My Northern Wisconsin

Covering Ashland, Iron, Lincoln, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, and Vilas Counties


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SPRING 2022 PRICE COUNTY UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS


News: Countywide    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 04-04-2022, 04:29 PM

In Price County, 20% of eligible voters cast their ballots on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.  The unofficial results are shown below with the number of votes received under the candidate's name.  An asterisk next to the name(s) denotes the projected elected official(s).

PRICE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1
*Larry Palecek
98

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
*Ginny Strobl
108

James W. Adolph
105

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
*Mark Kyle
121

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
*Jeff Hallstrand
162

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
*Jason Hastings
95

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 6
*Paula Houdek
166

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 7
*Dennis Wartgow
60

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 8
*Alan Barkstrom
217

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 9
*Jordan Spacek
204

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 10
Bob Kopisch
89

*Lorelei Wakefield
149

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 11 (write-in)
*Patty Stephan
93

Waldemar A. Madsen, III
48

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 12
*Douglas Erickson
171

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 13
*Brian R. Ernst
158

CITY OF PHILLIPS

MAYOR
*Charles Peterson
185

ALDERMAN AT-LARGE
*Jerry Clark
105

*John Klimowski
161

Waldemar A. Madsen, III
54

*Marty Stephan
90

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  From burgers for grilling to bacon-wrapped tenderloins, Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus beef 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.

CITY OF PARK FALLS

ALDERPERSON - DIST 1
*Dennis Wartgow
35

ALDERPERSON - DIST 2
*James A. Corbett
31

ALDERPERSON - DIST 3
*Anthony C. Thier
50

ALDERPERSON - DIST 4
*Dina M. Bukachek
55

VILLAGE OF CATAWBA

TRUSTEE
*Gayle D. Burcaw
19

Cali Handel
10

VILLAGE OF KENNAN

TRUSTEE
*Max Ericson
24

VILLAGE OF PRENTICE

TRUSTEE
*Brad Swenson
82

*Bob Orlandi
66

*Bill Draeger
73

PHILLIPS SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1
*Becky Ann Denzine
728

Paula Houdek
506

SEAT 2
*Britt Bilgrien
770

Bryan W. Weisrock
452

SEAT 3
*Joseph Van De Voort
869

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Fred Mueller Ford, Phillips, sells a full line of automobiles and offers quality mechanic services performed by factory-trained technicians.  Visit Fred Mueller Ford's website., follow their Facebook page, call 715-339-3045, or view their inventory at 175 North Avon Avenue in Phillips.

CHEQUAMEGON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1
*Victor E. Ambrose
350

*Ryan F. Kovarik
409

SEAT 2
Douglas K. Rein
194

*Brittany Hawn Schloer
275

SEAT 3
*Robert Hennes
442

PRENTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1

Lonnie A. Carlson
192

*Danielle Gruber
268

SEAT 2
Dennis Hartmann
196

*Eric Gladson
265

SEAT 3 (write-in)
*Joshua Sarkkinen
8

Deb Jensen
1

Anna Mundt
2

Bradley Darosia
1

Lora Lee Isaacson
1

Lynn Oberstein
1

Randy Erickson
1

Jody Isaacson
3

   
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, located at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips, specializes in tax return preparation, business start-up services, consulting, bookkeeping, payroll, and all your accounting needs.  Call 715-339-6638 or visit Davette's website.  Follow her Facebook page.

Candidates on the Spring 2022 ballot:  
.pdf   spring2022ballot.pdf (Size: 200.67 KB / Downloads: 717)

   


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CANADIAN COMPANY RECEIVES LICENSE TO CONDUCT EXPLORATORY DRILLING


News: Taylor County    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-21-2022, 01:34 PM

A mining company, Green Light Metals, Inc., which is based in Toronto, Canada, has received an exploration license to conduct exploratory drilling for copper and gold in Taylor and Marathon Counties.

Doing business as Green Light Wisconsin, the company received its license on February 17, 2022.  The license will expire on June 30, 2022 but can be renewed.

Green Light Metals states that the Reef and Bend mineral deposits in Taylor and Marathon Counties contain copper and gold reserves that are of "economic interest."  The company purchased the mineral rights for the deposits from Aquila Resources in 2021.

