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
3-12-25: A woman called stating she received a text from someone claiming to be Apple stating that she owes money. She was told to buy prepaid cards, but she was able to get the money back from the prepaid cards.
3-12-25: A man reported he had been involved in an accident in the Town of Fifield when another vehicle hit him from behind, causing damage to his truck and trailer. There were no injuries to him or the other driver.
3-15-25: A Park Falls woman reported her son broke into her apartment while extremely intoxicated and assaulted her.
3-17-25: A Park Falls woman reported two male subjects were outside yelling at each other and people passing by. She believed the two were intoxicated and dating. She did not see any weapons. She noted one male was wearing only a bathrobe and cowboy boots.
3-17-25: A woman reported that she first learned that her daughter, who was 16 years old at the time, had received messages from an adult man asking her to send nude pictures some time ago. Her daughter did not send pictures.
3-18-25: A woman called stating that a man was in the parking lot at the medical center in Park Falls with all four doors of the vehicle open, his belongings on the ground, and he was yelling and swearing.
3-18-25: A man reported someone trespassing on his property with a dark-colored pickup truck with white front end. He felt the male was 5'5", 170 pounds, wearing a snowmobile coat and baseball cap, and carrying a flashlight.
3-19-25: A Park Falls woman stated her ex-boyfriend stole and sold her pickup truck.
3-19-25: A Fifield man reported his garage was on fire. The man stated the garage was near the house, and the fire was approaching the house. Multiple fire departments responded. See related article.
3-20-25: An Ogema woman called stating she felt there was a disturbance at the residence next door, because she heard yelling and dogs barking. A deputy called someone who was said to be at the house, and he said there had been a ruckus, but things had calmed down. He advised that the neighbors had their dogs running around and five dogs circled around the residence and were trying to attack him. He said the neighbor then threatened to kill the dogs of the person on the phone.
3-21-25: A Prentice man received texts that he owed tolls, but he knew it was a scam as he had not been through a toll in about eight years.
3-22-25: A woman called to report an accident that happened at a bar in Prentice. An intoxicated man in a yellow and green work truck hit her vehicle and a man's vehicle. That man said an altercation had occurred between the driver of the work truck and another patron at the bar. The driver of the work truck stumbled out of the truck and got in the patron's face. The patron pushed the man, who fell and hit his head.
3-23-25: A Kennan woman said her vehicle slid into the trees near County Road N and Green Creek Road. She and her husband were not injured but there was a lot of damage to the vehicle, which needed to be towed.
(The article continues after the promotional message.)
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
3-1-25: Advised of a bike that had been sitting at a local gas station for three days and was not claimed. An officer obtained the bike and placed it in the Phillips Police Department bike shed for safe keeping.
3-1-25: Received a complaint from a female adult who wanted to report a political sign violation. An officer researched the law on political signs and found that no violation had occurred.
3-2-25: Received a phone call from a man to discuss a family member calling and harassing his mother. The officer spoke to the man about what law enforcement actions could be taken and advised the man to have his mother to tell the family member to stop contact with her.
3-3-25: Informed that an elderly woman had been acting strangely at a local convenience store. The officer made contact with the woman and her husband who stated that she had been talking with an employee.
3-5-25: Received an anonymous call about a woman dragging her dog and yelling at her baby. An officer investigated the report and determined no law violation had occurred.
3-5-25: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with an infant that was taken into protective custody after a high-risk stop of an intoxicated male who was wanted for a domestic situation in Chippewa County. See related article.
3-6-25: Responded to an accident where a vehicle side-swiped a trailer. There were no injuries or road blockage.
3-6-25: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with a woman who had a seizure at a local business.
3-6-25: Dispatched by the Price County Sheriff's Office to assist with a man in Prentice who was making threats to law enforcement about harming law enforcement. The man was taken into custody and held at the Price County Jail.
3-8-25: Found a ladder lying alongside a city street. An officer collected the ladder and took it back to the police department for safe keeping until someone claims it.
3-8-25: Responded to a two-vehicle accident in the grocery store parking lot.
3-9-25: Requested to assist the Price County Sheriff's Office with a subject who fled from a deputy in a field with his vehicle. An officer arrived on scene and assisted deputies with taking the man into custody. The man was arrested by the Price County Sheriff's Department for operating while intoxicated, failure to install IID, operating motor vehicle while revoked, fleeing an officer, battery to law enforcement officer, and armed while intoxicated.
