The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association held the 2024 Summer Tour in Eastern Wisconsin and recognized Wisconsin farmers' dedication to excellence in the beef industry.
The awards included Friends of Cattlemen, Environmental Stewardship, Cattleman of the Year, and Beef Quality Assurance.
Greg Denzine and Karen Kerner were nominated for one of the awards, in competition with other farmers. Greg and Karen received the Beef Quality Assurance Award. Since 1994, they have owned and operated Deer Creek Angus, LLC in Phillips.
"It's a huge honor," Karen said. "Our hard work and dedication to our animals and our farm shows through the quality of the animals that we sell. Every day we try do do the right thing."
According to the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association, Greg and Karen "take great pride in managing their livestock in a stress-free environment where they raise and harvest all their own forage. They select for genetic traits that lead to high quality beef, which they sell across the state. In recent years, they have become extremely involved with Taylor County Extension and have helped host multiple educational events and are an excellent, transparent advocate for the beef industry."
To view the quality products offered by Deer Creek Angus, LLC, visit their website and Facebook page. You can reach the farm store by phone at 715-550-6156.
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Election day is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Amy Walker is one of five candidates running for Price County Clerk. To help voters make an informed voting decision, Amy shared information about her candidacy.
What is your background (education, family, work, etc.)?
I grew up in Janesville, WI, where I embarked on Criminal Justice path taking Police Science courses while working at the Rock County Jail before transitioning over to the 911 center a year later. I spent 8 years dispatching for police/fire/EMS agencies in Rock County before my calling to be more hands-on with the health and safety of my community led me to pursue a nursing career. I obtained my A.A.S from UW-Rock County before attending UW-Oshkosh School of Nursing. I worked as a nurse for over 10 years, managing a dementia unit, becoming a Specialty Clinics Float at the VA in Madison, and working as a travel nurse before returning to my roots in county government. My current full-time position is as the Deputy Clerk of Courts-Fiscal with the Price County Clerk of Courts office, where I leverage my skills in organization, prioritization, customer service, and adherence to State statutes daily.
What prompted you to run for the county clerk position?
I chose to run for county clerk out of a deep-seated commitment and dedication to public service, the encouragement and support of colleagues, and the opportunity presented by Jean Gottwald's decision not to run in the 2024 election. With more than two decades of experience as a dispatcher, nurse, and currently as Deputy Clerk of Courts-Fiscal, I have cultivated essential skills in prioritization, meeting deadlines, organization, attention to detail, and providing exceptional customer service. These competencies are integral to the role of county clerk, which involves adherence to state statutes and regulations, and I am well-prepared to handle these responsibilities effectively.
The overwhelming support from my community reinforced my conviction that stepping into this role was the right choice. Throughout my career, I have prioritized building genuine relationships founded on mutual respect and trust. Moving forward, I am committed to earning and maintaining that respect and trust as County Clerk. This responsibility is one I take seriously, and I am dedicated to serving our community with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of purpose.
What is your definition of an excellent county clerk?
An excellent county clerk is a dedicated public servant who upholds integrity, transparency, and efficiency in all aspects of their role. They possess thorough knowledge of local government operations and legal requirements, ensuring accurate record-keeping and adherence to regulations. Exceptional organizational skills enable them to manage complex administrative tasks effectively, prioritize citizen needs, and provide responsive customer service. A strong leader, they foster collaboration among communities and stakeholders, promoting a positive, productive environment and innovation in service delivery. They engage actively with the community, listening to concerns and providing training for municipal clerks. Above all, an excellent county clerk demonstrates unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, continuous improvement, and accountable stewardship of public resources, striving to enhance the quality of governance and public trust in their office.
What makes you qualified for this position?
As a current, full-time employee of Price County with a diverse background spanning healthcare, public safety, and county government, I offer a comprehensive skill set that uniquely qualifies me for the position of county clerk. Throughout my career, I have cultivated a solid reputation for delivering excellent customer service and building strong relationships within our community and with local agencies. My experience in roles such as nurse, public safety dispatcher, and Deputy Clerk of Courts-Fiscal has equipped me with a deep understanding of public service and community welfare.
