On September 4, 2024, Price County United Limited (PCUL) held a meeting at the Phillips Public Library. PCUL advertised the meeting as a "presentation of where we are in the process and how YOU can get involved!! We are open for YOUR perspectives on the projects." Community involvement is a requirement of the EPA Cleanup Grant that was awarded to PCUL. At the meeting, Lynda "Lyn" Ludwig stated "we want to understand what the community's vision is" and discussed PCUL's plans for Phillips. She took questions from community members. According to two of the men in attendance, there were about ten people present at the meeting. My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin journalists attended via one username on Zoom and was the only participant in the Zoom meeting aside from PCUL. At the end of the meeting, Lyn Ludwig stated that My Price County video recorded the meeting; however, My Price County did not video record the meeting. PCUL recorded the meeting. For anyone who would like to watch the meeting, PCUL has a link on their website at this link. For those who do not want to watch the meeting, the following information is a summary.
Lyn Ludwig, president of PCUL asked and answered the question, "Why did we form a non-profit?" She said, "We were looking for solutions to our challenges. We're running businesses. We're trying to get kids on our hockey team. There's a lot of people around town that need a lot of help. Maybe there's not enough youth to be in the school system. We're having declining population. So, we were looking for some activity that would help change what our challenges are."
Challenges faced by Price County, according to PCUL
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
She stated that the local government was not giving solutions, and they were missing grants for which they could have applied. "I was asking why aren't you applying for these? And the reasons they were giving me was that they were understaffed, they had no funding, and it was not worth it."
Jim Brantner asked if the city collects taxes from PCUL since it is a non-profit. Lyn Ludwig stated that the current amount of back taxes owed by PCUL is $26,000 and the previous owner paid back taxes of $76,000. Jim stated, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but what one of the city councilmen told me is that the back taxes are paid by the county and then the county has to be reimbursed...on the back taxes." Lyn replied, "So the back taxes have been paid to their current state, so there are still back taxes on the property." However, she did not answer Jim's question about if there will be tax revenue in the future; she only commented on payment of back taxes.
Lyn also shared that the previous owner of Lionite is renting space from PCUL for the equipment that he owns and still has in the building. This equipment needs to be sold, according to Lyn. When asked what will happen if the equipment does not get taken out in the designated time frame, she answered, "We have things in our contracts to safeguard Price County United Limited and the community."
"We hope to have [the Lionite building] razed by September 2025," Lyn said. She stated it needs to be cleaned up to the standards of residential use.
She said there should be all different types of residential units at the Lionite site for all stages of life and to be able to diversify and possibly welcome seasonal workers. She asked the audience, "What type of people do you want to have in these locations?"
When asked what PCUL will do if they need more money to clean up the site, beyond the $1,677,894 that was awarded in May 2024 via an EPA Cleanup Grant, Lyn said, "That's why we hired a grant writer." She stated they will explore other options if that happens. EPA will not award another Cleanup Grant for that specific acreage. Blake Pluemer, vice president of PCUL, added, "There would be a few options. One would be to apply for more money. One would be to modify the current one. One would be to generate our own cash to make up the gap. One would be to change the land use....We may have to modify the land use. Get more money, get more grants. That's a bridge we're going to have to cross when we get there. And that's a risk we take."
PCUL will know about the $20 million grant they applied for by the end of December 2024.
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Many slides were shown, some of which are included in this article, and a small community discussion capped off the meeting.
People in the audience stated we need more jobs here, our graduating classes have dropped to about half in the last two decades, there are not enough families here, we need more industrial business, and the current industrial businesses are slow and not hiring.
One person asked if the smokestacks will be saved for historic purposes, and Lyn said they are open to community suggestions for what should be saved.
Lyn Ludwig said it would be nice to take the 10% of tourism we currently have and bump that up to 25%.
A woman in the audience said, "I want to see the town grow. I don't want to see it die."
At the very end of the meeting, Lyn addressed the Zoom audience, which was only My Price County, stating, "For everyone that's out there, we really want to hear your voice and your perspective, so join in, so you can contact us through our website."
Following the meeting, My Price County sent PCUL a number of questions, some of which were asked before that had not gotten answered and some of which were new questions. These questions were asked my members of My Price County and community members who submitted questions to My Price County to present to PCUL.
Over the last 3 1/2 months since the meeting, we have made many continued attempts to get the community's questions answered by the three board members of PCUL, adding new questions as they were submitted. In the past, Lyn Ludwig and Blake Pluemer would respond to our e-mails, even if our questions were not fully answered. When they did not reply this time, we reached out to Cheryl Moore, secretary/treasurer. She provided three different PCUL e-mail addresses. The first two failed, but the last one she provided worked. However, after she received the questions at her PCUL e-mail address, she no longer responded. We tried reaching out by other means, but all our contact efforts went unanswered.
From the information presented at the meeting, we were able to answer some of the questions. The rest of the questions remain unanswered. All the questions can be read below. If information was obtained by another means other than PCUL, My Price County included that information after the question giving credit to the source.
The questions that My Price County asked PCUL are in bold, below, and the partial answers follow.
What are the five other properties that the grant will cover? What is being proposed for those properties? Does PCUL already own the properties, or are those properties in negotiations?
According to Price County real estate records, the properties mentioned at the meeting, mentioned by the name of the former business that was in the building, were purchased as follows:
Freight House
285 North Avon Avenue, Phillips
Alan and Bobbie Haskins sold the property to Bold Bear LLC on 12-17-2021 for $80,000.
Lionite
115 Depot Road, Phillips
Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co LLC sold the property to Price County United Limited on 4-1-2024 for $2,000,000.
Express Mart
235 North Lake Avenue, Phillips
J&S Sales of Chippewa Falls LLC sold the property to Next Stage Designs2, LLC on 8-1-2024 for $220,000.
Belan Realty
265 North Lake Avenue, Phillips
Edward Belan sold the property to Next Stage Designs2 LLC on 10-1-2024 for $50,000.
Fred Mueller Ford
5 Parcels: 145, 155, 165, and 175 North Avon Avenue, and 165 Cherry Street, Phillips
American Eagle of Phillips, LLC sold the property to RNR LLC on 11-1-2024 for $320,000.
The mailing address where the tax bill goes, for all the above properties, is the home address of Lyn Ludwig.
Gowey Title
215 South Lake Avenue, Phillips
Property Preservation Inc, from Medford, WI, is the current owner (with the last deed recorded on 7-1-2019), so it does not look like this property has yet been sold to PCUL or its officers as PCUL was formed in 2022. However, PCUL has mentioned this is one of their properties, as can be seen on the map that was provided at the meeting.
