Track and field kicked off with its first practice last week, Monday, and, for the first time in a few years, they were actually outside because of the great weather. Their first meet was Thursday, March 19, at the Ashland High School indoor track. This year, there are a lot of familiar faces with a few new freshmen, but overall, a good number of athletes are competing.
BAND
The band went on the band trip and went to the Chazen Museum of Art in downtown Madison. Afterward, students went to the West Town Mall to shop and eat dinner. Next, the band members went to the Overture Center in Madison to watch Back to the Future, the musical. The performance was extravagant. I really enjoyed the sound and effects, as well as the pit band musicians, who did an amazing job. Students stayed the night in Mount Horeb to wake up early, then left at 8:30 to head over to Spring Green to see the world-renowned House on the Rock, where everyone walked in awe as the seemingly never-ending tour continued through some of the most chaotic and obscure exhibits. Students made a stop at Culver's in Spring Green to then head back to Phillips, a long haul home. There was a band concert on Tuesday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center, and solo and ensemble is quick to follow, on Friday, March 27, all day at Phillips High School.
QUIZ BOWL
The quiz bowl team was in the CESA 12 conference competition on Tuesday, March 17, in Ashland, where they faced various teams from around northern Wisconsin.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The student council is organizing its second blood drive of the year, which will be on April 15, 2026, in the gym. They are looking for any willing donors to sign up. There will be information posted around the school with a QR code to sign up.
WRESTLING
Ayron DeLeasky and JJ Adomaitis were down at the Kohl Center in Madison, competing at the WIAA State Wrestling Meet. JJ Adomaitis was seeded at the 5th spot of the Division 3, 150-pound weight class, and Aryon was seeded 8th for the Division 3, 190-pound weight class, with JJ finishing in the top 10 and Ayron finishing in the top 8. Seniors include JJ Adomaitis, Ayron DeLeasky, and Sawyer Kucaba.
FBLA
FBLA is preparing for State, which is coming up in a few weeks, and they are also doing the annual butter braid fundraiser.
SOFTBALL
Softball practice started on Monday, March 16, and the next game is the weekend of March 28.
BASEBALL
Baseball started practice, and their first game is Tuesday, March 31, at Barron High School.
SOCCER
Soccer started practice, and their first game is a conference matchup against the Assumption Royals in Wisconsin Rapids on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
TEEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) OF THE PHILLIPS PUBLIC LIBRARY
The TAC will be hosting a scavenger hunt at the Phillips Public Library throughout the city limits, where groups and individuals can attempt a fun scavenger hunt to take them all around Phillips and have a good chance of winning some fun prizes. The TAC is also looking to start up a program to incentivize reading among high school and middle school students. This will be called the 100 books before graduation. This will offer prizes for the number of books read before graduation. There will be more information for this to come in the future, as it is still in the works, but it will likely debut in April.
OTHER NEWS
The junior class completed the ACT testing on Tuesday, March 10.
The Prentice Buccaneers (25-4) boys' basketball team played the state semifinal on Friday, March 20, 2026, against the Southwestern Wildcats (24-6) of Hazel Green, Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison. The head coach for Prentice is Adam Blomberg.
In a game where the Prentice team was down by double digits, many fans thought it was over at that point. However, the Prentice Bucs did not give up and brought Southwestern's lead down to single digits with an exciting finish.
Ultimately, Southwestern led most of the game and won with a score of 69 to 65.
Evan Lord, Hardy Hueckman, and Ledger Jones gathered the most points for Prentice during the game. Matti Heikkinen, Evan Lord, and Aidan Hause were game leaders for rebounds.
Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA discusses rates, exemptions, and limits; education grants; standard deductions; and Health Savings Accounts. Each section is in bold for ease of finding the information you may need.
For a free, no obligation quote, call Davette at 715-339-6638. Her office is located between the lion statues at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips.
