Wisconsin

Intercollegiant Esports Coming to UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis –Come this fall, there will be a new intercollegiate sport at UW-Superior; and it will surprise some of you. It’s esports. University students playing video games! The school has created an eSports gaming room for the players to use in competition. This past January, esports at UWS came to life with a club team. Since then the UWS…

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) Begins Five-Day Campaign Tour Through the State

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) kicked off her five-day Dairyland campaign tour Monday afternoon with the first stop being made in Superior. Baldwin spoke about the issues that she believes are the most important ones facing people in Wisconsin. “I am focused on the pocketbook issues of Wisconsinites,” said Baldwin. “Listening to the people of this state…

Snow Is Just a Bonus For Amsoil Snocross Finals

Popular event on track for first weekend in April

This winter many outdoors lovers had to delay, change or cancel their plans. But one event was determined to go on, and the coming snow will just be frosting on the cake. For years the competitive snowmobile Snocross season kicked off in Duluth over Thanksgiving weekend. This spring, after a several year hiatus, the Snocross will be back–but this time…

Duluth’s Best Bread Hosting Successful Pop-Ups In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Duluth’s Best Bread has turned into Superior’s Best Bread as they’ve been hosting pop-ups there this week. The French-German bakery had been wanting to do a pop-up in Superior with thoughts to open a permanent location there. The success has been outstanding. The pop-ups have been taking place since Wednesday and every day they have sold out…

Demolition Begins For Condemned Superior Bar, Apartments After Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An apartment building and bar in Superior is being torn down after a Thanksgiving fire condemned the building in November. Crews were seen demolishing the former Viking Lounge and apartments on Superior north end. The fire broke out around 10 a.m. Nov. 23 on the 1500-block of North 5th Street near the Hammond Steakhouse. By the time…

UW-Superior Makes Room For Mental Health Discussion and Art

The university held a community conversation surrounding mental health and "Waiting for Beds"

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior is continuing to put an emphasis on mental health. Today, the Department of Social Work hosted a community discussion about mental health and the lack of options in Douglas County for people in crisis. The panel took place in the Kruk Gallery, which is the current home of “Waiting for Beds,” a collaborative art project between…

Coffee Conversation: 17-Year-Old Belle Modeen Pursues Dream in Music

SUPERIOR, WI. — In honor of Thursday, March 21 being National Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, a local musician of Superior High School showcased her talent on the FOX21 morning newscast. 17-year-old Belle Modeen joined Fox 21 Thursday morning to talk about her passion for music, past accomplishments and future goals. Modeen played a cover of What Was I Made For? By…

Superior Plan Commission Makes No Recommendation On Road and Rezoning Requests for NTEC

Issues now go to the City Council regarding proposed natural gas-powered electricity plant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It was standing-room only Wednesday evening as the Superior Plan Commission met to vote on issues involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The commission was considering a request by Minnesota Power to vacate a street and rezone a piece of property at the proposed NTEC site. The meeting ended after nearly four hours of comments. …

Superior Approves $120K Marketing Partnership With Comedian Charlie Berens

The contract will be paid through hotel-motel tax revenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior City Council has approved a $120,000 deal with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens to help boost tourism in the area. The council’s approval comes after an approval by the Tourism Development Commission. Hotel-motel tax revenue will pay for the production of 10 types of content created by Berens, including photos and videos on social media. The…

UW-Superior Campus Receives Recognition for Efforts in Student Voting

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The UW-Superior campus is receiving recognition for its effort in student voter participation. The campus is the only one in the region and one of 93 in the U.S. to be given the 2024 Highly Established Action Plan Seal. The nonprofit organization called ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge provided this award. To get the award their nonpartisan…

‘Neighbors Against NTEC’ Rally Outside City Hall, So Do Supporters

SUPERIOR, Wis. — People for and against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) rallied outside Superior Government Center Tuesday evening. “Neighbors Against NTEC” were seen on the corner of Hammond Avenue and Belknap Street.  They’re concerned the natural gas energy plant would create air and water pollution, as well as cause health issues. “Our lake, our river matter too,”…

Superior Public Library Offers Free Resource Help

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Public Library is offering help to community members in need. The Community Resource Connection event is hosted twice a week for people to stop in and ask questions. Questions can be about getting connected with employment opportunities, housing, food, and clothing. The specialist will provide free information and support. Everyone is welcome to stop in….

