The Phillips Public Library has implemented a new system for parents to have better control over the materials their children check out of the library.
There are three options. The first option is Full Access, which gives children the right to check out anything at the library. Another option is Young Adult Access, which allows a child to check out most things from the library with certain exceptions such as R-rated movies, MA-rated video games, YA graphic novels, and adult graphic novels, plus parents can choose other entire selections that their children are also not allowed to check out. The third option is Child Access, which gives children the right to check out materials only from the children's side of the library.
Children will not be prohibited from looking at materials while at the library or gaining access to materials in the MORE Libraries system. The new tiered library card system is only for materials being check out of the library. The librarians will do their best to fulfill the check-out requests of parents.
Further details about the system can be found at this link. Questions can be answered by calling the library at 715-339-2868.
There's a lot happening at the library each month. View the current calendar of events, shown below, to find an event or activity for you or your child to enjoy.
On March 5, 2025, at 6:50 p.m., a 42-year-old Stanley, Wisconsin man was pulled over by the Wisconsin State Patrol Wausau Post.
The man, driving a 2008 Hyundai Elantra, was located and stopped on State Highway 13 near Aspen Road. He was a suspect in a possible domestic-related incident.
According to Wisconsin State Patrol, "As officers interacted with the driver of the vehicle, they detected the odor of intoxicants and observed other indicators of impairment. A subsequent investigation, including standardized field sobriety tasks, indicated the 42-year-old male driver was impaired, and he was subsequently arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, fifth offense, with a passenger under 16 years of age. The driver is also being held on an order to detain issued by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections."
The 10-month-old child was released to a responsible adult.
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.
An approximately .8-acre parcel, about 175 feet x 200 feet, remains at the center of discussion for Price County United Limited (PCUL) and the City of Phillips.
Image provided by PCUL in lease agreement document
After PCUL took ownership on the "Lionite" property on April 1, 2024, the City of Phillips contacted PCUL about doing a land swap or purchasing the .8-acre portion of the Elk Lake Park parking lot that is owned by PCUL. (See related article.) PCUL refused these offers and presented the city with a lease agreement.
The agreement, presented on January 24, 2025, would allow public access and parking for the municipal park and the boat landing with the following terms. The City of Phillips would enter into a two-year lease with biannual renewals. The base rent would be $15,000 per month, which would equate to $180,000 per year. The City of Phillips would be responsible for all permits and permissions required for operations and would need to maintain the area, including putting up any signage, grading, snow removal, and general maintenance. The City of Phillips would need to include the parcel under its umbrella liability policy with indemnification to PCUL. The city would also need to indemnify PCUL for costs and expenses resulting from "defending against eminent domain, condemnation, takings, or adverse possession claims initiated by Tenant (City of Phillips) for any portion of the Premises." All subleasing would need to be approved by PCUL.
The lease states the $180,000 per year rental money would be "used for advancement of Phillips including promotion of community redevelopment and revitalization."
Council members of the City of Phillips, not interested in the lease that was presented, stated it was a non-starter, and if they spent $180,000 to lease .8 acres, the taxpayers would not be happy, they would not get re-elected, and it felt like the lease was using the property as a revenue stream for a non-profit.
The City of Phillips responded with three options for PCUL to consider: buy it, trade it for another piece of land, or lease it for 99 years at no charge to the city. The options would also eliminate the liability issue that PCUL stated they were addressing by offering a lease.
However, PCUL President Lynda Ludwig stated those options were not suitable.
My Price County asked the officers of PCUL the following questions:
Why are you not interested in any of those three options?
How are you helping the city if you are asking for $15,000 per month ($180,000 per year) to lease a .8-acre parcel?
How did you determine the rental amount of $15,000 per month?
If My Price County receives a reply from PCUL, the responses will be published on this article.
PCUL will have a meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the BW University Learning Center located at 165 County Road F. The public is invited to attend.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it is received.
To see the lease proposed by PCUL, click the link:
PCUL Lease Proposal.pdf (Size: 480.64 KB / Downloads: 282)
JUSTIN LINDGREN, PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE: Justin Lindgren feels he is qualified to be a school board member because he has been a teacher and has completed coursework in school administration. He feels he has the insight on both sides to see what needs to be fixed. He is calling for change, transparency, and communication on the school board. "I have spent 12 years serving both the community and the school district, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue this."
There were 4,382 winners in Wisconsin Lottery's SuperCash! drawing on Monday, March 3, 2025.