I am adept at navigating complex legal frameworks governed by state statutes and federal regulations, ensuring meticulous adherence to laws while managing administrative tasks efficiently. My strengths in prioritization, clear communication, and fostering collaboration are essential for the county clerk role, where transparency and effective governance are paramount. With a proven track record of integrity and dedication, I am prepared to uphold the responsibilities of County Clerk with diligence and professionalism, serving our community effectively and ethically.
How would you prioritize your workload if elected?
If elected as County Clerk, I would prioritize my workload with a meticulous approach and dedication to excellence, drawing from my experience in high-stakes environments. I would prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, focusing on critical deadlines such as elections, state-mandated reports and essential administrative duties. Using checklists and calendar reminders, I would ensure systematic completion of all tasks, aiming to finish ahead of schedule for flexibility in handling unexpected challenges. With a career devoted to public service, I value availability and would be willing to work beyond regular hours to meet community and county needs. In summary, my approach as County Clerk would emphasize rigorous prioritization, effective time management, proactive preparation, and steadfast commitment to serving with integrity and diligence, ensuring efficient and responsive governance for our community.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the voting public?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received from the community during my campaign for County Clerk. My commitment to public service is deeply rooted in a lifelong dedication to the well-being and safety of our communities. Moving to Price County with my boyfriend of 7 years, Brian, has been a transformative experience, and we have been warmly welcomed into this community that we now proudly call home.
Brian's 23 ½ years of military service and our shared values of service to country and community have shaped our lives profoundly. While we prefer to serve quietly, the support we have received in my candidacy has been truly humbling. Price County's natural beauty and peaceful surroundings captured our hearts, and we cherish our time fishing, kayaking, and exploring the Northwoods.
If entrusted with the role of County Clerk, I promise to maintain integrity, diligence, and a strong commitment to serving every member of our community. Together, let's continue to make Price County a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive. Thank you for your support.
Authorized and paid for by Amy Walker for Price County Clerk
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Election day is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Marina Miller is one of two candidates running for Price County Treasurer. To help voters make an informed voting decision, Marina shared information about her candidacy.
What is your background (education, family, work, etc.)?
My name is Marina Miller, and I am running for Price County Treasurer. I live in the Township of Georgetown with my husband, Steve, and our teenage daughter, Lily. A quick look into my background and you won't find any gaps in my work history, but you will find consistency and dedication to long-term employment.
Since high school graduation in 1988, I have had four full-time jobs. Eleven years at a drill factory were followed by service as a corrections officer for just shy of 19 years. Starting at Vilas and ending in Price County, I am well-versed in public service.
In late 2018, the Deputy County Treasurer position became available. For the first time in my life, I wasn't working shiftwork and was grateful for the opportunity. I am currently looking forward to celebrating 20 years as a Price County employee in January of 2025.
What prompted you to run for the county treasurer position?
This October will be my 6th year working as the Deputy County Treasurer. I believe I have the background and experience to successfully run this office much as it has been for the past 35 years by our current county treasurer, Lynn Neeck.
This just seems like the next logical step in my county government career, and I am up for the challenge that the new structure of the county offices will bring us. With the combining of the county clerk and treasurer staff into one office, I am prepared to step into the role of Treasurer in January to ensure the smoothest transition possible.
What is your definition of an excellent county treasurer?
I believe an excellent county treasurer is one that not only is capable of working well with other municipal, county, and state government officials, but also communicates effectively with the taxpayers of Price County.
The staff of the treasurer's office has contact with the public each and every day, whether it be via telephone, email, or in-person here at the office. Our main duty is to collect property taxes. While the treasurer does not set the amount of taxes due, nor do we determine property assessment values, we are available to answer taxpayer questions the best we can. We are able to provide contact information of local assessors, municipal board officials, and appropriate zoning offices when needed.
Furthermore, as the office that handles the revenues of all county departments, an excellent treasurer must keep accurate financial records and maintain the security of those records and funds.
What makes you qualified for this elected position?
As previously mentioned, I have held the position of the Deputy County Treasurer since October 2018. I am extremely familiar with our tax collection software and property search Internet site. I am also able to retrieve archived records that are no longer accessible with our current NOVUS computer program.
