Gavin Esterholm, the school board's student liaison for Phillips High School, reported updates on October 20, 2025, regarding various sports, groups, and events at the high school.
FOOTBALL
The football season concluded on October 10, 2025. Kalan Chuzles said, “We finished second in the conference with a final record of 6-2. In the Marawood Northwoods East 8, all-conference players include honorable mention defense Ayron DeLeasky and Kyle Sidenbender; second team offense, Ben Virnig and Wade Vetter; second team defense, Sawyer Kucaba; first team offense, Kyle Sidenbender, Kalan Chuzles, JJ Heikkinen, and Ayron DeLeasky; first team defense, Kalan Chuzles and Ben Virnig; and the Defensive Player of the Year was Ben Virnig. Overall, it was a good season with very good attendance from the community at the home games.”
VOLLEYBALL
Raelee Williams said, “We have won the last 10 out of 14 matches. We have greatly improved. Marawood Conference Honors include honorable mention, Maya Hertlein and Raelee Williams; second team Layla Staroba; and first team, Annaka Tobias. Volleyball finished third in the Marawood North. Two weekends ago, we traveled to the final tournament of the season in Gilman, where we placed third out of eight teams.”
CROSS COUNTRY
Cross Country has had a very good season so far, competing in the home meet where both the boys' and girls' teams won; the Nightfall Classic in Marshfield where the boys' team beat the Number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the state and the girls' team also came out on top; Athens where the boys' team placed 2nd, and the girls also placed 2nd; Auburndale with both teams winning; and, finally, conference with the boys finishing in 3rd place and the girls in 2nd. The boys' team once again faced the other top teams from the entire state, only five points behind Rib Lake-Prentice and one point behind Marathon. The girls lost a close battle to Assumption by five points. Conference honors include honorable mention, Josh Edwards, Evan Johnson, and Trinity Smith; second team, Logan Sokolowski, Lyla Rahmer, Tana Henderson, Addie Gabay, and Nick Pesko; first team, Ruby McCormick, Leah Harper, and Gavin Esterholm. Gavin also earned the Marawood Conference Runner of the Year for the third year in a row.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The student council played a huge role in the coordination and planning of Homecoming week. They most recently reviewed Homecoming week to improve upon next year, and they also began planning the winter talent show.
MOCK TRIAL
Mock trial began last Wednesday, and this year is promising with a lot of returning participants and a lot of new faces. On behalf of the team, I can confidently say we are very excited and looking forward to this year's case.
ESPORTS
Conner Carlson wrote the following, “In esports, we have been having weekly practice on Monday with both middle and high school, also with some people having solo matches. On Tuesdays, high school has matches against other schools. On Thursday, middle school does the same. People who are in esports have been having a lot of fun and are always looking forward to the next practice."
FBLA
FBLA did a trash pickup on October 16 on County Road D and helped out at the Fall Harvest on October 4.
QUIZ BOWL
There were tryouts and the first meeting last week during Logger Time. They have their first match on Monday against Bayfield.
HOMECOMING RECAP
Homecoming was a big success with good attendance at the football game, bonfire, and dance. The parade was also well attended, even with the venue change [to Flambeau Avenue]. The activities also went very well. The freshman class won the hallway decorating, and the sophomores won the dress-up days. The juniors won the door painting, and the seniors won the float decorating contest. Overall, Homecoming was a very enjoyable time for the students.
Image from Facebook/The Voice of Worcester 2.0 video
A good-sized group of over 30 people were in attendance at the Town of Worcester meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Among other town business, PACER ratings, the Red Pines subdivision, and Little Chicago Road were addressed.
Chairman Jim Michler shared that the state wanted the town to give PASER ratings to all 230 roads, basically grading them on a scale of 1 to 10, and that was completed and sent in.
Jim also discussed that the Red Pines subdivision, which includes 25 acres, is ready for sales of lots. He mentioned they will need to decide when lots should be sold and who should be in charge of selling them, but no decisions were made at the meeting.
A topic that drew a lot of interest was Agenda Item 10, "Little Chicago/Hwy 13 intersection - rumble strips." Jim said the need to address this intersection was brought to his attention by Lynne Bohn of My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin, sharing readers' concerns about the intersection in light of the fatal accident on August 28, 2025. Jim read the information provided by WISDOT, which is the information that was also included in the article, Recent Fatal Accident Draws Safety Concerns About Little Chicago Road.