The Bend deposit is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest north of Medford in Taylor County.  It is near the north branch of the Yellow River.  The area contains 4 million tons of mostly copper and gold, discovered in 1986 and first drilled in the 1990s.  The company wants to drill seven holes on site to search for the minerals.

The Reef deposit is located in Marathon County near the Eau Claire River, east of Wausau, and contains 454,000 tons of gold reserves.  These minerals were discovered in the 1970s.

The company would need more permits before it begins drilling, such as filing a notice of intent with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Dan Colton, CEO of Green Light Metals, stated, "Green Light is in the process of filing the paperwork required to obtain the necessary permits and authorization for work to begin so we can provide a significant economic boost to the region while protecting our environment and transitioning our country as it accelerates toward green, clean energy."

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT BRINGING YOU FREE NEWS:  Statewide Sewing is your local source for your sewing needs, plus Packers & Bears merchandise and Hayden Lane hats.  Visit Statewide Sewing's website for new & used sewing machines, sewing parts & accessories, notions, and gifts.  Shipping is free for orders over $20.  For promo codes and sewing tips & memes, follow the Statewide Sewing Facebook page.

   


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FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT RESULTS IN DEATH OF PHILLIPS MAN - UPDATED 3/24/22


News: Phillips, Kennan, and Catawba    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-18-2022, 02:30 PM

Price County Sheriff Brian Schmidt reports on March 17, 2022, at about 10:40 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on State Highway 13 north of State Highway 111 in the Township of Worcester.

The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was walking in the vicinity of the northbound shoulder of the roadway when he was struck by a northbound pickup truck, driven by a Phillips man. The pedestrian, a 36-year-old male from Phillips, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of family.  (Updated 3/24/22 - The name of the deceased pedestrian is Troy Schulenberg.  The sheriff's office has not released the name of the driver at this time.)

Responding agencies included the Price County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips Police Department, Central Price County Ambulance Service, Phillips Fire Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Price County Coroner’s Office.

The matter remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol.


Source:  Price County Sheriff's Office

   

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PUBLIC INPUT REQUESTED REGARDING HWY. 13 PROJECT


News: Park Falls and Fifield    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-17-2022, 05:12 PM

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public input on proposed improvements to WIS 13 (Hwy. 13) between the North Fork Flambeau River bridge to 5th Street North in the City of Park Falls.  Construction is currently scheduled for 2025.

   

Proposed improvements include:

Resurfacing 2.2 miles of WIS 13

Upgrading curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards

Replacing deteriorated curb and gutter

Replacing pavement markings

Evaluating street lighting through the corridor

Assessing extension of sidewalk on the east side of WIS 13 in front of the grocery store to 12th Street South

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN PRICE COUNTY:  Park Village offers affordable, active living in a park-like setting for those 55+ and disabled persons in Park Falls. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income.  Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome.  Contact Park Village at 715-762-4747.

During construction, WIS 13 will remain open using staged traffic lane shifts and single lane closures with flaggers.  Low traffic side roads may be temporarily closed.  Access will be maintained for local, business, and emergency services.  Temporary driveway closures may be necessary during construction.

Minor real estate impacts in the form of temporary easements, permanent easements, or fee may be required for construction of sidewalk and curb ramp improvements.

Curb Ramp and Real Estate Map

WIS 13 Project Handout

The public is invited to review the project website and provide input between Thursday, March 17 and Thursday, April 7, 2022 using the online comment form.

Residents, property owners, and businesses in the area have been mailed a handout with a comment form that can be sent back to WisDOT.

Questions and comments can be directed to WisDOT Project Manager Andy Casper at (715) 365-5713, by e-mail at Andrew.Casper@dot.wi.gov, or in writing to WisDOT North Central Region, 1681 Second Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54495.


   
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Bohn Web Design creates custom websites, plus provides SEO marketing, graphic design, website hosting, and more for anyone, anywhere!  Contact Bohn Web Design at 715-339-6677 for a free quote or visit Bohn Web Design's website for more information.