What is being proposed for each of the properties highlighted in reddish coloring on your map?
At the meeting, Lyn shared the red [rust-colored] areas on the map and the former Lionite property proposed plans "so you can see what we can do to change Phillips," she said.
5 properties PCUL claims ownership of (marked in rust color) and former Lionite property proposed plans
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Former Belan Realty building is on the left in this proposed sketch showing what could replace the Belan Realty and Express Mart buildings
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Proposed changes to Lake Avenue, including a bike/pedestrian trail, parking, green spaces, and a bump-out
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Will the Elk Lake Park parking lot, that is now owned by PCUL, be turned over to the City of Phillips so the city has a full parking lot to go with the park?
At the July 2, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, the minutes state, "Ludwig also wanted to express that the parking lot in the Elk Lake Park is under parts of the grants and contractually they cannot make any sort of transfers since the full property is included in the grants."
However, according to information Lyn provided, in both the EPA grant application documents and at the meeting, the Lionite site has been segmented in the grants rather than being included as a full property so that the EPA cleanup grant would be given to the approximately 9-acre site where the buildings are and future grants can be applied for in segments for the rest of the 26-acres to try to obtain the most grants possible.
Some community members have stated there is not any pollution or contamination at Lionite because they state that was all taken care of by the previous companies. What kinds of contamination do you or the EPA think is at the Lionite site? Is there proof of any contamination thus far?
This was a question we posed that did not get answered in May 2024. However, information was given at the meeting. Lyn stated, "In general, EPA grants cannot be given, used to clean up contamination for which there is a financially responsible party," but the EPA did not find that Georgia Pacific was the responsible party for the contamination at the Lionite site; therefore, the EPA would allow the cleanup grant to be given to PCUL. PCUL received the cleanup grant in May 2024 and work was projected to start on October 1, 2024, (though My Price County has not received information if work has started or not). A cleanup project can take four years to complete but most projects get cleaned up in under two years. The Lionite property will need to be cleaned of asbestos containing materials within the buildings, have removal and appropriate management of "universal wastes," demolishment of the buildings, soil testing under the floor slabs for possible contamination (via other grant programs), and, if the soil is determined to be safe to leave exposed at the surface, then the floor slabs and foundations will be removed, crushed, and stockpiled on-site for future use as fill during development.
You stated that PCUL is paying back taxes on the former Lionite property. However, what amount of taxes will PCUL pay in the future once the back taxes are paid? Does a non-profit get a tax break? If so, how much?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
What happens to Lionite and the plan for Phillips if PCUL doesn't receive the next grant? A community member asked this during the meeting, but a clear answer didn't seem to be given. Please explain what will happen to each site, including the former Lionite, Fred Mueller Ford, Gowey Title, Belan Realty, and Express Mart properties?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
What happens to the other sites you said are in your name or other LLCs if you do not get the Community Change Grant? What are the names of the other LLCs?
At the meeting, Lyn stated she has created separate LLCs to purchase properties outside of PCUL. She did not list them by name, but My Price County discovered a list of LLCs through research. LLCs listing Lynda Ludwig as the registered agent include: 4Paws, LLC; Adventure Sports & Gear Ltd.; Bold Bear, LLC; Designs at Lakeshore LLC; Hive of Phillips LLC; Lakefront Landscapes LLC; Lakewood Property Management LLC; Nature's Harvest Ltd.; Next Stage Designs2 LLC; North Country Veterinary Clinic & 4Paws Pet Resort, Ltd.; North Country Veterinary Clinic, Ltd.; Paws4Dogs, LLC; Price County Fair Grounds United, Inc.; Price County United Limited; Reimagined Spaces LLC; Reimagined Spaces Ltd.; RNR LLC; Spotted Fawn, LLC; Sweet Spot Shop Ltd.; The Meadows of the North, LLC; The Meadows, LLC; Three Bears LLC. At least 14 properties in Price County are associated with the above-listed LLCs. Lynda Ludwig is listed as owning about 25 additional properties, four of which list the Marschke Family Legacy Trust as partial ownership.
At the meeting, Lyn mentioned the LLCs are interested in purchasing the corner green space next to the former Klink's Meat Market building. She added that PCUL and/or its members have obtained properties to get access from County Road D to Fred Smith Park to create trails. She said she approached the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Common Council to get a trail through the public cemetery on County Road H. The PCUL website recapped the November 12, 2024 city meeting regarding the trails stating, "HURRAH - City of Phillips APPROVED!!! PCUL requested the City of Phillips to explore and allow PCUL to place in grants, trails and "complete street concepts" for technical assistance and funding for portions that run on the City of Phillips property. The City of Phillips is one of many landowners that would make the trail network possible." According to Alderman Richard "Dick" Heitkemper, however, the trail through the cemetery has not been approved. "I actually went out and talked with citizens in Phillips so when she [Lyn] came in and talked about it, I was able to tell her that, not only did I get calls about it, but I went out and asked people about if we allowed a trail, what would your opinion be running it in or near the cemetery, and not one person thought it would be a good idea to put it through or on the lakeside of the cemetery. No one." He said the cemetery is sacred grounds where people are mourning and expecting a peaceful place for the memories of their loved ones. Dick said the council advised Lyn to look for a different route and suggested she consider using some of her land that runs along Hwy. H for the trail system, but Dick said they have not heard back from PCUL with revised plans as of yet.
Many people have expressed that if the former Lionite building is torn down, people will be able to see much more of the lake, and many people hope that the area will be used as an additional park or recreation area. Some would like to see retail or service businesses there which would bring value to the community. Will people be able to see the lake if housing is built there? How tall will the housing be? Will there still be room for something else other than housing? Your EPA application states, "The residential developments envisioned for the Property will consist of (4) 16-unit apartments aligned around a public park; (14) 4-unit village homes along a lakefront trail, and (12) small homes adjacent to public small craft docks along the Lake." Is PCUL planning to put 132 residential units on the former Lionite site?
According to the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," 132 residential units are planned. Additional information in the document states, "The largest private investment component of the project will be constructing the residential structures. Reuse plans include construction of (132) dwelling units. Assuming an average unit size of 1,200 square feet and a construction cost of between $175 and $215 per square foot, the reuse will leverage between $28,000,000 and $34,000,000 in private investment.
"Non-profit investment will focus on constructing shared amenities, including the accessible playground, indoor recreational facility, climbing walls, and event center (estimated cost between $5,000,000 and $7,000,000). Nonprofit investments will include shoreline/wetland restoration (estimated $500,000); greenspace enhancements (estimated $300,000); and construction of boat docks (estimated $100,000); and installation of a 3,000-linear foot bi-modal trail (estimated cost $194,000).