3-9-25: Observed a male individual enter a grocery store in the City of Phillips that violated the conditions of his probation. An officer spoke with the male inside the store and advised him to leave as he was violating his probation rules. The officer contacted probation and was advised it was not a holdable rule violation and was advised the male had to contact his probation agent.
3-11-25: Received a call from Price County Department of Public Works in reference to one of the sharps containers at Elk Lake Park pavilion damaged and missing its needles inside.
3-12-25: Received information of a registered sex offender that may be violating the rules of the registry. Investigation pending.
3-13-25: A suspicious man in a vehicle was reportedly taking pictures outside of houses. Officers located the man and talked with him.
3-14-25: Observed an ATV traveling on South Lake Avenue at Peterson Drive. An officer stopped the operator of the ATV and issued a citation for operating an ATV on a highway and a warning for expired registration.
3-14-25: Stopped a motorcycle for unsafe passing on the right in the business district. An officer identified the operator and issued a citation for unsafe passing on the right.
3-14-25: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with a male individual who severed multiple fingers off. An officer arrived on scene and assisted the Central Price County first responder with the male. The male was transported to the medical center.
3-15-25: Observed a vehicle at an Argyle Avenue residence that was not occupied. An officer approached the back door, which appeared to be kicked in. An officer confronted an adult male and detained him until contact was made with the owner. The male was released and told not to come back to the residence per the owner.
3-16-25: Received a theft complaint from a local business. An officer obtained statements and video surveillance from the business and spoke to the male suspect who admitted to stealing two lighters from the business. The officer collected the two lighters and issued a city ordinance citation for retail theft.
3-17-25: Observed a motor vehicle traveling on Flambeau Avenue with a loud exhaust. An officer ran the vehicle’s registration and observed the driver was revoked, so the officer conducted a traffic stop and observed the female driver had an expired Wisconsin driver’s license. Price County deputies arrived on scene and Price County K9 alerted on the vehicle. An officer and deputies searched the vehicle and located illicit drugs in the vehicle. One male was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Bail Jumping, and cited for no insurance. One female was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Bail Jumping, and cited for Operating a Motor Vehicle with an Expired License.
3-17-25: Received information from a local school district regarding several students who were found to be in possession of electronic smoking devices. An officer spoke with the students and recovered several smoking devices. Four students were issued citations for underage possession of tobacco.
3-18-25: Responded to an Eyder Avenue residence where a dog had gotten loose and attempted to attack another dog. The officer warned the owner of the dog and gave them one week to show proof of rabies and licensing.
3-19-25: Responded to a report of a disturbance at a local business where a man refused to leave. Officers arrived and the man stated that he was leaving. The business stated they just wanted the man to leave, and he would not be welcomed at the establishment again.
3-20-25: Received a theft report. The man indicated that he had a trailer taken without permission and sold over the Internet. Investigation pending.
3-20-25: Received a report of a physical altercation that occurred on Avon Avenue between two men. Officers responded to a residence of one of the men, who reported that he was pushed to the ground and had a knife drawn on him. Officers then spoke to witnesses and the other man who stated that the other man was being belligerent and drunk and started coming over by them and attempted to swing at the man. That man was on probation with a no drink condition. Probation placed a hold on the man, and he was arrested for disorderly conduct.
3-21-25: Requested by the School District of Phillips to conduct a K9 sniff of the school district. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded and completed the detail. Illicit substance was found in an adult female's vehicle and a juvenile female's vehicle. An 18-year-old male was arrested for possession of marijuana (THC). An officer will be forwarding charges to the Price County District Attorney's Office.
3-22-25: Advised of a brush fire outside the City of Phillips on Old 13 Road. The fire was contained.
3-23-25: Received a call on North Minnow Lake Road of a woman who was found unconscious after smoking something. Officers arrived on scene and discovered a female lying on the bed, agonal breathing and non-responsive. Officers discovered the female had been smoking heroin. An officer gave two doses of Narcan to the adult female who regained consciousness after several minutes. The female was transported to the medical center for medical clearance and booked into the Price County Jail for possession of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The woman was also placed on a probation hold.
3-24-25: Spoke to a male on Avon Avenue who advised he put money down on a boat and now the selling party will not sell him the boat.
3-24-25: Requested to respond to North Minnow Lake Road for the report of an elderly man who fell while walking in the middle of the road and was not responsive. He was transported to the medical center.
