We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering Co-Op. This Co-Op provides hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, and optimization of machinery, working closely with our experienced engineering team.
Term: June - December 2025
Location: BW Papersystems in Phillips, WI
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and systems for automated machinery and production lines.
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and specifications using CAD software.
Participate in prototype development, testing, and validation of mechanical designs to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Contribute to troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts for mechanical issues, proposing solutions to improve machine efficiency and performance.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by offering ideas to enhance mechanical design, reduce waste, and optimize system performance
Qualifications:
2+ years of college coursework completed in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Basic knowledge of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is preferred.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and design skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and communicate effectively.
This co-op offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in mechanical engineering while contributing to meaningful projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
About Us:
BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, builds capital equipment that transforms paper into products for consumers - every day, around the world. We offer innovative technologies, service and parts, and years of global experience in corrugating, finishing; slitting and packaging; stationery; bookbinding and security documents. Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, passports, notebooks, copy paper, board, and coated and other specialty papers. For more information, visit bwpapersystems.com.
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Electrical Engineering Co-Op for 2025. This co-op provides hands-on experience working on key projects focused on electrical system design, troubleshooting, and implementation for advanced machinery under the guidance of our experienced engineering team.
Term: Two terms are available:
January - June 2025
June - December 2025
Location: This position will be located with BW Papersystems in Phillips, WI.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the design, testing, and implementation of electrical systems for automated machinery and production lines.
Collaborate with electrical engineers to develop and modify electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation.
Participate in troubleshooting and debugging electrical systems, identifying issues and contributing to resolution efforts.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical and controls engineers, to ensure the successful integration of electrical systems.
Support the installation, commissioning, and optimization of electrical systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of electrical designs, offering innovative ideas to enhance system performance and efficiency.
Assist in documenting processes and system changes to ensure up-to-date technical records.
Qualifications:
2+ years of college coursework completed in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
Basic knowledge of electrical systems, wiring, and circuitry is preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams.
This Co-Op provides a valuable opportunity to develop your technical expertise in electrical engineering, contributing to meaningful projects in a real-world manufacturing environment.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
About Us:
BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, builds capital equipment that transforms paper into products for consumers - every day, around the world. We offer innovative technologies, service and parts, and years of global experience in corrugating, finishing; slitting and packaging; stationery; bookbinding and security documents. Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, passports, notebooks, copy paper, board, and coated and other specialty papers. For more information, visit bwpapersystems.com.
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
The annual winter water level reduction is scheduled to begin Monday, October 14, 2024. Long Lake, Wilson Creek Flowage, Elk Lake, Duroy Lake, Solberg Lake, and Musser Lake will be drawn down eight to ten inches by Saturday, October 19, 2024. Sailor Creek Flowage and Prentice Flowage will be drawn down by six inches.
According to David Kempen, the Dams Superintendent for the Price County Highway Department, "These overwinter drawdowns are done to prevent shoreline degradation, control aquatic invasive species, and provide water storage capacity to mitigate spring flooding. Levels will return to normal pool in the spring as the snow melts."
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The Price County Sheriff's Office is investigating a two-vehicle accident, which involved a school bus.
On September 25, 2024, at approximately 4:01 p.m., the Price County Dispatch Center received a call regarding a two-vehicle accident. The accident occurred at the intersection of US Highway 8 and Stadium Road, which is in the Township of Knox.
According to the Sheriff's Office, "One of the vehicles involved was a school bus from the Prentice School District. Although children were upon the school bus at the time of the crash, no injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing at this time."
Agencies assisting the Price County Sheriff’s Office with this crash include Prentice Ambulance Service, Prentice Fire Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Price County Highway Department.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Seven of the eight July and August reports have not been received as of 9-15-2024. The sheriff's office will be submitting these reports to us soon, and we will update this article once the reports are received.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
8-3-24: Observed a woman walking on Beebe Street. An officer knew the woman had an active commitment order and took the woman into custody. She was booked in at the Price County Jail.
