Wisconsin Archives - Page 53 of 90

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…

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

April 28, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 28, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 27, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

April 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

April 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

April 24, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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

April 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

April 24, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 24, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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.

April 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

April 22, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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.

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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

April 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

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

April 21, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

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

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

April 21, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

(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

April 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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…

Gov. Evers Announces Increasing COVID-19 Testing Capacity

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday morning that the state has ramped up COVID-19 testing throughout the state. According to a press release from the governor’s office, in the last month, the state has gone from eight labs performing COVID-19 tests to 36 labs. More labs are expected to begin testing in the weeks ahead, but the…

Wisconsin Tavern League Calls for Opening Bars by May 1

April 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Tavern League of Wisconsin is calling on Gov. Tony Evers to allow bars and restaurants to reopen on May 1, more than three weeks ahead of the end of the current stay-at-home order that has forced the closure of most nonessential businesses. The lobbying group argued in a statement late Sunday that bars, restaurants and…

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Protesters Urge Gov. Evers To Lift Stay-At-Home Order

April 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Protesters gathered at the Wisconsin Capitol on Sunday to urge Gov. Tony Evers to lift his extended stay home order. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports about six dozen protesters rallied to call on Evers to change his mind. Last week Evers extended his stay-at-home order until after Memorial Day to help stem the spread of the…

Local Dancer Gives Others Virtual Platform to Shine

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

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

April 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

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…

Northwest Community Service Agency Distributes Pre-Made Food Boxes

April 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Northwest Community Service Agency is doing their part helping supply members of the Northland community with food. Since mid-March the food shelf in Superior has been doing curbside pickup and pre-making the boxes of food with all of the essentials. Right now the food shelf is lacking in milk, juice and condiment items. “Our food pantry…