Congressman Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate, was at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day dinner on Saturday, September 12, 2026. On his way home, the Beechcraft K35 that he was in, which was piloted by Lenny Boltz, lost power and had to make an emergency landing on Lake Wausau.
As the only two men on the plane, the pilot told him, “We are going down. Pull your seat belt tight.” About ten seconds later, the plane hit the water. After landing, they called 911. The plane began to submerge, and they exited the aircraft and swam about 100 to 150 feet to a shallow area. At that point, emergency responders reached them via boat.
According to a press release, “Tom suffered a laceration above his right eye that required [twelve] stitches and was released from the hospital last night. The pilot was also released. Tom and his family thank God that neither suffered more serious injuries and are grateful for the exceptional care he received at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
“Tom also wants to again thank the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, law enforcement, first responders, and everyone who helped get them safely off the water.”
In a press conference on Sunday evening, Congressman Tiffany said, "We are just really fortunate. We’re really fortunate that God was looking after us last night. We’re also really fortunate that the first responders, those behind me, the fire department, the sheriff’s department, as well as the City of Wausau Police, for their quick response. We’re really fortunate for what they did, and I can’t thank them enough for helping us in this situation.”
He credited Boltz’s experience and quick decisions with helping them survive the landing. “We’re just really fortunate that we had a skilled pilot who knew what he was doing as we were going down after we lost power."
He talked about the profound impact it was having on him at the press conference. “The gravity of this is probably just hitting me at this point....It just gives me great appreciation to be here another day, to be able to be with my wife and family.”
He added that his campaign will continue as he aims to be the next governor of Wisconsin.
On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at approximately 4:02 p.m., the Phillips School District notified the Phillips Police Department of a threat. A male juvenile made a verbal threat regarding the safety of the school.
Officers responded immediately and made contact with the juvenile and one of his parents.
According to Police Chief Blaine Peterson, "Officers completed a thorough investigation, and the juvenile was taken into secure custody without incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and information is still being reported and followed up on.
"Currently there is no active threat to the school or the public. The matter is being referred to the Department of Health and Human Services."
The Phillips Police Department was assisted by the Phillips School District, Price County Sheriff’s Office, and Price County Health and Human Services.
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.
The Price County Fair was held August 20-22, 2026. My Price County put together some highlights from the ending of the amazing 26-minute-long fireworks show from Palas Pyro LLC, the elephants, Dirt Dash, rides, animals, and exhibits. Click here to view the video.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, the Price County Dispatch Center received a call from a man staying at a business in the Township of Lake. According to the sheriff's office, he reported "suicidal/homicidal ideations and had made terroristic threats.
"At the time of the call, Governor Tony Evers was scheduled to visit the Chequamegon School-South Campus. The Price County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Wisconsin State Patrol and Governor Evers’ staff. Governor Evers’ visit was subsequently canceled due to this incident. At this time, it does not appear that this incident was related or in response to Governor Evers’ scheduled visit."
Law enforcement from the Price County Sheriff’s Office, Park Falls Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the scene.
The sheriff's office further stated, "Due to this call’s close proximity to the Chequamegon School-South Campus, the Price County Sheriff’s Office worked with administrative staff of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed in a “secure hold” status and a law enforcement presence was maintained at the school."
At approximately 9:18 a.m., the man was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Price County Jail. At that time, the school’s secure hold was lifted.
The Price County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Park Falls Police Department, Park Falls Fire and Rescue, Park Falls Ambulance Service, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
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.
Classmates pictured include: Front row - Jeff Sidenbender, Tasha (Werner) Staples, Erika Willett, Carrie (Hendricks) Brooks, Kevin Ringersma, and Adam Grapa; Second row, center - Lance Kornuth, Lynne Bohn, and Carrie (Barnet) Walters; Third row, center - Liz (Podhora) Gabrielsen, Kent Gabrielsen, and Jamie (Stafford) Soberg; Fourth row - Shaun Benesh, Kim (Morey) Vincent, Dan Onchuck, John Patrick, Melvin Helgeson, Wes Vandevoort, Hollie Lackershire, and Dan Kleinhans. Not pictured but present were Angie Revak and Wayne Boho. Photo by: Erik Johnson
The Phillips High School Class of 1996 held their 30-year reunion on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The class invited former teachers to the event. Teachers in attendance included Scott Wirth, Ron Cerveny, Floyd Mootz, Lisa (Flunker) Pelland, Vicki Lemke, Etola Foytek, Tom Hommerding, and Bob Dural. Lisa Pelland traveled the farthest of the teachers, and Dan Onchuck traveled the farthest of the classmates.
Pictured: Vicki Lemke, Floyd Mootz, Lisa Pelland, John Patrick, Jamie Soberg, Liz Gabrielsen, Kent Gabrielsen, Hollie Lackershire, Adam Grapa, Carrie Barnet, Dan Kleinhans, Shaun Benesh, Lynne Bohn, Mel Helgeson, and Ron Cerveny. Photo by: Rachel Hoffman
At 2 p.m., some classmates and teachers met at the School District of Phillips for a tour of the current elementary, middle, and high school. The 2 1/2-hour long tour was led by Superintendent Rachel Hoffman as the classmates enjoyed seeing the updated facility and reminiscing about their school days.
