On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Price County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m. On the agenda is the possible sale of the Price County fairgrounds, which is 40-some acres and has water frontage, out of public status and into private status.
If the county board decides to sell the fairgrounds, there will be some contingencies. A long-term lease will be established allowing the Price County Fair Association to operate the fair on that property. The lease would also allow the Price County Antiques Association to remain established at the fairgrounds. The Boy Scout building, 4-H building, and the schoolhouse would also remain at the fairgrounds for use by those organizations. In September 2021, County Administrator Nick Trimner told My Price County, "If there is a sale to a private party and they were to ever consider selling, or go out of business, the county would have a first right of refusal to get the property back." Further, the new owners will establish the terms and prices if individuals or groups want to hold any events at the fairgrounds. Those decisions will leave the county and become that of the new owners.
On March 14th, Nick added, "It cannot be parceled off, it cannot be sold to different people, all the groups that currently use it can use it, but I cannot publicly go into more details that will be revealed in closed session."
Members of the community have expressed concern about items being discussed in closed session. Nick explained the need for closed session, stating, "There are two parties who are still interested in this property so say we cannot come to a negotiation with Party A, we don't want Party B to know what we are negotiating because then they would be able to try to use that information. It's just like if you were trying to negotiate a contract between two people, you don't tell those two people the negotiating because then that person is going to outbid the other person or underbid." My Price County asked Nick if there would be time for the public to review the sale price before it was final, and he stated, "As soon as we sign the tentative agreement, then it becomes public record. As soon as we both agree on what those terms are, then the public will know. That is when it is final that we have an agreement to do this." Therefore, the agreement will be made in full during closed session. He explained, "The elected officials were asked to do something because they were elected, they're doing it, and that's what they did. It's called closed session because we are doing specific negotiating."
The property has been in the county's focus for about a year. It was first inquired about by Darin Baratka and his daughter, Alexis, stating they would like to purchase the property, upgrade the fairgrounds, and hold the rodeo there, which has been the home of the rodeo for the last two years. The parcel was then advertised later in 2021 asking if anyone wanted to lease or purchase the fairgrounds. A possible purchase price was not stated, and some community members have expressed that the sale of this size of land with buildings and water frontage would be high. Lynda Ludwig, part of Price County Fairgrounds United, which is organized as a non-profit organization, expressed interest with the county. If either of these two parties purchase the fairgrounds, it will be out of the county's hands, and under the control of individuals, whether they are being represented as individuals or an organization with a controlling board of individuals. The county would no longer control the fairgrounds. The county would have the first right to purchase it back at the listing price provided by the new owner should the new owner want to sell in the future. If the county declined to purchase it back at that time, the new owner could sell it to anyone.
A number of community members privately contacted My Price County with their thoughts regarding the possible sale of the fairgrounds. Some were in favor of it stating that the fairgrounds is in disrepair and needs someone to bring it back to life. Most who contacted My Price County were not in favor of the fairgrounds leaving county control and going into private ownership.
Wanting to share a summary of some of the thoughts, both pro and con, and a link to a small vote that was taken on the topic, My Price County composed an e-mail with this information and also stated, "If the grounds does not get sold, [we] feel the fair website could be used, if the fair agreed, to promote it more for renting it out to events, and My Price County would also be willing to help put the word out for volunteers to get the fair buildings and grounds back in shape. We definitely have the audience to try to get people motivated to help. Our goal is to promote the county, and this would definitely fit in line with that." My Price County sent the e-mail to the county administrator and eleven of thirteen board of supervisors who provide an e-mail address as a means of contact. It was sent on January 11, 2022 with the goal of getting the e-mail read and replied to before the next board meeting. When no one replied to the message, a second message was sent on January 24, 2022 to twelve of the thirteen board members, as one e-mail address was not available at that time. A voice message was also left for Paula Houdek.
(Article continues after promotional image.)
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Stop by Harbor View Pub & Eatery, a view that changes with the seasons. This restaurant, pub, and vacation rental is located at 1094 North Lake Avenue in Phillips. View Harbor View's website, follow their Facebook page, or call 715-339-2626.
