Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) initiative, the Federal Highway Administration approved Wisconsin’s plan to expand electric vehicle charging stations. This will allow the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to receive federal funds to implement the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan.
“As we work to implement the state’s first-ever Clean Energy Plan, upgrading Wisconsin’s electric vehicle infrastructure is one of the most important steps forward we can take to move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future,” Governor Evers said. “This plan approval and the federal funds Wisconsin will receive as a result will help bolster our state, our infrastructure, and our economy for years to come.”
“We are seeing an increasing demand for electric vehicles in Wisconsin and manufacturers are ramping up production of electric models. Some manufacturers have goals of producing 100% electric vehicles in the future,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “To accommodate this growth, Wisconsin is stepping up its efforts to provide the electric vehicle infrastructure the state will need.”
Most electric vehicle charging is currently done at home. To support long distance travel with electric vehicles, approximately $78.65 million NEVI funds will be used to develop a network of publicly-accessible charging stations along Wisconsin's Alternative Fuel Corridors. These roadways currently include interstates, I-90, I-94, I-43, I-41, and I-535 plus seven U.S. highways, US 53, US 151, parts of US 51, WIS 29, US 2, and US 141, and all of US 8 and US 41. The estimated 60 charging station locations will be placed within 50 miles of each other on Wisconsin’s designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
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On September 23, 2022 at 10:34 p.m., the Sawyer County Dispatch Center received a 911 call of a person and a vehicle on fire on River Road in the Town of Hunter.
Sawyer County deputies, assisted by Sawyer County EMS and the Round Lake Fire Department, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies observed a vehicle in the roadway totally engulfed in flames. Lying in the roadway, next to the vehicle, was the motionless body of a subject that was also on fire. Due to the extreme heat, emergency responders were not able to safely approach the victim. The fire was extinguished and the victim was found to be deceased. The victim has been positively identified as 75-year old William J. Smith of Antioch, Illinois.
Further investigation indicated that the driver of the 2018 Cadillac sedan was traveling north on River Road when it appeared to enter the ditch, strike a mailbox, and come back on to the roadway. The vehicle continued a short distance down the road where it was found fully engulfed in flames.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, the Sawyer County Coroner’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations Fire Marshalls Office.
On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, a decision was filed in the civil case of Anthony Sleck versus Town of Worcester, which was originally filed in October 2020.
Under Wis. Stat. § 19.31, “it is declared to be the public policy of this state that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them.” The statute further
provides that “[t]he denial of public access generally is contrary to the public interest, and only in an exceptional case may access be denied,” establishing “a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.”
Anthony Sleck began the lawsuit because he wanted town officials to be accountable to the public. He stated the Town of Worcester had violated the Open Records Law, citing eleven violations. Attorney Tom Kamenick, of the Wisconsin Transparency Project, represented Sleck in the case.
Some of the alleged problems were with a former town clerk. Those problems were given to her and also listed in the The Petition for Writ of Mandamus, provided to My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin by Attorney Kamenick, as follows:
"1. In October, Mr. Sleck asked you for records and you told him you didn’t have to do it and threatened to throw his request in the garbage.
2. As an ongoing problem, residents have been leaving you voicemail messages on the Town’s answering machine and you never respond.
3. In December, in response to a record request, you demanded $50 up front to pay for copies even though that was far in excess of what would be necessary for the number of records Mr. Sleck was seeking. State law permits you to charge only for the “actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction. Wis. Stat. §19.35(3)(a)."
4. In response to that request, you unlawfully demanded that Mr. Sleck bring other people with him because you did not want to be alone with him.
5. On December 30th, Mr. Sleck requested you provide copies of emails people had sent you regarding his previous request (which had been CC’d to several other people). The next day you refused that request without lawful reason. Those emails are public records and must be provided.
6. In that same email, Mr. Sleck requested a date and time to come view the records, which you had indicated were ready to be viewed . On New Year’s Eve, you told him he had to come on January 2nd – not even 48 hours’ notice and over a holiday.
7. Mr. Sleck was finally allowed to get the records on January 8th, although not all of the records were made available.
8. Mr. Sleck made another request on January 16th, and that request was again only partially fulfilled.
9. Mr. Sleck made his most recent request (which incorporated the incomplete portions of previous requests) on February 2nd, giving you a full week’s notice (state law requires only 48 hours, see Wis. Stat. § 19.34(2)(a)1.) to have the records available on February 10th, at whatever time was convenient for you.
10. You stated you were unavailable on that day, but did not suggest any alternative days.
11. Finally you agreed on February 12th, but you left without explanation immediately after Mr. Sleck arrived. That left him in an awkward position and he eventually had to leave and try to call the sheriff’s department to come and lock the building up. You had mysteriously returned while he was gone.
12. He had not finished inspecting and copying the records he requested, so he tried to set up another time to come in and you once again were not helpful, simply saying you were not available the next day and maybe you could do it next week.
13. Despite that, you still have not offered any time for Mr. Sleck to come in."
After the suit was filed, the Town of Worcester turned over a number of records, and Sleck had three remaining claims in his lawsuit.
