Wisconsin Archives - Page 38 of 90

UW-Superior Reopens COVID-19 Testing Site

The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS' Marcovich Wellness Center.

February 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A free COVID-19 testing site is back open on the campus of U-W Superior for anyone in the area. The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS’ Marcovich Wellness Center. The new location is away from student traffic, and makes room in the gym for basketball practice. According to campus staff, the smaller…

Wolf Hunt Approved in Wisconsin as Legal Fight Continues

February 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Board has voted unanimously to conduct a wolf hunt beginning next week with up to 200 animals to be harvested. The vote came even as the state was asking an appeals court to stop the hunt by putting last week’s court order on hold. The state Department of Natural Resources…

Evers Proposes $100 Million for New Venture Capital Fund

February 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers will propose more than $329 million in new economic development initiatives as part of his state budget proposal on Tuesday, including a new $100 million venture capital fund to help startups and $200 million to assist small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Evers released details…

Wisconsin DNR To Recommend Harvest Quota Of 200 Wolves

February 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources says it will propose a harvest quota of 200 wolves when the the group’s policy board meets Monday to discuss launching a wolf hunt immediately. The Journal Sentinel reports the agency considered several factors in coming up with the number. Those include the most recent population estimate, the public response…

Superior Warming Sheds Closed Due to Cold Weather

February 12, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Warming Sheds in Superior will be closed this weekend due to forecasted cold temperatures. According to the City of Superior website, all Warming Sheds in the city will be closed February 12-14. The Warming Sheds will be open again on Monday as long as the weather permits. For more information, you can visit http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/. Categories: Community, News,…

Staff Shortage at Wisconsin Prisons Costing Taxpayers $60m

February 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. — A staffing shortage at Wisconsin prisons is pushing corrections officers to work long hours, costing taxpayers at least $60 million in overtime pay. Data from the state Department of Corrections shows roughly 15% of corrections officers positions are unfilled at Wisconsin’s prisons. The problem is currently most severe at Waupun Correctional Institution where 40% of jobs are…

Update: Judge Declines New Arrest Warrant for Kyle Rittenhouse

February 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Kenosha County Court via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A judge is refusing prosecutors’ request to issue a new arrest warrant for an 18-year-old from Illinois who’s accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a Wisconsin police brutality protest last summer. Prosecutors in Kenosha County asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to issue a new warrant for Kyle…

Wisconsin Judge Orders Start to Wolf Hunt This Month

February 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

JEFFERSON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge has ordered the state Department of Natural Resources to start a wolf hunt this month rather than wait until November. The Trump administration removed wolves from the federal endangered species list in January, returning management to the states. Wisconsin law mandates the DNR run a wolf season from November through February. The department…

Wisconsin Pharmacies Receiving Vaccine Under Federal Program

February 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nearly 200 Walgreens pharmacies across Wisconsin are expecting to receive coronavirus vaccines directly from the federal government starting this week. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday announced the beginning of the program that targets underserved areas. The state health department says the vaccinations will be provided for free under the state and federal partnership….

Birkebeiner Will Take Place, but With Safety Protocols

February 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

CABLE, Wis. (AP) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Race in northern Wisconsin will look different this year because of coronavirus safety protocols. Organizers of the event, promoted as North America’s largest and longest cross-country ski race, have stretched it from a single day to five days from Feb. 24-28. Last year about 11,000 skiers participated in the race, which can…

Rittenhouse, Accused of Violating Bond, Going Before Judge

February 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Antioch Police Department via AP) KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – An Illinois 18-year-old charged with killing two people during street protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer faces a judge Thursday with prosecutors asking that he be re-arrested. Prosecutors say Kyle Rittenhouse violated conditions of his $2 million bond by failing to inform the court of his current address. They’ve asked a…

Looking for Adventure? Try Escaping The Bong Center This Weekend

The Third Annual 'Escape the Bong!' Experience is Happening Feb. 12 - 14, 2021

February 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for an action-packed fun time or date night this weekend, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is the place to be. ‘Escape the Bong!’ is returning for its third year on Feb. 12 – 14. The three day event will feature four escape rooms to test your knowledge and puzzle solving…

