On Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 5:05 p.m. in the Community Room of the Phillips Public Library, a special board meeting will be held. This board meeting was called by Becky Steinbach, library board vice-president, on October 28th, the day after the last board meeting, which covered challenged books and staff pay increases.
The agenda is as follows:
1. Call to order
2. Establish a quorum
3. Certification of compliance with Open Meeting Law
4. Discussion/Action on Public Comment Policy and Procedure
5. Discussion/action on a statement from the Board in response to social media post regarding the Library Director
6. Discussion/action on Board Member conduct, responsibilities, and removal
Members of the community reached out to My Price County regarding Items 4 through 6. To get answers from the person who called the meeting, we sent Becky Steinbach the follow questions.
1. What social media post is the agenda referring to?
2. Why are conduct, responsibilities, and removal of board members on the agenda?
3. Aside from the fact that it is not required by law, why is public comment not being allowed?
Becky responded with, "Individual board members do not act alone to make decisions on library matters. This meeting will allow us to discuss recent reactions to library board decisions in an open and unbiased forum."
My Price County asked if she could specifically reply to the questions, but Becky stated this was the only response she wanted to provide before the meeting, stating, "I firmly believe these matters need to be discussed with the full board in a public meeting setting."
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Some members of the community are speculating on which social media post is on the agenda given one post from a community member got a lot of attention the day after the last regular board meeting. The post primarily addressed the pay increase of the library director and the cut in the budget to the books. We will update this story after the meeting once the social media post is confirmed.
Since members of the public also had questions about the bylaws and how people are hired or removed from the board, we asked Becky Steinbach and Becky Puhl, the library director, along with all other board members, if they could provide us with a copy of the bylaws. Becky Steinbach replied that the bylaws are in a paper copy housed at the library and Becky Puhl is in the process of getting them together and scanning them in. Jenny Markle, another board member, stated the library director said she is in the process of looking for the records in her office.
The public can attend this meeting in person or via Zoom. However, public comment will not be allowed. The Zoom meeting link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734249750?pw...V2bXA5UT09 Meeting ID: 847 3424 9750 Passcode: 299759
You can share this article on Facebook at this link.
You can read the update regarding what happened at the special meeting at this link.
The following are the unofficial results for the November 8, 2022 election. Not all votes have been counted in the races. Where possible, we included the percentage reporting when giving the number of votes for each candidate.
61% of the 11,598 eligible voters voted in Price County. 9,061 of those are registered to vote. 7,131 people actually voted in Price County.
The City of Phillips had the lowest voter turn-out at 44%. The Town of Spirit had the highest voter turn-out at 74%. Percentages were as follows, in no particular order: Park Falls 48%, Phillips, 44%, Village of Catawba 55%, Village of Kennan 64%, Village of Prentice 62%, Town of Catawba 70%, Town of Eisenstein 66%, Town of Elk 68%, Town of Emery 68%, Town of Fifield 71%, Town of Flambeau 72%, Town of Georgetown 57%, Town of Hackett 61%, Town of Harmony 69%, Town of Hill 73%, Town of Kennan 56%, Town of Knox 71%, Town of Lake 66%, Ogema 60%, Town of Prentice 62%, Town of Spirt 74%, and Town of Worcester 70%.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
Governor, 99% reporting
Tony Evers / Sara Rodriguez 1,355,409 votes
Tim Michels / Roger Roth 1,266,128 votes
Tony Evers won re-election as Wisconsin's governor and Sara Rodriguez is the lieutenant governor.
Attorney General
Josh Kaul won.
Secretary of State
Doug La Follette won.
State Treasurer
John Leiber won.
United States Senator, 99% reporting
Mandela Barnes 1,307,283 votes
Ron Johnson 1,334,680 votes
Ron Johnson won re-election for United States Senator.
Representative in Congress, District 7
Tom Tiffany won re-election as District 7's representative in Congress.
Districts 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were won by Republicans. Districts 2 (Madison area) and 4 (Milwaukee area) were won by Democrats.
State Senate, District 25
Romaine Quinn won.
Representative to the Assembly, District 74
Chanz Green won.
Price County Sheriff, 100% reporting
Brian Schmidt 5,723 votes
John Brylski (Registered write-in) 360 votes
Brian Schmidt won re-election as Price County Sheriff.
