Wisconsin

Wisconsin Mask Mandate Now in Effect

Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Ever’s statewide mandatory mask order began on Saturday. The order requires people over five years old to wear masks in indoor spaces. Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty. Ashland’s city council voted not to rule on a mask mandate this week, but per Gov. Evers’ order,…

WITC Unveils New Fire Truck for More Accurate Real-World Training

The new fire truck is being used for training and driver operations in the fire services program and for drivers in the CDL program to get the feel of driving a different type of rig. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Student firefighters at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior have just started training on a new fire truck to practice for more complex and challenging emergencies that life as a firefighter could throw their way. Costing about $250,000, the new truck sports a modern pressure control system, which instructors say helps in transporting water over longer distances in…

14 Positive COVID-19 Cases Linked to Camp Eagle Ridge in Mellen

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County Public Health officials say they are currently investigating after 14 people associated with Camp Eagle Ridge in Mellen have now tested positive for COVID-19. “Ashland County Public Health is working with Camp Eagle Ridge leadership and staff to conduct an investigation to contain the virus,” said Elizabeth Szot, Health Officer. “Camp Eagle Ridge leadership…

Washburn County Sheriff Won’t Enforce Governor’s Mask Mandate

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart said on Thursday that he would not be enforcing the governor’s mask mandate calling it a violation of the first amendment of the constitution. In a Facebook post today Sheriff Stuart said Governor Tony Ever’s order goes against his deputies’ sworn oath to the constitution. He says to prohibit public gatherings…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 54,463 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,600 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,024,916 tests have been completed to date. There are 47,289 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,155 patients have required hospitalization…

Brewers Home Opener Postponed Due to COVID-19

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Milwaukee Brewers home opener has been postponed due to reported positive COVID-19  tests with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers released a statement on their website Friday about the postponement writing: “The following game is postponed. The health and safety of our fans, players, employees and game-day staff is our top priority. We fully support the…

Evers Orders Masks Statewide as Coronavirus Cases Spike

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday issued a statewide mask mandate amid a spike in coronavirus cases, setting up a conflict with Republican legislative leaders who oppose such a requirement and successfully sued earlier to kill a “safer at home” order. The Democrat Evers declared a new public health emergency, after his initial one expired in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 53,692 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,594 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,007,882 tests have been completed to date. There are 46,965 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,112 patients have required hospitalization…

Reopening Of Attractions Brings Hope For Douglas County Tourism

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More local attractions in Douglas County are beginning to reopen with precautions in place. This may be building more confidence in the future of the tourism industry. Tourism contributes a significant amount of revenue for Douglas County. Reopening attractions is another way of bringing back hope to an industry being hit hard by the global pandemic. The…

Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing in Superior After Weekend of Two Large Public Events

Douglas County officials say despite safety precautions at Bowfest and Head of the Lakes Fair, testing should be done in the virus incubation period.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a weekend of two large public events in Superior, Douglas County Health Officials and the Wisconsin National Guard teamed up to administer free drive-thru COVID-19 tests Wednesday at Superior Middle School. 500 coronavirus tests were available in the parking lot of the Middle School. Douglas County Health Officials say before the site even began testing, 75 cars…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 52,947 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,589 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 993,091 tests have been completed to date. There are 46,636 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,077 patients have required hospitalization…

Drive-thru Testing Site Comes To Superior

Another testing event is scheduled in Solon Springs on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly 100 people in Douglas County have already tested positive for the Coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. In response to the increasing number of cases, the county is partnering with the national guard to offer free drive-thru testing in Superior. The event will be able to test up to five hundred people. Anyone with any…

Wisconsin Among Four States Added to Chicago Quarantine Order

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago added Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota to the list of states where people who are traveling to the city must quarantine for two weeks as Illinois learned that its own residents must do the same when they travel to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Chicago officials said that beginning Friday, anyone from those states…

Superior, Solon Springs COVID-19 Testing Sites Available This Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County has partnered with the National Guard to hold two drive-thru  COVID-19 testing sites this week in Superior and Solon Springs. The Superior testing site will be available Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Superior Middle School located at 3626 Hammond Avenue. The Solon Springs testing site will be available on Thursday from…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 52,281 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,580 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 979,988 tests have been completed to date. There are 45,987 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,028 patients have required hospitalization…

UW System Receives $2 Million From Anonymous Donor to Bolster Online Learning

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System has received $2 million from an anonymous donor to beef up online learning this semester as schools struggle to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, system officials said Monday. Interim System President Tommy Thompson told reporters during a video conference that he couldn’t say when the system received the money but most…