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POSSIBLE CAVERN FORMING UNDER AVON AVENUE & CHESTNUT STREET


News: Phillips, Kennan, and Catawba    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-16-2022, 06:09 PM

Jeff Williams, Public Works Director for Phillips, along with the City of Phillips crew, have discovered a possible cavern under Avon Avenue and Chestnut Street near Norvado.  Approximately a half million gallons of water have poured through the area to the water treatment plant, which has created a mess of mud.  When the streets thaw, this possible cavern could cause a significant problem, so signs have been placed on the streets stating the road is closed to heavy trucks.

   

   
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Long Lake North offers premium vacation rentals in Phillips, Wisconsin.  The rentals are located at 219 County Road F.  For reservations, call 715-820-1283, visit Long Lake North's website, and follow the Facebook page.


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THREE PHILLIPS POWERLIFTERS PLACE AT NATIONALS - Updated 3/30/22


News: Phillips, Kennan, and Catawba    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-16-2022, 01:54 PM

THREE POWERLIFTERS HEAD TO NATIONALS (Scroll down for an update from 3/30/22)
3/18/2022

   

On Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2022, seven Phillips Loggers powerlifters competed at State competition in Appleton.  Those individuals included Courtney Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Micah Angelo, Chloe Borchert, Keileigh Doll, Addison Sushen, and Megan Delasky.

   
Micah Angelo, Megan Delasky, Isaac Johnson, and Courtney Johnson

   
Addison Suhsen, Keileigh Doll, and Chloe Borchert

Three of the participants, Keileigh Doll, Chloe Borchert, and Addison Sushen, advanced to Nationals in Lombard, Illinois, near Chicago.  That competition will be held on Thursday, March 24th and Friday, March 25th.

The team is coached by Steve and Jan Mealman, Luanne Angelo, and Jason Enderle.

Photos Submitted By:  Elaine Doll

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Bumble Bee Rentals offers rentals of tables & chairs for parties and other events.  Visit Bumble Bee Rental's website to view the tables & chairs or call 715-339-3418 to reserve your event date.

PHILLIPS:  LOGGERS POWERLIFTERS PLACE AT NATIONALS - Updated 3/30/22

   

Three Loggers competed at the national powerlifting competition near Chicago on Thursday, March 24th.

Addison Suhsen placed 2nd, Chloe Borchert placed 3rd, and Keileigh Doll placed 4th in their respective weight classes.

   
Addison is pictured on the left in the first photo, Chloe is on the right in the second photo, and Addison & Chloe are in the third photo.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  From burgers for grilling to bacon-wrapped tenderloins, Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus beef 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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TERMS OF SALE OF PRICE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS


News: Countywide    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-16-2022, 01:49 AM

The Price County Executive Committee submitted Resolution 15-22, "Approve Sale of County Owned Property (Price County Fairgrounds)," and it was adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on March 15, 2022 with ten in favor of the sale.  Douglas Erickson and Ginny Strobl voted against the sale.  Per Wisconsin State Statute §59.52(6)( c ), the county board may "direct the clerk to lease, sell or convey or contract to sell or convey any county property...on terms that the board approves."

Per this resolution, Price County Productions Inc., (owner, Alexis Baratka and vice president, Darin Baratka), along with applicable county representatives, have signed the "Term Sheet" for the "Purchase and Sale of Price County Fairgrounds."  The purchase includes the land and all buildings excluding equipment, personal property, and trade fixtures of the county.  The signed Term Sheet will be used to create a Purchase Agreement, which both parties shall use all reasonable efforts to sign within twenty days of March 15, 2022.  Once that purchase agreement is signed within 20 days, the Purchase Agreement will be considered irrevocable for the seller by the county board, and the agreement will be final.

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SUPPORT LOCAL EVENTS:  Enjoy the Price County Fair, coming to Phillips August 24-28, 2022!  Visit the Price County Fair's website and follow the Price County Fair's Facebook page.

