Police from Price County and the City of Phillips responded to a school bus on Friday, February 23, 2024 on South Argyle Avenue.
After school, some students were on the bus on their way to a birthday party. One of the children was asked what he brought for a gift. The child said he brought a Nerf gun and a game. However, he only said "gun" and not "Nerf gun." Another student heard the word "gun" and reported it to the bus driver.
Police were notified that a student on the bus may have a firearm, so they responded to the scene. According to Lieutenant Blaine Peterson, "The response that law enforcement conducted was that of an unknown lethal threat on the bus. The item that was recovered was not a firearm but a Nerf toy gun. No arrests or referrals will be done."
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Iliana Winter and Hayden Sokolowski, both seniors, were named Students of the Quarter at Phillips High School.
Hayden Sokolowski is the son of Jim and Michelle Sokolowski. Hayden is in FBLA, mock trial, esports, Northwoods Players, cross country, and track & field.
Hayden stated his favorite school memory is "playing in the WCBA All-State Band in January, the best concert of my life.”
When asked where he sees himself in the future, Hayden replied, “I see myself as some sort of Computer Programmer.”
Iliana Winter is the daughter of Jill Kytonen. Iliana is in volleyball, both in school and club (Medford Storm); FBLA; and student council. She manages the girls' varsity basketball team, plays softball, is the senior class vice president, and is on Student Council, plus she is a radio reporter.
Iliana says her favorite part of high school is “Homecoming because of all the school spirit and fun activities; it's the first thing to look forward to when you start school. There are so many fun activities like dressing up, the pep assembly, the parade, the Friday night Football game, the bonfire, and, of course, the dance on Saturday."
Iliana spoke of her plans for next year, stating, “I plan to attend UW-River Falls next year to major in communications and journalism.”
GET YOUR FREE NEWS SUBSCRIPTION. Send an e-mail with "Subscribe" on the subject line to contact@mypricecounty.com to receive your free news subscription. Stay up to date on news, events, jobs, and more in Price County and surrounding areas. You will currently receive about one or two e-mails per month. We never sell or give away your e-mail address or personal information.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
1-1-2024: A Phillips man reported his brother was being aggressive. Police responded.
1-1-2024: A Park Falls woman reported a man drove her vehicle without permission as he only had permission to drive it to work. He crashed the vehicle in Butternut. The woman said the man was intoxicated, and he told her he hit a deer.
1-2-2024: A Catawba woman reported her neighbor saw someone approach her house around 1 a.m. with a flashlight and then walked by the garage and onto the deck. When a security light came on, the person ran to the woods. The woman said a couple days before that, she noticed her garage door was open and the light was on. She said a newer white van was seen driving slowly and turning around in her neighbor's driveway.
1-2-2024: A Phillips man reported a two-vehicle accident on Flemings Rapids Road. No one was injured but there was road blockage. The Town of Elk was notified that the road was glare ice.
1-2-2024: A person was having a seizure in a vehicle outside a business. The vehicle's doors were locked. Emergency services responded.
1-4-2024: A Phillips man stated a woman was in his house smoking, threatening him, and hitting him.
1-6-2024: A man reported a rollover in the Township of Spirit. The vehicle slid off a corner and rolled over. There were no injuries.
1-6-2024: A woman called stating her son shot himself, and she was not sure if he was breathing. She said she and her husband heard a loud noise. They went to see what happened, and found their son with a gunshot wound to his head.
1-9-2024: A Prentice student, who started attending school on November 28, 2023, did not return on January 2, 2024. The school stated they never received transfer paperwork from the prior school. Dispatch made calls attempting to contact the parents and ultimately reached an emergency contact who stated the family did not return to Price County after the holidays.
1-9-2024: Price County Home Health & Human Services reported a woman was violating a felony bond by having contact with a Phillips man. His home hospice nurse reported he had bruising on him, but he would not disclose how he received the bruising. One female was taken into custody.
1-11-2024: A Phillips man reported being physically attacked by another man by being pushed and hit. On January 12th, the man who allegedly was doing the attacking turned himself in at the jail entrance for a probation warrant.