"PCUL has expended over $25,000 on consultants within the past one-year period for assistance in identifying resources that can be leveraged for these properties.
"Securing the grant and demolishing the building will be of tremendous importance in helping to position PCUL to successfully pursue other funding."
In the meeting, Lyn commented on the need for housing in Price County. She said, "In fact, City of Phillips has almost a quarter percent of their housing population is either abandoned or blighted." She continued, "We lack housing. Nick Trimner mentioned maybe a 1,000 houses that we're lacking in Price County itself." My Price County asked Price County Administrator Nick Trimner if Price County needs 1,000 houses and what the rationale was behind that number. Nick told us that he knows a 60-unit development in Park Falls was recently awarded a housing grant and that the state is working on the housing issue a lot. However, regarding his thoughts on housing in Price County, he said, "I don't recall ever saying we need 1,000 units in Price County. I'm not sure where she [Lyn Ludwig] is getting that from."
So much housing seems excessive when we need jobs here; without jobs, shopping, things to do, and better medical care, as expressed by community members at the meeting, people will not come here, so why does Phillips need so many housing units right now?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Are any of the properties going to be used for migrant housing?
No answer was received by PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Some community members feel the Lionite property should remain, and an industrial business should be found, so the space can once again employ people. If the building is removed, is it true that an industrial business will never be able to build there again? Is there any option with PCUL to look for a business to go into the current Lionite building to create more jobs?
In the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," the document mentions the benefits of deindustrializing the site, which are "recreational opportunities such as an accessible/universal playground and ecological benefits. Additionally, the element of affordable housing for residents, a small commercial development (such as a lakefront restaurant) would stimulate the downtown economy." The document also mentions the option to relocate the equipment for a new woods products business. However, in the meeting, Lyn mentioned looking for buyers of the equipment, so relocating a currently closed wood products business is likely not an option. The document further mentions the possibility of a network monitoring center that could be created by a confidential private investor.
Lyn stated, in the meeting, that many people think you are in this for the money, and you would like that corrected in the community. To correct the rumors, please tell us why you want to make these changes in Phillips. Also, are any of the board members receiving any money from PCUL at this time? If so, how much and for what reasons? If and when these projects take place, especially if all the housing gets built, where will the income go? What is the projected amount of money the board members will make at that time? Please let us know anything you can about the money that may be generated now and in the future with these projects, using the My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin platform as an opportunity to get accurate information to a large amount of the community and beyond, as our news platform reaches over 13,000 households, and we realize your grant involves community input and questions being answered by PCUL so the community can be informed.
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
When did the City of Phillips first become involved with the Connect Communities Program? When did the city first become involved with PCUL?
According to the April 1, 2024 Phillips Planning Commission meeting minutes, "Ludwig corrected a date for the transfer date of Lionite from November 11th to November 10th, Ludwig also requested that we alter the paragraph being added about Connect Communities program and express that the City was a part of Connect Communities in 2021- July 2023."
The Wisconsin Economic Development website explains that "Connect Communities provides access to resources and training to help downtown organizations pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts to leverage the unique assets of their downtowns and commercial districts."
Mayor Charles "Chuck" Peterson further explained that "Connect Communities is a way for the city and PCUL to get grants for federal and state funds." He said the city became involved with PCUL once PCUL acquired the Lionite property and other properties within the city. Those events triggered the involvement of the planning commission. He stated, "We added PCUL to the comprehensive plan to have their plans for development with properties for future plans within the city." The mayor feels we need housing but also feels "we need to still look for industry to come to Phillips to create jobs for future generations to come."
In the meeting, you stated the previous owner of the building still owns the equipment inside and that he is renting the space per an agreement PCUL has with him. How long does the contract allow him to have the equipment there? If he does not get the equipment out on time, how will that affect PCUL's plans? What date will the building start being torn down? How can you guarantee that date if the current owner still has large equipment inside and no buyers for the equipment?
Other than the small amount that was addressed in the meeting about the equipment, and reported at the beginning of this article, no answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Where is the money coming from to buy the individual properties that PCUL and the other LLCs are buying? One community member asked if those purchases are being made from the cleanup grant. Please let us know if the money for purchases of properties is coming from the cleanup grant.
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
When will changes start taking place if PCUL receives the grants?
In the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," PCUL stated the projected "bidding and contracting for the demolition work will be completed during 1/1/2025 to 4/1/2025. Work will begin as
soon as abatement activities are completed (anticipated to be by 5/1/2025). The initial phase of demolition is anticipated to take 14 weeks, and to be completed by 8/10/2025. Removal of the floor slabs and crushing on-site will occur after the completion of Task 4 below but is anticipated to be completed by 9/15/2025."
When was the Lionite property purchased by PCUL? The tax records show the transfer took place on April 1, 2024. However, at the April 1, 2024 meeting, Lyn Ludwig asked the planning commission to correct the date of ownership of Lionite from November 11, 2023 to November 10, 2023. Why did you want the planning commission to show it was purchased on November 10, 2023 if the tax record shows it was purchased on April 1, 2024? When was this property purchased?
While PCUL did not answer this question, the EPA states, "Applicants must have sole ownership of the site at the time of application submission. For purposes of grant eligibility and the guidelines only, ownership is fee simple title as evidenced by a recorded deed; unless EPA approves a different ownership arrangement. EPA will find applicants ineligible if they do not meet the ownership requirement by the application submission deadline." The EPA website states the application submission deadline was November 13, 2023 for grants that would be awarded in 2024.
On PCUL's "Application by Price County United Limited for an FY2024 USEPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the Former Lionite Mill Property, Phillips, Wisconsin," site ownership was listed as "PCUL is the sole owner of the Site. PCUL acquired the property that contains the Site on November 13, 2023, and if awarded a Cleanup Grant, will retain ownership of the Site for the duration of time in which Brownfields Cleanup Grant funds are disbursed for the cleanup of the Site."
Mayor Peterson told My Price County, "The date was a typo that PCUL wanted corrected in the comprehensive plan. The 11th is the date that the bid was accepted. Paperwork was filed in April [2024]." My Price County's research shows that the date that is recorded for transfer of ownership with the Register of Deeds is April 1, 2024 rather than any of the dates mentioned in November 2023.
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Along with the questions My Price County/My Northern Wisconsin presented to PCUL, My Price County interviewed two men who were at the meeting. They gave their opinions of the ideas presented at the meeting and the overall project.