Jim stated WISDOT provided a detailed drawing and noted that rumble strips can make a significant amount of noise. A board member, Jeremy Pesko, noted that he wasn't personally aware of how much noise that type of rumble strip would cause, but he was told by others that rumble strips on the yellow center line and white fog line do make some noise. Jim said if they decided to move forward with rumble strips, he would want to send a letter to any nearby residents. Since Board Member Russ Long was not in attendance, a motion was made and carried to table the matter until all board members were present. Jim said he would accept comments during public comment at the end of the meeting.
After the 2026 budget meeting was scheduled and the voucher list was gone over, it was time for public comment. "Before we get started on our public comment, it's been a while since we reviewed the rules for public comment," said Jim. "I have here a sheet put together by Sheriff Brian Schmidt on if people get out of hand, which as we know can easily happen on a contentious subject." Reading from the sheet provided by the sheriff, Jim said anyone attending a meeting can removed. He said the chairman can state someone is out of order, ask for the individual's cooperation or removal, demand that the individual sits quietly or leave, and, if the individual refuses to be quiet or leave, pause the meeting, and call the sheriff's office to tell them about the situation. A deputy sheriff was present at the meeting, as noted by Jim, who interacted with him. (The Town of Worcester has asked for a police presence at some past meetings, as well.) Jim asked the deputy sheriff what the person could get charged with if they were rowdy, and a brief exchange took place about disturbing the peace or "something like that." Jim also told the meeting attendees that the board has the discretion to allow public comment and should be limited to agenda items only. "Public comment is limited to agenda items only. So, for instance, signage and rumble strips on the highway, Little Chicago / Hwy. 13 intersection or any other intersection in town is a legitimate subject because it's on the agenda. The people that use the roads, the businesses in this town, are not on the agenda and are not an appropriate subject for public comment, so any comment about individuals or businesses with respect to road accidents and intersections will be out of order." He said this understanding was in effect with the sheriff and the board, and he then asked for public comment.
A woman asked if the speed limit could come down some distance before the intersection. Jim said, "Changing town speed limits on town roads from the state default is something that requires some homework and digging and procedures, but it can be done within limits. I think they allow like 10 miles an hour in town from the state default but more than that you'd need traffic safety studies; expensive traffic safety studies."
A man asked how rumble strips would make it safer when there are already stop signs there that should be obeyed.
When asked about the cost, Jim said they grind grooves into the blacktop, and he would have to get a cost estimate but figured it would cost quite a bit to get the equipment in there to do the job.
A man who works on the roads said, "We see people blow through stop signs constantly." He felt people need to use common sense, care about others, and be responsible while driving.
A few other brief comments were made, similar to comments mentioned.
Jim asked if there were more comments, but no one else spoke up. He said, "I thought there'd be more questions than that."
The meeting was then concluded.
Since our readers are very interested in improving the safety of that intersection, we reached out to Sheriff Brian Schmidt on September 21, October 7, and today, October 22, asking what can be done about policing the intersection, plus we sent him some comments from the community, but the sheriff has yet to reply. We will update this article if he replies.
At approximately 2:03 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of a one-vehicle rollover accident. The accident occurred in the Township of Rib Lake on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue. The caller stated there was an injured female passenger inside the vehicle.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Taylor County first responders, and Rib Lake Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, "Upon arrival, a sport utility style vehicle was located rolled onto its side in the ditch with extensive damage. A 49-year-old female passenger, identified as Sharon M. Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was extricated from the vehicle by fire and EMS personnel. Sharon was transported from the scene by Rib Lake Ambulance to Aspirus Medford Hospital and subsequently transported by helicopter to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Hours later, it was determined that Sharon had succumbed to her injuries from the crash. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was provided with medical attention and had no serious injuries reported at the time.
"A preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was southbound on County Road C when it veered off the roadway, entered the west ditch, and struck two trees. The driver, Stephen Kaplon, was arrested for Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle and is in custody at the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond."
The accident is still under investigation, and authorities are not releasing any other information at this time.
Colton Goll, a fifth grade student at Phillips Elementary School and the son of Joel Goll and Kendra Shipley, heard about a kid from Wisconsin winning a mullet competition a few years ago, which was a competition that also raised funds for a charity known as Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. That inspired Colton to start growing a mullet in August 2022 and enter the competition in June 2025. He named his mullet "The Coltonator." His hair is naturally curly, but when it is pulled straight, it measures about eleven inches.