8-3-24: Advised of loud music coming from a residence in the City of
Phillips. An officer arrived on scene and observed a male individual run to the front of his house and go inside the residence. Officers tried several times to get the male individual to come to the door. An officer shut off the music and advised the male individual, through an open window of the residence, that he could be receiving a city ordnance citation for Disturbing the Peace.
8-4-24: Contacted by Price County Dispatcher of a hit and run accident at a local business in the City of Phillips. Phillips Police responded and were able to identify the striking vehicle. This matter is under
investigation.
8-4-24: Asked to assist the Price County Sheriff's Office with a
possible altercation at a motel in Prentice. Officers arrived on scene and were advised that some property was damaged but there was no altercation. An officer spoke with the male subject who advised he would stay quiet and pay for the damaged property. Officers cleared without incident.
8-5-24: Stopped an ATV where the operator had his two children on the ATV without headgear. An officer made contact and spoke to the operator about the two children not wearing a helmet. The operator said he would get helmets for his children. An officer gave the man a warning.
8-7-24: Advised of an active warrant on a male individual residing in the City of Phillips. Phillips Police were able to make contact with that individual. The subject resisted arrest but was taken into custody.
8-13-24: Phillips Police were contacted by Price County Dispatch to respond to a residence in the City of Phillips for a gun shot. Phillips Police were advised that a subject shot himself while cleaning his gun. Phillips Police responded along with Price County Deputies. Officers took care of the injuries until Central Price County Ambulance arrived and transported the person to the hospital.
8-13-24: Received an illegal dumping complaint from a local business. An officer arrived and viewed the surveillance video. The officer was able to identify the subject and issued a citation for illegal dumping.
8-13-24: Received a report of a City of Phillips'-owned park bench that was taken from in front of a business. An officer spoke with an employee of the business. Officers were able to identify the vehicle from a surveillance camera. An officer interviewed the registered owner and was able to recover the bench.
8-14-24: Received a complaint of a sexual assault that occurred in the City of Phillips. An officer is investigating this incident.
8-14-24: Arrested an adult male on a probation warrant. The officer transported the adult male to the Price County Jail.
8-15-24: Received a report of a two-vehicle accident at a local business.
8-15-24: Advised by a law enforcement agency in Texas about counterfeit checks that had been cashed around the United States. One of the checks were cashed in the City of Phillips. An officer is investigating the incident.
8-15-24: Spoke to a parent and chid who stated the mother was using illicit drugs in front of her. The male individual stated he wanted the incident on file. An officer will be referring the report to Price County
Human Services.
8-17-24: Observed a motor vehicle traveling on North Lake Avenue fail to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The officer stopped the vehicle, the driver was identified by their driver's license, and the officer informed the driver of the safety concerns for the violation, issued a written warning, and released the driver.
8-20-24: Contacted by Price County Dispatch to respond to a business in the City of Phillips for a retail theft complaint. Phillips Police responded and investigated the report of retail theft. Phillips Police will be issuing a juvenile subject with a city ordinance retail theft citation.
8-24-24: Completed a bar compliance check of a local establishment. When law enforcement arrived, individuals exited the back of the bar. Law enforcement discovered that there was an underage sober individual in the establishment. Citations were issued.
8-24-24: Received a report of a pontoon on Elk Lake that caused a wake near a kayak. An officer spoke with the male individual who was driving the boat and warned him for the incident.
8-24-24: Advised of a female individual that was driving by a residence and honking her horn and making obscene gestures. An officer attempted contact several times with the female suspect but did not get an answer. The officer called the female individual and warned her for the incident.
8-24-24: Advised of an elderly male individual that was acting strange around children at the fair. An Officer arrived on scene and spoke with the male individual. The officer learned the male individual had an active warrant through Price County. The officer arrested the elderly man and transported him to the Price County Jail for booking.
8-25-24: Investigated a report of a scam. An officer met with the adult caller who reported sending intimate photos to an unknown person via the Internet. Investigation pending.
