Wisconsin Archives - Page 51 of 89

Superior Businesses Navigate Operating Safely After First Weekend Open

Douglas County officials urge businesses to follow guidelines, and they may shut them down if they receive complaints.

May 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was the first weekend that businesses in Wisconsin were suddenly given the green light to open after the state’s stay at home order was thrown out by the Wisconsin Supreme Court–now business owners in Superior say it’s time to figure out how to open safely. The jingle of the door opening is a sound not heard at…

Comedian Charlie Berens Gives Shoutout to Spooner High School Seniors

May 16, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SPOONER, Wis. – Comedian Charlie Berens gave a shoutout to the 2020 seniors at Spooner High School. Berens is a Wisconsin native known for hosting the online show, the Manitowoc Minute. According to the Spooner School District’s Facebook page, the teachers enlisted the help of Berens to help spread humor and positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch and…

Former Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader Quits Legislature

May 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former state Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling resigned from the Legislature on Friday, hinting that she has an employment opportunity that conflicts with state government work. Shilling, a Democrat, sent Senate President Roger Roth a letter Friday morning saying she would resign at the end of the day. Shilling announced in early April she wouldn’t seek…

Drummond Area School District Leaders Surprise Graduates With Signs

May 14, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DRUMMOND, Wis. — On Thursday, seniors graduating from the Drummond Area School District got a nice surprise from some school administrators. The high school principal Kristen Lamb and district administrator John Knight went out and delivered personalized signs for each student, congratulating them on the milestone. “This is a great bunch of young adults and this project was worth every…

Some Superior Bars and Restaurants Reopen to Public

Jimmy's Saloon and Gronk's Bar and Grill speak out about being open after the shutdown

May 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some Wisconsin bars and restaurants are legally back open for business for the first time in nearly two months after the state supreme court threw out Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home Order. Superior bars and restaurants were gearing up to open on May 26th, when Safer at Home was set to expire. But many of them opened…

WI Businesses Take Precautions As Some Reopen To The Public

"We want to be open. We are excited to have people in here, but we just think you can't do it overnight," said Tavern 105 Manager Heather Wegner.

May 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the Wisconsin Stay-At-Home order has now been struck down by the state Supreme Court, many businesses in Superior are still keeping the health of the community in mind as they resume operations. Some businesses have already started welcoming customers, while others are still preparing to open their doors to the public. Their common focus is…

Wisconsin Governor Warns of ‘Massive Confusion’ After Ruling

May 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Thursday of “massive confusion” after the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat’s stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic. The court’s order threw communities into chaos, with some bars…

Superior Fourth of July Fireworks Moved to Fairgrounds, Not Canceled

May 14, 2020

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine says they have not canceled Fourth of July fireworks this year but there will be some changes and modifications to prevent crowds. In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Paine announced: The Supreme Court has struck down the Safer at Home order but this crisis is not over. However, we are well prepared to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 14

May 14, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 13,435 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 663 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 128,752 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,136 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,915 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior Bars React to Safer-at-Home Order Struck Down by Wisconsin Supreme Court

The order, as well as the six-day injunction, were rejected, leaving businesses free to open immediately.

May 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just as quickly as some say it started, Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order is, for now, finished–struck down by the State Supreme Court. Businesses statewide, including bars and restaurants, now have the green light to “open immediately” according to a social media post by the Tavern League of Wisconsin. “Come on in!” said Cory Gatzke, triumphantly throwing open the shades…

Governor Evers Issues Statement Reacting to Stay-At-Home Order Being Struck Down

May 13, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File)MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a statement on Wednesday night reacting to the state Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his stay-at-home order. The statement adds that the Wisconsin Department of Health will now be required to go through a “rulemaking process” to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the office…

148th Fighter Wing Honors Frontline Workers With Flyover

May 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s called Operation American Resolve and it’s a way members of the 148th fighter wing can show their appreciation for people, like healthcare workers, who are answering the call during these difficult times. “We’ve also got people like our first responders, our cops, our fire fighters. Even people running the supply chain out there with our groceries, essential…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Blocks Evers’ Stay-Home Extension

