Wisconsin

Alleged Closs Murderer and Kidnapper Appears in Court

Criminal Complaint Released by Barron County

BARRON, Wis.- The man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs for 88 days and killing her parents could be sentenced to life in prison. He’s facing four serious charges including two counts of first degree homicide, and one count of kidnapping, and armed burglary. The press conference on Monday was vastly different than the one held last Friday when Closs escaped….

Complaint: Suspect Chose Jayme When saw her on bus

Patterson Went to Closs Home Twice

BARRON, Wis. – A criminal complaint says a Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs spotted her getting on a school bus one day and made up his mind to take her. Jake Thomas Patterson was charged Monday with kidnapping and with killing Jayme’s parents. The criminal complaint says Patterson told investigators he was driving to his job at…

Jayme Closs Reunited with Family, Suspect in Custody

Investigators Don't Believe There was any Social Media Connection

BARRON, Wis. – Authorities in Wisconsin say they believe the man suspected of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs was out looking for her when he was arrested. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday that 21-year-old Jake Patterson wasn’t at home when Jayme escaped Thursday afternoon. Deputies arrested Patterson in his vehicle soon after Jayme turned up on a neighbor’s doorstep…

Gordon Neighbors Help Jayme Closs Escape

GORDON, Wis. – Jayme Closs’ disappearance and her parents’ murder have become international headlines. Many in her community have been feeling pain for the missing teen and her family. Jayme Closs escaped from captivity herself but was helped by good neighbors in Gordon, Wisconsin. “It has been 88 days of hope for her safe return, 88 days of prayers for…

Backpack Found in Manitowoc County Ditch had Explosives Inside

Investigators Work to get DNA Evidence From Backpack

TOWN OF GIBSON, Wis. – Manitowoc County authorities are trying to determine who put a bomb in a backpack found in a ditch along a state highway. A person found the backpack off State Highway 147 on Wednesday and alerted authorities. Deputies determined it to be an explosive device with a fuse that appeared to have been lit but didn’t…

Superior Reminds Property Owners of City Code to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalks

It's the law to make sidewalks safe for pedestrians.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior wants to make the city safe for everyone this winter. They are reminding property owners to be responsible and clear sidewalks following a snowfall. Shoveling your sidewalks is the neighborly thing to do for the safety of pedestrians, but in the city of Superior it is also the law. According to the city…

Kimberly Clark Notifies State it Will Close Plant by May 31

About 100 People Work at the Plant

MADISON, Wis. – Kimberly-Clark Corp. has notified Gov. Tony Evers’ administration that it will close its plant in Neenah by May 31. The Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday that the paper products giant had provided the workforce reduction notice. The plant’s closure was first announced a year ago. Kimberly-Clark also initially said it planned to close a larger facility…

Evers Says he Will Order Change in ‘Stance’ in Lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers says he will be sending a letter to Attorney General Josh Kaul this week calling for Wisconsin to “change our stance” in a multi-state lawsuit seeking repeal of the federal health care law. Evers campaigned on withdrawing from the lawsuit, but after he won the lame-duck Republican Legislature changed the law to require legislative…

Winter Rover Program Gets Kiddos Outside For Learning & Fun!

Great Outdoors: Lake Superior Estuarium Hosts 2 Free Events At Barkers Island For Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Winter Rovers Program brings kiddos ages 3-7 together outside to learn! It’s like an old fashioned play date hosted by the Lake Superior Estuarium. “We are just trying to connect them to the community in the area and then also get them outside.” explained intern Megan Hogfeldt. “Show them some fun things that they can do…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Warming Up the Homeless

Ruth House Opens as Warming Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the frigid air of night sets in, the question of where to sleep enters the minds of the homeless in Duluth and Superior. Places like CHUM or Solid Rock often fill up quickly, leaving them with almost no options. Until now. The Ruth House in Superior is offering warmth, and care, to anyone who needs it during Northland…

Update Planned Next Week in Case of Missing Wisconsin Girl

Next Week Will Mark 90 Days Since the Abduction

BARRON, Wis. – Authorities in Barron, Wisconsin, are planning to provide an update on their investigation into the apparent abduction of a 13-year-old girl whose parents were killed. Jayme Closs has been missing since her parents, James and Denise Closs, were found fatally shot in their home on Oct. 15. Barron County Sheriff Christ Fitzgerald says next week will mark…