8-25-24: Advised of a child that was walking around by Elk Lake Park by herself. An officer made contact with the child who stated she was fishing with her grandpa who was out on the peninsula near the water waste treatment facility. An officer made contact with the grandfather and advised him that he should not let his granddaughter walk by herself that far way from him. The officer made contact with the child's mother and advised her of the situation.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
8-6-24: dispatched to the area of the DMV for a two-vehicle accident with minor damage
8-6-24: Dispatched for a male who was not conscious and not breathing in his driveway. Dispatch stated that the individual appeared to have fallen off his lawn mower and appeared to be deceased. Lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful. A death investigation was completed.
8-10-24: Officers responded for the report of a suspicious male suspect reaching into a backpack numerous times. Upon investigation, the officers found the suspect to be intoxicated and in possession of intoxicants, violating his probation. Probation and parole was contacted, and no hold was placed. The suspect was transported to his residence.
8-16-24: A westbound commercial motor vehicle struck the Hwy. 182 overpass. The vehicle was not on scene and is currently unknown. Debris was cleared from roadway. Paper mill personnel were notified.
8-16-24: There was an attempt to locate individuals for active warrants. Price County Sheriff's Office deputies located one subject and subsequently arrested that person for an active warrant.
8-17-24: Report of a male subject pulling his pants down and exposing his buttocks. The male was not located.
8-21-24: Received a complaint regarding an ongoing parking problem that involved visitors to an apartment building blocking in the vehicle of one of the tenants.
8-23-24: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle which drove over a median. Upon investigation, one male was cited for inattentive driving, one male was cited for underage drinking, one male was cited for underage drinking and the possession of open intoxicants, and one female was cited for contributing to underage drinking.
8-23-24: An officer identified one male who had an active warrant for his arrest. The officer made contact, and the male was taken into custody. Upon searching the male suspect, the officer located drug paraphernalia in the suspect's belongings. The suspect was transported to the Price County Jail. Charges were to be referred.
8-24-24: Received a call from the medical center that a female individual was causing a disturbance in the emergency room lobby. Upon arrival, the female was standing in front of the ER doors. Staff stated the female individual needed to be escorted out and trespassed. I attempted to do so without luck. The female continued to act manic. Force was used to take the female into custody for disorderly conduct and resisting. The female was transported to the Price County Sheriff's Office.
8-25-24: Received a report of an individual sitting in his driveway looking at the house next to him. The neighbor called, and an officer explained that they were well within their rights to sit on their property and look at their residence.
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Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Seven of the eight July and August reports have not been received as of 9-15-2024. The sheriff's office will be submitting these reports to us soon, and we will update this article once the reports are received.
(Article continues after promotional image.)
SPONSOR OF FREE NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS: Robin's Custom Arrangements, LLC offers hand-crafted floral arrangements for special events or just because. If you need flowers for an event, such as a wedding, funeral, prom, or a party, or if you need flowers delivered to a nursing home, hospital, business, home, or some other location, call 715-820-1421 for all your floral needs. Also, follow Robin's Custom Arrangements, LLC's Facebook page.
PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
7-1-24: Learned of a water leak at the Phillips Campgrounds' rest rooms. There was a broken water line in boiler room.
7-3-24: Stopped a vehicle on North Lake Avenue for passing another vehicle on the right at an intersection in a crosswalk. The driver was issued a written warning.
7-3-24: Completed a bar compliance check of two local establishments.
7-3-24: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with a male individual who left his residence in Kennan with a rifle and was walking down the road. While responding, an officer was advised the male individual was back at the residence and left in a vehicle. An officer arrived on scene and observed the male individual had returned. The officer detained the male individual and spoke with the female complainant and the male individual. Price County deputies arrived on scene.
7-5-24: Received a phone call from a business owner reporting a water line break. Phillips Police contacted Phillips Department of Public Works and they responded to handle the problem.
