To learn mor about this job and submit an application, click this link.
Job Description
BW Papersystems is seeking a Production Planner to drive the efficient, on-time flow of manufactured components and assemblies to final assembly. This pivotal role supports strategic production initiatives, optimizes scheduling processes, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
The Master Scheduler works closely with leaders in Planning, Fabrication, Machining, Paint, and Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing to coordinate resources, streamline workflows, and meet critical delivery timelines. Success in this role requires balancing operational efficiency with proactive problem-solving to minimize delays and maximize throughput.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and manage production schedules to ensure timely delivery of components to final assembly.
Collaborate with department leaders to balance workloads, resource capacity, and priorities.
Lead and coach the material planner/coordinator team, fostering accountability and collaboration.
Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.
Communicate schedule plans, risks, and changes to stakeholders with clarity and transparency.
Use data analysis to enhance scheduling accuracy and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Align departmental activities with strategic manufacturing targets.
Implement process improvements to increase production speed, reduce costs, and simplify workflows.
Model professionalism, strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What you will bring
Analytical Thinking – Breaks down complex problems into manageable parts.
Technical Proficiency – Skilled in Microsoft 365, Excel, Power BI, and Infor XA.
Effective Communication – Listens actively and tailors messages for clarity and impact.
Relationship Building – Fosters respectful, collaborative working relationships.
Adaptability – Responds effectively to changing priorities and diverse viewpoints.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Connects people, ideas, and resources across teams.
Creative Leadership – Encourages innovation and constructive learning from setbacks.
Willingness to Travel – Open to domestic travel as needed.
Basic Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
3+ years of experience in production scheduling, manufacturing planning, or fabrication/machine shop operations.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
To learn more about this job and apply, click this link.
Job Description
BW Papersystems is seeking a Manufacturing Resource Scheduler to drive the efficient, on-time flow of manufactured components and assemblies to final assembly. This pivotal role supports strategic production initiatives, optimizes scheduling processes, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
The Master Scheduler works closely with leaders in Planning, Fabrication, Machining, Paint, and Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing to coordinate resources, streamline workflows, and meet critical delivery timelines. Success in this role requires balancing operational efficiency with proactive problem-solving to minimize delays and maximize throughput.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and manage production schedules to ensure timely delivery of components to final assembly.
Collaborate with department leaders to balance workloads, resource capacity, and priorities.
Lead and coach the material planner/coordinator team, fostering accountability and collaboration.
Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.
Communicate schedule plans, risks, and changes to stakeholders with clarity and transparency.
Use data analysis to enhance scheduling accuracy and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Align departmental activities with strategic manufacturing targets.
Implement process improvements to increase production speed, reduce costs, and simplify workflows.
Model professionalism, strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What you will bring
Analytical Thinking – Breaks down complex problems into manageable parts.
Technical Proficiency – Skilled in Microsoft 365, Excel, Power BI, and Infor XA.
Effective Communication – Listens actively and tailors messages for clarity and impact.
Relationship Building – Fosters respectful, collaborative working relationships.
Adaptability – Responds effectively to changing priorities and diverse viewpoints.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Connects people, ideas, and resources across teams.
Creative Leadership – Encourages innovation and constructive learning from setbacks.
Willingness to Travel – Open to domestic travel as needed.
Basic Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
3+ years of experience in production scheduling, manufacturing planning, or fabrication/machine shop operations.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Click this link to learn more about and apply for this job.
Job Description
BW Papersystems is looking for an experienced Commissioning Technician/Engineer that will conduct testing of Corrugated, Sheeter, and Finishing Equipment from subassemblies to completed equipment assemblies. Being in this role, you will have working knowledge of computer, PLC, motor/drive, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, as well as both electrical & electronic assemblies and components.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Start up, test, troubleshoot, debug, and validate equipment and components in-house.
Collaborate with the R&D team to provide feedback on issues identified during testing.
Operate and shut down equipment following company safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
Communicate safe operating procedures for electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
Maintain required performance and maintenance records for designated equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance as directed.
