The May 2025 Eagle Award winners distinguished themselves for having "Initiative" for the month.
Front row, left to right: Keyantae Henderson, Gideon Schuelke, and Ellie Wilson
Middle row, left to right: Levi McFadden, Madison Kisling, Amelia Smith, Carson Bay, and Hendrix Scott
Back row, left to right: Caden Kang, Hank Rauschenbach, Lylli Bukachek, Greg Oswald, Ruth Oswald, and Khaliva Moya (This photo was received with the tops of heads missing in the back row; this is not our error.)
Submitted photo.
The May 2025 Soar Award winners from Park Falls Elementary School persevered and accomplished a challenging feat.
Front row, left to right: Thomas Wagner, Asher Walters, Weston Behling, Emery Volk, and Alhana Barron
Middle row, left to right: Max Barylski, Rayna Schultz, Maddyx Donner, Noah Czaja, and Aubrey Willimas
Back row, left to right: Parker Paholke, Hank Rauschenbach, Treyton Radlinger, Brynlee Schmidt, Carter Schuelke, and Ryan Langland
The Price County Sheriff's Office and the Phillips Police Department have been working together on the drug issues in our county.
At a July 1, 2025, City of Phillips meeting, Chief Mike Hauschild explained recent arrests. "We've been involved in a multi-operation with the drugs involving multiple targets in the City of Phillips and Price County. This began back in March of this year. On Friday, June 25, officers in the Phillips Police Department assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department and conducted a drug search warrant in the county which had ties to the City of Phillips." He explained two individuals were arrested. He stated that on June 30, four search warrants occurred in the City of Phillips. From that, seven people were taken into custody and are being held at the Price County Jail. Many of these people are repeat offenders, and 112 total charges will be referred to the district attorney for things such as possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia; keeping of a drug house; habitual criminality; and bail jumping, among other things.
Chief Hauschild continued, "I keep beating a dead drum, but the legal system has to get serious about this. I'm so frustrated with our court system.
"Again, numerous long hours away from our families to keep this community safe. This is one of my number one aggravations is drug dealers. Okay? I hope everybody feels the same way. You got to put pressure on the judge and the district attorney."
He believes we are going to get a special prosecutor from the Green Bay area given the current district attorney has resigned (see related story) and will no longer be in the position as of July 7, 2025. "But, again, it takes the people from the community to put pressure on the district attorney and the judges, because this has to stop," Chief Hauschild added.
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.
If, in the last few years, you attended a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day at Badger’s Den, with fireworks provided by Matt Palas, you know how amazing those shows were.
This year, the show is back, bigger and better than previous years. It will be held at South Fork Tavern, which is located at N11154 County Road F in Phillips (Lugerville). The show will be on Thursday, July 3, 2025, around dusk and will last about half an hour. If it rains, the show will be held on Saturday instead.
Tell your friends and family, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy one of the most amazing fireworks shows you have ever seen in Phillips, Wisconsin.
Then, on Friday, July 4, 2025, enjoy the Independence Day parade on Flambeau Avenue at 2 p.m. and the City of Phillips’ fireworks show in Elk Lake Park at night.
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 3:11 a.m., the Price County Dispatch Center received a report of a residential structure fire on Shady Knoll Road in the Township of Fifield.
According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, "The caller advised one individual was able to escape the residence, but two other individuals were still within the home. The individual who escaped the residence had significant, life-threatening injuries."
Two deceased individuals were located in the remains of the structure. The names of the individuals involved will not be released at this time, according to police.
The cause of the structure fire is currently being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation State Fire Marshal’s Office, Price County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pike Lake Fire Department.
Pike Lake Fire Department, Pike Lake First Responders, Fifield Fire Department, Park Falls Fire Department, Park Falls Ambulance Service, Minocqua Fire Department, Lac Du Flambeau Ambulance Service, Price County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene.
Left to Right: Carson Bay, Hadley Bay, Harper Patterson and Macy Patterson
[i]Submitted photo.[/i]
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Wisconsin track & field athletes, of all ages, gathered in Marathon City for the annual Wisconsin Badger State Games. Park Falls was represented by Hadley Bay (age 10), Harper Patterson (age 9), Carson Bay (age 7), and Macy Patterson (age 6).
Carson Bay competed in the Boys 8 and Under Division and put on a show for the ages. Bay competed in the long jump, plus 400 and 800 runs. Carson took first place in all three events.
Hadley Bay competed in the Girls 11-12 Division and was busy with four events to compete in; she delivered in all. Hadley's day was highlighted by taking first place in the 800 run and second place finishes in both the 3000 and 1500 runs. Capping off the day, she finished fifth place in the long jump.
Harper Patterson competed in the Girls 9-10 Division and was up to the task. Patterson started her day off in the high jump by taking first place. She then turned her sights to the track, where she took second place in the 800 run and third place in the 1500 run.