Price County Coroner[b], 100% reporting[/b]
James D. Dalbesio, III 5,243 votes
Clerk of Circuit Court[b], 100% reporting[/b]
Lisa Zimmermann-Walcisak 5,731 votes
Referendums
Price County residents voted "yes" to the county's advisory referendum by a vote of 5,224 to 1,310.
The Town of Kennan voted "yes" on the municipal referendum, a vote of 70 to 61. The Town of Lake voted "no" on the municipal referendum, a vote of 330 to 243.
On November 6, 2022 at 8:49 p.m., the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a vehicle had struck a utility pole, and the driver appeared to be deceased. The location was reported to be on County Road-C, just north of Bonde Avenue in the Town of Rib Lake in Taylor County. Taylor County Sheriff’s deputies, along with Rib Lake Fire, Ambulance and MedVac, were dispatched.
Upon arrival on scene, deputies determined that the driver of the vehicle, 32-year old Daniel R. Resch of Ogema Wisconsin, was deceased.
The investigation into the cause of the vehicle crash indicated that Resch was traveling northbound on CTH-C at a high rate of speed. Resch lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn several times where it eventually came to rest after striking the utility pole.
Alcohol and speed were both contributing factors in the crash.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
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PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
10/1/22 - A woman reported her dog was stolen by a friend of hers after they had a verbal argument. The friend, who lives in Illinois, felt he was owed money and was going to keep her dog until she paid him.
10/2/22 - A man in the Town of Worcester heard gun shots in the morning and discovered damage to his screen door and porch area.
10/4/22 - A Phillips man reported his mailbox was stolen and a pension check may have been inside the mailbox.
10/4/22 - An Ogema man stated his pop-up camper was missing but called back later to state it was found half a mile away.
10/4/22 - A theft occurred at a Prentice grocery store with photographs of the suspect and suspect's vehicle.
10/5/22 - A two-vehicle accident was reported in Ogema with no injuries.
10/6/22 - A Park Falls woman called for assistance with her brother who was intoxicated and hit her on the head.
10/7/22 - A search warrant was conducted in the Township of Ogema. Chief Deputy Brian Roush, Lt. Joseph Lillie, Lt. Danielle Peterson, Investigator Krissy Trimble, Investigator Robert Hawn, Chief Jerry Ernst, Sergeant Marvin Nevelier, Corrections Officer Mark Hill, and Deputies Dean Merlak, Taylor Drake, Joel Eder, Bryan Vergin, Breydon Johnson, and Chris Jarosinski responded.
10/8/22 - A Park Falls woman reported three scam calls with the caller stating they were from the Price County Jail. The caller stated they were an inmate, but the woman said she did not know any jail inmates.
10/9/22 - An Ogema woman stated another woman was harassing her by hacking into Facebook and sending her voice messages.
10/11/22 - A woman reported a man on the ground in a parking lot possibly having a seizure. It was found the man had multiple warrants, including one in Jefferson County, and he was requested he be held.
10/11/22 - A worker at a gas station in Fifield reported a man was obnoxious and disorderly, upset there was not any windshield solution at the pumps. The man yelled and swore at the worker. The man went outside and brought his windshield wiper in and threw it on the counter. The man yelled and swore at patrons. He was driving a red truck.
10/12/22 - A vehicle slowed but would not stop for a traffic stop. The vehicle pulled into an ice cream shop and the driver fled on foot. The subject was taken into custody.
10/15/22 - A woman called reporting someone drove into her vehicle in the City of Phillips, and she believed the man may be injured.
10/15/22 - A traffic stop resulted in a vehicle being searched and one man being taken into custody.
10/16/22 - A woman reported another woman was outside her home trying to gain entry, and the woman trying to enter had threatened to kill her and her children earlier in the day.
10/17/22 - Two people reported an accident south of Phillips on Highway 13. The man stated one vehicle was up against trees and there were likely injuries. There was entrapment and a medical helicopter was requested but unavailable due to weather. The person had facial, chest, and leg injuries. The person could feel their legs, but they could not move. A plane could be available at the airport in Phillips in an hour, but Emergency Medical Services declined as they wanted to get the patient to the hospital quicker for medical care. When clearing from the area, a deputy received a report of a rear-end collision in the area.
10/17/22 - A man reported his camper trailer was missing from his cabin.
