<![CDATA[My Northern Wisconsin - News: Countywide]]>

<![CDATA[My Northern Wisconsin - News: Countywide]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:14:53 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[CHANGING OF THE GUARD: HAUSCHILD, NEVELIER, AND SCHMIDT SET TO RETIRE]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-832.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:14:52 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-832.html
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CHANGING OF THE GUARD, HAUSCHILD, NEVELIER, AND SCHMIDT SET TO RETIRE.jpg (Size: 32.84 KB / Downloads: 1275)

There will be changes at the top of all three police departments in August 2026 through January 2027.

At the Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting, it was announced that Phillips' chief of police, Mike Hauschild, is planning to retire in August 2026. After almost three decades of service, and becoming the chief in 2014, he believes it is time to pursue other interests. He recommended Lieutenant Blaine Peterson to become the new chief of police. The Committee of the Whole approved the recommendation, which will be presented to the Common Council on June 9.

In Park Falls, Chief Marvin Nevelier will retire, effective January 1, 2027, after serving four years as the chief of police and serving with the department since 2001. His successor will be chosen from applicants responding to the posted job description. The Personnel Committee will conduct the interview process and make recommendation to the Common Council.

For Price County as a whole, Sheriff Brian Schmidt submitted his non-candidacy paperwork with County Clerk Meredith Hueckman announcing it on May 11, 2026. Sheriff Schmidt has been the sheriff since September 2, 2009, when he won a recall election by 169 votes. Over the years, he won four general elections, two contested (Years 2010 and 2022-with only a registered write-in) and two non-contested (Years 2014 and 2018). There will be a primary in August, and the general election will take place in November 2026 when a new sheriff will be selected by Price County residents.

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2026 My Price County Events List.jpg (Size: 256.46 KB / Downloads: 909) ]]> <![CDATA[TWO F-35S MAKE SURPRISE VISIT IN PRICE COUNTY ON MEMORIAL DAY]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-829.html Tue, 26 May 2026 08:32:12 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-829.html
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Submitted photo.

According to the Wisconsin National Guard, the 115th Fighter Wing, out of Madison, Wisconsin, performed a low-level flyover of the Watertown Aero Park on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. Watertown was having an unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Two F-35s performed the flyover at 3 in the afternoon. Three o'clock is the local time that Americans are asked to pause for one minute of silence on Memorial Day to honor and remember military members who died while serving the United States.

Merrill, Wisconsin was scheduled to have a fly-over, but it allegedly got cancelled last minute.

However, around 3:30 p.m., residents in Price County, including, (but not limited to), Phillips, Fifield, Prentice, and Rib Lake reported hearing a loud noise. Some thought a jet was crashing and others joked it might be aliens landing. Rather, it was two F-35s flying low in the area for many to enjoy on Memorial Day.

While My Price County's research did not show with certainty where these F-35s were coming from or going to, Watertown is about 250 miles away, and an F-35 could travel that distance, at top speed, in 12 to 15 minutes and could travel in a standard long-range cruising configuration at 675 MPH in about 22 to 25 minutes, so it is possible that they did a flyover of parts of Wisconsin after the flyover in Watertown. No matter where they came from, many residents were delighted to see them fly over.

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Get your Phillips garage sale listed for free. Find out how by clicking this link.]]>
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Get your Phillips garage sale listed for free. Find out how by clicking this link.]]> <![CDATA[ANIMAL BITING PUBLIC HEARING HELD AT LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING - UPDATED]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-828.html Tue, 19 May 2026 01:58:10 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-828.html
During public comment, Ginny Strobl stated that sometimes neighbors don't get along and without requiring proof of bites, she feels someone could try to get a dog and neighbor in trouble for no actual reason. She felt a bite should need to be thoroughly checked by a medical professional to prove it occurred.

Walt Madsen stated that his main problem is that it opens it up as a red flag law for dogs. If a person has an issue with a neighbor, the neighbor could falsely report a neighbor's dog. He said he also has experience with a dog coming onto his property but could see how neighbors could use this to be problematic for one another. He felt it violated peoples' rights of life, liberty, and property. He felt it could be passed with some wording changes.

Sheriff Schmidt spoke and said it is not a red flag law at all.

Humane Officer Mindy Dabler gave more information on the topic. She said there were no animal-related complaints in 2023, three in 2024, and 20 in 2025. There was a large increase in 2025 due to particular owners who let two dogs breed, the male dog was hit by a car, and the female had three puppies. The owners purchased another dog, and the animals were allowed to run free as a pack. In 2025, 24 citations were issued to that residence. Twelve of the 20 total complaints involved incidents were chickens were allegedly killed on a neighboring property and dogs allegedly chased people (including a toddler), other dogs, and vehicles on the neighboring property. She felt that had the ordinance been in place at the time, ten complaints could have been prevented. She further stated that dangerous dog and vicious animal ordinances "track with the particular animal and require more than one bite or a severe attack by the same animal to take action." However, she stated, "a bite is not always an 'attack.' I would not consider any of the bites an 'attack' as none of the bites were severe; however, all of the bites broke the skin of the victims." One dog was removed from the home after its second bite, because the owners were not following the quarantine rules.

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Image Credit: Price County Sheriff's Office

For Bite Levels 3 and above, quarantine orders are issued, so this ordinance would fit Levels 3 and higher.

Patty Stephan, a law enforcement committee member, asked, "How do we prove or confirm a bite?" Humane Officer Dabler said that mandatory reports usually come from medical professionals who are mandatory reporters.

Committee Member Dennis Wartgow said that during public comment he heard concerns that people may file a false complaint that a dog bit them. Sheriff Schmidt said there would be penalties for that. Obstructing charges would be sent to the district attorney, or a citation may be issued.

Amy Casey, the county coroner, was at the meeting and raised her hand with a question regarding the topic while Sheriff Schmidt was at the podium. He said, "You're not a committee member. You're not a committee member. Put your hand down. You're elected. Not a committee member." She said she just had a question and joked that she could arrest him. The chairman allowed her to speak, and she asked, "Is it still protocol to report dog bites to the public health department?" Mindy Dabler came back to the podium and replied that they are reported to her and to public health. "The quarantine orders are actually public health paperwork." Humane Officer Dabler said the police are the ones serving those papers to the people, then it goes to the health department, and she does follow-up if the people are not following the orders. She added that it's her job to make sure there is a correct report, and she has to see broken skin to accept it as a true dog bite report.

Committee Member Bob Kopisch said that there are a lot of "mays" and "shalls" in the wording. To him, "shall" means a person has to do it, so he questioned the wording. He also asked if it was typical for the entire board to make a decision on a habitual offender, and he felt involving thirteen members was a "slippery slope" which made him "uncomfortable." The reason he asked this is because a person accused of this would have a right to appeal to the board.

Patty Stephan asked where the animals go when they are removed. The humane officer said that they go to Catkins if they are adoptable. If they are not adoptable, meaning if they have bitten, then she has to make a decision and have the animal put down.

County Administrator Nick Trimner said this is less about taking of animals, which has always been something the humane officer can do, but this is more about the residence not being allowed to have animals at the residence, because some people who were not allowed to have animals would have an animal at their residence and claim it was owned by someone else. This ordinance would ban the residence from having animals for a specified time, unless someone else bought the property.

The Law Enforcement Committee voted to pass the ordinance with the presented wording amendment, striking "may" and replacing it with "shall." The motion was carried by all committee members.

The definition of the term "habitual offender," referring to an animal owner or harborer, was also amended, and the motion carried by all committee members.

While Sheriff Schmidt and Humane Officer Dabler spoke of dogs during their presentation, since this ordinance states "animals," it appears it would apply to all animals that bite and would affect the ownership of all types of animals. Also, it is the "residence" (all people who live at that address even if they are not habitual offenders) that could be banned from animal ownership and not just a "resident." We asked Humane Officer Dabler for more information; however, our request for information was rather last minute on Monday morning. She stated she has a response ready but needs to get it approved and will likely be able to submit the answers to My Price County on Tuesday. However, that will likely be after the Common Council meeting, where this ordinance may get final approval. If you have questions or comments, the meeting is the morning of Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Public comment is allowed at the meeting for anyone interested in attending to voice an opinion. Otherwise, we will update this article when we have answers. The questions are as follows:

UPDATED 5-20-2026:

For the vicious animal biting ordinance, would all animals be counted for this, since it doesn't just state "dogs," such as cats, horses, etc.?

Humane Officer Dabler replied, "The current ordinances track with one particular animal. The new ordinance would allow for the county to track the bites pertaining to a specific address, not the specific animal. This is specifically meant for a residence with multiple residents with multiple animal owners and multiple animals.

"For your question about all animals being included, yes, to a reasonable degree. The likelihood of a farm animal creating a reason for this ordinance to be enforced is quite low and unlikely. I am required to issue quarantine orders for all cat, dog, and ferret bites, which occur in Price County. Most of the bites are reported by mandatory reporters, such as clinics and emergency rooms, when they are treating the patients for the bite wound."

If any animal habitually bites, are all animals covered in this ordinance? And does that mean that if a dog bites, then the residence cannot own a cat, for example?

