Wisconsin

Citizens Express Environmental Concerns at Husky Fire Listening Session

UW-Extension hosted the session to collect comments and questions from residents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…

Public Invited To Listening Session On Husky Refinery Incident

The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at Superior Middle School.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of unanswered questions still remain nearly three weeks after the Husky Refinery explosion and fire in Superior. A community listening session is being held at Superior Middle School to address some of these issues. The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Community members will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about…

GOP Races to set Field for two Legislative Special Elections

The General Election Will be on June 12

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A pair of primary elections Tuesday will determine the Republican candidates in two special legislative elections in June. Polls open at 7 a.m. in northeastern Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District and in south-central Wisconsin’s 42nd Assembly District. The winners of each contest will advance to the June 12 general election. The two districts have gone without representation…

Local Organization Takes A Ride For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Billboards

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Motorcyclists in Superior went for a ride to raise money for a creative campaign on motorcycle safety awareness. About 30 riders hit the road with Abate of Wisconsin, an organization that promotes motorcycle safety. Organizers hope to put six billboards up, three in Superior and three in Duluth. “Messages on the billboard are: “Look for motorcycles. Motorcycles are everywhere,” said…

Community Helps Raise Funds for International Adoption

The Dalhbergs have the mounds of paperwork filled out, their hearts, and home ready for little Anna.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Nearly one year ago today a family in Solon Springs Wisconsin decided to add another member. Now the Dahlberg’s are finalizing finally bringing an 8-year-old girl home from China. The adoption process has been challenging but fox 21’s Lauren Leigh reports it has been made possible through the help of the community. The Dalhbergs have the mounds of…

Superior Police Take It To the Sky With Drone Technology In Husky Fire Response

The four member Tactical Technology Unit linked up with the Husky Emergency Response Team to get better views from the air.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It turns out new technology high in the sky was a big help in battling the Husky Refinery fire last month. Drone footage from the Superior Police Department made it easier to determine if the scene was safe for firefighters. The Superior Police Department has a Tactical Technology Team. Some of these officers fly a drone in…

University of Wisconsin Lobbyist got $48,000 Severance

University Officials Won't say What led to his Departure.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A lobbyist at the University of Wisconsin got a severance payout of more than $48,000 to resign under unexplained circumstances. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Jeff Schoenfeldt is the second high-profile employee in the UW system to get such a payout in the last two months. University officials won’t say what led to his departure….

Traffic on U.S. Highway 53 in Superior Diverted for Water Main break

Traffic Will be Diverted Until Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Traffic on a section of Highway 53 in Superior was reduced to two lanes and closed to large trucks Tuesday afternoon due to a water main break in the road. According to a release sent out by Superior Water, Light & Power “the northbound lanes of Highway 53 (East Second Street) between 18th Avenue East and Ninth…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Better Results with Building Logic

Building Logic Started in 2010 to Assist Residents in the Twin Ports with Everyday Property Care and Repair Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – Becoming a home or business owner can be exciting but it also comes with a price tag, countless hours of hard work and labor. That’s why Duluth based Building Logic is looking to be there for you when there’s property care and repair needs. It’s located in a small grey building just off Piedmont Avenue in Duluth….

Walker to Take Part in Foxconn Site Development Announcement

The Plant Could Employ 13,000 People

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is scheduled to take part in an announcement Monday about site development for the Foxconn Technology Group campus in the southeast corner of the state. The governor’s press office says Walker will join business owners and workers from across Wisconsin for announcements planned in Black River Falls, Brownsville and Racine. Foxconn…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener 2018 Kicked Off Saturday

Chetek Chain Of Lakes Is Free Of Ice For Wisconsin Fishing Opener, With Perfect Weather

Chetek, Wis. — The 53rd Annual Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener had anglers across the state casting their lines for a first bite on lakes free of ice! Just two weeks ago the Chetek Chain Of Lakes was covered in 20″ of ice, leaving many people wondering how this weekend’s state fishing opener would go. Well, a stretch of above average…

Seventh Annual Twin Ports Motorcycle Expo and Car Show Held

Motorcycles and cars were on display at Wessman Arena

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cars and motorcycles were on display in the Northland on Saturday It was the 7th annual Twin Ports Motorcycle Expo and Car Show on Saturday, held at Wessman Arena in Superior. Trophies were given out for the best bikes. Funds raised from the event go towards St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “It feels good. It makes it really…

Superior Thanks First Responders After Husky Fire

City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the Superior area.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior stands united to thank the brave men and women who worked together to protect the community after the Husky Energy Explosion and fire last week. City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the…

