Wisconsin

Illinois Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Kenosha Protest Slayings

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – An Illinois teenager who fatally shot two people and wounded a third amidst sometimes violent summer protests on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has pleaded not guilty to charges including intentional homicide. Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, entered his plea Tuesday in a brief hearing conducted by teleconference. Prosecutors say Rittenhouse, who is white, left his home in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,612 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 425,261 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,461 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,738,715 tests have been completed to date. There…

Gun Dealers Still Trying to Keep up With Demand in Wisconsin

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gun dealers say the spike in demand for guns and ammunition driven by the coronavirus pandemic has not subsided in Wisconsin. Dealers say they are still having trouble keeping their stores stocked ten months after the first COVID-19 cases started showing up in the state. At Superior Shooters Supply in Superior, Pat…

Federal Judge Rejects Lawsuit Seeking to Overturn Trump Loss

MADISON, Wis, (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by two Republican Wisconsin lawmakers, voting rights groups, and others seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Wisconsin and four other swing states. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg rejected the lawsuit Monday. He says it “rests on a fundamental and obvious misreading of the Constitution.” The…

Prosecutor: Wisconsin Pharmacist Thought Vaccine Was Unsafe

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A prosecutor says a Wisconsin pharmacist told police he tried to ruin hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine because he felt the shots weren’t safe. Police in Grafton, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee, arrested Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist Steven Brandenburg last week following an investigation into the 57 spoiled vials of the Moderna vaccine….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,148 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 423,688 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,443 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,723,166 tests have been completed to date. There…

Evers Calls on Legislature to Pass COVID-19 Bill First

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers is calling on the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature to pass his proposed COVID-19 relief bill before any other in the session that begins Monday. Evers renewed his request to lawmakers to take up his proposed compromise, first floated on Dec. 21, saying it would be “inexplicable” to take up anything else first. The Senate…

Renovations Coming To Historic Wilmarth Mansion

The total would cost of the proposed renovations and townhomes would be roughly $7.5 million. 

ASHLAND, Wisc. – The building is currently owned by impact-7, a non-profit in Ashland with the goal to provide affordable housing in Ashland. “The Wilmarth mansion has gone through a number of uses over the years. There are people in town that grew up in it just like their home,” City of Ashland Planning and Development Director, Megan McBride says….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,204 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 415,302 in the state. Health officials also reported 61 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,323 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,574,962 tests have been completed to date. There…

Police Investigate Deliberate Spoiling of 500 Vaccine Doses

GRAFTON, Wis. (AP) — Police and federal authorities are investigating after a Wisconsin health system said an employee admitted to deliberately spoiling 500 doses of coronavirus vaccine. Aurora Medical Center first reported that the doses had been spoiled on Saturday, saying they had been accidentally left out unrefrigerated overnight by an employee at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. The health…

Superior Police Investigate Shooting Incident Inside Gas Station

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police are investigating a shooting incident at the Kwik Trip on Hammond Avenue. Police were dispatched to the gas station at 623 Hammond Avenue around 5:45 p.m. after a report of a “possible discharge of a firearm inside the store,” said Sgt. Marc Letendre, police information officer. The preliminary investigation indicates a single shot was fired…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,019 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 413,107 in the state. Health officials also reported 66 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,262 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,527,037 tests have been completed to date. There…

Wisconsin Democrats Threaten to Skip Assembly Inauguration

MADISON, Wis., (AP) – Wisconsin Assembly Democrats might skip the inauguration next week because Republicans aren’t requiring masks in the chamber. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says he’s afraid the lack of masks could spread the coronavirus. He says having Democrats skip Monday’s ceremony is “a real possibility.” Gov. Tony Evers swore in all 38…

Superior Bars Prepare For More Customers For New Year’s Eve

"We're going to have extra staff on hand," said Brittney Young, a bartender at Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior bars are gearing up for what could be a busy New Year’s Eve. Bars and restaurants in Minnesota won’t get to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve crowds as they can only open for takeout. “I do feel really bad. I work at another bar in Minnesota,” said Jessica Horn, a bartender and server at…

Wisconsin Prosecutors Add Curfew Charge Against Rittenhouse

(Antioch Police Department via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a 17-year-old Illinois teen accused of shooting three people during a protest in southeastern Wisconsin with violating curfew. Kyle Rittenhouse was charged in Kenosha County in August with multiple counts, including homicide, endangerment, and being a minor in possession of a firearm. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that prosecutors…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 988 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 411,110 in the state. Health officials also reported 36 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,196 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,501,277 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Evers Administration Plans to Simplify Unemployment Claims

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is looking for public feedback on simplified applications for unemployment benefits. The state Department of Workforce Development announced Monday that it’s planning to simplify initial and weekly claim applications starting this spring to feature what the agency is calling “plain language” as much as possible. The department says the language is intended…

500 Vaccine Doses Discarded at Wisconsin Clinic Due to ‘Human Error’

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Clinicians had to discard about 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine after vials were kept unrefrigerated for too long at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. Advocate Aurora Health officials said someone removed 50 vials from a refrigerator to access other items and failed to put them back overnight Friday. Each vial contained 10 doses of vaccine. The…

CVS, Walgreens Begin Wisconsin Nursing Home Vaccinations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two pharmacy chains have launched an effort to inject tens of thousands of Wisconsin nursing home residents with a COVID-19 vaccine. Rick Abrams, president of the Wisconsin Health Care Association/Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living, says CVS Health and Walgreens began injecting residents and staff on Monday with the Moderna vaccine. Abrams says the campaign could take…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,087 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 410,138 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,160 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,493,773 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Wisconsin Drunken Driving Convictions, Related Offenses Down

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin Legislative Bureau report shows that yearly convictions for drunken driving and other related offenses dropped by nearly 18,000  between 2004 and 2018. The study also shows that alcohol-related fatal crashes have also declined in Wisconsin in the past 12 years, which mirrors a trend seen nationwide. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the Wisconsin Department…

Wisconsin Reports More Than 600 New Cases On Saturday

Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths weekly.