Colton had to submit pictures of himself sporting his mullet, including a front, back, and side view, plus he had to share a brief story about his mullet. After that, it was all about fundraising and getting votes on the official website.
Colton had four big fundraisers. "My first fundraiser was at the 4th of July parade. I sold pulled pork sandwiches. Then I went to Hodag and different campsites this summer and handed out free koozies with my picture on them for votes and received some donations doing that." He said he had another pulled pork fundraiser at a bar and grill in Phillips, and he also went to Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua, handing out koozies asking for more votes.
"Raising money for Wounded Warriors that my supporters helped me raise. That makes me feel good," is what Colton said was his favorite part and proudest moment of the competition. Colton raised $3,847.01 for the charity. In the kids', teens', and adults' divisions of the competition, over $175,000 was raised by all the participants.
Colton had to survive a few rounds of the competition. Each time the field of participants narrowed until there were only 25 remaining in the kids' division. As the only kid left in this year's competition who is from Wisconsin, when it was announced that Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Kansas were in the top three, he and his family started to realize Colton may have won. He said the fact that he was in first place in regard to votes for so long also made him feel like he probably had won.
In the final round, Colton walked away with 2,069 votes. Slade Smith from Oklahoma got 1,758 votes and took second place, and Gabriel Giefer from Kansas got 874 votes and a third-place finish. Hearing his name announced while at his house with family and friends, Colton said, "I was super excited!"
Colton's judges' score was 143, edging out second place by two points. "I remember judging this kid. He was on point; he was crushing it," said Jared Allen, one of the judges and the founder of the charity.
The votes from the community, family, and friends greatly helped put Colton in the winning spotlight. His mom, Kendra, promoted him on social media so that people knew where to vote online and where his fundraising events would be held. Colton said, "I want to thank every single person who voted, shared, and donated to the Wounded Warriors and for my fundraisers who also donated the food and prizes to help me raise money. Thank you from the Coltonator!"
Colton's parents are also thankful to the community and proud of their son. Colton's dad, Joel, said that he "can't believe the amazing power and support of such a small town; first, the support following my accident, and now this being a national thing really shows the power of a small town." He added, "I am extremely proud of all Colton's effort and drive stepping outside of his comfort zone and totally rocking his mullet and crushing the competition." Colton's mom, Kendra, said, "I am so very proud of him! He has come out of his shell in such a small time. He raised money for an amazing cause, and it's not just the mullet, he talked to adults, set up his fundraisers, and made his own videos. The growth he has made is such a huge accomplishment in itself. I know I am biased, but he truly is a great kid! He has the biggest heart and such a fun personality; I am so proud to be his mama! Seeing his excitement when they said a kid from Wisconsin was in the top three is something I will forever hold as a memory. He is proud of his country, proud of all who served our country, and proud of being from Wisconsin and being a small-town kid who put our small town on the map! He is a true American and I, again, could not be more proud."
With the pride of the win came a $10,000 cash prize. Colton plans to save some and spend some. "I want to buy an old truck and make it into a rat rod with my stepdad, [Dave Shipley], for when I can drive, and the rest of it I want to put in my savings for college."
Colton sees more mullet-related plans in his future. He may enter the same competition again next year. Plus, he would like to make his own donation. "Someday, not anytime soon, I would like to donate it to Wigs for Kids for kids with cancer. Then I can help them, too," he shared.
Photo Credit: Brittany Eichmann
If you know of a kid who is a rising star, doing something extra like being an entrepreneur or raising money for a cause, send My Price County that child's name, his/her parents' names, and contact information.
Business owners and residents have been contacting My Price County regarding the terrace and sidewalk installation in Phillips. My Price County reached out to council members with some questions and also attended the Tuesday, October 7 Committee of the Whole meeting to get additional answers.
The sidewalk project was supposed to be in its third week on Monday, October 6. However, the concrete company had another job they had to finish that took longer than anticipated, so the crew was pulled from Phillips to complete that job. The sidewalk project is expected to resume during the week of Monday, October 13 on the east side of the street.