At the meeting, Greg Teeters asked Lyn why she was interested in this project. Greg later told My Price County that he felt the meeting was very informative. "Lyn was very much interested in explaining what was happening and why she is doing this. Unfortunately, too many people complain about lack of transparency but don’t show up when given an opportunity to listen and ask questions directly to Lyn. She answered many questions fully."
Jim Brantner is someone who showed up and asked a few questions at the meeting. This was the only sit-down PCUL meeting he attended, but he also participated in the first "walk and talk" event in April 2024, along with about 35 to 40 other people. After the meeting, Jim talked with My Price County about his opinion of PCUL's proposed ideas, their level of transparency, his view of Phillips' demographic, and what he feels is needed in Phillips.
As for the PCUL project, Jim said, "There's not a lot of transparency in this whole thing so that brings up a lot of questions to a lot of people....PCUL is real vague on their answers. They don't really give you a very solid answer. There were a few questions she [Lyn] answered at the last meeting, but when it comes to definite plans, everything seems to be up in the air....When you don't have transparency, people start to wonder what's going on, and I think that is where a lot of people are at with this project right now."
He feels the cart is being put before the horse and thinks the Lionite plant should be cleaned up first and then have businesspeople come in and see what can work with the customer base that is currently in Phillips and can be brought to Phillips. "I slowly see Phillips turning into a retirement town. I don't look at Phillips as a tourist town," Jim said. "I look at it as an outdoorsman town." He said that people go to Minocqua to stay for at least a week and spend money at bars, shops, and restaurants while they enjoy the entertainment that Minocqua offers. He feels people come to Phillips to go to their cabins to hunt and fish. They may stop at the grocery or liquor store to get what they need, but, for the most part, they stay close to their cabin and don't spend money like typical tourists spend.
Jim noted it takes a certain type of person to want to live in the area, because a lot of people who enjoy outdoor activities, especially men, will like the area, but plenty of people who live in the city, especially women, are used to all the activities and shopping of city life and won't take to the small town atmosphere. "If you're not already from a small town, it's hard to move into one," he said. In fact, he knew of a man who wanted to move here to take a job at one of the local industrial businesses, but when his wife came to see the town, she said she would not live in such a small town where there was nothing to do, so the man did not take the job. Jim also noted we need more and better healthcare to attract families.
He wonders where the money is coming from to buy all these properties that Lyn Ludwig's various non-profits are purchasing in the area. He also mentioned she is asking for donations, and someone at the meeting mentioned to Jim that he wonders what the donations will be used for.
"132 apartments in Phillips?," he questioned. "There are no good jobs here right now, so one guy asked if migrants are going to come in here," Jim shared, but that question has yet to be answered. He explained that when these questions don't get answered, no one knows what is fact and what is rumor.
Jim also questioned the number of homes that PCUL states are empty. "I'm not sure where she gets her numbers for empty houses, but I worked the Census in 2020 in Phillips....A lot of these places she talks about that are around here are not even close to 100 empty houses, so I don't know where she gets that number, but the places that nobody is in are either dilapidated or they are owned by people from out of town who don't rent them out."
Jim explained that when he asked, at the meeting, if the non-profit will pay property taxes in the future, "the point I was trying to make is, if the whole thing is going to be non-profit, then we lose all that tax base in the City of Phillips. That means they are going to have to raise taxes in the city to make up for that. I wonder if people are okay with that."
Jim also wonders what kind of contract or agreement was made with the former owners to get the equipment out of the building. He noted that the time element and cost will both be great, so he wonders if there is a time limit for the removal of the equipment so demolition can start.
"I feel the transparency is just terrible. They can tell you to go to the website all they want, but there is nothing on it," he said, in regard to answering the community's questions.
Jim also feels the job market needs to improve. "You can get a job at one of the local businesses like a grocery store or a convenience store, but a lot of the industrial businesses are slow." About three or four years ago he said the industrial businesses would be working seven days per week with multiple shifts, but now most are only working business days and/or one shift. The shops, bars, and restaurants all close earlier, as well. "Sometimes there's one bar open after 7 o'clock but nobody is there." He noted these conditions are not favorable to attracting younger people to the area, and Phillips' demographic is changing.
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During our interview with Nick Trimner, My Price County also asked Nick what he feels is needed in the area to get it growing and keep it alive. He replied, choosing to focus on the positive attributes of the area, "I'm not sure what you mean to keep the area 'alive.' I think Price County has lots to offer those who live here and play here. We have beautiful parks, lots of public lands, great schools, and amazing people."
Dick Heitkemper said he feels we need more housing, but he is not sure the number that is needed. When asked what could improve Phillips, he mentioned a few things. He would like to see people getting more involved with volunteering, such as with the fire and ambulance services, because the current volunteers are aging out and we are in dire need of volunteers. He also felt the area could benefit from another grocery store, a clothing store for women and men, a full-service car dealership, the medical clinics to go back to being open five days per week, an additional restaurant with expanded hours of operation, and more handyman services. "There are a lot of opportunities and a lot of money to be made. Not that they have to charge an astronomical price, but there's enough work for people to learn how to do businesses and get them up and running," Dick said, stating the demand for these services far outweighs the supply of handymen in our area at this time. He added that "the strong survive in business."
One thing Dick doesn't like to see are vacant properties. "I know there's people out there that have an idea that they would like to do something storefront-wise and to occupy some of the vacant storefronts downtown....I would like to see Price County United, who is buying up these properties, but they're sitting vacant, [do something with the properties]. The Freight House, she's controlling Belan Realty, the Ford dealership: Why are these sitting vacant? To be owned by a non-profit, what are we going to see for taxes?" He mentioned that Express Mart had plans to rebuild, which were presented to the council, but that rebuilding did not take place because the property got bought by one of Lyn Ludwig's LLCs.
As for PCUL, recent developments, according to their website and the meeting minutes of the city, have included getting approvals from the city and writing for more grants.
At the October 8, 2024 Common Council meeting, Price County United Limited was allowed to pursue an EPA Technical Assistance Program on their properties, including the Phillips Lionite location, Well 4 & 5 property, 680 County Road H and 720 County Road H, for purposes of development.
In October 2024, PCUL announced it has applied for a Vibrant Places Grant.
At the November 12, 2024 Common Council meeting, Lyn and PCUL requested "pursuing having a silent sports trail system or 'complete street concept' across city properties, specifically including a trail through the city cemetery [located on Hwy. H]."
Proposed biking trail network
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
PCUL also requested that the city provide letters of support for the Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Pre-disaster Flood Resiliency Grant that PCUL planned to submit in November 2024.
The PCUL grant application referenced in this article can be found by clicking the following link.