Macy Patterson competed in the Girls 8 and Under Division and had herself an impressive debut at the games taking first place in the 200 run and then taking second place in both the 400 and 800 runs.
All four youth attend school in the Chequamegon School District.
Inspired by various places she has lived and traveled, Amanda Schluenz has been envisioning a community garden in Fifield for some time.
"This is something that I thought about while trying to figure out how best to get to know this little community that I've joined. I gathered my seeds, watered them with wishes, drew up a proposal, and went to my very first ever town board meeting!" Amanda said.
Originally from Highbridge, just north of Mellen, she moved to Glidden, experienced college in Superior, and then moved on to Stevens Point, New York, Green Bay, and Georgia. The adventures kept piling on. "I've always been more of a rolling stone than a rock covered in moss, so I hadn't really set any "real roots," per say, until I found myself here in Fifield, of all places!" Amanda added.
While she was out east, she would travel through several small towns where she found local growers, farmers, and vendors. She got to know a core group of them, and one grower, Eugene, became her friend. He owns and operates a farm out of Liberty, New York. "I watched him build that from a kid on a tractor, for the first time, to this incredible man, self-educated farmer, set up shop, and succeeding! Watching him do that and then bring what he had to market each week really hit me. Watching the growers and the farmers and the artisans, all cheering one another on, and supporting each other; that's the community feel that I would love to bring to Fifield! Everyone growing and learning from one another and building those relationships that last, relationships like we had when we were young, and you could run though the corn fields to go ask for a cup of sugar. When you see your neighbor struggling, are you going to help or not?" Amanda shared.
While she claims she is not a master gardener, landscaper, or horticultural expert, she said she loves being in the dirt, fostering growth, and watching anything and everything grow and bloom.
Submitted image.
With her plan in mind, she discovered a 50 x 150 plot of land on Linden Avenue in Fifield, owned by the town, which was even larger than she hoped to find. She felt it would be the perfect spot for a quiet, beautiful educational space. Her initial plans are to build a small vegetable garden by the alley, and, as the hill slopes down, she will use that space as a quiet, garden park.
She said, "My vision is that it can be a teaching space for children; the schools could get involved, building boxes or benches or biology class or a basic gardening class." She also added, "We have an aging population here. This garden could provide some outdoor socialization, food for the needy, a safe space for kids to enjoy; a place to bridge the gap between the elders and the kids. A place to foster more volunteering and to get connected as a community again. I'm sure this isn't exactly what the assignment was, but this is my Fifield Community Garden fantasy."
Amanda's fantasy is finally coming true. She was excited to receive board approval from the Town of Fifield. "I also got my hands on three 300-gallon water barrels for the garden. After the meeting, speaking with the fire department and the town guys, we are going to work together to make this happen!" Amanda shared with excitement.
She added, "I am so very passionate about getting a real sense of community back. To me, that means we should be caring and growing for and with one another. We have an aging population with no one in sight to pick up the balls when it's time for the elders to pass along all their incredible knowledge. We need one another now more than ever. The young ones aren't taught the 'old ways' and will never get to know that feeling, and that hurts my heart."
Amanda is hoping the community garden will be one way to keep the 'old ways' alive. "I have ideas, and I'm so excited to share with anyone who will listen." If you are interested in helping Amanda bring her dream to fruition, via monetary donations or donations of time, you can contact her on Facebook. Soon, an account will be set up for donations at the Town of Fifield.
While Amanda has no huge expectations for a bountiful harvest this year, given the growing season is well underway, she stated she plans to get a feel for the land, possibly plant some bulbs for next year, and get some flowers in for this year. She is eager to see what can be done and where this journey will go.
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.
A fundraiser that will benefit Northwoods Living Hope (for women and children) and His House of Hope (for men overcoming addiction) will take place at Elk Lake Park in Phillips on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The organizations are hoping to raise $50,000 during a 5K glow run/walk and family sock hop dance. There will also be food and silent auction items.
Registration for the run/walk is at 5:30 p.m. The race is slated to begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult, $15 for ages 3 to 18, and children under three are free. The top fundraisers and top two adults and youth 5K participants will receive prizes.
The Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. A public hearing and sidewalk assessments for business owners were on the agenda. There was some discussion about business owners wanting grants. It was also mentioned that when the city was trying to get the necessary permits for the sidewalks, which the city does not have yet, ADA compliance became an issue. Therefore, the topic was tabled until more information was received from the state. Four contractors had submitted bids for the project. Ayres Associates estimated the costs for each business owner before the bids were received. Those numbers were available at the city clerk's office; however, it appeared the bids came in higher than the estimates. Those in attendance also learned that not all the sidewalks will be replaced. Instead, the sidewalk will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This information differed from previous meetings where business owners were told all concrete would be replaced, which business owners agreed made sense to have entirely new sidewalk.