1-12-2024: A Phillips woman reported a scam. A man, calling himself "David Weathers" stated he was calling from an insurance company and had been trying to contact her for over a year. The man asked her to load a cash app card with $200 and call him back. Dispatch told the caller not to answer the phone if the man called back as it was a scam.
1-12-2024: An Ogema woman reported someone was raped in her sleep. Dispatch asked when this occurred, and the caller stated it happened sometime this month but the person just told her about it.
1-13-2024: A Phillips woman reported a man with a head lamp walking around her yard.
1-14-2024: A woman reported speeding, traffic, and drunk driving on Springs Drive in Phillips due to the bar on that road.
1-16-2024: A Park Falls woman reported her mailbox being hit the night prior.
1-16-2024: A man was arrested when he reported to the Sheriff's Office for a Department of Corrections Warrant.
1-18-2024: A Kennan woman said she received a call that she won $15,000 from Publisher's Clearing House. The caller wanted her to buy a gift card. The caller also tried to get her to say "yes." The woman realized it was a scam.
1-19-2024: A Park Falls woman received a scam call. The caller stated they were from Publisher's Clearing House.
1-19-2024: A Phillips woman reported her dog was attacked by two dogs the day prior. Her dog was injured and now had an infection.
1-20-2024: A Prentice man reported a fire at senior housing in an apartment.
1-22-2024: A Fifield woman reported a Honda Pilot was parked in a handicapped area at apartments in Fifield. The woman reported that one of the family members of the owner of the vehicle is handicapped and the family passes the card around to each other.
1-22-2024: A Park Falls woman reported she was being harassed by a woman who reported she was improperly parked in a handicap parking stall.
1-23-2024: A man reported he was walking past the old Phillips Ford building and heard rushing water. He looked through the window and saw water pouring across the floor. Dispatch called the realtor, who was in another state. Dispatch called the owner, who was also in another state. The Department of Public Works shut off the water to the building.
1-23-2024: A NIXLE Tip was received that an older man was heard, near Prentice, screaming that the people needed to get out or he would kill them.
1-24-2024: An Ogema woman reported she saw someone messing around with her son's truck on her security camera footage.
1-27-2024: At 4:12 a.m., an Eden Prairie, Minnesota man called to report that he received a call from his friend, Richard Cooper, which was concerning. Dispatch tried calling Richard and Patricia's numbers several times but was unable to make contact. Deputies responded. At 9:29 a.m., a man, stating he was Richard's neighbor, requested a welfare check on Richard. See related article.
1-28-2024: A Park Falls woman advised there were three or four trailers across the street and at least one of the trailers was forcefully entered. However, no fresh tracks were found around the camper.
1-29-2024: An iPhone was found in the City of Phillips.
1-30-2024: A Phillips man reported nails being dumped in his driveway on two occasions.
1-30-2024: A Phillips woman reported she heard her back door open and close. She looked outside and saw someone running down her driveway with what looked like a flashlight.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
1-1-2024: An adult female reported a suspicious vehicle at a local convenience store where a juvenile female had asked for help. The officer made contact with the driver who stated that he has a delivery in Phillips tomorrow and does not know why the adult female was saying what she was. The driver let officers search the truck and did not locate a juvenile female.
1-2-2024: Responded to a report of a vehicle that had a male driver who possibly had a seizure and the vehicle was locked. An officer responded and met with the adult male who did not respond but was conscious. Central Price County Ambulance arrived and tended to the adult male. An officer arrested the adult male for operating while intoxicated and felony bail jumping. The adult male was held at the Price County Jail.
1-3-2024: Responded to assist the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult male who possibly had a broken toe. The male indicated that he had broken his toe yesterday when a plate had fallen on his toe while cooking. Central Price County Ambulance Service arrived and accessed the patient. Patient refused transport.
1-4-2024: Police assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a domestic abuse incident outside the City of Phillips on Hilly Haven Circle. One male individual was charged with Domestic Abuse, Disorderly Conduct, and False Imprisonment. The male individual was transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
1-6-2024: Responded to a two-vehicle accident near Chestnut Street and Argyle Avenue with road blockage and injury. One female adult was transported to the medical center in Park Falls.
