Wisconsin Archives - Fox21Online

MnDOT: Blatnik Bridge replacement delay would add at least $400M to project

March 8, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The price tag to replace the Blatnik Bridge will rise by at least $400 million from inflation alone if construction does not begin this year for the five-year project, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT said it can’t begin construction without $1.8 billion in federal grants that were approved in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill during…

Superior Police Department Allegations Of Misconduct Report

Superior Mayor releases report after police department investigation

March 6, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released an investigative report regarding allegations of misconduct within the Superior Police Department. The findings come after a third party firm, the OIR Groups, looked at collateral and systemic issues within the department. The city hired the firm after an internal investigation into police investigator Mikayla LeRette alleging “attendance violations, tardiness, insubordination and…

Former UW-Superior Chancellor Julius Erlenbach passes away at 82

March 5, 2026

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — UW-Superior is mourning the passing of Former Chancellor Julius Erlenbach. Erlenbach passed away on February 28 at 82. UWS said during his time as chancellor, he reshaped the UWS campus, both culturally and physically. Erlenbach was integral in the building of the Yellowjacket Union and Swenson Hall. He retired in 2010 and continued to visit the campus and…

Bayfield County snowmobile crash leaves one dead, one critically injured

February 27, 2026

KQDS Staff,

NAMAKAGON TWSP, Wis. — One person is dead after a snowmobile crash in Namakagon Township in Bayfield County. According to officials, on February 25 at around 4:35 p.m., they received reports of a snowmobile crash on Trail 70. Once on scene, they found a 39-year old man who was pronounced dead. Initial investigation shows that the snowmobile was traveling west…

Bay Produce begins spring flower planting

February 26, 2026

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Spring planting is in full swing for Bay Produce. For the second year in a row, they’re planting flowers for Mother’s Day. While February 26, 2026 was a lovely warm winter day, it has nothing on the hot humid greenhouse of Bay Produce in Superior. The fresh smell of tomato vines and dirt heavy in the air…

Community Clothing Offers A Wardrobe Refresh

Twin Ports clothing swap promotes style and sustainability

February 25, 2026

Lauren Martinson, Emmaleah Allen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Many refreshed their wardrobe without spending a dime at a community clothing swap in Superior. Ritual Marketplace opened its space for the event hosted by Jill Joyce and Tiersa Wodash. Transforming its space into a hub for sharing style and sustainability. From shoes to jewelry, and outerwear to hats, there was something for everyone, with no minimum…

Wisconsin State Superintendent visits Northwestern High School for Career and Technical Education Month

February 25, 2026

Paige Hansen,

MAPLE, Wis. — Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly made a stop at Northwestern High School on Wednesday. Underly met with faculty and students in honor of Career and Technical Education Month. The visit started with a presentation from manufacturing and construction students. During a tour of the shop classes, students showcased their projects and discussed their future career aspirations….

Army Corp of engineers approve permit for line 5 relocation

February 25, 2026

Jason VanHorn, The Associated Press,

FILE – Pipeline used to carry crude oil sits at the Superior, Wis., terminal of Enbridge Energy, June 29, 2018. DULUTH, Minn. & MADISON, Wis. — Energy company Enbridge has finally started work on rerouting an aging oil pipeline around a tribal reservation in northern Wisconsin after seven years of legal wrangling, moving ahead despite two new lawsuits that still…

Vice President JD Vance is making a post-State of the Union visit to a Wisconsin factory

February 25, 2026

Matt McConico,

Vice President JD Vance (AP) – Vance will deliver remarks “celebrating the Trump administration’s accomplishments” following Trump’s nationally televised address Tuesday night. The vice president’s office said he’ll do so at a to-be-named machining facility in Plover, Wisconsin. Plover is near Stevens Point. High-level administration officials typically fan out across the country after the speech to promote the president’s message and…

The 2026 First Ship contest is live

February 24, 2026

Matt McConico,

Duluth’s Lift Bridge DULUTH, Minn. – The 43rd Annual First Ship Contest is open for guesses. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the First Ship Contest. The person who correctly guesses when the season’s first “saltie” sails into the seaport could win a Duluth prize package. A “saltie” means an oceangoing vessel to complete a…

Wrong-way driver was intoxicated in crash that killed Duluth musician Todd Eckart

February 23, 2026

Dan Hanger,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Final autopsy results are revealing what contributed to a double-fatal, wrong-way crash in Douglas County that killed well-known Northland entertainer Todd Eckart. Authorities conclude alcohol was in the system of the wrong-way driver. The crash happened during the afternoon hours of Oct. 22, 2025, near Highway 53 and Kent Road in Hawthorne. Eckart, 61, of Duluth,…

Jessie Diggins ‘full of gratitude’ after ending a glittering Olympic career in cross-country skiing