After the tour, the group went to Burger's Bar and Grill for socialization, dinner, and a dance with DJ services provided by Erik Johnson. Erik also announced class trivia.
Classmates received a class reunion booklet with classmates' stats, paragraphs with their most recent updates, memories from school, photos from previous class reunions, and a section in memory of deceased classmates, principals, and educators.
The class reunion was organized by Lynne Bohn.
If you have a current class reunion photo and recap that you would like published, send it to contact@mypricecounty.com with "Class Reunion" as the subject line.
Birchland Realty, located at 104 North Lake Avenue in Phillips, specializes in commercial, residential, recreational, and vacant land real estate. Visit https://www.birchlandrealty.com or call 715-339-2181 for assistance finding your new property.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 and SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Propane tank top heater, kerosene heater, cabinet for garage, ladies' brand name clothes, kitchen, glass, pet items, men's clothing, blankets, shoes, a little bit of everything!
County Road F to Deer Creek Road, Phillips. Follow signs.
4,584 of the 9,284 registered voters in Price County voted in the August 2026 partisan primary. The following voter totals reflect the Price County results.
REPUBLICAN PARTY
GOVERNOR
2,793 Tom Tiffany
275 Andy Manske
0 Dennis Williams (Registered write-in)
Statewide, Tom Tiffany won the Republican primary with about 95.5% of the vote.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
1,778 David Varnam
939 Will Martin
Statewide, David Varnam won the Republican primary with about 54.6% of the vote.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
2,364 Eric Toney
SECRETARY OF STATE
1,103 Jay Schroeder
569 Brayden Myer
459 Cindy Werner
382 Nate Pollnow
Statewide, Jay Schroeder won the Republican primary with about 46.5% of the vote.
STATE TREASURER
2,256 John S. Leiber
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, DISTRICT 7
1,291 Michael Alfonso
667 Kevin Hermening
644 Niina Baum
369 Jessi Ebben
54 Don Raihala
Statewide, Michael Alfonso won the Republican primary with about 48.9% of the vote.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 23
2,426 Romaine Robert Quinn
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ASSEMBLY, DISTRICT 68
2,380 Rob Summerfield
SHERIFF
2,489 Robert Hawn
423 Waldemar Madsen III
Robert Hawn won the Republican primary.
CORONER
2,317 Amy Casey
487 Marvin D. Nevelier
Amy Casey won the Republican primary.
CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT
2,496 Amy Walker
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
GOVERNOR
545 David Crowley
427 Francesca Hong
102 Kelda Roys
77 Sara Rodriguez
69 Mandela Barnes
48 Joel Brennan
15 Missy Hughes
0 Brett Hulsey (Registered Write-in)
0 Tim Reppen (Registered Write-in)
Statewide, David Crowley won the Democratic primary with about 39.8% of the vote.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
1,174 Sarah Godlewski
ATTORNEY GENERAL
1,173 Josh Kaul
SECRETARY OF STATE
1,102 JoCasta Zamarripa
STATE TREASURER
579 Yee Leng Xiong
572 Dylan Ray Helmenstine
Statewide, Yee Leng Xiong won the Democratic primary with about 55.4% of the vote.
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, DISTRICT 7
486 Fred Clark
385 Ginger Murray
340 Chris Armstrong
Statewide, Fred Clark won the Democratic primary with about 36.4% of the vote.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 23
746 Jeff Foster
376 Richard Pulcher
Statewide, this race has not been called as of the time of publication.
Into this rich forest land of north central Wisconsin, in the spring of 1881, came an elderly Scotchman. His name was Alexander Prentice, and he was accompanied by a George Greenman. The two had journeyed from Portage to make a survey of the timber in this area and, if possible, to find a good location for a mill. They found it right by the Jump River where it was crossed by the Wisconsin Central Railroad.
Enthused by the promising aspects of their survey, they traveled back to Portage to make plans and to interest a number of their friends in a sawmill venture. Early in the fall, they returned to put dreams into action.
Activities began on September 1, 1881, when George Greenman felled the first tree in that eight mile square of timberland along the Wisconsin Central. That night, the two men slept in a tent they had pitched in the vicinity of the present oil tanks.
They were soon joined by a group of men from Portage. Oscar Derrick Van Dusen, who was already involved with a lumbering operation in Dorchester, was the first one on the scene. Workmen, too, arrived with more tents and lumber for necessary buildings. The old Scotchman viewed the tents with distaste. One night in one of those things was enough. Bunk houses held no appeal for him, either. He preferred a comfortable bed in which to sleep and home-cooked meals. With that in mind, he walked along the track as far as Worcester "101." There, he contacted the newly arrived Carl Hjorts and asked for board and lodging. His request was granted. So, for a little time, he made his home with them. He walked to the mill and back each day. Occasionally, he would ride along with the section crew.