May 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ coronavirus stay-at-home order Wednesday, ruling that his administration overstepped its authority when it extended the mandate for another month without consulting legislators. The 4-3 ruling essentially reopens the state, lifting caps on the size of gatherings, allowing people to travel as they please and allowing shuttered businesses…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 13

May 13, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,917 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 24 new deaths bringing the death total to 638 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 122,035 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,787 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,851 patients have required hospitalization…

Republican Tom Tiffany Wins Former Rep. Sean Duffy’s Congressional Seat

May 12, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

(District 7 – Tom Tiffany (R))WISCONSIN- Wisconsin Republican state senator Tom Tiffany has won former Representative Sean Duffy’s seat in the 7th district special election. With 99% of precincts reporting, Tiffany won 57.26% of the vote, with 108,570 ballots cast in his favor compared to his Democratic challenger, Tricia Zunker, who took home 42.74% of the votes with 81,026 ballots…

No Positive COVID-19 Cases So Far From Pop-Up Testing in Two Wisconsin Counties

May 12, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN– COVID-19 testing that was done in partnership with the state of Wisconsin, the National Guard, and local healthcare providers turned up all negative results in two Northwestern Wisconsin counties for those who were tested last week, with some results still pending. According to the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services, all 171 people who went to…

WI Department Of Transportation Waives Road Test For Teen Drivers

Due to the pandemic, the DMV now has a backlog of more than 15,000 road test requests.

May 12, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently implemented a new pilot program allowing people under the age of 18 to get their license online during the pandemic. The organization is now waiving the road test for 16 and 17-year-olds who completed the required training such as driver education courses. Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles typically conducts more than 2,000…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 12

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,494 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 23 new deaths bringing the death total to 614 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 120,834 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,799 patients have required hospitalization…

Polls Open for Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Special Election

May 12, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Tuesday’s special election will help measure the enthusiasm of Republicans in a deeply conservative part of Wisconsin just over a month after a liberal-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate won a statewide race over a Trump-backed candidate. The winner in Wisconsin’s deeply conservative 7th District will replace Republican Sean Duffy who held the seat since 2011 and…

Evers Allows Nearly all Retail Stores to Open With Limits

May 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Monday allowed nearly all nonessential retail stores to reopen as long as they serve no more than five customers at a time, partially lifting the restriction that has kept them closed for weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The latest order, which took effect immediately,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 11

May 11, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 11,799 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 591 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 115,781 tests have been completed to date. There are 7,536 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,716 patients have required hospitalization…

Majority of Wisconsin School Districts Request Teaching Hours Waiver

May 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nearly 60% of school districts in Wisconsin have asked the state Department of Public Instruction to waive its requirement on a set number of instructional hours due to the coronavirus. The department has received waiver requests from 248 of the state’s 421 school districts. COVID-19 canceled in-person classes beginning March 18 for the remainder of the…

Big Kahuna Water Park Set to Open at Mont Du Lac Resort

The Big Kahuna Water Park Is slated to make its debut Memorial Day weekend.

May 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Big Kahuna Water Park has finally arrived at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior and expecting to make its debut Memorial Day weekend. The waterpark, which will reside in the pond on the Mont Du Lac RV resort. The latest addition is filled with exciting fun for everyone. It features a slide, rock climbing wall, and…

64-Year-Old Man Killed in Bayfield Shooting

May 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – A 64-year-old man is dead after a shooting in Bayfield on Friday. The victim, Michael Kinney, was from the Township of Bayfield. The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office tells us they received a report of a person being shot in the Township of Bayfield at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8th. Deputies determined a 64-year-old man was…

Wisconsin: 72 Got COVID-19 After Being at Large Event

May 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 70 people who tested positive for the coronavirus since an April 24 rally at the Wisconsin state Capitol indicated they had attended a large gathering, but the state Department of Health Services cant’ say if they were at the rally because it is not tracking specific events. Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Goodsitt said Friday that…