Gold Medalists Guide Guppies of Superior YMCA

Jason Lezak and Breeja Larson Hold Swim Clinic

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Whalers of Superior Douglas County Family YMCA’s Swim Team got some helpful tips, from none other than two Olympic gold medalists. Almost 140 of the Superior Whalers throughout the day lined the natatorium pool at Superior High School. They all quiver with excitement, ready to receive some aquatic advice from America’s very own Aquaman and Aquawoman, Jason…

Jail Staff can Ignore Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

Schimel Issued the Opinion Thursday

MADISON, Wis. – Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel says jail staff don’t have to follow inmates’ do-not-resuscitate orders. Sauk County attorneys asked Schimel for a legal opinion on the question after an inmate arrived at the county jail in September 2017 wearing a do-not-resuscitate bracelet. Schimel issued the opinion Thursday. He said that under state law only emergency medical technicians,…

Lake Temperature Data Unavailable Due To Government Shutdown

The Partial Government Shutdown Is Affecting The Northland Directly, Especially Meteorologists

DULUTH, Minn. — With the partial Government Shutdown still underway the affects are being felt here in the Northland, even by local Meteorologists as they forecast this winter weather. First things first says Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot, “As a Meteorologist an important reading we need this time of year is the water temperature. It helps us determine lake effect…

Build A Community Of Snowmen!

Northland Gets Hit With More Snow, So Build A Snowman!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are grabbing a handful of snow and rolling it into a community of snowmen across the Northland, one snowball at a time! Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot for her tips and tricks on how to quickly create the perfect snowman or snowoman! Send her your pictures after you’ve built yours, she…

Dangerous Snow Covered & Icy Roads: After Heavy Snowfall & Flash Freeze Overnight

Lake Effect Continues To Pile Up & Cold Air Surges In

DULUTH, Minn. — Overnight the Northland experienced a heavy dumping of wet snow as our temperatures dropped below freezing. All of the slush and water on the roads froze and became solid ice. Driving this morning was a headache to say the least and plows have been clearing the streets around Duluth, but travel is not advised on HWY 2…

Laser Pointer Forces Cancellation of med Helicopter Flight

The Pilot was Treated for the Injury

photo: Facebook/UW Med FlightPARDEEVILLE, Wis. – Authorities in southern Wisconsin say a medical helicopter flying in to pick up a UTV crash victim had to cancel its flight when someone shining a laser pointer injured the pilot. Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards says the UW Med Flight helicopter was trying to land in Pardeeville on Tuesday evening to pick up…

Reflections on 2018, Intentions for 2019 at The Strength Factory

Owners of The Strength Factory and Rooted in Wellness Invite Twin Ports Residents to Reflect on the Past Year Sunday, December 30, 2018

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – This time of year is a great time to take a look back on the year and reflect of where we’ve come in the last 12 months and also to take some time to look forward to the new year and where we would like to go on the wide open road ahead in 2019. During this…

Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Making a Difference in the Northland

FOX 21 Local News Took Part in the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive, Supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 500 boys and girls in the Northland were receiving a little holiday cheer Friday evening in Duluth as the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosted holiday parties at multiple branches in the area. FOX 21 Local News taking part in the annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive once again. Officials at the Boys…

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…

Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior firefighters took on the Globe grain elevator fire with some new gear. After last year’s Husky Refinery explosion, the Superior Fire Department received a $62,000 to be better equipped for large–scale emergencies and hazmat situations. The grant came from Wisconsin Emergency Management. With the new equipment the department can better monitor and understand flammability, oxygen levels, carbon…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Chancellor Quits After Husband Banned From Campus

Her Resignation Will be Effectice December 31

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Chancellor Beverly Kopper is resigning after her husband was banned from campus amid sexual harassment allegations. Kopper sent out a campus-wide email Monday announcing her resignation effective Dec. 31. UW System President Ray Cross banned Kopper’s husband, Pete Hill, from campus in June in response to allegations that Hill had sexually harassed several women…

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree From The Superior National Forest!