I not only participate in the county's routine audits, but I am responsible for the monthly bank reconciliations of the numerous financial institutions that hold the county's monetary assets.
I assist in receipting the county's revenues, including ACH deposits that come into our multiple bank accounts on a daily basis. I also provide support to the county's Office of Administration with payroll withholding reporting and bi-weekly accounts payable distribution.
Additionally, I have been taking classes through the University of Wisconsin Green Bay every year since 2019 in an effort to boost my treasurer/clerk knowledge.
How would you prioritize your workload if elected?
Of all the duties for which the Treasurer's Office is responsible, I believe the needs of the taxpayers and collecting tax payments should be our highest priority. Friendly customer service and professionalism should be both expected and provided.
Many days our office, which is currently staffed by only two people, can get bombarded with workload depending on the volume of incoming mail or telephone calls. We take each day as it comes, carefully and meticulously recording tax payments received. We conduct a weekly balance of our collections and do not always get to clock out at 4:30-5 p.m. with our other courthouse counterparts. We stay until the job is completed, with accuracy being of utmost importance.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the voting public?
In conclusion, I would like to remind the voting public of 3 things:
#1: Do your research on your candidates for both the clerk and treasurer elections. Choose an individual who plans on being a working department head, present in the office and available to the public.
#2: PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TUESDAY, AUGUST 13th! The county primary election has never been more important, as any candidate moving on to the general election in November will do so unopposed. The time to pick the candidate of your choosing is in August.
#3: Regardless of the outcome of the elections, voters can be confident Price County will continue to run in a smooth and efficient manner. Whether as Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer, I will still be in the office to help guide the new staff to the best of my ability.
Authorized and paid for by Marina Miller for Price County Treasurer
Election day is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Renee Leinfelder is one of two candidates running for Price County Treasurer. To help voters make an informed voting decision, Renee shared information about her candidacy.
What is your background (education, family, work, etc.)?
My background includes 29 years of banking experience with a passion for helping people and serving our communities. Throughout my time within two banks, I’ve worked in nearly every customer-facing position, from the teller line, mortgage and consumer lending to branch management. During my banking career, my husband and I, along with a business partner, owned the Ogema gas station for over eight years prior to selling it in 2022. We pooled our resources to purchase the gas station because we knew how important it was to the people in our area. Additionally, some community involvement includes a past finance council member and current board member for Kiwanis.
What prompted you to run for the county treasurer position?
Back in January of this year, I had heard that Lynn Neeck was retiring. Knowing Lynn for several years, I went to the courthouse to congratulate her, when she shared with me that she’d be there until the end of this year. It was Lynn who prompted me to run based on my experience and background. She stated that my professionalism with customers and my many years of banking background would be an ideal fit for the role. She and I had further discussions throughout the next couple of months as I had some questions. I also reached out to Nick Trimner, Price County administrator, with a few questions, as well. There are times in our lives when people see things in us that we may not see in ourselves. It’s with Lynn’s confidence in me and my abilities that I thought I would be an asset to Price County.
What is your definition of an excellent county treasurer?
A person with high integrity and honesty who works in a fiduciary role for the residents of the county. The treasurer must show incredible attention to detail to ensure prompt and accurate accounting for all residents. This is someone with a proven record of fiscal responsibility that’s expected in a government role. The treasurer must be able to work well with all departments as well as with the residents of the county who need assistance. All the above listed items should be done with the utmost of professionalism as a public official.
What makes you qualified for this elected position?
My banking career has prepared me to step into this role in many ways. I have worked with many municipalities on the deposit side, assisted with setting up online banking, and training staff on the online banking system. I’ve worked with balancing general ledger accounts as well as assisting with locating variations when needed. From a leadership role, I’ve written many procedures and was ultimately responsible for the frontline staff training. There are many compliance and regulatory requirements for banks to adhere and I was responsible for the frontline staff’s compliance. I’ve worked with both internal and external auditors over the years, assisting with documentation and answering any questions. I also sit on two committees for the bank, the Asset/Liability Committee as well as the Funding Committee. As a small business owner, some skills were added in the areas of human resource, marketing, and vendor management, as well.
How would you prioritize your workload if elected?