Document and resolve testing issues promptly.
Maintain and update testing procedures; collaborate with internal teams to ensure machine documentation is current.
Ensure proper execution and documentation of machine testing; manage and maintain software backups.
Maintain necessary testing materials for machine evaluation.
Participate in daily operational meetings; organize and lead teardown meetings.
Review team performance and recommend corrective actions for missed opportunities.
Travel occasionally to customer sites within the U.S. and internationally as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Specifications
PLC experience highly preferred, especially with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, Beckhoff, and Siemens.
Experience with HMI and motor control systems desired.
Advanced knowledge of electrical/electronic circuits, controls, programming techniques, and computer languages as applied to machine tools.
Proficient in reading blueprints and schematics.
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate degree or higher in industrial automation or engineering technology preferred.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
BW Papersystems is looking for a Mechanical Assembler that will be responsible for mechanical assembly and erection of capital machines for the Corrugating Paper Industry, as well as related units. This position requires the ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and specifications, and to execute mechanical assemblies with a high level of precision and care.
Key Responsibilities:
Plan work sequences from assembly drawings, specifications, and written/verbal instructions.
Assemble machine sections in various configurations based on customer requirements.
Use measuring instruments to ensure level, alignment, and eliminate run-out to maintain tight tolerances (square, concentricity, and parallelism).
Identify and report defective materials, unusual conditions, or mechanical issues.
Maintain accurate documentation for quality assurance and production tracking.
Collaborate in team meetings to address and resolve issues related to cost, quality, or production flow.
Follow all established safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Job Specifications:
Proficiency in reading blueprints and interpreting technical/mechanical drawings.
Strong knowledge of mechanical systems and assembly procedures.
Skilled in the use of hand tools and power tools commonly used in assembly processes.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to assist team members as needed.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED required.
Technical training or vocational certificate in mechanical assembly or related field preferred.
Minimum 1 plus years of experience in mechanical assembly or a similar role in a manufacturing environment.
Experience building capital machines is a plus.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
To get more information and apply for this job, click this link.
About Us
BW Papersystems, part of the Barry-Wehmiller Group, builds capital equipment that transforms paper into products for consumers - every day, around the world. We offer innovative technologies, service and parts, and years of global experience in corrugating, finishing; slitting and packaging; stationery; bookbinding and security documents. Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding cartons, passports, notebooks, copy paper, board, and coated and other specialty papers. For more information, visit bwpapersystems.com.
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description
The Materials Planner is responsible for scheduling and expediting material requirements to support multiple BWP locations, focusing on finished goods and sub-assemblies. Key duties include interpreting MRP outputs, initiating and managing manufacturing orders, maintaining just-in-time inventory, and resolving material issues. The role requires collaboration across departments to ensure timely material flow and production efficiency. Candidates should have a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, planning and scheduling procedures, and experience with systems like Infor XA. Strong communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.
Essential Functions
Monitor and interpret material requirements planning (MRP) output to schedule, release, and maintain manufacturing orders.
Initiate shop orders to obtain material in accordance with schedule requirements; evaluate and determine alternate methods of meeting requirements with optimum cost and availability.
Utilize system to project requirements planning; analyze stock, units on order, future requirements, and other production related data; make recommendations for project requirements.
Responsible for maintaining just-in-time inventory and resolving materials issues while achieving and maintaining inventory business metrics.
Collaborate with other departments to determine disposition of materials and expedite flow of materials as needed; work with engineering in substitution of materials as required.
Partner with scheduling, engineering, and manufacturing to coordinate, expedite, or change delivery schedules.
Review overdue manufacturing orders - determine cause of delay and initiate corrective action.
May assist coach or guide less experienced team members.
Other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school degree required, college degree preferred.
Experience: An understanding of the manufacturing process and a working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components is desirable. Working knowledge of Infor XA.
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to prioritize and adapt to business changes on a daily basis.
Demonstrated proficiency in performing arithmetic calculations with accuracy and efficiency to support data analysis, reporting, and operational decision-making.