Wisconsin Prosecutor Accused of Having Sex With Defendants

February 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. — A northwestern Wisconsin prosecutor has been charged with secretly recording sexual encounters he had with two women after allegedly persuading them he could help them with their criminal cases. Burnett County Assistant District Attorney Daniel Steffen was charged Friday with three felony counts of representations depicting nudity. The criminal complaint says investigators learned early last year from…

Wisconsin Retirement ‘Crisis’ Target of New Recommendations

February 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bipartisan task force that examined a looming retirement savings crisis in Wisconsin is recommending a series of steps to improve the outlook, including the creation of first-of-its-kind savings accounts for every child in the state. The retirement task force released its recommendations Wednesday. State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski chaired the group and says bills to implement…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Asked to Block Statewide Mask Order

February 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new legal challenge to Gov. Tony Evers’ latest mask mandate is before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The challenge was filed less than a week after the Legislature struck down a previous order and the Democratic governor quickly issued a new one. Prominent Republican donor Jere Fabick asked the court late Tuesday to issue a temporary…

Superior Mayor Proclaims First-Ever ‘Black Owned Business Week’ In City

February 9, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On this Black History Month, and for the first time in the city of Superior’s history, Mayor Jim Paine has proclaimed this week as “Black Owned Business Week” in the city. The goal is to shine a light on the success of more than a half-dozen black-owned businesses that have opened in Superior over the last…

Ex-Wisconsin Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Vaccine Tampering

February 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Ozaukee County Sheriff via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former Wisconsin pharmacist has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he tried to spoil dozens of vials of the COVID-19 vaccine. Prosecutors in January charged 46-year-old Steven Brandenburg, of Grafton, with two counts of attempting to tamper with consumer products. Brandenburg pleaded guilty to both counts in a…

Second Case of Coronavirus Variant Detected in Wisconsin

February 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The second case of a new, more contagious form of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in Wisconsin, less than a month after it was first seen. The variant was first detected on Jan. 12 and was identified again on Sunday by lab partners of the state Department of Health Services. Wisconsin chief medical officer Dr….

Driver Survives 70-Foot Plunge off Wisconsin Interchange

February 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A driver survived when his pickup truck plunged about 70 feet off a slippery interchange exit ramp in Wisconsin. A Wisconsin Department of Transportation camera captured the Milwaukee-area crash. The video shows the pickup hitting snow on the right shoulder before flipping over the barrier wall and plummeting to Interstate 94 below as cars pass by. When…

Biden to Visit Wisconsin Next Week in First Official Trip

February 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden will visit Wisconsin next week for his first official trip as president beyond his home state of Delaware. Biden is set to visit Milwaukee next Tuesday, according to the White House. While the Biden administration did not share further details of the trip, the president has been focused heavily on addressing the coronavirus pandemic…

COVID Community Testing Site to Reopen at UWS on Monday

February 9, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s COVID-19 community testing site will reopen Monday, February 15. “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services completed an assessment of testing facilities statewide,” said Harry Anderson, Dean of Students. “Based on their findings and our proven ability to conduct mass testing in a safe, efficient and friendly environment, DHS requested that we reopen our COVID-19 community testing site. We are honored to continue serving our…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Unveils New Permanent Exhibit

The Bong Historical Center in Superior is putting the finishing touches on its new $50,000 exhibit on the Korean and Vietnam wars.

February 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center is on the home stretch of a nearly two-year project of a brand new exhibit about the Korean and Vietnam wars. Because of grant funds and private donations, the center was able to make this exhibit the largest built since it opened in 2002. “We had some veterans come to us and…

Evers Announces New Vaccine Sites as Doses Increase

February 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is partnering with an international health care organization to set up community sites for COVID-19 vaccinations. Evers announced Monday that his administration will work with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare to establish six to 10 community vaccination sites. The first site is slated to open on Feb. 16 in Rock County and will be…

Wisconsin Security Guard Punched for Reminding Man To Wear Mask

February 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Paddock Lake man is facing charges after he was accused of punching a security guard who reminded him to wear a mask at a Kenosha grocery store. Police recommend the man in his 50s be charged with battery and disorderly conduct. The incident happened Saturday night at Woodman’s Food Market. “Somebody from the store approached…

