Wisconsin

Information on Nemadji Trail Energy System Heard By Superior Plan Commission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –The Superior Plan Commission met Wednesday afternoon, and the major item on its agenda was the  Nemadji Trail Energy Center. The commissioners heard from representatives of Minnesota Power and Clean Wisconsin. Before the meeting got underway, which had a standing-room-only crowd, we talked to representatives of both groups who explained their position on the natural gas energy plant…

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Organized labor came together inside Superior City Hall Tuesday to debunk what they call false information from Mayor Jim Paine and some city councilors involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Members of the Northern Wisconsin Buildings Trades took to the podium for a press conference Tuesday night.  They’re calling on the community to educate themselves…

Superior Holds First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

City officials, activists, and children gathered at the Superior Public Library the Day After MLK Jr. Day

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Today, Superior held its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Community members joined together at Superior Public Library to read about and discuss King’s legacy. The library, which was closed for the official holiday yesterday, put out book displays featuring King and other Black activists. Children were invited to color and complete word searches. Mayor Jim…

Hang In There On Those New Year’s Resolutions!

Duluth store trying to help people reach their goals.

DULUTH, Minn. — The holidays are over, and all those parties and plates of cookies are in the rearview mirror. Those with resolutions for the new year are sixteen days into 2024. Many people looking for added motivation were making their way into All-Star Nutrition in Duluth, Tuesday. Everyone had their own goals and benchmarks for reshaping themselves a bit…

Superior Mayor Determined To Stop NTEC As Labor Ramps Up Support

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Billboards and yard signs are beginning to pop up in Superior in support of building the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). This comes as Mayor Jim Paine says he’s continuing to do whatever he can to derail the natural gas power plant for good. Mayor Paine is banking on Wisconsin state regulators to change their approval of…

Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander Retires

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A little over two and a half decades ago Nick Alexander joined the Superior police department. It was his first job in police work. Since then Alexander has held just about every job that exists in the police department. As friends and colleagues stopped for his retirement party Friday afternoon,  Alexander spoke about his roles in the…

Remembering Veterans All Year Long

Gifts during the holidays a symbol of a year-round need.

Special efforts continue with a commitment to remember veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. Gifts were delivered there Wednesday by the Bong Veterans Historical Center after their holiday collection drive. American Legion Bong Post 435 played an active role in the effort. Commander Butch Liebaert said it is the culmination of a year-round attempt to help all…

UW-Superior Students Place Third in Global Supply Chain Competition

Hayden Thomas and Mitchell Hecimovich Created Sustainable Solution to a Real-World Problem

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — UW-Superior students took home third place in an international supply chain competition. They competed against students from universities around the globe, including China, France, and Algeria. All seventy one teams created sustainable solutions to real-world supply chain challenges, according to Khadija Ajmal, UWS Assistant Professor of Transportation and Logistics. That’s what this competition exposed students to, to…

Wisconsin Representatives Talk Proposed Limited Medical Marijuana Bill In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin representatives gathered at Superior’s Government Center Monday unveiling a plan to legalize medical marijuana. The bill would create a limited plan for medical marijuana use to those with serious, chronic diseases such as cancer or those with severe chronic pain. There would be 5 state-run dispensaries and smokeable marijuana would not be allowed. The smokeless options…

Wisconsin Republicans Unveil Medical Marijuana Bill After Evers Voices Support

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans on Monday unveiled a highly restricted plan to legalize medical marijuana in the state, a proposal years in the making that comes less than a week after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers voiced support for the idea. The bill would limit medical marijuana only to severely ill people with chronic diseases such as cancer and allow for…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

WI State Rep. Angie Sapik Announces Run For Reelection

Wisconsin State Rep. Angie Sapik is running for reelection for Dist. 73 in Northwestern Wisconsin. The Republican from Lake Nebagamon made the announcement over the weekend at the Log Cabin Tavern just outside of Superior. “We accomplished a lot of things in this cycle from the largest increases in shared revenue in history, to holding people accountable for fentanyl deaths,”…

White Snowshoe Hare Waiting (And Hiding) Until Snow Comes

The big-footed critter's bright white winter coat stands out against brown and gray forest.