Alan Barkstrom replied after he received the second e-mail, accidentally thinking the message came from Lynda Ludwig, and My Price County replied that we are not affiliated with Lynda Ludwig. Nick Trimner replied that he received the second e-mail stating he did not see the first one. His reply was, "We will be having a meeting tomorrow to discuss some of the issues about making sure it continues to be able to be used like it currently has been." Paula Houdek also replied, and she stated that she appreciated the feedback and said, "The executive committee will be meeting tomorrow to continue discussions of the fairgrounds issue. I will make sure all members have received and read your email." However, no board members replied to the community input we provided or My Price County's offer to advertise the need for fund-raising and volunteers. In recent days, more community members have expressed that they were not aware the county needed help in maintaining the fairgrounds as the community has yet to be asked to help. Some stated they would provide materials and labor, but they were not aware of the need until recently.
In an interview today, March 14, 2022, My Price County asked Nick Trimner about that e-mail and the possibility of fund-raising and writing for grants. He said, "The way the grants work is if we were going to do a project, we would go looking for grants. A lot of times grants sound great, but they don't pay for it [all], so that's where we struggled. Say we could get a grant to do something out there, we still have to come up with a grant to cover the difference." He added, "If either one of these groups are to take over out there, we will assist them with grants if they need a county sponsorship. Broadband would be a good example....It was a 7 million dollar project and they got a 5 million dollar grant, and we had to participate in that by saying we were supporting it. So, whoever the new caretakers are out there, we will support them in the same way, so if they can get a grant for the barn, great, and we will do a resolution saying we support them to do that so they are eligible and then they would come up with the difference in money." He added that both interested parties have started to do tentative fund-raising and both have expressed saving the barn as a priority. When we asked about My Price County's offer to help with fund-raising efforts and some community members possible offers of labor and materials, he stated, "It's not what we're looking to do." He said with so many projects, the county is not interested in prioritizing the revitalization of the fairgrounds.
My Price County also reached out to a couple board members earlier today. When asked about fund-raising efforts or why the county did not promote the fairgrounds in the past, trying to bolster people to hold private or public events there, to generate the needed maintenance funds, one of them stated, "We don't have the people in the county government who want to do that stuff....I love people to be involved, but we are too far along now." One board member stated he would consider voting to keep it with the county but only if people are willing to put considerable donations of time and money into the project, so he recommended that if you speak up, be willing to support your words with actions. The community must be willing to take on this revitalization project for the board to even consider it as an option.
Based on My Price County's interviews, it feels like the fairgrounds will be approved to be under new ownership. However, finalization will take place tomorrow, so nothing has been decided yet. Since community members have asked My Price County what they can do, My Price County's suggestion is if you have any comments for the board, for or against the sale of the property, or with ideas for how the county can get the property maintained so it could stay in the county's control, writing your comments on this article will be a good method. (To post a comment or vote in our poll, you need to register for free as you need a username to post.) Another great method of expressing your thoughts, is to contact your board representatives. Their contact information can be found at the end of this article. Attending the meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 9 a.m. to voice your opinions, is the best method. The meeting, however, is under COVID-19 protocols, so the meeting can be attended in a few ways. You may call 715-339-3325 to reserve a seat, join the meeting online, (the link is also shown in the meeting agenda, below), or participate via conference call by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using Conference Code 2483 060 5761. Even if joining the meeting virtually, you will be able to share your comments at the meeting.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
