On May 20, 1990, Susan "Susie" Poupart, 29 years old, was seen leaving a house party at about 4 a.m. in Lac du Flambeau.
While walking home alone, two men pulled up in a car, and Susie entered the car, according to witnesses. However, Susie never returned home. She was never seen alive again. Her family reported her missing two days later.
In 1990, the case was investigated by the Vilas County Sheriff's Department as the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department did not yet exist. According to the tribal police, "Deputies and fire department personnel conducted ground searches for four or five days, hoping to find her alive and return her to her two young children. Eventually specially trained tracking dogs were brought in from Minnesota to assist in search efforts, to no avail.
"Six months later, on November 22, 1990, deer hunters found Susie’s remains in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, approximately 12 miles from her home. Her purse and Tribal ID were found near her remains. Susie’s death was determined to be a homicide, and in the decades since her murder, continuous improvements in DNA technology have kept her family’s hopes alive that her murderers will be brought to justice."
Investigators are also hopeful as they await the results of DNA testing on evidence that was recently sent to sophisticated, high-tech crime laboratories.
Beyond DNA evidence, police believe there are people who have information about Susie's disappearance and death, which could result in the arrest and conviction of those involved in her murder.
As an incentive, the Lac du Flambeau Tribe is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. According to police, "Any detail, no matter how small, could be helpful. It goes without saying that Susie’s children, now grown, deserve answers in the death of their mother, who was so cruelly taken from them. The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Community, too, deserves to know what happened to one of their own. Most important, Susie deserves justice. She was only 29 years old when she was murdered. She had her whole life in front of her, and her two beloved children to raise. Her killers must answer for their crime, so that Susie can finally rest in peace, and her family and community can begin to heal."
Anyone with any information regarding the disappearance and murder of Susan "Susie" Poupart is asked to call either the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441, the Wisconsin Department of Justice at 608-266-1221, or the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 715-588-7717.
Police added, "The reward offered by the tribe for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Susan "Susie" Poupart will be apportioned as deemed just by the tribe, in the event, for example, multiple credible tips are received. Employees of law enforcement and correctional agencies are not eligible to collect the reward."
According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee meeting was held on May 7, 2025, as scheduled.
During the meeting, which was accessible via livestream, a user named "James' iPhone" joined from a Linode Datacenter IP address, which is located in Ontario, Canada. It is an American cloud provider that hosts virtual machines.
Approximately thirteen minutes into the meeting, the user displayed explicit content on the Price County video screen streaming service. The video feed was immediately stopped by Price County employees.
According to the sheriff's office, "A joint investigation was conducted by the service contractor, Heartland Business Systems; the Price County IT Department; and the Price County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation concluded that the explicit materials shown during the Price County Highway and Transportation Committee meeting did not originate from electronic items owned by Price County. In addition, this investigation concluded no Price County employees were responsible for displaying the explicit material. Price County realizes that securing virtual meetings is essential to maintaining a safe and professional environment for all participants. The recent incident underscores the risks of unrestricted content sharing. Price County has implemented recommended setting changes and has taken steps to significantly reduce the likelihood of future disruptions."
The police added that no additional information will be released at this time.
The 5th annual community-wide garage sale event will take place on June 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2025 for anyone with a Phillips address, both in the city limits and in the country.
"For anyone wanting to have a sale, the listing is free. My Price County promotes the event and the list of sales, so getting on the list should greatly increase traffic to each sale. We have had people remark that the community-wide garage sale weekend brings them the most shoppers they see all year at their sales," said Lynne Bohn, event organizer.
My Price County is offering free advertising to residents who would like to have a garage sale on that weekend. To participate, reserve your ad spot by submitting your first and last name, full address of your garage sale location, the days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday) and the times you set for your garage sale, along with a short list (25 words or less) of some of the items that will be at your garage sale. Either message My Price County on Facebook or send an e-mail to Contact@MyPriceCounty.com with "Garage Sale" in the subject line. While getting the garage sales sent via e-mail is preferred, you can call 715-339-6677 if you do not have access to Messenger or e-mail. My Price County will confirm receipt of all messages and e-mails. The deadline for submitting your garage sale is 5 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025. Please note, you will need to place your own garage sales signs and do any additional advertising that you choose.