The county's intent for the property is for it "to be available for the public to use as an area to gather, and to see the property grow as a community asset through investment by the buyer, and to insure the future and ongoing use of [The Price County Antiques Association in Building A, the Boy Scouts in Building B, the retired teachers in Building C, and the property users, the Price County Fair Association and the 4-H program.]"  Therefore, within ten days after the finalized Purchase Agreement is signed, the county will provide building leases that they would like used by Price County Productions, Inc. and the current building tenants.  The leases may have other terms but will ensure that the tenants do not pay building rent aside from certain obligations to maintain and repair the occupied building.  The Price County Fair Association will also enter into primary and secondary lease periods.  The association will have a period of approximately two weeks in the summer to prepare for, hold, and clean up the fair and will have exclusive access to the property at that time and non-exclusive access at all other times.  The leases with the Price County Fair Association and the leases to other organizations cannot adversely affect Price County Productions Inc.'s ability to hold the rodeo.

The restoration or replacement of the cattle barn must be addressed within the first three years, as well.

The buyer can obtain a Conditional Use Permit which will allow the property to be used from time to time for camping, though the county makes no representation as to the feasibility of the buyer obtaining the permit.  The county will also issue a standing permit for events greater than 1,000 people pursuant to the requirements of ordinances that govern the property.

The county will have the Right of First Refusal.  If Price County Productions Inc. wishes to sell the property to another party, the county will have the first right to purchase it at the price for which Price County Productions Inc. has agreed to with the other interested party.  If the county does not want to buy the property, then it can be sold to the other party with the provision that the county can disapprove of the transaction within 15 days of the transfer notice if the county does not feel the new buyer would be consistent with the intended operation of the property.  If the land is transferred to a suitable new buyer, the county will receive 10% of the consideration received by Price County Productions Inc.

The purchase price, as set forth in the Term Sheet, is that Price County Productions Inc. will make $150,000 of new capital improvements to the property in the next five years.  The $150,000 will be in the form of an irrevocable Letter of Credit, which will remain in place during the five year improvement period.  Price County Productions Inc. will need to show they have made $150,000 in improvements to the property, which can include repair or replacement of the cattle barn, but may not include rodeo-specific improvements or maintenance and repair of existing improvements or from a casualty event.  Before five years have passed, the buyer must submit invoices to prove they have completed $150,000 worth of capital improvements on the property.  If the buyer does not complete the full $150,000 of improvements to the property in five years, then the county has the right to draw the difference from the Letter of Credit.  A review of the Letter of Credit will take place at least annually, or up to four times per year if requested by the buyer, and the amount will be reduced accordingly at each review until all $150,000 of improvements have been made, thus making the Letter of Credit $0.

The closing date will take place no later than thirty days following the satisfaction of all conditions of the buyer that will be provided in the upcoming Purchase Agreement.

The Term Sheet that was signed on March 15, 2022 "is not intended to, and does not, constitute a binding or enforceable contract.  Rather, this is a summary of terms by which Buyer and Seller agree to negotiate to agree upon the terms of a binding Purchase Agreement for the purchase and sale of the Property."

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Forward Bank is a depositor-owned organization driven to move our communities forward.  By offering free checking, great rates on loans & deposits, business services, leading edge digital services, and a Charitable Money Market Account, Forward Bank keeps our communities strong.  For more information, visit Forward Bank's website.

Want to see more free news stories?  "Like" our Facebook page.  Don't have Facebook?  Register to see free news in Price County and beyond or watch our website's home page.

   

Resolution 15-22:  
.pdf   resolution15-22.pdf (Size: 42.97 KB / Downloads: 825)

Term Sheet:  
.pdf   fairgroundstermssheet.pdf (Size: 498.3 KB / Downloads: 793)


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PRICE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS LIKELY TO GET APPROVED TO LEAVE PUBLIC STATUS ON MARCH 15


News: Countywide    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-14-2022, 03:23 PM

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Price County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m.  On the agenda is the possible sale of the Price County fairgrounds, which is 40-some acres and has water frontage, out of public status and into private status.

If the county board decides to sell the fairgrounds, there will be some contingencies.  A long-term lease will be established allowing the Price County Fair Association to operate the fair on that property. The lease would also allow the Price County Antiques Association to remain established at the fairgrounds. The Boy Scout building, 4-H building, and the schoolhouse would also remain at the fairgrounds for use by those organizations.  In September 2021, County Administrator Nick Trimner told My Price County, "If there is a sale to a private party and they were to ever consider selling, or go out of business, the county would have a first right of refusal to get the property back."  Further, the new owners will establish the terms and prices if individuals or groups want to hold any events at the fairgrounds.  Those decisions will leave the county and become that of the new owners.