Must be able to read somewhat complex blueprints; ability to interpret instructions.
Working knowledge of planning and scheduling procedures, materials, machining operations, and time requirements.
Solid working experience with expediting materials to meet scheduling requirements.
Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with internal stakeholders in engineering and manufacturing.
Knowledge of Infor XA, MS Office, and general computer skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, continuously changing environment.
Exceptional communication.
Strong planning and scheduling skills.
Prioritization and task management.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Image from Facebook/The Voice of Worcester 2.0 video
A good-sized group of over 30 people were in attendance at the Town of Worcester meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Among other town business, PACER ratings, the Red Pines subdivision, and Little Chicago Road were addressed.
Chairman Jim Michler shared that the state wanted the town to give PASER ratings to all 230 roads, basically grading them on a scale of 1 to 10, and that was completed and sent in.
Jim also discussed that the Red Pines subdivision, which includes 25 acres, is ready for sales of lots. He mentioned they will need to decide when lots should be sold and who should be in charge of selling them, but no decisions were made at the meeting.
A topic that drew a lot of interest was Agenda Item 10, "Little Chicago/Hwy 13 intersection - rumble strips." Jim said the need to address this intersection was brought to his attention by Lynne Bohn of My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin, sharing readers' concerns about the intersection in light of the fatal accident on August 28, 2025. Jim read the information provided by WISDOT, which is the information that was also included in the article, Recent Fatal Accident Draws Safety Concerns About Little Chicago Road.
Jim stated WISDOT provided a detailed drawing and noted that rumble strips can make a significant amount of noise. A board member, Jeremy Pesko, noted that he wasn't personally aware of how much noise that type of rumble strip would cause, but he was told by others that rumble strips on the yellow center line and white fog line do make some noise. Jim said if they decided to move forward with rumble strips, he would want to send a letter to any nearby residents. Since Board Member Russ Long was not in attendance, a motion was made and carried to table the matter until all board members were present. Jim said he would accept comments during public comment at the end of the meeting.
After the 2026 budget meeting was scheduled and the voucher list was gone over, it was time for public comment. "Before we get started on our public comment, it's been a while since we reviewed the rules for public comment," said Jim. "I have here a sheet put together by Sheriff Brian Schmidt on if people get out of hand, which as we know can easily happen on a contentious subject." Reading from the sheet provided by the sheriff, Jim said anyone attending a meeting can removed. He said the chairman can state someone is out of order, ask for the individual's cooperation or removal, demand that the individual sits quietly or leave, and, if the individual refuses to be quiet or leave, pause the meeting, and call the sheriff's office to tell them about the situation. A deputy sheriff was present at the meeting, as noted by Jim, who interacted with him. (The Town of Worcester has asked for a police presence at some past meetings, as well.) Jim asked the deputy sheriff what the person could get charged with if they were rowdy, and a brief exchange took place about disturbing the peace or "something like that." Jim also told the meeting attendees that the board has the discretion to allow public comment and should be limited to agenda items only. "Public comment is limited to agenda items only. So, for instance, signage and rumble strips on the highway, Little Chicago / Hwy. 13 intersection or any other intersection in town is a legitimate subject because it's on the agenda. The people that use the roads, the businesses in this town, are not on the agenda and are not an appropriate subject for public comment, so any comment about individuals or businesses with respect to road accidents and intersections will be out of order." He said this understanding was in effect with the sheriff and the board, and he then asked for public comment.
A woman asked if the speed limit could come down some distance before the intersection. Jim said, "Changing town speed limits on town roads from the state default is something that requires some homework and digging and procedures, but it can be done within limits. I think they allow like 10 miles an hour in town from the state default but more than that you'd need traffic safety studies; expensive traffic safety studies."
A man asked how rumble strips would make it safer when there are already stop signs there that should be obeyed.
When asked about the cost, Jim said they grind grooves into the blacktop, and he would have to get a cost estimate but figured it would cost quite a bit to get the equipment in there to do the job.
