Browsing Category District Attorney

Illustration of a woman standing between two police officers near a police car with flashing lights.

Union President’s DUI Arrest: Bargains with Police While Yelling ‘Turn Off the Lights’

in City of Superior District Attorney Douglas County Police Department Sheriffs Department on May 5, 2025 May 8, 2025

In the troubled town of Superior, a sixth-grade math teacher faces backlash after a drunken drive. With local officials under scrutiny, the community’s alcohol issue comes to light amid growing scandal.

Christmas wreath featuring holly, berries, and a red bow with 'Merry SoupNutz' text in the center.

Celebrate the Season: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from SoupNutz!

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Douglas County Fire Department Police Department on December 23, 2024 March 13, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season with SoupNutz! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we’ll be back to serve you on January 6th—see you in 2024!

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 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.

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 Douglas County Police Department on October 16, 2016 June 12, 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 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.

The image depicts a somber city hall in Superior, Wisconsin, illuminated by a single streetlight casting shadows over its entrance, hinting at the ongoing investigations. A "closed for audit" sign hangs prominently on the doors. Inside, glimpses of officials are visible in silhouette, gathered around a table laden with files and paperwork, exuding tension and urgency. A stern-faced mayor addresses a small assembly of anxious city employees and police officers. Faint details of headlines, like "Embezzlement Scandal" and "Audit Results Pending," peek from crumpled newspapers scattered near the entrance. The overall scene is dimly lit and evokes a mood of secrecy and unresolved tension, underscoring the weight of past misdeeds and the pressing need for accountability.

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

in City Hall City of Superior District Attorney Douglas County Fire Department on August 7, 2005 June 12, 2025

In 2005, Superior, Wisconsin faced alarming audit revelations, prompting a probe into city fund misappropriation, raising urgent concerns about oversight and accountability.