I would prioritize my workload much like I do today, by managing deadlines and looking ahead to the next week’s schedule. I pride myself on being prepared for meetings and completion of work in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism. Multitasking is a strength I have mastered throughout my career. I am willing to put in extra hours if needed to ensure proper work completion.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the voting public?
Price County has been my and my family’s home for several generations. My grandfather and his brother built a successful business that began in Catawba, then later reestablished in Prentice after it was lost in a fire. Our roots started in Catawba, then family moved to Phillips, Prentice, and Ogema. These townships, villages, and cities in Price County matter to me; their growth and sustainability matter to all of us in this beautiful area we choose to call home.
Authorized and paid for by Renee Leinfelder for Price County Treasurer
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-1-24: A Phillips man received a cashier's check from Romeoville, Illinois. The payment was from a person from Georgia or West Virginia who was going to buy his 4-wheeler. Since the check was made out for more than the agreed purchase price, the seller was asked to send the remainder back to the buyer. The seller sent a check to the buyer, but the buyer's cashier's check did not clear. The seller asked his bank to put a hold on his check but they said they could not guarantee it would go through right away given it was a Saturday.
6-1-24: An Ogema man reported a sheep being put into the backseat of a car, and the sheep appeared to be injured. Before that, the sheep and six dogs were in his yard. A woman called to report the same incident.
6-3-24: A Phillips woman reported a tree had fallen on her vehicle while she was driving in the Town of Flambeau. She was able to drive home and there were no injuries.
6-3-24: A person reported 25 to 35 cats running outside of a home in the Village of Catawba. The cats appeared to be ill and some had been hit by cars on the highway.
6-4-24: A Park Falls woman reported a male, wearing a white tank top, was yelling and going after his neighbor.
6-4-24: A caller from Ogema reported hearing a female scream and yell to get someone's hands off her, but the house was abandoned so no one should be there. The person called back to say they heard screams for "help."
6-5-24: A man reported receiving a threatening call from a man who threatened to kill him if he messed with his ex again. The man said he did not have contact with his ex since January 1, 2024. The caller also stated that ten guys were coming up from Chicago and would be there at 8 a.m.
6-5-24: A Phillips woman reported a white Buick pulled over on County Road D. A man was outside of the vehicle yelling at another vehicle. The male walked to the middle of the road and sat in the road. The male had shoulder length hair, was wearing a hat, and had a blue & yellow sweatshirt on.
6-6-24: A Park Falls man reported he was getting harassed by a few people outside of his residence. Two were female and two were male.
6-6-24: A Park Falls man reported $3,100 had been taken from his bank account. He noticed charges he did not make and contacted his bank.
6-6-24: A Fifield woman reported a burnt orange-colored older Chevy truck with the box cut off to create a makeshift flatbed almost hit her on several occasions while she was walking, and she felt it was an intentional act.
6-6-24: A Phillips man stated he was lured into a man's house on Flemings Rapids Road and was forced to stay inside while individuals vandalized his side-by-side.
6-6-24: A woman reported cows on County Road I in Ogema.
6-7-24: A woman reported seeing a man chasing a woman, possibly with a knife, before going into someone's residence.
6-8-24: A woman reported that her son opened the door to a woman who was recording him and yelled, "Stay away from me and my family!" The mother was not home, but her son provided a description, which she thought matched a neighbor.
6-9-24: A Kennan woman stated she received a phone call from someone stating they had her dog. She went home, and her dog was missing. She called the number back, and they said they no longer had her dog.
Note: The remaining June 2024 reports were received on September 8, 2024 from the Price County Sheriff's Office.
6-10-24: A Phillips woman reported that a dog (with a collar on) may be dead on the side of the road, but a deputy could only find a dead otter on a bridge.
6-10-24: A man, vacationing in Price County, had his Snapchat account hacked, and the hacker requested money from his friends. One friend lost money.
6-10-24: Dispatch received a TTY notification from the CIB Handgun Hotline reporting that a convicted felon attempted to purchase a firearm in Prentice on June 3, 2024.
6-11-24: A Phillips woman called requesting a welfare check on her six-year-old child. The father of the children allowed her to see her two-year-old child, but she had not seen the six-year-old for nine days and when she asked where that child was, the father said he did not know where she was.
