Mayor Jim Paine Archives

Superior Officials, Mental Health Service Providers Connect with Residents at Mental Health Awareness Night

Mayor Jim Paine announced he's proposing to devote $50,000 in federal funding for therapy in high schools.

May 3, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced he’s proposing to devote thousands in federal COVID relief to help address mental health among young people, as service providers hoped to keep the conversation going at the Mental Health Awareness Night. Dozens of resources and service providers gathered at the Belgian club on East 2nd Street in Superior, kicking off Mental Health…

Superior Council Unanimously Approves Tourism Contract with Duluth-Based Swim Creative

According to the Mayor, Swim Creative can now begin their campaign immediately.

April 19, 2022

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis,- Superior City Councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a tourism contract worth $250,000 to a marketing agency based out of Duluth called “Swim Creative.” Superior Mayor Jim Paine says the choice was between 3 bidders, but in his book, Swim Creative rose to the top. According to the Mayor, they were the best at reaching out to citizens…

Two Historic Superior Buildings Flattened after Frigid Firefight

Firefighters were faced with challenges left and right from the two warehouse buildings' immense size and the dangerously cold air.

January 6, 2022

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Ash was strewn throughout the City of Superior as two historic Superior warehouses on the North End burned to rubble, a challenge to crews battling the tall flames on the chilly Thursday morning. “Certainly, ‘dangerous’ is the first word that comes to mind,” Superior Fire Chief Scott Gordon said. Officials were forced to shut down the Blatnik Bridge…

Council Bypasses ‘Travel Superior’ For Commission to Handle Future Tourism Tax Distribution

An amendment was also approved stating that anything requiring $25,000 or more of tourism revenue would have to go out for bid to other entities, then approved by council.

September 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City Council decided to shake up the way they allocate tourism tax dollars, voting in favor of establishing a commission put forward by Mayor Jim Paine to handle the city’s tourism revenue, a role currently held by Travel Superior. According to the Mayor, this does not cut out Travel Superior from the equation but opens the…

Superior Council Delays Vote on Future Handling of Tourism Tax Revenue

Paine is calling for the creation of a tourism commission made up of six members to delegate the money as they see fit as long as it falls within state statutes.

September 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Superior Mayor Jim Paine’s proposal to create a tourism commission to handle how the city spends its tourism tax revenue — a role currently held by Travel Superior — was referred to a special Committee of the Whole Meeting for more discussion. The decision was made after more than an hour of public…

Superior Council to Rethink Mask Mandate Ahead of Jampacked Summer

Council is expected to take up the mask ordinance on Tuesday.

May 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While Wisconsin currently has no statewide mask mandate, the City of Superior still does. But Mayor Jim Paine tells us, he doesn’t see it extending past June 1st — as he says get ready, for a summer more fun than ever. According to Mayor Paine, the city’s Playground Program of park activities and field trips for kids, will…

Looking Back, Ahead Three Years After Husky Refinery Explosion Rocked Superior

Now three years to the day later officials with the Husky Refinery say rebuild is going well.

April 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been three years to the day since the Husky Refinery exploded shaking the City Of Superior and forcing thousands to leave their homes and evacuate. Mayor Jim Paine looks back at the incident, as Husky says it’s on track for a full 2023 reopen April 26th 2018 was turned upside down when the Refinery exploded. “We were…

Douglas County Health Officer Breaks Down Vaccine Efforts As Eligibility Expands Next Week

Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose.

March 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting next Monday, Wisconsinites 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose. “With eligibility opening up to Wisconites next week, especially with the holiday weekend upon us, we need folks to be as diligent…

Superior Councilor Raises Ethical Concerns Over Marriage of Mayor Paine, Councilor Van Sickle

In a letter to City Attorney Frog Prell, Sutherland worried votes by Van Sickle could inappropriately benefit Mayor Paine.

January 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland is raising conflict-of-interest concerns with the City Attorney’s office over the recent marriage between Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Letter from Councilor Craig Sutherland to City Attorney Frog Prell “I strongly believe we need some guidance on what to do moving forward,” Councilor Sutherland said. In a letter to City…

Superior City Council Approves CARES Act Fund Request for Housing, Community Programs

This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs and other community aid organizations.

December 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New federal CARES Act money could be going to help housing and community development programs in Superior. The Superior City Council Tuesday voted to approve the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Cooperative Action Plan authorizing staff to submit a plan to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs…

Fire Pit Overlook from 1930s Restored for Community Use by City of Superior

The original 1930s era Stone Council Circle is found at the end of Girl Scout Point in the Billings Park neighborhood.