3-27-25: Received a report of lost property that had been tracked through an app to a residence in the City of Phillips. An officer spoke with an adult who advised the property had been found at a local park. The male provided the officer with the property, which was returned to the female caller.
3-29-25: Received a report of a possible sexual assault that occurred in the City of Phillips. This matter is under investigation.
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The Phillips Public Library, located at 286 Cherry Street in Phillips, has lots of activities and events planned for this month. Visit the library's website for more information.
PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
3-4-25: Dispatched to the attached address for a caller complaining about his wife keeping him up all night. Both were dealing with differing medical issues.
3-5-25: Complaint of snow being pushed across 3rd Avenue South. A driver of another plow truck struck the pile of snow on 3rd Avenue South that was in the roadway, causing damage to the plow.
3-5-25: An online scam occurred, in which the victim suffered a loss of $11,000. Investigation begun, and the assistance of the Department of Criminal Investigations-Cyber Crime Unit was requested.
3-6-25: An officer responded with the Price County SRT Team to a location in Prentice, regarding a situation with a male suspect.
3-6-25: Report from DPW of a large quantity of snow left on 9th Avenue South. Contact made; snow to be removed.
3-7-25: Officer responded to assist Park Falls fire with the report of a dog that fell through the ice at Hines Park. See related article.
3-8-25: Officer dispatched to the grocery store for a complainant that came out to their vehicle and found that someone had stolen their valve stem covers and flattened their tires. See related article.
3-9-25: An officer observed a suspect vehicle traveling on the roadway. Upon contact, one male was arrested upon numerous charges.
3-9-25: Dispatched to a residence for the report of a domestic abuse incident. One male suspect taken into custody upon charges.
3-13-25: A concerned parent contacted police regarding an incident that occurred at Chequamegon Elementary School between students.
3-16-25: Responded to a complaint of a neighbor damaging “no trespassing” signs.
3-17-25: An officer responded to a possible domestic incident. Two suspects were found yelling at a victim. One male was taken into custody upon charges. Charges to be referred on the second male.
3-17-25: An officer spoke with one female reporting party in regard to a scam complaint.
3-21-25: A two-vehicle accident occurred in a fast-food restaurant's parking lot. One vehicle backed into the second vehicle.
3-21-25: An officer met with a male reporting party in regarding to illegal trapping, baiting/hunting. One animal was found alive in an illegal foot trap. Officers located five additional illegal foot traps. Officer dispatched the animal. Traps were seized. Conservation warden was notified.
3-21-25: An officer responded to a complaint of food scraps being thrown over a property fence line onto the neighboring property.
3-22-25: A two-vehicle minor accident occurred between family members in the bowling alley parking lot.
3-24-25: A complaint from a reporting party stated that the man’s neighbor came onto his property and tapped one of his trees for sap.
3-24-25: Two rings and one visa card were found at the grocery store.
3-26-25: A complainant showed police a video of a juvenile taking mail out of his mailbox. The juvenile was confronted by a neighbor and left the mail on the front porch. The complainant doesn't wish to pursue a criminal complaint against the juvenile but would like to have their parents notified and the juvenile talked with.
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There are 11,598 eligible voters in Price County; 9,781 are registered voters. In this election, 6,317 people voted in Price County, which is 54.5% of eligible voters.
Town of Hill: 71%
Town of Knox: 68%
Village of Prentice: 66%
Town of Flambeau: 65%
Town of Spirit: 64%
Town of Catawba: 63%
Town of Prentice: 63%
Town of Elk: 62%
Town of Worcester: 62%
Town of Hackett: 61%
Town of Harmony: 60%
Town of Ogema: 57%
Town of Lake: 56%
Town of Eisensten: 52%
Village of Kennan: 52%
Town of Kennan: 48%
Village of Catawba: 44%
Park Falls: 41%
Phillips: 40%
Town of Fifield: 37%
Note: Town of Georgetown votes were reported, but the number of total voters was not reported at the time of publication, so we could not calculate that percentage.
The unofficial results are shown below.