10/18/22 - A woman reported an intoxicated woman on a motorcycle who came to her door swearing at her and pounding on the door. The caller believed the woman pounding on her door was upset because her boyfriend was at her house getting something repaired.
10/21/22 - A bearded lizard was found in the City of Phillips.
10/21/22 - A woman called to report that the same cat that was taken to animal rescue one week prior was back at her house in Phillips.
10/23/22 - Multiple people reported a vehicle on fire. No occupants were in the vehicle.
10/25/22 - The medical center called to report a sex offense that occurred in the Township of Georgetown.
10/26/22 - A man reported his brother, who may have been under the influence, tried to stab him with a knife, but the man did not have any injuries.
10/26/22 - A man and his dog became lost in the woods while bird hunting. Police responded, and the man was located safely.
10/30/22 - A man was the victim of a scam on Facebook Marketplace. The man paid $1,800 for the purchase and delivery of a dog he never received.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
10/1/22: A courtesy notice was given to a residence on Argyle Avenue stating they needed to clean up their piles of junk and could not have more than three animals at their residence.
10/10/22: Responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Storms Road. Officers responded and met with the complainant after attempting to locate the vehicle. The vehicle was not located.
10/11/22: A concerned citizen came to the Phillips Police Department to report suspicious activity around his residence on Argyle Avenue. Officers patrolled the area and did not locate any suspicious activity.
10/12/22: Received a complaint from the Phillips Department of Public Works Director about damage that was done inside the men's bathroom of the Elk Park Pavilion the night prior. An officer watched video surveillance of the pavilion and was able to identify three male juveniles. Interviews were to be conducted.
10/15/22: Received a report of a vehicle striking two legally parked vehicles on South Argyle Avenue / Walnut Street. One adult was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The accident is under investigation. It is believed a medical condition caused the striking vehicles operator to lose control.
10/16/22: An adult female reported that someone was attempting to enter her residence. The adult female thought it could possibly be her neighbor that threatened her earlier in the day. The officer was able to determine that the neighbor did not attempt to make entry in the residence. The officer provided extra patrol around the residence.
10/17/22: Responded to a report of a vehicle crash outside of the City of Phillips. Officers arrived on scene and were unable to locate the vehicle.
10/17/22: Stopped a vehicle driving the wrong direction down what the officers believed was a one-way road, Turner Street. Officers were informed that the road was now two-way traffic. Officers confirmed that it was now two-way traffic. Officers then apologized and released the driver.
10/20/22: Responded to a report of an adult male and female arguing. Officers located the female and made contact with her. The male individual was located. Neither individual admitted to any argument taking place. During the investigation, the woman was discovered to have an active warrant. Officers arrested the female and transported her to the Price County Jail.
10/21/22: Received a report of a two vehicle crash which occurred in a parking lot of a business in the City of Phillips. An officer responded to the location to investigate the crash. No injuries were reported to have occurred.
10/25/22: Met with an individual who arrived at the Phillips Police Department to collect property and informed officers of an injunction order violation. Officers confirmed the injunction order and arrested the respondent.
10/25/22: Advised of a female individual in the City of Phillips with an active warrant. Officers located the female and arrested her. The female was transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
10/25/22: Advised of a disorderly incident that occurred in the City of Phillips. One female was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Misdemeanor Bail Jumping and transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
10/27/22: Received a report of an altercation that occurred in the City of Phillips. One female was arrested for Physical Abuse of a Child, Disorderly Conduct, and Strangulation and Suffocation. The female was transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
10/27/22: Received a report of damage inside the bathrooms of a pavilion at Elk Lake Park. Officer is investigating the matter.
10/30/22: Notified of juvenile males smashing pumpkins in the roadway. The officer made contact with the juveniles and informed them of safety concerns, The juveniles stated that they would not smash the pumpkins in the roadway.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
10/1/22: An officer assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with a traffic stop where they found a loaded firearm and illegal substances in the vehicle. A male was arrested upon charges and transported to jail.
10/6/22: Officers dispatched to a residence for the report of an active domestic abuse incident in progress where a female had been struck by an intoxicated male. Upon investigation, one male suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct and battery.
10/12/22: officers responded to a residence for the report of an active domestic incident in progress. Upon investigation, the situation was deemed a verbal argument between the two intoxicated subjects involved. Both subjects later requested law enforcement to leave the residence.