1. Larry Palecek
715-762-4540
E-mail: larry.palecek@co.price.wi.us
350 River Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 5 & 6)
2. Ginny Strobl
715-474-3434
E-mail: ginny.strobl@co.price.wi.us
N5957 Woodlawn Rd, Kennan, WI 54537
(Village of Catawba, Village of Kennan, Town of Catawba, Town of
Kennan, Town of Georgetown)
3. Mark Kyle
715-797-5585
E-mail: mark.kyle@co.price.wi.us
N15432 County Rd B, Park Falls, WI 54552
(Town of Flambeau; Town of Lake, Ward 1; City of Park Falls, Ward 3)
4. Jeffrey Hallstrand
715-767-5100
E-mail: jeff.hallstrand@co.price.wi.us
W6014 Otteson Rd, Ogema, WI 54459
(Town of Ogema, Town of Hill)
5. James Hintz
715-762-3435
E-mail: jim.hintz@co.price.wi.us
W7530 White Rock Rd, Fifield, WI 54524
(Town of Fifield; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 2)
6. Paula Houdek
715-339-3307
E-mail: paula.houdek@co.price.wi.us
W3601 Maple Dr, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Emery, Town of Hackett, Town of Knox, Town of Spirit)
7. Dennis Wartgow
715-762-2795
E-mail: dennis.wartgow@co.price.wi.us
261 9th St N, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 1, 2, 4 & 7)
8. Alan Barkstrom
715-339-6516
E-mail: alan.barkstrom@co.price.wi.us
W7577 County Rd W, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 1; Town of Harmony)
9. Jordan Spacek
715-339-2827
E-mail: jordan.spacek@co.price.wi.us
W6986 Cranberry Lake Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Worcester, Ward 1 & 3)
10. Robert Kopisch
715-762-4301
E-mail: bob.kopisch@co.price.wi.us
N16165 Lakeshore Dr, Butternut, WI 54514
(Town of Lake, Ward 2; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 1)
11. Waldemar Madsen
715-780-0744
E-mail: waldemar.madsen@co.price.wi.us
561 Flambeau Ave, Phillips, WI 54555
(City of Phillips, Ward 2, 3 & 4)
12. Douglas Erickson
(4/21) 715-657-0580
E-mail: doug.erickson@co.price.wi.us
N3838 Hay Creek Rd, Prentice, WI 54556
(Village of Prentice, Town of Prentice)
13. Brian Ernst
715-661-0892
E-mail brian.ernst@co.price.wi.us
1555 Hillcrest Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 2; City of Phillips Ward 1; Town of Worcester, Ward 2)
(This post was last modified: 03-14-2022, 08:36 PM by My Northern Wisconsin.)
If the county board decides to sell the fairgrounds, there will be some contingencies. A long-term lease will be established allowing the Price County Fair Association to operate the fair on that property. The lease would also allow the Price County Antiques Association to remain established at the fairgrounds. The Boy Scout building, 4-H building, and the schoolhouse would also remain at the fairgrounds for use by those organizations. In September 2021, County Administrator Nick Trimner told My Price County, "If there is a sale to a private party and they were to ever consider selling, or go out of business, the county would have a first right of refusal to get the property back." Further, the new owners will establish the terms and prices if individuals or groups want to hold any events at the fairgrounds. Those decisions will leave the county and become that of the new owners.
On March 14th, Nick added, "It cannot be parceled off, it cannot be sold to different people, all the groups that currently use it can use it, but I cannot publicly go into more details that will be revealed in closed session."
Members of the community have expressed concern about items being discussed in closed session. Nick explained the need for closed session, stating, "There are two parties who are still interested in this property so say we cannot come to a negotiation with Party A, we don't want Party B to know what we are negotiating because then they would be able to try to use that information. It's just like if you were trying to negotiate a contract between two people, you don't tell those two people the negotiating because then that person is going to outbid the other person or underbid." My Price County asked Nick if there would be time for the public to review the sale price before it was final, and he stated, "As soon as we sign the tentative agreement, then it becomes public record. As soon as we both agree on what those terms are, then the public will know. That is when it is final that we have an agreement to do this." Therefore, the agreement will be made in full during closed session. He explained, "The elected officials were asked to do something because they were elected, they're doing it, and that's what they did. It's called closed session because we are doing specific negotiating."