The long wait for winter is beneficial for some wildlife, but potentially deadly for others. Ironically, the lack of snow actually makes life more challenging for some animals. An example of that is a snowshoe hare that was hiding under some brush and branches at Gooseberry Falls State Park on Wednesday.  The hare was spotted by park interpreter and naturalist…

1 Arrested After Superior Officer’s License Plate Reader Spots Stolen Vehicle

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A heavy police presence happened Wednesday afternoon around a McDonald’s in Superior. The incident happened at the North 21st Street McDonald’s around 3:30 p.m. Officials said a police officer’s “Automated License Plate Reader” in his squad spotted the stolen vehicle in front of him. Per the Superior Police Department’s procedures, multiple officers arrived on scene to order…

50th Annual Birkebeiner To Ski Forward Despite Lack Of Snow

Officials may be forced to scale back, but they say Birkie week will not be canceled

HAYWARD, Wis. – The 2024 American Birkebeiner is expected to attract 14,000 to as many as 15,000 skiers for the race’s 50th anniversary.  Organizers say, the lack of snow isn’t going to ruin the fun. “It’s non-negotiable. We will be doing something in Hayward during Birkie week,” said Blair Flickinger, marketing director for the race. “I would say we are…

Sen. Klobuchar Looks to Bridge Federal Funding for Blatnik Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. — For the last 62 years now, the Blatnik Bridge helped the Twin Ports to stay connected. Most recently, both Minnesota and Wisconsin submitted their second application for federal funding to replace the bridge. Their first, being back in August. Sunday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar spoke alongside the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth Building and…

“No Snow Sale” A Sign of Winter (or Non-Winter)

Outdoors Gear Store Northwest Outlet adapts to what Mother Nature serves up.

Those who want to get outside and enjoy a real winter, don’t know how long they will have to wait. And there is a different kind of waiting going on for those who sell winter gear. Superior’s outdoors gear store, Northwest Outlet, has decided it can’t wait forever for cold and snow, so they’re putting out the sale sign for…

Is The Ice Safe? Better Check First

Those venturing out are urged to be careful because many have gone through the ice already.

The cautionary tone about being careful on lake and river ice was echoed this week as outdoor enthusiasts get antsy. At Duluth’s Marine General, this month they had customers torn between both ice and open-water fishing. Some anglers were rigging up their boats and heading out on the lake. But with the weather now turning back to a little bit…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sets Attendance Record in 2023–Again

The number of visitors was up 10,000 from year before.

While the weather has forced many businesses to adjust, others keep on trucking. Or maybe swimming? The Great Lakes Aquarium is finishing the year in record-breaking fashion. In fact, they’ve broken their attendance record for the second year in a row. In 2023 they had ten thousand more visitors than last year—hitting the 210,000 mark. Aquarium leaders say the holiday…

Santa Delivers To Meet Salvation Army Goal

Hartel's Disposal "picks up" the tab; provides $25,000 to help reach holiday goal.

FOX21 reported earlier this week that an anonymous Santa stepped in to help the Duluth Salvation Army this year. Today we all learned who that special Santa is. The Salvation Army says it was Hartel’s Disposal that disposed of the donation shortage. It did so in the form of a check for $25,000 that the company delivered Thursday. The contribution…

Snowblowers Went Out The Door Early; Now Waiting For Snow

Last winter primed people to get new machines.