10/10/22: An officer assisted a Price County deputy on a traffic stop. The officer observed illegal substance packaging in the suspect's vehicle. Upon searching the subject and the vehicle, officers located further illegal substances and drug paraphernalia. One male suspect was arrested for drug-impaired driving.
10/11/22: A single vehicle accident occurred on Hwy. 13.
10/15/22: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with loud exhaust. Upon investigation, officers searched the occupants and vehicle as they observed remnants of marijuana on an occupant's shirt. As a result, one male suspect was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
10/13/22: An off-duty officer reported seeing a suspect at a grocery store in Park Falls. It was known a warrant was out for her arrest. Contact was made and the warrant was confirmed. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Price County Jail.
10/19/22: A Price County Human Services requested law enforcement at the Chequamegon Elementary School to assist with a photographs of an alleged maltreated child. An officer responded, but no visible injuries were observed.
10/19/22: Members of a church spoke with an officer regarding phone messages received from a man. Board members were given options of how they can handle the situation. They will have a meeting with the entire board and contact the officer with their decision.
10/20/22: A one-vehicle rollover was reported near the Ashland and Price County line. An officer stayed with the juvenile victim and maintained scene security until an Ashland County deputy arrived on scene.
10/24/22: Officer Dehmlow assisted Price County Deputy Drake with a traffic stop involving a female subject. The female was searched along with the vehicle, and the female subject was arrested on seven counts of bail jumping.
10/27/22: A welfare check was requested on a subject that may be living in a tent at Hines Park. Contact was made with the subject who stated he was fine. It was later determined that he had not paid the appropriate camping fees. A warning was issued to pay the required fees or a citation would be issued.
On November 4, 2021, the clock tower went up in Phillips. One year later, its pocket park is nearing completion.
Gary Gabrielsen did the prep work for the concrete on October 4, 2022, with rebar provided by Phillips Lumber & Hardware, and he poured the concrete the next day. Gary volunteered all his time, and Northern Lakes Concrete donated the cement for the project. Jim Heizler, from the City of Phillips Department of Public Works, assisted with the removal of the asphalt pieces, delivery of the sand, and backhoe work.
On November 3, 2022, Dennis Onchuck and Mic Peterson installed the black metal railing with assistance from Gary Hall, donating all their time. Dennis also donated the concrete anchor bolts, and Mike Johnson donated the use of his hammer drill. This railing serves as a visual barrier and decorative purpose to offset the pocket park from the parking lot. The railing had to be placed in from the sidewalk a bit so that the City of Phillips will be able to get their snow removal and sweeper equipment on the sidewalks where needed.
Arriving on November 4, 2022 was the plaque, which was installed in the pole. The plaque gives a history of the clock and recognizes larger contributors to the restoration project. Brian Hopperdietzel at Marshfield Monument, located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, was hired to create this plaque. However, he chose to donate a plaque to the project. He also delivered and installed the plaque. "After reading through the history of the clock and what the three ladies accomplished to bring it back to Phillips, I thought this is the least I can do for the project," Brian said. "Far too often society finds it easier to discard pieces of history instead of restoring and keeping them alive through awareness."
The three ladies, Davette Hrabak, Judy Hayton, and Lynne Bohn, want to thank everyone who was involved in the project. "Most people who worked on the clock felt a connection to it, and we truly appreciate everyone's donations of time, money, supplies, and any and all assistance, whether large or small. We needed all these people to bring the clock back to life," the ladies shared.
Since it is rather late in the year, benches will be placed in the pocket park next year, sometime in mid to late Spring 2023.
For those who missed the clock article from one year ago, which highlights the history and restoration of the clock, it can be read at this link.
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN BRYLSKI: "I will be a sheriff for all of Price County. The last two months I have went door to door, whether in town or in the country, trying to meet as many people as I can. From the north to the south and from the west to the east, I have stopped in every city, town, and village. I have listened to the people's concerns and met many residents with interesting stories about their lives. I want to make a difference in Price County for all residents. I will be a sheriff who will listen to your concerns and be there to work with you. I will bring honesty and integrity to the sheriff's office. I respectfully ask for your WRITE-IN vote for me this coming Tuesday for Price County Sheriff. Please tell your friends and family about me. They can learn more about me at https://www.JohnBrylski.com. Thank you for your support." (Authorized and Paid for by John Brylski.)