PCUL Grant, r05-24-c-015.pdf (Size: 835.79 KB / Downloads: 50)
If PCUL provides answers to My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin's questions, we will update this article.
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Previous articles related to this story include:
NEW OWNERSHIP OF LIONITE BUILDING; CLEAN-UP CONTINUES - UPDATED 4/3/2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT POSSIBLE CHANGES IN PHILLIPS
PRICE COUNTY UNITED LIMITED RECEIVES OVER $1.6 MILLION AS A BROWNFIELD GRANT
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(This post was last modified: 12-27-2024, 05:16 PM by My Northern Wisconsin.)
Lyn Ludwig, president of PCUL asked and answered the question, "Why did we form a non-profit?" She said, "We were looking for solutions to our challenges. We're running businesses. We're trying to get kids on our hockey team. There's a lot of people around town that need a lot of help. Maybe there's not enough youth to be in the school system. We're having declining population. So, we were looking for some activity that would help change what our challenges are."
Challenges faced by Price County, according to PCUL
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
She stated that the local government was not giving solutions, and they were missing grants for which they could have applied. "I was asking why aren't you applying for these? And the reasons they were giving me was that they were understaffed, they had no funding, and it was not worth it."
Jim Brantner asked if the city collects taxes from PCUL since it is a non-profit. Lyn Ludwig stated that the current amount of back taxes owed by PCUL is $26,000 and the previous owner paid back taxes of $76,000. Jim stated, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but what one of the city councilmen told me is that the back taxes are paid by the county and then the county has to be reimbursed...on the back taxes." Lyn replied, "So the back taxes have been paid to their current state, so there are still back taxes on the property." However, she did not answer Jim's question about if there will be tax revenue in the future; she only commented on payment of back taxes.
Lyn also shared that the previous owner of Lionite is renting space from PCUL for the equipment that he owns and still has in the building. This equipment needs to be sold, according to Lyn. When asked what will happen if the equipment does not get taken out in the designated time frame, she answered, "We have things in our contracts to safeguard Price County United Limited and the community."
"We hope to have [the Lionite building] razed by September 2025," Lyn said. She stated it needs to be cleaned up to the standards of residential use.
She said there should be all different types of residential units at the Lionite site for all stages of life and to be able to diversify and possibly welcome seasonal workers. She asked the audience, "What type of people do you want to have in these locations?"
When asked what PCUL will do if they need more money to clean up the site, beyond the $1,677,894 that was awarded in May 2024 via an EPA Cleanup Grant, Lyn said, "That's why we hired a grant writer." She stated they will explore other options if that happens. EPA will not award another Cleanup Grant for that specific acreage. Blake Pluemer, vice president of PCUL, added, "There would be a few options. One would be to apply for more money. One would be to modify the current one. One would be to generate our own cash to make up the gap. One would be to change the land use....We may have to modify the land use. Get more money, get more grants. That's a bridge we're going to have to cross when we get there. And that's a risk we take."
PCUL will know about the $20 million grant they applied for by the end of December 2024.
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Many slides were shown, some of which are included in this article, and a small community discussion capped off the meeting.
People in the audience stated we need more jobs here, our graduating classes have dropped to about half in the last two decades, there are not enough families here, we need more industrial business, and the current industrial businesses are slow and not hiring.
One person asked if the smokestacks will be saved for historic purposes, and Lyn said they are open to community suggestions for what should be saved.
Lyn Ludwig said it would be nice to take the 10% of tourism we currently have and bump that up to 25%.
A woman in the audience said, "I want to see the town grow. I don't want to see it die."
At the very end of the meeting, Lyn addressed the Zoom audience, which was only My Price County, stating, "For everyone that's out there, we really want to hear your voice and your perspective, so join in, so you can contact us through our website."
Following the meeting, My Price County sent PCUL a number of questions, some of which were asked before that had not gotten answered and some of which were new questions. These questions were asked my members of My Price County and community members who submitted questions to My Price County to present to PCUL.
Over the last 3 1/2 months since the meeting, we have made many continued attempts to get the community's questions answered by the three board members of PCUL, adding new questions as they were submitted. In the past, Lyn Ludwig and Blake Pluemer would respond to our e-mails, even if our questions were not fully answered. When they did not reply this time, we reached out to Cheryl Moore, secretary/treasurer. She provided three different PCUL e-mail addresses. The first two failed, but the last one she provided worked. However, after she received the questions at her PCUL e-mail address, she no longer responded. We tried reaching out by other means, but all our contact efforts went unanswered.
From the information presented at the meeting, we were able to answer some of the questions. The rest of the questions remain unanswered. All the questions can be read below. If information was obtained by another means other than PCUL, My Price County included that information after the question giving credit to the source.
The questions that My Price County asked PCUL are in bold, below, and the partial answers follow.
What are the five other properties that the grant will cover? What is being proposed for those properties? Does PCUL already own the properties, or are those properties in negotiations?
According to Price County real estate records, the properties mentioned at the meeting, mentioned by the name of the former business that was in the building, were purchased as follows:
Freight House
285 North Avon Avenue, Phillips
Alan and Bobbie Haskins sold the property to Bold Bear LLC on 12-17-2021 for $80,000.
Lionite
115 Depot Road, Phillips
Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co LLC sold the property to Price County United Limited on 4-1-2024 for $2,000,000.
Express Mart
235 North Lake Avenue, Phillips
J&S Sales of Chippewa Falls LLC sold the property to Next Stage Designs2, LLC on 8-1-2024 for $220,000.
Belan Realty
265 North Lake Avenue, Phillips
Edward Belan sold the property to Next Stage Designs2 LLC on 10-1-2024 for $50,000.
Fred Mueller Ford
5 Parcels: 145, 155, 165, and 175 North Avon Avenue, and 165 Cherry Street, Phillips
American Eagle of Phillips, LLC sold the property to RNR LLC on 11-1-2024 for $320,000.
The mailing address where the tax bill goes, for all the above properties, is the home address of Lyn Ludwig.
Gowey Title
215 South Lake Avenue, Phillips
Property Preservation Inc, from Medford, WI, is the current owner (with the last deed recorded on 7-1-2019), so it does not look like this property has yet been sold to PCUL or its officers as PCUL was formed in 2022. However, PCUL has mentioned this is one of their properties, as can be seen on the map that was provided at the meeting.
What is being proposed for each of the properties highlighted in reddish coloring on your map?
At the meeting, Lyn shared the red [rust-colored] areas on the map and the former Lionite property proposed plans "so you can see what we can do to change Phillips," she said.