1-6-2024: Advised of an ATV that had gone through the ice on Elk Lake. The male was okay and back at his vehicle in the Elk Lake Campground. An officer Spoke with the male who indicated he had a recover service coming in the morning to retrieve the ATV.
1-10-2024: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a traffic stop. An adult female was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and multiple counts of felony bail jumping.
1-11-2024: The Phillips Police Department and Price County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of an altercation between two adult males. Police forwarded a review of charges to the Price County District Attorney's Office for disorderly conduct.
1-14-2024: Advised of a female individual who was not responsive in her residence in the City of Phillips. An officer arrived on scene and observed the female individual had passed away. An officer contacted the Price County Corner and investigated the incident.
1-16-2024: Investigated a report of harassing messages to a local business in the City of Phillips. Police spoke with the subjects involved, and they were warned about their behavior.
1-18-2024: Advised by the Phillips School District of two males engaging in a fight. An officer responded to the school and met with school staff. An officer was advised the altercation was between two siblings and that the school would be handling the issue.
1-18-2024: Responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident on North Lake Avenue. An officer met with the two owners. The struck vehicle had minimal damage. Both men exchanged information.
1-21-2024: Received a complaint from an adult female who advised her two daughters were locked in the bathroom and would not come out, and the older daughter had gotten a bottle of alcohol from a person last night. An officer responded and spoke to the mother and two daughters. A report was referred to Price County Human Services.
1-23-2024: Observed a man who was standing along the roadside. The officer spoke with the man who stated that he had just been released from jail and was waiting for his ride. He stated that he did not want to loiter at businesses so he was standing at the roadside hoping that his ride would see him
1-23-2024: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a traffic stop. A man was arrested for a probation warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping. The man will also receive a citation for a city ordinance violation.
1-26-2024: Received a complaint from an employee of a local business who advised they had an unruly customer that was yelling at them and refused to leave. An officer arrived and spoke to the complainant and female offender. An officer asked the customer three times to leave the business as she was requested to do by the employee. The customer finally complied and left the business.
1-27-2024: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with a male individual who was highly intoxicated and fell off a bar stool at an establishment in Phillips. The male received a ride home from a sober person.
1-28-2024: Advised of an altercation between two individuals in the City of Phillips. An officer arrived on scene and investigated the situation. It was learned that a domestic situation had occurred at the residence. One female was arrested for Domestic Abuse, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Misdemeanor Bail Jumping, and Felony Bail Jumping. The female was transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
1-28-2024: Received a complaint in regard to a sexual assault of two children by a man that occurred in the City of Phillips.
1-30-2024: Police were asked to assist the Price County Sheriff's Department with locating a male individual who entered a residence without permission in the Township of Emery on County Road D. Officers patrolled the area and did not locate the male.
1-31-2024: Assisted the Phillips Fire Department with a fire alarm at a senior housing unit. The officer responded and learned that the alarm was set off by a burnt piece of toast.
1-31-2024: Requested to assist the Price County Jail during a strip search of a woman who had put contraband in her body's cavity. The adult female eventually complied and provided the jail staff with the contraband.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
1-4-2024: A woman indicated that her ex-husband stole her car keys and left the house on foot.
1-5-2024: Responded to the high school for a report from staff of a student in possession of concerning materials. There were no criminal charges. The matter will be handled by the school district.
1-7-2024: A reporting party stated her small dog had been attacked by another dog and seriously injured on Friday, January 5, 2024, at her residence.
1-11-2024: An officer reported that a motorist advised him of an injured owl at the listed location. The owl was safely retrieved and turned over to a wildlife center.
1-13-2024: Officers responded to a motel for the report of one female who needed a ride home. Upon investigation, officers learned the female suspect had an active warrant out for her arrest. The female was later transported to the Price County Jail where illegal substances were located in the suspect's property.
1-21-2024: Received a report of an intoxicated male at address on 1st Avenue North. Upon speaking with the person, it was determined he was lost and needed to get home. The male gave minimal details as to where he wanted to go. He made a threat to the officer about shooting him. The male was arrested and booked into the Price County Jail. A referral sent to the district attorney's office for disorderly conduct and threats to law enforcement.
1-23-2024: A woman reported her mother passed away at a facility in December, but when she received her mother's property, she didn't receive her mother's wedding ring.