7-5-24: Received a report of a female individual who was intoxicated and bothering patrons at the fairgrounds, asking for a phone. An officer and Price County deputy spoke with the female individual and located a ride. The female individual was also barred from the event.
7-6-24: Received a report of a 7-year-old girl at the city beach who was not supervised by her parents. The officer contacted the parent and advised that there was concern that the child was not supervised.
7-7-24: Responded to the Price County Jail to assist with an inmate who attempted to harm themselves.
7-7-24: Received a complaint from a man that there were individuals making fun of him, and he requested an officer speak with them to tell them to stop.
7-15-24: Received a complaint of a male and female arguing through the windows of their vehicles. The female driver backed her vehicle up and ran into the driver's side of the male driver's vehicle. The female driver drove off and fled the scene. An officer took statements from witnesses. The female was located and arrested for disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, and four counts of felony bail jumping. The female was also issued three citations for reckless driving by endangering safety, hit and run on an attended vehicle, and failure to notify police of an accident.
7-15-24: Received a complaint of a dog that broke through a window screen and went after another dog who was being walked by its owner. An officer arrived and was able to get the dog back into the residence and close the open window from outside. The officer collected statements and spoke to the owner of the dog. A city ordinance citation was issued to the owner for animal assault/attack domestic animal.
7-20-24: Contacted by a citizen who was reporting a bear in the area of their residence. An officer spoke with the resident who advised the bear has been continually coming into their yard and the last time was approximately four days ago. An officer provided the citizen with the phone number for USDA Wildlife Services.
7-20-24: Received a call from a business which stated three people came in and were acting suspicious and left. Officers patrolled the area and did not locate the subjects.
7-22-24: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office and the Ashland County Sheriff's Office with a search warrant outside the City of Phillips. One female was taken into custody.
7-23-24: Received a complaint of a vehicle pulled into a driveway at 3:00 a.m., and a male subject got out and was looking into the window of the complainant's residence. The subject left in his vehicle shortly after. The complainant was not able to get a license plate number of the vehicle and would like extra patrol.
7-23-24: Received a complaint of a woman who approached a construction worker and demanded a ride home. Price County deputies arrived on scene and tried to talk to the woman who became combative and struck one of the deputies and spit on another. The woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, battery to a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
7-26-24: Notified of a two-vehicle crash in the parking lot of the grocery store.
7-27-24: Requested to assist the Price County Corrections staff with a situation in the jail.
7-30-24: Received a phone call of suspicious activity in the City of Phillips at the grocery store. This matter is under investigation.
7-30-24: Stopped at a residence for follow-up on an investigation and learned a subject at the residence had a body-only warrant out of Price County. An officer confirmed the warrant and arrested the male. The male was transported to the Price County Jail.
7-30-24: Received a complaint of a male that walked onto his neighbor's property and began to mow the lawn without being asked. The male then wanted to get paid for mowing the complainant's lawn. The complainant wanted the subject warned to stay off her property. An officer spoke to the male subject and warned him.
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SPONSOR OF FREE NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. Ken's Carpet & The Consignment Store sells all flooring types (carpet, vinyl, wood, & ceramic), bedding / mattresses, appliances, solar systems, and consignment sales of furniture, automobiles, farming & logging equipment, ATVs, UTVs, trailers, and campers. Call 715-339-4838 for product inquiries, and follow Ken's Carpet & The Consignment Store's Facebook page.
PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
7-3-24: Took a phone complaint about a road rage incident. A man, possibly in his 60s, followed a woman to her home so closely with the SUV's headlights so close behind her car. He then stopped at the end of her driveway to tell her to "stop tailgating" and called her a name when she said he had the wrong person because she was not tailgating. A second road rage incident occurred later that day with the same suspect vehicle being described.
7-4-24: An officer observed a fire in an automotive parking lot. An officer used the squad's extinguisher to put out the fire, and contacted the fire department.
7-4-24: Officers responded to 2nd Avenue North, north of 9th Street North, for the report of a two-vehicle accident.
