A complaint was filed on February 5, 2026, with the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) against the School District of Phillips. According to the OCR, it was alleged that "Student A attended the district throughout the 2025-2026 school year. According to the complainant, Student A has a disability that impacts his ability to organize schoolwork and stay on task, especially when he is over-stimulated or overwhelmed. He received special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that, according to the complainant, changed twice between spring 2025 and spring 2026. The complainant alleged that the following portions of Student A’s IEP were not implemented during the 2025-2026 school year: (1) morning and evening check-ins with a case manager; (2) monthly occupational therapy consults; and (3) specially designed instruction in executive functioning skills for 15 minutes, 4 times per week.
"The complainant alleged that Student A was excluded from a February 5, 2026, school-wide field trip to [redacted content] on the basis of his disability. According to the complainant, the special education case manager told Student A he could not attend because of his grades. The complainant alleged Student A’s academic performance is impacted by his disability, and his grades were low due to the district’s failure to fully implement his IEP."
Since the school district receives federal financial assistance and it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability, the district must follow the laws.
Superintendent Rachel Hoffman responded on April 17, 2024. According to the OCR, she explained that "the case manager informally checks in with Student A when he arrives to school and formally checks in with him before the start of his first academic course of the day, a course the case manager co-teaches. At the end of the day, the case manager meets with Student A for a formal check-out when he returns items to a cubby in her classroom. The same case manager provided Student A with instruction in executive functioning skills for approximately 30 minutes a day, four days per week." Student A allegedly also received consultation-only occupational therapy rather than direct services. The response omits a description of the services received and any recommendations by the therapist or implementation practices.
On April 24, 2026, Superintendent Hoffman met with the OCR to further discuss the matter. More details can be found in the following document:
School District of Phillips Resolution Letter.pdf (Size: 200.83 KB / Downloads: 178)
Before the investigation was complete, the school district let the OCR know it wanted to resolve the complaint. The OCR allowed this to happen through the Rapid Resolution Process (RRP). A resolution agreement was signed by the school district on May 13, 2026. The district was required to have its first monitoring report by May 28, 2026. By September 14, 2026, the district must provide training to all relevant staff, which will address the prohibition of discrimination against students with disabilities. By September 18, 2026, and October 9, 2026, the district must meet reporting requirements. By January 1, 2027, the school district will be required to provide the OCR with documents to verify it provided all compensatory education and/or services in the written plan. The full resolution agreement can be read in the following document:
School District of Phillips Resolution Agreement.pdf (Size: 157.06 KB / Downloads: 124)
Americans for Autism Advocacy (AFAA) shared their thoughts in a press release, stating, "“According to federal law, students eligible for special education services are entitled to a comprehensive education provided within the least restrictive setting. It is a disgrace to all Wisconsinites that a school district within the Northwoods failed to prioritize the welfare of a student with significant learning disabilities. For its swift action taken regarding the Phillips School District, Americans for Autism Advocacy applauds the Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction, holds a fiduciary responsibility to guarantee that every school district across the state fully complies with the IDEA Act. If Ms. Underly cannot fulfill her duty, then the Wisconsin Legislature must use their oversight duty in the 2027 session to hold her accountable."
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Photo Credit: Still image capture from Price County video
At the Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Land Use Committee Meeting, a number of residents were present to speak during public comment regarding the proposed gravel pit and temporary asphalt plant in the Town of Worcester.
Brent Janak, who is part of the company applying for the gravel pit application, stated that he heard the residents' concerns, and they have made some changes to address those concerns.
Linda Schilling stated she reached out to the DNR to get more information. On June 5, the DNR called her back and asked for more information regarding the exact location of the proposed gravel pit and asphalt plant. When she provided the address, he informed her that it was a landfill area, because the Grandview Hotel had been buried there in 1988 after it was demolished. He said it would be a great concern to dig in that area or put a well there. He also stated that he had not been contacted about digging on that site. Linda stated the location can be verified on the DNR website.
Daniel Jorgenson requested objective evidence and data so that the board can make an informed decision.
Joseph Wengert spoke that he took surveys from this resort guests to see how his resort would be negatively impacted by a gravel pit or asphalt plant, and he said the results were dismal. He has three guests waiting to re-book until a decision is made regarding the gravel pit and asphalt plant.
Mary Kurth, who lives directly across from the proposed gravel pit, wanted to know who would regulate the changes and how come it was not mentioned in Janaks' plan about the dump site. She was wondering where the water table is and would like to know why Janaks aren't asked to do an Environmental Impact Statement given there is a dump site there.
The article continues after this promotional message. THE PHILLIPS COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALES EVENT WEEKEND IS HERE! Get the list of sales at https://www.MyPriceCounty.com/sales.html. Shop the sales from June 11 to 14, 2026.
Tammy Melbauer said she brought her concerns to the chairman of the Town of Worcester, but he said it was outside his purview and jurisdiction. She said she is concerned with more truck traffic, and, if the permits are approved, she was requesting a reduced speed limit, the addition of a center line on the road, and a consideration of hours of operation. She said the road has congestion with a lot of pedestrian traffic.