On March 14th, Nick added, "It cannot be parceled off, it cannot be sold to different people, all the groups that currently use it can use it, but I cannot publicly go into more details that will be revealed in closed session."

Members of the community have expressed concern about items being discussed in closed session.  Nick explained the need for closed session, stating, "There are two parties who are still interested in this property so say we cannot come to a negotiation with Party A, we don't want Party B to know what we are negotiating because then they would be able to try to use that information.  It's just like if you were trying to negotiate a contract between two people, you don't tell those two people the negotiating because then that person is going to outbid the other person or underbid."  My Price County asked Nick if there would be time for the public to review the sale price before it was final, and he stated, "As soon as we sign the tentative agreement, then it becomes public record.  As soon as we both agree on what those terms are, then the public will know.  That is when it is final that we have an agreement to do this."  Therefore, the agreement will be made in full during closed session.  He explained, "The elected officials were asked to do something because they were elected, they're doing it, and that's what they did.  It's called closed session because we are doing specific negotiating."

The property has been in the county's focus for about a year.  It was first inquired about by Darin Baratka and his daughter, Alexis, stating they would like to purchase the property, upgrade the fairgrounds, and hold the rodeo there, which has been the home of the rodeo for the last two years.  The parcel was then advertised later in 2021 asking if anyone wanted to lease or purchase the fairgrounds.  A possible purchase price was not stated, and some community members have expressed that the sale of this size of land with buildings and water frontage would be high.  Lynda Ludwig, part of Price County Fairgrounds United, which is organized as a non-profit organization, expressed interest with the county.  If either of these two parties purchase the fairgrounds, it will be out of the county's hands, and under the control of individuals, whether they are being represented as individuals or an organization with a controlling board of individuals.  The county would no longer control the fairgrounds.  The county would have the first right to purchase it back at the listing price provided by the new owner should the new owner want to sell in the future.  If the county declined to purchase it back at that time, the new owner could sell it to anyone.

A number of community members privately contacted My Price County with their thoughts regarding the possible sale of the fairgrounds.  Some were in favor of it stating that the fairgrounds is in disrepair and needs someone to bring it back to life.  Most who contacted My Price County were not in favor of the fairgrounds leaving county control and going into private ownership.

Wanting to share a summary of some of the thoughts, both pro and con, and a link to a small vote that was taken on the topic, My Price County composed an e-mail with this information and also stated, "If the grounds does not get sold, [we] feel the fair website could be used, if the fair agreed, to promote it more for renting it out to events, and My Price County would also be willing to help put the word out for volunteers to get the fair buildings and grounds back in shape.  We definitely have the audience to try to get people motivated to help.  Our goal is to promote the county, and this would definitely fit in line with that."  My Price County sent the e-mail to the county administrator and eleven of thirteen board of supervisors who provide an e-mail address as a means of contact.  It was sent on January 11, 2022 with the goal of getting the e-mail read and replied to before the next board meeting.  When no one replied to the message, a second message was sent on January 24, 2022 to twelve of the thirteen board members, as one e-mail address was not available at that time.  A voice message was also left for Paula Houdek.

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  Stop by Harbor View Pub & Eatery, a view that changes with the seasons. This restaurant, pub, and vacation rental is located at 1094 North Lake Avenue in Phillips. View Harbor View's website, follow their Facebook page, or call 715-339-2626.

Alan Barkstrom replied after he received the second e-mail, accidentally thinking the message came from Lynda Ludwig, and My Price County replied that we are not affiliated with Lynda Ludwig.  Nick Trimner replied that he received the second e-mail stating he did not see the first one.  His reply was, "We will be having a meeting tomorrow to discuss some of the issues about making sure it continues to be able to be used like it currently has been."  Paula Houdek also replied, and she stated that she appreciated the feedback and said, "The executive committee will be meeting tomorrow to continue discussions of the fairgrounds issue. I will make sure all members have received and read your email."  However, no board members replied to the community input we provided or My Price County's offer to advertise the need for fund-raising and volunteers.  In recent days, more community members have expressed that they were not aware the county needed help in maintaining the fairgrounds as the community has yet to be asked to help.  Some stated they would provide materials and labor, but they were not aware of the need until recently.