7-5-24: A doctor reported unwanted communication to his cell phone. He did not interact with the caller, blocked the number, and reported it as junk. He requested police determine the owner of the number and let him know so he would know whether or not to change his phone number.
7-6-24: A felony domestic abuse incident was reported. Both subjects were aggressors and make allegations of battery and strangulation. Both subjects were arrested and transported to Price County Jail.
7-7-24: A single-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of City Wells Road and Hwy. 182. The county took the crash and subsequent OWI over upon their arrival.
7-8-24: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. Upon investigation, criminal charges were to be referred for the possession of drug paraphernalia.
7-9-24: Received a complaint of a trailer filled with junk in a yard located on Atwood Avenue and assigned the complaint to an officer. The property owner was given seven days to remove the trailer.
7-9-24: Police dispatched to the theater for a suspicious male carrying a firearm who was going in and out of the theater multiple times. The subject then parked across the road from the theater and sat in his vehicle. An officer located and identified the male subject and an additional female subject. The subjects said they were interested in purchasing the building and were thoroughly checking it out.
7-10-24: Performed a traffic stop with K9 sniff which yielded suspected methamphetamine and paraphernalia. One suspect was arrested and charges were to be referred.
7-11-24: A male reported that in 2008, when he was 14 years old, he had been sexually assaulted by a 19-year-old male.
7-11-24: Received a burning complaint where a loud explosion was heard. An officer spoke with the reporting party, who was willing to complete a statement. The officer met with the suspects who showed the fire pit they had. The officer saw garbage items had been burnt, and they were issued a citation for the offense.
7-12-24: Multiple complaints of theft were reported at the grocery store.
7-18-24: Responded for an ATV rollover with injury. The operator of the ATV was transported to the hospital with injuries and cited for numerous violations.
7-18-24: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. Upon investigation, an officer seized drug paraphernalia, THC, and a firearm.
7-20-24: Asked by Phillips Police Department to photograph a vehicle that was stopped by Price County deputies in the City of Park Falls. The vehicle was involved in several hit and run incidents in the City of Phillips.
7-25-24: Responded to a two-vehicle crash between a pickup truck and a dump truck in the 400 block of 4th Avenue South.
7-25-24: Assisted Price County Sheriff’s Office with a truck vs. tractor crash. Minor injuries reported.
7-25-24: An intoxicated male individual was located in an alley passed out. The male denied injury and was ultimately given a ride to a property by a Price County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
7-26-24: An individual called and stated that he was stranded in a canoe on Smith Lake. As much information as possible was collected and dispatch notified. Chief Nevelier went to Smith Lake, flagged down a boat, located the distressed person in the canoe, and brought him back to the boat landing.
7-27-24: Spoke to a complainant who wanted to know if he could attend church tomorrow. After talking to the head staff at the church, the complainant wasn't allowed to attend service and wouldn't be allowed to attend until notified otherwise.
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UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 - PIRATE HAS BEEN FOUND AND RETURNED TO HIS OWNER.
Gas station employees on the north end of Phillips saw the dog outside and contacted the Price County Sheriff's Office. According to Pirate's owner, "He was gone for five days. We looked everywhere including the roads behind the gas station. When we picked him up, his collar and bandana were gone."
Published September 5, 2024
Ani Azalea said her dog, Pirate, who was wearing a black collar and a black bandana with skulls on it, got lost two days ago on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Forward Park in Phillips. Forward Park is near the bus garage. Ani says that Pirate usually responds to his name or treats. If anyone has seen Pirate or has any information on Pirate's whereabouts, please contact the owners at 619-396-0722 or 513-373-5666, or contact the Price County Humane Officer.
Never has Wisconsin, let alone the small town of Phillips, had a national Czech-Slovak queen until Trinity Pesko won the title on August 4, 2024.
Before that happened, however, Trinity was crowned the Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin State Queen at the Czech-Slovak Festival in Phillips, Wisconsin in June 2023.
