Wisconsin

Volunteers Keep Historical Landmarks Functioning in the Northland

Northland Uncovered: Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s National Volunteer week across America and it’s volunteers that help keep our favorite historical landmarks running throughout the country. It’s easy to see Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center volunteer Debbie Ritzinger’s passion for her job. “I read the letters, I touch everything that comes in, I work with wonderful people,” said Ritzinger. Ritzinger has been…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Hosts Fundraiser

Spring Splash raises money for the agency's efforts to educate and respond to child abuse

DULUTH, Minn. – First Witness Child Advocacy Center is celebrating its 25th year serving children in the Northland and around the world. On Friday, the agency hosted its Spring Splash fundraiser gala. Hundreds of community members came out to support for the work First Witness does in strengthening the community response to child abuse. Organizers say the gala is an important fundraiser…

Superior Fire Department Holds Swearing In Ceremony

Members of the Superior Fire Department celebrated promotions, as well as the beginning of new careers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fire fighters in Superior took a big step forward in their careers on Friday. The department celebrated with a swearing in ceremony on Friday afternoon. Some members received promotions to higher ranks, while others were taking their first steps towards serving the community. The crowd was full of proud family members. “It really has to be a source…

Authorities Continue to Investigate Cooper Elementary Fire

The Superior School District Says There are Still Many Unknowns

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District says that there are still many unknowns regarding the Sunday night and Monday morning Cooper Elementary School fire. At this time the exact dollar amounts of the damages is unknown, but the School District says they expect it will be more than $1.5 million. There is also no estimated time when the new Cooper…

Minneapolis man on Trial in UW-Stout Student Death

Alhahdi was a Junior Majoring in Business Administration at UW-Stout

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) – A Minneapolis man is on trial in the beating death of a University of Wisconsin-Stout student from Saudi Arabia. The Leader-Telegram reports a jury was selected Tuesday for the trial of 28-year-old Cullen Osburn. He’s charged with felony murder and aggravated battery in the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi. The 24-year-old student died from a brain…

Trump Administration Weighing Drug Testing for Food Stamps

The Administration Wants to Allow States to Tighten Work Requirements for Food Stamp Recipients.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is considering a plan that would allow states to require mandatory drug testing for some food stamp recipients. If adopted, the plan would give a win to conservatives seeking to cut the safety net program. An administration official briefed on the plan says it would be narrowly targeted, applying mostly to people who are…

United States Mint Launches Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter

The Event is Being Held at Legendary Waters Resort in Red Cliff

RED CLIFF, Wis. – Legendary Waters Resort in Red Cliff is hosting The United States Mint and the National Park Service today for the launch of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program honoring Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarter is the 42nd release in the Beautiful Quarters Program. The program was launched in 2009 with the…

Retirement Planning Week Prompts Simple Saving Tips

National Retirement Planning Week is April 9 - 13, Prompting Tips to Start Saving Now

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is National Retirement Planning Week, a week dedicated to helping American’s get their financial plans on track so that they can retire on their terms. Whether you’re a millennial just entering the workforce or a baby boomer transitioning into retirement, you may be surprised to learn some of the basic tips you should be implementing…

Humane Society of Douglas County to “Paws for Love”

The Fundraising Gala is Happening Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Yellowjacket Union in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Residents in the Twin Ports are invited to purchase tickets now through Friday, April 13 for the 12th Annual Paws for Love Fundraising Gala supporting the Humane Society of Douglas County in Superior. Tickets are on sale right now for $50 per person. This includes a fabulous dinner, musical entertainment and live and silent auctions as well…

Superior Public Library Expanding to Offer More Programs

This is the first time in nearly 25 years the library will undergo renovations.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Public Library is undergoing renovations to create more space for community members. This is the first update the library has received in nearly 25 years. Overall the project is halfway completed, work is underway for a new teen area, the children’s room is being expanded, and new carpeting. “We just hope to be able to offer…