6-12-24: A Kennan woman requested an ambulance because her son was on an ATV and his foot was sliced open. A fireman arrived on scene and applied a compress and pressure. A second ambulance was requested for a second juvenile with an unknown injury. The Kennan Fire Department cancelled the ambulances and advised they would be self-transporting the patients.
6-12-24: Many calls came in reporting a one-vehicle rollover accident on County Road E, west of Park Falls. The man had neck pain and was on the ground on his back.
6-13-24: An Ogema man reported that there was a note on the door of the church stating someone had stolen from the church and wanted to pay back the church.
6-14-24: A Fifield woman reported that the driver of an orange truck attempted to hit her while she was walking on the roadway a few days prior. She stated she had video of the truck driving about 75 MPH. She did not know why the driver would attempt to run her over.
6-17-24: A Park Falls woman reported harassment at her property in Fifield as a neighbor was interfering with the sale of her property by entering the dwelling while the real estate agent was showing it to prospective buyers.
6-18-24: A Kennan man called to report damage done to both restrooms at Kennan Memorial Park.
6-21-24: A Medford woman reported threats of abuse made toward her daughter in the Township of Ogema. The woman said she overhead a woman, over the phone, stating to "beat the s***" out of her daughter, plus the daughter said she was shown a butterfly knife by a man that lives with the woman.
6-24-24: An officer received a report of a woman attempting to cut herself at Elk Lake Park.
6-24-24: A man reported a bullet hole in the front of his vehicle. He was up north in Price County and did not notice the damage until he got home.
6-24-24: An Ogema woman called to report a man was walking on State Highway 13 and Centerville Road carrying a sign and yelling at cars. He was darting and yelling at cars. The man appeared to be middle-aged with long brown hair and was approximately 5'11" tall. A call was received from Taylor County stating the same male was walking with a beer mug in his hand and fake male genitalia attached to his pants. Another call was received by dispatch from Sheriff Brian Schmidt to report the same male was walking with his pants down. Another caller reported the man was now on State Highway 13 and Macky Spur Road.
6-28-24: A man reported that a silver vehicle with California plates was trying to run him off the road and the driver almost rolled the vehicle when doing so. The man reporting the incident was in a side-by-side. The driver with the California plates pulled into Harbor View at the Lake, and when the man called Harbor View at the Lake, the establishment confirmed the man was sitting at the bar.
6-28-24: A Phillips man reported a male running northbound on Hwy. 13 with his pants pulled down and his butt showing. The man had blonde hair and was about 5'9" or 5'10" tall.
6-29-24: A Fifield woman wanted to purchase some items on Facebook Marketplace. She was told to send $300 and pay the rest in cash when she picked up the ATV in Cameron, Wisconsin. The next morning the seller asked for an additional $600 to hold the ATV. She felt she was being scammed.
6-30-24: A man was reported by multiple callers to be lying in the roadway in Park Falls and possibly intoxicated.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-1-24: On Eyder Avenue, police received a report of a possible burglary. Investigation pending.
6-3-24: Police received a complaint of two bears that were playing in the pond by the Phillips Elementary School as the children were being released from summer school. An officer patrolled the area and was told the two bears left westbound.
6-4-24: Police were approached by a female who stated she was entered as a missing person from Virginia. The female stated she took a bus to Phillips to meet a friend she met online and did not tell anyone. An officer contacted the police department that entered her as missing to let them know the female is fine.
6-4-24: Police assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with an intoxicated male that was located at a church outside the City of Phillips. Price County deputies located the vehicle and arrested the male individual for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated 6th.
6-4-24: Police assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a possible domestic abuse complaint in Ogema. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the male who was highly intoxicated and would not comply with law enforcement. The male was arrested for Felony Bail Jumping and Resisting/Obstructing an Officer.
6-5-24: An officer observed a vehicle parked in the middle of South Lake Avenue with its hazard lights on. An officer found the male operator, who said he had to remove a turtle from the roadway. The officer observed open intoxicants inside the vehicle, and the male operator admitted to drinking alcohol inside the vehicle. The officer ran the male through field sobriety tests and arrested the male for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated 1st Offense.