4,052 people won a dollar matching three numbers; 324 people won $30 matching four numbers; 5 people won $500 when they matched five numbers; and all six numbers were matched by one person for a total of a $350,000 win, which is the top prize! That ticket was purchased in Catawba, Wisconsin.
The winning numbers were 5, 7, 15, 22, 27, 33.
UPDATE - 3-12-2025:
The Wisconsin Lottery has announced that "Wayne R." purchased the $350,000 winning Supercash! ticket at ASD 2STORE LLC in Catawba.
Odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 1,631,312, according to the Wisconsin Lottery.
JUSTIN LINDGREN, PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE: Justin Lindgren feels he is qualified to be a school board member because he has been a teacher and has completed coursework in school administration. He feels he has the insight on both sides to see what needs to be fixed. He is calling for change, transparency, and communication on the school board. "I have spent 12 years serving both the community and the school district, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue this."
About a year ago, Charlie was a very lucky boy, and he got adopted from Catkins Animal Rescue. He was adopted into a loving home. Unfortunately, Charlie's owner recently passed on, and now Charlie is back at Catkins looking for a new home.
He is a 2.5-year old beautiful mixed breed weighing 69 pounds. Catkins believes he is part black mouth cur.
He is housebroken, and he knows basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. He loves to hang out and lay on the couch with his head in your lap. He is a cuddler at night and really enjoys attention from his humans.
He has not been with small children or cats. He does well in playgroups with other dogs but would do best as an only dog in the home.
He is fully vetted and ready for a new home.
To view Charlie's profile and apply to adopt him, click this link.
To thank Robin for sponsoring this pet ad, stop by her shop and see what she has for sale. She offers hand-crafted floral arrangements for special events or just because. If you need flowers for an event, such as a wedding, funeral, prom, or a party, or if you need flowers delivered to a nursing home, hospital, business, home, or some other location, call 715-820-1421 for all your floral needs. Also, follow Robin's Custom Arrangements, LLC's Facebook page.
TOWN OF WORCESTER NOTICE OF ARIP GRANT FUNDING AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The Town of Worcester has been approved for an Agricultural Road Improvement Project (ARIP) Grant in the amount of $1.8 million. This funding is intended for the reconstruction of Little Chicago Road. However, the reimbursement from the grant will cover only 87.7% of the total project cost, up to $1.8 million, and will only be issued upon the completion, submission, and approval of all necessary documentation. Any costs exceeding the grant funding will be the responsibility of the taxpayers.
Project Funding and Financial Implications:
The total estimated cost of the project exceeds $2 million. The Town of Worcester is required to fully fund the project up-front before being considered for reimbursement. This includes an initial expense of $100,000 to hire an Engineering Firm to survey the sub-structure beneath Little Chicago Road. At the Tax Levy Meeting in November 2024, it was stated that there are no funds in the town's budget allocated for road reconstruction. Despite this, the town board intends to proceed with the project as soon as possible.
Purpose and Justification of the Project:
The ARIP Grant aims to improve roads affected by Spring Thaw Postings, allowing them to remain accessible without seasonal weight restrictions. However, according to public statements, there have been NO instances requiring Over Weight Permits for Little Chicago Road. It has also been asserted that, absent the grant, Little Chicago Road would not require reconstruction. The justification for prioritizing the project over other township roads in greater need of repair remains a matter of public concern.
Impact on the Community and Township Prioritization:
The completion deadline for the project is set for 2028 (at latest). Until then, taxpayer funds will be committed to the project, delaying potential repairs to other roads within the township. Given the significant financial implications, concerns have been raised regarding the prioritization of this project over other roads in need of repair.
Over the past decade, Little Chicago Road has undergone numerous repairs, raising questions about the necessity of the reconstruction. Accordingly, concerns have been expressed regarding conflicts of interest among the past and present town board members with connections to the road.
Public Awareness and Transparency:
Transparency issues have been noted concerning the town board's handling of this project. At the February monthly town meeting, it was stated that the board was NOT supposed to inform the public about this project. Given the substantial financial commitment required from taxpayers, the lack of public consultation is a significant concern. The town board is urgent to provide full disclosure of this project, allowing for community input before further action is taken.
Conclusion and Call for Public Engagement:
The Town of Worcester residents are encouraged to seek further clarification regarding the financial strategy for this project. It is imperative that the town board addresses public concerns and provides detailed information on the fund, necessity, and long-term impact of the reconstruction of Little Chicago Road. The community has a right to full transparency and involvement in decisions of this magnitude.