The KC Clovers 4H Club donated eight cases of toilet paper to St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantries in Catawba and Phillips.
Funds were made possible by aluminum can donations.
Club members voted to use some of the money earned to purchase the paper products.
Contributed by: Cathy Peterson
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus burgers, steaks, roasts, and other beef products sold by individual packages and in quarters, halves, and whole. Contact Deer Creek Angus, LLC at 715-550-6156, find products & pricing on their website, and follow their Facebook page.
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Ballot spoiling, an action unknown to many Wisconsin voters, has gotten some attention in recent weeks.
The action of spoiling one's ballot occurs in a few ways. One way that is getting attention in the courts is when a voter casts an absentee ballot and then wants to change how they voted. This may occur if the voter realizes they accidentally voted for two people in a race, learns positive or negative information about a candidate, or simply didn't know a write-in candidate was running for office, as examples. The voter would then contact their municipal clerk and request that their ballot be spoiled. The clerk invalidates the original ballot and issues a new ballot to the voter, which they can cast. This information can be found in Wis. Stat. § 6.86(5).
Spoiling one's ballot has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. A group called Restoring Trust and Integrity in Elections are against the practice of ballot spoiling. They feel the action violates Wisconsin law and increases fraud opportunities. Judge Brad Schimel understood their concerns and granted a temporary injunction that would halt ballot spoiling. However, the Democratic National Committee intervened, wanting the process to continue. They were granted a stay that put Judge Schimel's injunction on hold until the appeals court decides if it will rule on the case. For the time being, ballot spoiling is legal in Wisconsin, so if you already sent in your ballot and want to make a change, there is still time to do so by contacting your municipal clerk where you vote.
According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, "The deadline for voters to spoil ballots requested by mail is 5 p.m. the Thursday before the election," [which is November 3, 2022], "or in person by the last day where in-person absentee voting hours are offered in each municipality. Voters can find their municipal clerk’s contact information at https://MyVote.wi.gov."
This article has been updated. If you have already seen this article, please scroll down to "Update - 10/28/22" to read the responses from incumbent candidate Sheriff Brian Schmidt and write-in candidate Mr. John Brylski. Th article was updated again on August 4, 2024.
LAWSUIT FILED IN PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S RACE - 10/27/22:
Incumbent sheriff, Brian Schmidt, of Prentice, has filed a lawsuit against registered write-in, John Brylski, of Phillips. While John Brylski is not on the ballot, he is a registered write-in, and he is running for the position currently held by Brian Schmidt, which is the role of the Price County Sheriff. Brian Schmidt is running for re-election to this position.
Attorney Robert M. Mihelich, with a law office in New Berlin, Wisconsin, filed a complaint on behalf of his client, Brian S. Schmidt. Five posts, published by John Bryski on social media, are cited in the complaint. The posts were made on a Facebook page, "John Brylski for Price County Sheriff," and a Facebook group, "Justice for Shelly Hansen Missing People Unsolved Crime Victims Northern WI."
The posts made by John Brylski can be read in the complaint. The posts include information John Brylski stated he received while investigating the Shelly Hansen missing person's case and campaigning. The posts contain information stating residents and former residents have alleged corruption and misconduct by Sheriff Brian Schmidt. The complaint, made on behalf of Brian S. Schmidt, alleges these accusations are libelous and false.
My Price County obtained the official complaint, which is a public record. To view the complaint, filed by Attorney Mihelich with the circuit court, scroll to the bottom of this article. Given rumors can fly without all the information available, the public complaint is being made available to inform the public of the developing situation.
We have asked both Sheriff Brian Schmidt and Mr. John Brylski to submit their responses to this situation. They have a set time frame to respond. We will bring you those replies and any other updates regarding this developing situation in the coming days. Please check back for more information.
UPDATE - 10/28/22:
SHERIFF BRIAN SCHMIDT'S RESPONSE:
Sheriff Schmidt sent us two "read receipts" confirming he got our initial request and our reminder about his response. In our first e-mail, we stated we would put Sheriff Schmidt's response first, as he is the incumbent for sheriff and the plaintiff in this case, and then we would put Mr. Brylski's response. We gave them each two typed pages of space, and gave them a deadline. Sheriff Schmidt chose not to submit a response, unfortunately.
