Wisconsin

Crews Battle Multiple Wildfires in Minong and Wascott

MINONG & WASCOTT, Wis.– Fire crews in northwest Wisconsin battled multiple wildfires this weekend including a large one near Minong that ignited Saturday evening. Nearly 200 acres burned west of Highway 53 and east of Smith Bridge Road in Washburn County. Two trailer homes and five secondary structures mostly sheds were destroyed by flames. The DNR had 22 different pieces…

Police: BNSF Law Enforcement Agents Clear Our Superior Homeless Encampment

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A growing homeless encampment near railroad tracks in Superior was forced out Thursday afternoon. Superior police said law enforcement agents from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) took steps to remove six people from an area of private railroad property near the Belknap viaduct. Superior police said BNSF did not make them aware of Thursday’s enforcement,…

Treating Contamination to Start at Thomson Reservoir

Dioxins in the bottom sediment have been a concern since the 1980's.

There was good news Wednesday in the effort to start dealing with contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir. Federal and state lawmakers made the announcement in Carlton. It is the start of a $35 million project–with most of the funding coming from the EPA through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Small pellets of granulated, activated carbon will be poured out over…

Solar Eclipse a Gray, Cloudy Washout in the Northland

No sun rays--only rain drops hit the eyes of those gathered at UMD planetarium.

If there was a place not to have a solar eclipse viewing party Monday, it was in the Northland. But that did not stop the hopeful at UMD. Many stood in the rain, looking up at the sky, only to have raindrops on their faces instead of the sun in their eyes. “Right now, just clouds, clouds and clouds,” said…

Duluth’s KQDS-TV, FOX21 Ownership Change Completed

Sale finalized to Coastal Television Broadcasting Group LLC.

Duluth’s KQDS-TV, FOX 21 welcomed new ownership on Monday. The completion of the sale to the Coastal Television Broadcasting Group LLC, culminated a several-year process during which the station’s long-time owners had been looking for the right buyer. Coastal Television Broadcasting Group LLC is a Georgia-based company owned and operated by Coastal’s Founder and CEO, Bill Fielder. Coastal owns or…

Minnesota Power ‘Disappointed’ With Superior City Council’s Denial Of NTEC Public Hearing

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Minnesota Power is “disappointed” with the city of Superior after the council voted down the opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). On Wednesday night, five of the nine city councilors voted to hold a public hearing. But the motion to approve needed six votes. This comes after the Superior Plan…

40 Additional Staff Laid Off Amid Superior School District’s $4M Budget Deficit

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More employees of the Superior School district have been let go as the district tackles a $4 million deficit for the next school year. Forty support staff members, mostly paraprofessionals, were notified this week about the layoffs, according to a district spokesperson. This comes after 25 teachers were told last month that their positions were being eliminated….

Ashland Woman Hit, Killed By Vehicle

ASHLAND, Wis. — An Ashland woman has died after being hit by a vehicle. The victim is identified as 68-year-old Rose Kozeneski. The accident happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday on State Highway 13 and 7th Street. Police said the victim was struck while walking diagonally into a lane of traffic from the median. Police said the driver never saw the…

Northland College Gives Itself Two More Weeks to Solve Financial Crisis and Avoid School Closure

A Thursday evening meeting left many in the NC community 'annoyed' with the uncertainty going forward after initial deadline is moved

ASHLAND, Wis. — Yesterday’s self-imposed deadline for the future of Northland College came and went. Today, college leaders said it will be another two weeks before they know for sure. The news came during a meeting in the gymnasium. The bleachers were filled with students, staff, and faculty, gathered to learn something about their future. They were there to hear…

Superior Fire Department Celebrates New Hires and Promotions

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Fire Department hosted a swearing in and awards ceremony Thursday afternoon. The event was all about welcoming aboard new firefighters, celebrating promotions, and learning about the accomplishments firefighters have done this last year. It is a chance for fire crews to be in the spotlight and for the community to support the work that they…

In Swing-State Wisconsin, Democrat Hustles To Keep Key Senate Seat Against Trump-Backed Millionaire

NEW GLARUS, Wis. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, whose “go everywhere” 2018 campaign strategy became a model for how to win in battleground Wisconsin, knows her road to victory this year against a multimillionaire Republican supporter of former President Donald Trump goes through places like New Glarus. The bucolic village of 2,200, founded by Swiss immigrants and famous for its Spotted…

Sexual Assault, Domestic and Child Abuse Getting Important Focus in April

Awareness effort started Monday in Superior with commitment to support and education.

Sexual assault and domestic and child abuse are issues that continue to plague communities. April is a month when advocates focus attention on the issue and the effort kicked off Wednesday at the Douglas County Government Center in Superior. It involved law enforcement, political leaders, educators, and those with the court system. The wide cross-section represented the message and the…

Feds: Chicago Drug Operation Preying On Duluth Area Busted

DULUTH, Minn. – A Chicago-based drug trafficking ring that’s been targeting the Duluth area has been broken up with eight members indicted by the feds, according to the United States Attorney’s Office District of Minnesota. The announcement was made Tuesday in Duluth by U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and County…

Big, Sincere Welcome for Barbro G and Crew; First Saltie of 2024

Official "spring" for port community.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is a welcome that never gets old. Tuesday, the first ocean-going vessel of the season received heart-felt greetings on a windy, wet and gray day. Inside the ship’s bridge, it was warmth and smiles as the captain and crew of the Barbro G were presented with everything Duluth and Superior. That included an endless flow of…

11th Hour To Save Northland College From Closure; Former City Council Pres. Speaks Out

ASHLAND, Wis. – A former Ashland city council president is speaking out about the possible closure of Northland College. This comes as the college faces a deadline of Tuesday, March 3, to raise $12 million to stay open, according to the college’s president. Northland College in Ashland announced March 11th that it needed $12 million before April 3. The president…

Twin Ports Community Doubles Support For ‘Musical Bingo’ & Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bingo fanatics, roughly 170 of them, joined together Thursday night at Barker’s Island Inn to support free community music by playing Musical Bingo. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger called the song titles at Siggy’s Musical Garden, which is an organization that supports local music and artists behind it. Songs were provided by the Mackie Brothers, a rock group…

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…