Bayfield Businesses Report Steady Sales as Pandemic Continues

From Lodging to Entertainment, Many Businesses in Bayfield Say Sales Have Remained Stable as the Pandemic Continues

February 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Nearly one year into the global pandemic and travel is still frowned upon by many health officials. However, there is one silver lining when it comes to folks avoiding longer vacations. Local businesses in Northland communities are seeing an increase in people taking smaller weekend getaways to escape for a few days. “Outdoor rec is the name…

Evers’ Budget Proposal Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says his budget plan will include a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. The Journal Sentinel reports that the idea will likely be blocked by the Republican-controlled Legislature but could be a catalyst to allow the use of medical marijuana. Evers says the recreational marijuana measure could generate $166 million in revenue that…

Evers Vetoes Republican-Backed COVID-19 Bill

February 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed the first bill passed by the Legislature to address the coronavirus pandemic in 10 months, a Republican-backed measure that Democrats say would do nothing to combat the virus or help reopen the state. Evers vetoed the bill shortly after the Senate voted along party lines Friday sending it to him. Evers…

Teen Wanted in Fatal Wisconsin Mall Shooting Caught in Iowa

February 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — A teen wanted in connection with the fatal shooting at a mall in eastern Wisconsin has been arrested in Iowa. The Grand Chute Police Department announced U.S. Marshals arrested 17-year-old Dezman Ellis on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa. Ellis’ arrest comes days after authorities say he fatally shot 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto, of Neenah, and wounded…

Superior Police Chief Talks 2021 Priorities For Department

February 4, 2021

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander sat down with FOX 21’s Dan Hanger to talk about his priorities for 2021, which include an increased focus on the department’s community policing efforts while investing in a virtual training simulator for officers. The company behind the simulator is called Survivr – and Alexander says his department will be the first…

Limited Vaccine Supply Creates Long Waitlist For Bayfield County Health Department

The limited supply of vaccines has left more than 2,500 people waiting to get vaccinated.

February 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Bayfield County has already begun the process to vaccinate residents 65 and older, which accounts for more than 25% of the county’s population. Last week, the county gave out more than 500 shots to that age group. County officials say with a staff of more than a dozen they have the manpower to do about 1,000 vaccinations per…

Mac Sports And Marine Hosts Open House And Boat Show

February 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Temps are expected to be frigid over the next few days, but Mac Sport and marine in Superior is already thinking spring. The shop hosted its open house and virtual boat show on Thursday The business typically attends the annual boat show at the DECC, but due to the pandemic, they were forced to adjust. “A lot…

Wisconsin Governor Issues New Mask Mandate After GOP Repeal

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new statewide mask order an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate. The Democrat Evers said in a video message Thursday that his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask was the most basic way to do that. “If the Legislature keeps…

Wisconsin GOP Repeals Governor’s Statewide Mask Mandate

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature has repealed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate. Health experts have warned against repealing the mandate, saying masks are probably the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Assembly vote Thursday came a week after the Senate also voted to kill the resolution. Wisconsin is one of only 10…

12-Year-Old Charged With Attempting to Kill Younger Brother

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A judge in Douglas County has ruled there’s enough evidence to support an attempted homicide charge against a 12-year-old boy accused of stabbing his younger brother. According to a criminal complaint charging the boy with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, the attack occurred on Jan. 11 at a home in the Town of Solon Springs. The complaint says…

Wisconsin Prosecutors Seek Rittenhouse Arrest, Higher Bond

February 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin prosecutors have asked a judge for a new arrest warrant for an Illinois teen charged with fatally shooting two people during an anti-police protest in Kenosha in August. Kyle Rittenhouse faces two counts of intentional homicide. He was arrested the day after the shootings but went free after he posted $2 million bail. Conservative groups…

Hayward Police Request Death Investigation by Wisconsin DCI

February 3, 2021

Site Staff,

HAYWARD, Wis. – At the request of the Hayward Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a death that occurred in the city of Hayward on Monday evening. According to a Wisconsin DOJ press release, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when Hayward police officers responded to a residence on reports…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, February 3