After public comment, Chairman Robert "Bob" Kopisch stated that American Asphalt withdrew its application for the asphalt plant.
Proposed conditions for the gravel pit were presented by Zoning and Land Conservation Administrator Evan Lund, which included:
1. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours of operation with no hauling or crushing on Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day
2. Crushing can occur once per calendar year for a period no longer than four weeks
3. All applicable DNR administrative rules must be adhered to
4. Off-street parking for all vehicles at the property; no road parking
5. No crushing can occur within 500 feet of any residence that existed before May 21, 2026, unless the property owner gives written permission
6. A 50-foot unexcavated vegetative buffer must be along all property lines
7. 100-foot vegetative town road buffer must be maintained with a 60-foot exception for an access road
8. The pit floor shall be no lower than 1,480 feet elevation (using 2019 Price County LiDAR data), which equates to 30 to 35 feet deep. The static water table is 40 to 50 feet below so there is a buffer of then feet.
9. There cannot be greater than 90 decibels measured at the property line
10. The pit entrance must be at least 100 feet from any driveway that existed as of May 21, 2026.
11. No asphalt, cement, or blasting will be permitted. The permit only covers sand, gravel, and aggregate material crushing.
12. Solid waste shall not be placed in the gravel pit.
13. All debris and equipment must be removed after closure of the pit.
14. Access driveways shall be paved, crushed, or covered in recycled asphalt or stone within 100 feet of public roads.
15. Access should only be through designated points, and those points should be secured when not in operation.
Evan stated that there are three gravel pits on Hills Road, so any truck that goes to the east already drives down East Solberg Lake Road.
The committee approved the conditions as discussed, modifying the hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and no operation on Sundays.
Committee Member Michelle Drobnik asked if they were setting a precedent with the gravel pit decisions. It was discussed that conditional use permits would continue to be on a case-by-case basis.
The committee will further discuss the gravel pit and if the conditional use permit may get approved at the June 18, 2026, meeting.
PALAS PYRO, LLC has fireworks for sale at the corner of Hwy. 8 and County Road A in Prentice. Mention to the salesperson that you saw this on My Price County, and you will receive 10% off your fireworks purchase at the tent. Follow the Palas Pyro, LLC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564691472380.
All who gather in and around Elk Lake Park this Independence Day will experience a fireworks show like none other that has been in Phillips, Wisconsin. If you thought last year's show was great, imagine a show that is four times greater, an appropriate way to celebrate something as large as America's 250th birthday and the 150th year of Phillips being founded (on September 23, 1876).
The man helping to make this four-times-as-great show possible is Matt Palas, a Phillips High School graduate. Matt, still having ties to the area through family and friends, has a special place in his heart for Phillips. "I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so many opportunities and wonderful experiences while growing up. I continue to care about this community and the people in it, so when the Chamber of Commerce and City of Phillips were wanting to do something larger for this year's celebration, I agreed to supply the fireworks at cost and to volunteer my time to set off the fireworks with the Phillips Fire Department," Matt said. Matt says he enjoys running the fireworks show with an electronic, high-tech launching system that he purchased a number of years ago and upgraded for this event. He also enjoys seeing everyone enjoying the fireworks show. "It makes me happy to see others happy," he added.
This show has been many years in the making. About fifteen years ago, Matt started setting small fireworks off in the back yard of the home of his mom and stepdad, Jan and Don Fox. He invited close friends and family, and each year he made the show a little better. When the back yard became too small for his friends and family, he moved it to a field. In 2022, he had a much larger show planned, so he brought it to Badger's Den, opening the event up to the public with his donated fireworks show. Family and friends helped with setting up the fireworks. A year or two later, Matt purchased an electronic board to ignite them. For the 2024 show, he had additional assistance from Austin, a fireworks salesman he met years prior at a fireworks tent. After three years of setting off the fireworks from the softball field, the bar closed, and Matt needed to find another location. A local friend of his suggested South Fork, and it was held there in 2025. This year, Matt and Austin, along with the Phillips Fire Department, will have their biggest audience yet with everyone invited to watch a magnificent display of fireworks from Elk Lake Park, starting at 10 p.m. or shortly thereafter. With larger fireworks and four times as many as last year, a longer than normal show is expected. The rain date is July 5.
The article continues after the photo. Submitted photo.
With the launch of this larger event, Matt opened a fireworks tent in Prentice under the name of Palas Pyro, LLC. Matt shared, "This isn't my full-time job, but I want to help the community, and opening this tent is one way that people can support the event. On top of that, the fireworks for sale at the tent will be significantly cheaper than normal." If you would like to help this show stay in Phillips, you can shop at the Palas Pyro fireworks tent on the corner of Hwy. 8 and County Road A in Prentice, Wisconsin, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., every day, from June 8 though July 6. A portion of the proceeds supports the show. Plus, if you mention to the salesperson that you saw this on My Price County, you will receive 10% off your fireworks purchase at the tent.