On the west side of the street, the city is aware there were some issues during installation. Since there were issues, Ayres Associates asked the council for an amendment to the contract, asking for $9,300 more (but not to exceed $69,550 total for Ayres Associates' portion of the sidewalk project) to have additional site visits for the east side given "there are concerns with the quality of work done in some spots [on the west side]," according to Justin Schuenemann from Ayres Associates, and the amendment also includes some other worksite items and additional administrative work. The amendment would add "another layer to ensure that this is being done per plan, per the specs, and that the city is getting a good end product. So, just having a few trips during that other side to ensure that its being installed at the correct grades, and everything is being done accordingly so that we're not having to come back after the fact and replace and fix things and try to catch things in the moment, so it goes smoother," Justin explained the reasoning for the additional cost. The mayor mentioned there are cracks on the west side, and Justin said it will sit through the winter, and the city has a year warranty period and then the company will come in and fix everything at once near the end of that timeframe. Clerk Shelby Kosmer and Mayor Charles Peterson both stated that the $7,800 cost that would have been paid to Ayres Associates to apply for the grant that the business owners wanted them to apply for was essentially now being switched to pay for the $9,300 amendment for administrative costs and more site work/visits. The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to pay the extra money to Ayres Associates. (This article continues after the following ad. Keep reading.)
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According to Alderman Bill Elliott, the business owners voted on a color, but when a sample was poured on Friday, September 26, Aldermen John Klimowski and Richard Heitkemper, along with Mayor Charles Peterson, Project Manager Justin Schuenemann, and Director of the Department of Public Works Jim Heizler, decided there was not enough distinction between the chosen color and the sidewalk color. The five of them chose a darker color, which was not one of the four colors voted on by the business owners.
The stone pattern that the business owners voted for was also not used, because the concrete company did not have that particular stamp, so the company used a different stamp that they had available.
One of the concrete company personnel told My Price County that he expressed to a city official that stamping the concrete will make it more slippery. However, Bill Elliott said he was told this stamping pattern will hold in the heat to help with snow and ice. The concrete worker also stated he has not been on a job where the State of Wisconsin DOT came through and fixed the highway but not the sidewalks.
Many residents thought the double curb was going to be eliminated except by the bait shop given there was not enough space by the bait shop to get rid of the double curb. A different design, for greater handicapped accessibility, was possible if the bait shop had their door swing the opposite direction, but the bait shop owner did not want to change the door. According to the Committee of the Whole at the October 7 meeting, there were some issues that were handled in the area of the bait shop when the design plan was not seeming to be followed by the concrete contractor, and the contractor had to tear it out and redo it. Justin said the city will not have to pay for the contractor's mistake.
As for the rest of the double curb, residents, including business owners, questioned why the new terrace meets up with the sidewalk and slants in front of some buildings, and in front of other buildings there is a step that varies in height, along with a slanted terrace. In an interview with My Price County, Bill Elliott said, "Where they could, they got rid of the double curb, but with height of the highway and the height of the buildings, it was not feasible."
However, clarification had been asked for at the August 5, 2025 meeting when Justin from Ayres Associates showed the sidewalk diagrams.
Lynne Bohn, a building owner, said, "I can look at the diagram better after the meeting, but we're still going to have a step?....Like we're going to have the curb and then we're going to have this colored area [terrace] and then we're gonna have the sidewalk up higher or is there slanting?...."
Alderman Bill Elliott, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Chuck Peterson who was in Canada, said, "It will be sloped....An 8% slope in the area where we can do it."
Lynne said, "One of those pictures I looked at it looked like we are going to have two levels?"
Bill replied, "We're only talking about two blocks [with the original double curb]. Other than that, they can't do it [eliminate the double curb by the bait shop]."
Justin from Ayres Associates was present at the meeting but did not state there would be two levels when Lynne posed the question.