"The busiest days are Friday and Saturday," Lynne added, "but we will accept sales for Thursday and Sunday, as well, because some people like to run three- or four- day sales. Anyone who hosts a garage sale can choose their days and times; no one has to host a sale on all four days unless they want to."
The community-wide garage sale event is being held to help promote the community. Please help us make others aware of this event by sharing this article's link or the Facebook post. You can also follow and invite your friends to the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1078936907369520.
Sales will be posted by the morning of June 12, 2025, at https://www.mypricecounty.com/sales.html. Save that link but realize there are no current sales listed there yet, and the full list won't be published until June 12, 2025.
Bumble Bee Rentals offers modern residential and commercial rentals of storefronts, apartments, and homes, plus rentals of tables & chairs for parties and other events. Visit Bumble Bee Rental's website to view their properties or call 715-339-3418.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Reports from April 2025 were not received by the sheriff's office at the time of publication on 5-13-2025.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
4-12-25: Notified of an altercation that occurred between an adult female and her adult male son. One adult male was arrested for disorderly conduct.
4-13-25: Received a report of a suspicious vehicle and person at the park that had been there for a while and was allegedly taking photos. The officer made contact with the person who stated that they were just waiting at the park for their friend to get off work and watching videos on their phone.
4-13-25: Received a phone call from an adult male who stated that his neighbor was posting not true things about him on Facebook. The officer stated that they would review the post and document the incident.
4-16-25: Responded to Eyder Avenue to take a male into custody who had a bench warrant out for his arrest. Officers made contact and arrested the male on his Fail to Appear Warrant only.
4-17-25: Police received a report of a hit and run that occurred at a local grocery store. The officer met with elderly female who stated when she was in the grocery store an adult male came up to her and told her he witnessed a vehicle hit hers and leave. The adult male provided the elderly female with the vehicle information and a description of the driver. An officer made contact with the suspect vehicle's owner who stated that she hit the other vehicle. The officer was able to identify another adult female at the residence who matched the description. The owner of the vehicle was issued a citation for obstructing, and the operator of the vehicle was issued two citations for hit and run of an unattended vehicle and operating without a valid license.
4-17-25: Received a report from an adult female that she was assaulted by a family member. The adult female stated that she was strangled, and the family member took off with her cell phone. The adult female stated that she had lived with the family member in the past but currently lived by herself. One adult male was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct, strangulation, and false imprisonment.
4-18-25: Contacted regarding an adult male staying in a tent on Argyle Avenue that had a condemned residence. The officer made contact with the adult male who stated that he was not staying in the residence and was only staying in the tent temporarily as he worked on the residence to get it up to code.
4-19-25: Responded to Germania Avenue for a family dispute where pushing had occurred between two females. An officer collected statements from witnesses. The officer will be forwarding charges to the Price County District Attorney's Office on an adult female.
4-20-25: Requested to investigate a hit and run incident that occurred on Eyder Avenue. The reporting party advised that a blue sedan backed into a light pole causing damage. A Phillips Police officer responded to the scene and observed minor damage to the light pole. The reporting party advised of the license plate that was attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was located, and the driver was cited.
4-21-25: Issued a courtesy violation notice at a residence on Elk Avenue that had a television, couch, and other debris around the residence. The owner was given 48 hours to comply with the removal of the junk or be issued a citation.
4-21-25: Issued a courtesy violation notice to a residence on Argyle Avenue that had a mattress and box spring setting alongside of it. The owner was given 24 hours to remove the mattress and box spring or be issued a citation.
4-24-25: Responded to a report that a local establishment had a patron attempt to pay with a fake $100 bill. An officer responded and viewed video footage.
4-26-25: Phillips Police assisted Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult female who believed she broke her ankle after jumping off a dock. The officer assisted with loading the patient into the ambulance. The patient was transported to the medical center in Park Falls.