Superior Receives First State of the City Address in Years

Mayor Jim Paine informed the community of his achievements and future plans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  For the first time since 2010 Superior receives State of the City Address. On Tuesday, Mayor Paine presented to the community his achievements over the past year and his future plans. Paine says it’s an honor to serve as Mayor and feels the public should be informed. Afterward, the packed crowd responded with applause. Mayor Paine says next…

Twin Ports Employers Visit WITC for Job Fair

In a 2016 survey, 72 percent of those employed were able to start their career in an occupation related to their training.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It’s been a big day for Northland job seekers. More than 60 Twin Ports employers gathered in Superior for a job fair on the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) campus. For many students the job fair is their first step into the door for a new job with an opportunity to give employers their resumes. Some of…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Celebrates Northland Heroes With Updated Exhibit

It's the first update of this magnitude since the museum opened 15 years ago.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is updating one of its exhibits that celebrates the life of Maj. Richard “Dick” Bong. The Northland Heroes Exhibit is undergoing a multi-phase renovation. It’s the first update of this magnitude since the museum opened 15 years ago. The exhibit expands on Bong’s family history, shows exclusive artifacts and his…

Superior School District Speaks Out After Cooper Elementary School Fire

The district is waiting on investigation reports.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- We’re learning new information about a fire at Cooper Elementary School in Superior that caused $1.5 million dollars in damage. Many questions remain unanswered like if the new Cooper building will still open in time for the next school year as planned. We know arson is not suspected and it’s believed the original fire started in a gym…

Wisconsin Town is Home to Carnegie Library and Presidential History

Northland Uncovered: Washburn Public Library

WASHBURN, Wis. – A library is often a place for community and that’s a constant across the country, including right here in the Northland. Some Wisconsinites even stop by their hometown library when they’re back in town just for a little reminder of home. A Carnegie Library isn’t a rare sight to see in the country, but one building stands…

State Pays out Nearly $600K to Settle UW-Madison Sexual Harassment Cases

The Largest Settlement, for $250,000, was in 2008

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state has paid nearly $600,000 over the last decade to settle allegations of sexual misconduct by University of Wisconsin-Madison employees. New documents obtained by the Wisconsin State Journal and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel show 20 sexual harassment cases have been filed against UW-Madison workers since 2008. Six cases led to payouts totaling $591,050. The largest…

Walker to Sign Nine Welfare Overhaul Bills Into law

Parents of School-Aged Children Will now Need to Work 30 Hours a Week to Receive Food Stamps

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker plans to sign nine welfare overhaul bills into law that include increasing the work requirement for food stamp recipients and imposing it on parents for the first time. Walker planned to sign the bills Tuesday in Wausau, River Falls and Milwaukee. Republicans were united in support of the bills, saying the changes will…

Superior Cooper Elementary School Fire Update

The Cause of the Fire is Still Undetermined but Arson is not Suspected

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New information has come to light regarding the Sunday night and Monday morning fires at the Cooper Elementary School in Superior. Authorities say they believe the original Sunday evening fire started in the gym storage room and burned through a one inch flex rubber natural gas line. Gas that was flowing from the school’s boiler room reached…

Firefighters Battle Second Fire at Cooper Elementary School

School leaders had an evacuation plan ready in case the fire escalated.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A fire Sunday night caused an estimated $1 million in damage at the new Cooper Elementary School in Superior, a building that’s still under construction. The fire crews were out Monday, April 9, continuing their investigation when a second fire broke out. The old Cooper Elementary School is still being used right next door to where the fire…

Green Bay Vehicle-House Crash Injures Four; House Uninhabitable

Police are Continuing to Investigate the Incident.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – Four people were injured when a car crashed into a house on Green Bay’s west side, pushing it almost a foot off its foundation and shearing off a gas line. Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Vanden Avond says the house was left uninhabitable after the Saturday afternoon incident. The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that…

