Wisconsin

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 73,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,810 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,443,344 tests have been completed to date. There are 65,204 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,357 patients have required hospitalization…

Private Wisconsin College Cancels Pence Commencement Speech

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A private Milwaukee college has canceled plans to have Vice President Mike Pence deliver a commencement address this weekend, citing unrest in nearby Kenosha where police shot a Black man, Jacob Blake, and two people were killed during protests that followed. Wisconsin Lutheran College said Thursday that “after further review with careful consideration of the escalating events in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 72,390 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,806 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,427,347 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,876 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,326 patients have required hospitalization…

Sammy’s Pizza in Superior Permanently Closes Its Doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sammy’s Pizza in Superior announced on Wednesday that it is closing its doors for good citing the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons behind the closing. In a recent Facebook post, the restaurant wrote, “Due to on-going health concerns with the restaurant’s leadership and also adverse business effects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s with heavy…

3 MLB Games Postponed, Players Decide After Kenosha Shooting

(AP Photo/Ben Margot) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Three Major League Baseball games were postponed Wednesday as players across the sports landscape reacted in the wake of the weekend shooting by police of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. Games between the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers in Milwaukee, Seattle Mariners, and Padres in San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers and…

Domestic Abuse Shelter Looking to Build Playground

The center is still seeking an additional $15,000 for the playground

ASHLAND, Wis. –  After moving into a new location in 2019 the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland is now seeking donations to help them build a playground and more. With Covid-19 limiting what their clients can and can’t do, having an outdoor space would cater to those families who enter their facility. “Here if they go outside they are…

Spirit Room in Superior Sets Up ‘Wine Stand’ Every Wednesday Outside

You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive plate and take it to-go or enjoy it at any of their outdoor tables. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…

Boycott: NBA Playoff Games Called off Amid Player Protest

(Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — All three NBA playoff games scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed, with players around the league choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. Called off: Games between Milwaukee and Orlando, Houston and Oklahoma City, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland. The NBA said…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 71,236 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,406,007 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,374 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,274 patients have required hospitalization…

Twin Ports Community Honors Four-Legged Soldier Lost Too Soon

Sarge Was an Honorary Member of the Superior Honor Guard

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Man’s best friend can impact humans in a unique and lasting way. On Friday, Aug. 21, the residents in the Twin Ports community took time out of the day to honor a four-legged soldier leaving a lasting impact on many in the region. This type of somber ceremony happens once in a blue moon at the Richard…

Tuesday Night Protests Turn Deadly in Wisconsin

Cellphone footage shared online shows a white man with a rifle walking past police after he was seen on video opening fire in the street

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Two people were shot to death and another was wounded during the third night of protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, and authorities Wednesday hunted for a possible vigilante seen on cellphone video opening fire in the middle of the street with a rifle. The gunfire was reported just…

Lawsuit Seeks Repeal of Wisconsin Governor’s Mask Mandate

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed by a conservative law firm that seeks overturn Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Tony Evers. The lawsuit filed by Tuesday in Polk County Circuit Court by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of three western Wisconsin residents argues…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,771 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,386,513 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,059 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,195 patients have required hospitalization…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

Thompson Won’t Say When UW Would Close Due to COVID-19

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Interim University of Wisconsin President Tommy Thompson says he has a threshold in mind for when campuses will have to shut down due to coronavirus cases, but he’s not saying what it is. Thompson took questions Friday during an online Milwaukee Press Club event. Thompson says hasn’t told anyone what the threshold for…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 68,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,753 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,340,850 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,920 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,064 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Extends Ban on Utility Disconnections Amid COVID-19

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State regulators have extended a ban on utility disconnections during the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission voted 2-1 Thursday to continue a moratorium on shutoffs until Oct. 1. That will temporarily prevent more than 93,000 customers from losing their utility service next month. A PSC survey of nearly 200 utilities shows about a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 67,308 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,745 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,322,220 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,605 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,019 patients have required hospitalization…

Coronavirus Cases at Green Bay Prison Reach 57

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Fifty-seven people have tested positive for the coronavirus at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, according to state officials. All of the prisoners who have tested positive are being isolated and anyone who was exposed is being quarantined, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections said. All inmates and staff at the prison are in the process of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 66,618 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,738 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,308,264 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,242 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,988 patients have required hospitalization…

Pence to Visit Wisconsin Wednesday

JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence will visit Wisconsin Wednesday as the White House attempts to counter the headlines from the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. Pence is due to arrive at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville, with Air Force II touching down about 11 a.m. He’s scheduled to make remarks at an event in Darien….

Local Tattoo Shop Helps Collect Donations For Toy Drive Honoring A Child That Lost His Life Too Soon

"He was the silliest funniest little boy ever. His personality was so unique. It was honestly indescribable," said Tayteaona Boykin, Baby J's mother.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Twin ports tattoo shop is giving back by helping to collect donations for a toy drive honoring the memory of a child that lost his life way too soon. 13-month-old  Jamarr Harkins Jr., also known as Baby J, was born with a congenital heart defect. In his short lifetime, he fought to survive even after having…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 66,061 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,721 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,273,397 tests have been completed to date. There are 59,568 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,932 patients have required hospitalization…

Trump on the Road as Biden Prepares for Convention Show

WASHINGTON (AP) – Trump was visiting Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday to launch a week of travel and political events aiming to blunt the customary polling “bounce” that a candidate gets during their convention week. The president trails in both public and private surveys less than three months before Election Day. On Tuesday, Trump will take on Biden over his immigration…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 65,716 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,712 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,266,561 tests have been completed to date. There are 58,859 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,886 patients have required hospitalization…

Northland Fallen Soldier Honored with Memorial Garden at Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat

Sgt. Chad Allen, a marine, was just in his 20s when he was killed on a tour in Iraq in 2007.