4-27-25: Saw a vehicle parked across a sidewalk in the City of Phillips, which was impeding pedestrians' usage of the sidewalk. Officers spoke to the vehicle's owner and the vehicle was removed.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
4-1-25: Dispatched to an address for an uncontrollable juvenile fighting with family members.
4-2-25: Assisted with a roll-over crash with entrapment and injury. Provided traffic control until released from scene.
4-4-25: An officer responded to a residence for a welfare check. The officer observed, through a window, that the victim was lying on the floor inside of his residence. An officer forced entry into the residence and found the male had been down for approximately two to three days. EMS arrived on scene and transported the male to the medical center.
4-4-25: An officer arrived to assist on a traffic stop. Upon a consent search, the officer located controlled substances inside of the suspect vehicle.
4-5-25: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. One male driver and one female occupant were cited for open intoxicants. An officer questioned the occupants as the vehicle had been involved in an incident in Phillips on 04/01/25. Information was relayed to Phillips PD.
4-6-25: A woman reported that her neighbors told a man he could ask her out, but she doesn't get along well with the neighbors and had no interest in dating the man. She asked police to let them know to leave her alone. The neighbors stated they did not direct the man to ask her out. The man said he had told the neighbors he needed someone to clean his house, as he is getting older, and they mentioned the woman to him. He said he is a flirtatious person and still attempts to find love. The officer told the man not to go to the woman's residence. He said he understood and asked the officer if he had a single sister or mother. The officer said that he did not.
4-7-25: Received an email from the grocery store regarding a fake $50 bill taken in by a cashier.
4-10-25: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle. The officer observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight in the vehicle and searched the vehicle. One male suspect received numerous citations.
4-12-25: An officer received information about a disturbance, in which a female adult was armed with a knife, endangering other persons in the apartment. An arrest was made.
4-13-25: A woman reported odd things happening in her house, such as her unlocked doors being opened, a scarf being moved, and money being missing from her purse. A neighbor told the officer he would check his cameras, which face the woman's home, to see if there was any unusual activity.
4-15-25: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. One male driver was arrested for operating after revocation and misdemeanor bail jumping.
4-18-25: An officer spoke with one reporting party regarding a male selling puppies at approximately four weeks old and running an illegal pet store at his residence.
4-24-25: Received a report about a possible breaking and entering that occurred.
4-26-25: A crash, involving three vehicles in the fast-food drive-thru, was reported.
4-29-25: Officers responded to Hines Park as a vehicle driving in the parking lot had driven into the woods near the river. The woman stated her foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas as she reached for something in the car, and she missed the driveway to the parking lot. She wanted to have the vehicle towed, but the towing company said numerous trees would need to be cut to get the vehicle out, so the towing company departed.
4-30-25: A man reported being struck by a vehicle, causing him injury. His neighbor gave him a ride to the medical center. The man later admitted he lied to his neighbor to get a free ride instead of paying for an ambulance. He was not struck by a vehicle; rather, he fell down.
4-30-25: Received a report of a homeowner feeding deer in their front yard. A vehicle collided with a deer running from the yard at 5:40 a.m.
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Sophie Barylski, Sophie Wagner, Mya Brown, Hazel Singer, Ben Strum, Layla Rauschenbach, James Nibbelin, and Annika Gage.
MARCH 2025 SOAR AWARD WINNERS
These students distinguished themselves by conquering a feat that challenged themselves to strive or push themselves a bit further on a task.
Front Row, Left to Right:
Ryan Rodriguez, Anthony Warshall, Bailey Langland, Riley Kontny, Quinn Kontny, Dreyden Warren, and River Rougeau
Back Row, Left to Right:
Eric Christensen, Arlan Cooley, Eli Siegmann, Breylyn Zielke, and Richard Santos
FEBRUARY 2025 EAGLE AWARD WINNERS
These students distinguished themselves as being "friendly."
Front Row, Left to Right:
Natalie Lynch, Elliana Singer, Scareltt Bornhoeft, Brookes Eichman, Charlotte McKee, Amelia Gartmann, and Zelina Rougeau
Back Row, Left to Right:
Lukas Pagel, Ariel Sprangers, Keiskha Jim, Koji Sohl, Casey Kleczewski, Daymien Szymik, and Luna Fleck
JANUARY 2025 EAGLE AWARD WINNERS
These students distinguished themselves as having "kindness."
