Browsing Category Douglas County

Douglas County, WI: The Wild West of Wisconsin Politics
Welcome to Douglas County—where the trees outnumber the people, and local politics make reality TV look boring. Nestled in the rugged beauty of northern Wisconsin, Douglas County is where Lake Superior crashes against the shore, deer outnumber residents, and everyone’s got an opinion on how to fix the roads (spoiler: they never get fixed).
Home to the city of Superior—aka Duluth’s scrappier sibling—Douglas County is a patchwork of small towns, sprawling forests, and enough community boards to make your head spin. Whether it’s figuring out who actually runs what, our political scene is a mix of passionate arguments and good old-fashioned Midwestern stubbornness.

Illustration of a police officer in uniform showing an injured arm with a humorous expression.

Scandal Erupts in Superior, WI: Officer’s Fabricated Report Triggers Mass Case Dismissals

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Douglas County Police Department on November 11, 2024 November 27, 2024

Douglas County DA Mark Fruehauf has dismissed 40 criminal cases due to credibility issues linked to ex-officer Jarid Rankila, raising public integrity concerns in law enforcement.

A powerful, gritty visual scene capturing the essence of systemic injustice. A police officer in uniform, his face shadowed and expression cold, stands beside a badly mangled car wreck under harsh streetlights. In the foreground, empty alcohol containers lie discarded, starkly contrasting the flashing red and blue police lights. Nearby, grieving family members cling to one another in anguish, holding a photo of a young father and infant. In the background, a judge’s bench looms, with scales of justice tipped grotesquely toward a pile of money marked “Bail $15,000.” The officer smirks slightly, a badge and pension papers visible in his hand, while a police chief offers a dismissive shrug, labeled with the words “stain on the badge.” Above the scene, a dark sky looms with the phrase “Justice is blind” etched in the clouds, half-erased by a seeing-eye dog with selective vision.

Outrage Over Former Officer’s Drunken Hit-and-Run: A Deep Dive into Justice System Failures

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Police Department on August 18, 2024 December 18, 2024

A former police officer’s reckless hit-and-run exposes deep flaws in our justice system, raising questions about accountability and corruption within law enforcement.

A visually striking depiction of a contentious city council meeting in Superior, Wisconsin, centered around the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) controversy. The scene shows a tense, packed chamber with divided attendees—some holding signs supporting clean energy and others backing reliable power infrastructure. At the forefront, Mayor Jim Paine stands at a podium, his expression a mix of conviction and defensiveness, with stacks of documents labeled “Environmental Concerns” and “Family Land Deal” on a table nearby. Behind him, an abstract rendering of a natural gas plant looms in the background, emitting faint smoke trails that form question marks in the air. Corporate representatives and city council members sit on opposite sides of the room, exchanging sharp glances. The atmosphere is charged, reflecting a battle between environmental ideals, corporate interests, and political controversy.

The Mayor, the Power Plant, and the Family Forest Deal: Rights, Rhetoric, and Responsibility

in City Hall City of Superior on June 30, 2024 November 27, 2024

The ongoing battle over the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Superior, Wisconsin, highlights the clash between corporate rights and environmental stewardship, raising critical questions about transparency, integrity, and the motivations of public officials like Mayor Jim Paine. As stakeholders weigh the environmental impacts against economic benefits, this complex dispute underscores the challenges of balancing clean energy initiatives with corporate constitutional protections.

A somber, medium-sized conference room setting, with an empty chair at a long table featuring nameplates for “Superior’s Tourism Commission” members. The room has a slightly dim atmosphere, with soft, cool lighting casting shadows over empty folders and a stack of unreviewed documents at the end of the table. A clock on the wall reads "11:00," a subtle nod to urgency and time constraints. Near the table, a laptop is visible, with a paused virtual meeting screen showing blurred faces, symbolizing partial transparency. In the background, a window offers a view of a cloudy, small-town cityscape, alluding to the tight-knit, yet scrutinized environment in Superior. This image subtly communicates secrecy, missed transparency, and an urgent call for accountability.

