Dispatches from Douglas County: A washed out bridge, an elemental connection and a homecoming win

100722.n.st.Bridge.jpg — A sign alerts drivers that the bridge is out along Douglas County Road W on Wednesday, Oct. 5, south of Oliver.

By Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten

October 07, 2022 08:00 AM

SUPERIOR — Did you see photographer Jed Carlson at the Superior homecoming parade last week? He got several great shots of the festivities. My favorite is the float done by moms of the senior football players featuring giant posters of their kids' heads. I'm bookmarking that one for when my toddler hits high school!

Here are a few more stories for your consideration this week:

Bridge still out

Douglas County Highway W bridge.jpg — The Douglas County Highway W bridge over the Nemadji River has been out since 2018, leaving residents near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border frustrated with alternatives to getting around the area. The bridge abutments were washed out when log debris blocked the river's flow during heavy rain in June 2018.

It's been more than four years since the abutments washed out on the Douglas County Highway W bridge that crosses the Nemadji River. Seeking a more reliable fix but unable to foot the bill, county officials have kept the bridge closed ever since .

Local governments of four municipalities -- including two in Minnesota -- say they want the county to get the bridge open. Residents agree.

Elemental change

100422.N.ST.Element close.JPG — Jon Schwantes, who graduated Superior High School in 1989, left, points to element 111 on a periodic table of elements chart in a science room at SHS as his classmate Cindy Magnuson looks on. Schwantes was a member of the team that named element 111, roentgenium.

The Superior High School class of 1989 recently raised funds to replace the periodic tables at their alma mater. When the new charts go up later this year, they'll sport Spartan stickers next to element 111, which '89 graduate Jon Schwantes helped name.

Homecoming win

Superior’s Carson Gotelaere (9) is congratulated by Lucas Williams (16) after his first rushing touchdown of the game with Eau Claire Memorial at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex in Superior at Friday, Sept. 30.

Carson Gotelaere led the Superior Spartans to their first victory of the season last week -- and on homecoming to boot.

The senior rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns and threw a 21-yard touchdown reception to teammate Hunter Willis.

More stories to check out:

Superior police responded to a report of an armed man threatening violence near the Mariner Business Center on Thursday, Oct. 6.
The Superior City Council hired a new city finance director at a meeting Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The Northwestern Tigers girls golf team hosted the WIAA Division 2 sectional meet on Monday, Oct. 3. While no one on the team advanced to the state meet, co-head coach Gabby Gidley said her players made great strides this season.

Editor's note: Dispatches from Douglas County is a newsletter I publish every Friday morning. Please consider subscribing — it's free — and hits your inbox just once a week. You can sign up here.