Ex-Red Cliff Vice Chairman Pleads Not Guilty to Intentional Homicide Charges

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The former Vice-Chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa pleaded not guilty on Monday for the murder of 50-year-old Jody Ricard. Michael John LaGrew, 56, was charged in March with first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the murder that took place in the summer of 2003. According to court documents, Ricard’s body was…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 51,803 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,576 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 970,726 tests have been completed to date. There are 45,198 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,961 patients have required hospitalization…

Pandemic, Rainy Weather Cause Smaller Turnout at Head of Lakes Fair

Organizers say a couple hundred people attended this year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the Head of the Lakes Fair in Superior comes to a close, organizers said fears of the pandemic and some nasty weather kept a lot of people from coming during their six-day run. Normally attracting thousands to the Fairgrounds on Tower Avenue over the course of the fair, the director of the Head of the Lakes Fair…

Superior Mayor Encourages Compliance of Mask Mandate Effective Monday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Monday masks will be required in all indoor public places in Superior. Last week the Superior City Council voted 9-1 in favor of the mandate, with Councilor and bar owner Keith Kern the only vote against. Businesses that don’t enforce the rule could be punished of for a licensing violation, and face the same consequences as they…

Superior Police Investigate Gunfire Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior police are investigating after getting multiple reports of gunfire. It happened around 11 p.m. Saturday in the area of North 11th Street and John Avenue. Police say the person or persons responsible for the gunshots fled the scene before police arrived. There are no reports of injuries. Police believe one or more rifles were discharged at least…

Wisconsin Records More Than 1,000 New COVID-19 Cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin recorded more than 1,000 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases for a third day out of the past four on Friday. The latest figures from the state Department of Health Services continue a spike in cases that began in mid-June and shows few signs of slowing. There were 1,018 newly reported cases on Friday, bringing the state’s total…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 49,488 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,566 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 922,876 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,882 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,852 patients have required hospitalization…

Another 1,000 Person Increase In Covid-19 Cases Hits Wisconsin For Second Day In A Row

About one-third of cases are impacting people in their 20's.

WISCONSIN – For a second day in a row more than 1,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin. This brings the state’s total number of positive cases to nearly 46,000. About one-third of those are impacting people in their 20’s. Health officials say the increase in cases is a reflection of more people attending gatherings like parties and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 48,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,561 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 905,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,524 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,818 patients have required hospitalization…

Three Wisconsin Cities Enact Mask Mandates; Evers Resists Statewide Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Racine, Green Bay, and Superior joined Madison and Milwaukee as Wisconsin cities that passed mandates requiring people to wear masks in certain public settings, though Gov. Tony Evers has resisted issuing a statewide order like those in place in many nearby states. More than half of states have statewide mask mandates, including Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,961 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,552 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 888,551 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,234 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,771 patients have required hospitalization…

Superior School District Approves Three Reopening Scenarios; Asks Parents to Submit Preferences

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School District has approved their possible plan for how students will be taught this fall. The coming school year will either be all virtual, all in-person, or a hybrid of at-home and in-school learning. The district is still waiting to pick a final option. They say they hope to have a set plan in place by…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Launch “Vote Safe” Initiative

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Lawmakers gathered to raise awareness about voting safely in state for the upcoming presidential election. Both the current, and former attorney general of Wisconsin were on the virtual call Tuesday morning. Although they did not disclose how they would go about making in-person voting safe, the goal of the initiative is to bring a better understanding…

Superior City Council Votes to Require Masks in Indoor Public Areas

City Council passed resolution 9-1, it takes effect July 27th

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council has voted to require masks in indoor public areas across the city. Masks will be required in places like restaurants, bars, retail stores, public transportation, gyms, fitness studios, and entertainment venues. The city council passed the resolution with a 9-1 vote. “In the middle of a global pandemic we have to take some…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,457 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,548 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 876,859 tests have been completed to date. There are 41,511 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,723 patients have required hospitalization…

Federal Suit Over Local Wisconsin COVID-19 Orders Dismissed

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by two dozen Wisconsin residents challenging a variety of local stay-at-home orders enacted to curb the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. District Judge William Griesbach on Monday dismissed the challenge, filed in May, saying those bringing it did not properly join all of the defendants into one lawsuit. That mistake requires…

Superior School Board Approves Response Plan for Reopening this Fall

Plan allows families to choose all-virtual, or hybrid of virtual and in-person learning.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their first in-person meeting since March, the Superior School Board Monday approved their COVID-19 District Response Plan on reopening schools this fall. In the plan (found here), families can choose whether to continue having their children learn virtually at home, or attend in a hybrid setting with partial education at home and partial in the school building….