2025 TAX YEAR QUICK TAX FACTS - RATES, EXEMPTIONS, AND LIMITS
Each year the IRS releases and revises various rates, exemptions, and limits, some of which are listed below:
Standard mileage rates are available to taxpayers in certain situations. The current rates for the filing of your 2025 income tax return are as follows:
Business Standard Mileage Rate: 70 cents per mile
Medical and Moving Standard Mileage Rate: 21 cents per mile
Charitable Standard Mileage Rate: 14 cents per mile
Gift Tax Annual Exclusion: $19,000
Each person’s tax situation is unique. Sometimes the only deduction available is a standard deduction and other times the taxpayer has an option to choose to use standard deductions or actual amounts. The circumstances of which is most appropriate to use must be looked at on a case-by-case basis for each taxpayer; rarely are any two taxpayers’ situations identical.
2025 STUDENT EDUCATIONAL GRANTS CAN BE TAXABLE
Many taxpayers are surprised to learn that some of the money that their children receive from scholarships and grants may be taxable.
It is true that there is a Scholarship and Fellowship Exclusion; however, this is only a partial exclusion based on how the funds are used, and, in order to qualify for that exclusion, the person must be a degree candidate. The degree candidate must also be a primary or secondary school student, a college undergraduate or graduate student, or a part-time or full-time student at an accredited educational institution that provides a program that is acceptable for full credit towards a bachelor’s or higher degree. The program that the school offers must be a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
If the person is not a degree candidate, all amounts received are generally taxable.
If the person is a degree candidate, then only amounts used on tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment are tax-free. Any amounts spent on room & board and travel are taxable. This, at times, causes some confusion among many taxpayers and can result in some students inadvertently doing their tax returns incorrectly.
Scholarships and fellowships include items such as Pell Grants and other Title IV Grants that are need-based education grants.
There are, however, additional exceptions to this, including if the scholarship or grant was provided by a tribe subject to the Tribal General Welfare Act.
STANDARD DEDUCTIONS
Almost every year there are changes to the amounts for the standard deduction. As you probably know, if you do not itemize a tax return, you are entitled to take a standard deduction. If you are able to itemize, and if your itemized deduction is higher than your standard deduction, then you take your itemized deduction.
The standard deductions for this year are:
Married Filing Joint or Qualified Widow or Widower Filing Status: $31,500
Single Filing Status: $15,750
Head of Household Filing Status: $23,625
Married Filing Separately Filing Status: $15,750
Dependent Filing Status: $1,350
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs)
You may have heard about Health Savings Accounts. They are a savings account that is set up and used exclusively for paying for qualified medical expenses for the account beneficiary and/or dependents and/or spouse of the beneficiary.
They are a valuable tool to help assist in the costs of individual and family health care.
If you qualify for a Health Savings Account, there are differences in limitations based on self-only or family coverage.
For 2025, some of the limitation cut-offs are as follows:
For Self-only Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $4,300
Plan minimum deductible: $1,650
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $8,300
For Family Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $8,550
Plan minimum deductible: $3,300
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $16,600
There is an annual contribution amount increase of $1,000 for anyone who is age 55 or older.
Remember, if you have already filed but realize that you could have had a credit or deduction that you missed, it is not too late; you can always amend your return. If you need more information or believe you could qualify for them, I would be happy to give you a free quote on the preparation of your return.
When the right tax and financial advice is essential, talk to someone with an unmatched level of knowledge, experience, and education. A CPA understands the business of taxes and finance and can provide trusted advice and services during the tax season and throughout the calendar year.
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.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from Jeff & Scott's Local Sports Channel
It was one of those moments of a lifetime when the Prentice Buccaneers boys' basketball team won the Section Final against Turtle Lake in Altoona, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
One of the last two points of the game. Photo Credit: Screenshot from Jeff & Scott's Local Sports Channel
The game was tied at 58 points each with 31 seconds to go. A foul occurred with 8.9 seconds left in the game. The Bucs went to the line, sinking both free throws. Turtle Lake took possession of the ball and tried a three-point shot that did not connect. The Bucs won, 60 to 58.
Many players contributed to the 60 points with Evan Lord being the top-scoring player with 33 points.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from Jeff & Scott's Local Sports Channel
After the win, the team participated in the tradition of cutting down the net.
The boys' team has not been to state for 27 years, last making an appearance in 1999.
After the game, the students in the crowd chanted, "No school Friday!" The boys head to state semifinals competition on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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.
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.)
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.