Regarding easements, after the meeting when the terrace was first mentioned, business owners addressed their concerns about easements because the terrace would cause the sidewalk to go over the 6-foot right of way. These concerns were addressed with various city officials via e-mail, phone, and at meetings, including during public comment at the July 8, 2025 Common Council meeting where, according to the meeting minutes, questions were raised "about easements and project timelines as well as the terrace and businesses having sidewalk sales and how this would affect them if it [is] implemented. Some have expressed concerns about the terrace being unsafe, slippery...." For clarity, before the new sidewalk project, there was one foot of concrete next to the curb and then a five-foot sidewalk, all in the six-foot right of way. The remaining concrete that went to the businesses is private property. Now that a three-foot terrace has been implemented, the terrace and the five-foot sidewalk take up eight feet, which means two feet of city sidewalk is now on the private property of the business owners who have a terrace in front of their buildings. Furthermore, there was not a double curb on the south half of the block between Maple Street and Chestnut Street, so a terrace was not needed there, but one has now been implemented, causing an easement issue. Some business owners did not want easements, as they did not want to lose any property, and wanted the city to wait to get a different plan and apply for grants (possibly also adding a bike trail behind businesses in the same grant), and proceeding methodically, but the terrace plan stayed in place even with the issue of easements. After the west side's terrace and sidewalk were installed, at the October 7 meeting, Justin agreed that two feet of the sidewalk is now on private property, and he said the city, city attorney, and business owners will have to work that out.
The sidewalks should be completed on the east side within the next two weeks, finishing near the end of October 2025.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, at 8:33 a.m., an arrest was made in connection with the business and residential fires that occurred in the Sawyer County area over the past year.
The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigations and the Birchwood Police Department, arrested a 30-year old man, Thomas L. Olson, from Birchwood, Wisconsin.
According to Sheriff Doug Mrotek, "Olson’s arrest follows a nearly year-long joint investigation into a series of structure fires that began in November of 2024. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested Olson on multiple felony counts of Arson of Buildings (Wis. Stat §943.02(1)(a)). He is currently being held in the Sawyer County Jail awaiting a bail hearing."
This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation.
Mark Luoma and Jim Corbett of the Park Falls Lions Club conducted vision screenings at the Park Falls Elementary School in September 2025. This is an annual event.
On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Phillips High School held its Homecoming parade on Flambeau Avenue. Kalan Chuzles and Leah Harper were crowned king and queen. That evening, the Loggers football team kicked it into high gear in the second half and won 52 to 40 against the Athens Bluejays.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the months of August and September have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Reports have not yet been received for August and September 2025.
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Visit the Phillips Public Library for a month of fun events (listed above) and a book sale happening during regular hours throughout October.
PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
AUGUST 2025
8-1-25: Requested to speak to a man and woman regarding concerning comments that were made by their children when picked up from another parents’ residence.
8-1-25: Requested to meet with an individual who had questions on protesting.
8-1-25: Responded to a residence in the City of Phillips for the report of a woman threatening another. The officer arrived and spoke to each of the parties and learned that they were roommates and one of the adults was moving out. One woman was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.
8-6-25: Responded to an animal bite complaint. The adult victim was transported by private vehicle for medical treatment. The animal owner provided proof of vaccination. Animal quarantine paperwork was issued to the animal’s owner and a 10-day warning for failure to register the dog was given
8-12-25: Received a report of a property damage accident between vehicle and equipment from American Asphalt. A state accident report was completed.
8-12-25: Responded a residence on South Avon Avenue and made contact with a male subject who had an active Probation/Parole Apprehension Request. The male was advised and placed under arrest and transported to the Price County Jail for the booking process.
8-13-25: Police advised the Department of Public Works that there was an abandoned vintage stove that was near the intersection of North Lake Avenue and Fairview Drive that was on the shoulder of the roadway that had been there for several days. Department of Public Works stated they would remove the appliance.
8-14-25: Received a report of a motorized vehicle on the track and field. An officer located the man who advised he would not drive on the track again and apologized for doing so.
8-15-25: Requested to do a welfare check on a woman who made comments to harm other people. The officer made contact with her and contacted the mental health crisis worker. The crisis worker spoke to the woman and she stated that she was not going to harm anyone.
8-16-25: Observed an ATV traveling on South Lake Avenue. An officer stopped the ATV and identified the driver by a Wisconsin Drivers License. The male received a citation for Operating a ATV Near or On a State Highway.
8-16-25: Responded to a parking problem at Elk Lake Park where Phillips On Tap was occurring. Vehicles had began to park other vehicles in at the main parking lot area. Officers and Chamber of Commerce staff were able to get vehicles relocated and block off the area.
8-18-25: Received a report of a scam where the caller identified themselves as an Investigator with the Price County Sheriff's Office. An officer conducted checks of the number, learning that the number is not associated to anyone in the United States.
8-18-25: Received a report of a hit and run accident that occurred on August 17 on Victoria Street. An officer spoke to a witness to the accident who provided a Wisconsin registration of the striking vehicle. The officer attempted to make contact with the registered owner with no success.
