a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a gift for a locally-crafted gift for their sweetheart. 30 tables with dozens of vendors were on hand. One specialized in gifts soft to the touch for the soft at heart. “I do crocheted items, they’re all handmade. It started…

‘The Hockey Guys’ Tik Tok Account Drawing Millions of Eyes to UWS Men’s Hockey

What started as a personal account in 2020 for Lawson McDonald, skyrocketed into "The Hockey Guys" a brand with over a million followers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wessman Arena is the place to be to catch the UWS men’s hockey team in action, but they’ve found a new audience, on Tik Tok, where they’ve been able to reach millions of fans. What started as a personal account in 2020 for Lawson McDonald, skyrocketed into “The Hockey Guys” a brand with over a million followers….

Evers Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Teens to Work Late

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed a bill opposed by labor unions that would have allowed teenagers to work longer hours during the busy summer tourism months. The measure Evers vetoed had the support of Republicans and the state’s hotel, restaurant, and grocery industries. Democrats and the Wisconsin AFL-CIO…

Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Homicide, Suicide in Town of Kelly

TOWN OF KELLY, Wis. – Authorities in Bayfield and Ashland counties are investigating an apparent homicide and suicide that happened in the Town of Kelly Thursday evening and into Friday morning. According to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Bayfield County Communications Center received a report of a car in the ditch on STH 118 just before 7:00 p.m Thursday….

Wisconsin’s College Graduation Rates Improve, but Gaps Exist

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s college graduation rates have improved and have surpassed the national average, but a new report shows there are significant gaps between racial groups. More than 70% of Wisconsin college students who enrolled in 2015 graduated within six years, according to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The report tracked and compared six-year…

State Medical Officer: COVID Could Become Endemic in 2022

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s top medical officer says COVID-19 could become endemic this year. Department of Health Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard still warned that case counts could periodically spike but the disease likely will reach a stage in 2022 where numbers remain fairly constant. The term endemic is used to describe a disease as a regular…

Several Hundred People Address Enbridge Pipeline Reroute

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Many of nearly 300 people who attended a 10-hour-long virtual public hearing spoke against a $450 million plan to reroute an oil and gas pipeline across northern Wisconsin. The hearing that began Wednesday finally wrapped up early Thursday. Participants addressed a draft environmental review for a 40-mile reroute of Enbridge’s Line 5…

Wisconsin Senate’s Top Democrat Won’t Seek Reelection

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate’s top Democrat said Tuesday that she won’t seek reelection this fall. Minority Leader Janet Bewley said she wants to spend more time with her recently retired husband and grandchildren. She said it’s time for her to make room for a new generation of “progressive and pragmatic leaders.” “Serving the people of Northern…

Military Mom Returns From Deployment, Surprises Daughter At Daycare

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  A military mother gave her 4-year-old daughter a big surprise at daycare Monday. Kaylie Gustum surprised her daughter, Natalie, after serving a nine-month deployment in Kuwait and Syria. Kaylie decided to make her return a secret after seeing reunion videos online. “It’s definitely overwhelming and it’s going to be very fun learning her again. It’s been a…

KYN: The Local Bar and Grille in Ashland is Open for Business

ASHLAND, Wis. – “We are really excited to be a part of the community here,” The Local Bar and Grille co-owner, Bradley Moullet says. A new restaurant in Ashland, Wisconsin is open for business. The Local Bar and Grille opened in December and has taken over a building known for hosting events in the community. “It has a lot of…

Enjoying Winter Wonders at Lake Superior Ice Festival

Hundreds were out enjoying the professional hand-carved ice sculptures, snow slide, and new this year the ice carousel.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the perfect winter weather to enjoy all the season has to offer in Superior at the Lake Superior ice festival at Barker’s Island. “We came out today to enjoy this beautiful event and what an incredible turnout it has been for the Superior community! But this is our first time here and it is quite amazing,”…

Tiny Dogs Pull Tiny Sleds at Earth Rider’s Mini Sled Dog Races

There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Before watching those elite dogs tear down the trail, people got to watch some tiny dogs pull some tiny sleds on Saturday! Earth Rider Brewery in Superior hosted the Mini Sled Dog Race fundraiser for Beargrease. There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups. Competitors and spectators came from as…