WISCONSIN – 632 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were being reported on Saturday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There were also four more people who have died from the virus. This brings the state’s total confirmed cases to more than 460,000 and nearly 5,000 deaths. Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths…

Bayfield Non-Profit Donating Toys to Kids, Gifts for Seniors

In all, 77 seniors will be receiving secret Santa gifts, and Core has also received toys for 150 kids which have been distributed throughout the week.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – New Executive Director Mary Dougherty took over Core Community Resources in Bayfield Wisconsin in 2019 with a mission in mind geared towards helping seniors. “Doing things like mowing your lawn, shoveling your walk in the winter, running errands for you, friendly visits if you’re lonely,” Core Community Resources Executive Director, Mary Dougherty says. This holiday season, community…

Wisconsin Records 2,579 More COVID-19 Cases, 69 More Deaths

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials on Wednesday confirmed hundreds of new COVID-19 cases and deaths connected to the disease. The Department of Health Services reported 2,579 newly confirmed cases. The state has now seen 463,594 cases since the pandemic began in March. The DHS reported the disease was a factor in 69 more deaths, bringing the overall death…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,513 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 402,519 in the state. Health officials also reported 75 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,971 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,287,998 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Support for Ashland Small Businesses Remains Strong Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Business Owners Speak Out During a Difficult Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

ASHLAND, Wis. – The importance of shopping local is even more polarizing this year amid the ongoing pandemic. Many longtime business owners are thankful for continues support, while some new owners are grateful for a successful start during a global health crisis. “I try to bring things from all around the state,” said Jerry Henderson, owner of Taste of Wisconsin….

Audit: UW System Paid Out $68.5 Million in Student Refunds

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new report shows the University of Wisconsin System paid out nearly $70 million in coronavirus-related refunds to students last year. The Legislative Audit Bureau released a report Tuesday that shows the system paid out $68.5 million in housing and food service refunds to students after campuses closed in March as the pandemic was taking hold in…

State, Medical Company to Provide Free at-Home COVID Tests in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that his administration has partnered with a medical testing company to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests. The governor said his administration has struck a deal with Vault Medical Services to provide free at-home COVID-19 saliva tests. Anyone interested in a test can order one through the state Department of Health Services website starting…

Evers Sets Spring Election to Fill Fitzgerald’s Seat

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special election this spring to fill outgoing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s seat. Evers issued an executive order Tuesday scheduling the election for April 6 in southeastern Wisconsin’s 13th Senate District. The election will coincide with the state’s spring election. A primary for Fitzgerald’s seat will be held on Feb….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,714 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 401,011 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,896  in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,264,561 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Congress Oks 5-Year Extension of Great Lakes Cleanup Program

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Congress has approved a five-year extension of a program designed to deal with long-term environmental injuries to the Great Lakes. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Sunday to continue the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as the House did earlier this year. The bill requires President Donald Trump’s signature to take effect. It calls for gradually boosting…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,998 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 399,311 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,872 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,232,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Chequamegon Humane Association Seeing Influx of Animals

After starting in 2013 with animal intakes around 200, the executive director has seen a large increase of animals coming through the facility this year.

ASHLAND, Wisc. – Ever since the Chequamegon Humane Association moved into their new location in 2017 they haven’t looked back. “It seems like every year. we’re able to help out more and more animals. It’s been progressively growing,” Chequamegon Humane Association Executive Director, Kari Olinger says. This year was one of their biggest yet. After starting in 2013 with animal…

Longtime Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Abrahamson Dies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Shirley Abrahamson, the longest-serving Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in state history and the first woman to serve on the high court, has died. She was 87. Abrahamson’s son Dan told The Associated Press that his mom died Saturday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Long recognized as a top legal scholar nationally and a leader among…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

New App to Launch in Wisconsin Letting Residents Know of COVID-19 Exposure

Residents Will Receive a Push Notification Before the App Goes Live

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new mobile app will launch next week in Wisconsin that will let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Tony Ever announced the new app on Thursday. The app, which launches Wednesday, is meant to bolster the state’s contact tracing efforts. The app is voluntary…

Covid-19 Vaccines Distributed Throughout Wisconsin

Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers.

MADISON, Wisc. – According to Wisconsin’s Department of Health, thousands of vaccines have been distributed across the state. Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers. So far, almost two hundred vaccines have been administered, but how the vaccine will be administered in nursing…

Line 5 Supporters Announce Jobs & Energy Coalition

ASHLAND, Wis. – Groups in support of the Enbridge Line 5 relocation project gathered Tuesday morning to announce the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition. The goal of the group is to help bring attention to different energy projects going on in the state and to raise awareness of the positive economic impacts of Line 5 and beyond. Recently the Line…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,340 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 384,164 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,483 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,965,904 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Superior Schools to Resume In-Person Hybrid Learning Model in January

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District announced on Tuesday that they will be resuming on-site learning with COVID-19 prevention strategies in place next month. In a letter from District Administrator Amy Starzecki, the details of the district’s COVID-19 Response Plan include: Starting January 11, students will resume on-site learning with the hybrid model. This will allow for at least…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Electors Meeting to Formally Choose Biden as Next President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidential electors are meeting across the United States to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation’s next president. Today is the day set by law for the meeting of the Electoral College. In reality, electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast their ballots. Wisconsin’s electors meet at noon Monday. The results…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 381,841 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,462 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,933,794 tests have been completed to date. There are…