Breaking Down Barriers: How Superior’s Tourism Commission Violated Open Meetings Law and the Fight for Transparency

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Douglas County on July 25, 2023 November 17, 2024

In Superior, a government oversight reveals troubling lapses in transparency. As the city grapples with accountability issues, citizens demand change for a better future.

An image capturing the tense atmosphere of City Hall: in the foreground, a nameplate on an empty desk reads 'City Clerk Camila Ramos,' symbolizing her imminent departure. Nearby, a stack of papers and a file labeled 'Separation Agreement' rests under a desk lamp, casting a stark light. In the background, shadowy silhouettes of city leaders gather in quiet discussion, evoking a sense of secrecy and unresolved conflict. A subtle bulletin board features a calendar marked with 'June 24' and a notice about an upcoming election, representing the ongoing responsibilities Ramos leaves behind. The ambiance is somber, with muted tones and a spotlight on the desk, emphasizing the narrative of leadership transition and controversy. Around Paine, the surrounding trees are adorned with small “Protected” signs, symbolizing the proposed conservation status. Yet, in the distance, Uncle Fred’s property has more casual fencing, showing a different, less regulated look that hints at development. An eagle is perched nearby, representing the sanctuary’s intended purpose, watching over the scene. Overall, the image portrays a juxtaposition: the untouched wilderness contrasted with encroaching development, symbolizing the tension between public preservation and private interests.

City Clerk Camila Ramos Resigns Amid Discrimination Complaint and Allegations of Insubordination

in City Hall City of Superior on May 20, 2023 May 28, 2025

City Clerk Camila Ramos’s resignation amid insubordination and discrimination claims raises pressing questions about leadership and accountability in local government.

A digital illustration depicting a tense Superior City Council meeting. At the center, Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle sit close together, their expressions calm but resolute, symbolizing their united front amidst the controversy. Across the room, Councilor Craig Sutherland stands, holding a formal letter, gesturing pointedly as he raises his concerns. The room is filled with other councilors, some appearing neutral, others whispering among themselves, reflecting divided opinions. A backdrop of Wisconsin state legal text subtly overlays the scene, highlighting the conflict-of-interest statute at the heart of the debate. The atmosphere is a blend of professional tension and political drama. Around Paine, the surrounding trees are adorned with small “Protected” signs, symbolizing the proposed conservation status. Yet, in the distance, Uncle Fred’s property has more casual fencing, showing a different, less regulated look that hints at development. An eagle is perched nearby, representing the sanctuary’s intended purpose, watching over the scene. Overall, the image portrays a juxtaposition: the untouched wilderness contrasted with encroaching development, symbolizing the tension between public preservation and private interests.

Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle’s Marriage Sparks Local Controversy

in City Hall City of Superior Jenny Van Sickle Mayor Jim Paine on November 25, 2021 June 4, 2025

Concerns about potential conflicts of interest have arisen following the marriage of Superior Mayor Jim Paine and City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle, prompting Councilor Craig Sutherland to seek legal guidance. The situation has ignited a heated debate over ethics and transparency within local government, as both officials defend their positions amid allegations of undermining public trust.

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Browsing Category Douglas County

Scandal Erupts in Superior, WI: Officer’s Fabricated Report Triggers Mass Case Dismissals

Outrage Over Former Officer’s Drunken Hit-and-Run: A Deep Dive into Justice System Failures

The Mayor, the Power Plant, and the Family Forest Deal: Rights, Rhetoric, and Responsibility

Breaking Down Barriers: How Superior’s Tourism Commission Violated Open Meetings Law and the Fight for Transparency

City Clerk Camila Ramos Resigns Amid Discrimination Complaint and Allegations of Insubordination

Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle’s Marriage Sparks Local Controversy

Superior City’s Free Speech Battle: Councilor Van Sickle vs. City Attorney Prell

Superior Officer Punches Woman, Gets Paid Vacation—Still No Cape ?

Superior Police Officer Accused of Felony Theft: A Deepening Crisis of Corruption in Law Enforcement

Superior’s 2005 Audit Uncovers Employee Theft, Incompetence, and the Art of Shrugging It Off