Wisconsin’s Largest Teachers Unions Call for Online School

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Teachers unions for Wisconsin’s five largest school districts asked Gov. Tony Evers and the state’s top health and education officials on Monday to keep schools closed at the start of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The letter was signed by union leaders for teachers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine. It was…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 46,204 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,541 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 853,188 tests have been completed to date. There are 40,001 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,627 patients have required hospitalization…

Live Music, Food Enjoyed While Social Distanced at Earth Rider Brewery

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some people spent the warm Sunday outside listening to live music — socially distanced of course — at Earth Rider Brewery. At the outdoor space at Earth Rider’s Cedar Lounge, customers enjoyed a few drinks, some live music, and Thai-fusion cuisine from the “One Night in Bangkok” Food Truck. Staff at Earth Rider say they are happy their…

Clean Up Begins After Weekend of Severe Storms

The National Weather Service out of Duluth is surveying damage in the Blueberry and Ashland areas in Northwest Wisconsin to determine if two tornadoes formed during storms that rolled through Friday night and into Saturday. Click the video above for a recap of this weekend’s severe weather outbreak. And for Saturday’s storm coverage, click here. Categories: Minnesota, News, News –…

After Storms, Red Cliff Band Declares State Of Emergency On Reservation

BAYFIELD CO., Wis. — The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has declared a state of emergency for its reservation after severe storms moved through the area over the weekend, according to a press release from the tribe. Richard Peterson, chairman of the tribe, wrote in the press release that Saturday’s storms tore down trees and power lines all…

Owner of Twin Ports Bars, Restaurants Weighs in On Proposed Superior Mask Mandate

After abiding by the new ordinance at his Duluth locations, Rick Lampton says he expects adjusting at Grizzly's and 7 West in Superior to go smoothly.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In just three days the Superior City Council will vote on whether to implement an indoor public mask mandate similar to Duluth. Now more bar and restaurant owners are speaking out on that proposed ordinance. Rick Lampton, owner of many establishments in both Duluth and Superior, including Grizzly’s and 7 West Taphouse, has already adjusted his businesses to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 45,013 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,533 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 819,511 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,568 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,563 patients have required hospitalization…

Bayfield City Council Approves Face Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday night the Bayfield City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces and most outdoor spaces in the city beginning Saturday. The ordinance states: “While indoors in any commercial business or City office, and in an Outdoor Space that is open to the general public, all customers, employees, and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 44,347 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,526 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 805,212 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,290 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,526 patients have required hospitalization…

Auctioned Classic Car Raises Money for Combat Wounded Northland Veterans

LSC Students fixed up the 1976 Chevy, which sold for $14,750.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Benna Ford on Tower Avenue in Superior Wednesday, a 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 was auctioned off as a fundraiser for combat wounded veterans in the Northland. For $14,750 the vintage vehicle was sold with proceeds going to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 56, an organization of 48 Northland veterans wounded in combat. “We’ve got…

Pence Returning to Wisconsin for Stops in Ripon, Onalaska

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence planned to speak at Ripon College on Friday before touring a dairy farm near La Crosse. President Donald Trump’s campaign announced the planned visit on Wednesday. Pence was last in Wisconsin in June for a school choice round table and a faith-based event, both in Waukesha County. Ripon touts itself as the birthplace of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 43,742 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,518 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 790,497 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,179 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,495 patients have required hospitalization…

Head of Lakes Fair Still Happening with Extra Safety Precautions, Modified Activities

Along with hand sanitizing stations and staff monitoring people for social distancing, certain rides will not be there.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Setup is underway for the only fair that seems to still be moving forward in the Northland — and perhaps the only event of the summer. The Head of the Lakes Fair on Tower Avenue is set to happen, open to the public next Tuesday at 4 p.m. Organizers say they are confident working with county health officials…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Wisconsin Hits Record High in Virus Cases as Spike Continues

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin has broken a record for confirmed new COVID-19 cases for the fourth out of six days. Gov. Tony Evers and state health leaders on Tuesday implored people to wear masks and take precautions to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The state Department of Health Services reported 964 confirmed new cases Tuesday, breaking a previous…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 43,170 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,510 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 777,614 tests have been completed to date. There are 37,749 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,452 patients have required hospitalization…