Cars & Businesses Vandalized in Superior

Level Up in Superior was another business that was vandalized.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Employees from Serenity Spa in Superior arrived to work a little before 8 a.m. and noticed the place was vandalized. Their windows had been shot out. The staff believes someone used a BB gun to cause the damage and it’s the fourth time this has happened within the year. The windows can cost thousands to replace. Superior…

Reeling in for the Wisconsin Fishing Opener

A current fishing license is required for the 2018-2019 season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The day many Wisconsinites have been waiting for is almost here the Wisconsin Fishing Opener is May 5. Local fisherman came into Northwest Outlet in Superior to get some last minute things. There are restrictions where you can catch fish and it also depends on the type of fish you’re looking to reel in, but this season will be off…

Multiple Cars Vandalized in Superior

Officers Investigating car Windows Shot out With BB Guns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is investigating reports of multiple car windows being shot out with BB guns between late Thursday night and early Friday morning. Officers say that the East End of Superior seems to be hit the hardest however they have received reports from other neighborhoods as well and are continuing to gather information on cars…

National Day of Pray Honors Those Affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion

This year the tradition in Superior was different than the past.

SUPERIOR, Wis,-  The U.S. National Day of Prayer is May 3rd and in Superior, the ceremony differed from years past. Community members gave special prayers for those affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion. Mayor Jim Paine joined in remembering what some are calling a traumatic experience. As we’ve seen over the past week Superior residents are reaching out to one…

Fresh Fish Tacos with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Fish Tacos

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Cooking Connection, Bucktales Cantina & Grill Owner Dee Morales made fish tacos. Bucktales is located a half-mile from Pattison State Park at 6098 South State Road 35, Superior, WI. For Cinco De Mayo te restaurant will have live music, and taco and drink specials. The restaurant can be reached at (715) 394-4181, or visited…

Superior Schools Helping Students Cope with Explosion

The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been a week of getting back to normal for some Superior students after just last week, some witnessed the Husky Refinery explosion right from their classroom window. Now educators and families are discussing mental health. The school district wants to make sure students dealing with stress, will receive help.  Families and educators are keeping a close eye…

Walker Wants Better Fencing, Deer Movement Bans to Fight CWD

Walker Wants a More Aggressive Approach

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker is directing state agriculture officials to develop regulations requiring captive deer farms to bolster fencing as chronic wasting disease continues to spread across Wisconsin. The order would require farmers to install a second fence, an electric fence or an impermeable physical barrier. The governor also announced that he has ordered agriculture officials to…

Water Line Break in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – According to a press release from the City of Superior Belknap Street will be closed today between Catlin Avenue and Grand Avenue due to a water line break. Officials expect that work will be finished prior to Thursday morning commutes. Commuter can expect that traffic will be detoured from Belknap Street to Winter Street using either Catlin…

Veterinarian Expresses Concern Over Heartworm, Urges Prevention

On Average, Seven Dogs Every Year will Receive Treatment for Heartworm at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The disease is deadly, but the group targeted cannot speak up when they’re feeling ill. Heartworm is more common in southern states due to warm weather year round, but it doesn’t mean animals in the Midwest are out of the clear. “I have actually seen mosquitos out already,” said Lindsay Niemi, Practice Manager at Animal Allies Humane…

Final Bids Approved For New Superior Fire Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After years of planning, all contracts were in place Tuesday to begin construction for Superior’s new multi-million dollar fire station. Councilors gave the final bids Tuesday night to KBK Services out of Ashland, Wis. Councilor Brent Fennessey told FOX 21 the company came in at the lowest cost for the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning at…

Twin Ports Focuses on Mental Health Awareness Following Chaotic Week

The month of May is now dedicated to Northland Healthy Minds.

TWIN PORTS-  Mayors from both sides of the bridge are working to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health. They’re calling it Northland Healthy Minds and they say this is even more timely given the recent traumatic events the Twin Ports have faced. Just this past month Superior firefighters faced the suicide of their longtime battalion chief Eric…

Duluth Delegation Recounts Life Changing Visit to National Memorial for Peace and Justice

The Duluth Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial was dedicated in Oct. 2003.