She had a year filled with attending events and learning more about her heritage. Plus, she had to prepare for the Miss Czech-Slovak US competition.
Trinity shared, "A lot of the preparation I did for the national pageant was historical research. Both in the private interview and on-stage question portions of the competition, the contestants do not get to see the questions beforehand. Generally, however, we know that the topics of many of the questions are kroje-based (folk dress), personality-based, or history-based. I did a lot of studying and created many flash card sets on famous events and people in Czech and Slovak history. I was also convinced that because this year was an Olympics year, there would be questions about the Czech/Slovak Republics’ participation in the Olympics, but that was never asked. Besides preparing for any and all questions the judges might ask me, I also did a lot of work on my kroj. Throughout my year as Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin, I learned a lot about the folk dress of Czechia and Slovakia, so in anticipation for nationals, I wanted to make some upgrades to my kroj to make it more accurate. This included designing/sewing an entire new vest with my mom, buying new boots, adding more embroidery on my apron, and even changing my hairstyle, as different hair styles and hair accessories show a woman’s marital status." Trinity explained that different regions have different headpieces, but a hair braid with a simple ribbon denotes that a young woman is unmarried in the Trnavský Region. Other regions use flower crowns, giant bows, velvet headbands, or similar accessories. She added, "In most regions, a large flower crown with ribbons and sequins is used for weddings, a small white cap is used for married women, and a head scarf is used for widows."
Also in preparation, Trinity attended Czech Days in Wilber, Nebraska in 2023 to get a feel for the event in which she would participate in 2024. Wilber is a small town with a large number of residents of Czech descent who take great pride in their heritage. For this reason, Wilber was named the official Czech Capital of the USA in 1987 by President Reagan. The pageant is part of Wilber Czech Days, an annual event in August.
"Wilber, a town with about the population of Phillips, is overrun every year with festival goers across the country," Trinity explained. "To give you an idea of how big this festival is, they shut down Main Street and several blocks of the side streets for pedestrian foot traffic, and they hold three separate parades over the four days, each which last about an hour or more. The pageant is held at the Wilber Outdoor Theater, a theater that was built specifically to hold the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant. In fact, it is only open during the weekend of Czech Days."
The queen competition spans over the course of two days with Saturday morning containing a private interview with the judges, Saturday night being on-stage questions and kroj modeling, and Sunday night showcasing talents and the crowning of the national queen. Trinity participated in those events in August 2024.
"The Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant is not a beauty pageant but a heritage pageant," Trinity explained. "This means we are not judged on how we look but our thoughts, feelings, poise, talent, and contributions to our heritage. The competition is broken down into four components: private interview, on-stage questions, kroj modeling, and talent. Each are worth 25% of our total score. The private interview is a nine-minute sit-down panel-style interview with the judges. The first three questions are the same for all the contestants, and then the judges are allowed to ask you more personal questions based on your application. The on-stage question category features three questions: one personality-based, one application-based, and one kroje-based. The application-based question is written specifically for each contestant, while the personality- and kroje-based questions are drawn out of a hat. For the kroje modeling category, we are judged on poise, knowledge of our kroj, accuracy of our kroj, and how our kroj connects with our family’s story. My mom and I made my kroj, so we tried to make it as accurate as possible, but we were able to add a lot of personalized details that honored my family. The talent category can be just about anything of our choosing, so l chose to do a vocal solo." Toni Brendel, the founder of the Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin pageant gave Trinity the sheet music for the song she performed. Trinity said she has been a singer for much of her lifetime, and she will be the new K-12 music teacher in the School District of Phillips this fall, so she wanted to showcase her musical interest and talent.
There was some time during Czech Days that did not involve events in the queen competition. Trinity said during those times, the group of ladies were in parades, visited with residents at the Wilber Care Center, introduced themselves on the main bandstand, and did a lot of community outreach. "It was an exhausting, but extremely rewarding, weekend," Trinity stated.
