One document at a time. One embarrassing budget excess. One dodgy contract. One redacted falsehood. FOIA is all about those little things, one page at a time. Each record, by itself, is just a piece of the puzzle. It takes citizens to connect the dots. Aggregation is the process of taking disorganized FOIA records and making sense of them. Suddenly those records show patterns of corruption, rather than just an isolated mistake. Or 100 tiny, random pixels are compiled to create one big, ugly picture of government failure.
Without aggregation, finding those truths is like looking for a needle in a stack of needles. At Soupnutz, we believe the truth is in the trends. Don’t just download the data. Put it in order. Analyze it. Blow it wide open.
On October 24, 2024, Ian Cuypers filed a federal civil rights complaint alleging that Superior Police Department officers used excessive force during a traffic stop and later pursued unsupported criminal charges. The lawsuit seeks damages for physical injury, emotional trauma, and malicious prosecution.
In this February 9, 2026 Opinion and Order, the Western District of Wisconsin granted partial summary judgment to Ian Cuypers on his excessive force claim after a City of Superior officer tased him during a traffic stop. The court held that video evidence showed he was not actively resisting and allowed multiple claims, including malicious prosecution and punitive damages, to proceed to trial.
In March 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt coordinated a meeting with a Superior Telegram reporter to discuss a Feb. 28 traffic stop where a Taser was used on Ian Cuypers.
In April 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt sent a detailed email to a city councilor and resident defending a taser use during a traffic stop. The exchange highlights public concern, official justification, and transparency claims.
In spring 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt exchanged emails with other agencies seeking an external expert to review a use-of-force incident. The correspondence reveals concerns about trial preparation, public scrutiny, and independent validation.
In April 2024, City of Superior officials and the police chief exchanged emails with a concerned resident regarding a traffic stop where a driver was tased. The correspondence details police use-of-force policies and offers further public discussion.
In May and June 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt coordinated with regional law enforcement and training officials to secure an independent DAAT expert to review a use-of-force incident. The emails reflect transparency efforts, inter-agency communication, and preparation for potential courtroom testimony.
In March 2024, the City of Superior paid Fryberger Law Firm nearly $3,900 for legal services tied to the General Mills Dock HAP grant and the Lidgerwood Mundy TID 16 development project, detailing extensive work on development agreements and tax increment financing.
In March 2024, the City of Superior paid Stafford Rosenbaum LLP $236 for legal review of a construction completion report related to SWLP and MGP contamination near the wastewater treatment plant.