*Denotes unofficial winner
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Brittany Kinser Price County: 3,373
*Jill Underly Price County: 2,261
Adrianne Melby (registered write-in) Price County: 0
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
Brad Schimel Price County: 3,865
*Susan Crawford Price County: 2,459
COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE DISTRICT 3
*Lisa K. Stark Price County: 4,214
STATE REFERENDUM: PHOTO ID FOR VOTING
*Yes Price County: 4,568; Statewide: 638,555
No Price County: 1,554; Statewide: 534,612
CITY OF PHILLIPS
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 1
*Richard Heitkemper 153
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 2
*Mark Brzeskiewicz 120
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 3
*Bill Elliott 86
CITY OF PARK FALLS
MAYOR
*Tara Tervort 491
Joseph Oskvarek 256
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 1
*Daniel L. Greenwood 148
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 2
*Terry Wilson 131
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 3
*Dixie Weidman 131
ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 4
*Michael Mader 146
VILLAGE OF CATAWBA
PRESIDENT
*Cheryl Moore 42
TRUSTEE
*Richard Manula 45
TREASURER
*Arlene Birdeau 44
VILLAGE OF KENNAN
PRESIDENT
*Jill Arndt 46
TRUSTEE
*Bret Dunlap 46
TREASURER
*Shirley Arndt 49
VILLAGE OF PRENTICE
PRESIDENT
*Brad Swenson 237
TRUSTEE (3)
*Rebeca Schantner 161
Kevin R. Gullickson 88
*Doug Hagen 132
*Denae B. Walcisak 162
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TOWN OF CATAWBA
CHAIRPERSON
*Jeff Hoogland 118
SUPERVISOR 1
*Mark Smugala 107
SUPERVISOR 2
*Robert Strobl 111
CLERK
0
TREASURER
*Darenda Hlasny 110
TOWN OF EISENSTEIN
CHAIRPERSON
*Ken Broholm 217
SUPERVISOR (2)
*Larry Hinton 173
*Ryan G. Plessner 181
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TOWN OF HILL
CHAIRPERSON
*Ronald Wiitala 162
SUPERVISOR (2)
*John Underwood 123
*Jeffery A. Ulrich 151
FLAMBEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT (3)
*Zenny Mahun 14
*Laura Dutter-Nelson 6
*Craig Cahoon 13
FLAMBEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM
*Yes 14
No 13
PHILLIPS SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
*Justin P. Lindgren 1,337
Becky Denzine 1,228
SEAT 2
*Britt Bilgrien 1,671
Bryan W. Weisrock 807
SEAT 3
*Kayla Bushman 2,051
PRENTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
*Danielle Gruber 1,036
SEAT 2
*Eric Gladson 1,027
SEAT 3
*Jody Isaacson 1,034
PRENTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM
*Yes 762
No 567
RIB LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
*Amanda Treffinger 96
SEAT 2
*Rollie Thums 96
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The Highway 13 repaving project will be coming through Phillips in 2025. The project is slated to begin on June 9 and be completed by July 21. However, Director of Public Works Jim Heizler stated that the project could start in May as the state is working their way northward.
The project area is along Hwy. 13 from County Road D to County Road F. The next project area will commence after and continue to Fifield.
In 2019 and 2021, the city met with business owners to discuss the sidewalks that extend from Maple Street to Elm Street. The business owners were informed that the city was responsible for maintaining the curb and gutter, but, at that time, they were not going to replace it. The business owners were asked to replace their sidewalks and possibly add some other features, which would cost business owners thousands of dollars, some seeing estimates over $10,000. The business owners asked for it to be tabled until after Hwy. 13 was repaved to see if the state would do anything with the sidewalks and the curb and gutter.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, business owners met with the Common Council, Director of Public Works, the mayor, and the city clerk to discuss the plan for the downtown sidewalks.
Jim Heizler explained that the state will come in and grind up the road. Traffic will continue through town with single lane flagging taking place so there will be access to businesses. Most likely, people will need to park on side streets to get to businesses. A couple places will need to be dug up to work on water lines, which will consist of half a day's work. The storm inlets will be redone. One light pole by Maple Street will need to be removed. A storm inlet will be put in near Maple Street. The corners are getting slightly redesigned for improved handicap access. The curb step may be widened. The state will replace the curb and gutter.
Clerk Shelby Kosmer stated that, after reviewing the special assessments policy, the city learned that the business owners will be responsible for the first five feet out from the buildings, and then the city is responsible to pay for the rest of the sidewalks. This was confirmed at the meeting by Mayor Peterson. UPDATE 3-30-25: In follow-up e-mails after the meeting, My Price County asked for clarification. Shelby stated it was difficult, at the meeting, to state the area that owners have to pay for, because one building owner had previously inquired if it was five feet from the curb, which is not accurate, but she stated it is also not accurate when she and the mayor stated it is five feet from the building. If it was five feet from the building, there are about eleven buildings who have steps, bumped out entry ways, statues, decks, and ramps over part or almost all of the five feet from the building. Shelby stated that it should have been said at the meeting that the building owners will be charged the width of their property by a five-foot width of sidewalk and the city and state will be paying for the rest of the sidewalks.