Weekend Head-on Crash in Town of Dane Kills Both Drivers

The Victims Names Were not Immediately Released

TOWN OF DANE, Wis. (AP) – A 35-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman are dead after a two-vehicle head-on crash in the Town of Dane. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office says car driven by the man crossed the center line of Highway 113 and struck a van being driven by the woman about 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Both drivers died at…

Earth Rider Brewery Gears Up for Beerfest in Superior

“We want to be Superior’s brewery.” -Frank Kaszuba, Director of Brewing Operations at Earth Rider Brewery

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Craft beer fans in the Twin Ports are getting excited for a big day in Superior this weekend. At Earth Rider Brewery in Superior they’re busy canning a new beer for stores, but they’re also gearing up for the Gitchee Gumee Brewfest. The festival is an annual event in Superior and this will be the first time…

Glenwood City School District Faculty Arrested for Sexual Communication with Juvenile

A Search Warrant was Conducted at his Home and Workplace.

GLENWOOD CITY, Wis. – A faculty member at Glenwood City School District was arrested yesterday and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of exposing a child to harmful material, one count of causing a child to view/listen to sexual activity, and one count of use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime….

Voters Give Green Light for New Town of Superior Fire Hall

The public will be able to comment on the new building, April 17th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The residents of the Town of Superior voted yes Tuesday night for a new fire hall for the amount of $1.8 million. The plan calls for the fire hall to be built behind the current fire hall, which is deteriorating . The fire chief says a new building is essential. “We’re very happy that the residents are happy and…

UWS Hosts Its Largest High School Math Competition

About 200 students competed in this year's math meet.

DULUTH, MINN. – The University of Wisconsin Superior hosted its largest High School Math Meet on Wednesday, April 4. It’s where 31 teams from 18 schools in the Northland compete in math tests ranging from algebra to trigonometry. Students have 15 minutes for each test. The winning team claims the top prize and bragging rights with a trophy. “It’s a…

Essentia Health Implements New Program for Sexual Assault Victims

The Essentia Health Superior Hospital has collaborated with the St Mary's Medical Center to start a new program for Sexual Assault Victims

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Essentia Health Superior Hospital is doing their part to end sexual assault by starting a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. The program was adopted from the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth to provide the same level of care no matter the location “Patients sometimes simply don’t have transportation over to Duluth and knowing that they are…

Superior Takes Action to End Sexual Assault

The Mayor of Superior issued a city and county proclamation to declare April Sexual Assault and Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Advocates, survivors, researchers, and allies all gathered this afternoon in superior to start a conversation and take a stand against sexual assault. .The forum was just the beginning of many events that will be held throughout the month as a way to support and combat one of the most under reported and heinous crimes in the community….

Bong Veterans Historical Center Enlists Stuffed Animals Into Military

Kids prepared to send their favorite stuffed animal to go through boot camp training.

The Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior hosted a boot camp where animals from all walks of life can enlist in different branches of the military. This is the inaugural Stuffie Boot Camp that welcomes stuffed animals like bears, gorillas and kangaroos. Kids prepared to send their favorite stuffed animal to go through boot camp training. They spent time coloring and…

Superior Public Library Adopting A Co-working Concept For Small Businesses

Developers eventually want to register the Superior Public Library with the Wisconsin Historical Society.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – If you’e not familiar with a co–working concept, that will change soon and it’s going to develop in the old Superior Public Library. That library on Hammond Avenue functioned as just that until 1993, but now an architect based out of North Carolina will turn the Historical Carnegie Library into a small business hub. Part of the goal is to have small businesses start off…

Superior Elementary Parents Learn School District’s Emergency Procedures

Parents Learned How They Can Help Districts Prepare for Potential Violent Incidents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A parent’s worst nightmare is an emergency at their kids’ school. Wednesday, parents at Superior Elementary Schools learned about the district’s plans for preventing violence and how they can help. Over the last year, the Superior School District has added new security measures and installed buzzer systems at the front doors of all their schools, and they’ve…