Spirit Room Debuts Ice Bar for Annual Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior businesses also decked themselves up for ice festival weekend. The Spirit Room on Broadway Street always showcases their penguin ice sculpture out front, and after expanding this past summer to have an outdoor patio, they also added an ice bar this weekend. Manager Lindsey Graskey tells us she hoped it add even more to their annual…

Milwaukee School Board OKs Spending $63m in COVID Dollars

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Milwaukee school board has approved spending $63 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars on dozens of renovation projects. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the board signed off on the spending Thursday. The board also approved allowing each school to spend $100,000 out of a separate $13.6 million pot of federal COVID-19 aid to hire staff and…

Beating the Winter Blues with a Trip to Bayfield County

Bayfield County and the Surrounding Areas Offer a Plethora of Activities for All Ages in the Winter

BAYFIELD, Wis. – If you don’t embrace it, winter in the upper Midwest can be a dreadful time of year. The folks in Bayfield County have an extreme passion for the season and look to share it with others. “It’s pretty much a Hallmark movie,” said Kati Anderson, marketing director for Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau. “We’ve very inclusive. Everybody’s…

Evers Proposes $150 Checks Under Plan To Spend Surplus

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers unveiled an election-year plan Thursday that would send $150 refund checks to every Wisconsin resident, bolster funding for K-12 schools and help defray child care costs. But don’t go spending those refund checks just yet. Evers’ plan would have to be approved by the Republican-controlled…

City Crews Clear Away Mounds Of Snow Along Hammond Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior city crews were out on Hammond Avenue Wednesday clearing away snowbanks on the sides of the road to help free up parking spaces and provide better access to vehicles. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 a new policy this winter has crews still clearing snowbanks on Tower Avenue and Highway 2 first.  But now, after those…

Barker’s Island Preparing Frozen Fun for Lake Superior Ice Festival

The family-oriented event in and around Barker's Island is back for its 6th year, Friday and Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Frozen fun is almost ready as organizers put the finishing touches together for this year’s Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior. The family-oriented event in and around Barker’s Island is back for its 6th year, Friday and Saturday. Activities on deck include car races on the ice, snowshoeing for kids, and trivia with $500 dollars worth of prizes….

Superior Police Train To Avoid ‘Causing Harm Or Making Costly Mistakes’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is going through a national training program to develop a deeper culture of intervention to avoid harmful situations or making costly mistakes. The Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement, also known as The ABLE Project, was developed by the Georgetown University Law Center. Superior police join a select group of 200 law enforcement agencies…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Vaccine Passport Ban, Immunity Waiver

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly has approved bills that would require employers to count a prior coronavirus infection as an alternative to vaccination and testing and prohibit vaccine passports. Both measures would face a likely veto from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The governor last year vetoed a GOP bill that would have barred public health…

Wisconsin Budget Forecast Improves by $2.9 Billion

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s budget picture improved by nearly $2.9 billion with a revised forecast released driven by higher-than-expected tax collections that will force the Republican-controlled Legislature to decide whether to spend the surplus, save it or put it toward tax cuts. Republican legislative leaders said Tuesday that the money would go toward tax cuts in the next budget…

Only Citizens Could Vote in Wisconsin Under Amendment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has passed a constitutional amendment that says only citizens can vote in elections. The Republican-authored amendment approved Tuesday must also pass the Assembly this year and both houses of the Legislature next session before it would go to voters to decide. The governor has no power to veto constitutional amendments. The Wisconsin Constitution…

Assembly to Vote on Bill Barring Vaccination Discrimination

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly is set to vote on a Republican-authored bill that would prohibit government entities from creating COVID-19 vaccination passports. The bill’s main Assembly sponsors, Reps. Rob Stafsholt and Scott Krug, say they developed the legislation because they’re worried the Biden administration may mandate such passports. They say the bill would prevent government outreach. The…

VP Harris Touts Replacing Lead Lines During Milwaukee Stop

(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Kamala Harris says during a stop in Milwaukee that removing and replacing lead pipes is a moral imperative and must be one of the nation’s highest priorities. She noted the environmental and health risks lead exposure presents from children to the elderly. Harris said Monday that the country is…

Kohl’s Confirms Approach About Potential Acquisition

NEW YORK (AP) – Kohl’s is confirming that it has been approached about a possible sale of the department store chain, sending shares up more than 30% in early trading. The company said that it would not comment further, but its confirmation Monday follows media reports that the private equity firm Sycamore Partners had approached Kohl’s about a potential deal….