Wisconsin

Opponents Blast Walker’s Welfare Proposals

Food Stamp Recipients Would Be Required to Take Drug Tests Under New Plan

MADISON, Wis.-Opponents say Gov. Scott Walker’s welfare overhaul proposal is a politically tone deaf effort that will do more harm than good. Walker on Thursday called on the Legislature to approve a variety of measures that include tougher work requirements, additional drug testing and a new photo identification requirement for food stamp recipients. Bobby Peterson is director of ABC for…

Government Shutdown Could Happen This Week If Agreement Isn’t Reached

The Republicans control both the House and Senate.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congress has a lot of work to do with the possibilityΒ of a government shutdown hanging in the balance. The last time there was a government shutdown like that the year was 2013. History may repeat itself if an agreement isn’t reached by Friday. A government shutdown can delay services or anything that people receive from the federal…

Inclusive Care Units Now Available in Superior

In the future Katie hopes to have an Inclusive Care Unit in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s United Presbyterian ChurchΒ has the first of its kind,Β an inclusive care unit. The box is filled with cold weather goodsΒ like mittens and socks. Anyone can grab what they needΒ and the public isn’t responsibleΒ for restocking the box. There will be five inclusive care unitsΒ located throughout Superior. “The idea was to place it outside where people could come and…

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Pattison State Park is named after Martin Pattison.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A birthday celebrationΒ was heldΒ for the manΒ who built the Fairlawn Mansion. Martin Pattison would have been 177 years on Jan. 17. He was instrumental in developing the Northland,Β so what better way to mark the occasionΒ than with cake and cookies? Fairlawn guests received guided tours of the more than 42 room mansion that was built way back in 1891….

Fairlawn Mansion Celebrates Martin Pattison, Begins Garden Talks

Northland Uncovered: Fairlawn Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a celebration in the Twin Ports is honoring a man with a major impact on the area. Wednesday, January 17 would be Martin Pattison’s 177th birthday. Superior Public Museums is recognizing the day with half-priced tours of Fairlawn Mansion and dessert.   The free cake, cookies, and tea will be in the Fairlawn gift shop….

Wisconsin Governor Candidate Stops in the Northland

Dana Wachs Is One of Many Democrats Running Against Republican Governor Scott Walker

WISCONSIN – Fifteen Democrats have announced their plans to run for Governor of Wisconsin in 2018 against Republican Incumbent Scott Walker. One of the Democratic candidates, Dana Wachs, stopped at Fox 21 on Saturday. Wachs has represented the Eau Claire area in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2013. He says his campaign is focusing on affordable healthcare, expanding the middle…

Twin Ports Honor MLK

A mayoral reception in Duluth remembers Martin Luther King Jr's message.

DULUTH, Minn.-Thursday night the Twin Ports remember Martin Luther King Junior during a mayoral reception. This year’s moto is “The Birth of a New Nation” which came from aΒ speech MLK gave in 1957. “He has the spirit of nonviolence and just excepting everybody for their own beliefs and we’re coming together as a community,” co chair MLK planning committee Salaam…

Local Historical Center Receives Two Grants

The grants will help upgrade the center and educational programs.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has received two grants totaling $30,000. The first grant of $20,000 is from a private foundation, that money will help update the 15 year old audio and visual equipment at the center. The center creates videos that help tell the stories of veterans in the Northland. The other grant…

Superior School District Wants Your Input In Choosing Next Superintendent

The survey opened on Jan. 8.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District is seeking a new district administrator and needs your help. The public is asked to participate in a community survey to help choose the next superintendent. Janna Stevens, the current superintendent, is retiring on June 30. The survey closes next Friday on Jan. 19. It asks what qualities people think are important for…

Veteran DJ and Officiant Hosts “Grooms Only Workshop” at Duluth Wedding Show

Wedding Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Wedding Show is taking place this weekend, but it’s not just a day for the brides. Night Magic Productions is making sure the grooms feel included as well. In fact, according to Night Magic Productions Owner Dean Carlson, the company is ensuring the grooms get involved in the wedding planning process. Carlson is hosting the…