Humane Officer Dabler replied, "The ordinance is not intended to handle one dog that bites. It is intended to address the cases with multiple different animal bites by different animals within a year. Yes, if convicted, it would mean they are not allowed to own ANY animals for the amount of time a judge orders them not to own animals."

And does the ordinance apply to anyone living at the residence?

Humane Officer Dabler replied, "Yes, it would apply to anyone living at the residence; however, once that person left that residence, this ordinance would no longer apply to them. It would be for the specific residence and anyone living there, unless everyone moved out and someone new moved in."

So, if a boyfriend and girlfriend moved in together, and the girlfriend could not have dogs at her residence due to being a habitual offender, does that mean the boyfriend could not have a dog at that residence?

Humane Officer Dabler replied, "With this question, please look at the information [definitions and ordinance information provided below] and understand that a Habitual Offender is different than a Habitual Animal Offender Premises.

"A Habitual Offender is convicted as an individual and the order prohibiting animal ownership follows them for the amount of time ordered.

"A Habitual Animal Offender Premises is specifically for a particular address.

"For your question, if the girlfriend is a Habitual Offender, the dog could not be at the residence if she were going to be owning, possessing, harboring, keeping or having custody or control of the dog.

"If the girlfriend’s prior residence was a Habitual Animal Offender Premises, but she moved in with the boyfriend at a different location, the dog could stay."

ORDINANCES AND DEFINITIONS PROVIDED BY HUMANE OFFICER DABLER:

§ 223-27 Vicious animals.

A.

The owner of any animal shall be in violation of this article if the animal engages in any activity or exhibits any behavior as defined by this article under "vicious animal" in § 223-19.

B.

Upon being adjudicated guilty of or entering a guilty plea or no contest plea to a charge made under this provision, the owner of the vicious animal, if allowed to maintain the animal, will have to adhere to the following requirements for possessing a vicious animal:

(1)
The owner must possess a proper enclosure to confine the vicious animal; and

(2)
The owner must post the premises with a vicious animal warning sign.

C.

Price County shall have the right to inspect, randomly and without notice, a vicious animal which is required to be confined pursuant to this section in its environment. Permission of the owner or person with custody of the animal confined shall not be unreasonably withheld.

D.

Any person who releases a vicious animal either willfully through failure to exercise due care or control or who takes such animal out of such proper enclosure in such a manner which is likely to cause injury to another person or damage to the property of another person shall be in violation of this article.

E.
For a conviction under this section refer to § 223-44 of this article.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)

VICIOUS ANIMAL

A.

Any animal which:

(1)

Constitutes a physical threat to human beings or other animals by virtue of an attack of such severity or intensity as to cause severe property or physical damage;

(2)

Makes an unprovoked attack on animals or on human beings; or

(3)

Intentionally attacks physical property in an effort to cause harm to a human or other animal.

B.
An animal shall not be a vicious animal within the meaning of this article if:

(1)

It inflicts an injury upon a person when the animal is being used by a law enforcement officer carrying out official duties; or

(2)

The injury inflicted by the animal was sustained by a person who was committing a willful trespass or other tort; was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the animal; had in the past been reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the animal; or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

§ 223-25 Dangerous dogs.
[Amended 4-21-2015 by Ord. No. 1-15; 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 2-23]

A.

It shall be unlawful for any person to have or possess a dangerous dog without notification to the Price County Sheriff's Office. "Dangerous dog" defined as such under § 223-19.

B.
Requirements of keeping dangerous dog.

(1)

A adequate structural strength enclosure to confine the dog from escape.

(2)

Posting on the premises of a dangerous dog a sign: "Warning. There is a dangerous dog on the property."

(3)

Annual license of the dog and paying an additional license fee for the dangerous dog.

C.

Right to inspect. The Price County Health and Human Services Department shall have the right to inspect, randomly and without notice, a dangerous dog which is required to be confined pursuant to this section in its environment. Permission of the owner or person with custody of the animal confined shall not be unreasonably withheld.

D.

Notice to County Sheriff's Department.

(1)

The owner of a dangerous dog shall notify the Price County Sheriff's Department within 24 hours if the dog is loose, unconfined, has attacked a human, has died, or has been sold or donated. If the dog has been sold or donated, the owner shall provide the Price County Health and Human Services Department with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the dog and notify the new owner of the designation.

(2)

The owner of a dangerous dog shall notify the Price County Sheriff's Department within 10 days if the owner is moving within Price County's jurisdiction or out of the County.

E.

Violations. Any person who releases a dangerous dog either willfully through failure to exercise due care or control or who takes such animal out of such proper enclosure in such a manner which is likely to cause injury to another person or damage to the property of another person shall be in violation of this article.

DANGEROUS DOG

A.

Any dog that, according to the records of the County, has without provocation either inflicted body harm on a human being on public or private property or bitten, attacked or endangered the safety of humans after the dog has previously bitten others. The owner will be notified of such classification.

B.

A dog shall not be a dangerous dog within the meaning of this article if:

(1)

The dog inflicts an injury upon a person when the dog is being used by a law enforcement officer executing official duties.

(2)

The injury inflicted by the dog was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort; was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog; had in the past been reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the dog; or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

§ 223-44.1 Habitual animal offender.
[Added 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 2-23]

It shall be unlawful to be a habitual offender. If found to be a habitual offender, the court may order no animal ownership for a minimum period of three years, not to exceed 10 years.

HABITUAL OFFENDER
Any animal owner or harborer, who within any three-year period is convicted of three or more violations of domestic animal related offenses under Chapter 223 of the Price County Code. The controlling date is the date of each violation, not the date of the plea entered or the date of conviction resulting therefrom.
[Added 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 2-23]

ANIMAL BITE
Any physical contact of the teeth of the animal with human flesh, including but not limited to a puncture, pierce, scratch or tear.

OWNER
Any person owning, possessing, harboring, keeping or having custody or control of any animal subject to this article. This definition is intended to embrace any person who is a custodian.

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During public comment, Ginny Strobl stated that sometimes neighbors don't get along and without requiring proof of bites, she feels someone could try to get a dog and neighbor in trouble for no actual reason. She felt a bite should need to be thoroughly checked by a medical professional to prove it occurred.

Walt Madsen stated that his main problem is that it opens it up as a red flag law for dogs. If a person has an issue with a neighbor, the neighbor could falsely report a neighbor's dog. He said he also has experience with a dog coming onto his property but could see how neighbors could use this to be problematic for one another. He felt it violated peoples' rights of life, liberty, and property. He felt it could be passed with some wording changes.

Sheriff Schmidt spoke and said it is not a red flag law at all.

Humane Officer Mindy Dabler gave more information on the topic. She said there were no animal-related complaints in 2023, three in 2024, and 20 in 2025. There was a large increase in 2025 due to particular owners who let two dogs breed, the male dog was hit by a car, and the female had three puppies. The owners purchased another dog, and the animals were allowed to run free as a pack. In 2025, 24 citations were issued to that residence. Twelve of the 20 total complaints involved incidents were chickens were allegedly killed on a neighboring property and dogs allegedly chased people (including a toddler), other dogs, and vehicles on the neighboring property. She felt that had the ordinance been in place at the time, ten complaints could have been prevented. She further stated that dangerous dog and vicious animal ordinances "track with the particular animal and require more than one bite or a severe attack by the same animal to take action." However, she stated, "a bite is not always an 'attack.' I would not consider any of the bites an 'attack' as none of the bites were severe; however, all of the bites broke the skin of the victims." One dog was removed from the home after its second bite, because the owners were not following the quarantine rules.

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Habitual Animal Offender 4.jpg (Size: 204.49 KB / Downloads: 292) ]]> <![CDATA[MAJOR TOPIC AT COUNTY BOARD MEETING: BUG TUSSEL PROJECT]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-817.html Sun, 03 May 2026 09:53:36 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-817.html
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MAJOR TOPIC AT COUNTY BOARD MEETING, BUG TUSSEL PROJECT.jpg (Size: 51.92 KB / Downloads: 2209)

Jesse Lane, the VP of strategic development for Bug Tussel, spoke at the April 28, 2026, county board meeting. According to Jesse, there are six tower sites they are considering for "if and when we do proceed with the builds." He stated those builds would provide a great solution for 911 services.

Larry Palecek said, "When we signed on with Bug Tussel, first of all, we're in dire straits with our emergency radio system, and we were led to believe that within a year there would be some action on it, and that's been two years ago, and now we're really in a bad spot, because we don't know if we should continue with Bug Tussel or if we should go into long-term borrowing and update our system for ourselves. I just want to impress on you the urgency of getting something going."

Jesse replied, "That urgency is not lost upon us." He said they are working toward it as quickly as they can, and he apologized for how long it is taking, a miscommunication on their parts on the timeline, and not getting it together sooner. He did not have a good faith time estimate for when the project may happen, though. He was able to provide some insight on funding. "If negotiations go the way that we anticipate and, yes, hope that they do, we would not need additional funding. There would be actually plenty of funding left on the side that we hope to continue to try to find ways to build out and benefit in Price County including support of other carriers in their efforts."