5 properties PCUL claims ownership of (marked in rust color) and former Lionite property proposed plans
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Former Belan Realty building is on the left in this proposed sketch showing what could replace the Belan Realty and Express Mart buildings
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Proposed changes to Lake Avenue, including a bike/pedestrian trail, parking, green spaces, and a bump-out
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
Will the Elk Lake Park parking lot, that is now owned by PCUL, be turned over to the City of Phillips so the city has a full parking lot to go with the park?
At the July 2, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, the minutes state, "Ludwig also wanted to express that the parking lot in the Elk Lake Park is under parts of the grants and contractually they cannot make any sort of transfers since the full property is included in the grants."
However, according to information Lyn provided, in both the EPA grant application documents and at the meeting, the Lionite site has been segmented in the grants rather than being included as a full property so that the EPA cleanup grant would be given to the approximately 9-acre site where the buildings are and future grants can be applied for in segments for the rest of the 26-acres to try to obtain the most grants possible.
Some community members have stated there is not any pollution or contamination at Lionite because they state that was all taken care of by the previous companies. What kinds of contamination do you or the EPA think is at the Lionite site? Is there proof of any contamination thus far?
This was a question we posed that did not get answered in May 2024. However, information was given at the meeting. Lyn stated, "In general, EPA grants cannot be given, used to clean up contamination for which there is a financially responsible party," but the EPA did not find that Georgia Pacific was the responsible party for the contamination at the Lionite site; therefore, the EPA would allow the cleanup grant to be given to PCUL. PCUL received the cleanup grant in May 2024 and work was projected to start on October 1, 2024, (though My Price County has not received information if work has started or not). A cleanup project can take four years to complete but most projects get cleaned up in under two years. The Lionite property will need to be cleaned of asbestos containing materials within the buildings, have removal and appropriate management of "universal wastes," demolishment of the buildings, soil testing under the floor slabs for possible contamination (via other grant programs), and, if the soil is determined to be safe to leave exposed at the surface, then the floor slabs and foundations will be removed, crushed, and stockpiled on-site for future use as fill during development.
You stated that PCUL is paying back taxes on the former Lionite property. However, what amount of taxes will PCUL pay in the future once the back taxes are paid? Does a non-profit get a tax break? If so, how much?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
What happens to Lionite and the plan for Phillips if PCUL doesn't receive the next grant? A community member asked this during the meeting, but a clear answer didn't seem to be given. Please explain what will happen to each site, including the former Lionite, Fred Mueller Ford, Gowey Title, Belan Realty, and Express Mart properties?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
What happens to the other sites you said are in your name or other LLCs if you do not get the Community Change Grant? What are the names of the other LLCs?
At the meeting, Lyn stated she has created separate LLCs to purchase properties outside of PCUL. She did not list them by name, but My Price County discovered a list of LLCs through research. LLCs listing Lynda Ludwig as the registered agent include: 4Paws, LLC; Adventure Sports & Gear Ltd.; Bold Bear, LLC; Designs at Lakeshore LLC; Hive of Phillips LLC; Lakefront Landscapes LLC; Lakewood Property Management LLC; Nature's Harvest Ltd.; Next Stage Designs2 LLC; North Country Veterinary Clinic & 4Paws Pet Resort, Ltd.; North Country Veterinary Clinic, Ltd.; Paws4Dogs, LLC; Price County Fair Grounds United, Inc.; Price County United Limited; Reimagined Spaces LLC; Reimagined Spaces Ltd.; RNR LLC; Spotted Fawn, LLC; Sweet Spot Shop Ltd.; The Meadows of the North, LLC; The Meadows, LLC; Three Bears LLC. At least 14 properties in Price County are associated with the above-listed LLCs. Lynda Ludwig is listed as owning about 25 additional properties, four of which list the Marschke Family Legacy Trust as partial ownership.
At the meeting, Lyn mentioned the LLCs are interested in purchasing the corner green space next to the former Klink's Meat Market building. She added that PCUL and/or its members have obtained properties to get access from County Road D to Fred Smith Park to create trails. She said she approached the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Common Council to get a trail through the public cemetery on County Road H. The PCUL website recapped the November 12, 2024 city meeting regarding the trails stating, "HURRAH - City of Phillips APPROVED!!! PCUL requested the City of Phillips to explore and allow PCUL to place in grants, trails and "complete street concepts" for technical assistance and funding for portions that run on the City of Phillips property. The City of Phillips is one of many landowners that would make the trail network possible." According to Alderman Richard "Dick" Heitkemper, however, the trail through the cemetery has not been approved. "I actually went out and talked with citizens in Phillips so when she [Lyn] came in and talked about it, I was able to tell her that, not only did I get calls about it, but I went out and asked people about if we allowed a trail, what would your opinion be running it in or near the cemetery, and not one person thought it would be a good idea to put it through or on the lakeside of the cemetery. No one." He said the cemetery is sacred grounds where people are mourning and expecting a peaceful place for the memories of their loved ones. Dick said the council advised Lyn to look for a different route and suggested she consider using some of her land that runs along Hwy. H for the trail system, but Dick said they have not heard back from PCUL with revised plans as of yet.
Many people have expressed that if the former Lionite building is torn down, people will be able to see much more of the lake, and many people hope that the area will be used as an additional park or recreation area. Some would like to see retail or service businesses there which would bring value to the community. Will people be able to see the lake if housing is built there? How tall will the housing be? Will there still be room for something else other than housing? Your EPA application states, "The residential developments envisioned for the Property will consist of (4) 16-unit apartments aligned around a public park; (14) 4-unit village homes along a lakefront trail, and (12) small homes adjacent to public small craft docks along the Lake." Is PCUL planning to put 132 residential units on the former Lionite site?
According to the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," 132 residential units are planned. Additional information in the document states, "The largest private investment component of the project will be constructing the residential structures. Reuse plans include construction of (132) dwelling units. Assuming an average unit size of 1,200 square feet and a construction cost of between $175 and $215 per square foot, the reuse will leverage between $28,000,000 and $34,000,000 in private investment.
"Non-profit investment will focus on constructing shared amenities, including the accessible playground, indoor recreational facility, climbing walls, and event center (estimated cost between $5,000,000 and $7,000,000). Nonprofit investments will include shoreline/wetland restoration (estimated $500,000); greenspace enhancements (estimated $300,000); and construction of boat docks (estimated $100,000); and installation of a 3,000-linear foot bi-modal trail (estimated cost $194,000).
"PCUL has expended over $25,000 on consultants within the past one-year period for assistance in identifying resources that can be leveraged for these properties.
"Securing the grant and demolishing the building will be of tremendous importance in helping to position PCUL to successfully pursue other funding."