1-23-2024: There was a report of a large amount of saw dust blowing from a plant and covering local residents’ houses and lawns. A call was made to the city attorney for the next course of action.
1-26-2024: Officers observed a male suspect with a felony warrant inside a residence. He shut the lights off when he saw the officers. After ignoring the officers for a bit, his mother came to the door. The officers said it was in his best interest to come into custody, and she let the officers locate him in the house, hiding in a room in the basement. He was taken into custody without further incident.
1-27-2024: An officer talked to a complainant about some unknown white powdery substance she found in her business. She believes her co-owner is using drugs inside the business and asked if we could test the substance. The substance was tested for cocaine, codeine, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. The unknown substance didn't result in a positive test result for any of the drugs.
1-27-2024: An officer responded to assist the Price County Sheriff's Office with the report of a homicide / suicide investigation. Upon entry into the residence, one deceased victim and one deceased suspect were located. See related article.
1-29-2024: A student was found in possession of a replica handgun. Price County Human Services was contacted.
1-30-2024: A report was made for record regarding a possible threat from one juvenile to another at Chequamegon High School.
1-31-2024: Two officers were monitoring radio traffic when they heard that Price County deputies were responding to a vehicle attempting to ram another vehicle off the road. The altercation was fluid, and both vehicles were traveling north from Maple Grove Road. Lt. Janak asked the officers if they would attempt to intercept the vehicles. Officers located and stopped both vehicles.
1-31-2024: There was a report of multiple fights occurring in the Chequamegon High School locker room on Thursday, January 25; Friday, January 26; and two months prior.
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Just before noon on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department received a report of a missing 68-year old woman who had gone for a walk but had not returned.
The tribal police initiated its search protocol. Officers attempted to locate the woman, who reportedly has dementia. Area responders provided aid, and the Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue offered their highly-trained search and rescue dogs to the effort.
About five hours after the report was received, Vilas County Deputy Julie Mootz received information that a woman matching that description was seen walking on County Hwy. H near East Boundary Road, which is a desolate area.
The tribal police were forwarded the information and responded to the scene. The officer saw a woman who appeared cold, disheveled, and somewhat wet. The woman stated she had walked across a lake, and her tracks were later found extending from the lake. The woman was not in need of medical treatment, and she was returned safely to her home.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police stated, "We are extremely thankful for the happy ending to today’s long search and very grateful to all those who assisted. The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe would like to thank Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue, Vilas County Sheriff’s Office and Dispatch, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Management, Lac du Flambeau Fire and Ambulance Department, Lac du Flambeau Conservation Law Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol, and Vilas County Emergency Management. A special thanks to Vilas County Deputy Julie Mootz for going above and beyond to locate the missing woman."
The January 2024 RED winners from Park Falls Elementary School of the Chequamegon School District are from Mrs. Larson's kindergarten class. They read the most minutes out of all the classes in the elementary school for January.
January's Pop Tabs winner is Mrs. Olson's class. They collected over 37.3 pounds of tabs in January. All pop tabs benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Marshfield.
Park Village offers affordable, active living in a park-like setting for those 55+ and disabled persons in Park Falls. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income. Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome. Contact Park Village at 715-762-4747.
The January Eagle Award winners were announced at Park Falls Elementary School.
According to the Chequamegon School District, "For the month of January, these students distinguished themselves as being kind at school."
Front row, left to right: Reed Damrow, Cole Eimermann, Koji Sohl, Quinn Kontny, Serenity Isham, Brantly Doyle, Max Barylski, Atea Sibanuz, and Jayla Hilgart
Back row, left to right: Layla Gokee, Jaylnn Crom, Leland Rabauliman, Alana Mwangin, Andy Overturff, Jackson Larson, and The Screaming Eagle
MY PRICE COUNTY / MY NORTHERN WISCONSIN REACHES OVER 13,000 HOUSEHOLDS; GET FREE NEWS IN YOUR INBOX - Want to see more free news stories, events, help wanted ads, and more? "Like" the My Price County Facebook page and the My Northern Wisconsin Facebook page. You can also register to see free news in Price County and beyond. To sign up to receive our FREE "News Highlights" e-mail, send your e-mail address with "Subscribe" in the subject line to contact@mypricecounty.com Your privacy is important to us. We never give away or sell your e-mail address.