6-7-24: Police received a report of fraud on a business. Investigation pending.
6-9-24: A male, who was in the dog park with his dog, reported a bear running towards him. The bear eventually walked into the woods. An officer walked the male and his dog back to his vehicle.
6-9-24: On Avon Avenue, police received a complaint from a woman who said a male was mowing their neighbor’s lawn and had crossed the property line and made an inappropriate comment to the complainant's daughter. An officer spoke to the man and issued a city ordinance harassment citation. The male was told to have no contact with the female complainant and her daughter.
6-9-24: At approximately 2 p.m. a search warrant was executed on Argyle Avenue. A 61-year old man was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was held on a felony hold at the Price County Jail waiting to see the judge.
6-10-24: On Beebe Street, police received a complaint of a man who was arguing with employees of a business and would not leave until yelled at. An officer collected statements.
6-11-24: Received a report from Taylor County Human Services regarding sexual messages that were sent to a juvenile possibly in the City of Phillips. Officers are investigating this incident with Taylor County Human Services.
6-13-24: Responded to a business in the City of Phillips for gas that was taken from an ATV. Phillips Police responded and this matter is under investigation.
6-13-24: Police received a report where a vehicle was struck and the suspect left. The officer learned that a note was left and the juvenile male who hit the vehicle had responded back to the scene where he had hoped to contact the owner. The officer took both parties information and explained to both parties to report an accident and not move their vehicles until the crash was documented.
6-13-24: Police, along with ambulance and fire services, assisted a man who had fallen through his hallway floor on Hilly Haven Circle. The man was able to be removed from the floor and transported to the medical center.
6-15-24: Responded to a report of a citizen having a medical emergency near the intersection of North Avon Avenue and Chestnut Street. An officer arrived and spoke with the person. The person indicated they were feeling faint. Central Price County Ambulance Service arrived and evaluated the patient who refused transport.
6-15-24: Responded to a report of an transformer that blew and had started on fire on Ridgewood Court.
6-17-24: Advised of a female individual who had a warrant in the City of Phillips. An officer located the female individual and advised she had a warrant for her arrest. She was transported to the Price County Jail where she was able to pay the fine and was released.
6-19-24: Received a wallet that was located near the intersection of Maple Street and South Eyder Avenue. The wallet will be kept at the Phillips Police Department for safe keeping.
6-20-24: A woman wanted Phillips Police to contact another female regarding getting her property from a storage unit. The officer contacted the woman who stated that the other woman took her property when she moved and was given a time frame to pick up the remainder of her belongs. The belongings were never retrieved, and the woman discarded the property. The officer called the reporting party and informed her it was a civil issue.
6-22-24: Received a report of possible fraud. An officer met with the woman caller who advised that she had received an alert that an unknown person had filed a term decedent interest on her deed.
6-23-24: Informed of a situation where a man and woman were arguing and it appeared that the woman had pulled a gun on the man. It was also reported that the woman had left but came back and had taken something from the man's vehicle. The officer was able to speak to both parties and determined that it was a verbal argument and the gun was a BB gun. The officer arrested the woman for Disorderly Conduct and Felony Bail Jumping.
6-24-24: Received a report of a juvenile female who was sending inappropriate photos to a juvenile male. An officer spoke with the parents and Price County Human Services.
6-25-24: Received a report of a residence that was broken into on Flambeau Avenue. An officer took photographs and a statement from the complainant.
6-25-24: Received information from the Price County Sheriff's Department of a child sex crime tip that came from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. An officer began an investigation.
6-27-24: Received an open records request from an attorney's office. The records were emailed to the attorney's office.
6-27-24: Received a report of a juvenile male who hit another juvenile male with a bike. An officer spoke with the victim's parent who stated they wanted a report for record of the incident and to tell the other juvenile male he was no longer welcome at their residence.
6-28-24: Received a report of a two-vehicle accident with no injuries on South Lake Avenue.
6-28-24: Requested to assist with attempting to locate a male that was running on Hwy. 13 south of the City of Phillips without any pants on. Phillips Police, along with a Price County deputy, were unable to locate the individual.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-3-24: Police received notice of a phone call at city hall where the caller was swearing and yelling during the message.