Judge Kevin Klein, a Price County judge, recused himself from the case. Judge Ann Knox-Bauer, a judge in Taylor County, presided over the case.
Per the Decision on Motions for Summary Judgment from the court, "The petitioner moves for summary judgment on claims I, II and VIII of his complaint. Counts I and II allege that the Town unlawfully withheld records from the petitioner’s March 16 and June 19 requests. Count VIII alleges that the Town is charging an excessive fee for reproduction of the records requested by petitioner. At issue is whether the Town’s fee of .50 per page reflects the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction."
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One portion of the case was in regard to requests to view job applications. A former town chairman stated the applications were "confidential," but Sleck explained that the town's denial of the records was illegal. At that time, town board members asked the applicants to request that their applications be made confidential. A former town clerk then denied Sleck's request again, stating the documents were now confidential. Another reponse for the applications by town officials was that another former town chairman had them. That led to a former town clerk not adequately looking for the records, assuming the former town chairman had them in his possession, which was not the case.
Judge Ann Knox-Bauer ruled, "The court concludes the Town also violated Sleck’s request for June applications. At the time that he requested the applications, there was no exemption that would have allowed the Town to withhold the applications. The clerk simply asserted that they were not yet part of the public record. The board then went into closed session, and created an exemption by having applicants sign the confidentiality request, knowing that Sleck had requested the applications."
It was also alleged, upon information and belief, that the Town of Worcester received ten applications for two job postings and that three applicants were interviewed. It was believed that the son-in-law of a friend of a town board member was one of the applicants hired.
An interim town chairman told Sleck that the town had shredded all the applications that Sleck was requesting except for the one person who was hired. However, “No authority may destroy any record at any time after the receipt of a request for inspection or copying of the record under sub. (1) until after the request is granted or until at least 60 days after the date that the request is denied,” according to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(5).
It was alleged that when Sleck asked to inspect payroll stubs and time cards in person, and he stated he would bring his own photocopying equipment, he was told, via email, "As per the policy adopted 7/29/2020, there are no more inspections."
Regarding the cost of photocopying fees, it was alleged that the Town of Worcester was charging excessive fees. According to the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, "107. c. Amount. The Wisconsin Department of Justice public records guidelines state that photocopy fees should be around $0.15 cents per page, and that anything in eexcess of $0.25 cents may be suspect."
In summary, the final findings were that the Town of Worcester did not adequately search for records that were requested, refused to give job applications that were requested, and charged excessively high for photocopies.
The judge's decision concluded by stating, "....the Petitioner’s motion for summary judgment is granted in part, with instructions for the Town to conduct a search for the applications; in addition the Petitioner’s motion for summary judgment on the issue of costs is granted in part, with a declaration that the amount charged by the Town did not represent actual, necessary and direct costs of reproduction."
Before this ruling was made, the two town chairmen and town clerk, who were involved in these actions, left their duties and are no longer in those positions with the Town of Worcester.
JOHN BRYLSKI IS RUNNING AS AN INDEPENDENT, WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF IN NOVEMBER 2022: Visit John Brylski's website to learn about John, his philosophies on law enforcement, his endorsements, and more. Follow John's Facebook page to receive updates and more information about his candidacy.
On September 19, 2022, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department responded to a report of a missing person.
Harvey La Belle, 84, was last seen at about 8:00 p.m. on September 18th. However, when family checked on him the next morning at approximately 11 a.m., Harvey was not at his home. Given he reportedly had dementia, the family immediately checked his known locations. When they could not find him, they reported him as missing.
The Tribal Police Department immediately initiated its search protocol with officers attempting to lcoated him. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, "A request for assistance was issued, and area first responders arrived to provide aid. The Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue responded with a number of highly trained search and rescue dogs, and the Tribal Roads Department assisted with barricading and support."
Around 5:15 p.m., a Newbold Search and Rescue canine alerted authorities near the shore of Long Interlaken Lake in Lac du Flambeau. During the immediate search of the area, an adult male's body was found in the shallow lake water. Police and family members were able to positively identify the deceased man as Harvey La Belle. The Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to remove the body. While the exact cause of death is unknown, foul play is not suspected.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe wished to thank Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue, Vilas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau EMS and Fire Department, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Management, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Roads, Judge Gary Smith, William Wildcat, Sr., and the numerous community members who volunteered with search efforts.
On September 17, 2022, the Lincoln County 911 Center received several calls reporting a two vehicle head-on crash on STH 17 near Sunrise Road in the Town of Merrill.
Multiple deputies from the Sheriff's Office, along with several troopers from the Wisconsin State Patrol, responded to the scene.
The first officers on scene reported several injured parties from both vehicles. Fire and EMS were requested. Merrill Fire and Ambulance, Russell Fire and First Responders, Wausau EMS, and Life Link Helicopter were dispatched to the scene.
The crash investigation and evidence at the scene indicated that a vehicle traveling southbound on STH 17, operated by a 41-year old Merrill man, crossed the center line and struck a northbound vehicle being operated by a 42-year old Gleason man. As a result of the crash, several people were injured. An 8-year old boy in the northbound vehicle died due to his injuries. The severity of the injuries or conditions of the other parties are not known at this time.