While no snow and a lot of rain may have driven people inside to do things like check out Duluth’s trains and railroad museum, there are also those who think winter is going to come–eventually. There were still plenty of snowblowers lined up at Northern Tool and Equipment in Hermantown on Thursday. Store manager Mike Surface said it’s been quiet…

Wisconsin University Chancellor Says He Was Fired For Producing And Appearing In Porn Videos

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said Thursday that regents fired him because they were uncomfortable with him and his wife producing and appearing in pornographic videos. The regents voted unanimously during a hastily convened closed meeting Wednesday evening to fire Gow. After the vote, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and regents President…

Effort To Remember Veterans At Christmas Could Use Help

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Collecting Gifts for Silver Bay Veterans Home.

During the holidays there are many people who are surrounded by friends and family members. But there are also those who may not be remembered by a lot of people. That’s why the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has had a gift drive every year since 2012 to remember veterans during this season. They collect and accept…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Orders New Legislative Maps In Redistricting Case Brought By Democrats

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Republican-drawn legislative maps on Friday and ordered that new district boundary lines be drawn as Democrats had urged in a redistricting case they hope will weaken GOP majorities. The ruling comes less than a year before the 2024 election in a battleground state where four of the six past presidential elections have been decided…

Salvation Army Hoping and Praying For Deadline Giving

The agency is thankful for generous giving so far, but is tens of thousands of dollars behind in its fundraising goal, with program cuts a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re making a push to the Christmas finish line, you are not alone. For some it means serious shopping down the stretch. For others it means serious giving. The kettles were ready for every sixpence they could get Thursday. To reach its funding goal, the Salvation Army needs $22,000 a day through Saturday. It is a…

Superior Rotary Helping Ukraine

Superior, Wisc. — This February will mark two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Tens of thousands have died and even more people have been injured or wounded. The Rotary Club of Superior is doing its part to help the Ukrainians and has been raising money since September. The Rotary Club Ukraine Unity sent a video showing off an ambulance that…

Superior Firefighters Help Over 500 Kids During Annual Toys For Tots Fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Firefighters Local 74 were in the giving mood this weekend. The Toys for Tots fundraiser wrapped up helping over 560 kids from around 240 families in Douglas County. Many volunteer hours go into making sure the joy of Christmas is spread all around. Fire crews say they are thankful for the communities support each year. Categories:…

WI Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Bomb Threat Against Governor In 2018

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who made a bomb threat in 2018 that prompted a search of then-Gov. Scott Walker’s office in the state Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison and two years of extended supervision, the state Department of Justice announced on Friday. Terrance Grissom, 53, was already serving time for making other threats…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Makes Interim State Court Director Permanent Despite Complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court announced Thursday that the director of state courts job will be filled by the person who has been doing it since August, despite complaints that the hiring was illegal because she had been elected to serve as a Milwaukee County judge. Audrey Skwierawski took a leave from her job as a Milwaukee County circuit…

Superior Firefighters Rescue Deer Stranded On Ice

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A deer stranded on the ice of the St. Louis River was safely rescued Wednesday morning by fire crew members in Superior. Reports of the little guy stranded on the ice came in Wednesday morning. The Superior Fire Department says Platoon 3 crews then arrived on scene, put on their ice rescue suits, took out their inflatable…

Yes Cheese Offering Christmas Boxes This Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local business is keeping it cheesy this holiday season. Yes, Cheese located in Superior, is offering Christmas boxes filled with festive treats for any family gatherings or holiday work parties. They are even selling “12 Days of Cheese-mas” advent calendar style boxes. A majority of the cheeses are from Wisconsin, and they have also partnered with…

Proposed Passenger Train Between Duluth and Twin Cities Gets Limited Federal Funding

Northern Lights Express misses out on biggest chunk of federal funds announced Friday.

Ten rail projects across the country received over $8 billion in funding Friday, but the proposed Northern Lights Express was not one of them. The Federal Railroad Administration announced its choices Friday. While not included in the major funding for projects, the Duluth/Superior to the Twin Cities proposal was among dozens of ideas that will receive much smaller funding of…

Domestic Violence Prevention Gets Christmas Gifts and Big Check

Cenovus Energy teams up with United Way to help CASDA families.