Front Row, Left to Right:
Ryan Rodriguez, Brynlee Burger, Kaylah Nyakusinga, Josh Hilgart, Isabella Rabauliman, Penelope Andreas, and Kinsley Brummer.
Back Row, Left to Right:
Connor Wulf, Broklynn Rodriguez, Myra Frieburger, Liberty Vitek, and Sienna Smith.
JANUARY 2025 SOAR AWARD WINNERS
Soar Winners are those who distinguished themselves for doing something that stood out that was challenging or conquered a feat that deserves recognition.
Price County United Limited (PCUL) held a Spring Community Engagement meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2025, which was to begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. PCUL board members, Lyn Ludwig and Blake Pluemer, along with one other person, were in attendance at BW University in Phillips. One more person and My Price County joined the online meeting. The meeting was about 25 minutes in length.
The meeting covered a proposed community event and recreation center, community boat center with kayaks and a dock, and proposed trails.
The Woodson YMCA and The Landing, located in Wausau, were discussed as a vision for what could be in Phillips. The YMCA has an upper level 1/4-mile indoor track and a gymnasium, which Lyn envisions coming to Phillips. She said it would add another gym to the school gyms already available to the community (as the schools allow use for some group sports). She mentioned areas of indoor exercise. There are some other amenities that Wausau has, which Lyn does not see fit for Phillips, such as the pool, because Phillips already has a community pool. The Landing is part of the Woodson YMCA, and it focuses on exercise for people who are 55 and older.
Lyn also discussed PCUL being the parent non-profit organization for a community boat center, and she said someone has volunteered to assist with the kayak launch, which would have one or two launch sites along the "Lionite" shoreline and a fleet of kayaks that could be rented. She focused on the Community Boating Center in Bellingham Bay, Washington. She mentioned that PCUL could partner with them, so when they have events in Washington, such as the "Black Jack: An African American Mariner Cruising the Inside Passage with Clyde Ford" presentation, which was behind held Thursday evening, Phillips could participate in that event as they could "pair the audio."
Image by: PCUL
As for the trails, a map was presented. However, Lyn said not all landowners have been contacted, so there are not current approvals for all the areas presented. The yellow area shows the trails that could be implemented this year if there is approval by the City of Phillips, which Lyn stated is being "explored," though a previous city meeting did reject PCUL's idea to have trails running through the cemetery so an alternate route, possibly by the campground and along the shoreline, would need to be presented and approved.
The meeting concluded at 5:55 p.m.
The PHILLIPS 2025 COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALES EVENT will be held from June 12 to 15, 2025. Join the Facebook event page. Get your sale listed for FREE; information can be found at this link. The sales will be listed at this link by the morning of June 12, 2025.
The Phillips Loggers softball team kept their chances of a conference championship alive on Thursday night when they rallied to beat the Rib Lake Redmen 6-5 in Phillips.
The Loggers' victory snapped a two-game losing streak after the team had previously rattled off wins in five of their prior six games. Phillips lost 13-1 to a talented Stratford squad last Friday and then lost 8-3 to this same Rib Lake team on Tuesday.
The Loggers took an early 1-0 advantage when Mataya Eckert singled and scored on a throwing error after stealing third base.
Rib Lake would respond with a 2-run second inning to recapture the lead, however. Madelyn Dallmann doubled to the left centerfield gap and was later joined on the bases by Lily Butler.
Addison Gumz then punched a 2-out single into shallow center field to plate Dallmann and Butler to close out the Redmen scoring in the second.
An inning later, the Loggers regained the lead after Trinity Smith and Annaka Tobias each doubled and scored. Tobias plated Smith with a hit down the third base line and later scored on a Raelee Williams' sacrifice bunt to go up 3-2.
The score would remain 3-2 until the top of the sixth inning. The Redmen got three runs in the frame when they used two walks, another big 2-out hit from Gumz, and an RBI-single from Tahlia Scheithauer to grab a 5-3 lead.