8-18-25: Advised of a suspicious male individual who had been in and out of the library all day and who became more strange. Caller reported they believed he was under the influence. The officer attempted to locate the male and was unable to do so.
8-18-25: Advised of a suspicious male individual who was at the laundromat. The complainant advised that the male had left empty alcohol bottles and a mess in the restroom. The officer responded and was unable to locate the individual.
8-18-25: Police were dispatched to a local convenience store for a report of two adult males yelling and screaming at each other. It was reported that one of the men had struck the other man in the head. One was arrested for disorderly conduct, and the other was arrested for domestic abuse disorderly conduct, obstruction, and possession of a controlled substance.
8-19-25: Received a theft complaint in which an embalming machine was potentially stolen from a property and listed for sale. During the course of the investigation, contact was made with parties involved, and it was determined that the machine was still on the property.
8-19-25: Received a report of a suspicious male who was at the Phillips Public Library loitering the last couple of days and now sleeping in the front lawn. Officers made contact with the male who was identified by officers. The male advised a friend from Ohio was coming to pick him up. Officers contacted the probation and parole agent of the adult male and brought the male to meet with his agent.
8-20-25: Received a fraud complaint in the City of Phillips. It was learned that the victim had transferred funds to a fraudulent e-mail account via gift card purchases.
8-21-25: Received a hit and run unoccupied vehicle complaint. It was reported that this accident occurred at Elk Lake Park on 8/16/2025 in the evening hours. The suspect did not leave any contact information and the complainant's vehicle had reportable damage.
8-21-25: Received a report of a sex offender that was working at the Price County fairgrounds. An officer spoke with the man and found that he was not on supervision but was on the registry. The man advised he was working in his food truck and would be leaving at 9 p.m. each night. An officer advised the male that he was not in violation of the city ordinance and could work in his food truck.
8-21-25: Received a report of a person playing loud music in an apartment complex on Cherry Street. An officer made contact with the male individual and advised him that he needed to keep the music at a reasonable level.
8-22-25: Received a report of a fight that occurred at a residence on South Lake Avenue. One male individual was arrested for Domestic Abuse/Disorderly Conduct and brought to the Price County Jail for booking.
8-26-25: Received a theft complaint at a local business. Officers identified the suspect. Officers were unable to determine the whereabouts of the suspect. Officers are continuing to attempt to locate the suspect and will be forwarding charges
8-26-25: Advised of a male individual who had been asked to leave a restaurant in the City of Phillips and kept coming back to the restaurant. An officer located the male individual and advised him he was no longer allowed at the restaurant.
8-26-25: Observed a vehicle traveling on North Lake Avenue with expired registration. An officer stopped the vehicle, and a Price County K9 alerted on the vehicle. An officer arrested a female for Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, Possession of Another's Prescription, and Resist/ Obstruct an Officer.
8-28-25: Requested by the Price County Sheriff's Department to respond to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of State Highway 111 and State Highway 13. Officers attended to the injured and set up traffic control. (See related article.)
8-29-25: Responded to a complaint that a parent had been informed that their child had begun a relationship online with another, allegedly from out of the area, via a social media platform.
8-30-25: Received information that there was a report of a large cloud of smoke coming from an island on Long Lake. An officer observed the island and multiple boats on the water in proximity to it and determined that there was not an emergency situation.
SEPTEMBER 2025
9-1-25: Received a report of an individual playing loud music with profanity on Avon Avenue. The complainant told the man that his music was too loud and then he turned the music louder. The officer attempted to make contact with the man and was unsuccessful.
9-1-25: Received a phone call from an assisted living facility that reported that some of the residents have reported a suspicious male that crouches and hides behind objects. The facility requested that the police department do extra patrol in the evening
9-2-25: Responded to the Phillips School District for a report of an uncontrollable child. An officer responded and stood by while the parent was contacted. An officer was advised that the child had struck two other children and had damaged property inside of a classroom. A juvenile referral to Price County Human Services will be completed.
9-4-25: Received a report of a semi striking a business sign. An officer responded and spoke with a store employee who was advised of the accident. The officer spoke with the semi's company who advised they were aware and were reporting the incident to their insurance. The officer spoke with the driver via phone, who explained that, while making a delivery, the trailer caught the edge of the business sign.