MR. JOHN BRYLSKI'S RESPONSE:
"In #7 of Brian Schmidt’s complaint of civil libel, it states he has never been disciplined, etc. My opinion on why Sheriff Schmidt was never disciplined is because I believe the sheriff’s office failed to properly investigate complaints filed with them when he was a deputy, or his actions were done in secret while on duty so the sheriff’s office did not learn about them. I first learned of this alleged misconduct and names of alleged victims from prior sheriffs of Price County while investigating the cold case disappearance of Shelly Hansen in 1987. I felt once I learned of this alleged misconduct of Schmidt, some even rising to unlawful, I felt it was my duty to Price County citizens to bring these allegations forward as I had the ability to properly investigate them and could not live with myself if I did not. I have statements from victims and people who know them. When I refer to "victims," I am not saying “alleged” as the victims and their families believe them to be truthful, and I find them to be truthful people. Some have stated their daughters were so traumatized and feared repercussions so they only confided in their family and friends and later, to me, as they trust me. In my reply, I will give only a few examples of what I am speaking of from the victims themselves or from their family members, but I have a number of statements supporting what I have said.
Referring to the testimonial I have on my website and Facebook page from Patricia Talley, mother of Lisa Talley, Patricia did two video interviews with me speaking of what she witnessed happened to her daughter. The incidents she referred to occurred in the early 1990s but none of them were officially reported, for fear of repercussions at the time, though some of it was told by Lisa in front of Patricia to a public defender at that time. There are many more accusations concerning Schmidt’s treatment of Lisa contained on the video interviews. I have not publicly posted the two interviews of Patricia Talley, one on 8-24-22 and one on 10-10-22. I showed the shorter 8-24-22 video to both the Phillips Police Chief and the editor of Price Co. Review.
Concerning Sheriff Schmidt’s false allegation toward me under #16 of his complaint, my reply is as follows: The statements made to me were from citizens I spoke with and were not coerced by me. Their opinions were of their own. One citizen listed in Schmidt’s complaint stated he was very aware of the corruption and behavior at Price County, mostly targeting the current sheriff. As a result, his whole family is voting for me. Also included in Schmidt’s complaint is a statement I have often heard while speaking to citizens who have lived in Price County for years. Their complaints / opinions are similar. I am not falsely asserting Sheriff Schmidt is corrupt, though I did state I mostly agreed with the citizens’ opinions. I, by no means, believe all of the deputies are corrupt. In fact, I know of no evidence of such and respect them as sheriff’s deputies putting their lives and mental health on the line every day they work. I have spoken to some, and they are very friendly.
Referencing #19, I did list this question as a fictional event and was not specifically mentioning Sheriff Schmidt or anyone, but I have often heard such assertions from different citizens, and since a name was never mentioned, I was inquiring if this woman existed stating she should contact me, which is something not uncommon for an investigator to do determine if it was true.
Referencing #22, a prior sheriff gave me the name of a woman who had a child with Schmidt. As a result, again, I felt it important to investigate as I had already learned of the incident concerning Lisa Talley. After phoning her, she met myself and the editor of Price Co Review the next day, telling her story concerning her contact with then Deputy Schmidt while he was on duty. At the very least it was misconduct in office which is unlawful under WI statutes. As a result of this sexual encounter with Deputy Schmidt while on duty, she became pregnant, which was later confirmed in a paternity test. September 1, 2022 Facebook messages that I had with this woman confirm the truth. She will go unnamed for her privacy. She told me there is more to her story than what I have heard. She further stated she has fought this battle in the past and lost.
Referencing #25, I did attempt to pass this info to county board members and met resistance. And the allegation that I “falsely assert” he engaged in further misconduct is, in my opinion, true that he did engage in further misconduct. I have located other people who consider themselves victims. The one victim completed an official Price County statement stating she felt Deputy Schmidt acted inappropriately with her during a traffic stop. I am in possession of the formal complaint that was made, but she received no response to the complaint. The second victim told me what happened to her in Price County by then Deputy Schmidt who, in her words, spoke inappropriately with her the numerous times he pulled her over. The victim, as she believes she is, completed a written statement for me containing more details, which I am in possession of. I am protecting the identity of these people, so I cannot release more details, but I do have more information to prove that I am not making libelous, false statements.
I feel Sheriff Schmidt is using this lawsuit against me to silence me."
Click here to find this post on Facebook, where you can share it.