Nick Trimner said he and about 16 or 17 other counties were going to meet with Bug Tussel and right now Bug Tussel has been responsive. He explained, "We have 15 million dollars that is sitting in a bank." He explained that neither Bug Tussel nor the county has access to those funds unless there is a draw request. He gave the example of metal being purchased for a tower and then the draw request would be made to release the funding. There have been three total draws to date. $7,000 for engineering costs is the most recent draw request.

When asked about fiber placement and if the scope of the project has changed over the years, Jesse said, "The project scope has changed some. The original project scope did have fiber running east to west across the southern part of the county. We are reevaluating all of those. I will say as these six tower sites go up, we always put our fixed wireless equipment on the towers so that would bring fixed services to certain members of the community through cellular Internet services." He said fiber is being reevaluated to see what the best financial is for the current situation.

Nick said, "When we first got into the project, Mitch Olson, a representative from Bug Tussel, was there, and it was projected at about 18 months' time to complete the project." Nick said he did not feel like Price County was a priority in the line of projects, and Price County was somewhat ignored by Bug Tussel for a while. Nick said that it needs to be "now or never" with this project. He shared the "end of life" is coming to the system, but "end of life" does not mean "end of service." Nick explained it just means it is a more difficult product to maintain long-term, and the radio system needs to be upgraded by 2028.

Paula Houdek said it has become a contentious issue in the county. She admitted that Jesse has come into the project at a tense time, but said to him, "If you cannot promise us, if you cannot be honest and transparent with everyone, us and the county, then I would say why don't you just get the heck out and move on and let us do what we need to do? So, that's kind of my thought, is, if you don't have these answers, then, then quit dragging us along. That's what I'm saying."

Jesse explained there has been a lot of reorganization with a different team of representatives at Bug Tussel, which he hopes will be positive. He said that Steve Schneider is a former CEO who is now acting CEO and Mitch Olson is no longer with the company.]]>
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Jason Hastings, who was on the Price County Board of Supervisors representing District 5, which includes the Town of Fifield and the Town of Eisenstein (Ward 2), resigned on April 22, 2026.

The resignation letter he shared with his constituents is as follows:

"Dear Constituents,

In the oath we took last week, we swore to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. In America, we are all governed by the consent of we the people, who are the rulers.

I am resigning from my position as County Supervisor, a decision not made lightly. I thought it was important that you know the dangerous and corrupt environment Price County’s local governance has become.

It is my duty to inform you, we the people, that your government has wandered from its constitutional obligations. The promises we make to uphold the rights and liberties, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, are being blatantly undermined, and my efforts to oppose these indiscretions have been repeatedly blocked.

Since assuming office, I have been subjected to intimidation and threats, not only to censor my voice, but to endanger my family and personal undertakings. My attempts to eliminate corruption, promote transparency, and protect our community’s interests have been met with relentless resistance and absolute inaction, all of which are verifiable on the Price County YouTube channel.

The jacked up bureaucracy in which we find ourselves is no accident — it is a calculated attempt to stifle anyone who has a dissenting opinion and maintain a "good old boys club" that privileges a select few at the expense of our community and constitutional rights. Roadblocks are intentionally set to silence any attempt at change, as seen through blocked incoming emails from my constituents, threatening lawsuits, and censorship during meetings, failing to respond to emails that posed questions.

Our community’s resources are being mismanaged through schemes like the Solberg Lake project, that had no board approval in different ways, misusing the ARPA funds and Price County's deal with the carbon credits. These were both unjustified financial maneuvers that relocate your hard-earned tax dollars to projects with no accountability or benefit to you. Those who you are supposed to trust with governance have consistently chosen self-interest over public service, all while silencing those who dare to hold them accountable.

I have attempted to serve you by standing against malicious initiatives, such as unauthorized land transactions, fantasy world carbon credit financial entanglements, Bug Tussel tower projects that don’t come to fruition, and the covert expansion of bureaucratic projects — all of which are detrimental to our county's welfare.

Stand firm and demand the accountability that is your constitutional right. Call your supervisors, because your emails are now being censored. Engage in local governance — attend council meetings, question these crazy policies, and do not be silenced by fear.

Thank you to those who were there for my support.

Jason Hastings"

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"From a pool of more than 724 nominated seniors across 379 Wisconsin high schools, just 32 have earned the distinction of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (WIAA) Scholar Athlete Finalist for 2026," according to the WIAA.

Sixteen senior boys and sixteen senior girls compose the 32 athletes selected for 2026, and three of those athletes are from Price County. To have one student from any town is a great feat, but two have two students from Phillips, and three total from Price County, is remarkable.

The WIAA determines the top 32 finalists based on athletic and academic achievement from each of four WIAA divisions.

“On behalf of the WIAA and our membership, it’s an honor to recognize these scholar athletes for the discipline, integrity, and commitment they’ve shown in both the classroom and competition,” said Jake Beschta, Assistant Director of the WIAA. "Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence, but also the support of their families, coaches, and schools. We are proud to celebrate students who truly embody the balance of academics and athletics, and we look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.”

Representing Phillips in Division 3 are Leah Harper and Gavin Esterholm from Phillips High School.

Leah Harper holds a 3.9 GPA and is a 10-time letterwinner. According to the WIAA, "She received Marawood Conference first team all-conference honors three times in cross country and is a three-time team sectional cross country champion. She has lettered three times in track & field and earned all-league honors twice and MVP accolades her junior year. Harper earned a state track & field championship in the 1,600-meter relay her freshman year. In addition, she lettered three years in basketball and was a member of two conference championship squads." Leah shared, “I have learned that the key to success is balance. If I don’t find the perfect balance I either get burnt out or I fall behind. Learning to balance academics, sports, extracurricular activities and more has allowed me to become a better athlete, student, teammate, and leader. I will be able to apply each of these roles later in life and will become a better person because of them.” Leah will continue her education at UW-Stevens Point while participating in cross country and track & field.

Gavin Esterholm holds a 4.0 GPA. He is the student liaison at the school and contributes to My Price County. According to the WIAA, "he has lettered four times in cross country and three times in track. He is a four-time All-Marawood Conference first team performer in cross country and a three-time conference runner of the year. The Logger is a two-time cross country sectional champion and a four-time State cross country participant. As a senior, he placed third at the State cross country championships. He also earned all-conference honors in track & field his sophomore and junior seasons." Gavin shared, "One lesson that will stay with me is the importance of building meaningful relationships with those around you. Whether teammates or competitors, I have been able to connect with amazing people who continue to contribute significantly to my life and motivate me to keep pushing beyond my limits.” Gavin will continue his education by studying psychology at UW-Stevens Point. (The article continues after the ad; keep reading.)

[Image: lakeparkpinevillage.jpg]

Pine Village in Prentice offers affordable, active living in a wooded setting for those 50+ and disabled persons. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income. Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome. Contact Pine Village at 715-428-2300.

Representing Prentice in Division 4 is Heston Hueckman from Prentice High School.

According to the WIAA, "Heston ranked first in his class academically with a 4.0 GPA, and he is a nine-time letter winner. Hueckman is a three-time baseball team MVP and two-time first team all-conference selection in the sport. He helped the Buccaneers' cross country team earn back-to-back trips to State as a junior and senior and a basketball conference and sectional championship his senior season." Heston shared, “To be able to stick to something and to work hard at it until it is achieved is something that I think is sort of rare in this world. I believe that it is an extremely important skill to have, and, while I am far from perfect, I think that learning how to do this will be very helpful in the future.” Heston will study mechanical engineering at a yet to be determined educational facility.

The finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Stevens Point. A live stream of the awards program will be available on the websites of the State Television Network stations, including WXOW-TV, WQOW-TV, WAOW-TV, WKOW-TV, WVTV and WCWF at 1:00 p.m. on May 3. A delayed telecast of the ceremony will be aired on a future date.

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MPC 2026 Events, Larger.jpg (Size: 260.98 KB / Downloads: 649) ]]> <![CDATA[GOVERNOR TONY EVERS APPOINTS AMY CASEY AS PRICE COUNTY CORONER]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-809.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:31:25 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-809.html
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On Friday, April 10, 2026, Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Amy Casey to serve as Price County coroner. This appointment was needed due to the passing of James Dalbesio III, who was Price County's long-time coroner. Amy will serve the remainder of the expired term, which ends on January 4, 2027. About a month ago, Amy began serving as the deputy coroner.

Governor Evers stated, “With her experience as deputy coroner, I look forward to seeing Amy Casey continue to serve the community of Price County well in this new role. And on behalf of our state, I also want to share my deepest condolences with the family, friends, and entire Price County community on the passing of James Dalbesio. He will not be forgotten.”

Amy shared, “I am humbled and incredibly honored to accept the position of Price County Coroner. I would like to thank Governor Evers and his staff for this wonderful opportunity to be selected to step into this role. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and mentoring I have received from James D. Dalbesio III, while we collaborated in my position as funeral director, and welcome this title with respect and acknowledgment that I have big shoes to fill. I am so appreciative for the support from our interim coroner, my family, and community. I am eager to hit the ground running and thankful to be able to serve Price County and the state of Wisconsin.”