In an interview today, March 14, 2022, My Price County asked Nick Trimner about that e-mail and the possibility of fund-raising and writing for grants.  He said, "The way the grants work is if we were going to do a project, we would go looking for grants.  A lot of times grants sound great, but they don't pay for it [all], so that's where we struggled.  Say we could get a grant to do something out there, we still have to come up with a grant to cover the difference."  He added, "If either one of these groups are to take over out there, we will assist them with grants if they need a county sponsorship.  Broadband would be a good example....It was a 7 million dollar project and they got a 5 million dollar grant, and we had to participate in that by saying we were supporting it.  So, whoever the new caretakers are out there, we will support them in the same way, so if they can get a grant for the barn, great, and we will do a resolution saying we support them to do that so they are eligible and then they would come up with the difference in money."  He added that both interested parties have started to do tentative fund-raising and both have expressed saving the barn as a priority.  When we asked about My Price County's offer to help with fund-raising efforts and some community members possible offers of labor and materials, he stated, "It's not what we're looking to do."  He said with so many projects, the county is not interested in prioritizing the revitalization of the fairgrounds.

My Price County also reached out to a couple board members earlier today.  When asked about fund-raising efforts or why the county did not promote the fairgrounds in the past, trying to bolster people to hold private or public events there, to generate the needed maintenance funds, one of them stated, "We don't have the people in the county government who want to do that stuff....I love people to be involved, but we are too far along now."  One board member stated he would consider voting to keep it with the county but only if people are willing to put considerable donations of time and money into the project, so he recommended that if you speak up, be willing to support your words with actions.  The community must be willing to take on this revitalization project for the board to even consider it as an option.

Based on My Price County's interviews, it feels like the fairgrounds will be approved to be under new ownership.  However, finalization will take place tomorrow, so nothing has been decided yet.  Since community members have asked My Price County what they can do, My Price County's suggestion is if you have any comments for the board, for or against the sale of the property, or with ideas for how the county can get the property maintained so it could stay in the county's control, writing your comments on this article will be a good method.  (To post a comment or vote in our poll, you need to register for free as you need a username to post.)  Another great method of expressing your thoughts, is to contact your board representatives.  Their contact information can be found at the end of this article.  Attending the meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 9 a.m. to voice your opinions, is the best method.  The meeting, however, is under COVID-19 protocols, so the meeting can be attended in a few ways.  You may call 715-339-3325 to reserve a seat, join the meeting online, (the link is also shown in the meeting agenda, below), or participate via conference call by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using Conference Code 2483 060 5761.  Even if joining the meeting virtually, you will be able to share your comments at the meeting.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

1. Larry Palecek
715-762-4540
E-mail: larry.palecek@co.price.wi.us
350 River Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 5 & 6)

2. Ginny Strobl
715-474-3434
E-mail: ginny.strobl@co.price.wi.us
N5957 Woodlawn Rd, Kennan, WI 54537
(Village of Catawba, Village of Kennan, Town of Catawba, Town of
Kennan, Town of Georgetown)

3. Mark Kyle
715-797-5585
E-mail: mark.kyle@co.price.wi.us
N15432 County Rd B, Park Falls, WI 54552
(Town of Flambeau; Town of Lake, Ward 1; City of Park Falls, Ward 3)

4. Jeffrey Hallstrand
715-767-5100
E-mail: jeff.hallstrand@co.price.wi.us
W6014 Otteson Rd, Ogema, WI 54459
(Town of Ogema, Town of Hill)

5. James Hintz
715-762-3435
E-mail: jim.hintz@co.price.wi.us
W7530 White Rock Rd, Fifield, WI 54524
(Town of Fifield; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 2)

6. Paula Houdek
715-339-3307
E-mail: paula.houdek@co.price.wi.us
W3601 Maple Dr, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Emery, Town of Hackett, Town of Knox, Town of Spirit)