In the meeting, Lyn commented on the need for housing in Price County. She said, "In fact, City of Phillips has almost a quarter percent of their housing population is either abandoned or blighted." She continued, "We lack housing. Nick Trimner mentioned maybe a 1,000 houses that we're lacking in Price County itself." My Price County asked Price County Administrator Nick Trimner if Price County needs 1,000 houses and what the rationale was behind that number. Nick told us that he knows a 60-unit development in Park Falls was recently awarded a housing grant and that the state is working on the housing issue a lot. However, regarding his thoughts on housing in Price County, he said, "I don't recall ever saying we need 1,000 units in Price County. I'm not sure where she [Lyn Ludwig] is getting that from."
So much housing seems excessive when we need jobs here; without jobs, shopping, things to do, and better medical care, as expressed by community members at the meeting, people will not come here, so why does Phillips need so many housing units right now?
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Are any of the properties going to be used for migrant housing?
No answer was received by PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Some community members feel the Lionite property should remain, and an industrial business should be found, so the space can once again employ people. If the building is removed, is it true that an industrial business will never be able to build there again? Is there any option with PCUL to look for a business to go into the current Lionite building to create more jobs?
In the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," the document mentions the benefits of deindustrializing the site, which are "recreational opportunities such as an accessible/universal playground and ecological benefits. Additionally, the element of affordable housing for residents, a small commercial development (such as a lakefront restaurant) would stimulate the downtown economy." The document also mentions the option to relocate the equipment for a new woods products business. However, in the meeting, Lyn mentioned looking for buyers of the equipment, so relocating a currently closed wood products business is likely not an option. The document further mentions the possibility of a network monitoring center that could be created by a confidential private investor.
Lyn stated, in the meeting, that many people think you are in this for the money, and you would like that corrected in the community. To correct the rumors, please tell us why you want to make these changes in Phillips. Also, are any of the board members receiving any money from PCUL at this time? If so, how much and for what reasons? If and when these projects take place, especially if all the housing gets built, where will the income go? What is the projected amount of money the board members will make at that time? Please let us know anything you can about the money that may be generated now and in the future with these projects, using the My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin platform as an opportunity to get accurate information to a large amount of the community and beyond, as our news platform reaches over 13,000 households, and we realize your grant involves community input and questions being answered by PCUL so the community can be informed.
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
When did the City of Phillips first become involved with the Connect Communities Program? When did the city first become involved with PCUL?
According to the April 1, 2024 Phillips Planning Commission meeting minutes, "Ludwig corrected a date for the transfer date of Lionite from November 11th to November 10th, Ludwig also requested that we alter the paragraph being added about Connect Communities program and express that the City was a part of Connect Communities in 2021- July 2023."
The Wisconsin Economic Development website explains that "Connect Communities provides access to resources and training to help downtown organizations pursue revitalization and redevelopment efforts to leverage the unique assets of their downtowns and commercial districts."
Mayor Charles "Chuck" Peterson further explained that "Connect Communities is a way for the city and PCUL to get grants for federal and state funds." He said the city became involved with PCUL once PCUL acquired the Lionite property and other properties within the city. Those events triggered the involvement of the planning commission. He stated, "We added PCUL to the comprehensive plan to have their plans for development with properties for future plans within the city." The mayor feels we need housing but also feels "we need to still look for industry to come to Phillips to create jobs for future generations to come."
In the meeting, you stated the previous owner of the building still owns the equipment inside and that he is renting the space per an agreement PCUL has with him. How long does the contract allow him to have the equipment there? If he does not get the equipment out on time, how will that affect PCUL's plans? What date will the building start being torn down? How can you guarantee that date if the current owner still has large equipment inside and no buyers for the equipment?
Other than the small amount that was addressed in the meeting about the equipment, and reported at the beginning of this article, no answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
Where is the money coming from to buy the individual properties that PCUL and the other LLCs are buying? One community member asked if those purchases are being made from the cleanup grant. Please let us know if the money for purchases of properties is coming from the cleanup grant.
No answer was received from PCUL's board members or discovered by My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin.
When will changes start taking place if PCUL receives the grants?
In the "Narrative Information Sheet – FY2024 USEPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application, Former Lionite Mill Property, 115 Depot Road, Phillips, Wisconsin," PCUL stated the projected "bidding and contracting for the demolition work will be completed during 1/1/2025 to 4/1/2025. Work will begin as
soon as abatement activities are completed (anticipated to be by 5/1/2025). The initial phase of demolition is anticipated to take 14 weeks, and to be completed by 8/10/2025. Removal of the floor slabs and crushing on-site will occur after the completion of Task 4 below but is anticipated to be completed by 9/15/2025."
When was the Lionite property purchased by PCUL? The tax records show the transfer took place on April 1, 2024. However, at the April 1, 2024 meeting, Lyn Ludwig asked the planning commission to correct the date of ownership of Lionite from November 11, 2023 to November 10, 2023. Why did you want the planning commission to show it was purchased on November 10, 2023 if the tax record shows it was purchased on April 1, 2024? When was this property purchased?
While PCUL did not answer this question, the EPA states, "Applicants must have sole ownership of the site at the time of application submission. For purposes of grant eligibility and the guidelines only, ownership is fee simple title as evidenced by a recorded deed; unless EPA approves a different ownership arrangement. EPA will find applicants ineligible if they do not meet the ownership requirement by the application submission deadline." The EPA website states the application submission deadline was November 13, 2023 for grants that would be awarded in 2024.
On PCUL's "Application by Price County United Limited for an FY2024 USEPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the Former Lionite Mill Property, Phillips, Wisconsin," site ownership was listed as "PCUL is the sole owner of the Site. PCUL acquired the property that contains the Site on November 13, 2023, and if awarded a Cleanup Grant, will retain ownership of the Site for the duration of time in which Brownfields Cleanup Grant funds are disbursed for the cleanup of the Site."
Mayor Peterson told My Price County, "The date was a typo that PCUL wanted corrected in the comprehensive plan. The 11th is the date that the bid was accepted. Paperwork was filed in April [2024]." My Price County's research shows that the date that is recorded for transfer of ownership with the Register of Deeds is April 1, 2024 rather than any of the dates mentioned in November 2023.
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Along with the questions My Price County/My Northern Wisconsin presented to PCUL, My Price County interviewed two men who were at the meeting. They gave their opinions of the ideas presented at the meeting and the overall project.
At the meeting, Greg Teeters asked Lyn why she was interested in this project. Greg later told My Price County that he felt the meeting was very informative. "Lyn was very much interested in explaining what was happening and why she is doing this. Unfortunately, too many people complain about lack of transparency but don’t show up when given an opportunity to listen and ask questions directly to Lyn. She answered many questions fully."