November 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- An almost 100-year-old outdoor gathering spot in Superior is now open to the public again after being newly restored. According to Superior Mayor Jim Paine, Stone Council Circle was quietly restored all-year long by the Parks Department, and finished this summer. The original 1930s era structure is found at the end of Girl Scout Point in the Billings…

Superior Mayor’s 2021 Budget Proposes More Officer Training, Adding Social Worker to Police Dept.

The budget makes use of the roughly $385,000 surplus from last year.

August 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced his 2021 budget proposal Monday. Calling it the most ambitious budget of his administration, it includes the largest investment into police training in the city’s history, and adding a social worker to the department. According to Mayor Paine, excess funds of $385,468 from the year 2019 will help the city forward through the…

Superior Mayor Encourages Compliance of Mask Mandate Effective Monday

July 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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 Bars React to Safer-at-Home Order Struck Down by Wisconsin Supreme Court

The order, as well as the six-day injunction, were rejected, leaving businesses free to open immediately.

May 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just as quickly as some say it started, Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order is, for now, finished–struck down by the State Supreme Court. Businesses statewide, including bars and restaurants, now have the green light to “open immediately” according to a social media post by the Tavern League of Wisconsin. “Come on in!” said Cory Gatzke, triumphantly throwing open the shades…

Superior Mayor’s Longtime Chief of Staff to Retire

Rani Gill has served six different Superior mayors.

April 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, The Mayor of Superior’s right-hand-woman, Rani Gill, is retiring after 30 years serving the city as the mayor’s Chief of Staff. Gill has served six different Superior mayors, and was actually the first official “Chief of Staff,” according to Mayor Jim Paine. “She’s an institution in this city,” Paine said, “she has served a number of mayors, a lot…

Wisconsin Primaries Continue as Normal, Superior Prepares for Tuesday

The Governor's request to make the election all-mail was shot down by state Republicans.

April 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A special session of the Wisconsin Legislature was held Saturday, to discuss making the Wisconsin Primary Elections all-mail, and extending absentee voting until late May. The meeting came to a halt when state Republicans shot down the request citing concerns for election security, and adjourned the meeting immediately. “Folks let me be clear this is not a Republican…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Reacts to Gov. Evers’s ‘Safer-at-Home’ Order

Mayor recognizes grocery stores as essential, but asks the public only go when they need to.

March 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke out after Governor’s Shelter-in-Place order was announced. His main message: stay home and limit your trips unless absolutely necessary and that means even grocery stores. While Governor Evers has labeled grocery stores as essential, Mayor Paine wants residents to avoid those stores if you can. This comes after one of the four people…

Superior Mayor Paine: Most Streets, Alleys Plowed

Mayor asks public to email with missed streets or alleys.

December 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, Mayor Jim Paine said almost all streets and alleys have been plowed. According to the Mayor, Midtown and South End neighborhoods are the last to get cleared up. If there’s a street or alley that’s been missed where you live, Mayor Paine would like you to e-mail him so a plow can be…

New Construction, Husky Updates Among Topics in Superior’s State of the City

Mayor Jim Paine delivers his second State of the City address.

April 29, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In his second State of the City address, Superior Mayor Jim Paine is proud of the progress Superior has made. He said the city will be unrecognizable to some in the coming years. The Mayor announced the construction of Cobblestone Hotel on Tower Avenue, and the development of Central High School into a mixed-use development, featuring both market-rate…

Husky Energy Announces Rebuild of Superior Refinery

Continued use of controversial chemical Hydrogen Flouride facing backlash.

April 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly a year after the explosion at Husky Energy Refinery, the company announced their plans for a $400 million rebuild, expected to create 350 jobs at its peak. However, the plan to continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) in the Refinery’s operations, is raising some eyebrows. Investigations found the initial explosion took place in the Fluid Catalytic…

Voters Turnout in Superior for Election Day

Local and Supreme Court elections bring out community.

April 2, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Multiple seats are up for grabs in Superior and across Wisconsin on Election Day. Three different council seats are being contested in Superior, and Mayor Jim Paine is running unopposed. Attendants at the polling station at WITC, say they didn’t see huge lines of voters, but the people voting are driven by the local elections, and one particular statewide race….

National Day of Pray Honors Those Affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion

This year the tradition in Superior was different than the past.

