Wisconsin

Gov. Evers Directs DNR to Reopen Several State Parks, Forests

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday morning that he has directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas that were previously closed due to COVID-19 health concerns. According to a news release from the governor’s office, the DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1 under special conditions….

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns

GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days 2020 has been canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The Gordon Good Neighbor Days committee made the announcement about the cancellation on its Facebook page Monday evening saying: “With the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic and concern for the health and safety of the community, participants, volunteers, and spectators the decision has been…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine: No Layoffs, Furloughs Expected During Pandemic

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine says he has no plans to lay off or furlough any employees right now or in the future. Mayor Paine told FOX 21 Monday while times are uncertain and he can’t fully predict impacts to the city’s finances, he does believe the city of Superior is fiscally healthy to withstand pressures from the…

Wisconsin: Over 6K COVID-19 Cases, 281 Deaths

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Wisconsin has reached over 6,000. Wisconsin health officials reported Monday the number of people in the state testing positive for COVID-19 has grown to 6,081, up 170 from the day before. The number of deaths officially attributed to the coronavirus in Wisconsin grew Monday to 281, an…

Evers Loosens Restrictions, Allowing More Businesses to Open

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops, and other nonessential businesses that can offer contact-less services will be allowed to reopen in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday. Outdoor recreational rental businesses, such as boats, golf carts, and kayaks, can also reopen, along with self-service or automatic car washes. Evers called it as a “turn of the dial”…

Video Vision Provides Curbside Movie Rental in Superior

Twin Ports' last video rental store open for curbside pickup

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Twin Ports’ only remaining video rental store is open again for curbside pickup. Video Vision in Superior has been closed for the last month under Wisconsin’s ‘Safer at Home’ order. But now, the store that’s the last of its kind in the city is renting movies once again. Customers can order videos over the phone, pull…

Superior Asst. Police Chief Retires After Nearly 30 Years Of Service

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A nearly 30-year veteran of the Superior Police Department has retired. Friday was Assistant Chief Matt Markon’s last day on the force. The 53-year-old joined the department as a patrol officer in 1991. Markon says he’s enjoyed so much about the job over the years, but especially helping people. “Just being able to think back on the…

Superior Councilor Keith Kern Running for 73rd Assembly District

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Keith Kern, member of the Superior City Council and small business owner, announced his candidacy to represent the 73rd Assembly District on Friday afternoon. “Growing up in Superior, my parents taught me the value of community and hard,” said Kern “those values have served me well as a small business owner and member of the city council,…

Essentia Health Expands COVID-19 Testing

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is expanding its COVID-19 testing criteria to now include all patients who have symptoms. The hospital announced on Friday that the change is effective immediately at all of its sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Essentia says anyone experiencing symptoms should first start an E-Visit at EssentiaHealth.org. During the visit, a provider can evaluate…

Wisconsin Democrats Pick Janet Bewley as Senate Minority Leader

(courtesy: wisconsin.gov) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democrats in the Wisconsin state Senate chose Janet Bewley as their new leader Friday as they gear up to try to recapture control of the chamber in November. Bewley replaces Jennifer Shilling, who announced earlier this month that she won’t seek re-election this fall. Shilling said Tuesday she would step down as minority leader,…

Superior-Douglas Co. Chamber CEO Furloughs Self, Staff

It's a move the chamber hasn't made before in its 137-year history.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce has temporarily laid off most of its staff because of the financial strain from the pandemic. It’s a move the chamber hasn’t made before in its 137-year history. Chamber President/CEO Taylor Pedersen told FOX 21 the decision to furlough was tough but a responsible one so his team can be strong…

Ashland Kindergartners Drive-Up to Greet Teachers

Some students brought teachers hand-written letters, stories, and smiles

ASHLAND, Wis. – Kindergartners around the Northland are not in school right now because of the coronavirus shutdown, but that didn’t stop Ashland teachers from celebrating National Kindergarten Day with students and parents driving by Lake Superior Elementary School. A procession of cars was packed with families greeting their favorite kindergarten teachers in-person for the first time in more than…

UW-Superior “Strongly” Considering Furloughing All Employees

"We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact and hardship on our employees," said Director of Strategic Communicatons Jordan Milan.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is one of many higher education institutions suffering from the impacts of Covid-19. Due to substantial revenue loss, the university is “strongly” considering furloughing all faculty and staff beginning in July. University administration is looking into a phased approach to this furlough proposal. If it goes into effect for the institution, furloughs would…

19 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election, 4,800 Cases in the State

MADISON, Wis. – Nineteen people in Wisconsin have tested positive for the coronavirus after having voted in-person in the April 7 election or after having worked at the polls, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. Also, five Wisconsin National Guard members who helped staff polls on election day have reported symptoms of COVID-19 but the one…

UW-Superior: Likely to Begin Intermittent Furloughs July 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin Superior officials say they will likely begin intermittent furloughs for all staff and faculty starting July 1 due to revenue loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made Tuesday during the first of four town hall meetings. “The magnitude of what we’re facing is truly unprecedented,” said chancellor Renée Wachter. “I…