February 23, 2026

Matt McConico,

Jessie Diggins, of the United States, competes in the cross country skiing women’s 50km mass start classic at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Tesero, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. TESERO, Italy (AP) — Jessie Diggins crossed the line Sunday as she has done so often over 15 years on the world stage — with the tank entirely empty. Collapsed on the snow…

Minnesota Power Foundation makes large donation to Second Harvest Northland

February 20, 2026

Lauren Martinson, Brian Priolo,

DULUTH, Minn. — A local non-profit has been gifted a large donation that will help serve the community for many years. For the past three years, Second Harvest Northland has been expanding the distribution center they acquired in 2022. With the help of Minnesota Power and the Minnesota Power Foundation, they are able to complete phase 1 of the project….

Superior, Wisconsin scene on Feb 20, 2026

New Wisconsin film tax credit and film office hope to boost local productions

February 20, 2026

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently announced a new tax credit for filming in Wisconsin and the creation of a Film Office. It’s been a couple of decades since Wisconsin had a film tax credit. Wisconsin was also one of only four states that didn’t have a film office either. It’s a great opportunity for the city…

Duluth and Superior soccer clubs entering strategic management agreements

February 20, 2026

Matt McConico,

Northland Sports Management Logo DULUTH, Minn. & SUPERIOR, Wis. – Duluth FC and Superior City FC are announcing new strategic management agreements with Northland Sports Management. They point out “this is not a merger.” Duluth FC and Superior City FC will remain distinct, independent clubs, each retaining its own governance, competitive pathways, and brand identity – preserving their full independence….

2-time NL manager of the year Pat Murphy agrees to contract extension with Brewers

February 20, 2026

Matt McConico,

FILE – Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy watches during batting practice ahead of Game 1 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Milwaukee. PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy has agreed to a multi-year contract extension after leading the Brewers to division titles and getting selected as NL…

Superior pushes for control over SWL&P utilities

February 19, 2026

Lauren Martinson, Adam Jagunich,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Water, Light and Power, owned by Allete, has provided Superior with utilities for the last 135 years. However, Mayor Jim Paine is pushing for a shift to keep costs affordable. “Right now, people are opening the most expensive water, light, and power bills they have ever received in the history of the city,” said Superior Mayor…

Wisconsin passes expanded Medicaid for moms, would leave Arkansas as only state without it

February 19, 2026

Matt McConico,

Democratic Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, surrounded by Democratic colleagues, speaks in support of measures to expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers and insurance coverage for breast exams at a news conference in the state Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Madison, Wis. MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Women in Wisconsin will soon be eligible to receive expanded Medicaid…

Apostle Islands ice caves open for first time in 11 years, then close after one day

February 18, 2026

Paige Hansen, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

CORNICOPIA, Wis. — The Apostle Islands ice caves were open for the first time in over a decade to the public and people came from across the region to get the experience first hand. “We woke up early at 6 a.m., got our snacks, got our snow pants, got our coffee,” Jackie Hanson, visitor from St. Paul said. Located along…

School Closings: Wed., Feb. 18, 2026

February 17, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Click here to get the latest school closings for Wednesday, Feb. 18. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Power outages expected due to heavy wet snow fall

February 17, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 Chief Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg is predicting snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain to fall across our region Tuesday (Jan 17) evening into Wednesday (Jan 18) morning. These storms very likely will cause at least scattered power outages. Stay safe – Ways to be prepared for an outage: • Keep a “Lights Out” kit in an…

Birkie Week sees some changes due to weather

February 17, 2026

Jadie Jones,

HAYWARD, Wisc. — American Birkebeiner organizers have announced a few adjustments due to the weather. They have postponed Wednesday’s (2/18) Open Track to Thursday (2/19). Events that are scheduled to take place Thursday on Hayward’s Main Street, will now be held at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, Wisconsin. Event Director Kristy Maki says the Birkie trail is in great…

Searchers find wreck of luxury steamer lost in Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago

February 15, 2026

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Searchers have discovered the wreck of a luxury steamer that sank in a Lake Michigan gale in the late 19th century, completing a quest that began almost 60 years ago. Shipwreck World, a group that works to locate shipwrecks around the globe, announced Friday that a team led by Illinois shipwreck…

Artistic Florals by Leslie sees Valentine’s Day rush

February 13, 2026

Lauren Martinson, Adam Jagunich,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many shoppers are scrambling for last-minute gifts, and one local shop is keeping up with the rush. Artistic Florals by Leslie in Superior is ready for the special day, offering everything from fresh flower arrangements and house plants to candy and stuffed animals. Shoppers can order roses wrapped or boxed,…