9-5-25: Advised of an accident that occurred at a service station in the City of Phillips. An officer spoke with both vehicle operators and photographed the scene. One female individual will be receiving a citation for Failure to Yield while making a Left Turn.
9-6-25: Advised that Price County Dispatch received an anonymous complaint of five vehicles being parked on South Lake Ave near Walnut Street in a no parking zone. An officer responded, provided the information to Price County Dispatch, and made an announcement at the VFW Post that the area was now a posted as a no parking zone and the vehicles would need to be removed. The operators removed their vehicles.
9-6-25: Responded to a disturbance complaint behind a business on North Lake Avenue. It was reported that unknown individuals were believed to be fighting. An officer arrived on scene and made contact with parties involved and witness on the scene. It was determined no altercation occurred, and the parties were advised of the complaint received.
9-7-25: Requested extra patrol around a residence due to a woman not being happy with an item that was purchased at the residence, and she wanted to return it. The woman sent the owner multiple messages expressing her dissatisfaction. The owner was not home and had her house unlocked.
9-8-25: Contacted by an adult male regarding the use of a BB gun in the city limits.
9-8-25: A local school district advised the Phillips Police Department of ongoing behavioral issues with a male elementary school student. An officer assisted the staff with getting the student to the parent’s vehicle. A referral will be sent to the Price County Human Services Department.
9-10-25: Responded to assist the Phillips School District with an uncontrollable juvenile. An officer located the juvenile off of school grounds and remained with the juvenile until a parent arrived.
9-11-25: Asked to do a welfare check on an employee at a gas station in the City of Phillips. The employee stated another employee's partner had come to the business and they did not want another incident to occur. An officer checked on the two male individuals and observed they were not arguing and just sitting at a park bench.
9-13-25: Responded to a motorcycle versus deer accident with injury on South Lake Avenue near the intersection of Maple Street. Central Price County Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the operator to the hospital for further medical attention. Officers investigated the scene, reopened the highway, and an accident report was completed
9-14-25: Responded to a welfare check complaint on North Minnow Lake Road. An officer responded and made contact. The officer interviewed witnesses on scene and determined that a domestic violence incident occurred. The suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the Price County Jail for Battery, Disorderly Conduct/Domestic Violence Enhancer. Charges were referred to the Price County District Attorney.
9-16-25: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a Domestic Violence situation that occurred north of the city limits and the suspect took off in a vehicle headed into the city limits. The officer was able to speak with the suspect until Price County deputies arrived. One adult male was arrested for Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct.
9-17-25: Reviewed a report of a male subject that started to run towards a juvenile female. The officer patrolled the area and did not locate the subject.
9-18-25: Received a report of an individual texting another individual and the male individual wanted the communications to stop. An officer spoke with the female subject and advised her to stop communications per the male individual’s request.
9-19-25: Received a report from a male individual who stated he had heard from another male individual that someone wanted to shoot him while he was sleeping. An officer will make contact with suspect to do an interview.
9-22-25: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with an arrest of an adult male per Taylor County Sheriff's Department.
9-22-25: Received a report that a juvenile female had backed into another vehicle in the school parking lot. The officer responded and took photographs of the vehicles. The officer called the owner of the other vehicle and made them aware of the accident.
9-22-25: Observed a subject outside of a local business on North Lake Avenue. The officer had knowledge that the subject had an active Price County Commitment Order with a bond of $232 or 5 days in jail. The officer made contact, identified the individual by driver’s license, confirmed the warrant, and advised and placed the subject under arrest. The subject was unable to post bond and was transported to the Price County Jail for the booking process.
9-26-25: Assisted the Phillips Fire Department with a fire call just north of the City of Phillips. An officer arrived on scene and was advised the house was full of smoke. The Phillips Fire Department arrived on scene and located the cause of the smoke. One female was transported to medical center for difficulty breathing.
9-27-25: Received a report of an individual’s garbage cans being missing.
9-28-25: Located damaged property at Phillips City Hall. An officer documented the damage.
8-1-25: Report of subjects shooting Nerf guns out of a moving vehicle.
8-2-25: Report of damage to a motor vehicle while unloading at the Park Falls transfer station.
8-2-25: Report of gun shots being fired and a vehicle shining the field located near a residence.
8-2-25: Report from a Park Falls firefighter of chickens in the roadway near the 300 block of 2nd Avenue North.
