Here's hoping the solar eclipse isn't shrouded in clouds

Rick Lubbers, Superior Telegram, Wis.
·3 min read

Apr. 5—DOUGLAS COUNTY — I'm heading south to check out the sun and moon's dazzling light and shadow show on Monday afternoon.

I'm hesitant to use the term "bucket list," since I'm only a few years into my 50s, but total solar eclipses in the contiguous United States often happen decades apart. The next one isn't until August 2044, so I figure it's a good idea to try to catch this showing. Though I'm told I can see one in Alaska in 2033.

I've seen a few partial solar eclipses through the years, but I want totality, Baily's Beads, the sun's corona, darkness. The works.

The current destination is Austin, Texas ... an 18-hour or so road trip with one of my best friends that will be fueled by laughs, good conversation, endless classic rock tunes and junk food.

A true magical mystery tour.

The trouble is, Texas is fixin' to be a bit cloudy on Monday afternoon (like many other cities and states in the eclipse path). Not optimal for eclipse viewing. My friend has seen a handful of total eclipses in this country and others — and is already planning a future eclipse cruise around Iceland in a couple of years. So he isn't stressing too much right now. He says he will get us under sunny skies in time for the big sky show. One way or another.

I hope he's right. I'd hate to have to sneak my way aboard his Iceland-bound cruise ship in order to check this off my not-quite-bucket list.

If it seems like the shipping offseason is shorter than the offseason for professional golf, you're not far off.

It feels as though the shipping season ended just a few weeks ago (it was actually a few months ago), but on Monday, April 1, the first ocean-going vessel (saltie) passed underneath the Aerial Lift Bridge. The Barbro G's arrival at 11:44 a.m. Monday marked the official start of the international shipping season for the Twin Ports.

Learn more about the Barbro G and check out pictures and a video from digital producer Wyatt Buckner here.

Superior and Douglas County residents hit the polls earlier this week to cast votes. And while there weren't many surprises when the ballots were counted, one write-in candidate ended up winning two County Board seats.

Current state Rep. Angie Sapik announced earlier this year that she would not be running again for state Assembly after the district boundaries were redrawn. But she did express interest as a write-in candidate for County Board.

Voters responded by electing her in two different districts, though she will only serve in the district where she lives.

Find out more about this election day oddity and other election results here.

And check out the local school board results here.

Where was this when I was in college? An esports lab? An esports team?

OK, we didn't have the internet in the late 80s and early 90s, but this would have saved me $10,000 in quarters at the campus malt shop.

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is now a collegiate destination for gamers pursuing a degree on the side.

Learn more from Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood here.

(Subscriber-only story)

* Controversial project stalls:

Superior council takes no action on Nemadji Trail Energy Center

(Subscriber-only story)

* No hunting changes after all:

Gov. Evers vetoes bucks-only deer hunting bill for northern Wisconsin

* Financial woes:

Proposed health insurance changes spark concerns in Superior School District

(Subscriber-only story)

* Douglas County Past:

Police officer beaten by thugs; egg hunt thrills children

* Human highlight reel:

Solon Springs' Kastern named All-Area Player of the Year

(Subscriber-only story)

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