Some Wisconsin Lawmakers Must Get Harassment Training

New Senators Must Attend Harassment Training

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Legislature provides sexual harassment training for new lawmakers but only some are required to get it. New senators must attend training by the Senate chief clerk and the Legislature’s human resources department that covers sexual harassment. The Legislature’s attorneys also offer orientation for all new legislators that includes sexual harassment training. Assembly leaders say they plan to…

Local Shelter Offers the Pur-fect Yoga Class

The Humane Society of Douglas County is helping Northlanders relax with animals.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Studies show animals have calming affects on humans. The Humane Society of Douglas County says it’s true and is offering a pur–fect opportunity to relax with felines. Cat yoga is being held at the shelter. You can come in take a yoga class with a certified instructor, while the shelters cats roam around in relaxation with you. “The…

Maintaining City Sidewalks in the Winter

The responsibility is on homeowners and business owners to keep the sidewalks clear.

DULUTH, Minn.- With snow hitting some areas hard,means its time to bust out the shovels.Β The city takes care of our roads but its on Northlanders to maintain the sidewalks of Superior. The city doesn’t have enough resources to ensure the sidewalks are clear for pedestrians. So with this snowfall its important for homeowners and business owners to know the responsibility…

Superior Fire Department Upgrading Its Headquarters

The Superior Fire Department is accepting bids for the project until Feb.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – AΒ big change is coming for the Superior Fire Department.Β The department’s headquarters will be replaced. The process began in 2014 after a station assessment on all of the facilities found a replacement was needed. The Superior Fire Department is currently operating out of a building that’s 37 years old. The facility doesn’t have enough space to store all…

Team Heads to Puerto Rico for Power Restoration

Volunteer Workers from Minnesota Power and SWLP will Leave Late Next Week, Spending at Least One Month in Puerto Rico

DULUTH, Minn. – It was back on September 7th when a group of Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power workers chose to volunteer their time to head south, aiding in power restoration efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma left millions without electricity. Nearly five months after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island of Puerto Rico, recovery and restoration…

New Coffee Shop With A Twist Opening In Superior

Twisted Pastries will have about six employees and baristas begin training in the next few weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee shop with a twist is coming to Superior. Superior natives Mark and Annette Jacobson are behind the Twisted Pastries Coffeehouse. Twisted Pastries will offer unique flavors such as chai tea cupcakes with green tea frosting. Duluth coffee products will also be served in the shop. Renovations to the building began this week. “We’re excited…

Kitty Cats and Yoga Mats at HSDC

"Cat Yoga" Has Arrived at the Humane Society of Douglas County; January Classes are Already Sold Out

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Starting Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00p.m., the Twin Ports will now be home to a growing trend already popular across much of the nation. Cat yoga is skyrocketing in popularity, proving to offer benefits such as lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. β€œMuch spontaneous laughter does happen because it’s just so unpredictable,” said Beth Swanson, Fundraising…

UWS Named a Top Online Bachelor’s Program

University Officials Say Their Online Graduate Enrollment Has Doubled As Well

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior was recently recognized as a top online bachelor’s program by U.S. News and World Report. Administrators tell us their online graduate enrollment has doubled in the last year. They say online programs are great for students who can’t commute to campus and for students who prefer learning in a different setting. “We are…

Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018. The state currently regulates hundreds more pollutants than the federal government. The proposal would allow the Department of Natural Resources…

Superior Chamber Announces New President & CEO

Taylor Pedersen Named to the Position, Has Been With the Chamber Since 2013

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There’s a new permanent President and CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. Taylor Pedersen was named to that position on Monday. The 34-year-old Pedersen is a Superior native with experience managing various businesses around town. Pedersen tells us he doesn’t plan to change much at the Chamber, but will listen to members about new opportunities…

Xcel Energy Plans Solar Garden in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Xcel Energy has announced plans to develop a third, one megawatt solar garden in Ashland. The garden will be part of Solar*Connect Community, Wisconsin largest community solar garden program. If enough customer interest is demonstrated, the garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, and will be located on the property near Xcel’s Ashland service center….

