3/18/2026

MINONG - A semi vehicle crash yesterday in Minong in Washburn County left a juvenile dead and a driver critically injured.  Minong Police responded to the crash just before noon yesterday at intersection of Highway 53 and State Highway 77.  Authorities say a SUV traveling north on 53 and attempting to turn west onto 77, when it entered the path of that southbound semi. The SUV was struck on the passenger side.  Both occupants of the SUV were extricated by emergency crews and rushed to the hospital. On the way, the juvenile passenger was pronounced dead. The driver was airlifted to Duluth and remained in critical condition.  The semi driver was not injured.

3/18/2026

ASHLAND - A $2 million grant-funded renovation is converting a former Ashland Motel overflow building on Lake Shore Drive West, adjacent to the Ashland Community Shelter, into an 11-unit transitional housing facility. The Ashland Daily Press reports that the project, expected to finish by late May with June leasing, will offer one-year-or-less stays at $530/month, utilities included. While supported by City Administrator Brant Kucera and NWCAA Director Millie Rounsville, who noted the affordable rent aids shelter residents, residents like Scott Bretting have raised parking concerns. Officials are coordinating with local shelters to secure tenants for the on-schedule building.

3/18/2026

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state. The state legislature gave final approval Tuesday to a measure that could allow tribes to offer online sports betting available to people anywhere in Wisconsin. The move comes just at the NCAA basketball tournaments get underway — one of the most popular betting times in the U.S. But the Wisconsin measure still needs the signature of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. And it would not take effect immediately. Wisconsin would become the 32nd state to allow online sports betting. A total of 39 states already allow at least some type of sports betting.