February 3, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 463,766 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,234 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,628,961 tests have been completed to date. There…

Wisconsin Assembly Sends Mask Order Repeal Back to Senate

February 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to send the question of whether the state’s mask mandate should be repealed back to the state Senate, which voted last week to end the requirement. The Assembly delayed a vote last week amid concerns that repealing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency order tied to the pandemic would result in Wisconsin losing…

Superior Council Wants State’s Ethical Opinion Involving Mayor Paine’s Marriage To Councilor

February 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland proposed a formal request through the council Tuesday night to have City Attorney Frog Prell seek an advisory opinion from the Wisconsin Ethics Commission involving possible ethical concerns around Mayor Jim Paine’s recent marriage to 2nd District Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Mayor Paine did not want a discussion on the topic at…

City of Superior Extends Mask Mandate

February 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior city council has voted to renew the city’s mask mandate through the end of April. Previously, when Gov. Tony Evers ordered his mask mandate, the city of Superior let its own mandate expire. However, the Assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week, and because of this Mayor Jim Paine says it’s best…

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate Increases Amid High Demand

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination rate increased relative to other states over the past week and demand continues to far exceed supply. State health officials said Tuesday that Wisconsin vaccinated more than 200,000 people last week and the state’s allotment of vaccine from the federal government is increasing by 18%. However, last week alone, nearly 300,000 doses were…

Hunting Group Sues to Force Wisconsin Wolf Season

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A national hunting group is suing to force an immediate start to Wisconsin’s wolf season. Kansas-based Hunter Nation Inc. filed the suit Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. The group is seeking an order forcing the state Department of Natural Resources to start the season immediately. The Trump administration removed wolves from the federal…

Summerfest Moves to September, Allow More Time to Vaccinate Public

February 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: Twitter/Summerfest) MILWAUKEE – Summerfest will move from its original June 2021 dates to give health professionals more time to vaccinate the general public. Summerfest 2021 will be held September 2 – 4, 9 – 11, and 16 – 18. The festival will retain the three-weekend format, running Thursday – Saturday, three consecutive weekends. “While the progress made through the vaccine rollout…

Two Injured in River Falls House Explosion, Fire

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Two people are hospitalized after suffering injuries when a house exploded and caught fire in River Falls. Neighbors helped the victims escape the fire following the explosion Monday night, according to city officials. One of the victims was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota and the other to the hospital in River Falls….

Wisconsin to Launch Online Appointments for Virus Shots

February 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsinites will be able to sign up online to get their coronavirus vaccinations later this month. The state is working with Microsoft to set up an online signup system. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the system will launch in 10 communities on Feb. 15. The state’s plan is to use those communities as a test of the software before…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, February 1

February 1, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 462,528 in the state. Health officials also reported 2 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,202 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,597,842 tests have been completed to date. There…

Police: Teen Sought in Fatal Shooting at Wisconsin Mall

February 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — Police say they are looking for a teenager suspected in a shooting at a mall in northern Wisconsin that left one person dead and another wounded. Police say 17-year-old Dezman Ellis is being sought after gunfire erupted around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Fox River Mall in Grand Chute. Police…

Police: 2 Hurt in Wisconsin Mall Shooting

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) – Police say two people were injured Sunday in a shooting at a Wisconsin mall and the suspect remains on the loose. Police were called to the Fox River Mall in Grand Chute, a suburb of Appleton, at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Grand Chute Police Officer Travis Waas said two people were injured in the shooting….

Wisconsin Tops 1,000 Daily Virus Cases, Lists 3 New Deaths

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin has recorded more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday by state health officials increases the total number of positive tests to 542,415 and cumulative deaths to 5,896 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project ranks Wisconsin 39th in the country…

Evers: Repealing Mask Mandate Like Eliminating Speed Limits

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has admonished rival Republicans for trying to repeal his statewide mask mandate, saying killing the order would be akin to abolishing speed limits. Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to end Evers’ health emergency declaration, which would end the mask mandate. Assembly Republicans were poised to follow suit on Thursday but delayed a vote…