The Redmen lead quickly evaporated when the Loggers came right back with an answer in their half of the sixth that started with a single by freshman Delaney Fore. The single brought the top of the order to bat with just one out and another scoring opportunity.
The Loggers previously failed to capitalize on great scoring threats in the second and fifth innings but finally broke through when it mattered most.
In the span of three pitches, the Loggers got hits from Fore, Eckert, and Smith. The last of the three hits was a 2-run double to draw even at 5-5. Two batters later, Smith scored the go-ahead run on a 2-out RBI-single by Lily Miller.
Clinging to a 6-5 lead in a back-and-forth game, the Loggers looked to close out the game in the top of the seventh. Annaka Tobias got the first batter to fly out to shortstop, but a 1-out single from Madilyn Blomberg turned into a legitimate scoring threat when a 1-base error allowed Blomberg to advance to second base on the hit. Tobias then got two huge outs with a flyout to second base and a game-ending strikeout to secure the Loggers' dramatic victory.
The Loggers collected ten hits on the night. Eckert, Smith, Tobias, and Miller each tallied two hits apiece. Eckert and Smith both scored twice. Smith has been on a tear with runners on for most of the year. Her two RBI on Thursday pushed her season total to a team-leading 17.
Tobias scattered 8 hits and 5 walks to go with 3 strikeouts. The win was Tobias' seventh of the year.
The Loggers (8-5) face another strong challenge on Friday when Edgar (10-7) travels to Phillips in a Marawood crossover game. Game time is 4:45 p.m.
Rib Lake (3-1 in conference / 7-3 overall) faces Newman Catholic (0-10) on Friday. But then closes out its Marawood North schedule with two tilts against Chequamegon (1-3 in conference / 5-7 overall) next week. A loss from Rib Lake in either game would mean Phillips would have at least a share of a conference title.
MAY 1, 2025: LOGGERS VS. BLUEJAYS, PART 2
Photo by: Steve Teeters
The Phillips Loggers softball team defeated the Athens Bluejays 6-4 on Thursday night in Marawood North Conference action. The Loggers exacted revenge after losing to the Bluejays on Tuesday and kept their chances of a conference championship alive with the victory.
The Loggers found themselves trailing early when Abby Diethelm doubled to left centerfield to score Karly Eckert after the Bluejays leadoff hitter walked to start the game.
Annaka Tobias got out of the first inning trailing 1-0 when she registered back-to-back strikeouts to end the Bluejays' scoring threat in the first inning.
The Loggers quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the first when Trinity Smith and Tobias each scored. Smith belted a double to deep center field and scored on an RBI-single from Tobias. Three batters later, Tobias scored on a Paula Pomeroy walk.
Athens would get out of a bases loaded jam in the first to keep the score close at 2-1.
After holding Athens scoreless in the second inning, the Loggers tacked on three more runs to go up 5-1 in their half of the frame. Macy Hertlein reached base on an infield throwing error and would score with Mataya Eckert on a 2-RBI single from the hot-hitting Smith. Raelee Williams then plated Smith on an RBI-single up the middle to close the Loggers' scoring in the second.
Athens responded with three runs in the third inning when they used a Loggers' fielding error, three hits, and a pair of walks to close the gap to 5-4.
The Loggers added an insurance run to go up 6-4 in the fourth inning when Tobias helped her cause with a leadoff walk, and two stolen bases before scoring on a Lily Miller groundout.
Tobias limited Athens to two hits over the next three innings but still had to make some tough pitches with runners on. The young Loggers pitcher ended the game with a bases loaded strikeout to pick up her sixth victory of the year.
The Loggers collected ten hits on the night to go with five walks. Trinity Smith went 2 for 3 with 2 runs, 2 RBI, and a walk. The freshman also picked up her team-leading fourth double. Eckert, Williams, and Pomeroy each collected two hits.
Tobias limited the Bluejays to six hits and just one earned run, while striking out four batters on a misty night in Phillips.
The Loggers (7-3) head to Stratford (9-5) on Friday in a Marawood crossover game.
APRIL 29, 2025: LOGGERS VS. BLUEJAYS
Photo by: Steve Teeters
The Phillips Loggers softball team let a golden opportunity slip away in Athens when they lost to the Bluejays 6-5 on Tuesday night.
