Jim’s got charts, Jenny’s got spreadsheets, and Superior still doesn’t have the highest water rates in Wisconsin.
In this episode of Soup Nutz, Mick and Angela wade through the murky waters of Mayor Jim Paine’s August 30, 2024, testimony—a spectacle of charts, spreadsheets, and claims that don’t hold water. With his wife, Councilor Jenny Van Sickle, providing a questionable spreadsheet as his ace in the hole, Jim boldly declared Superior has the highest water rates in Wisconsin—a claim as flimsy as his grasp of the data. Spoiler alert: it’s not true. The duo breaks down Jim’s backpedaling, his “dollar-for-dollar” logic (whatever that means), and the legendary $1-a-month sewage savings Jenny brought to the table. It’s a deep dive into political theater, sprinkled with Excel wizardry and some hard-hitting laughs.

FOIA-DNR Flags Paine Easement Violation Superior
DNR alleges Paines violated conservation easement, demanding compliance and potential remedies for unauthorized improvements on the property.

FOIA-DNR Flags Easement Violations in Superior
DNR warns City of Superior over easement violations on Barker’s Island, urging immediate resolution to protect wildlife habitat and uphold conservation laws.

FOIA–Superior Easement Offset Plan Emerges (Dec 10, 2018)
Explore intergovernmental efforts in Superior to address a compromised land-use easement, showcasing collaboration for environmental compliance.

FOIA – Barker’s Island Easement Violation Wisconsin DNR
DNR raises concerns over potential violations of conservation easement on Barker’s Island by the City of Superior, urging compliance and collaboration.

Court Docs – Amended – LeRette v. City of Superior(Jan 2026)
Mikayla LeRette sues the City of Superior for civil rights violations, including warrantless tracking and discrimination during pregnancy.