Wisconsin Sees Decline in Dairy Farms

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin is seeing a decline in the number of dairy farms despite increasing milk production as commercial farms expand. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that numbers from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection show the state lost 500 dairy farms last year. Wisconsin had just over 8,800 dairy herds licensed at the beginning of…

University of Wisconsin System Exec to Plead Guilty to Drunken Driving

(UW System) MILWAUKEE (AP) _ The attorney for University of Wisconsin System executive Jessica Tormey says Tormey plans to plead guilty to first-offense drunken driving from an incident in Menomonie in October. Tormey is the chief of staff to UW System President Ray Cross. The Journal Sentinel reports that Tormey was stopped by police on the night of Oct. 5…

Competitive Dancers Prepare for Competition Season

The workshop helps performers learn costume tips.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Dance students at Sterling Silver studio are getting ready for the competition season. The studio held a make-up workshop, teaching competitive dance students how to get in full costume for their competitions. The girls are shown how to do their make-up and hair for the show. β€œAll the hair styles and makeup are themed to fit into what…

Juveniles No Longer to be Held at Troubled Wisconsin Prison

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Juveniles will no longer be housed at a Wisconsin youth prison that’s been under federal investigation and the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging inmate abuse. Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday that the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prisons will be changed into medium security adult prisons. The state will instead open five regional juvenile prisons across the state….

UPDATE: Northbound Lanes on Blatnik Bridge Now Open

The Accident Occured Shortly After 6:20 a.m. Thursday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A crash happened at 6:22 a.m. on the John A. Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior and Duluth. At this time, all northbound lanes are open once again on I-535. The Superior Police Department says they were already handling two separate crashes involving a total of four vehicles. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is responded to the accident. Stay…

Kicking the Butts This New Year

Experts Offer Advice for Those Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The beginning of a new year could be the perfect time to stop one of your bad habits from happening any longer. Staff at the American Lung Association say deciding to kick the butts can be a common New Year’s resolution, in fact, there are certain techniques proving to be more beneficial than others when trying to…

DOJ Collects $15 Million in Environmental Forfeitures

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Wisconsin Department of Justice officials say they’ve collected about $1.5 million from polluters in 2017. The agency issues a news release Wednesday saying the agency completed 49 environmental enforcement cases during the year, resulting in $1.45 million in forfeitures and surcharges. The release says the agency also secured another $18.6 million for environmental improvement projects. During…

3 Likely Hypothermia Deaths in Dane County

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating three possible hypothermia deaths that occurred over the New Year’s weekend. The cases include the death of a 57-year-old man whose body was found in a Madison parking structure on Sunday. Preliminary autopsy results on the body of Vance Perry, of Covington, Georgia, show hypothermia as a contributing…

Wisconsin Farmers Allowed to Grow Hemp, Still Face Barriers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Industrial hemp is an option for Wisconsin farmers for the first time since lawmakers lifted a ban on the crop this fall. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has until March to create regulations for the hemp industry. Allison Pratt-Szeliga is researcher from the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute….

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…

Milwaukee hunter dies after falling out of tree stand

GREENFIELD, Wis. (AP) – A Milwaukee man is dead after falling out of a tree stand while hunting in Sauk County on Sunday. The sheriff’s office says 50-year-old Jacob Herr was wearing a safety harness, but it had not been attached to the tree. A hunting companion found Herr’s body at the base of the tree. Categories: Community, Features, News,…

Man injured in New Year’s shooting at bar in Racine

RACINE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities are investigating a New Year’s shooting at a bar in Racine. Police responded to Curmudgeon’s bar shortly before 2 a.m. Monday. Bar employee Jeff Dandeneau told WITI-TV that bar patrons were celebrating the new year when “everything broke loose.” The man who was shot was taken to a hospital and reported in stable condition. No…

Northland businesses prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Liquor stores are sure to be busy this weekend

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Β Now that Christmas is out of the way, it’s time to start to think about those New Year’s Eve plans. Liquor stores are obviously a major stop for many people getting ready for the celebration. Stores are getting rid of the Christmas gifts sets to make room for the champagne. Employees say this time of year is…

