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.

Police officer engaging with an individual sitting on the hood of a patrol car at night.

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

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Mark Fruehauf Douglas County Police Department on October 16, 2016 August 5, 2025

In October 2016, Superior paid $50,000 to silence a lawsuit over police brutality, sparking outrage and raising questions about accountability and justice.

A somber, detailed image captures a courtroom scene in a small, dimly lit municipal building. Officer Kirk Michael Babic, middle-aged with a tired expression, stands at the defendant’s table, facing charges of felony theft. He is dressed in a formal civilian outfit, contrasting with the presence of uniformed officers observing the proceedings from behind. The courtroom is modest, with a wood-paneled interior and an air of subdued tension. At the prosecutor’s table sits District Attorney Kelly J. McKnight, his expression determined as he holds a file with evidence against Babic. In the background, a few citizens look on, their faces a mix of disappointment and curiosity. The atmosphere conveys the weight of repeated corruption scandals, as shadows and low lighting highlight the gravity of the proceedings and the tarnished reputation of local government.

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

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Mark Fruehauf Douglas County Police Department on November 10, 2011 June 12, 2025

A veteran Superior Police officer faces felony theft charges, accused of misappropriating $11,000 from a fitness fund, amidst ongoing local corruption issues.

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