Ellie here. Much of Wisconsin saw some crazy weather this week. I hope everyone is staying safe!
Earlier this week, I asked what you call consider to be ‘up north’ in Wisconsin. Here’s what you said:
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“Portage WI of course… as you enter town the signs indicate ‘Where the North Begins!’” — Sue G.
“Anything north of Tomahawk, where the tall pines take over.” — Tom C.
“When I think of “Up North” I am mostly thinking of places like Eagle River, Minocqua and Solon Springs (and the U.P.!) which are places we would go snowmobiling. Of course, since I have lived all my life in Southeastern Wisconsin, most of the state IS up north for me.” — Gail B.
“North of Highway 64 is absolutely where Up North begins…snow belt, most beautiful fall, awesome lakes, and up north friendly people!!“ — Judi F.
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These are just a few of the responses y’all shared. Thank you! As someone who resides in Southeastern Wisconsin, I’m with Gail, most of the state is ‘up north’ to me.
Back to the crazy weather, today we’re taking a look at the counties in our state that experience the most tornado warnings. Were you impacted by the storms in any way this week? Let me know.
We’re also taking a look at some of Milwaukee’s best dive bars and other Wisconsin news.
And don’t forget: For tomorrow’s Locals Love, I want to hear all about your favorite bookstores! Send in your favorites and tell me why they should be featured!
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“Taken the first week of April from the front deck. Hopefully the last snowfall of the season! Unfortunately, April in Eagle River usually looks just like this!” (Courtesy of Sandra M.)
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Our reader Sandra M. sent in this great photo of a deer in Eagle River. I can’t believe you’ve still got all that snow. Thanks for sharing!
Send in your Wisconsin view to have it featured.
Despite this snowy scene, warm weather is on the way. Check out these Wisconsin trails that are perfect for every hiker!
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The Uptowner, 1032 E. Center St., has a pool table and live music stage in the back of the bar, plus a pinball machine and vintage vending machine. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)
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By USA Today via Reuters Connect
Naming “the best” dive bar in Milwaukee is an impossible task. Even listing five of them isn’t easy. In a city with as much history as ours — and the longstanding drinking culture to go with it — there’s bound to be a bar on nearly every corner that someone has called their favorite.
Heck, even defining what a dive bar is is tricky. For me, it’s a spot that’s been open for at least 20 years (in a building whose tavern history goes back decades). It seems a little sketchy on the outside but is friendly once you grab a barstool. Inside, there’s wood paneling, carpeted floors and loads of decor littering the walls. Strands of Christmas lights bring the ambiance, as does the sound of some random movie playing on cable on a mounted TV. To eat? Popcorn. Or maybe a pickled egg from that jar behind the bar. How long has it been there? Don’t ask.
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A tornado warning siren is piled up in the debris along North Main Street, just south of County DF in Juneau on May 16, 2025. Several tornadoes reportedly touched down in western and central Wisconsin bringing damage to the Dodge County area. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)
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By USA Today via Reuters Connect
As Wisconsin residents deal with weather warnings and tornado sirens to start the week, some will have more experience with the routine than others.
From 2005 to 2025, the National Weather Service in Wisconsin issued 1,698 tornado warnings across the state, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Dane County leads the way with 80 tornado warnings issued in the 20 years between 2005 and 2025.
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By UpNorthNews Staff
Even before the war in Iran or President Trump’s trade war tariffs or the growth of data centers, Wisconsin consumers were concerned about hikes in electric rates.
Mandela Barnes, a candidate for governor, says corporate profits and executive pay are also factors — and he says if elected he’d appoint members to the state’s Public Service Commissioner who would oppose routine rate hikes for utilities.
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