A man who works on the roads said, "We see people blow through stop signs constantly." He felt people need to use common sense, care about others, and be responsible while driving.
A few other brief comments were made, similar to comments mentioned.
Jim asked if there were more comments, but no one else spoke up. He said, "I thought there'd be more questions than that."
The meeting was then concluded.
Since our readers are very interested in improving the safety of that intersection, we reached out to Sheriff Brian Schmidt on September 21, October 7, and today, October 22, asking what can be done about policing the intersection, plus we sent him some comments from the community, but the sheriff has yet to reply. We will update this article if he replies.
At approximately 2:03 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of a one-vehicle rollover accident. The accident occurred in the Township of Rib Lake on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue. The caller stated there was an injured female passenger inside the vehicle.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Taylor County first responders, and Rib Lake Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, "Upon arrival, a sport utility style vehicle was located rolled onto its side in the ditch with extensive damage. A 49-year-old female passenger, identified as Sharon M. Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was extricated from the vehicle by fire and EMS personnel. Sharon was transported from the scene by Rib Lake Ambulance to Aspirus Medford Hospital and subsequently transported by helicopter to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Hours later, it was determined that Sharon had succumbed to her injuries from the crash. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Stephen Kaplon of Ogema, Wisconsin, was provided with medical attention and had no serious injuries reported at the time.
"A preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was southbound on County Road C when it veered off the roadway, entered the west ditch, and struck two trees. The driver, Stephen Kaplon, was arrested for Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle and is in custody at the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond."
The accident is still under investigation, and authorities are not releasing any other information at this time.
Colton Goll, a fifth grade student at Phillips Elementary School and the son of Joel Goll and Kendra Shipley, heard about a kid from Wisconsin winning a mullet competition a few years ago, which was a competition that also raised funds for a charity known as Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. That inspired Colton to start growing a mullet in August 2022 and enter the competition in June 2025. He named his mullet "The Coltonator." His hair is naturally curly, but when it is pulled straight, it measures about eleven inches.
Colton had to submit pictures of himself sporting his mullet, including a front, back, and side view, plus he had to share a brief story about his mullet. After that, it was all about fundraising and getting votes on the official website.
Colton had four big fundraisers. "My first fundraiser was at the 4th of July parade. I sold pulled pork sandwiches. Then I went to Hodag and different campsites this summer and handed out free koozies with my picture on them for votes and received some donations doing that." He said he had another pulled pork fundraiser at a bar and grill in Phillips, and he also went to Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua, handing out koozies asking for more votes.
"Raising money for Wounded Warriors that my supporters helped me raise. That makes me feel good," is what Colton said was his favorite part and proudest moment of the competition. Colton raised $3,847.01 for the charity. In the kids', teens', and adults' divisions of the competition, over $175,000 was raised by all the participants.
Colton had to survive a few rounds of the competition. Each time the field of participants narrowed until there were only 25 remaining in the kids' division. As the only kid left in this year's competition who is from Wisconsin, when it was announced that Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Kansas were in the top three, he and his family started to realize Colton may have won. He said the fact that he was in first place in regard to votes for so long also made him feel like he probably had won.
In the final round, Colton walked away with 2,069 votes. Slade Smith from Oklahoma got 1,758 votes and took second place, and Gabriel Giefer from Kansas got 874 votes and a third-place finish. Hearing his name announced while at his house with family and friends, Colton said, "I was super excited!"
Colton's judges' score was 143, edging out second place by two points. "I remember judging this kid. He was on point; he was crushing it," said Jared Allen, one of the judges and the founder of the charity.
The votes from the community, family, and friends greatly helped put Colton in the winning spotlight. His mom, Kendra, promoted him on social media so that people knew where to vote online and where his fundraising events would be held. Colton said, "I want to thank every single person who voted, shared, and donated to the Wounded Warriors and for my fundraisers who also donated the food and prizes to help me raise money. Thank you from the Coltonator!"