Great Outdoors: Marinas Set to Re-Open

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – As of Friday the 17th, Governor Tim Walz expanded Minnesota’s essential services allowing some outdoor recreational activities to fall under that category. “The first thing we did was get careful and serious about social distancing in the workplace and then we were preparing to shut down,” Barkers Island General Manager, Eric Thomas says. In Wisconsin, marinas…

WRA Claims Half of Wisconsin Restaurants Could Close By End of May Due to Shutdown

WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Restaurant Association president and CEO said that she believes up to half of all Wisconsin restaurants in the state could close as the state’s “Safer At Home” order continues until May 26th. “This is an extinction level event for small businesses,” WRA president and CEO Kristine Hillmer said. “We’re estimating that without relief, we think that…

Republicans Sue to Stop Extension of Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature asked the Conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday to block an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration extending a stay-at-home order until May 26. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the Supreme Court to take the case directly, a move that would skip lower courts…

Gov. Tony Evers Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfire Conditions

MADISON, Wis. – On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers declared a statewide State of Emergency in Wisconsin in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. “Our first priority is protecting the people of Wisconsin and this executive order helps us control existing wildfires and use all available state assets to prevent new ones from starting,” Gov. Evers said. “With the…

Officials Link 7 Wisconsin Virus Cases to In-Person Voting

Health Officials say There are no Signs yet of a Surge in Cases as Some Feared

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Officials have identified seven people who appear to have contracted the coronavirus through activities related to the April 7 election in Wisconsin, Milwaukee’s health commissioner said. Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik said six of the cases involve Milwaukee voters and one is a Milwaukee poll worker, the Journal Sentinel reported. Officials hope to have additional…

Wisconsin Governor Unveils ‘Badger Bounce Back’ Plan For Reopening State

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (FOX 9) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced his “Badger Bounce Back” plan Monday, which outlines the criteria for the state to be able to reopen its economy in phases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a news release, the Badger Bounce Back plan is informed in part by the guidelines the White House released last week for states, cities,…

FOX 21 Hometown Heroes: 4/19/20

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic.  Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast.  If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person.  We…

Local Dancer Gives Others Virtual Platform to Shine

Worldwide Dance Challenge is uniting dancers across the world to connect, collaborate and compete.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people stay at home across the world due to the Coronavirus, artists like dancers become stifled at home. Professional dancer Jesse Paul Smith noticed this, and started the Worldwide Dance Challenge. “I really believe this is the next phase of dance competitions,” he said. The Superior native saw how quarantine was effecting dancers, who had put…

Juvenile Charged With Homicide in Fatal Ashland County Crash

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office says a 16-year-old male has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in connection to a fatal crash in Ashland County Wednesday night. The Sheriff’s Department says the juvenile and the victim, Mahzhaquad Ford, had an alleged altercation during an attempted drug transaction. Authorities say during the altercation the Ford ‘became entangled…

Latest Wisconsin COVID-19 Numbers

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 4,045 positive cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. According to the Wisconsin DHS website coronavirus deaths in the state have reached 205. State health officials say there have been 42,365 negative test results to date and 1,153 hospitalizations. Douglas County is still reporting 7 positive COVID-19 cases and…

Douglas County Humane Society Sees Rise In Adoptions

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Douglas County Humane Society has seen a large increase in pet adoptions since the Covid-19 outbreak first began. Right now they are shut down to the public and only taking appointments for adoptions and calls for if someone finds a stray. Staff say, that the public acted fast to help the animals leaving the humane society…

Wisconsin Schools, Golf Courses Impacted by Wisconsin’s ‘Safer at Home’ Extension

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Families and business across Wisconsin are being impacted by Gov. Tony Evers extending Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order. Public and private schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year. Dr. Sara Croney, superintendent of the School District of Maple, tells us that’s no surprise to her. She’s happy her district now has a…

Walz, Evers Partner With Midwest Governors to Reopen Region’s Economy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, several Midwest Governors announced they will work together to coordinate the reopening of the Midwest region economy. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers along with Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), JB Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and Andy Beshear (KY) said they will work closely to examine the best way to…

Evers Extends Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order Until May 26

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday extended Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order that was originally slated to expire next week for another month, keeping non-essential businesses closed until May 26 to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Schools will be closed the remainder of the academic year under the order. News of the extension comes amid growing criticism from…

Ashland County Man Dies in Fatal Crash

TOWNSHIP OF SANBORN, Wis. – A 21-year-old male from Ashland County died Wednesday night when the car he was driving crashed in the woods. Authorities say the accident happened on Birch Hill Road in the Township of Sanborn around 7:00 p.m. Officers, Bad River First Responders, and Ashland Ambulance responded to the scene where the male was found deceased. The…