May 3, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis,- The U.S. National Day of Prayer is May 3rd and in Superior, the ceremony differed from years past. Community members gave special prayers for those affected by the Husky Refinery Explosion. Mayor Jim Paine joined in remembering what some are calling a traumatic experience. As we’ve seen over the past week Superior residents are reaching out to one…

UPDATE: Evacuation Lifted for Superior Residents

Superior Mayor Jim Paine has Lifted the Evacuation Notice for Residents as of 6:00 a.m. Friday

April 27, 2018

Brett Scott,

UPDATE (10:30 a.m.): Superior Fire Department officials gave the all clear at 8:15 a.m. at the site. Crews are on the scene doing mop up at this time – it is still quite hot down there, according to the Superior Fire Department. Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency also said the air quality in the area looks healthy. Check back for…

Midday Update 4-11-18

Local News and Weather Headlines for Wednesday, April 11, 2018

April 11, 2018

Brett Scott,

Categories: News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Mayor Jim Paine, News, news update, superior, Update, weather, William Seay

Superior Receives First State of the City Address in Years

Mayor Jim Paine informed the community of his achievements and future plans.

April 10, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the first time since 2010 Superior receives State of the City Address. On Tuesday, Mayor Paine presented to the community his achievements over the past year and his future plans. Paine says it’s an honor to serve as Mayor and feels the public should be informed. Afterward, the packed crowd responded with applause. Mayor Paine says next…

Superior May Receive Million Dollar Investment Through Capital Improvement Program

About $60,000 could also could go toward improving parks.

February 6, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Millions of dollars could be invested into the city of Superior if changes are made to its Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The mayor is asking the City Council to allocate funds to improve everything from the streets and sidewalks to police squad cars. The Superior City Council is expected to formally adopt the 2019 CIP and tentatively…

Twin Ports Mayors Unite For AIDS Proclamation

Only 60 percent of people living with HIV know their status

November 28, 2017

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis., – Dec. 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day. Twin Ports Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine held a dual proclamation to show how they’re working together to place the spotlight on the disease in the Northland. Both mayors agree that HIV and AIDS is a big problem and it affects millions, but it also hits close to…

Northland Mayors Join Forces For Habitat For Humanity

The First Western Lake Superior Habitat For Humanity Home Was Built In July 2017

November 9, 2017

Haydee Clotter,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Several mayors from the Northland prove they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty for a good cause. They came together to work on a Habitat for Humanity home, which provides affordable housing for families in need. “The mayors here in our community are people who really work well together, network together and undertand that partnering with…

Mayor Jim Paine

Mayor Jim Paine announced he's proposing to devote $50,000 in federal funding for therapy in high schools.

According to the Mayor, Swim Creative can now begin their campaign immediately.

Firefighters were faced with challenges left and right from the two warehouse buildings' immense size and the dangerously cold air.

An amendment was also approved stating that anything requiring $25,000 or more of tourism revenue would have to go out for bid to other entities, then approved by council.

Paine is calling for the creation of a tourism commission made up of six members to delegate the money as they see fit as long as it falls within state statutes.

Council is expected to take up the mask ordinance on Tuesday.

Now three years to the day later officials with the Husky Refinery say rebuild is going well.

Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose.

In a letter to City Attorney Frog Prell, Sutherland worried votes by Van Sickle could inappropriately benefit Mayor Paine.

This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs and other community aid organizations.

The original 1930s era Stone Council Circle is found at the end of Girl Scout Point in the Billings Park neighborhood.

The budget makes use of the roughly $385,000 surplus from last year.

The order, as well as the six-day injunction, were rejected, leaving businesses free to open immediately.

Rani Gill has served six different Superior mayors.

The Governor's request to make the election all-mail was shot down by state Republicans.

Mayor recognizes grocery stores as essential, but asks the public only go when they need to.

Mayor asks public to email with missed streets or alleys.

Mayor Jim Paine delivers his second State of the City address.

Continued use of controversial chemical Hydrogen Flouride facing backlash.

Local and Supreme Court elections bring out community.

This year the tradition in Superior was different than the past.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine has Lifted the Evacuation Notice for Residents as of 6:00 a.m. Friday

Local News and Weather Headlines for Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Mayor Jim Paine informed the community of his achievements and future plans.

About $60,000 could also could go toward improving parks.

Only 60 percent of people living with HIV know their status

The First Western Lake Superior Habitat For Humanity Home Was Built In July 2017

Latest News Update