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Duluth Delegation have returned from a life changing trip to Montgomery, Alabama, to view the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. A total of 32 people, young and old made the bus ride. City Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford says some were challenged emotionally and spiritually. He also says people were amazed to walk…

EPA Finds Nothing Toxic at Wisconsin Refinery Explosion Site

The Cause of the Explosion has not yet Been Determined

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) – The Environmental Protection Agency says it has finished monitoring the air at the site of a recent oil refinery explosion in northwestern Wisconsin and found no elevated levels of anything toxic. The blast at the Husky Energy refinery in Superior last Thursday injured at least 13 people, caused a widespread evacuation and sent billowing plumes of…

Questions Arise After Refinery Explosion

Husky Energy used Hydrogen Fluoride, a potentially deadly chemical compound in their facility

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Questions are rising involving Husky Energy’s use of Hydrogen Fluoride, a deadly, skin eating chemical when in contact with humans. This comes after the historic explosion and fire April 26th at Husky’s Superior oil refinery, which miraculously did not take any lives or release any of that Hydrogen Fluoride in the process. Governor Scott Walker (R-Wis.) was…

Superior Fire & Police Department Back On Schedule After Husky Fire

Both departments tell us they trained for an event like this and felt like they were well prepared.

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  The Superior Fire and Police Departments were just two of the many agencies to answer the call for the Husky Energy Refinery explosion. Now both departments are finally getting back on schedule after an exhausting few days. Both the Superior Fire and Police Departments tell me they are proud of their response and how everyone worked together to keep the…

Servers and Customers at Local Diner Work Together to Evacuate Safely

Around 10 a.m. Thursday morning, customers at Julie's Diner began to point out the large smoke cloud outside the restaurant.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Husky Oil Refinery explosion last Thursday forced business in Superior to close up shop for the day. We spoke with one local dinner where servers and customers watched it all happen right from the window. Around 10 a.m. last Thursday morning, customers at Julie’s Diner began to point out the large smoke cloud outside the restaurant. Staff…

Fire Danger Remains High in Much of Wisconsin

The Department of Natural Resources Responded to 43 Wildfires Sunday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin natural resources officials say the danger of a wildfire igniting is high to extreme in much of the state due to warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds. The Department of Natural Resources responded to 43 wildfires Sunday, including two larger fires in steep terrain in central Wisconsin’s Clark County. The agency contracted tanker planes…

Clean-Up Effort, Questions Continue After Husky Explosion, Fire; Gov. Walker To Return

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is continuing to stay in the conversation among other local and state agencies as Husky Energy works through the clean-up effort after the historic explosion and fire at the Canadian company’s Superior refinery Thursday. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 Sunday there is no evidence of any lingering health effects or contamination of…

Special Report: The Fight Against Distracted Driving

Throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 83 Citations Were Given to Distracted Drivers in the Duluth District

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the organization We Save Lives, millennials find distracted drivers scarier than public speaking, spiders, snakes and even death. It’s why local advocates and law enforcement are continuing to spread a strong message to drivers who chose to engage in other activities while behind the wheel. “When you’re driving, just concentrate on driving,” said Lt. Jason…

Cleaning-up the S.S. Meteor

The S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum will open-up mid-May.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-It’s that time of year, clean up for the S.S. Meteor is underway this weekend. It’s become known as work weekend. The view of the ship is beautiful, but the projects volunteers work on are hard work. Every year around 50 volunteers lend a hand. “This event is really humbling, these people mostly come from out of town on…

Superior Trying to Get Back To Normal Routine After Fire

The investigation to figure out the cause of the fire is still ongoing.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is now in the aftermath of Thursday’s explosion at the Husky Energy Refinery. City officials say the main mission is to get people back to their routines after what’s been a very hectic time in their community. More than 24 hours after the explosion and fire at the Husky Energy Refinery some of…

Emergency Plan Keeps Adoptable Four-Legged Friends Safe

The Douglas County Humane Society was forced to evacuate after the Husky refinery explosion on Thursday.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.-  We checked in on our four-legged friends at the Douglas County Humane Society after dealing with evacuating. The shelter shook on Thursday, after the explosion at the Husky refinery, putting their emergency plan in motion. The director says the plan has been in place for nearly five years and they never expected to put it to use….

EPA Officials Determine Air Quality Is Not A Threat After Husky Fire

Air monitoring crews with husky refinery will continue doing so for several days.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began monitoring the air quality after the explosion. The focus started with responder safety and then transitioned into monitoring the air throughout the nearby area. This was done to evaluate possible community exposure and collect information for the evacuation order. “So we pushed out air monitoring out further away from the…

UW-Superior Concert Will go on as Scheduled

UW-Superior Will Honor Those Involved in Explosion

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tomorrow UW-Superior will be holding a concert featuring Canaan Smith, Maddie & Tae, and Chris Hawkey at Wessman Arena at 7 p.m. The concert will honor first responders, members of the American Red Cross and employees of Husky Energy who will all be admitted to the show free of charge. “On behalf of Yellowjacket Athletics, Canaan Smith,…