Escape the Bong returns for its eighth year

February 13, 2026

Adam Jagunich,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — If you’re looking for a different type of activity this Valentine’s weekend, Escape the Bong is back for its eighth year. Mobile Escape Rooms have transformed the Bong Historical Center in Superior into four different escape rooms. From trying to get your stolen high school mascot back to trying to find your way out of a prohibition-era…

Fake bomb threat temporarily sends Hayward High School into lockdown

February 13, 2026

KQDS Staff,

HAYWARD, Wis. — A bomb threat that temporarily sent Hayward High School into a soft lockdown Friday was determined to be fake. According to school officials, a report came in that a student had a bomb in the school. Police were called, and the student was found, and it was determined that there was no threat. During this time, students…

Image from Body camera video of Ian Cuypers confrontation

Lawyer: DoorDash driver tased has had ‘profound negative mental and emotional effect’

February 10, 2026

Matt McConico,

Image from Body Camera video of Ian Cuyper confrontation (February 28, 2024) SUPERIOR, Wis. – A federal judge has ruled when a Superior Police officer tased a DoorDash driver about two years ago it was a violation of the driver’s constitutional rights. The incident happened during a traffic stop on the evening of February 28, 2024. Superior Police Officer Taylor…

Wisconsin’s new Blackout and Retro license plates selling big in first month available

February 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Wisconsin Retro & Black Out License Plates SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the first month since their debut, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued more than 10,000 of new plate options – Blackout and Retro license plates. The clean design of the Blackout plate has a black background with white lettering and edge. The Retro yellow or butter license plate…

Suspect in December officer-involved shooting found competent to stand trial

February 5, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Dylan Wallace (Credit: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) SUPERIOR, Wis. — The suspect in a Dec. 7 officer-involved shooting has been found fit to stand trial. In a competency hearing on Thursday, court documents say that the judge declared Dylan Charles Edward Wallace to be presently competent. This means his trial will move forward. Wallace is being accused of shooting a…

Wide World Of Wings Prep For Super Bowl Sunday

Wide World of Wings in Superior prepping for Super Bowl Sunday

February 4, 2026

Paige Hansen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, Wide World of Wings in Superior is prepping for game day. The Super Bowl is a busy day at the restaurant, with wings in high demand and customers often ordering 50 or 100 wings. Prep starts weeks in advance, from stocking up on extra wings, to making sure there’s…

Superior woman celebrates 100th birthday

February 2, 2026

KQDS Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A Superior woman celebrated an impressive milestone. Doris Mace celebrated her 100th birthday with cake and cocktails at the Keyport lounge. Friends and family came to share the special day with her, including her five children. Her son is traveling from Florida for the event. Doris shared an important piece of advice “Just live every day the…

Cold conditions bring hot competition to Barkers Island

January 30, 2026

Lauren Martinson,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Engines roared across the ice as racing enthusiasts gathered for a winter competition on a track far from traditional. From bikes, to quads, and side-by-sides, the competition welcomed a variety of racers taking to the ice in front of Barkers Island. The event, hosted by the nonprofit group Midwest Ice Racing Association, takes place during the Lake…

Lake Superior Ice Festival kicks off for weekend of fun

January 30, 2026

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Lake Superior Ice Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From hockey to disc golf, a tubing hill, arts, crafts, food trucks and so much more – there is something for everyone at this fun family friendly event. It’s not all out in the cold either. There is an escape room, bonfires, warming tents, and other indoor…

One dead in Douglas County snowmobile crash

January 30, 2026

Matt McConico,

Gordon Snowmobile Crash Scene. Thursday Jan 29, 2026 GORDON, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says one person is dead following a single snowmobile crash in the Town Of Gordon. The crash was called into Douglas County 911 at 9:08pm on Thursday January 29, 2026. This victim is identified as Marvin Sloper, 68, of Centuria, WI. The initial reports are Sloper…

Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race, leading GOP rival to drop out

January 28, 2026

Matt McConico,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open race for governor led the congressman’s top Republican rival to drop out of the race less than a day later. Tom Tiffany Tiffany now faces only nominal opposition for the Republican nomination in the battleground state after Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann announced his decision to drop out Wednesday. Schoemann…

Propane truck bursts into flames after crash in Burnett County; Roads closed

January 28, 2026

Matt McConico,

BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. – The Burnett County Sheriff’s Office says a propane truck caught fire following a crash with a pickup truck. It happened on State Road 70 and County Road H in Dewey Township on January 28, 2026 around 1pm. That is about 28-miles Southeast of Hayward. The road is closed. For safety reasons the area will remain closed until…

President Trump endorses Rep. Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor

January 27, 2026

Dan Hanger,

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, (R) Wisconsin, for governor of Wisconsin. Trump called Tiffany a “Proven Leader who has dedicated his life to serving his Community.” In a news release late Tuesday, Tiffany said: “I’m grateful for the overwhelming support we have received since launching this campaign, and I’m especially honored to earn President Trump’s…