Former Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said, “Alexis Nash will serve the people of Price County with honor and integrity as their next district attorney. As a prosecutor in Milwaukee County, Alexis has ensured justice for the victims of crime and worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children in unsafe living conditions. She has also played a pivotal role in the Family Drug Treatment Court program, displaying a firm commitment to the rights and dignity of all who interact with the criminal justice system.”
“Alexis Nash’s years of service and commitment to justice and collaboration will serve the Price County community well,” said Governor Evers.
Alexis said, “I’m honored by the governor’s trust and the opportunity to serve the people of Price County. The role of a prosecutor is to pursue justice with fairness, sound judgment, and respect for the law. My focus will be on doing the work carefully and consistently; supporting victims, working collaboratively with law enforcement, and ensuring that the justice system serves the community with integrity.”
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.
The Wisconsin Parts Value Stream Leader is responsible for the overall performance and execution of the Wisconsin Parts Value Streams, including inside sales, technical clarification, rapid and quote response (procurement), operations (inventory, receiving, pick/pack/ship), and all functions supporting both domestic and international customer requests and shipments.
This leader serves as a highly engaged coach and mentor who drives continuous improvement while fostering a One-Team-One-Goal culture. The role is accountable for achieving and exceeding operational, financial, and growth objectives while delivering exceptional customer experience.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Performance
Develop and execute comprehensive Parts business plans aligned with organizational strategy.
Establish and lead a One-Team-One-Goal operating structure to drive urgency, alignment, and accountability.
Identify opportunities to maximize potential within existing markets while expanding into adjacent market spaces.
Collaborate with Sales and Service to develop strategies that drive profitable sales growth.
Lead change management initiatives to support organizational shifts and performance improvements.
Financial & Operational Management
Own and manage P&L drivers of the value stream, ensuring optimal availability, reliability, and budget performance.
Manage monthly forecasts and annual budgets.
Drive margin improvement and cost optimization initiatives.
Oversee all operational activities including inventory control, receiving, fulfillment, and shipping performance.
Ensure KPI tracking, reporting accuracy, gap analysis, and implementation of corrective countermeasures.
Continuous Improvement & Process Excellence
Champion Lean methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead systemic improvement and cost-reduction projects.
Conduct process audits and performance assessments to identify opportunities for optimization.
Ensure strong inventory management and standard cost discipline.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Provide leadership for both local and remote associates.
Serve as a coach and mentor, fostering engagement and accountability.
Develop team capabilities and participate in succession planning.
Promote a culture focused on results, quality, and continuous improvement.
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational success.
Core Competencies
Proven leadership in Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing policies, inventory control, and standard cost systems.
Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
Data-driven decision-making and strong analytical capability.
Exceptional situational assessment and leadership skills.
Ability to develop and execute detailed strategic goals and project plans.
Demonstrated success driving systemic improvement and cost reduction.
Strong team-building and mentoring capability.
Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and project management skills.
Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems (MAPICS preferred).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multi-task, adapt, and remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Strong cross-functional business acumen.
Position Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business required.
Experience
10+ years of experience in customer service, parts, supply chain, or related field required.
Manufacturing experience with Lean processes strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional operational teams.
BW Papersystems is looking for experienced Internal Commissioners- Test Technicians 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 systems, PLC systems, both electrical and electronic assemblies, motor/drive systems, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, and components.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Starts up and shuts down equipment in accordance with company safety procedures for machine activation and in line with OSHA requirements.
Advises others of operation procedures and requirements for working safely with electrical/electronic and mechanical equipment and components.
Maintains company-required performance and maintenance records for identified equipment.
Performs preventive maintenance functions as directed.
Ensures testing issues are documented and resolved in a timely manner.
Documents, maintain and update testing procedures; collaborate with internal teams to ensure machine documentation is updated.
Safeguards that machine testing is being performed and documented correctly; ensure software backups are being created and maintained.
Maintains testing materials required for use in evaluating machines.
Attends key daily operational meetings; organize and facilitate teardown meetings.
Reviews and communicate team's performance suggest a plan of action to correct missed opportunities.
Travels occasionally to customer locations within the United States and to our global customer locations may be required for this position.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Specifications
Able to perform shop math and arithmetic calculations.
Proficient in reading blueprints and schematics.
Advanced knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits, electronic controls, programming techniques and computer languages as applied to machine tools.
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required
Associate degree or above in engineering preferred.