The Loggers took a 1-0 lead in the first when Mataya Eckert tripled to right centerfield before scoring on a sacrifice bunt by Trinity Smith.
The lead would then grow to 3-0 in the fourth inning. Annaka Tobias started the inning with a double to left centerfield, which was followed by a single from Lily Miller. Raelee Williams then delivered an RBI-single to left field to score Tobias. Miller would also score on a double steal to give the Loggers the early 3-0 advantage.
Athens would respond with a run in the bottom of the fourth when Danica Diethelm doubled and later scored on a sacrifice bunt. But Tobias would limit the scoring with some solid pitching to escape the fourth with a 3-1 lead.
Phillips got another run in the top of the fifth to go up 4-1. Eckert got the Phillips offense going with a 1-out single to left field and a stolen base before scoring on an RBI-single from Smith. That would be all the scoring the Loggers would get in the inning, leaving two runners stranded in scoring position.
Photo by: Steve Teeters
Athens started the bottom of the fifth with a leadoff single, but it looked like the Loggers might have a good chance to leave the inning unscathed after getting a flyout for the second out of the inning. With two runners on, the Loggers got a flyball to shallow centerfield but were unable to field it cleanly, resulting in a run and an extra out for Athens. Before the Loggers were able to escape the inning, the Bluejays would plate four big runs. Phillips now found themselves trailing 5-4 heading to the sixth inning.
The Loggers did respond with a game-tying run when Marlo Edwards came around to score on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Delaney Fore. Fore laid down a nice bunt and reached safely following a throwing error to first base. Edwards would race home from second base to score. Unfortunately, the Loggers would strand the bases loaded, with the game now tied 5-5.
Things started well for the Phillips defense in the top of the sixth when Tobias got two outs against the bottom of the Bluejays' order.
Now facing the top of the Bluejays order, Tobias would walk Karly Eckert on a 6-pitch at-bat before facing Alyvia Haelhke. The at-bat turned out to be a pivotal moment in the game and also brought some controversy with it.
Haelhke sent a soft flyball immediately behind first base but towards the foul line. The Loggers' second baseman, Marlo Edwards, made a diving attempt at the ball as it was falling towards foul territory. Edwards was unable to come away with the catch, and the officials ruled the ball in-play. Karly Eckert came home to score, which now gave Athens a 6-5 lead. Phillips would get out of the inning two batters later but now had to come up with some late inning magic.
The Loggers got a leadoff single by Miller in the seventh and were able to get a 2-out error and a walk to load the bases. But, once again, Athens turned away a great scoring threat by getting a called third strike to end the game.
Phillips had eight hits on the night. Lily Miller went 3 for 3 with a run scored. Mataya Eckert went 2 for 3 with two runs, a walk, and a stolen base. Trinity Smith had a hit, two RBI, and two stolen bases.
Annaka Tobias had a tough luck outing in the loss. The freshman allowed seven hits and four walks but was charged with just one earned run. She also tallied six strikeouts.
Phillips (6-3, 2-1 in conference play) will look to avenge their loss to Athens (4-4, 1-2 in conference play) in a rematch this Thursday at home.
Thomas James "Tom" Drobnik passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Shoreview, Minnesota, at the age of 92, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on May 27, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, Tom grew up in Phillips, Wisconsin. In his youth, he worked alongside his father and brothers in the logging business and spent time at the family-owned tavern. He graduated from Phillips High School and soon after married Marlene, his beloved wife and partner of 71 years.
Tom proudly served his country for eight years in the National Guard and later two additional years in the U.S. Army. He went on to dedicate 42 years to the U.S. Postal Service before retiring in 1992.
Fishing was Tom's lifelong passion; he spent countless hours on the water doing what he loved most. Known for his lively spirit and kind heart, Tom brought joy to those around him. He had a special fondness for root beer, afternoon naps, and making funny-shaped pancakes for his loved ones. Tom's playful nature and light-hearted humor made him a beloved figure, leaving a legacy of love and laughter for his family to treasure.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife Marlene; their children Tammy (Mike), Penny, Duane, and Larry; and four grandchildren, Nick, Cory, Julia, and Julie. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his infant son, Timothy Otto, as well as his brothers Otto "Huntz" and Robert "Bob."