Political Sign Alert: Careful Where You Plant Them

Superior is being proactive in getting the word out with spring election campaigns underway.

If November brings the general election season, what does April bring? Wisconsin’s spring election season of course! And what is a political campaign without political campaign signs? This spring the signs have sprouted out of the ground–not the snow.  Superior is being proactive on political sign etiquette, and says you’ll be just fine with a couple basic rules in mind….

Wisconsin Voters To Decide On Banning Private Money To Help Fund Elections

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin voters are set to decide next month whether to make it unconstitutional to accept private grant money to help administer state elections, one of two Republican-backed ballot measures that Democrats say are meant to make it harder to conduct elections in the presidential battleground state. The constitutional amendments on the state’s April 2 ballot also include a…

Fire Victim Reunites With Superior Firefighters Who Saved His Life

Over two years after the housefire that changed his life, Henry Wentzel finally got to hug the firefighters who found him

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — It was a special day at the Superior Fire Department Thursday because after over two years, a fire victim was able to thank the firefighters who helped save his life. In the morning of October 21st, 2021, Henry Wentzel was asleep when a surge protector in his bedroom sparked and lit curtains on fire. Wentzel was found…

President Of Northland College Responds To Institution’s Potential Closure

ASHLAND, Wis. –  The president of Ashland’s Northland College said it was a perfect storm that led to Monday’s urgent plea to the community for financial help. The liberal arts institution of 132 years announced it will begin closing down this summer if it does not raise $12 million in the next three weeks. President Chad Dayton spoke with FOX…

Missing Person Identified, Found Dead Near Pattison Park in Superior

UPDATE (March 11, 11:50 a.m.) — The person who went missing and found dead 3 days later at Pattison Park in the Town of Superior has been identified. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the person is 65-year-old Kim Creager from Washington County, Minnesota. Authorities say no foul play is suspected. ORIGINAL POST: SUPERIOR, Wis.– On Wednesday night, March 6, the…

Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80. Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that…

Teacher Layoffs Announced At Superior School Dist. Amid Budget Cuts

25 teachers are being laid off, and an unknown number of support staff will follow.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Twenty-five teachers at the Superior School District have been notified their positions are being eliminated, as the district deals with a significant budget deficit for the 2024-2025 school year. “It is never easy to make cuts in education. Any cut that we need to make has a direct impact on our students and our families. And so,…

14th Annual St. Louis River Summit Brings Water Enthusiasts Together

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Twin Ports community members are learning all about the St. Louis River and its importance to our area. The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve or Lake Superior Reserve is hosting the 14th Annual St. Louis River Summit this week. The 3-day event is taking place at UWS and is the biggest year yet bringing people together…

League of Women Voters Oppose NTEC

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. — In Douglas County, the League of Women Voters is opposing a proposed natural gas electric plant in Superior. The league says the project would have negative health effects on several groups including children, and the chronically ill. The county chapter of the league says NTEC would contribute to climate change and negatively affect the environment. The…

Blatnik Bridge Project Highlighted In Video Because Of Cooperative Efforts to Receive Funding

DULUTH, Minn. /  SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Blatnik Bridge is being featured in a video series being launched by the Federal Government. It is part of a Department of Transportation plan showing the importance of infrastructure projects. Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation says the Blatnik stands out among the 45 thousand infrastructure projects that are being supported…

Wildfire Season Starting Early DNR Advises Homeowners

Homes Near Undeveloped Wildlands or Open Spaces At Higher Risk According to MN DNR

DULUTH, Minn. — With warmer temperatures and little snow this winter, the DNR says the potential for wildfires will be high this year. In the last two and a half weeks, the DNR has responded to 77 wildfires covering over 4,500 acres. That’s over half the acres covered by wildfires in all of last year. Wildfire season typically starts in…

The Number of People Seeking Food “Unbelievable.”