DAIRYLAND, Wis.- Local veterans, friends and family, and others in the small rural Wisconsin town of Dairyland gathered at the Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat and campground to pay a special tribute to one of their own young men killed in action in Iraq. “After 13 years, his memory still grows stronger and stronger,” said Brandon Allen, there recognizing his brother’s…

Severe Storms Batter Superior with Downed Trees, Damaged Homes

Two homeowners awoke to find a giant tree toppled onto their rental property.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Many homeowners in Superior awoke Saturday morning to see their lawns and property battered with branches and trees due to Friday night’s storms. “The storms we’ve had earlier this year haven’t been as severe,” said Battalion Chief Bob Zimmerman of the Superior Fire Department. “When you start to rank it with regard to severe storms, we saw the…

Douglas County Dept. Of Public Health Face Challenges When Trying To Conduct Contact Tracing

"One of the biggest challenges is incorrect phone numbers, voicemails that are full, so you can't leave a message," said Kathy Ronchi, health officer for Douglas County Department of Public Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you receive a phone call from an unfamiliar number, health officials at the Douglas Department of Public Health as you may not want to ignore it. The phone call could be the one informing you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Contact tracing is a key method health experts use to help contain the spread of…

Wiaa Signs off on Pandemic Overhaul for High School Sports

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The body that governs Wisconsin high school sports has approved a major overhaul to season structures heading into the new school year as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s board on Friday unanimously approved a host of changes, including freezing officials’ classifications, lifting sanctions for leaving a conference, allowing athletes to play for…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 63,723 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,693 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,219,816 tests have been completed to date. There are 56,659 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,783 patients have required hospitalization…

Trump Plans Campaign Stops Monday in Minnesota, Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump’s campaign on Friday announced details of his visits on Monday to Minnesota and Wisconsin. The campaign says Trump will highlight “Joe Biden’s failures on jobs and the economy” during his two airport events. Trump will stop at North Star Aviation in Mankato, Minnesota, at 2 p.m. Monday, followed by Basler Flight Service in Oshkosh,…

Superior Home Damaged in Thursday Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department says a house sustained about $17,500 in damages from a fire that broke out Thursday afternoon. Fire crews responded to reports of a house fire at 2002 Hammond Avenue around 12:48 p.m. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the rear of the home. All occupants were able to…

Coon Rapids Man Dies in Sawyer County Semi-Tractor Trailer Crash

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department says a Coon Rapids man died on Wednesday in a single-vehicle accident in the Town of Draper. Authorities say Sawyer County Dispatch received a call about a semi-tractor trailer crash around 10:22 a.m. on State Highway 70 east of Loretta/Draper. When deputies arrived on the scene an eyewitness to the crash…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,993 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,685 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,203,559 tests have been completed to date. There are 56,346 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,742 patients have required hospitalization…

Rep. Tom Tiffany Visits Superior, UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Wisconsin State Representative Tom Tiffany is getting ready for November’s general election. Earlier today, he made a visit to UW-Superior to meet with university officials. The District 7 representative talked to the UWS administration about the challenges of educating students during the pandemic. Tiffany also met with other businesses around Superior. In his short time in congress, Tiffany…

Carnegie Library Looking For Tenants Before Starting Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After being bought nearly two years ago by a North Carolina-based architectural company, the Carnegie Library in superior is a step closer to starting construction. The plan for the historic landmark is to turn it into a co-working space. There has been a growing need for commercial space in Superior, which has helped expand the plans for…

Uw-Madison Chancellor: ‘We’re in a Real Financial Crisis’

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank delivered a sobering message Wednesday about the state’s flagship campus as the fall semester looms, saying “we’re in a real financial crisis” due to the coronavirus pandemic. How bad the crisis will depend on several factors, Blank said in an online presentation at the Rotary Club of Madison. Those include…

1 of 2 Girls Convicted in Slender Man Stabbing Loses Appeal

(Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One of two Wisconsin girls who repeatedly stabbed a classmate because she believed a fictional horror character named Slender Man would attack her family if she didn’t kill the girl has lost an appeal. Morgan Geyser was 12 at the time of the attack in 2014. Geyser pleaded guilty…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,678 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,188,288 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,855 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,711 patients have required hospitalization…

Evers, Baldwin Among Wisconsin Speakers at Democratic Convention

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin are among the Wisconsin officeholders who will speak during next week’s Democratic National Convention, which will be based out of Milwaukee. The four-day event to formally nominate Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for president has been scaled back to a nearly all virtual event due to the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 61,839 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,666 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,177,935 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,151 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,661 patients have required hospitalization…

Virtual Roundtable Gives Insight On Joe Biden’s Plans For Manufacturing Industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tammy Baldwin for Minnesota and Wisconsin hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to speak on presidential candidate Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” initiative. It is a plan to help revitalize manufacturing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and across the nation. In the discussion, both senators explained how this is Biden’s effort to create millions of new…

Safety Protocols Put In Place For Primary Elections

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…

Authorities Search for Missing 3-Year-Old Near Winter

(courtesy: Facebook/Sawyer County Sheriff) WINTER, Wis.-The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 3-year-old in Winter. Authorities say Abby Koch, 3, went missing around 6:45 p.m. Sunday when she likely followed the family dog into the woods. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with a flower on it and was barefoot. She is described as being…