Jim Brantner is someone who showed up and asked a few questions at the meeting. This was the only sit-down PCUL meeting he attended, but he also participated in the first "walk and talk" event in April 2024, along with about 35 to 40 other people. After the meeting, Jim talked with My Price County about his opinion of PCUL's proposed ideas, their level of transparency, his view of Phillips' demographic, and what he feels is needed in Phillips.
As for the PCUL project, Jim said, "There's not a lot of transparency in this whole thing so that brings up a lot of questions to a lot of people....PCUL is real vague on their answers. They don't really give you a very solid answer. There were a few questions she [Lyn] answered at the last meeting, but when it comes to definite plans, everything seems to be up in the air....When you don't have transparency, people start to wonder what's going on, and I think that is where a lot of people are at with this project right now."
He feels the cart is being put before the horse and thinks the Lionite plant should be cleaned up first and then have businesspeople come in and see what can work with the customer base that is currently in Phillips and can be brought to Phillips. "I slowly see Phillips turning into a retirement town. I don't look at Phillips as a tourist town," Jim said. "I look at it as an outdoorsman town." He said that people go to Minocqua to stay for at least a week and spend money at bars, shops, and restaurants while they enjoy the entertainment that Minocqua offers. He feels people come to Phillips to go to their cabins to hunt and fish. They may stop at the grocery or liquor store to get what they need, but, for the most part, they stay close to their cabin and don't spend money like typical tourists spend.
Jim noted it takes a certain type of person to want to live in the area, because a lot of people who enjoy outdoor activities, especially men, will like the area, but plenty of people who live in the city, especially women, are used to all the activities and shopping of city life and won't take to the small town atmosphere. "If you're not already from a small town, it's hard to move into one," he said. In fact, he knew of a man who wanted to move here to take a job at one of the local industrial businesses, but when his wife came to see the town, she said she would not live in such a small town where there was nothing to do, so the man did not take the job. Jim also noted we need more and better healthcare to attract families.
He wonders where the money is coming from to buy all these properties that Lyn Ludwig's various non-profits are purchasing in the area. He also mentioned she is asking for donations, and someone at the meeting mentioned to Jim that he wonders what the donations will be used for.
"132 apartments in Phillips?," he questioned. "There are no good jobs here right now, so one guy asked if migrants are going to come in here," Jim shared, but that question has yet to be answered. He explained that when these questions don't get answered, no one knows what is fact and what is rumor.
Jim also questioned the number of homes that PCUL states are empty. "I'm not sure where she gets her numbers for empty houses, but I worked the Census in 2020 in Phillips....A lot of these places she talks about that are around here are not even close to 100 empty houses, so I don't know where she gets that number, but the places that nobody is in are either dilapidated or they are owned by people from out of town who don't rent them out."
Jim explained that when he asked, at the meeting, if the non-profit will pay property taxes in the future, "the point I was trying to make is, if the whole thing is going to be non-profit, then we lose all that tax base in the City of Phillips. That means they are going to have to raise taxes in the city to make up for that. I wonder if people are okay with that."
Jim also wonders what kind of contract or agreement was made with the former owners to get the equipment out of the building. He noted that the time element and cost will both be great, so he wonders if there is a time limit for the removal of the equipment so demolition can start.
"I feel the transparency is just terrible. They can tell you to go to the website all they want, but there is nothing on it," he said, in regard to answering the community's questions.
Jim also feels the job market needs to improve. "You can get a job at one of the local businesses like a grocery store or a convenience store, but a lot of the industrial businesses are slow." About three or four years ago he said the industrial businesses would be working seven days per week with multiple shifts, but now most are only working business days and/or one shift. The shops, bars, and restaurants all close earlier, as well. "Sometimes there's one bar open after 7 o'clock but nobody is there." He noted these conditions are not favorable to attracting younger people to the area, and Phillips' demographic is changing.
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During our interview with Nick Trimner, My Price County also asked Nick what he feels is needed in the area to get it growing and keep it alive. He replied, choosing to focus on the positive attributes of the area, "I'm not sure what you mean to keep the area 'alive.' I think Price County has lots to offer those who live here and play here. We have beautiful parks, lots of public lands, great schools, and amazing people."
Dick Heitkemper said he feels we need more housing, but he is not sure the number that is needed. When asked what could improve Phillips, he mentioned a few things. He would like to see people getting more involved with volunteering, such as with the fire and ambulance services, because the current volunteers are aging out and we are in dire need of volunteers. He also felt the area could benefit from another grocery store, a clothing store for women and men, a full-service car dealership, the medical clinics to go back to being open five days per week, an additional restaurant with expanded hours of operation, and more handyman services. "There are a lot of opportunities and a lot of money to be made. Not that they have to charge an astronomical price, but there's enough work for people to learn how to do businesses and get them up and running," Dick said, stating the demand for these services far outweighs the supply of handymen in our area at this time. He added that "the strong survive in business."
One thing Dick doesn't like to see are vacant properties. "I know there's people out there that have an idea that they would like to do something storefront-wise and to occupy some of the vacant storefronts downtown....I would like to see Price County United, who is buying up these properties, but they're sitting vacant, [do something with the properties]. The Freight House, she's controlling Belan Realty, the Ford dealership: Why are these sitting vacant? To be owned by a non-profit, what are we going to see for taxes?" He mentioned that Express Mart had plans to rebuild, which were presented to the council, but that rebuilding did not take place because the property got bought by one of Lyn Ludwig's LLCs.
As for PCUL, recent developments, according to their website and the meeting minutes of the city, have included getting approvals from the city and writing for more grants.
At the October 8, 2024 Common Council meeting, Price County United Limited was allowed to pursue an EPA Technical Assistance Program on their properties, including the Phillips Lionite location, Well 4 & 5 property, 680 County Road H and 720 County Road H, for purposes of development.
In October 2024, PCUL announced it has applied for a Vibrant Places Grant.
At the November 12, 2024 Common Council meeting, Lyn and PCUL requested "pursuing having a silent sports trail system or 'complete street concept' across city properties, specifically including a trail through the city cemetery [located on Hwy. H]."
Proposed biking trail network
Credit: Price County United Limited (PCUL)
PCUL also requested that the city provide letters of support for the Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) Pre-disaster Flood Resiliency Grant that PCUL planned to submit in November 2024.
The PCUL grant application referenced in this article can be found by clicking the following link.
PCUL Grant, r05-24-c-015.pdf (Size: 835.79 KB / Downloads: 50)
If PCUL provides answers to My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin's questions, we will update this article.
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