Chum kicks off March food drive timed at dealing head-on with slow months.

Last year people went to Minnesota food shelves over seven million times–up over 30% from the year before, according to Minnesota FoodShare. That is the story behind a display of food items laid out in Duluth Monday. It was the backdrop for Minnesota FoodShare’s yearly campaign with Chum. During March they hope to collect 50,000 pounds of food and $100,000…

St. Luke’s-Aspirus Affiliation Approved

The Duluth hospital will now be part of a 19-hospital group based in Wausau.

Both had been waiting since a letter of intent signed last summer, but Friday Duluth’s St. Luke’s Hospital became part of Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health. Aspirus now has 19 hospitals. St. Luke’s will still have a corporate office in Duluth. The group also has 130 outpatient locations and a system that now includes northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, and the…

More Than 75 Employers at UWS Spring Career and Internship Fair

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 75 employers were at the University of Wisconsin-Superior Thursday helping students find the perfect job. The Spring Career and Internship Fair is a networking event held twice a year. There is a large variety of industries available to try and meet every students need. Opportunities range from volunteer positions, work from home jobs, and full…

Superior Mayor Meets With Royalton Manor Residents Over Health, Safety Concerns

Residents of the subsidized apartment building look to City and new ownership to fix issues, including fires

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Residents of Royalton Manor in Superior met with Mayor Jim Paine on Thursday evening to discuss the future of the subsidized apartment building. “People, this is their home,” said resident Carla Blair. “And I feel like nobody would live in a home with dripping pipes, mold, nasty carpets. I mean if that was your home, would you…

“Real” Author Offers Real Writing Inspiration

Superior Middle Schoolers hear from local author Erin Soderberg Downing

When reading a book, we know there is an author, but it’s sometimes hard to imagine them as a real flesh and blood person. Well, Tuesday, kids at Superior Middle School got a chance to meet a real-life author. Erin Soderberg Downing is from Duluth and has written dozens of books for kids. She met with sixth graders Tuesday and…

Superior Police Investigate Hit-And-Run

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police are investigating a hit-and-run incident. Chief Paul Winterscheidt told FOX 21 officers responded around 8 p.m. Friday at 22nd avenue East and E Second Street, which is near the Super One plaza. Winterscheidt said the 38-year-old male driver from Duluth rear-ended an occupied vehicle before fleeing the scene, crashing through a residential fence and finally…

Twin Ports Donation Drive To Help ‘Hundreds Of Lives’

The community came out in a big way this weekend with piles of donations for local community outreach organizations. Donations including clothing, hygiene supplies, back packs and toys for children. Lenroot Maetzold and Downs-Lesage funeral homes organized the drive. All of the donations will help a list of local community outreach organizations like CHUM, CASDA, Ruth House, Harbor House, Salvation…

Superior’s Boulder Tap House To Open Wednesday

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Goodbye, Grizzly’s. Hello, Boulder Tap House. The countdown is on for the newest member of the Twin Ports dining scene. Finishing touches and staff training continue as Wednesday’s opening gets closer. On Tower Avenue in Superior, Boulder will sit – literally — on the site of the old Grizzly’s. That long-time favorite had been remodeled five times,…

Superior Rotary Sees Results of Fundraising Efforts for Ukrainian Ambulance

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — This week marks two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Rotary Clubs in Ukraine and across the world have worked together to raise money to help with humanitarian aid. The Superior Rotary is one of the clubs that stepped up to help, and they got some inspiring news this week. Since last September the Superior Rotary Club has…