7. Dennis Wartgow
715-762-2795
E-mail: dennis.wartgow@co.price.wi.us
261 9th St N, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 1, 2, 4 & 7)

8. Alan Barkstrom
715-339-6516
E-mail: alan.barkstrom@co.price.wi.us
W7577 County Rd W, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 1; Town of Harmony)

9. Jordan Spacek
715-339-2827
E-mail: jordan.spacek@co.price.wi.us
W6986 Cranberry Lake Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Worcester, Ward 1 & 3)

10. Robert Kopisch
715-762-4301
E-mail: bob.kopisch@co.price.wi.us
N16165 Lakeshore Dr, Butternut, WI 54514
(Town of Lake, Ward 2; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 1)

11. Waldemar Madsen
715-780-0744
E-mail: waldemar.madsen@co.price.wi.us
561 Flambeau Ave, Phillips, WI 54555
(City of Phillips, Ward 2, 3 & 4)

12. Douglas Erickson
(4/21) 715-657-0580
E-mail: doug.erickson@co.price.wi.us
N3838 Hay Creek Rd, Prentice, WI 54556
(Village of Prentice, Town of Prentice)

13. Brian Ernst
715-661-0892
E-mail brian.ernst@co.price.wi.us
1555 Hillcrest Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 2; City of Phillips Ward 1; Town of Worcester, Ward 2)


   

   


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OGEMA: BENEFIT FOR TAMMIE BLOMBERG


Price County Cares - Donations Needed    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-13-2022, 04:12 PM

Tammie Blomberg lives in southern Price County.  In June 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and lung cancer.  She has undergone many treatments, procedures, and surgeries, but still has a vast amount of medical care ahead of her.

Friends of Tammie are hosting a benefit to help raise money to cover the time she needed to take off work and any additional expenses related to her treatments.

There will be a spaghetti dinner, pie auction, silent auction baskets, and live music at the Ogema Baptist Church at W5091 State Highway 86 in Ogema on Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

   

Information contributed by Cathy Peterson


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PRICE COUNTY DAIRY FARMERS FEAR BEING PUT OUT OF BUSINESS ON MARCH 16, 2022 - Updated


News: Countywide    No Replies

My Northern Wisconsin, 03-12-2022, 05:02 PM

UPDATE on 3/14/2022:  The county issued the necessary permit on Monday, and there will not be a meeting about this issue.

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On Friday, March 11, 2022, many Price County farmers felt true concern for their livelihood.

Mullins Cheese, who operates the milks truck that pick up milk from farmers in Kennan, Catawba, Phillips, Ogema, and Brantwood, informed the farmers that they could not get a permit from Price County to travel on the roads after March 16th when they are posted for spring break-up.

According to Peggy Hainy, "We all get picked up the same day and it's an every other day pickup.  The county board has suggested that Mullins send two trucks.  Don Mullins, [the owner of Mullins Cheese], said that is not feasible.  Besides the gas cost, he doesn't have the labor force, like most places these days."

Peggy's husband, Ed, starting calling people immediately to get this resolved.  He contacted the highway commissioner, county board members, and workers at Mullins Cheese.  According to the Hainys, a special meeting was needed to resolve this issue immediately.

"The highway committee is in charge of the weight limits, and Ed has been told that Mr. Larry Palecek will not call a special meeting to get this resolved.  Never in the 40 years of us farming have the milk trucks been stopped from picking up milk until now.  All the surrounding counties have given Mullins permits.  We will continue to fight.  This is our livelihood," Peggy explained.

If you want to help the local farmers, community members can call their county board representatives or specifically the highway committee, which includes Chairman Larry Palecek, Alan Barkstrom, James Hintz, Jordan Spacek, and Jeff Hallstrand.

Highway Commissioner Joe Baratka, as of Saturday morning, stated there will be a highway committee meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. in the county board room to address the milk hauling issue.  This meeting is open to all, and Peggy encourages the community to attend.  According to Peggy, "If nothing is changed as of March 16th, the farmers of Price County will be out of business."

UPDATE on 3/14/2022:  The county issued the necessary permit on Monday, and there will not be a meeting about this issue.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST:  From burgers for grilling to bacon-wrapped tenderloins, Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus beef 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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