(The article continues after the promotional message.)
ANTHONY SLECK, TOWN OF WORCESTER CHAIRMAN CANDIDATE: If elected chairman, Anthony said, "I pledge to uphold the will of the residents, ensuring their tax dollars are managed wisely and their concerns are addressed with integrity. My leadership style is grounded in common sense, accountability, and a long-term vision for Worcester's success, and I am ready to serve the residents." Learn more about Anthony at Voice of Worcester 2.0. You can also read his Q&A.
A number of questions were asked during the meeting.
A business owner questioned why the city isn't required to pay for the city sidewalks given the business owners pay taxes, and all people use it, not just the individual businesses.
One business owner asked if good squares needed to be replaced and how that would be enforced. Shelby stated that usually an entire project is done at one time for a project of this size. The city was not sure who paid for the sidewalks in 1996 when they were last redone. That project occurred during a reconstruction of Hwy. 13 rather than just a repaving.
Another business owner stated that a state project manager in 2021 stated that, since the corners are being redone by the state, some of the sidewalk tiles will likely get replaced by the state because they will not leave anything unsafe. The business owner asked, if the bid is to come in before the project has even started, how can the city ensure that business owners on the corners won't get charged in the estimate for work that ends up getting done by the state. Shelby said the bid will be an estimate and then it can be adjusted when the roadwork is completed.
Some business owners wondered why only business owners from Maple Street to Elm Street were being asked to redo their sidewalks when there are other businesses in the block to the north and south of that, which should be considered part of the downtown area. The city stated there was no particular reason and could consider adding those areas to the bid.
One building owner wondered why the sidewalks are such a priority given there are other things that should possibly take precedence in making the city more inviting. He asked what priority level the sidewalks had in the city's comprehensive plan, though no definite answer was given.
A motion was made by Richard Heitkemper to look for bids for the sidewalks, and the motion carried. The business owners will be able to give input throughout the process, including as bids are reviewed. Business owners expressed wanting to get the lowest bid and also being able to reject bids so that they are not overcharged.
The business owners expressed the desire to look for a grant, which was also talked about at the 2019 and 2021 meetings. The city agreed they will look further for grants.
Business owners will be able to decide if they want to pay in one lump sum or over the course of time. If paid over time, business owners will be required to pay the municipal loan rate plus 1% with the full terms yet to be decided.
If a decent bid is found and agreed to, the sidewalk project is slated to commence shortly after the repaving of Lake Avenue, possibly in August 2025.
JUSTIN LINDGREN, PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE: Justin Lindgren feels he is qualified to be a school board member because he has been a teacher and has completed coursework in school administration. He feels he has the insight on both sides to see what needs to be fixed. He is calling for change, transparency, and communication on the school board. "I have spent 12 years serving both the community and the school district, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue this." Learn more about Justin at Vote Lindgren. You can also read his Q&A.
Photo Credit: Submitted by Vilas County Sheriff's Office
Melissa Beson, a 37-year-old woman, was last seen in the late afternoon of Monday, March 17, 2025. At that time, she was seen walking on Indian Village Road, near Wayman Lane, in Lac du Flambeau. She was walking toward Highway 47. She was wearing a black sleeveless shirt, gray sweatshirt, and red sweatpants.
Concerned family members reported her missing on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Melissa is a 5'7" Native American with a medium build of about 170 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She has numerous tattoos, some of which can be seen on her neck, arms, and legs.
Melissa's family is very worried about her. They and the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department are asking the public to help locate her. Any information regarding Melissa or her possible whereabouts should be reported to the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 715-588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441.
UPDATED 4-1-2025:
According to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Tribal Police Department, "Since Melissa was reported missing by concerned family members on March 23rd, finding her has been the number one priority of the LDF Police Department. We have conducted extensive ground searches on foot, even in severe weather conditions. Our officers have even come in on their days off to search for her. The dedicated members of Newbold Search and Rescue have once again come to our aid and have assisted us by searching with their specially trained canines. The dogs have shown interest and appeared to pick up Melissa’s scent in the area of her last known sighting.