It became the most rewarding to Trinity when she was named the national queen. While she was waiting to hear the names, she said adrenaline was pumping through her body. "There I was, standing on stage with a fixed smile on my face, holding hands with the other girls as we were waiting for the winners of each of the different awards to be called, each award bigger than the last. The anticipation was building; in fact, I almost started crying before they called my name just from the suspense! I had to take several deep breaths to keep myself calm. Before they announced second runner-up, first runner-up, and queen, I had already won the Oratory Award, the Kroj Family Story Award, The Sokol Award, and the Grand Talent Award, so I was feeling extremely blessed already. Each time they called my name I felt more honored and appreciative than the last. When second runner-up was called and first runner-up was called, I was hopeful but still nervous nonetheless. Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa, who was standing next to me, turned to me and whispered, 'You’ve got this.' It wasn’t until the emcee, however, said, “For the first time in history....,” that I knew that I had won, as I knew that Wisconsin had never had a national queen before while the other states competing had. Nonetheless, I was shocked, I was crying, I was laughing, and at the same time it still hadn’t quite sunk in yet."
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Photo by: Julia Ourecky Photography
Photo by: Julia Ourecky Photography
Photo by: Julia Ourecky Photography
Toni Brendel is proud that Trinity won the national title. "We are so proud, and I knew that she stood a good chance of winning....She is an extraordinary young woman and had done a remarkable job at representing our city and county and state, all around the state. It just happened that she was in a position to do so, and she did it! I am very excited for her."
As the current Miss Czech-Slovak US queen, Trinity will be busy. "I will have many events to attend, not just in Wisconsin but across the country! Luckily, the Miss Czech-Slovak US organization is very accommodating and gives each queen a lot of freedom to decide what events she wants to attend depending on where she lives, her schedule, etc. My first out-of-state event will be on Labor Day weekend in Texas, where I will be attending Westfest, a Czech heritage festival in the town of West, Texas."
While Trinity will be kept busy with a year of appearances at events, Trinity has no current plans to enter other pageants. "Everyone keeps asking me if I will run for Miss America or Miss USA next, but I am quite content with my current title. This is the biggest honor I could hope to have received. I love this pageant system because of its emphasis on culture, family, and heritage preservation. While I don’t plan on running for any other queen titles soon, I would love to take on a leadership role in the Miss Czech Slovak US or Miss Czech-Slovak WI organization so I can help other young women who are passionate about their heritage get involved in this life-changing opportunity," Trinity concluded.
Photo by: Julia Ourecky Photography
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The following results are votes from residents in the county, which has 8,960 registered voters of the 11,548 eligible voters. The number of actual voters in this election was 4,114. 36% of eligible voters voted.
Votes were received in the Democratic Party and Republican Party primaries in Price County. The Constitution Party, Libertarian Party, and Wisconsin Green Party did not receive any votes in Price County.
Tom Tiffany - Price County: 2,128; Statewide: 78,509*
Representative to the Assembly, District 68
Rob Summerfield - Price County: 1,371; Statewide: 5,899*
Cliff Taylor - Price County: 870; Statewide: 3,381
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John Kucaba, 81, of Phillips, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
John was born to Henry and Antonia (Perger) on April 6, 1943 in Phillips, Wisconsin.
He worked at Marquip for a few years before going back to his dream of carpentry. He built many homes over the years. He truly enjoyed being a carpenter and took great pride in his work.
When he was not working, he loved to hunt with his family, play baseball, camp, and golf.
He lived in Arizona in the winter months and came home to Northern Wisconsin in the summer. His family will fondly remember him as a devoted husband, wonderful father, and mentor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Helynn; children, Kraig and Karri; brother, Ron Kucaba; sisters, Joann Plein, Lynda Janos, and Bonnie (Ken) Schlote; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bob Plein.
Per his wishes, there will not be a formal service.
UPDATE ON 9-8-2024: There will be a celebration of life for John on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m. in Phillips, Wisconsin at the VFW Hall.
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