The crash was reconstructed by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Alcohol is believed to be a factor. Following medical clearance at the hospital, the driver of the southbound vehicle was taken into custody by Lincoln County deputies and transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was booked on a charge of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle. The crash remains under investigation and additional charges are possible.
On September 17, 2022, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 911 Center received a report of a motorcycle crash at approximately 10 a.m. The crash involved multiple motorcycles with multiple injuries on County Road A in the Town of Bradley.
Multiple emergency services responded to the crash. Four motorcycles were found with four injured people.
According to the investigation, two motorcycles were traveling southbound and preparing to turn when two other southbound motorcycles collided with them.
One of the motorcyclists, Michael J. Tyloch, 67, was not breathing and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet.
Two motorcyclistc were transported to the hospital in Tomahawk. One of them received treatment there, and the other was flown to another hospital by Life Link for further treatment. The other motorcyclist was transported to the hospital by automobile of a private party.
The City of Phillips is updating its Comprehensive Plan. According to Mayor Charles Peterson, “The current plan was adopted in 2013. In it, and through development of an update, we will seek to identify the important characteristics that identify this area in which we choose to live."
The Phillips Planning Commission knows the natural bounty, friendly environment, employment opportunities, engaged government, and various community organizations are among those attributes making this area unique in living, employment opportunities, and quality of life choices. The plan will highlight those positive characteristics, as well as identify challenges and consider opportunities to confront and overcome them. Planning Commission members have been working to develop surveys for the businesses and community as a whole to gain insights on strengths and challenges to Phillips now and into the future.
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Mayor Peterson has stressed the importance of this planning update. “You are likely aware that our community, like many rural areas, is facing an uncertain future. The positives certainly outweigh the challenges in the community, but we need to meet, be aware of, and plan to confront current and any upcoming issues. The City of Phillips, with your help, will, in the months ahead, develop an update to our Comprehensive Plan."
Part of the planning process is a “town hall” meeting open to anyone concerned about the future of Phillips, including its employment base, housing, downtown business district, recreation, and how the city looks and feels. In short, it will cover everything that affects the community, its residents, and the residents of the surrounding area. This meeting will take place September 20, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Anyone with an interest in the City of Phillips is invited to attend and make comments. Ideas about community strengths and weaknesses can be voiced.
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Steve Keller's passions in life include fishing, making cribbage boards, making candy, and spending time with family and friends. These are also the things that keep him going as he battles cancer.
For the past two years, Steve has had esophageal cancer. He is in Stage 4. With the progression of the cancer, he now receives treatments every week. He also receives surgeries as needed.
Medical expenses, traveling, and future expenses have and will continue to impact the family greatly.
A benefit and living celebration of life will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 starting at 2 p.m. There will be beer, soda, water, a baked goods auction, 50/50, raffle baskets, and live music at Badger's Den Sports Bar in Phillips.
"Not only are we doing a benefit, but Steve would like to be surrounded by family and friends in his ending stages of life so we will be doing a living celebration of life," Jody Kozak shared. "We are accepting donations, raffle baskets, and gifts to be used as raffle items," she added. To donate, you can contact 715-820-2593 or participate in the benefit.
The Medford Area Public School District will receive a $50,000 grant to purchase a ShopSabre Sidekick 4 Plasma System, an Auto Electronics Trainer, a Grizzly G9933-3HP Three Spindle Shaper, a Grizzly G0490X - 8" x 76" Jointer with Parallelogram Beds and Spiral Cutterhead, and a ShopSabre RC-9 Router System for its technical education program, allowing students to become familiar with cutting-edge technology used in manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries, according to a press release from Governor Evers' office.
This is funded through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program to increase the number of students in career and technical education programs.
“We are committed to helping Wisconsin’s young people get the kind of high-demand, high-skill job training they need to be prepared to join our state’s workforce,” said Governor Evers. “This is exactly the kind of collaboration and initiative we strive for in our relationships with school districts, employers, and our agency partners to help support student’s success and bolster the future of our workforce in some of Wisconsin’s most critical industries.”
“This latest round of funding will broaden educational and employment opportunities for some 1,400 students in more than a dozen rural and underserved communities statewide,” said Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “These Wisconsin Fast Forward investments are part of DWD’s proven strategy to expand our future workforce with homegrown talent. Going forward, the economic impact of these grants will be multiplied as the students gain new skills, employers gain a competitive edge, and communities gain new vitality.”
On Monday, September 12, 2022, Lexi N. Mattson, a resident of the City of Ashland, was arrested by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest was a drug interdiction arrest that occurred after an ongoing investigation into Mattson.
Lac Du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively to gather information on Mattson’s drug activities in Northern Wisconsin communities.
At the time of the arrest, approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, 30 grams of methamphetamine, and $3,000 in cash were seized.
Mattson is being held in the Ashland County Jail. Charges, which are being referred to the Ashland County district attorney, are possession with intent to distribute and delivery of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
