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.