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MPC 2026 Events, Smaller.jpg (Size: 256.15 KB / Downloads: 780) ]]> <![CDATA[SPRING 2026 UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-808.html Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:31:21 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-808.html
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While Price County voted 1,955 to 1,758 in favor of Maria Lazar, Chris Taylor won the election for Wisconsin Supreme Court statewide.

Voter turn-out in Price County was at 41% of eligible voters.

Town of Georgetown: 53%
Town of Harmony: 51%
Town of Hill: 49%
Town of Catawba: 46%
Town of Elk: 46%
Fifield: 44%
Ogema: 44%
Town of Worcester: 43%
Town of Knox: 43%
Town of Emery: 42%
Town of Lake: 40%
Town of Spirit: 40%
Phillips: 39%
Town of Flambeau: 39%
Town of Eisenstein: 39%
Village of Catawba: 38%
Town of Kennan: 37%
Park Falls: 35%
Town of Prentice: 34%
Town of Hackett: 34%
Village of Kennan: 33%
Village of Prentice: 30%

The unofficial Spring 2026 Price County results are as follows:

PRICE COUNTY

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1
Larry Palecek 184

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
Michelle Drobnik 194

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
Joe Baratka 249

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
Jeff Ulrich 228
Kregan Kamin 77

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
Jason Hastings 250

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 6
Paula Houdek 275

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 7
Dennis Wartgow 131

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 8
Brian Ernst 290

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 9
Jordan Spacek 253

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 10
Bob Kopisch 229

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 11
Patricia Stephan 136

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 12
Douglas Erickson 190

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 13
Jenifer Baratka 167
Shaun J. Krawczyk 146

CITY OF PHILLIPS

MAYOR
Charles Peterson 245

ALDERMAN AT-LARGE (3)
John Klimowski 155
Johnathan McArthur 120
Jeana Clark 105
August F. Mayer 101
Bryan Weisrock 74
Marty Stephan (registered write-in) 7

CITY OF PARK FALLS

ALDERPERSON - DIST 1
Dennis Wartgow 76

ALDERPERSON - DIST 2
Gary Wollerman 47
James A. Corbett 45

ALDERPERSON - DIST 3
Amy Johnson Benedict 85

ALDERPERSON - DIST 4
Dina Bukachek 94

VILLAGE OF PRENTICE

TRUSTEE (3)
Brody Hartmann 86
Kevin R. Gullickson 68
Robert Orlandi - 64

VILLAGE OF CATAWBA

TRUSTEE
Cali Handel 31

VILLAGE OF KENNAN

TRUSTEE
Max Ericson 26

TOWN OF HACKETT

REFERENDUM #1 (treasurer/clerk appointment)
Yes - 26
No - 19

BUTTERNUT SCHOOL DISTRICT
AT-LARGE (2)
Randol R. Smart 18
Katie Wilson 12

REFERENDUM
No 14
Yes 12

CHEQUAMEGON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1
Write-in 62

SEAT 2
Robert Hennes 825

SEAT 3
Roger Strand 858

FLAMBEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT

AT-LARGE (4)
Ted Alberson 11
Jennifer Heath 10
Kim Dachel 6
Kenealy (write-in) 1
Lund (write-in) 1

PHILLIPS SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1
Evan Lund 1,330

SEAT 2
Sarah Meives 1,215
Bryan Weisrock 349

SEAT 3
Rocky Stibs (registered write-in) 86
Write-in 27

PRENTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1 - Town of Hackett
Randy R. Erickson 554

SEAT 2 - Town of Knox
Helen Palmquist 546

SEAT 3 - Town of Spirit
Darrell E. Pierson 545

RIB LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEAT 1 - Village of Rib Lake
Karah Grzanna 68

SEAT 2 - Town of Hill, Town of Spirit
Troy W. Weik 72]]>
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Submitted photo.

Alexis Nash has been appointed by Governor Tony Evers as the district attorney for Price County.

The appointment fills a vacancy created by Matthew McElroy, who resigned in 2025. Alexis will serve for the remainder of Matthew's term, which ends January 2029. She has relocated to Price County for the position.

She graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Widener University Commonwealth Law School. From 2012 to 2018, she served as the volunteer executive director of Impact Coalition for Families Inc., a Milwaukee non-profit organization focused on strengthening families and preventing domestic and community violence.

Alexis served as an assistant district attorney in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office since 2023. According to the governor's office, she managed "a high-volume caseload ranging from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies and has tried 16 cases to verdict over the past three years. Working with the Family Drug Treatment Court, she has gained valuable experience in collaborative problem-solving within the drug treatment and child welfare systems. Earlier in her career, Nash practiced family law, and prior to earning her law degree, worked in financial services." (The article continues after the ad. Please keep reading.)

[Image: davettelynnehrabakcpa.jpg]

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Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.

PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The sheriff's office began sending county reports again beginning on February 9, 2026.

2-9-2026: A woman requested a welfare check on her boyfriend, who she did not have contact with since February 3, 2026. He was not responding to phone calls or text messages. The man had poor mobility and heart problems. Dispatch could not make contact by phone, so officers arrived on scene. Emergency services responded.

2-9-2026: A warden reported receiving a complaint of a Prentice man's dogs chasing deer.

2-9-2026: A man reported a fraudulent charge of $633.45 on his account for a bill from a dumpster company. The man contacted the owner of the dumpster company, who indicated the person attempting to use the man's card was associated with a local farm. The identity of the person remained unknown.

2-10-2026: The district attorney's office reported a woman was in the office screaming at staff members.

2-11-2026: A woman reported her neighbor was throwing rocks at her house in Park Falls.

2-12-2026: A Prentice woman said she and her dog were attacked by a group of dogs while on a walk. Both she and her dog were bit. She was not bleeding, but her dog was bleeding from its hind legs. The woman did not know the owner of the dogs or address except it was at a trailer home. It was reported she was also attached in the fall of 2025 by the same dogs.

2-12-2026: A person reported a male walking north on State Hwy. 13 just outside of the City of Phillips. The person walking stated he was walking to Glidden.

2-13-2026: A garage fire was reported. Ogema, Prentice, Catawba, and Kennan Fire Departments, along with Prentice Ambulance Service, were paged.

2-13-2026: Received a call from a facility that a resident had threatened to commit suicide and had threatened to kill an employee earlier in the day. The resident did not have weapons and had not presented a plan. The resident was in a wheelchair and had COVID.

2-13-2026: A person reported a person running, screaming, and hitting their legs in the middle of the road on Sunnyside Road between County Road I and Macky Spur Road. The reporting party could not tell if the person was male or female as he/she did not look when the reporting party drove by.

2-13-2026: A person reported a domestic situation between a man and woman in Park Falls. Nothing physical happened, but the man was making threats to the mother of his child and her boyfriend. Later, the boyfriend called to state the man was chasing them down the road.

2-13-2026: A deputy went into the ditch with his squad vehicle. No injuries.

The article continues after the promotional message. Keep reading.

[Image: phillipspubliclibrary.jpg]

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.

2-15-2026: A woman found a male lying on the ground. He appeared intoxicated and extremely cold. She tried to get him onto his ATV, which failed to start. The woman had to go to work, so she left the scene and called authorities.

2-15-2026: A woman in Ogema reported a neighbor had been waving a gun at her husband.

2-16-2026: A man reported his son came home from school and told him a vehicle followed him and was playing games. They passed him, slowed down to 10 MPH, and when the son attempted to pass the vehicle, it drove in the middle of the roadway so he could not pass. When the son got home, the vehicle went past the residence, slowed, and flipped off his son. Two girls from school were believed to be in the vehicle.

2-17-2026: A Park Falls woman reported she had a cat in the walls for a few months, and it was finally caught but appeared to be sick.

2-19-2026: A 911 call was received, and dispatch heard screaming and yelling before the call disconnected. Dispatch called back, a man answered, and he would not give information about his location stating he was visiting a friend. When asked for the friend's name, he stated he was unsure and said the friend was not home. Police responded.

2-19-2026: A man in Park Falls reported leaving work and being charged at with a night stick. The man who allegedly had the night stick said the other man tried to run him over with his 4-wheeler.

2-20-2026: A motel owner in Park Falls reported that a long-term resident had not been seen for some time and all his belongings were still in his room.

2-20-2026: A woman said she was in a home as it was being placed for sale, and she discovered drug paraphernalia, and it looked like a chair had been set on fire at one point. The home was in disarray. The owner was currently in a rehab facility.

2-21-2026: An Apple watch alert for crash detection was sent to dispatch. The man stated he was pinned under his 4-wheeler in Phillips. Emergency services responded.

2-21-2026: A woman reported a bottle of alcohol was stolen at her bar and she had proof on video.

2-22-2026: A man reported the door was open at his deceased mother's home, and it looked like it had been broken into. Police responded.

2-22-2026: A Prentice man reported he gave his mother $1,000 to hold so he would not spend it, but then he requested the money back from his mother. She told him to call the authorities to get it back, so he did.