8-4-25: A male reported seeing somebody using a flashlight in his back yard. The area was searched; no one was found.
8-6-25: There was a juvenile matter regarding name calling and being flipped off at Music in the Park. Juveniles and parents were spoken to. No enforcement action was needed.
8-7-25: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. Upon a K9 sniff, the officer searched the vehicle. Charges are to be referred to the Price County district attorney.
8-8-25: Report of a possible kidnapping/stolen vehicle. Complaint unfounded.
8-8-25: Scam complaint regarding a false rental property on Hoefferle Road. The victims were refunded their money.
8-8-25: A tow operator repossessed a vehicle and located drugs inside while moving it. The tow operator requested that the drugs be removed from the vehicle. A strong odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle. Drugs were located and will be destroyed.
8-10-25: Report of a used bong. Item located on sidewalk and will disposed of.
8-12-25: Received a trespassing complaint from the grocery store for ongoing issues of a subject making crude comments towards cashiers.
8-12-25: Report that a woman was driving by two residences and flipping individuals off on multiple occasions over the last two weeks. Parties talked to.
8-12-25: A female reported that there were two unknown individuals sitting in her lawn and had been there for some time.
8-13-25: Police responded to a two-vehicle accident with injuries.
8-14-25: An officer was dispatched with fire and rescue to State Highway 182 and Cedar Rapids Road for a single-vehicle accident with ejection.
8-15-25: Report of a stolen trash can from a residence. Unknown date/time it was taken, unknown offender.
8-15-25: The Price County Sheriff's Office advised of a keep the peace request for a car shipper and the occupant who were having a dispute about the delivery of a vehicle.
8-20-25: Report of multiple vehicles ending up with razor blades stuck in the vehicles’ tires. Possibly related to the Hwy. 13 / 4th Avenue project.
8-23-25: Report of a breaking and entering.
8-24-25: Investigation into one male suspect, who is a convicted sex offender, possibly violating the Park Falls ordinance.
8-28-25: An officer spoke with one female reporting party regarding concerns about a nursing home facility in Park Falls.
8-30-25: Dispatch reported that a hooded male was trying to kick in the door of an apartment.
8-31-25: A game warden conducted a traffic stop on an ATV and found that the rider had an active warrant out of Chippewa County.
SEPTEMBER 2025
9-1-25: While on patrol, an officer observed a man’s chicken in the middle of 2nd Avenue North. Contact was made and a citation issued. The man still did not have a chicken permit. The city attorney was contacted via e-mail.
9-4-25: Report of animal abuse matter where a dog was apparently strangled and suffered life threatening injuries.
9-6-25: Responded to a two-vehicle accident that occurred at State Highway 13 and 9th Street South.
9-6-25: Report for record about nails being dumped in a driveway. The reporting party was unsure if it is malicious or not.
9-15-25: An officer spoke with a female reporting party in regard to alleged vandalism done to her vehicle.
9-16-25: An officer responded to a residence for a complaint involving a pile of apples, under an apple tree, possibly enticing deer within the city limits.
9-22-25: Advised of a subject that was selling tobacco products within the Park Falls Mall without a license.
9-25-25: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. One male driver received citations for operating without a valid license and without insurance. One male occupant was arrested upon two body only warrants. The male occupant was also cited for the possession of controlled substances.
9-26-25: A subject came to the police department to report his vehicle being struck by another vehicle in the grocery store parking lot. The striking vehicle remained on scene and exchanged information.
9-28-25: Requested by dispatch to respond to a residence in the county for a male subject down, and it was unknown if the subject was breathing. An officer responded and found the victim deceased.
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.
According to Sheriff Phil Grassmann, the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, Rusk County IT Department, and Chippewa County Sheriff's Office have been investigating a crime for the last several weeks regarding illegal recording of a closed session meeting.
The county board meeting where the alleged illegal recording took place was held on August 26, 2025. Two siblings, in their thirties, have been arrested and charged with violating WI SS 968.31.
Sheriff Grassman stated that illegally recording a closed session meeting "impedes the ability of a governmental body to discuss matters with reasonable expectation of privacy." He added, "It makes no difference to me if you are elected or appointed to local office, a member of the general public, or what position or title you hold. If you commit or attempt to commit a crime in Rusk County, you will be investigated and arrested if there is probable cause that such a crime was committed."
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