Drone Helps Find Missing Pine County Man

A new technology involving drones helped find the body of a missing Pine County man with dementia. The 86-year-old man was last seen near the Nemadji State Forest, which is a vast area over 92,000 acres. Earl Bakke is retired from law enforcement and started a drone business that helps to locate missing people. He reached out the Pine County…

Wisconsin Republican-Controlled Senate Votes To Reject Evers Appointees

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to reject four of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ appointees, including a member of the state’s natural resources policy board and a former lieutenant governor who was to serve on a hospital governing board. That brings to 13 the number of Evers appointees that the Senate has rejected, which has the effect…

Community Forum Held on Potential Health Impacts of NTEC Project

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community forum against the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) in Superior was held Tuesday evening focused on the potential health, environmental, and community impacts of the project. The speakers were made up of tribal leaders, scientists, and health professionals.  Dr. Brittany Keyes traveled from Beloit to present at the event in Superior. Keyes said she’s…

Republican Eric Hovde Seeks To Unseat Democrat Baldwin In Wisconsin Race For US Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican businessman and real estate mogul Eric Hovde launched his bid for the U.S. Senate against Wisconsin Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Tuesday, saying in a video that “America is slipping away” and “everything is going in the wrong direction.” This is Hovde’s second Senate campaign; he ran in 2012 but lost in the GOP primary to former Gov….

Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Signs His New Legislative Maps Into Law After Republicans Pass Them

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps into law on Monday that he proposed and that the Republicans who control the Legislature passed to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats hailed the signing as a major political victory in the swing state where the Legislature has been firmly under Republican…

The World’s Heaviest Ball of Twine Debuts at New Home

Marking a memorable roadside attraction into a memorial for the man who created it.

HIGHLAND, Wis. — There’s a debate between Minnesota and Kansas over who has the largest ball of twine, but across the bridge in Wisconsin, the heaviest ball of Twine just moved to its new home. Although the long-time creator of the world’s heaviest twine ball, James Frank Kotera, passed away over a year ago. The community that he was a…

After ‘Threat Complaint,’ Solon Springs School District Board Criticized For ‘Lack of Communication’

UPDATE Following 2/14 Story

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. — Emotions were high Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting over safety and security procedures within the district. The meeting was called after a “threat complaint” by a student on Monday, February 5th. According to the district and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, they determined the threat was a misunderstanding. They say…

Emotions Erupt At Solon Springs School Board Meeting Over Recent ‘Threat Complaint’

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Emotions hit a breaking point Tuesday night at a special Solon Springs School District board meeting involving safety and security procedures within the district. Officials at the district said the meeting was about providing facts and dispelling rumors around what parents said was a gun threat by a student that wasn’t handled properly. The meeting started…

Snow-Making Machines Save 50th American Birkebeiner, But With Changes

CABLE, Wis. – Officials with the 50th Annual American Birkebeiner announced Monday evening that the races will go on next week in one form or another. The Birkie won’t be taking its traditional path from Cable to Hayward and will instead take place on a 10 kilometer loop in Cable. Races that go beyond 10 kilometers will do loops. Organizers…

First-Ever February Tornado Forms In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The first-ever tornado in February was spotted Thursday just south of Madison, the National Weather Service confirmed. It was the first tornado ever for the state of Wisconsin during the month since records have been kept, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Rock County officials, in the area where the tornado was reported, received reports of about…

Superior’s The Strength Factory Makes Working Out ‘Safe and Inclusive’

Kelly Kellar's passion project promotes community and fitness for everyone

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The gym can be intimidating! The Strength Factory in Superior is trying to change that narrative. It all started seven years ago as a crowdfunding campaign. Now, the women-owned and operated gym offers classes in kickboxing and weightlifting, focusing on cardio, endurance, and balance. The Strength Factory owner Kelly Kellar has spent years creating an inclusive and…