"The LDF Police Department has two high-quality drones, purchased with grant funds, and personnel have been trained in their use. Extensive searches have been conducted using the drones, which enabled us to observe the bed of the open water portion of the Bear River. Today we will be conducting a search using an underwater drone to delve under ice shelves.
"Although we are expending monumental efforts in searching the area in which Melissa was last seen, we are in no way ignoring the possibility that she may be elsewhere. Our officers are working non-stop, during every shift, to follow up on every lead and tip that we receive. We have combed through countless hours of surveillance footage, have interviewed dozens of people, and have reached out to law enforcement agencies in various areas of the State of Wisconsin, who have assisted us by contacting persons with possible information and even conducting searches of residences in their jurisdictions."
If you have information that may help in locating Melissa, contact the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 715-588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441.
The Vilas County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at 10:34 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The call came from St. Germain, Wisconsin. The caller informed dispatch that they located a 61-year-old woman, Kelly Johnson, who was likely deceased.
Deputies arrived at the scene in Cloverland, Wisconsin, and determined the woman died of unnatural causes.
Detectives from Vilas County, Oneida County, and the Department of Criminal Investigation (WI DOJ) were dispatched to the scene. Plus, assistance was obtained from the Department of Justice’s mobile Crime Response Team and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
In the early morning hours of March 22, 2025, the investigation identified James Johnson as a suspect. He is a 56-year-old St. Germain man. He was arrested for 1st Degree Intentional Homicide.
Updated 3-24-25:
The suspect appeared before Vilas County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Overbey on March 24. A $1,000,000.00 bond was set.
Many people remember Kaylee, the little girl who lost her life way too soon.
One person who remembers her every day, and is keeping her spirit alive, is her aunt, Dianna Schultz.
For the second year in a row, Dianna has organized a bake sale in memory of Kaylee. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from noon until 4 p.m. at The Lanes in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
The proceeds from the sale will be split three ways. The Kaylee Hamann Memorial Scholarship Fund, Catkins Animal Shelter, and The Ronald McDonald House will all be recipients. Dianna explained that Kaylee was an avid animal lover, which is why Catkins was chosen. She also stated that The Ronald McDonald House provided help to family during the family's time of need, and that is why it was selected.
Dianna shared, "I am asking for the public's help to make this another wonderful fundraiser just like last year! Pick any which way you'd like to help. You can help by donating baked goods or snacks labeled as to what they are and if they contain nuts. Please have items already portioned out and the helpers will price. Another way to help, if you don't like to bake, you may also donate items to be used on the Bucket Raffle and the proceeds from this will go to Kaylee's Scholarship Fund. Lastly, you can help by just making a purchase that day, or you can do all three; the choice is yours!"
Dianna stated there will also be a 50/50 cash raffle with proceeds going to Kaylee's Scholarship Fund.
"We do still have limited sizes of t-shirts & sweatshirts, keychains and koozies available for sale that day, as well. We hope to make this event as successful as the first and hope to see you all there," Dianna shared.
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.
Election day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Justin Lindgren is running for a position on the Phillips School Board. To help voters make an informed voting decision, Justin shared information about his candidacy. For additional information, visit and like/follow Vote Lindgren on Facebook.
What is your background?
I grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the son of Peter and Linda (nee Pilch) Lindgren; my mother being a 1970 graduate of Phillips High School. I spent summers in Phillips on my grandparents' farm and moved to the area permanently in 2011 when I began teaching in the Phillips School District. Prior to 2011, I attended school at Bethel College (now Bethel University), graduating in 2003 with a music education degree. Following college, I taught music classes for Independant School District 696 in Ely, Minnesota, before coming to Phillips. In 2016, I took a two-year sabbatical to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I was a teaching assistant within the music program and coached the tuba section of the marching band. I received a Master of Music from the university; my thesis project focusing on rural music education. I have also completed approximately eighty percent of an Educational Leadership program at University of Wisconsin-Superior, with a focus on administration. I am currently a music instructor for the Three Lakes School District, but I continue to reside in Phillips.
What prompted you to run for school board?
I chose to run for school board after listening to former students and colleagues tell me about their current experiences in the district. I began to hear the same remarks from parents and community members as well. It became obvious to me that the board was either unaware of situations within the district or simply did not care about what was happening. Either reasoning is inexcusable.
What is your definition of a quality school board member?