In the future, Matt plans to set up pre-orders so that people can place their fireworks orders in advance and have their fireworks ready for events like Independence Day, weddings, birthdays, or other important celebrations. If you have an interest in larger-scale orders, contact 715-415-3873.
Individuals, families, organizations, clubs, or businesses, meaning anyone and everyone, can enter a float in this year's Independence Day Parade in Phillips.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, the crowd will help decide the winning float, which will be awarded $250.
America turns 250 this year, and Phillips was founded 150 years ago on September 23, so the more floats showing pride for our great city and country, the better.
You must register your float with the Chamber of Commerce, so stop by the office or call 715-339-4100.
The Independence Day parade will start at 2 p.m. on July 4, 2026. It will begin at Peterson Drive and proceed northward down Lake Avenue, ending at Elm Street. The area will have a detour from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.
You can access the list from your computer or smart phone at the above link. If you want a list you can print, you will find two options in the second paragraph at the link. The first option is a pdf with all the information, including sale number, address, dates & times, and items for each sale. It is four pages. The second option is a pdf that omits the "items" and puts the listings in two columns to make it two pages for those who want to print less.
There is also a link for the interactive Google map on the webpage.
Have a fun time thrift shopping with your friends and family.
The Phillips Community-wide Garage Sales Event will be back in June 2027.
The Price County County-wide Garage Sales Event will be held on August 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2026. Watch our website, sometime in July, for information regarding listing your sale.
Several 911 calls reported a two-vehicle accident on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at approximately 12:57 p.m., on State Highway 111 and County Road J in the Town of Harmony.
According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, the crash involved a 2023 Volkswagon SUV and a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country minivan.
The lone occupant of the minivan was a 74-year-old woman from Kennan, Wisconsin, who perished in the accident. The name of the woman is being withheld at this time.
The SUV contained three occupants, including a 57-year-old man, a 54-year-old woman, and a 13-year-old boy, all from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They were transported from the scene with serious injuries.
The area was closed to traffic for a duration of time. The cause of the accident is being investigated.
The Price County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Phillips Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Price County Coroner's Office, Price County chaplain, Phillips Fire Department, Kennan-Georgetown Fire Department, Catawba-Harmony Fire Department, Prentice Ambulance Service, Central Price County Ambulance Service, Aspirus MedEvac Air, and Life Link.
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There will be changes at the top of all three police departments in August 2026 through January 2027.
At the Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting, it was announced that Phillips' chief of police, Mike Hauschild, is planning to retire in August 2026. After almost three decades of service, and becoming the chief in 2014, he believes it is time to pursue other interests. He recommended Lieutenant Blaine Peterson to become the new chief of police. The Committee of the Whole approved the recommendation, which will be presented to the Common Council on June 9.
In Park Falls, Chief Marvin Nevelier will retire, effective January 1, 2027, after serving four years as the chief of police and serving with the department since 2001. His successor will be chosen from applicants responding to the posted job description. The Personnel Committee will conduct the interview process and make recommendation to the Common Council.
For Price County as a whole, Sheriff Brian Schmidt submitted his non-candidacy paperwork with County Clerk Meredith Hueckman announcing it on May 11, 2026. Sheriff Schmidt has been the sheriff since September 2, 2009, when he won a recall election by 169 votes. Over the years, he won four general elections, two contested (Years 2010 and 2022-with only a registered write-in) and two non-contested (Years 2014 and 2018). There will be a primary in August, and the general election will take place in November 2026 when a new sheriff will be selected by Price County residents.
On Monday, June 1, 2026, police were notified that a man's body was found near a pontoon in Soo Lake in the Town of Elk.
Deputies arrived on scene. The man's body was brought to the shore by the person who notified the police.
Police determined that the man, Stanley Gruszka, of Phillips, was filling the gas tank of the pontoon. His leg likely became stuck in the ladder of the pontoon, trapping him under water, and he passed on.
The Price County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Price County Coroner's Office, Wisconsin DNR, Phillips Fire Department, and Central Price County Ambulance Service.
Cracking has taken place over the winter. The Department of Public Works marked the cracked areas with pink paint. The affected squares will be fixed under warranty by the company that installed the sidewalk. Work is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Some residents have asked if the bottoms of the light poles are going to be made to look better. My Price County tried to get this answer, but the question was misunderstood via email, so My Price County will ask again and publish information if we receive it.
UPDATED 6-10-2026:
The director of the Department of Public Works, Jim Heizler, answered some community questions regarding the sidewalks. He stated that the warranty has been extended for an additional year. He said that not all the squares that were painted in pink were going to be replaced. He said, "Some of the small areas that cracked are ground out and filled in with a self-leveling epoxy suitable for concrete repair and sealant."
Jim also stated that there are plans to repair the street light bases now that the sidewalk repairs are done. Those repairs would be made for cosmetic reasons. He assured, "These bases are over six feet long, buried into the ground, reinforced with a rebar frame. The anchor bolts that hold the poles are three feet long. They are safe."