Walker Says Tax Change Will Be $2,508 Cut for Typical Family

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker’s administration says the typical family of four in Wisconsin will see a $2,508 tax cut under the recently passed Republican tax overhaul. Walker released details Wednesday of the analysis completed by the state Department of Revenue. Using Census data and expected growth, the median income for a Wisconsin family of four in 2018…

UWS Faculty Passes Vote of No Confidence in Administration

Faculty Members Want the University to Include More Voices in Decision Making Process

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday night, the University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty passed a vote of no confidence in the University’s administration. About fifty-nine percent of the faculty voted for the no confidence resolution. The vote was taken in response to the administration’s October decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. Faculty voting for the resolution hope it encourages administrators to re-visit their…

Earth Rider Brewery Partners With Duluth Coffee Co. For Coffee-Infused Pale Ale

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earth Rider Brewery in Superior is collaborating with Duluth Coffee Company to create a coffee-infused pale ale. Brewer Allyson Rolph says it’s a process being done in a way that she has never experienced before. “They brought in some sample coffees and we tasted them and we built a beer around that,” Rolph said. β€œSo we were…

New Communication Tower Ensures Signal for Emergency Responders

The communications tower will help provide a signal that has caused issues for emergency responders in the past.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new communications tower will be built in the city of Superior, afterΒ to the approval from the state panel. The tower will be built near the intersection of Townline Road and Polish Road on county property. Officials said the signal in that area is spotty. The topography drop off towards the St. Louis River can cause signal problems…

Girl Convicted in Slender Man Stabbing Sentenced

Anissa Weier passes a note to defense attorney Joseph Smith Jr.. during closing argument sin her case before Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Bohren on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP) WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – One of two Wisconsin girls who tried to kill a classmate to win favor with a fictional horror character named Slender…

Snowy Owl Migration Gives Scientists Chance to Study Them

TAMMY WEBBER - AP

CHICAGO (AP) β€” Scott Judd trained his camera lens on the white dot in the distance. As he moved up the Lake Michigan shoreline, the speck on a breakwater came into view and took his breath away: it was a snowy owl, thousands of miles from its Arctic home. β€œIt was an amazing sight,” said Judd, a Chicago IT consultant….

Traffic Stop in Lenroot Leads to Meth Bust

LENROOT, Wis. – According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, deputies made a traffic stop of a vehicle on Company Lake Road in the Town of Lenroot just after 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 14. The traffic stop was conducted as a result of an investigation into the sale and distribution of meth in Sawyer County. K-9 Officer Oscar did a…

DNR Confirms Cougar in Douglas County

A cougar was confirmed on a trail camera photo in Douglas County Nov. 11, 2017 (DNR) MADISON, Wis. – Department of Natural Resources biologists have confirmed photos taken by a trail cam in Douglas County showed a cougar wandering through the area in mid-November. Photos of the animal were captured in the Foxboro and Bennett areas in a week time…

Talents of Young Musicians Featured at Upcoming Christmas Musicale

DCHS Hosts 2nd Annual Christmas Musicale

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The talents of local youth are being featured in a concert this weekend in Superior. The Douglas County Historical Society is hosting the 2nd Annual Christmas Musicale. The performance is taking place Friday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. This year, musicians Austin Engelhardt & Gabrielle Koepke a Violin Virtuoso Duo, The Soul Sisters, Izzy Bromdahl and the…

Wisconsin Scientists Track Tiny Bat with Small Transmitter

Bat weighs less than a nickel

An eastern pipistrelle was captured and then tracked by scientists as it flew across western Wisconsin. Scientists want to better understand how habitat affects the state’s tiniest bat.(Photo: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scientists in Wisconsin have tracked the state’s smallest bat by using an ultra-light transmitter that beamed its movement after emerging from hibernation. The…

Busy Season for Candy Shops

National Hard Candy Day is Celebrated on Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Twin Ports – Candy lovers had the chance to splurge on their sweet tooth Tuesday. Tuesday, December 19 is National Hard Candy Day! The staff at Sweeden Sweets say now is one of their busiest times of the year with parents coming in the door looking for stocking stuffers and other sweet gifts to give. Hard candy first became popular…