Great Outdoors Holiday Tradition

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Barron Ceremony to Offer Hope for Missing Teenage Girl

Lighted Lanters Will be Released

BARRON, Wis. (AP) — The city of Barron is holding a “tree of hope” lighting ceremony in honor of missing 13-year-old Jayme Closs. The local middle school student has been missing since her parents were slain Oct. 15. James and Denise Closs were fatally shot in their home, and investigators believe Jayme was abducted. Wednesday’s event at Riverview Middle School…

125 Years of Curling at Superior Curling Club

Club Celebrates Quasiquicentennial with Party

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Saturday marks a milestone for Superior sports. The Superior Curling Club turns a whopping 125 years old, and they threw a party full of history to celebrate. Current and former club curlers, some who played as far back as 1956, reunited at the club. They shared memories, looked back at photos and artifacts provided by the Douglas County…

Enjoy Free Holiday Fun with the Douglas County Historical Society

The Douglas County Historical Society is Hosting Their Annual Saturday Holiday Matinee and Christmas Musicale in December

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Historical Society is inviting the community to join them in free holiday entertainment throughout the month of December. Saturday Holiday Matinee: Saturday, December 15, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The 5th Annual Saturday Holiday Matinee offers free entertainment for all ages. On big screen, see cartoons, Christmas stories and Laurel and Hardy! Santa Claus…

Superior ATV Trail Doesn’t Connect to Barker’s Island

Hotels in the Area Fearful of Consequences, Councilor says No Worries

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The new ATV trail through the city of Superior does not actually connect to Barker’s Island, and the other hotels in the area. The staff at Barker’s Island Inn says the lack of ATV trail connection hurts their business. But City Councilor Brent Fennessey, while still working on reconnecting the hotel, doesn’t see that as the case. Here’s…

Superior Firefighters Rescue Deer Stranded On Ice

SUPERIOR, Wis. – First anglers got stuck on shifting ice over the weekend, and now a lone deer in the Allouez Bay of Superior. But the end result was a happy one with the help of Superior firefighters. Some BNSF Allouez Taconite workers spotted the deer on a chunk of ice overnight Monday between docks four and five. Duluth firefighters…

Spice Up Your Shrimp!

Make Your Own Shrimp Glaze In Minutes With Barkers Island Waterfront Grille In This Weeks Cooking Connection

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, we are spicing up your home cooked shrimp with this simple glaze recipe from Barkers Island Waterfront Grille. All it takes is 2 part jalapeno brine and 1 part honey, whahlah! Enjoy! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin Tags: Barker’s Island, Barkers Island Food

Walker Picks Attorney to Serve on UW Regents

State Senate is set to Confirm the Appointments Tuesday

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Scott Walker has appointed a high-powered attorney to serve on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. Walker has selected Scott Beightol to serve until May 2023. He replaces Republican Bryan Steil, who resigned last week to focus on his first term in Congress. Beightol is a partner in the Michael Best and Friedrich law…

Fairlawn Mansion to Host Holiday Event Thursday

The Annual Fairlawn Mansion Holiday Sampler Event is Happening Thursday, December 6

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wine tasting and local pieces of art will be on display Thursday, December 6 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Fairlawn Mansion in Superior. The Holiday Sampler, hosted by Superior Public Museums, is an annual holiday wine tasting event. Megan Meyer, Executive Director of Superior Public Museums, says the event is expected to attract about 150…

Craig Sutherland Sent Off for Treatment with Fundraiser

Community Came Out to Support Sutherland at Tavern 105

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The community of Superior came together to help one of their own at Tavern 105 on Saturday. The bar was packed to the brim with family and friends of Craig Sutherland. Citizens gathered to raise money to help the 8th District City Councilor pay for his Multiple Sclerosis treatment. Many showed their support by proudly sporting “Team Craig”…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign

Paine held his re-election campaign at the Superior-Carnegie Library.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Twenty months as Superior mayor has come and gone for Jim Paine but he believes his work is far from over which is why he has decided to run for re–election. Mayor Paine kicked off his campaign in a bit of an unconventional space, the Superior–Carnegie library located on Hammond ave. But he chose this location for good…

Annual Holiday Book Sale to Promote Reading in Superior

Superior Public Library book sale

  SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Shopping for friends and family can be hard this holiday season, especially if you are struggling with gift ideas. The Superior Public Library is hosting a book sale today and tomorrow for those who may want to give the gift of reading. The annual event allows readers to purchase a variety of like– new books for an…

White Winter Winery to Host Fundraiser for Iron River Library

The Fundraiser is Taking Place Saturday, December 8 at White Winter Winery in Iron River, Wisconsin