Colton's parents are also thankful to the community and proud of their son. Colton's dad, Joel, said that he "can't believe the amazing power and support of such a small town; first, the support following my accident, and now this being a national thing really shows the power of a small town." He added, "I am extremely proud of all Colton's effort and drive stepping outside of his comfort zone and totally rocking his mullet and crushing the competition." Colton's mom, Kendra, said, "I am so very proud of him! He has come out of his shell in such a small time. He raised money for an amazing cause, and it's not just the mullet, he talked to adults, set up his fundraisers, and made his own videos. The growth he has made is such a huge accomplishment in itself. I know I am biased, but he truly is a great kid! He has the biggest heart and such a fun personality; I am so proud to be his mama! Seeing his excitement when they said a kid from Wisconsin was in the top three is something I will forever hold as a memory. He is proud of his country, proud of all who served our country, and proud of being from Wisconsin and being a small-town kid who put our small town on the map! He is a true American and I, again, could not be more proud."
With the pride of the win came a $10,000 cash prize. Colton plans to save some and spend some. "I want to buy an old truck and make it into a rat rod with my stepdad, [Dave Shipley], for when I can drive, and the rest of it I want to put in my savings for college."
Colton sees more mullet-related plans in his future. He may enter the same competition again next year. Plus, he would like to make his own donation. "Someday, not anytime soon, I would like to donate it to Wigs for Kids for kids with cancer. Then I can help them, too," he shared.
Photo Credit: Brittany Eichmann
If you know of a kid who is a rising star, doing something extra like being an entrepreneur or raising money for a cause, send My Price County that child's name, his/her parents' names, and contact information.
Business owners and residents have been contacting My Price County regarding the terrace and sidewalk installation in Phillips. My Price County reached out to council members with some questions and also attended the Tuesday, October 7 Committee of the Whole meeting to get additional answers.
The sidewalk project was supposed to be in its third week on Monday, October 6. However, the concrete company had another job they had to finish that took longer than anticipated, so the crew was pulled from Phillips to complete that job. The sidewalk project is expected to resume during the week of Monday, October 13 on the east side of the street.
On the west side of the street, the city is aware there were some issues during installation. Since there were issues, Ayres Associates asked the council for an amendment to the contract, asking for $9,300 more (but not to exceed $69,550 total for Ayres Associates' portion of the sidewalk project) to have additional site visits for the east side given "there are concerns with the quality of work done in some spots [on the west side]," according to Justin Schuenemann from Ayres Associates, and the amendment also includes some other worksite items and additional administrative work. The amendment would add "another layer to ensure that this is being done per plan, per the specs, and that the city is getting a good end product. So, just having a few trips during that other side to ensure that its being installed at the correct grades, and everything is being done accordingly so that we're not having to come back after the fact and replace and fix things and try to catch things in the moment, so it goes smoother," Justin explained the reasoning for the additional cost. The mayor mentioned there are cracks on the west side, and Justin said it will sit through the winter, and the city has a year warranty period and then the company will come in and fix everything at once near the end of that timeframe. Clerk Shelby Kosmer and Mayor Charles Peterson both stated that the $7,800 cost that would have been paid to Ayres Associates to apply for the grant that the business owners wanted them to apply for was essentially now being switched to pay for the $9,300 amendment for administrative costs and more site work/visits. The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to pay the extra money to Ayres Associates. (This article continues after the following ad. Keep reading.)
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According to Alderman Bill Elliott, the business owners voted on a color, but when a sample was poured on Friday, September 26, Aldermen John Klimowski and Richard Heitkemper, along with Mayor Charles Peterson, Project Manager Justin Schuenemann, and Director of the Department of Public Works Jim Heizler, decided there was not enough distinction between the chosen color and the sidewalk color. The five of them chose a darker color, which was not one of the four colors voted on by the business owners.
The stone pattern that the business owners voted for was also not used, because the concrete company did not have that particular stamp, so the company used a different stamp that they had available.