Document Source/Credit: Attorney Robert M. Mihelich and Wisconsin Circuit Court System
UPDATE - 8/4/24:
CASE DISMISSED: SHERIFF BRIAN SCHMIDT AND JOHN BRYLSKI WILL NOT FACE OFF IN COURT
A jury trial was scheduled for November 4th through the 7th, 2024 in the Price County Courthouse for the intentional tort (libel) case Sheriff Brian Schmidt filed against John Brylski on October 6, 2022, one month before the election. Sheriff Schmidt was on the ballot in that election, running for Price County sheriff, and John Brylski was a write-in candidate for the same position.
According to CCAP, many exhibits were submitted, subpoenas were granted, and many motions were filed in the proceeding. On June 25, 2024, the court ordered depositions for both Brian Schmidt and John Brylski, which were to occur on July 25, 2024.
In addition, in a separate court proceeding, on July 17, 2024, John Brylski filed a Petition for Writ of Mandamus against the Price County Sheriff's Office and Brian Schmidt. The Wisconsin Department of Justice explains the use of a Writ of Mandamus, stating, "The Wisconsin Public Records Law provides several courses of action for a requester dissatisfied with an authority’s response, or lack of response, to a public records request. An action for mandamus, which asks a court to order the release of requested records, is available if an authority denies an entire request or part of a request or delays granting access to a requested record." That case was closed on July 29, 2024.
On July 31, 2024, the libel case against John Brylski was "dismissed by court or dismissed by court order," and there will not be a jury trial or any further proceedings in this court case.
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The Phillips Public Library is holding a meeting tonight, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Larger items on the agenda for discussion and action are the 2023 library budget, nine more "challenged" books, and the election of library board officers.
The 2023 library budget will be up for discussion and action. At a prior meeting, Director Rebecca Puhl presented the idea that she and the staff should be entitled to raises. She cited flexibility of staff during COVID-19, learning new technologies to engage new patrons virtually, wearing masks to follow COVID-19 procedures, and getting through a major building project without cancelling services for more than two days as some of the reasons she and the staff deserve raises.
She also stated that local fast food restaurants and convenience stores have starting wages of $15 per hour, that the crossing guard at the City of Phillips makes $18 per hour, and that other city employees make far more money than the library staff. Director Puhl stated that three other department heads for the city will be making $5,500 more than her next year. She stated that the City of Phillips' workers serve a population of about 1,600 people whereas the Phillips Public Library serves a population of about 8,000 people.
Director Puhl also stated that the library budget can handle the increases and stated that there has not been an increase to the library budget in the last ten years. Therefore, she noted the library has cost taxpayers exactly the same for the last decade.
Employees were named by Director Puhl with lists of reasons why she and they are assets to the library and should, therefore, be given raises.
To increase pay, however, the amounts allocated for budgeted items will need to be reconsidered. There are three budget proposals on the table. One proposal is that book budgets be reduced from $16,000 to $11,000 yearly for adult books and from $16,000 to $12,000 for youth books. Taking a smaller hit would be other budget items, such as various library supplies. It is possible that well over $15,000 in budget cuts will be made to various categories. A budget will most likely be chosen and approved at the October 27, 2022 library board meeting.
Nine "challenged" will be discussed and action will be taken at the October meeting. The titles include "Calvin," "Different Can Be Great," "Dress Up Day," "Everything You Say About Me That's Wonderful is True," "From Archie to Zach," "Heather Has Two Mommies," "Love, Violet," "Papa, Daddy and Riley," and "Stella Brings the Family." "It's Perfectly Normal" is slated to be discussed at the November meeting.
You can attend the meeting via Zoom or in person at 5:05 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in the Council Room at City Hall. The Zoom information is as follows:
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The following "ad" was created by The First Presbyterian Church of Phillips and is not part of the above article.
The First Presbyterian Church of Phillips, https://www.PhillipsPresbyterianChurch.com, extends their appreciation for Pastor Matthew Arneson in October, during Pastor Appreciation Month, and every month of every year.
The 2022 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Locally, the Price County Sheriff's race will see incumbent, Brian Schmidt, being challenged by registered write-in, John Brylski. Other local races are uncontested with no registered write-ins.
Information about most candidates can be found online with a simple search. For ease of research purposes, we provided the uppermost campaign or candidate information link that we found for each candidate based on a simple web search.