In the spring of 1882, the new lumber company was organized and incorporated under the name of the Jump River Lumber Company. Officers named were O.D. Van Dusen, president; F. H. Lewis, vice president; M. T. Alverson, secretary and treasurer; and C. R. Gallett, superintendent. Although Mr. Prentice did not assume any office, he was recognized as the senior advisor and leader.
Work on a sawmill began immediately. By September 1, the mill was in operation with a capacity of 50,000 feet of lumber per day and later increased to 100,000 feet daily. A large planing mill, as well as a drying shed, were completed in 1894.
In the spring of 1889, the company purchased what was known as the Ward Tract (La Font) and located about four and a half miles or so southeast of the mill town. That summer, a railroad spur was built into that wealth of timber. Throughout the year, the mill ran both day and night. About 450 men were employed. In the spring of 1884, the company ceased operations, and the mill was operated only a few months each summer by O. D. Van Dusen.
in the early '90s, a number of other enterprises were established in Prentice. One was a heading mill owned by Mr. C. T. Fox and employed 25 men. This operation lasted only a few years, and the owner returned to his home in Columbus, Ohio. A stave mill was also started but did not continue long.
The enterprising Jump River Lumber Company attracted so much attention that the Chicago Lumber Journal gave it this publicity:
"Their sawmill is located about one-half mile from the railroad crossing on the east side of the Wisconsin Central Line. It is the most excellent affair and deserves a description. The main part of this mill stands north and south and is 70 by 100 feet in size. On the east side of this main building are two smaller buildings, one 30 by 40, the other 20 by 20. The mill contains two band saws, one which is manufactured by the Edwin Allis Company, Milwaukee. The trimmer was made by McDonough Bros., Eau Claire; the edger and slab slasher by DeGroat, Giddings and Lewis, Fond du Lac. The lath is a McDonough, and the shingle mill was made by the Geo. Challoner's Sons, Oshkosh.
The shingle machine is one of double variety. The power is furnished by five boilers. There is no refuse burner here, but what is better, the offal is run out across a pond and burned where there is no possible chance of it getting to the mill.
The planing mill, located at a convenient distance south of the mill, stands in the same general direction as the sawmill and is 50 by 120 ft in size.
It contains improved surfaces; a 28-inch surfacer; one Hoyt & Bros. 15-inch surfacer; one 26-inch surfacer; one moulding machine, one rift saw, one cut-off saw. The engine, which runs the planing mill, is 12 x 32 inches in size, and the power is furnished by two tubular boilers.
When the mill was first built in 1882, an 8 foot dam was put in the Jump River and logs were boomed in that way. Some of the finest logs ever lumbered in the state were taken from the river and the supply is not yet exhausted.
In the last two years, the mail has been largely logged by means of a railroad built six miles to the southeast. The road is of standard gauge, built of 40-pound steel and is furnished with one engine and 30 cars. At the present terminus, a dam has been built across the malden twenty feet high. The back water resultant from this dam building has made a pond, which at one time this season held 12 million feet of logs.
The company also has logging privileges on the Soo Road and buys a great many logs, which are brought in over that line, which takes such good care of its sawmill friends."
Reprinted from the Prentice History Walk with encouragement from Dale Heikkinen
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.
As the Director, Supply Chain you will be responsible for the development and implementation of a global procurement organization and supporting framework. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, controlling, coordinating, and overseeing the work of the procurement staff and other stakeholders. You will develop and implement short- and long-term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the department’s mission and assigned priorities. This role requires a strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and is expected to support a culture of continuous improvement and champion the use of Lean tools.
Primary Responsibilities
Responsible for the leadership of buyers and planners; plan, direct, coordinate professional development of procurement team.
Drive development, standardization, and implementation of procurement processes/procedures, supplier selection/management, negotiation and communication strategies, and cost reduction and process improvement methods.
Develop and deploy advanced procurement and demand planning strategies that work optimally with product development team during the product design and life cycle.
Promote and maintain up-to-date market knowledge about suppliers and service providers; develop long-term contract relationships as appropriate to exploit market opportunities and to secure strategic parts and services.
Distribute key commodities’ current and projected pricing data; take appropriate actions to minimize company exposure to upward fluctuations.
Develop key performance indicators and use them to report on company’s procurement performance; maintain a high-performance culture that meets/exceeds functional indicators with improved levels of service to both internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain systematic, analytical, results-based methods for monitoring supplier performance; communicate results to suppliers and end-users; provide timely action plans for corrective actions to be taken as necessary.
Manage and support corporate oversight for purchases across multiple expense categories and create strategic vision for company while driving purchasing synergies to achieve cost reductions across company product lines.
Build strong partnerships with supply chain vendors.
Embrace and exemplify the guiding principles of leadership and leadership fundamentals.
All other duties assigned
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Management or Business discipline
7+ years' experience in a manufacturing, production or military environment
5+ years' leadership experience in a manufacturing, production or military environment
Location & Travel
This is an on-site role at our facility in Phillips, WI.
This role requires approximately 25% travel.
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.
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