Kenny Wong’s Owners Retiring After Nearly 30 Years In Business

Kenny Wong's is located at 1901 Tower Ave. in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The people behind Kenny Wong’s restaurant in Superior are finally hanging up their aprons and chef’s hats after nearly three decades. Kenny Wong’s has been a longtime fixture for Chinese cuisine and Kenny says it’s now time to slow down. Retirement is calling his name and his last day will be May 12. He says it hasn’t hit him yet,…

Onyx Apartment Complex Nearing Completion

Superior's new luxurious apartment complex is set to be completed by summer 2018.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Onyx apartment complex is well underway, raising the standards of living in the superior community. The complex will have a fitness center, community room, heated garage parking, and even a pet spa. It also provides a healthier environment for its tenants with an h–vac system to ensure fresh air supply to the units. “It just gives…

UW-Superior and Superior City Leaders Join Forces to Create Better City Environment

Three Community Listening Sessions Remain in Series

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City leaders and folks from the UW-Superior Center for Community Engaged Learning have been working together to make the town a better place. Together, they’ve been hosting a series of community listening sessions to determine needs of the community. In previous sessions, students, the elderly and more have given their opinions on what is important to…

Superior Elks Donation to Benefit Hundreds of Children

Superior Elks #403 Recently Donated $1,000 to Two Accounts After Receiving a Grant from the Elks National Foundation

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Elks #403 was recently awarded two grants in the amount of $1,000 each from the Elks National Foundation. Grants Coordinator Cris Crum says one of the $1,000 checks will be awarded to the Now Account. This fund provides food for kids who can’t afford lunches. The other check will be donated to the Angel Fund,…

New Plans Prompts Discussions to Tighten School Safety in Superior

Governor Scott Walker signed a $100 million plan to tighten school security.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Monday in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a $100 million plan to tighten school security, which asks the questions if this affects local schools. Security update discussions began before it passed legislation. Officials say the district may add an automatic door locking system to all schools. They’re reviewing outside cameras and might add more communication devices. Superior Superintendent Janna…

Progress in Northern Lights Express Project

The proposed high-speed train will connect the Twin Ports and Minneapolis.

DULUTH, Minn.- A high speed train connecting the Twin Ports has been under the works for nearly a decade, on Monday officials announced the Northern Lights Express project is moving along. Officials say the window of opportunity for the Northern Lights Express is finally open.  The half billion dollar train has been cleared to seek government funding. The next steps…

Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center Opens in Minong

Long Awaited Community Center Has a Pool, Fitness Center, and Gymnasium

MINONG, Wis. – The long-awaited Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center is now open. After more than a year of construction and anticipation, the center opened its doors to the public this weekend. So far, guests have been streaming in, taking tours, and signing up for memberships. “This morning at nine o’clock when I came in to open the doors,…

New Stop Added on North Shore Scenic Railroad

Right now the trip is just a trial run.

DULUTH, Minn.- The North Shore Scenic Railroad goes from Duluth to Two Harbors. This summer a new stop will be made along the way. A special Knife River train ride is now available. Officials say they’re dipping their toes into the idea offering a trial Picnic Train. The day trip will include time to explore the beach, Lake Superior, and…

How to Volunteer for the Quilt-a-Thon

The Quilt-a-Thon donates comforters to kids in crisis.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Northlanders are making quilts for kids in crisis at the 26th Quilt-a-Thon. Volunteers make nearly 50 quilts during Quilt-a-Thon, over all 100 quilts will be donated to various organizations. Sewers will gather at the Mariner Retail in Superior at 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m. Organizers say everyone is welcome to lend a hand. “I guess you really get the…

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Conference Examines Childhood Obesity

Proper diet and exercise is one of the first steps to preventing childhood obesity.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS) has a Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Conference every year that typically looks at the second half of life. But this year the university is focused on an issue affecting many young children. In fact, one in five school age children and young people six to 19 years old in the United…