For further inquiries or to express concerns, residents are encouraged to attend town board meetings and request official documentation regarding the projects planning and financial arrangements.
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.
On February 27, 2025, at approximately 3:46 p.m., the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department received a telephone call for a report of smoke coming from a residence in the 2700 block of Wazhashk Trail.
According to police, "Upon arriving on scene, responding units confirmed that all the home’s occupants were safely exited from the residence and that there were no pets. The officers observed heavy smoke emanating from the structure. No flames were initially visible, but, within minutes, flames were seen.
"A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was likely caused from the oven in the kitchen. There is no suspicion of criminal activity. It is unknown at this time if the residence will be a partial or complete loss."
Agencies assisting with the structure fire were the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau Fire Department, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Medical Services, Lac du Flambeau Victim/Witness Services, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Management, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Wardens, Lac du Flambeau Economic Support, Lac du Flambeau Family Resource Center, Arbor Vitae Fire Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, and Wisconsin Public Service.
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.
2024 TAX YEAR QUICK TAX FACTS - RATES, EXEMPTIONS, AND LIMITS
By: Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA
“When it comes to taxes, save the lion’s share; enter between the lions to get this special care.” https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com
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 2024 income tax return are as follows:
Business Standard Mileage Rate: 67 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: $18,000
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.
2024 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: $29,200
Single Filing Status: $14,600
Head of Household Filing Status: $21,900
Married Filing Separately Filing Status: $14,600
Dependent Filing Status: $1,300
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 2024, some of the limitation cut-offs are as follows:
For Self-only Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $4,150
Plan minimum deductible: $1,600
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $8,050
For Family Coverage:
Contribution (deduction) limit: $8,300
Plan minimum deductible: $3,200
Plan out-of-pocket limit: $16,100
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.
The Town of Worcester has received an Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) Grant for two roads totaling 3.5 miles.
ARIP Grants cover the improvement of roads, culverts, and bridges that are used to transport agricultural and forest products that are currently subject to load limits. Once the roads are improved, they will not have load limits and will be upgraded to last a longer time.
Little Chicago Road, from Highway 13 to the railroad tracks, and Cranberry Lake Lane, from Little Chicago Road to the culvert, will be reconstructed and upgraded, according to Chairman Jim Michler.
The project will cost $2,087,555.40. The State of Wisconsin will reimburse the Town of Worcester 87.7% of the actual cost not to exceed $1,830,786.09. According to the Town of Worcester, the town's portion of the total cost will be $256,769.31.
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.
By: Davette Lynne Hrabak, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA, https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com “When it comes to taxes, save the lion’s share; enter between the lions to get this special care.”
Whether you are saving for retirement or retired, there is important information you need to know for the preparation of your taxes.
2024 TAX YEAR RETIREMENT SAVER’S CREDIT
The Retirement Saver’s Credit is available in 2024 to various taxpayers who fit into the proper criteria and who make eligible contributions. It is a non-refundable credit which allows for a taxpayer to receive a non-refundable credit of up to $2,000 for a Married Filing Jointly Tax Status and up to $1,000 for a Single or other filing Tax Filing Status.
Many taxpayers are surprised to learn that they have contributions that count for this credit.
Qualifying taxpayers must be at least 18 years old by the end of the year, not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s tax return, and cannot be a full-time student.
The Retirement Saver’s Credit is also subject to phase-outs, which vary depending on a taxpayer’s filing status and Adjusted Gross Income amounts. If a taxpayer lands in the proper range, then the taxpayer would be eligible to receive from 10 to 50 percent of their contributions back up to a maximum allowed by their filing status.
There are also rules on eligible contributions and some reductions of some eligible contributions, but, overall, many taxpayers are able to use this credit.
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.
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.
2024 TAX YEAR TIP: QUICK RETIREMENT TAX FACTS
Each year the IRS releases and revises various limits for various retirement type accounts, some of which are listed below:
IRA Contribution Limits:
Under Age 50: $7,000
Age 50 or Older: $8,000
Elective Deferral Limits On:
Simple IRA Plan:
Under Age 50: $16,000
Age 50 or Older: $19,500
401(K), 403(B), and 457 Plans:
Under Age 50: $23,000
Age 50 or Older: $30,500
Each person’s tax situation is unique. There are a variety of plans out there; the above list is not all inclusive but provides some information on some of the most common ones. Each person’s tax situation must be looked at on a case-by-case basis for each taxpayer; rarely are any two taxpayers’ situations identical.
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.
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