Superior Duplex Heavily Damaged in Friday Morning Fire

May 8, 2020

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A duplex in Superior was heavily damaged after a fire broke out at the residence Friday morning. According to the Superior Fire Department, fire crews were dispatched to the area of Weeks Avenue and North 6th Street for a structure fire around 5:11 a.m. When crews arrived on the scene they found heavy flames to the exterior…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 8

May 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 10,888 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 26 new deaths bringing the death total to 534 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 101,270 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,697 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,549 patients have required hospitalization…

Corrections: Nearly 1,600 Inmates Released Due to COVID-19

May 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, WI (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections says it’s released nearly 1,600 inmates since March to help reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus. Corrections spokeswoman Anna Neal says most of the inmates released since March 2 had been detained because they violated terms of their probation, parole or extended supervision. The State Journal reports the inmates were…

Temporary Drive-Thru Site Offers Coronavirus Testing in Ashland

May 7, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Temporary coronavirus testing sites are popping up in northern Wisconsin. As of May 7th, more than 9,200 people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Wisconsin. But in Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron Counties combined, there have been only seven positive test results. Now, the National Guard is bringing testing sites to that region to get an accurate look…

Wisconsin Unemployment Fund Could be Depleted in Five Months

May 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans in more rural parts of Wisconsin joined with business owners to push for a regional reopening plan Thursday to give the economy a boost, as the Department of Workforce Development warned that the state fund that pays unemployment claims could run out of money in five months. Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he worried…

Cross Orders UW Campuses to Prioritize Courses, Prepare for Layoffs

May 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross directed campuses Thursday to quickly identify signature programs to retain and brace for layoffs as the coronavirus pandemic deepens the system’s financial losses. Cross said he wants campuses to evaluate their programs by January with an eye toward the cost, whether they are duplicated at another campus and student…

Limo Company Offers The Community A “Family Night Out”

Only six to eight people are allowed at a time on the buses to help follow CDC guidelines.

May 6, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Social distancing and Stay-at-home orders have been keeping many people from experiencing life outside the comforts of their own home. Road Trip limo in Superior is now offering a “family night out” special. For three hours, families can rent one of the company’s sanitized party buses to go anywhere they choose. The buses are equipped with TVs…

Cinco De Mayo Celebrations Improvised Due To Covid-19

"This is sad, but in the meantime, it is good for our customers. We want everybody to be safe and healthy," said Co-owner Rebeca Marta.

May 5, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People may not be able to celebrate Cinco De Mayo the way they normally would… but Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Superior mad sure everyone could still enjoy the Mexican holiday. Customers ordering their favorite Mexican dishes were given a little something special to help them celebrate. Some customers received a sombrero and a Mexican family game called…

Conservative Justices Bash Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

May 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative justices who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court raised doubts Tuesday about whether Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order is legal, asserting that the Legislature never intended to give the executive branch so much power. Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested during oral arguments over the order that state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm’s decision to…

Wisconsin Waives Road Test for Young Drivers

May 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) —Sixteen and 17-year-olds in Wisconsin would not have to take a road test in order to receive their driver’s license under a new pilot program announced by the state Department of Transportation on Tuesday. Also, drivers age 64 and under will be given the option to renew their driver’s license online. The changes take effect Monday and…

Big Top Chautauqua 2020 Season Canceled

May 4, 2020

Dan Hanger,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – The 2020 summer season of entertainment and events at Big Top Chautauqua has been canceled. Big Top’s management announced Monday that they weighed countless scenarios but determined it was best to skip this season with the uncertainty surrounding the safety of large gatherings involving this pandemic. Big Top Summer 2020 Press Release There are refundable options available…

Evers, Legislative Leaders to Meet, Discuss Coronavirus

May 4, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers was scheduled to meet late Monday afternoon with both Republican and Democratic legislative leaders to discuss the next steps in Wisconsin’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting comes the day before the Wisconsin Supreme Court was scheduled to hear oral arguments in a case brought by the Republican legislative leaders seeking to block Evers’…

Free Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing Events Happening in Northwestern Wisconsin

May 3, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN — As states gather more testing kits for COVID-19, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has announced that free testing sites will pop-up in counties across Northwestern Wisconsin through at least mid-May. The testing will be done in areas that currently lack it or where there might be higher rates of the virus, according to the state. The pop-ups will be…

Lakes, Local Businesses Busy for Wisconsin Fishing Opener

While social distancing and practicing guidelines, anglers stocked up on bait and tackle and took to the water.