The property has been in the county's focus for about a year. It was first inquired about by Darin Baratka and his daughter, Alexis, stating they would like to purchase the property, upgrade the fairgrounds, and hold the rodeo there, which has been the home of the rodeo for the last two years. The parcel was then advertised later in 2021 asking if anyone wanted to lease or purchase the fairgrounds. A possible purchase price was not stated, and some community members have expressed that the sale of this size of land with buildings and water frontage would be high. Lynda Ludwig, part of Price County Fairgrounds United, which is organized as a non-profit organization, expressed interest with the county. If either of these two parties purchase the fairgrounds, it will be out of the county's hands, and under the control of individuals, whether they are being represented as individuals or an organization with a controlling board of individuals. The county would no longer control the fairgrounds. The county would have the first right to purchase it back at the listing price provided by the new owner should the new owner want to sell in the future. If the county declined to purchase it back at that time, the new owner could sell it to anyone.
A number of community members privately contacted My Price County with their thoughts regarding the possible sale of the fairgrounds. Some were in favor of it stating that the fairgrounds is in disrepair and needs someone to bring it back to life. Most who contacted My Price County were not in favor of the fairgrounds leaving county control and going into private ownership.
Wanting to share a summary of some of the thoughts, both pro and con, and a link to a small vote that was taken on the topic, My Price County composed an e-mail with this information and also stated, "If the grounds does not get sold, [we] feel the fair website could be used, if the fair agreed, to promote it more for renting it out to events, and My Price County would also be willing to help put the word out for volunteers to get the fair buildings and grounds back in shape. We definitely have the audience to try to get people motivated to help. Our goal is to promote the county, and this would definitely fit in line with that." My Price County sent the e-mail to the county administrator and eleven of thirteen board of supervisors who provide an e-mail address as a means of contact. It was sent on January 11, 2022 with the goal of getting the e-mail read and replied to before the next board meeting. When no one replied to the message, a second message was sent on January 24, 2022 to twelve of the thirteen board members, as one e-mail address was not available at that time. A voice message was also left for Paula Houdek.
(Article continues after promotional image.)
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Stop by Harbor View Pub & Eatery, a view that changes with the seasons. This restaurant, pub, and vacation rental is located at 1094 North Lake Avenue in Phillips. View Harbor View's website, follow their Facebook page, or call 715-339-2626.
Alan Barkstrom replied after he received the second e-mail, accidentally thinking the message came from Lynda Ludwig, and My Price County replied that we are not affiliated with Lynda Ludwig. Nick Trimner replied that he received the second e-mail stating he did not see the first one. His reply was, "We will be having a meeting tomorrow to discuss some of the issues about making sure it continues to be able to be used like it currently has been." Paula Houdek also replied, and she stated that she appreciated the feedback and said, "The executive committee will be meeting tomorrow to continue discussions of the fairgrounds issue. I will make sure all members have received and read your email." However, no board members replied to the community input we provided or My Price County's offer to advertise the need for fund-raising and volunteers. In recent days, more community members have expressed that they were not aware the county needed help in maintaining the fairgrounds as the community has yet to be asked to help. Some stated they would provide materials and labor, but they were not aware of the need until recently.
In an interview today, March 14, 2022, My Price County asked Nick Trimner about that e-mail and the possibility of fund-raising and writing for grants. He said, "The way the grants work is if we were going to do a project, we would go looking for grants. A lot of times grants sound great, but they don't pay for it [all], so that's where we struggled. Say we could get a grant to do something out there, we still have to come up with a grant to cover the difference." He added, "If either one of these groups are to take over out there, we will assist them with grants if they need a county sponsorship. Broadband would be a good example....It was a 7 million dollar project and they got a 5 million dollar grant, and we had to participate in that by saying we were supporting it. So, whoever the new caretakers are out there, we will support them in the same way, so if they can get a grant for the barn, great, and we will do a resolution saying we support them to do that so they are eligible and then they would come up with the difference in money." He added that both interested parties have started to do tentative fund-raising and both have expressed saving the barn as a priority. When we asked about My Price County's offer to help with fund-raising efforts and some community members possible offers of labor and materials, he stated, "It's not what we're looking to do." He said with so many projects, the county is not interested in prioritizing the revitalization of the fairgrounds.