2-24-2026: A Park Falls woman called stating that her sister was driving to Minocqua and witnessed a vehicle going into the ditch on Hwy. 70 near Riley Lake Road. The driver did not want an ambulance and was not injured.

2-25-2026: An anonymous person wanted to speak to a deputy or investigator regarding reporting a sexual assault that occurred over 35 years ago. The person believed the suspect was continuing their behavior. The alleged sexual contact occurred in Price County but not in Phillips or Park Falls. The caller wanted to know how the report would be handled, if it was worth reporting, and if it would help other victims. An investigator was assigned.

2-25-2026: A Prentice woman called to report that her son was shacking up with a 15-year-old girl.

2-26-2026: A woman stated her husband took home a rolled over vehicle that was in the ditch, and it was not their vehicle. A purse was in the vehicle.

2-27-2026: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office advised dispatch that a vehicle, involved in a pursuit, had flipped over and assistance was requested.

2-28-2026: A woman reported a man was at her door to pick up his mail, but he had not scheduled a time to do so. The man called stating he had scheduled a time to pick up his mail, and the woman would not give him the mail.

The article continues after the promotional message. Keep reading.

[Image: davettelynnehrabakcpa.jpg]

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

PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT

2-2-2026: Received a report that a student ran from the off-site campus. Officers located the male student and were advised that no physical altercation occurred.

2-2-2026: Received a report of a two-vehicle accident.

2-2-2026: Received a report of a horse in the middle of North Lake Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and observed the horse had gone back to the residence.

2-3-2026: Police were contacted by a homeowner and advised his water pipes had started leaking on Germania Avenue. An officer contacted Phillips Water and Sewer to shut off the water main.

2-3-2026: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult male who was reported to be having a seizure in his vehicle outside of a local gas station. Officers arrived on scene and were informed that the adult had spent a length of time in the bathroom and then went out to his vehicle and nodded off. Officers searched the vehicle and found drug paraphernalia and THC.

2-4-2026: Observed a water main break on North Avon Avenue near Elm Street. An officer contacted Phillips DPW and advised them of the situation. DPW contacted Phillips Water and Sewer.

2-4-2026: Eleven sidewalks were in violation of the snow removal ordinance.

2-4-2026: Responded to assist the Phillips School District with a juvenile who was behaving violently and disorderly.

2-4-2026: Requested to respond to the Phillips Elementary School for a report of a violent juvenile male. The officer and juvenile’s mother responded. The juvenile was calmed down and taken home. The officer will be referring charges to Human Services.

2-5-2026: Received a traffic complaint regarding a motor vehicle that pulled out in front of traffic on State Hwy. 13 from State Hwy. 70, and it was reported to almost side sweep another vehicle. The officer stopped the vehicle, the driver was identified by their driver’s license, the officer informed the driver of the safety concerns for the violation, and issued a citation.

2-6-2026: Received a report of a disturbance at an apartment complex on Eyder Avenue regarding a child custody matter. Officers arrived and spoke to all parties. One adult female was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. The adult female will also be referred for possession of THC.

2-6-2026: Received a report of a sexual assault. An officer conducted an interview with the adult female victim. Further investigation is required

2-6-2026: Received a complaint of child abuse. An officer spoke to the complainant and Price County Health and Human Services. This matter is currently under investigation.

2-11-2026: Received a complaint of a car parked on the sidewalk on North Lake Avenue. An officer made contact with the owner of the car and they advised the car would be moved.

2-11-2026: Made phone contact with a subject reporting possible harassment occurring via a social media platform. An officer was provided screenshots, and the incident is under investigation.

2-13-2026: Received a report for an adult male that there was a disorderly situation that occurred at a county board meeting a few days ago and would like charges pressed. The officer reviewed the video of the meeting and determined that a crime was not committed.

2-13-2026: Received a report from an adult male that his fence had been damaged on his property on Avon Avenue.

2-13-2026: Responded to a residential care facility in the City of Phillips for a resident that made threatening comments. An officer made contact with staff, who advised they were monitoring the resident. The officer advised the facility to contact the resident’s power of attorney and to contact law enforcement if an emergency situation arises.

2-15-2026: Arrested a male adult at his residence on Avon Avenue for two body only warrants out of Price County. The adult male was brought to the Price County Jail where he was booked in and waiting to see the Price County judge.

2-16-2026: Issued a Courtesy Violation Notice for junk on a property on Forest Avenue. The owner was given seven days to remove the junk, or the DPW would be notified.

2-17-2026: Observed a vehicle parked on the wrong side of South Argyle Avenue. An officer spoke to the driver who had been speaking to a male individual and advised of the city ordinance, which prohibits parking the opposite way on a street. The operator moved the vehicle to the opposite side of the street.

2-17-2026: Responded to a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of the Phillips Elementary School. There were no injuries or road blockage. A driver had backed into a parked vehicle causing minor damage.

2-18-2026: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with a 7-month-old male that was having difficulty breathing. The infant was transported to the medical center in Park Falls.

2-18-2026: Located a vehicle stuck on an icy area in the intersection of Cherry Street and North Argyle Avenue. An officer observed the street sign in the area to be damaged with tracks leading to the vehicle. An officer made contact with the vehicle, identified the operator, investigated the crash, and advised the driver they would be cited for driving too fast for conditions. The vehicle had minor damage, and the street sign was broken from the base. A state accident report will be completed for this incident.

2-19-2026: Responded to an apartment building on Eyder Avenue for the report of a 911 call where yelling could be heard in the background of the phone call. And officer and deputies arrived on scene, and made contact with the parties involved. It was determined that a juvenile suspect would have charges referred for disorderly conduct. An officer made phone contact with Price County Health and Human Services, and it was determined that a family member would respond to the scene to remove the juvenile and parties would be separated.

2-19-2026: Responded to a suspicious person complaint on Wyoming Street. An officer and deputies made contact with a male subject who was attempting to sleep in a snow bank. The person was advised of the City of Phillips ordinance regarding temporary and permanent residency of sex offenders within restricted zones. Deputies assisted the person with relocating to a safe and warm location.

2-20-2026: Requested to assist Price County Sheriff’s Department arrest of a person for a Price County Body Only Warrant at a business in the City of Phillips. An officer responded, and the subject was taken into custody without issue by a Price County deputy.

2-21-2026: Received an anonymous report of a suspicious person near a snowmobile trail on Airport Road. An officer made contact with the person and brought them to the Price County Sheriff’s Office lobby.

2-22-2026: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with an open door to a residence that had been kicked in just outside the city limits. A deputy and officer cleared the residence and found a male adult sleeping in one of the beds. The deputy detained the male individual and investigated the incident.

2-22-2026: Received a complaint of water on the ice near a bar/restaurant that may be coming from a nearby residence. An officer responded and found no water running out of a residence but out of a culvert on County Road F that led to a small pond.

2-22-2026: Observed a vehicle that was stuck in the snow bank on Peterson Drive. An officer assisted with shoveling the snow out from underneath the vehicle and pushing the vehicle out of the snow bank.

2-24-2026: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult male who called reporting to 911 dispatch that he had bugs inside of him, and he was infested with bugs. An officer responded and provided security while the adult male was loaded and transported via ambulance to the medical center.

2-25-2026: Responded to a two-vehicle accident on County Road H, west of City Beach Road. There were no injuries or road blockage.

2-25-2026: Responded to the Phillips High School for a juvenile female who was unconscious. The juvenile female was transported to the medical center by the Central Price County Ambulance.

2-25-2026: Forty-six Courtesy Violation Notices were given to property owners who were in violation of the snow removal ordinance.

2-25-2026: Responded to a business in the City of Phillips, where it was reported that an employee had been terminated and their significant other was being disorderly. An officer responded and made contact with the store manager. The store manager requested that law enforcement assist with retrieving store keys from the former employee and advise the significant other they were not welcome back on the property. An officer made contact, retrieved the keys, advised the significant other they would be cited for trespassing if they returned to the property, and to cease contact with the store manager. An officer returned the keys to the store.

2-26-2026: Received information regarding a Phillips Middle School student who made comments to harm a family member.

2-26-2026: Performed a police escort, along with the Price County Sheriff's Office, for Phillips High School state wrestling.

2-26-2026: Notified about a hit and run accident that occurred at a local business. The operator had left the scene of the accident and noticed the damage when he was washing his vehicle.

2-27-2026: Received a phone call from a man who advised they go to events at the Phillips School District and that when they go to park in the handicap parking stalls, they are taken up by vehicles that do not have a permit. The man requested that extra patrol be done during events at the school.

2-27-2026: Requested to assist Price County Sheriff’s Office with a hit and run complaint they had received outside of the City of Phillips. An officer was requested to check Flock cameras for the suspect vehicle, and that information was provided to deputies. An officer assisted deputies with checking areas in the City of Phillips for the suspect vehicle with negative results.

The article continues after the promotional message. Keep reading.

[Image: deercreekangus.jpg]

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.

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Looking for more area news? Visit the newsfeed.]]> <![CDATA[POLICE REPORTS: JANUARY 2026]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-781.html Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:31:00 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-781.html
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Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.

PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Reports have not yet been received for January 2026.