AND/OR
5+ years of related experience in or training in testing/inspecting corrugated machinery.
Must have the ability to stand, sit, kneel, crouch, stoop, twist, bend, frequently lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for 8 hours throughout the day.
BW Papersystems is seeking an Electrical Assembler to join our team! In this role, you will perform duties required for the preparation, sub-assembly and construction of company produced electromechanical equipment. Working under general supervision, you will perform installation and wiring of electrical components on company produced equipment.
Essential Functions:
Read and interpret wiring diagrams, specifications, and work orders to determine materials requirements or assembly instructions
Assemble electrical or electronic systems or support structures and install components, units, subassemblies, wiring, or assembly casings using rivets, bolts, and soldering equipment
Knowledge of industrial electrical concepts and principles; understanding of electrical components and use in industrial design of cabinets
Ability to operate various hand and power tools properly, safely, efficiently and effectively
Label, wire and connect switch boxes and control panel terminal boards from wiring diagrams
Check wiring for proper coding and termination; check for shorts, grounds, and continuity; report any design or print errors to supervisor
Participate in testing of completed machines; may diagnose and remedy electrical programs
Detect defective material, unusual conditions or operating difficulties and report to proper supervisor describing in accurate detail to ensure proper corrective actions
Complete necessary documentation to ensure quality and production requirements
Communicate effectively and work within a team environment, and able to independently solve problems while interacting with various teams and teammates on daily processes and flow.
Participate in team meetings to communicate and help resolve any cost, quality or production issues
Work in accordance with established safety procedures
Maintain work area and equipment in clean and orderly condition
Perform other duties as assigned
Basic Qualification and Requirements:
High school or equivalent or GED equivalent
6+ months of experience working in an electrical assembly or electrical related field
As a Fabricator at BW Papersystems, you will be responsible for welding and fabricating steel structures, assemblies, and machine components to build and restore industrial machinery to spec. Working as part of our machine shop team, you'll support daily operations through hands-on tasks such as lathe operation, parts stocking, and picking up materials to keep production moving. This position requires hands-on shop experience, a working knowledge of fabrication tools and procedures, and the ability to work from blueprints or job orders with minimal supervision.
Job Responsibilities:
Interpret moderately complex drawings, route sheets, specifications, and instructions to determine proper methods and techniques for each job
Set up and operate metal arc, shielded arc, or oxyacetylene equipment for welding, brazing, and flame cutting; select appropriate rods, wire, tips, and electrodes while adjusting current, amperage, and gas pressures accordingly
Fit, position, and secure components using holding devices to ensure accurate assembly
Perform saw operations and painting as required
Calculate dimensions and tolerances using mathematical knowledge and precision instruments such as micrometers and calipers
Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications
Identify and report defective materials, unusual conditions, or operating difficulties to the supervisor with accurate detail to support proper corrective action
Complete all necessary documentation to meet quality and production requirements
Actively participate in team meetings to help resolve cost, quality, or production issues and apply the engineering change request process as needed
Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures while maintaining equipment and work areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition
Education and experience requirements:
1+ years of MIG welding experience
Ability to multitask and work well within a team setting
As a Material Handler with BW Papersystems, you will receive, store, and process a variety of materials and parts while managing inventory and preparing items for shipment. Your responsibilities include picking, packaging, and shipping parts to customers, as well as assembling kits and organizing stock in proper locations. Additionally, you'll process orders through shipping carriers and prepare manufacturing packets to support production operations.
Job Responsibilities:
Receive and process incoming materials, inspecting for damage and comparing quantities against freight bills.
Store and organize inventory in proper locations, maintaining accurate records of all items received and shipped.
Pick, pack, and ship orders through carriers like UPS and FedEx, including building crates when needed.
Perform kitting by assembling lower-level parts into paired numbers and preparing manufacturing packets.
Operate equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to safely move and organize materials.
Maintain a clean, organized work area while following all established safety procedures.
Support after-hours emergency services through on-call availability and participate in team meetings to resolve quality or production issues.
Handle proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste according to regulations, including correct labeling and spill management.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
2+ years of experience in material handling, inventory control, warehouse operations.
Ability to accurately read a tape measure required.
Experience with woodworking, construction or power tools a plus.
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