At the Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, meeting of the Common Council, Justin from Ayres Associates gave an update on the state's internal meeting regarding the sidewalks in Phillips. Due to the double curb that is in some portions of the downtown area, the state gave two options. Either the sidewalks would need to be left as they are, or the double curb would need to be eliminated for ADA compliance. Justin stated that implementing a five-foot terrace, which would be slightly tapered and colored red in the cement mix, could eliminate the double curb in many areas. While the terrace would not be ADA compliant, having the terrace would cause the sidewalk to be ADA compliant.
Alderman Bill Elliott asked the business owners who were in attendance if they were okay with eliminating the double curb. No business owners gave any input at the meeting, except for one who stated the double curb is difficult for her to navigate with a disability.
Justin stated a motion would need to be made for Ayres to draw up plans for the double curb to be eliminated with a terrace, where possible, so that the city could ask for new bids and possibly still get the project completed this year. A motion was passed for Ayres to get the plans prepared.
Lyn Lydwig stated she had talked to the state a couple years ago about the double curb, but the state did not provide feedback about how they would address the issue when doing their repaving project in Phillips. Justin said he could review her emails and show them to the state to see if that would make a difference in their decision.
Before the meeting, a letter, which was signed by twenty business owners, was given to the aldermen, mayor, and clerk. Every business owner who was contacted, signed the letter without hesitation. Due to a lack of time before the meeting, not all business owners were contacted or available. The letter was asking the city to look for grants to help with the sidewalk project. Business owners felt that the city had promised to look for grants and stated that the Community Development Block Grant could likely be used for this project, but now the city is looking to use it for Avon Avenue, which also has businesses. Business owners feel this is not fair and that the Lake Avenue business owners should either be allowed to get the grant or the cost should be split between Lake Avenue and Avon Avenue business owners so all business owners are being treated the same and no group of businesses would be handling a greater burden. Since assessments were not discussed at the meeting, the letter was not discussed at the meeting.
After the meeting, some business owners talked about the changes the double curb elimination may cause. While it sounds like a good idea to eliminate the double curb, business owners wondered if the addition of a terrace was the proper way to tackle the issue as it could cause additional problems. There are a few businesses that have steps or decks that do not have 10 feet in front of them to fit a five-foot terrace and a five-foot sidewalk, so they are unsure how the terrace can be implemented for those areas and if it would cause the actual sidewalk to zigzag around these building features. Those businesses with a deck or steps out front would possibly have the double curb yet while a neighboring business may not have a double curb. Outside of the meeting, Justin from Ayres Associates said easements may be needed for the terrace, which was not pleasing to some business owners. Also, business owners wondered how businesses would be able to set up for Fall Harvest Fest or sidewalk sales or put out small tables, chairs, and benches for customers if the actual sidewalk will move closer to the buildings. Since this project may not get done until fall, the temperatures will be cooler, and business owners expressed concerns about pouring concrete when weather conditions are not ideal for such a project. Business owners also stated that since the state was made aware of the double curb issue, the state should have addressed that issue before placing the new curb and gutter and repaving the road. Many wondered if the new curb and gutter will need to be ripped out to implement the terrace. Some business owners felt they had more questions than answers and that the process seemed rushed with the ADA-compliance changes. While some would like to see the sidewalks done this year, a large number of business owners were okay with waiting to complete the sidewalk project until next year. The city is moving forward to see if it can get done this year. The Wisconsin DOT estimates their road, curb, and gutter work will be done at the end of August 2025.
The Committee of the Whole and Common Council will discuss the sidewalks at their next meetings in July.
Please remember to visit the Lake Avenue businesses during construction.
Details will be coming soon! Watch our website and follow the event on Facebook.
The Independence Day Parade will be held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., which is the normal date and time. This year, however, due to the road construction happening on Lake Avenue, the parade will be in a new location.
Parade watchers will need to find a spot along Flambeau Avenue (County Road W) to watch the parade. The parade will start at the driveway of Phillips School District on Flambeau Avenue and will travel toward Beebe Street, so it will be a shorter length and travel in a different direction than other years. Parade floats will exit at Beebe Street and Avon Avenue.
County Road W will have a barricade just before the school's driveway (in front of the tennis courts) just after the Shaw Avenue intersection. All side roads along Flambeau Avenue will have barricades so no one can enter onto Flambeau Avenue during the parade. All roads past Beebe Street will be open from Highway 13 to access Avon Avenue and all the other streets. Parking will not be allowed on Flambeau Avenue.
That evening, the fireworks will be in Elk Lake Park at dusk.
Even though some changes had to be made this year due to road construction, the show must go on. Community members and visitors can still gather together for the parade and visit the downtown businesses before and after, enjoying the day and making great memories.
![[Image: phillipspubliclibrary.jpg]](https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/phillipspubliclibrary.jpg)
![[Image: lakeparkpinevillage.jpg]](https://www.MyNorthernWisconsin.com/display/lakeparkpinevillage.jpg)