(The article continues after the ad. Keep reading.)
[Image: deercreekangus.jpg]

Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus burgers, steaks, roasts, and other beef products sold by individual packages and in quarters, halves, and whole. Contact Deer Creek Angus, LLC at 715-550-6156, find products & pricing on their website, and follow their Facebook page.

PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT

1-2-26: Received a report of a plane that appeared to be stuck in the snow at the Price County Airport. Officer responded and met with an adult male. Adult male advised that there was no injuries and that contact was made with the airport supervisor for assistance.

1-4-26: Responded to assist Central Price County Ambulance at a where a subject was located on the floor of their garage and was unresponsive. Officers and EMS arrived on scene and began CPR, affixed an AED, and the patient was transported via ambulance for further medical treatment.

1-4-26: Advised of a hit and run that occurred at a grocery store.

1-5-26: At approximately 3:00 p.m., the Phillips Police Department responded to an off-site classroom where a male juvenile was being uncontrollable and had torn a phone cable off the wall. The mother of the child was called to bring the child home. The child was referred to Price County Human Services for disorderly conduct and damage to property.

1-6-26: Responded to an uncontrollable juvenile who was being taught at an off site classroom at city hall. An officer stood by with the juvenile to make sure he would not damage the city property or harm himself or others. The response team from the Phillips Elementary School arrived to assist with the child. The child's mother arrived to take the child home for the day.

1-6-26: Contacted by the Phillips School District regarding the disorderly actions of a student that had occurred in December of 2025. A statement was taken from a member of the school faculty regarding the actions of the student.

1-6-26: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with an execution of a search warrant. One adult female was arrested and held at the Price County Jail.

1-7-26: Observed a subject attempting to flag vehicles down/hitch hike on South Lake Avenue near Maple Street. An officer made contact with the subject and made arrangements with Price County Sheriff’s Department for a deputy to provide the subject transportation from the Price County Sheriffs Department to their residence in a neighboring township.

1-7-26: Advised by Price County dispatch that a subject who resides in the City of Phillips had an active commitment order through Price County Circuit Court. An officer made contact with the subject, confirmed the commitment order, and advised and placed the subject under arrest and transported the person to Price County Jail for the booking process.

1-8-26: Responded to a one-vehicle accident with no injuries on Sout Lake Avenue, where a vehicle had exited the roadway and struck a street light, snapping the street light at the base. Central Price County Ambulance Service and Phillips Fire Department responded. The operator was evaluated by EMS . The vehicle was removed from the scene by a tow service and the operator was advised they would be cited for operating too fast for conditions. The operator was released from the scene, and the Phillips Department of Public Works responded and removed the damaged street lamp.

1-8-26: Responded to an uncontrollable child. Child was returned to guardian. Officer was advised that an adult female was struck by the child. Officer will be referring the charge of battery to Price County Human Services.

1-13-26: Received a complaint from the Price County Health Department referencing mold in the bathroom of a city residence on Eyder Avenue.

1-15-26: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance with an elderly male that slipped on the ice and hit his head and was experiencing changes in vision. The officer assisted with loading the patient.

1-16-26: Contacted by the School District of Phillips regarding a distraught student in the high school. An officer assisted with the student whom had been a victim of a phishing scam and possible sextortion scheme.

1-17-26: Responded to an address for an individual who kept losing consciousness. Officers arrived, administered oxygen to the patient, and assisted EMS upon their arrival.

1-18-26: Responded to a business where an employee reported a female was sleeping in her vehicle. An officer arrived on scene and made contact with the female, who stated she had dozed off looking at her phone. The officer did not observe the odor of an intoxicant coming from the vehicle and did not observe any signs of impairment.

1-21-26: Received information of a possible juvenile violation that occurred at the Phillips School District. More investigation required.

1-22-26: Assisted Central Price County Ambulance with a subject who reported they slipped on ice on a sidewalk and injured their leg/ankle. EMS arrived on scene, evaluated the subject, and transported the person for further medical treatment

1-22-26: Advised of a possible hit and run that occurred at the school parking lot. An officer made contact with the vehicle’s owner, who had removed the damaged vehicle from the scene prior to contacting law enforcement.

1-22-26: Responded to assist Central Price County Ambulance with a subject who felt weak and was seeking medical treatment. An officer responded and the subject was transported by EMS for further medical treatment.

1-23-26: Received a report that the main water line was leaking in ar residence from the city water meter. An officer contacted City of Phillips Water and Sewer, and the water was shut off to the residence.

1-23-26: Received a child abuse report in the City of Phillips. An officer interviewed the child and mother. An officer made contact with Price County Human Services and advised them of the situation.

1-24-26: Responded to a fire call in the City of Phillips. An officer arrived and spoke with the owner of the residence who believed a ceramic heater had caused the fire. Phillips Fire Department arrived on scene and started working on the fire. An officer contacted the homeowner’s family member to pick him up. Red Cross was also contacted to assist the home owner.

1-24-26: Observed a vehicle traveling on a one-way street in the wrong direction. An officer stopped the vehicle and explained the violation to the operator. The officer issued a city ordinance citation for operating a motor vehicle in the wrong direction on a one-way street.

1-26-26: There were five snow removal ordinance violations.

1-26-26: Conducted a background check for an adoption agency on two adult females.

1-26-26: Found an abandoned vehicle at a motel with no license plates. An officer was able to identify the owner by the VIN and called the registered owner of the vehicle. The owner stated that they did not own the car any more. The vehicle’s owner was not identified, and the motel was notified they could do what they want with the vehicle.

1-26-26: Received a report of school bus keys that were possibly stolen from a bus at the Phillips School District. An officer arrived on scene and was advised the keys had been located under a box of donuts. Officer cleared shortly after.

1-26-26: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an elderly female who was passing out and not felling well. The elderly female was transported to the medical center.

1-27-26: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with a female adult who was weak and could not walk. An officer assisted with loading the patient onto the cot and into the ambulance.

1-27-26: Responded to assist Phillips Fire Department at an address in the City of Phillips, which had previously had a structure fire, and an insurance agent observed the fire had rekindled. An officer and Phillips Fire Department responded, and Phillips Fire Department managed the scene.

1-28-26: Contacted by a landlord who stated that his tenant told him that he was moving out of the residence he owned in the beginning of January. The landlord stated that he went to the residence today, and there was still a lot of the tenant’s belongings in the rental. The landlord stated that he wanted the property to be removed as the tenant had not paid for rent since July 2025 The officer made contact with the tenant who stated that he would be moved out at the end of this month and would contact the landlord.

1-28-26: Responded to a care facility to assist Central Price County Ambulance with a man who had fallen and struck his head. An officer and EMS responded, the person was evaluated, and he was not transported for further treatment. The officer and EMS assisted the man back into bed.

1-31-26: Responded to assist the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult male who had fallen and possibly broken his arm on Hilly Haven Circle. An officer arrived and identified the patient. The officer assisted with stabilizing the patient’s arm and loading of the patient, who was transported to the medical center.

1-31-26: Received a report of a two-vehicle minor accident at a local grocery store.

1-31-26: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with a possible shooting outside the City of Phillips. Officers and Price County deputies arrived on scene and investigated the incident. It was determined no shooting had occurred. (The article continues after the ad. Keep reading.)

[Image: phillipspubliclibrary.jpg]

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

1-1-26: Dispatched to a rollover accident on Highway 13 near the bridge on the south end of Park Falls. An officer located a person walking down Hwy. 13 that he determined to be the suspect. The officer detained the subject and responded to the crash location to make sure there were no other victims. A deputy arrived on scene, and the officer assisted him with the OWI process of the driver.

1-2-26: There was a juvenile matter involving two females who were entered as runaways in Vilas County. Both females were located at separate addresses within the City of Park Falls and were taken into custody.

1-4-26: A criminal incident between a male and female occurred. The male suspect was arrested on criminal charges and a probation violation hold.

1-5-26: Assisted the Ashland County Sheriffs' Department with two head-on collision accidents at the intersection of Highway 13 and Hen Road.

1-7-26: There was a disturbance between neighbors regarding smoking in the building and knocking on each others' doors. Both parties were informed to not have contact with each other.

1-8-26: Snow/ice removal from sidewalk violation.

1-9-26: A female reported that she believed that there were people outside of her home and wished for the area to be checked for any criminal activity.

1-9-26: Dispatched to assist the county with a crash detection from an iPhone. No crash was located. Instead, the owner lost the iPhone off a truck, which caused the crash detection.

1-14-26: A welfare check was conducted. One male was located having a medical episode. An ambulance was called and a patient was transported.

1-16-26: There was a hit and run incident that occurred in a hardware store parking lot area the day prior. No injury; minimal damage.

1-18-26: A family member of a patient at the medical center was causing a disturbance. No enforcement action was needed by staff as the person voluntarily left the hospital on foot.

1-18-26: The sheriff's office requested assistance with a male who had two active warrants.

1-18-26: There was a report of a two-vehicle crash in a store's parking lot. Property damage only; no injury.

1-19-26: A vehicle and semi truck accident occurred. No injuries; reportable accident. A citation was to be issued to a driver for failure to yield right of way.