It is the time of year when a lot of people are doing good things for one another. And Wednesday was another example of that. Gift paper and gift wrappers came together in Superior to bring some Christmas to clients of CASDA, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Cenovus employees and their families were wrapping gifts for twenty CASDA…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Morgan Music

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Whether you’re playing the Amsoil or just learning the chords, Morgan Music on Banks Avenue in Superior is here for you. “We employ friendly gear gurus,” said Tal Morgan, owner of Morgan Music. “Noncommissioned. They’re just here to help you on your journey.” Opening their doors in November they’ve already seen a healthy flow of local musicians….

Superior Names Next Chief of Police

SUPERIOR, Wis. –The city of Superior announced Friday that Paul Winterscheidt will be the city’s next police chief.  The current chief, Nicholas Alexander retires in January of 2024. Winterschieidt, a 2003 graduate of UW Superior, joined the Superior Police Department in. In his 18 years on the force he has worked patrol, investigations, and narcotics investigations. He was chosen after…

Agreement Reached For Sale of KQDS-TV, FOX21

Duluth, MN – The owners of KQDS-TV, FOX21, have entered into an agreement for the sale of the station. Red River Broadcast Co., LLC has signed an asset purchase agreement with Coastal Television. Coastal Television operates ten television stations in seven states; Alaska, Wyoming, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana. “We think Coastal will be a good fit for…

An Infectious Canine Respiratory Illness Spreads Throughout The Country

DULUTH, Min. –Dr. Scott Beeman, a veterinarian at Duluth Veterinary Hospital, has devoted his life to working with animals. He says it is important to remember that during this time of year any respiratory illness is common. However, he noted there is an increase in cases, along with some that are significantly more severe and long lasting. “This has been…

Tenants Struggle To Find Housing After Superior Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On Thanksgiving morning, a fire broke out at a building housing the Viking Lounge and eight apartments. By the time the Superior Fire Department was able to fully extinguish the flames, 14 people were left homeless. A fire official said a lit cigarette was the source of the fire. “Initially there were signs that there was a…

Superior Fire Department’s Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Well Underway

Organizers are asking for early donations, especially for teenagers

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Christmas is coming early at the Superior Fire Department, and they are asking for the community’s help. Their annual Toys for Tots campaign is well underway. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, the department will spread holiday cheer early, on the weekend of December 16th and 17th. Superior Firefighter John Lundberg said people can help…

Twin Ports Grad Sharing Naval Academy Experience

Talks to students about his desire to serve his country, as well as the opportunities.

Rising global tension has put a spotlight on armed forces around the world. Some of those currently training to serve were among college students who were home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Kai Braaten grew up in the Twin Ports and is now a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy. He said a primary goal for him was…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Open Slopes for Winter Season

TWIN PORTS– “The fact that we’re open today is exciting and we’re looking forward to the winter,” said Director of Resort Services at Spirit Mountain, Jon Regenold. “Opening’s been great. We got a lot of people out here yesterday. We started off with the kids hill,” said Hills Manager at Mount du Lac Resort, Mike Ohara. The recent cold blast…

Snowmaking Begins At Spirit Mountain, Mont Du Lac

DULUTH, Minn. — Snowmaking season began at Spirit Mountain Tuesday evening.   This comes after frustrations from staff because of the unseasonably warm weather for much of November.  Usually the ski hill opens on Black Friday, but that won’t be happening this season.  None the less, opening day will arrive soon, as temperatures are forecast to continue to be well below…

Wisconsin Opening Weekend Deer Kill Down 16%; Weather To Blame

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lack of snow and warm temperatures that suppressed deer movement led to a lackluster opening weekend of Wisconsin’s nine-day gun season, with hunters killing thousands fewer deer than last year. The state Department of Natural Resources released preliminary data Tuesday that showed hunters registered 92,050 deer compared with 103,623 deer last year. That’s a 16%…