Phase Two of Belknap Highway Reconstruction Begins In Superior

Businesses brace for slump during Belknap construction project

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Phase two of the Belknap Highway 2 Reconstruction Project in Superior is now underway. The $23 million project includes transforming the center section from John Avenue to Birch Avenue. Michael DeMeo has owned Big Apple Bagel in Superior for five years. Last year when the first phase of this project happened he saw a 50 percent decrease…

Superior Conducts Annual Stormwater Cleaning Training

The training was at the Estuarium in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Experts with the city of Superior say stormwater is the biggest pollutant to Lake Superior from their community. Contractors and consultants who design and implement new projects in the city took part in an annual training for stormwater cleaning. The training provides tips and techniques on how to handle stormwater pollution that could potentially come off construction…

Assembly Committee to Hold Hearing on School Safety Bills

Meeting Will be Held Tomorrow

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Assembly Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing on Gov. Scott Walker’s $100 million school safety plan and other related proposals. The hearing Tuesday comes as the Assembly is expected to pass the bills in a special session Thursday. But the Senate may take a different approach, a move that could kill the measures. Walker, Lt. Gov….

Fifth Graders Bagging Groceries To Help Veterans

Cathedral School students will perform and open for the band, Madison Rising on March 30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Fifth graders at Cathedral School in Superior are not only participating in this year’s Nearly Naked Ruck March, they are helping raise money for veterans. Amber Nielsen is a fifth grade teacher at Cathedral School in Superior and she’s also a veteran. She says she wanted students to know about the sacrifices made by the men and women…

Mont du Lac Hosts Snowmobile Races Before the Season Ends

Mont du Lac Resort is located 3125 Mont du Lac Drive in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – On your mark get set, go! The Mont du Lac Resort in Superior hosted the Grand National Uphill Snow Drags. The race is usually scheduled as one of the last events of the season, but the amount of snow has kept the resort open. Double eliminations meant guys had to lose two races to get bumped out. If…

Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program Offers Safe Ride Options For Patrons

Vouchers are $7 if the cab ride is more than $7 the patron covers the balance.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year St. Paddy’s Day falls on a Saturday and several local businesses are a part of the Twin Ports JOYRIDE Program helping people get home safe. One of them is Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth. Bent Paddle joined the program in 2016 and promotes safe and sober driving. If the beer tenders see someone who…

DCHS History Sunday Features “NOTHiNG”

Douglas County Historical Society Brings Back History Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Historical Society is bringing back History Sunday events. This weekend, you can learn all about NOTHiNG. NOTHiNG was a plastic container with nothing in it. The gift box was a local sensation that was in response to the pet rock craze. The box was created by two local radio disc jockeys, Dale Botten and…

Earth Rider Brewery Now Selling Beer in Cans

You can find Earth Rider beer in most major liquor stores in the Twin Ports.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  Earth Rider Brewery in Superior started production last year, now you can purchase Earth Rider brews in stores just in time for the weekend. In Superior, Wisconsin there hasn’t been a beer canning operation since the 1960’s until now.  Earth Rider Brewery is lining up cans to hit the shelves. The new canning line can produce up to…

“Going Blue” at 8th Annual River Summit

Event organizers say Lake Superior is critical to our everyday lives.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Here in the Northland, we depend on our lakes just to keep us alive. This week, a conference has those fresh waters in mind. It’s the eighth annual St. Louis River Summit at the Yellowjacket Union on campus at University of Wisconsin-Superior. The conference brings together some of the top scientific minds in the area to discuss…

Kid-Friendly Events Connect Youth to Northland History

Camp Bong & Stuffie Boot Camp Taking Registrations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two fun events in Superior are getting school-aged kids involved with local history. Officials at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are continuing Camp Bong have created another event, Stuffie Boot Camp. Camp Bong is put on by the historical center and The University of Wisconsin – Superior. Camp Bong is a sleepover experience at the…