A private service will be held for Tom's immediate family on May 5, 2025, at Fort Snelling.
Vilas County Deputies conducted a welfare check on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., in the Township of Lincoln.
According to Lieutenant Aderman, "Upon their arrival, they encountered an armed male sitting in a vehicle. The subject became agitated and aggressive with deputies. The subject then fled the residence in the vehicle.
"An Eagle River police officer, who was requested to help, attempted to stop the vehicle from fleeing by using spike strips. Contact with the vehicle was lost immediately after deploying the spike strips due to the road conditions and limited visibility.
"During a cursory search of the area, the suspect was located and had already gained access to another vehicle. Upon seeing deputies, the suspect fled in the stolen vehicle."
A pursuit occurred. According to police, the suspect fled west on STH 70 and then turned south on USH 45. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Three Lakes Police Department were notified and assisted with the pursuit of the suspect. After more than twenty miles, the pursuit ended with a rollover crash of the suspect vehicle on STH 17 in Oneida County.
Despite the crash, the suspect continued to be uncooperative with law enforcement. Various non-lethal measures were deployed to get the suspect to cooperate. These measures included 12 Ga Bean bag rounds used to open a window along with pepper ball munitions.
After those methods were deployed, the suspect was then taken into custody. Since the suspect injured during the crash, he was transported to a hospital in Rhinelander and then flown by helicopter to a hospital in Wausau.
Vilas and Oneida Counties are investigating the incident.
Responding agencies included Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle River Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Three Lakes Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and Onieda County EMS Med 8.
When the identity of the suspect is released, this article will be updated. Please check back.
Melissa Beson, the 5'7", medium build, brown hair, brown-eyed Native American woman who has been missing since March 17, 2025, is still the focus of an extensive search.
According to the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, "As the days have turned into weeks, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department has searched relentlessly in the area in which Melissa was last seen, as well as other areas of interest. LDFPD Officers and assisting agencies have conducted grid searches on foot, have deployed high-tech drones and airplanes, and have searched using specially trained canines.
"Many of the search areas are characterized by extremely treacherous terrain. Today, [Thursday, April 24, 2025], the tribe’s Emergency Management Director nearly lost her life during a search of a floating bog area. Only her training and experience in search and rescue prevented a tragedy. Because of the challenges and danger involved in searching on foot, LDFPD has not requested assistance from volunteers, so officers continue to come in on their days off to comb the search areas. To date, over 1,300 acres have been carefully searched."
While this dedicated search effort continues in the area where Melissa was last seen, police and Melissa's family hope she is safe somewhere. Numerous people have reported seeing Melissa in other areas. LDFPD officers have traveled to those jurisdictions to follow up on leads, but all of the reports have been investigated and found to be cases of mistaken identity or cruel hoaxes. The LDFPD has been assisted by other law enforcement agencies, including the Wausau Police Department.
Some have suggested that Melissa is afraid to come back to Lac du Flambeau, for fear she may be in trouble, and is not coming forward for that reason. In case that scenario is accurate, the LDFPD extended the following message to Melissa, “Melissa, please know that you are not in trouble. We are not going to arrest you or take you to jail. All anyone wants is for you to come home. Your family is frantic, and the entire community is worried about you. There will be relief and much happiness upon your return. We all know that it was not your intent to cause such concern and worry. It exists because you are cared about, and your absence is felt by everyone. Please contact your family or our department. If you need transportation, it will be provided. If you need money to assist you in coming home, that, too, will be provided. Just please reach out, and let your community know that you are safe.”
Melissa was last seen in the vicinity of Indian Village Road and Chequamegon Forest Trail in Lac du Flambeau. At the time, she was wearing red sweatpants, a black sleeveless shirt, and a gray sweatshirt. She has numerous tattoos, including on her neck, arms, and legs. Anyone with information about Melissa or her possible whereabouts is asked to call the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 715-588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441.
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