IRON RIVER, Wis. – White Winter Winery is proud to present A Dickens of a Christmas Dinner Theater fundraiser Saturday, December 8. The fundraiser will help to benefit the newly renovated and expanded Iron River Library. Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption comes alive at the White Winter Winery’s special holiday dinner theater event, “A Dickens Of A…

Twin Ports Rampage Softball Hosting Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser

Breakfast with Santa will Take Place Saturday, December 1 at the Belgian Club in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This year the Twin Ports Rampage softball organization invites you to spend your Saturday, December 1 with them as they host a fundraiser for their organization and The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA). Breakfast with Santa will take place at the Belgian Club in Superior, located at 3931 East 2nd Street from 9:00 a.m. until…

Skates for Superior Program Now Accepting Donations

The goal of the program is to outfit local rinks to provide equipment to the public free of charge.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior has partnered with the Superior/Douglas County Adult Leadership Program to launch a program called “Skates for Superior.” The program is part of a superior high school senior project by hockey player Trevor Dalbec. It’s his mission to provide local rinks with skates, helmets and sticks donated by members of the community. “I wanted to do…

UWS Multicultural Center Renamed to Commemorate Beloved Professor

The William "Pope" Wright Jr Student Center is open for business on the UWS campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Wisconsin–Superior Multicultural Center has a new name, it’s now the William “Pope” Wright Jr Student Center. The center provides access and programs and support for under represented minority students on campus. It recently underwent renovations where almost one hundred thousand dollars were invested into the space upgrade and is now open to the campus and the community. “We…

Christmas Tree Illuminates Superior Public Library

Holiday Tree Up for All to Enjoy

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The annual Holiday Tree is now lit in Downtown Superior. The colorfully lit tree looks over the Superior Public Library, and the adjacent corner of Tower Avenue and the newly constructed Belknap Street. Santa paid a visit there on Small Business Saturday, lighting the tree for the first time this season. Superior’s Tannenbaum provides a nice backdrop to…

Protesters Block Blatnik Bridge With Teepee

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Blatnik Bridge is open again after protesters blocked off traffic with a giant wooden teepee early Thursday morning. Superior police say the structure was put up in the middle of the Hammond Avenue entrance to the Blatnik. The sign read in a photo posted online said” “Thanksgiving = genocide” and “No pipelines, no borders.” The people…

Spice Up Your Sweet Potatoes This Thanksgiving!

Cooking Connection: Barker's Island Thanksgiving Buffet

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, Brittney Merlot takes us to Barker’s Island’s Thanksgiving Buffet! The head Chef teaches us at home, how to spice up our sweet potatoes on this Thanksgiving. With a new flavor, might as well give them a new look too! Check it out! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, News, News – Latest News,…

Tips to Keep Pets Away From the Emergency Room this Holiday Season

Dr. Matthew Severs with Superior Animal Hospital Offers Safety Tips for Pet Owners as the Holiday Season Arrives

SUPERIOR, Wis. – We’re just one day away from Thanksgiving — turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and more. Chances are many of us will eat a little too much on turkey day, but what about our pets? Local veterinarians from Superior Animal Hospital want to make sure your animal stays safe this holiday season, avoiding a tragic trip to the emergency…

Evers Faces $1 Billion Budget Shortfall

The Report was Released Tuesday

MADISON, Wis. – Incoming Democratic Gov. Tony Evers will need to find about $1.1 billion to give state agencies all they requested to pay for schools, prisons, Medicaid and other government operations over the next two years. That’s according to a new report from Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s administration. The report released Tuesday analyzes state agency budget requests and revises…

Walker Appoints Schimel to Waukesha County Judgeship

Schimel is a Former Waukesha County District Attorney

MADISON, Wis. – Outgoing Gov. Scott Walker is giving outgoing Attorney General Brad Schimel a job as a judge. Walker announced Tuesday that he appointed Schimel as a Waukesha County circuit judge. Walker said Schimel has shown a commitment to the rule of law and will faithfully serve the state as a judge. Schimel is a former Waukesha County district…

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center to Host Small Thanksgiving Meal

Staff at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Have Decided to Host a Free, Small (Up to 40 People) Thanksgiving Meal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Staff members and volunteers from the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center have decided to host a free, small Thanksgiving meal for residents in the Twin Ports to enjoy. The Center is emphasizing that this year’s inaugural meal will remain small (up to 40 people). However, it’s a tradition they hope to keep going for years to come….