6-3-24: Multiple 911 calls were received for an intoxicated male screaming, yelling profanities, and causing a disturbance. The male was located and arrested for disorderly conduct. Probation/parole placed a hold on the suspect. Charges were referred to the DA's office.
6-6-24: While officers were conducting a separate matter, an officer was bit by a domestic rat in a subject's residence.
6-6-24: Officers responded near the intersection of STH 182 and STH 13 for an unoccupied vehicle, which had rolled and struck a pole and building.
6-6-24: Police responded to the Park Falls Library for a disturbance. A suspect was unable to be identified and had departed before law enforcement’s arrival.
6-6-24: A juvenile female and her mother came to the police department to report a sexual assault that occurred in the spring of 2023.
6-7-24: A reporting party called to advise that her yard sale signs had been damaged the prior night into the morning.
6-9-24: Price County Dispatch informed an officer of a possible kidnapping and person held for ransom within the city limits. After investigation, the report was believed to be a scam.
6-10-24: There was a report of clothing being taken from a dryer while the owner was away from the laundromat.
6-10-24: Report of a Chequamegon High School baseball player chasing a fawn into the roadway and almost causing an accident. The child and his father were spoken to about the incident.
6-11-24: Officers responded to a hit and run where a vehicle had run a divided highway sign over and left the scene.
6-13-24: An officer observed an elderly man driving on the eastside sidewalk along Highway 13's northbound lane and in front of a convenience store. A driver's behavioral report was completed.
6-13-24: Responded to a hit and run accident in the city hall parking lot.
6-14-24: There was a report for record created for an altercation between two elderly women.
6-14-24: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. Upon investigation, one male was arrested for the felony subsequent possession and a probation violation. Additional charges were to be referred to the DA.
6-24-24: Received a report of an ongoing neighbor issue. The person reported that his neighbor had "flipped him off" as he drove by the residence.
6-25-24: Dispatch reported a possible motorcycle accident. Upon arrival, state patrol had already arrived on scene.
6-29-24: Officers were approached by a concerned citizen regarding an intoxicated female driving a vehicle away from a bar with two juveniles in the vehicle. The vehicle was located at a nearby residence. One female was arrested for OWI. Criminal charges were referred to the DA.
6-30-24: Police took a call stating that a male fell down in the middle of the street and looked to be highly intoxicated. An officer responded and located the male who had a fully extraditable warrant out of Michigan. The subject was taken into custody and transported to the medical center for medical clearance before being transported to jail on the warrant.
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Although he was the presumptive nominee for the Democrats, receiving the most primary votes, President Joe Biden has decided to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.
In a press release, he stated, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.
"I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
"For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me."
President Biden will remain president until January 20, 2025 when the new president, who will be elected in November 2024, will be inaugurated.
After his press release was received, President Biden posted on X stating he offers his full support and endorsement for Kamala Harris to be the nominee for the Democrats.
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 10:45 a.m., a man parked a dark gray or silver Mercury Grand Marquis in the parking lot of the grocery store in Park Falls. He parked across the lines near the front of the store by the handicapped parking spaces.
The man entered the grocery store by himself. According to Sgt. Robert Zoubek, the man "stole a number of items including a bottle of tequila valued at $149.99. He concealed all items in his clothing and walked out of the store after approximately four minutes. The suspect appeared very confident in his actions and did not waste any time."
Sgt. Zoubek is looking for any information to identify the suspect in hopes he can proceed with a criminal retail theft charge. The Park Falls Police can be reached at 715-762-2446.
UPDATE: The person was identified. The Rhinelander Police Department helped in this process.
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According to Aspirus Health, labor and delivery services will no longer be offered at Aspirus Medford starting October 1, 2024. These services will be moved to Aspirus Wausau Hospital Birthing Center in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Aspirus Medford has been operating with a part-time OB/GYN since November 2020, so it has been challenging to have coverage every hour of every day for on-call services, according to Dale Hustedt, president of the Northwest WI Division of Aspirus Health. "We are not alone in this decision as, across the country, rural providers have made similar changes with less than 40% of rural hospitals performing routine deliveries. In Wisconsin, we have seen deliveries ceased at more than a dozen hospitals.”