1-21-26: Dispatched to a location for a female who fell while walking home. Not wanting emergency services, the officer took her home.

1-23-26: A two-vehicle accident occurred at an intersection. No injuries; one citation was to be issued.

1-24-26: A person called about a broken pipe actively flooding an apartment.

1-24-26: Officers were informed by dispatch that a ATL was sent out for a vehicle involved in a disturbance at a casino. This vehicle belonged to someone who lived just outside of Park Falls. An officer located the vehicle at a gas station, and two officers made contact with the occupants. Information was gathered for the investigating officer, and the subjects were released.

1-27-26: A civil matter of snow being pushed onto a neighboring property occurred. The parties could not come to a resolution to have the snow moved.

1-28-26: A male reported that he suspected somebody had slashed a tire on his vehicle.

1-29-26: Officers were dispatched to for a juvenile male who was intoxicated and causing a disturbance at his residence. Officers arrived and investigated the incident. The male was arrested.

1-29-26: There was a report of a vehicle that had spun out and struck a mailbox. The mailbox post was broken, but the vehicle only had a minor paint scuff.

1-30-26: There was a report of suspicious foot tracks near the reporting party's home and bedroom window.

1-31-26: An officer provided an ambulance assist for an extremely intoxicated male who fell and sustained injury to his mouth area.

[Image: forwardbank.jpg]

Forward Bank is a depositor-owned organization driven to move our communities forward. By offering free checking, great rates on loans & deposits, business services, leading edge digital services, and a Charitable Money Market Account, Forward Bank keeps our communities strong. For more information, visit Forward Bank's website.]]> <![CDATA[POLICE REPORTS: DECEMBER 2025]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-772.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:12:20 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-772.html
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price county police reports.png (Size: 36.33 KB / Downloads: 859)

Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.

PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Reports have not yet been received for December 2025.

PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT

12-1-25: Responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch along CTH W, and the male driver was unresponsive. Officer assisted EMT with equipment while CPR was being performed. Officer assisted with loading of the patient. Patient was transported via ambulance to medical center in Park Falls.

12-1-25: Received a report that items from a storage unit had been taken. Officer located the items at the previous renter’s residence. Officer spoke with the reporting party who indicated they did not wish to pursue criminal charges.

12-2-25: Responded to assist the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an adult female who had been throwing up and felt faint. Officer responded. Patient was transported via ambulance to medical center in Park Falls.

12-2-25: Issued an Order of Abatement to a resident in the City of Phillips on behalf of the Price County Humane Officer.

12-3-25: Assisted the Central Price County Ambulance Service with an elderly female who had fallen. The elderly female was transported to the medical center for medical evaluation.

12-4-25: Advised a male individual had a question regarding a female individual that was at the Phillips School District that he had a temporary restraining order against.

12-5-25: Observed that the sidewalk at the listed residence was in violation of the snow removal ordinance. A courtesy violation notice was left for the owner to clear the sidewalks within 24 hours after the last snowfall. Over a dozen notices were issued.

12-6-25: While conducting traffic detail on a parade route, Phillips Police Department observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Sout Lake Avenue had hit a police barricade causing damage to the barricade and the vehicle. An officer made contact with the operator, identified them by driver’s license, collected photographs of the damage, provided the operator transportation home, and advised the operator they would receive multiple citations via mail. A motor vehicle crash report will be completed based on property damage involved.

12-8-25: Received an animal complaint regarding a dog on Flambeau Avenue. The complainant reported that their neighbor’s dog was within its owner’s property and leashed but was displaying aggression towards the complainant. The complainant did not wish for law enforcement to make contact with the dog’s owner; only to have the information on file.

12-9-25: Received a complaint from a citizen reporting an upside down Christmas tree in the downtown area. Officer advised the adult female that there was no law violation.

12-9-25: Responded to an uncontrollable child at the Phillips Municipal Center. Eventually, the child calmed down and was picked up by their parent. Officer will be referring the male juvenile to Price County Human Services for disorderly conduct.

12-9-25: Received a call from the Phillips School District saying that a student had information about the sharing of inappropriate images in a group chat. Phillips officers responded the following day and determined that the main suspect resided in Price County outside of the Phillips city limits. The case was referred to the Price County Sheriff's Office.

12-10-25: Received a report from Elk Avenue of unlawful use of computerized communication. Officer documented the messages. Investigation pending.

12-11-25: received a complaint of a vehicle that appeared to be stuck in the complainant's driveway on Pine Crest Avenue with the passenger side window down. An officer ran the license plate on the vehicle and made contact with the owner who advised he missed his driveway last night and got stuck attempting to turn around. An officer responded to help with getting the vehicle out of the snow bank.

12-11-25: Received a report of a two-vehicle accident that occurred on North Lake Avenue south of Beebe Street. There were no reported injuries or road blockage. Officers responded, collected statements, took photographs, and issued a citation to a female driver for traveling too fast for conditions. A state accident report was completed.

12-11-25: Observed a motor vehicle come to an intersection and do donuts in the intersection of Turner Street and Center Avenue. An officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver. The driver was issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct with a Motor Vehicle.

12-12-25: Over a dozen courtesy sidewalk snow removal notices were issued.

12-13-25: Received a complaint that while at a local business a subject observed an unknown individual appear to be making lewd hand gestures while making contact with their genitals and looking at the reporting party. Officer responded to the business, was unable to locate the suspect vehicle, notified the local business of the complaint, and will follow up during daytime hours to review surveillance video.

12-14-25: Received a complaint from an adult female who wanted to report that her neighbor's dog had just jumped her neighbor's fence on Flambeau Avenue and entered into her yard. The adult female stated that she attempted to reach out to the neighbor but did not receive a response back. The adult female stated that she was concerned what would happened if her dog was outside. The officer attempted contact with the neighbor and called and left a voice mail.

12-15-25: Phillips Police stood by as there was an uncontrollable child at an off-site learning facility. More faculty responded and the child was able to calm down and resume classes.

12-16-25: Responded to a Level III for the off-site school instruction room at Phillips City Hall. An officer arrived and was told the student hit two teachers and was being disruptive. The teachers were preventing the student from getting out on the drill floor as there were elderly people walking. An officer walked in the room and the student began yelling to get away and began striking the officer with his fists. The student then tried to grab a plastic cart to throw at the officer. The officer put the student in a restraint hold until the student calmed down and was not violent. The student was referred to Price County Human Services for three counts of battery and one count of disorderly conduct.

12-19-25: Received a report of a suspicious male at a local gas station. An officer spoke with the caller and documented the incident.

12-21-25: Responded to the area of North Lake Avenue in the City of Phillips for the report of a subject who appeared homeless and was possibly digging in trash cans. An officer arrived on scene, made contact with the subject who resides in the area, did not observe any suspicious activity, and the subject advised they did not need assistance.

12-29-25: Received a phone call from an adult male who was upset that there had been snow pushed onto the sidewalk he had already cleared. The adult male requested the officer to get a hold of the grounds keeper and inform them not to push snow onto the sidewalk he was responsible for

12-30-25: Received a report that a citizen received a scam phone call where the caller claimed to be with the Price County Sheriff's Office and that the citizen owed money. The citizen wanted it documented that he had received the call.

[Image: lakeparkpinevillage.jpg]

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.

PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT

12-1-25: There was a complaint of a cat getting into an apartment through a hole in the wall. The caller was instructed to place a live trap and to contact building maintenance. Officers will collect the cat to bring to Catkins if it is captured.

12-2-25: A vehicle slid off a roadway while trying to back into a driveway.

12-2-25: A vehicle straddled the median and became stuck after shearing off a road sign. Crash report generated.

12-3-25: A suspect stole two 15-ounce cans of ox and palm corn beef ($9.34 each) from a store. Subject was identified and merchandise was returned.

12-4-25: Report of two suspicious male individuals standing in reporting party's yard. Upon checking the area, one set of footprints was in the snow on the street. Only deer tracks were observed on the sidewalk and in the front of the reporting party's address.

12-4-25: A man reported six office chairs being dumped in the driveway of his rental property.

12-8-25: A report of a possible sexual assault that occurred years prior was received. Further follow-up is needed.

12-9-25: Report of an attempted firearm purchase by a prohibited possessor.

12-11-25: Dispatch advised there was a male who had passed out due to (redacted) issues. Dispatch further advised that the male also had two active warrants through Price County.

12-11-25: Potential deer hunting violations within the city limits.

12-23-25: $10,000 cash was reported stolen out of a vehicle.

12-28-25: There was a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of a gas station.]]>
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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.

PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT

12-1-25: There was a complaint of a cat getting into an apartment through a hole in the wall. The caller was instructed to place a live trap and to contact building maintenance. Officers will collect the cat to bring to Catkins if it is captured.

12-2-25: A vehicle slid off a roadway while trying to back into a driveway.

12-2-25: A vehicle straddled the median and became stuck after shearing off a road sign. Crash report generated.

12-3-25: A suspect stole two 15-ounce cans of ox and palm corn beef ($9.34 each) from a store. Subject was identified and merchandise was returned.