At 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Rusk County 911 Center received a call about a two-vehicle accidnt on Hwy. 8 near Townline Road, west of Ladysmith.
Emergency services responded to the scene.
It was discovered that a 2019 Chevy Tahoe, which was driven by Gregory Davis, 59, Ladysmith, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 8. While slowing down to make a right-hand turn, a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Kai Rasmussen, 35, Bruce, hit Davis' vehicle from behind.
After the crash, the car driven by Rasmussen was disabled in the road with no working tail lights. He and his passenger, Robert Merta, 18, Ladysmith, attempted to push the vehicle off the road. Another westbound vehicle, a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Mark Western, 62, Cameron, crashed into them. Rasmussen sustained fatal injuries due to the second crash.
Responding agencies included Rusk County Sheriff's Office, Ladysmith Fire Department, Ladysmith Police Department, Rusk County Ambulance Service, the Rusk County Medical Examiner, and Life Link III.
The crash was reconstructed by the Wisconsin State Patrol - Traffic Reconstruction Unit.
The crash is under investigation by the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.
At 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, a 911 call was received in Rusk County about a two vehicle accident on Olesiak Road, West of Weyerhaeuser.
A westbound Jeep, driven by Jorge Sanchez-Tzanahua, 21, Rice Lake, collided with an eastbound semi driven by Steven Nasholm, 35, Clayton.
Nasholm died due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Sanchez-Tzanahua was taken to the Rusk County Jail. He is charged with Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle and OWI 2nd.
Rusk County deputies, Ladysmith Ambulance, Weyerhaeuser First Responders, Weyerhaeuser Fire, and Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the accident scene.
At 1:19 p.m. on January 24, 2024, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a one vehicle accident at the intersection of Winter Sports Road and Spruce Lake Road in the Town of Grover. The caller stated the vehicle was off the road. There was a large amount of blood in the vehicle. Taylor County deputies, along with EMS and Fire, were dispatched.
Upon arrival, it was determined that Zachary Dunn, 41, Medford, was deceased. However, his death was not caused by the accident. Rather, his death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the investigation determined that "Dunn was operating the vehicle and was traveling southbound on Winter Sports Road. While southbound on Winter Sports Road, Dunn’s vehicle began to swerve back and forth, crossing the center of the roadway several times. The vehicle then entered the east ditch striking trees and causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The air bag was deployed. After the vehicle came to rest in the ditch, Dunn retrieved a firearm that was in his vehicle and committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound."
At this time, it is unclear if Dunn intentionally drove off the road or lost control of his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.
INFORMATION RELEASED ABOUT APPARENT MURDER-SUICIDE IN PHILLIPS
UPDATED ON 1/30/2024
At approximately 4:13 a.m. on January 27, 2024, a third party called the Price County Sheriff's Office to report a possible suicidal man who had just killed his wife. The incident occurred on South Minnow Lake Road in the Township of Elk.
When Price County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the scene, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home. According to a statement by Price County Sheriff Brian Schmidt, "Deputies made entry into the residence where they located two deceased subjects. The victim, Patricia Cooper of Cottage Grove, Minnesota was found deceased with apparent gunshot injuries. Richard Cooper of Cottage Grove, Minnesota was found deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound."
According to property tax records, Richard Kain and Patricia Jean Cooper own property at W7311 South Minnow Lake Road, which they purchased in August 2007. Their main address is in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
The investigation into the apparent murder-suicide is ongoing. Additional assistance in the investigation has been provided by Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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TWO FOUND DECEASED IN TOWNSHIP OF ELK
ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON 1/27/2024
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, Price County Sheriff Brian Schmidt reported, "During the early morning hours, the Price County Sheriff’s Office found two people deceased in the Township of Elk. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family."
The sheriff's office stated there is no risk to the public. The investigation is being conducted by the Price County Sheriff’s Office and further information will be provided. My Price County will update this article when we have more information.
The responding agencies included the Price County Sheriff’s Office, Price County Coroner’s Office, Park Falls Police Department, Phillips Police Department, and Central Price County Ambulance Service.
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