A press release from Aspirus stated, "One of the factors that led to this decision is the fact that physician supply for Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) continues to be a challenge. Despite aggressive recruiting by Aspirus Health for years, the OB/GYN pipeline continues to shrink, particularly those interested in rural practice."
The press release continued, "According to the American Medical Association, the United States is projected to experience a shortage of 5,000 OB/GYNs by 2030. This is expected to cause already overworked doctors to further struggle to meet demand and continue widening maternal and infant health disparities. An aging workforce, aging population, and high rates of burnout are also contributing to the shortage."
“Aspirus is committed to the Medford area and surrounding community, and we believe this transition will help us provide the right mix of services to meet changing local needs,” said Dale. “Our region’s needs are dynamic, and we will continue to transform so we can advance our mission to heal people, promote health, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”
Aspirus Medford will continue to offer prenatal and postnatal care. Plus, Dale shared, "We will ensure that our emergency departments and facilities are prepared to address labor and delivery issues that may occur following the transition of services."
My Northern Wisconsin reached out to the media contact at Aspirus Medford asking why the decision was made and how people are going to be able to get these services in our rural area when so many facilities are not offering labor and delivery services. However, we did not receive direct answers and only received a copy of the press release regarding this matter.
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On Friday, July 12, 2024, Greg Bohn and his wife, Audrey, were near their home in the Town of Hazelhurst when a three-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 2:26 p.m., according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
Witnesses state that the Bohn's car was northbound on Hwy. 51 near South Blue Lake Road. It stopped in its lane of traffic, waiting to turn left into the private driveway. A vehicle, driven by an 85-year-old man, was traveling behind them and hit the Bohn's vehicle from behind, pushing it into the southbound lane. The Bohn's vehicle was then struck by a southbound vehicle. Emergency services responded, but Greg and Audrey, both age 70, died at the scene. The 85-year-old man was injured and taken to the medical center. A 23-year-old Arbor Vitae man was treated at the scene.
A crash reconstruction was completed as part of the investigation into the accident.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office, Woodruff Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Minocqua Fire Department, Cassian Fire Department, Hazlehurst Fire Department, Oneida County Ambulances, and Oneida County Highway Department.
The Bohns are well-known in the area. For many years, Greg and Audrey operated Strictly Walleye Headquarters, a bait and tackle store. The couple also created the Stinger Tackle Company. Greg held many patents and trademarks for his fishing innovations. He wrote many articles and some books about fishing. He spoke at seminars and guided many people on how to catch fish. Primarily, he focused on walleye fishing. In his over 40 years in the fishing industry, he promoted education, design of tackle, and innovation. He designed first of a kind snag-proof walleye tackle products. He held four “Catch & Release” line-class walleye records. A fish he caught, a 56-inch, 44-pound, 8-ounce musky, was the longest registered in North America in 1993, and the fish received first place in a contest called the Vilas County Musky Marathon. Greg was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2016. In an article posted on his website, he stated, "My goal was to be the best Wisconsin Northwood's walleye guide to wet a line." Many would agree that he more than met that goal, plus many people expressed, in online condolences, the respect they had for him and Audrey as people.
Speaking of Audrey, the Howard Young Foundation (HYF) shared this statement, "Audrey joined HYF in 2009 after 13 years in accounting at Howard Young Medical Center. She brought so much passion into all that she did from her attention to detail, financial management, always greeting everyone with her smile, her positive attitude, and even being a dedicated dock volunteer even after retirement at the Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival. She was always the first person in the office every morning, making sure the coffee was made and everything was ready to go every day until she retired in 2020. She was truly a special part of our organization, and we are all shocked and saddened to have learned of her loss."
The couple clearly made a profound impact on their community.
The Park Falls Police Department has created a Safe Exchange Zone. This zone is reserved for child custody and private property exchanges along with e-commerce transactions.
Newly upgraded security cameras are in place 24/7 by the sign that is posted in front of police department at 441 3rd Street South. The police department stated, "There are two cameras recording this area. Please understand that the area immediately in front of this sign may not always be available when higher that normal traffic is coming and going from the department."