May 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The near perfect weather Saturday lured Wisconsin anglers out for the day many have been waiting all year for: the 2020 Fishing Opener. “It’s been a long winter and get some walleyes, maybe some crappies, bass, whatever it’s, whatever’s biting,” said Kyle Tikkanen, fishing with his son, Kegan on Upper Saint Croix Lake. “Just getting out, enjoying…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 1

May 1, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,730 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 371 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 74,820 tests have been completed to date. There are 2,282 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,096 patients have required hospitalization…

EAA Cancels Convention That Draws Hundreds of Thousands

May 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — An event that draws hundreds of thousands of people from all around the globe is the latest event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in and convention say the uncertainty of COVID-19 has forced them to cancel the July 20-26 event. Approximately 642,000 people attended the convention…

Some Superior Businesses Relieved with Governor’s Loosened Restrictions

Gov. Evers's new emergency order allows no contact business.

April 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Business owners in Superior are slowly getting back to as close to normal as they can be after Governor Tony Evers announced some non-essential businesses can open in a limited capacity. “It’ll be the new normal, whatever that is,” said Kat Senn. Under Emergency Order 34, certain non-essential businesses are allowed to start resuming business only through…

Semi-Truck Rolls, Dumps Load in Roundabout

April 29, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The roundabout in Superior was shut down Wednesday for some time after a semi-truck rolled. The semi rolled just before 4 p.m. in the roundabout where Belknap Street connects with the Bong Bridge. The scrap metal the truck was carrying littered the roadway. Superior police believe another vehicle was involved in the accident when the truck was…

Northland College Offers A Virtual Pandemic Class

About 80 Northland College students and 200 community participants are registered for the class.

April 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College in Ashland is offering a virtual course examining the ongoing coronavirus global pandemic. The four-week course is being taught by 15 faculty members. The class will go over the history of pandemics, public health principles, and the biology of the virus. The goal is not only to think outside of the box in the course…

Bennett Woman Struck by Train

April 29, 2020

Site Staff,

BENNETT, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a 59-year-old Bennett woman was airlifted to a local hospital Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a train. The accident happened on the railroad tracks between Olson Road and Bebe Road in the town of Bennett. Authorities say the woman was on foot when the incident occurred. The accident is being…

‘Superior Gift Card Club’ Raises $50K For Local Businesses

April 28, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Facebook gift card club in Superior designed to help local businesses during the pandemic has reached a big milestone. The club has raised $50,000 so far through daily online raffles. Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey came up with the idea just five weeks ago, and they never thought they’d be able to give this much…

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Canceled

Event brings at least 8,000-9,000 people to Gordon every year

April 28, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days will not happen in 2020. The July celebration brings in at least 8,000-9,000 people every year to the Northern Wisconsin town of 600. Event chairperson, Joy Rogers, tells us it was canceled to keep volunteers and the community as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says the decision to cancel was…

Superior Mayor, Chamber CEO Talk Pandemic’s Financial Crisis

April 28, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger on Tuesday why he doesn’t expect to furlough or lay off any employees during the pandemic, unlike the city of Duluth. And we’re learning more about how the hit to the tourism industry is affecting the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce like it has never been hit…

Trump Set to Order Meatpacking to Stay Open As Plants Deal with Staff Shortage

If this continues, experts say it could drastially effect the nation's food supply chain.

April 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis. On Tuesday President Donald Trump said he will sign a five-page executive order declaring meat processing plants critical infrastructure, ordering them to remain open–as facilities are dealing with a shortage of workers and an increase in demand. “We always work with the farmers,” Trump said. “There’s plenty of supplies, as you know this, plenty of supply, it’s distribution…

52 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election

April 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 50 people who voted in person or worked the polls during Wisconsin’s election earlier this month have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. The state Department of Health Services reported the latest figures on Tuesday, three weeks after the April 7 presidential primary and spring election that drew widespread concern because of voters waiting…