A quality school board member is one who serves the residents of the Phillips School District by ensuring a quality education for its students, a safe environment for all who enter its halls, and a responsible use of the resources provided to it by the community.
What makes you qualified to be a school board member?
I have worked in multiple school districts over the past twenty years. I have experience within the Phillips School District as well as outside its borders. I understand the current environment surrounding education at multiple levels, from educator effectiveness to budgetary matters, and even transportation. I am connected to the community, and, most importantly, I wish to see the students of the Phillips School District succeed well after they have left our classrooms. Successful alumni are a sign of a successful district.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the voting public?
I am very approachable and welcome dialogue and discussion with anyone. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to also post questions to the Vote Lindgren Facebook page, as that is currently the easiest way to reach me.
Below are recent videos by Justin Lindgren, discussing why he should be on the Phillips School Board, which can also be found on his Vote Lindgren Facebook page:
Shortly after 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Lincoln County Dispatch Center learned of a residential fire in the Town of Bradley.
It was reported that flames were seen outside the residence.
The Tomahawk, Nokomis, and Cassian Fire Departments responded to the house, which was fully engulfed in flames. Human remains were found inside the residence while the fire was still being extinguished.
State fire marshals, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
The identity of the victim is not being released at this time. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
UPDATED 3-25-25:
The person whose remains were found in the house are 36-year-old female, Sanskrita DellErba, who resided at the home. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, "An autopsy was conducted on March 21st, and the results are pending toxicology testing. The cause of the fire and the cause of death are still under investigation."
Lincoln County 911 Dispatch Center received a call at 6:06 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, regarding a missing person and welfare check in the Township of Corning.
A 48-year-old Merrill man had not shown up for work or been heard from.
Upon investigation, the man was found to be deceased.
A 25-year-old Merrill man was taken into custody in connection to the incident.
Police state there is no threat to the public, and the case is being actively investigated.
Election day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Anthony Sleck is running for chairman of the Town of Worcester. To help voters make an informed voting decision, Anthony shared information about his candidacy. For additional information, visit The Voice of Worcester 2.0.
What is your background?
My childhood years were spent growing up in the Town of Worcester. I graduated from PHS in the class of '75. Throughout my adult life, I have held a number of jobs that has given me knowledge and experience. I worked for Weyerhaeuser Company for 11 1/2 years, Koetter Woodworking 7 1/2 years, and Over The Road truck driver over 14 years. I possess a strong background in management, supervisory, training expertise, hands-on maintenance and machine operations, and policy creation.
What is your definition of a quality town chairman?
A leader who has a plan and the ability to run this township efficiently and effectively. One who can create a responsible budget and operate within the parameters and control unnecessary expenses. Someone capable of being able to listen (with intent to understand) the concerns and issues that the residents face and resolving them with integrity. And by making truth and transparency a top priority.
What makes you qualified to be the town chairman?
While employed at Weyerhaeuser, I was a machine operator, worked machine maintenance, training coordinator, and policy creator for the company. I have experience and knowledge needed to guide Worcester on a daily basis. Combined with my common sense approach and accountability for everyone, and a goal to promote consistant and fair treatment of everyone, and promote community involvement in the decision-making process for future township projects. And be 100% transparent and honest with everyone.
What prompted you to run for chairman of the Town of Worcester?
The poor communications from the town board members. The poor listening skills that the town board members constantly exhibit. And the lack of having community involvement.
What changes, if any, would you like to make in the Town of Worcester?
I would start by listening to the residents of the community. There is no such thing as a bad idea, and everyone should be given the right to express their opinions. The town board members work for the community that they represent. The community should be represented so as to benefit the whole community, not special interest groups. I would create policies and procedures that promote consistency and protect the workers and the public. Everyone will be held accountable for the decisions that they make and the actions that they take.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with the voting public?
I'm bidding for the position of Worcester Town Chairman to make a meaningful difference in the community, by promoting truth and transparency, because every resident has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used and to show that there are no secrets. Creating policies and procedures to promote consistency and fairness and doing the job correctly the first time. I will create a responsible budget and operate the township within those parameters, to cut unnecessary expenses while building a savings surplus for the future. Most of all, listening to the residents' concerns and issues and resolving them with integrity. My common sense approach will work together with the community to build a stronger more prosperous township for future generations to enjoy and raise their families here.
Thank you for your support.
Authorized and paid for by Anthony Sleck for Town of Worcester Chairman
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