One of the concrete company personnel told My Price County that he expressed to a city official that stamping the concrete will make it more slippery. However, Bill Elliott said he was told this stamping pattern will hold in the heat to help with snow and ice. The concrete worker also stated he has not been on a job where the State of Wisconsin DOT came through and fixed the highway but not the sidewalks.
Many residents thought the double curb was going to be eliminated except by the bait shop given there was not enough space by the bait shop to get rid of the double curb. A different design, for greater handicapped accessibility, was possible if the bait shop had their door swing the opposite direction, but the bait shop owner did not want to change the door. According to the Committee of the Whole at the October 7 meeting, there were some issues that were handled in the area of the bait shop when the design plan was not seeming to be followed by the concrete contractor, and the contractor had to tear it out and redo it. Justin said the city will not have to pay for the contractor's mistake.
As for the rest of the double curb, residents, including business owners, questioned why the new terrace meets up with the sidewalk and slants in front of some buildings, and in front of other buildings there is a step that varies in height, along with a slanted terrace. In an interview with My Price County, Bill Elliott said, "Where they could, they got rid of the double curb, but with height of the highway and the height of the buildings, it was not feasible."
However, clarification had been asked for at the August 5, 2025 meeting when Justin from Ayres Associates showed the sidewalk diagrams.
Lynne Bohn, a building owner, said, "I can look at the diagram better after the meeting, but we're still going to have a step?....Like we're going to have the curb and then we're going to have this colored area [terrace] and then we're gonna have the sidewalk up higher or is there slanting?...."
Alderman Bill Elliott, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Chuck Peterson who was in Canada, said, "It will be sloped....An 8% slope in the area where we can do it."
Lynne said, "One of those pictures I looked at it looked like we are going to have two levels?"
Bill replied, "We're only talking about two blocks [with the original double curb]. Other than that, they can't do it [eliminate the double curb by the bait shop]."
Justin from Ayres Associates was present at the meeting but did not state there would be two levels when Lynne posed the question.
Regarding easements, after the meeting when the terrace was first mentioned, business owners addressed their concerns about easements because the terrace would cause the sidewalk to go over the 6-foot right of way. These concerns were addressed with various city officials via e-mail, phone, and at meetings, including during public comment at the July 8, 2025 Common Council meeting where, according to the meeting minutes, questions were raised "about easements and project timelines as well as the terrace and businesses having sidewalk sales and how this would affect them if it [is] implemented. Some have expressed concerns about the terrace being unsafe, slippery...." For clarity, before the new sidewalk project, there was one foot of concrete next to the curb and then a five-foot sidewalk, all in the six-foot right of way. The remaining concrete that went to the businesses is private property. Now that a three-foot terrace has been implemented, the terrace and the five-foot sidewalk take up eight feet, which means two feet of city sidewalk is now on the private property of the business owners who have a terrace in front of their buildings. Furthermore, there was not a double curb on the south half of the block between Maple Street and Chestnut Street, so a terrace was not needed there, but one has now been implemented, causing an easement issue. Some business owners did not want easements, as they did not want to lose any property, and wanted the city to wait to get a different plan and apply for grants (possibly also adding a bike trail behind businesses in the same grant), and proceeding methodically, but the terrace plan stayed in place even with the issue of easements. After the west side's terrace and sidewalk were installed, at the October 7 meeting, Justin agreed that two feet of the sidewalk is now on private property, and he said the city, city attorney, and business owners will have to work that out.
The sidewalks should be completed on the east side within the next two weeks, finishing near the end of October 2025.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, at 8:33 a.m., an arrest was made in connection with the business and residential fires that occurred in the Sawyer County area over the past year.
The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigations and the Birchwood Police Department, arrested a 30-year old man, Thomas L. Olson, from Birchwood, Wisconsin.
According to Sheriff Doug Mrotek, "Olson’s arrest follows a nearly year-long joint investigation into a series of structure fires that began in November of 2024. As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested Olson on multiple felony counts of Arson of Buildings (Wis. Stat §943.02(1)(a)). He is currently being held in the Sawyer County Jail awaiting a bail hearing."
This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation.
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