Paramedics Talk with FOX 21 During Husky Explosion Incident

SUPERIOR, Wis. – First responders have established a command center in Superior. Duluth and Hermantown Police, along with the St. Louis County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices all on the scene to assist the Superior Fire and Police Departments. We spoke with one of the paramedics standing by today, “we do train for this sort of thing, so this is…

Three Killed in Crash of Medical Helicopter

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office Confirmed

(Dean Hall/The Lakeland Times)HAZELHURST, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say three people are dead after a medical helicopter crashed in northern Wisconsin. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the three fatalities on Friday. Chief Deputy Dan Hess said the crash involved an Ascension Wisconsin Spirit helicopter, but he said he doesn’t know if the three victims were all Ascension employees. Hess…

Superior Residents React after Explosion, Fires at Husky Energy

An Explosion and Two Fires Rocked Husky Energy Superior Refinery Thursday, Causing Residents to be Evacuated

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Reports of smoke being seen from Highway 61 along the North Shore to Cloquet came in throughout Thursday as residents in Superior evacuated their workplace and homes. “None of us expected this to happen,” said UWS student Jonathan Patras. A day unlike any other in the City of Superior. Students at UWS received important news alerts as…

Husky Energy Explosion Eyewitness Describes Scene

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is under mandatory evacuation after two explosions and fires at the Husky Energy Refinery Thursday. The Superior Fire Chief Scott Gordon has confirmed the fire is out, but the evacuation is still in place. The main evacuation center is the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The evacuation zone is three miles around the…

Essentia Health Gives Patient Update On Husky Refinery Explosion

Essentia Health officials say they have planned and prepared for an event like with training and drills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five patients were taken to Essentia Health in Superior and five more to Essentia Health in Duluth. Of those five in Duluth, one person suffered a serious blast injury and the others had minor injuries. There were no fatalities. Hospital staff tell us they are happy to know that there weren’t as many injuries as initially thought, but it…

Making Spicy Barbacoa with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Barbacoa

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As Spring weather enters the Northland several people will be out enjoying the temperatures and heading to Pattison State Park. Just a half a mile from the park is Bucktales Cantina & Grill. Owner Dee Morales showed FOX 21 how to make Barbacoa. His Shredded Beef Barbacoa is simmered in salsa roja, then topped with pico de…

Cooper Elementary Begins To Rebuild After Fire

The insurance company is working with the school to determine what exactly is salvageable.

SUPERIOR, Wis.  – A fire earlier this month has threatened the opening date for the newly constructed Cooper Elementary School in Superior. Now the district is trying to get back on track, starting with the cleaning process which started today. The District has contracted Paul Davis Restoration and they were already on school grounds today doing some of the initial…

More Medical Services Available in Ashland

St.Luke’s celebrated its new Chequamegon Clinic building on Wednesday, April 25th.

ASHLAND Wis.- The Ashland community now has better access to medical specialists. St.Luke’s celebrated its new Chequamegon Clinic building on Wednesday, April 25th. Medical professionals say the larger space has been a long time coming. The Chequamegon Clinic has been serving the Ashland community for over 40 years, now the new location offers new opportunities. The 7 million dollar, 22 thousand…

Walk through Ashland School District’s Phase Two Construction

Construction began last April after the $34 million referendum passed.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The Ashland School District is undergoing infrastructure renovations. Construction began last April after the $34 million referendum passed. FOX21’s getting a look at phase two of the project at the high school. You can see what used to be the high school’s exterior brick wall inside the new expanded cafeteria. Updated classrooms and a library, open up more natural…

Pence in Wisconsin for Fundraiser, tax Forum

The Fundraiser is $500 per Person

(AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence returns to Wisconsin to host a fundraiser for Gov. Scott Walker while also touting the Republican tax overhaul at a forum with an official from Foxconn. The Pence events in Milwaukee on Wednesday mark his first return to the state since September. A group formed to promote President Donald Trump’s policies organized…

New Coffee Taphouse Opening In Superior

Empire Coffee's grand opening is scheduled for Monday, April 30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Two business partners are combining their love for business and coffee by opening a new coffee shop in Superior. Empire Coffee is located in the growing district of North Tower at 1204 Tower Ave. There’s food and baked goods from Wednesday Bakery on the menu. The owners say the concept of Empire Coffee is a taphouse like…

Golfers Hit the Driving Range

After a long winter plenty of people were excited to finally hit some golf balls outdoors.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Spring’s late arrival in the Northland this year has a lot of golfers anxious to start playing. Now one area course has opened its driving range and there’s already a waiting list for tee times. Lots of golfers showed up at Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. It’s the first driving range around the area to open for…