Evers Tells Trump Wisconsin Faces $2 Billion in Losses

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, WI (AP) — Wisconsin faces $2 billion in revenue losses due to skyrocketing unemployment and other hits to the economy caused by the coronavirus, Gov. Tony Evers told President Donald Trump in a letter sent this week along with the governors of Michigan and Pennsylvania. Evers and the governors from Michigan and…

Sutherland CBD, Dr. Juice Offer Hand Sanitizer, Donate Hundreds to First Responders

The pair are are selling bottles at cost for $3, all sales going back into production.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Sutherland CBD and Dr. Juice USA, both on Tower Avenue, are now offering handmade hand sanitizer. And hundreds of bottles of their product are going to first responders in need. “In these difficult times everybody’s got to do their part to stop the spread of this thing, to stay safe,” said Jacob Tout, CEO of Dr. Juice USA….

Northland Summer Camps Prepare for Uncertain Season

Camp Amnicon and Camp Nebagamon discuss planning for summer camps during pandemic

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Going to camp is a summer tradition for many families but, with so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, nobody knows if kids will have the chance to attend Northland camps this year. “What we provide is the opportunity to get outdoors and to learn in the outdoors and we really feel that families, kids are going to…

Wisconsin Campgrounds Face Uncertainty During Pandemic

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

WASCOTT, Wis. – People are trying to get out of cities as much as possible during the pandemic. That means campgrounds in rural areas can be packed. While the owners appreciate the business, they tell us it’s up to campers to act responsibly and maintain social distance. Rick Maas, owner of Up North Resort in Wascott, tells us there are…

More Wisconsin Farmers Filing for Bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The economic effects of the coronavirus appear to be pushing more Wisconsin farmers into bankruptcy. Court records show that 36 farmers have filed by Chapter 12 bankruptcy since the first of the year. In 2019, there were 57 similar filings for the entire year, the Journal Sentinel reported. Dairy farmers were already dealing with depressed milk prices…

Superior City Council Election Results

Nicholas Ledin, Warren Bender and Brent Fennessey won the election for Superior City Council.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The results are in from last week’s Superior City Council races. In District 1, Nicholas Ledin defeated Kalee Hermanson 383-342. Ledin will replace Dan Olson, who is leaving his seat. In District 3, incumbent Warren Bender defeated Kelly Schoen 344-205, while in District 5, incumbent Brent Fennessey defeated Amanda Foster 469-369. You can view a full list…

Biden Defeats Sanders as Wisconsin Releases Election Results

Joe Biden has defeated Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s presidential primary, which was held last week during the coronavirus pandemic.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Joe Biden has defeated Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s presidential primary, which was held last week during the coronavirus pandemic. Biden’s victory became academic after Sanders dropped out last week, one day after Wisconsin held in-person voting despite widespread concern over the health risks. Republican legislative leaders refused to delay the election, and the party won a…

With Results due in Wisconsin Election, Voters File Lawsuit

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Municipal clerks across Wisconsin on Monday were set to start tallying votes from last week’s chaotic presidential primary, a count that was delayed for several days by the legal struggle over whether to postpone the election due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of voters congregated for hours in long lines on Tuesday,…

Facebook Gift Card Raffle Raises $20K for Superior Local Businesses So Far

Councilors Brent Fennessey and Craig Sutherland started the closed group two weeks ago.

SUPERIOR, Wis,- Like the rest of the Northland, normally busy streets and storefonts in Superior are bare as local businesses cope with being partially or completely shut down. Two Superior City Councilors decided to raise money for them, by raffling gift cards on Facebook. Weeks later, the small boost they hoped to give businesses is turning into a big help….

Ashland County Reports Second Confirmed COVID-19 Case

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – A second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Ashland County, according to the county public health department. The individual who tested positive has a history of domestic travel and has been self-isolating since returning home. Ashland County Public Health tells us they are working with the individual to identify any people they were in close…

Gov. Evers Announces COVID-19 Volunteer Program

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced on Friday that they are looking for volunteers to help the state’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Active and retired healthcare professionals and anyone that is interested in volunteering in non-clinical support positions as well is encouraged to sign up through the Wisconsin Emergency…

Wisconsin: 3,068 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 128 Deaths

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 3,068 positive cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. According to the Wisconsin DHS website coronavirus deaths in the state have reached 128, up 17 from the day before. State health officials say there have been 33,225 negative test results to date and 904 hospitalizations. Douglas County is reporting…

Senators Want Missing Ballots Investigated

MILWAUKEE (AP) – U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, in rare bipartisan unity, are calling on the U.S. Postal Service to investigate what happened to missing absentee ballots in Wisconsin. In a letter to the Inspector General, the senators cite numerous accounts from the state that the Postal Service failed to fulfill its critical mission of getting all those…

Evers Closes 40 Wisconsin State Parks, Recreational Areas

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday ordered the closure of 40 Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreational areas primarily in southern and southeastern Wisconsin to help reduce overcrowding and vandalism and to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Evers’ warned that the order could be followed by more closures if…