School Closings & Delays: Friday, Jan. 23

January 22, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Click here for the latest school closings and delays for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

SWL&P plans to replace water filters

January 22, 2026

Jadie Jones,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Water Light and Power is hoping to make some upgrades. They filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to replace their water filters. 2.5 million gallons of water go through their four filters daily before being sent throughout the city. If the project is approved, they’ll replace two at a time, so it…

Healthcare provider shares cold weather safety tips

January 21, 2026

Paige Hansen,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — With the recent and upcoming low temps, a health care provider with Essentia Health shares cold-weather health tips. Family Nurse Practitioner Julie Pearce encourages safety during cold temperatures. She emphasizes the importance of dressing in layers, avoiding extended exposure to cold and not getting wet to prevent heat loss. With the temps reaching into the negatives this…

Wisconsin man sentenced to 15 years for 12th DUI

January 21, 2026

KQDS Staff,

James Knuuttila Sr.(Bayfield County Sheriffs Office) BAYFIELD, Wis. — An Iron River man has been convicted to the maximum penalty for receiving his 12th DUI. 77-year-old James Knuuttila Sr. was sentenced Wednesday to a 15-year prison sentence with 10 years initial confinement, and 5 years extended supervision. This sentencing comes after a 2024 rollover that Knuuttilas was involved in….

Superior law enforcement to hold Rescue Task Force training at local church

January 20, 2026

Jason VanHorn,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Law enforcement and emergency services in Superior are holding a training exercise on Tuesday. According to officials, the event will be held all day and take place at the Central Assembly of God church, where there will be a large presence of emergency vehicles. The Superior Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Superior Fire…

FOX 21 Evening News Team 2026 Rusty Dan Maria Neil

Maria Vollom joining FOX 21 evening team

January 20, 2026

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – An exciting new chapter has begun at FOX 21 Local News. Morning anchor Maria Vollom has been promoted to evening co-anchor with Dan Hanger, Rusty Mehlberg on weather and Neil Vierzba on sports at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the evening newscasts. After waking-up early for FOX 21 Local News from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m….

Man arrested after fatal snowmobile crash in Iron County

January 18, 2026

Dan Hanger,

IRON COUNTY, Wis. — A man is dead and another man is in custody after a crash involving two snowmobiles in the Town of Oma. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened around 8:15 p.m. Friday on Trail 17, about one mile north of County Highway G. When deputies arrived, they found a 52-year-old male snowmobile driver dead….

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrate “Youth of the Year” awards

January 13, 2026

Xavier Walt,

DULUTH, Minn. — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrated young local leaders with their annual “Youth of the Year” awards. During the event, various judges interviewed the award nominees and heard every kid’s story, with the judges then selecting one “Youth of the Year” winner. The winner would go on to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of…

Wisconsin Gov. Evers questions his lieutenant governor’s immigration enforcement proposal

January 13, 2026

Matt McConico,

Governor Tony Evers MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is questioning whether a proposal from his own lieutenant governor to ban federal immigration enforcement actions around courthouses, schools, day cares and other locations can, or should, be done. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for governor this year after Evers decided against seeking a third term. She is…

Former Superior city councilor Dan Olson announces run for mayor; Mayor Paine slaps back

January 12, 2026

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A well-known former Superior city councilor and council president is running for mayor in 2027. Dan Olson signed the paperwork Monday to declare his candidacy for mayor. Olson was on the city council from 2008 to 2020. Superior mayoral candidate Dan Olson He’s also a longtime labor leader and currently holds the title of International Representative for…

Wisconsin Retro & Black Out License Plates

New Blackout and Retro license plates now available in Wisconsin

January 9, 2026

Matt McConico,

Wisconsin Retro & Black Out License Plates MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin’s newest state license plates, a Blackout design and a Retro butter yellow design, are now available for purchase at most DMVs. In making the announcement Gov. Tony Evers said, “I’m really jazzed folks will start seeing these new plates out on our roads that really showcase our proud Wisconsin…

$100K winning lottery ticket sold in Northern Wisconsin still yet to be claimed

January 7, 2026

Xavier Walt,

WASHBURN, Wis. — A lottery ticket that won a massive payout in Northern WI is currently missing. The Wisconsin Lottery confirming that a $100,000 Powerball winning lottery ticket was sold at Hansen’s IGA in Washburn. The ticket, which included a x2 multiplier to make the prize $100,000, and won the money just before Christmas, has yet to be turned in…

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

Soo Locks soon closing for seasonal repair and maintenance

January 6, 2026

Matt McConico,

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. January 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance. Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said, “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition…

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