My Price County also reached out to a couple board members earlier today. When asked about fund-raising efforts or why the county did not promote the fairgrounds in the past, trying to bolster people to hold private or public events there, to generate the needed maintenance funds, one of them stated, "We don't have the people in the county government who want to do that stuff....I love people to be involved, but we are too far along now." One board member stated he would consider voting to keep it with the county but only if people are willing to put considerable donations of time and money into the project, so he recommended that if you speak up, be willing to support your words with actions. The community must be willing to take on this revitalization project for the board to even consider it as an option.
Based on My Price County's interviews, it feels like the fairgrounds will be approved to be under new ownership. However, finalization will take place tomorrow, so nothing has been decided yet. Since community members have asked My Price County what they can do, My Price County's suggestion is if you have any comments for the board, for or against the sale of the property, or with ideas for how the county can get the property maintained so it could stay in the county's control, writing your comments on this article will be a good method. (To post a comment or vote in our poll, you need to register for free as you need a username to post.) Another great method of expressing your thoughts, is to contact your board representatives. Their contact information can be found at the end of this article. Attending the meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 9 a.m. to voice your opinions, is the best method. The meeting, however, is under COVID-19 protocols, so the meeting can be attended in a few ways. You may call 715-339-3325 to reserve a seat, join the meeting online, (the link is also shown in the meeting agenda, below), or participate via conference call by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using Conference Code 2483 060 5761. Even if joining the meeting virtually, you will be able to share your comments at the meeting.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
1. Larry Palecek
715-762-4540
E-mail: larry.palecek@co.price.wi.us
350 River Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 5 & 6)
2. Ginny Strobl
715-474-3434
E-mail: ginny.strobl@co.price.wi.us
N5957 Woodlawn Rd, Kennan, WI 54537
(Village of Catawba, Village of Kennan, Town of Catawba, Town of
Kennan, Town of Georgetown)
3. Mark Kyle
715-797-5585
E-mail: mark.kyle@co.price.wi.us
N15432 County Rd B, Park Falls, WI 54552
(Town of Flambeau; Town of Lake, Ward 1; City of Park Falls, Ward 3)
4. Jeffrey Hallstrand
715-767-5100
E-mail: jeff.hallstrand@co.price.wi.us
W6014 Otteson Rd, Ogema, WI 54459
(Town of Ogema, Town of Hill)
5. James Hintz
715-762-3435
E-mail: jim.hintz@co.price.wi.us
W7530 White Rock Rd, Fifield, WI 54524
(Town of Fifield; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 2)
6. Paula Houdek
715-339-3307
E-mail: paula.houdek@co.price.wi.us
W3601 Maple Dr, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Emery, Town of Hackett, Town of Knox, Town of Spirit)
7. Dennis Wartgow
715-762-2795
E-mail: dennis.wartgow@co.price.wi.us
261 9th St N, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 1, 2, 4 & 7)
8. Alan Barkstrom
715-339-6516
E-mail: alan.barkstrom@co.price.wi.us
W7577 County Rd W, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 1; Town of Harmony)
9. Jordan Spacek
715-339-2827
E-mail: jordan.spacek@co.price.wi.us
W6986 Cranberry Lake Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Worcester, Ward 1 & 3)
10. Robert Kopisch
715-762-4301
E-mail: bob.kopisch@co.price.wi.us
N16165 Lakeshore Dr, Butternut, WI 54514
(Town of Lake, Ward 2; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 1)
11. Waldemar Madsen
715-780-0744
E-mail: waldemar.madsen@co.price.wi.us
561 Flambeau Ave, Phillips, WI 54555
(City of Phillips, Ward 2, 3 & 4)
12. Douglas Erickson
(4/21) 715-657-0580
E-mail: doug.erickson@co.price.wi.us
N3838 Hay Creek Rd, Prentice, WI 54556
(Village of Prentice, Town of Prentice)
13. Brian Ernst
715-661-0892
E-mail brian.ernst@co.price.wi.us
1555 Hillcrest Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 2; City of Phillips Ward 1; Town of Worcester, Ward 2)