12-4-25: Report of two suspicious male individuals standing in reporting party's yard. Upon checking the area, one set of footprints was in the snow on the street. Only deer tracks were observed on the sidewalk and in the front of the reporting party's address.

12-4-25: A man reported six office chairs being dumped in the driveway of his rental property.

12-8-25: A report of a possible sexual assault that occurred years prior was received. Further follow-up is needed.

12-9-25: Report of an attempted firearm purchase by a prohibited possessor.

12-11-25: Dispatch advised there was a male who had passed out due to (redacted) issues. Dispatch further advised that the male also had two active warrants through Price County.

12-11-25: Potential deer hunting violations within the city limits.

12-23-25: $10,000 cash was reported stolen out of a vehicle.

12-28-25: There was a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of a gas station.]]> <![CDATA[THREE PRICE COUNTY BOARD SUPERVISORS FILE FOR NONCANDIDACY - UPDATED 1/1/2026]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-752.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:21:53 +0000 My Northern Wisconsin]]> https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/thread-752.html
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THREE PRICE COUNTY BOARD SUPERVISORS FILE FOR NONCANDIDACY.jpg (Size: 23.41 KB / Downloads: 1098)

Three Price County supervisors have filed for non-candidacy as of December 23, 2025.

Incumbents from Districts 4 (Towns of Hill and Ogema), 8 (Towns of Harmony and Elk - Ward 1), and 13 (City of Phillips - Ward 1, Town of Worcester - Ward 2, and Town of Elk - Ward 2) will not be seeking re-election on the board of supervisors. Those individuals include Jeffrey Hallstrand, Alan Barkstrom, and Brian Ernst.

We reached out to all three men to find out their reasons. Thus far, Brian Ernst replied as follows, "I’m in the process of moving to a different district, from #13 to #8. As Mr. Barkstrom is not running, I have submitted paperwork to be on the ballot for his district #8."

Anyone interested in seeking any county supervisor position (or other positions being elected in the spring) must file nomination papers by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

If a primary is necessary, it will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.]]>
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2025 Gun Deer Image, Credit Wisconsin DNR.jpeg (Size: 60.22 KB / Downloads: 670)
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

WI DNR ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 2025 DEER HARVEST TOTALS

The regular gun deer season was held from November 22 through November 30, 2025.

According to the Wisconsin DNR, "Preliminary figures indicate the number of deer hunters in Wisconsin slightly decreased compared to 2024. As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 30, sales for deer hunting privileges (which include gun, archery, crossbow, conservation patron, and sports licenses) reached 790,044, down 0.12% from the same time last year. Of those, 550,611 were for gun privileges only (which include gun, conservation patron, and sports licenses).

"Preliminary figures show hunters registered 182,084 deer during the 2025-gun deer season, including 86,068 antlered and 96,016 antlerless deer. Compared to 2024, the gun season harvest total is down 0.8% statewide, with the antlered harvest down 2.6% and the antlerless harvest up 0.9%.

"Since the opening of the bow and crossbow seasons, Wisconsin hunters have registered 294,757 deer. This harvest is 1.1% ahead of the same time last year."

Price County is part of the Northern Forest Zone. However, rather than the deer harvest totals being reported by county as was done in previous years, some counties, including Price, are now part of DMUs, which are Deer Management Units. Portions of Price County are in six units, including DMU-112, DMU-113, DMU-115, DMU-116, DMU-117, and DMU-119. Portions of other counties are included in those DMUs and they are as follows:

DMU-112: Portions of Price, Rusk, and Sawyer Counties
DMU-113: Portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Price, and Sawyer Counties
DMU-115: Portions of Price, Rusk, Sawyer, and Taylor Counties
DMU-116: Portions of Lincoln, Oneida, Price, and Vilas Counties
DMU-117: Portions of Ashland, Iron, Oneida, Price, and Vilas Counties
DMU-119: Portions of Langlade, Lincoln, Price, Oneida, and Taylor Counties

Marquette County led the Central Farmland Zone and the entire state, registering 7.9 deer per square mile. Vernon County led the Southern Farmland Zone with 6.5 deer registered per square mile. DMU 201 (primarily in Eau Claire County) led the Central Forest Zone with 3.8 deer per square mile. DMU 108 (portions of Burnett, Polk, and Washburn Counties) led the Northern Forest Zone with 2.7 deer registered per square mile.

State totals can be found by clicking this link:
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Wisconsin Deer Harvest Summary for 2025 9 Day Hunt.pdf (Size: 449.58 KB / Downloads: 330)

The DNR reported two hunting incidents. On the first day of hunting, a 57-year-old man was walking to a field to go hunting. He received a gunshot wound in his buttock. His injury was treated at a hospital. The investigation is pending. Also on the first day, in the evening hours, a 24-year-old man in Fond du Lac County was found as a victim of a self-inflicted, but unintentional, gunshot to his chest. He was found hours later by family members on private property. According to the WI DNR, "Preliminary investigation reflects the victim was in a tree, gun deer hunting from a saddle stand, when the unintentional discharge of their firearm occurred. Investigation pending." Comparatively, during the 2024-gun deer season, one firearm-involved hunting incident occurred resulting in an injury. (Keep reading; the article continues after the ad.)

[Image: birchlandrealty.jpg]

Find your perfect hunting land at Birchland Realty. Visit Birchland Realty's website to find your new property.

The DNR added, "For the past 10 nine-day gun deer seasons (2016-2025), the incident trend reflects an average of five hunting incidents per year. In addition, Wisconsin has had six fatality-free seasons, and all 10 years reflect single digit incidents."

The DNR stressed that hunters should follow the four rules of firearm safety, known as TAB-K:

T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B - Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
K - Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.

Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.

DNR VIOLATION HOTLINE: Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay the information to conservation wardens. You can also file a report online.]]>
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BUG TUSSEL, CAMPGROUND, DA, LITTLE CHICAGO ROAD DISCUSSED AT OCTOBER COUNTY MEETING.jpg (Size: 30 KB / Downloads: 884)

The following is a summary of some of the topics at the October county board meeting.

BUG TUSSEL DISCUSSION

Regarding Bug Tussel, Board Member Paula Houdek asked County Administrator Nick Trimner, "I'm concerned that we had an agreement with them for 'x' amount of towers, and now we're not going to have some of those towers?" Nick explained that Bug Tussel lost some funding that they were anticipating, but the number of towers has not been lost. Price County will still be getting the same amount of towers, which was cited as ten. Paula asked if cellular coverage would improve in some of the areas in Price County that do not have good connectivity. "I don't believe there is a change in the original project," Nick told her. Board Member Jeff Hallstrand added, "Bug Tussel made no promises to us about cellular coverage. They said they partner with carriers, and where there are weak spots, they will go on those towers,....and I believe that is still the case." Some board members wondered when a tentative start date would be for this project. Paula stated that residents are expressing their frustrations at town meetings with the lack of progress on this project. Nick said Bug Tussel is behind in other counties, too, because they took on a lot of counties. "They overpromised, and they are delivering what they promised [just not as quickly]." He believed some towers would be done by next summer.

SOLBERG LAKE CAMPGROUND EXPANSION PROJECT

"I think it's gonna be a great addition to our Price County camping. It's gonna give another option to people," said Jeff Hallstrand. The county is looking to put WiFi in the campground at some time. In the new part, the rates have increased but not in the old part. The new part is $45 per day for a single stay, $35 per day for one month, and $30 per day for a four month stay. The county implemented an online booking system for the campground and is going to look to see if that option should be continued. Board Member Jordan Spacek pointed out that the locals liked it because they did not have to reserve early and pay more; they could just reserve the days they wanted. However, then the campground did not make as much money as it would have had they had to reserve the spot days earlier. Nick thinks having the entire park online will be more convenient without the need for cash-handling and a better user experience since campers can use the QR code on the post to reserve a site.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY UPDATE

Since Price County's District Attorney resigned this summer, the position has not been filled by the governor at the time of publication. However, John Luetscher is the special prosecutor who is in the office three to four days per week during this interim period. According to the Price County District Attorney's office, he is retired and is from Brown County.

HWY. 13 / LITTLE CHICAGO ROAD / HWY. 111 INTERSECTION

Board Member Larry Palecek said, "Both the sheriff and highway department are doing whatever is possible to increase safety at this dangerous intersection. The Town of Worcester is looking at the topic, as well. There was discussion about adding rumble strips, flashing lights, and a flashing stop sign and possible re-design of the intersection. It has been flagged as one of Wisconsin's intersections with a high chance of accidents based on history. So, it's on our agenda for our road tour." He added that if we wait for the state, it could take years for anything to get done, so they are looking at what can be done locally. Board Member Michelle Drobnik said she is not saying that something should not be done, but since the state controls those roads, she asked if the county does anything to improve the intersection, if there is a chance for reimbursement from the state. Nick said that there are a lot of suggestions being made to the state by the county officials, but the state will not allow the county to do anything on their own on the state roads. Nick said the county department did put up additional signs on Little Chicago Road as those areas are out of the state's right of way. The state would reimburse the county if it was state approved.

[Image: phillipspubliclibrary.jpg]

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.]]>
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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.]]>