The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to a manure spill in Taylor County. The department was notified via its Violation Hotline on Friday, September 5, 2025.
According to the Wisconsin DNR the spill happened earlier this week and "impacted Trappers Creek, a tributary to the Black River, with dead fish observed in the creek."
The extent of the spill’s impact is being determined. Options for cleanup or mitigation are being assessed.
The department is working with the local farmer and Taylor County Land Conservation Department to determine what caused the spill.
The Committee of the Whole, in Phillips, met on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. One item on the agenda was the sidewalks project.
During public comment, Davette Hrabak presented a document she found online from Ayres Associates, the engineering firm hired by the City of Phillips, that stated concrete under 12" thick needs to be at 55 degrees for 24 hours a day for six or seven days to cure properly. She said that if the council does not think the temperatures are conducive to pouring concrete, that she feels the project should be delayed until conditions are favorable so that the concrete cures properly and lasts a long time. She said that she has seen some work vehicles drive on the sidewalks in the past, and, if this practice continues, it could cause damage to new sidewalks if they are not cured properly. Ayres Associates' document stated that, if concrete is poured in cold weather, procedures need to be taken such as using protection methods like enclosures, insulated formwork and blankets, hydronic heaters, and combustion heaters. Davette asked if there would be a guarantee that the sidewalks will cure properly. Mayor Charles "Chuck" Peterson and Attorney Bryce Schoenborn said there will be a bond for the work. Davette asked if the bond is short-term or for the expected average life of the concrete, and the answer was that the concrete will get approved by Ayres Associates, and if anything is needed to be corrected immediately after work is done and within a year, the company will have to correct it. The mayor said, "That bond is always part of any of the stuff that we do. I always make sure the contractors sign something like that, and we still would end up having the right to tell them 'No, don't do it, we don't think it's the right time, so we don't think you should.'" The committee thanked Davette for presenting the information.
In related news, Lynda "Lyn" Ludwig with PCUL was present, requesting that the DOT TAP Grant be applied for in regard to trails and a switchback which would allow for handicap access by the stairs that lead from Hwy. 13 to Elk Lake Park. The bike trails would be located behind some businesses on Lake Avenue from Bostrom Park and extend all the way out to the fairgrounds.
City Clerk Shelby Kosmer stated the estimated cost is $130,000 for the switchback, but other costs would need to be calculated.
Lyn stated that PCUL will not apply for the DOT TAP Grant unless the city backs them, because a municipality applying for it will score much higher than an organization. PCUL tried to get a grant twice in recent years for the sidewalks, but the city did not back that grant, and Lyn feels the competitive grant could be received if the city is involved.
Encouraging the committee to pursue this idea, Lyn said to an audience member, "Ken, what did your mom say?" He replied, "About what?" She said, "When you walked to the fairgrounds?" Lyn continued stating that Ken had said that when he was eight years old his mom was very scared when he was walking to the fairgrounds, and she felt that was one reason a trail system was needed. Ken stated his mom did not say she was scared when he walked to the fairgrounds, because he did not walk to the fairgrounds, but he walked to the beach. He stated that she was concerned because he was a little kid at the time.
Chuck said the switchback area near the steps would be in the railroad and highway rights-of-way, which would need permits as there is not enough room near the steps without infringing on property that is not owned by the city.
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Lynne Bohn added her thoughts, stating, "This was the grant that Kathy Billek and I had found and researched and talked with the DOT rep, Evan Maves, and he thought we could potentially get this grant for the sidewalks. Couldn't this [trail system] be combined with the sidewalks?" The mayor interjected, "It would be a separate project. The sidewalk would be a separate project. The swayback [switchback] would be a separate project. The walkway going down, them are all separate ones, so we could go back and look at it, but the sidewalks, as of right now, have already been approved to go and do, so the sidewalks are completely out as far as that goes." Lynne explained that when it was brought up at a prior meeting that a bike trail could be added so the city could score higher on the grant, the council did not want to do it because it is a competitive grant and it may not get awarded to the city, so the council didn't want to pay the extra cost of something that might not get awarded, even though that is how grants are structured. She added that the DOT rep, Evan Maves, seemed to say a bike trail and sidewalks could pair together nicely on this grant. The mayor asked Lynne Bohn if the bike trail would go on the main street. Lyn Ludwig responded to the mayor stating there is a lot of strategy that goes into the grant. She said that when PCUL applied in two recent years, the city did not want to submit that grant, and they would have scored high on it if they had. She explained that grant would have covered the sidewalks and the bike trails because the DOT understands that we want to keep the historic quality of our downtown but yet also have a bike path, so the grant could include all projects mentioned, including the sidewalks. Lyn Ludwig stated it might be smart to hold off on the sidewalks until next year so the DOT TAP Grant could potentially cover the costs of the sidewalks, the switchback, and trail system all as one.
Chuck said, "This board has already made the decision to put the sidewalks in already for this year. That decision's already been made." He stated he will only talk about the switchback for the DOT TAP grant, and he concluded the discussion asking Justin, from Ayres Associates, to look into it.
In a follow-up interview, Lynne Bohn shared that over twenty business owners and counting have stated they would gladly wait until next spring, before the busy season, to get the sidewalks completed when the weather is much more favorable and in hopes of getting a grant to cover the full costs. She said, "A number of business owners have directly told me that the city promised the business owners that a grant would be applied for and that they should, therefore, apply for a grant for the sidewalks. Those business owners feel delaying until spring will not only save them money but will also save the city money, at a time where every dollar counts for our city, if the DOT would award the grant, and there seems to be a high likelihood that a combined project of sidewalks and a trail system would be awarded and enhance our community with a cost savings to everyone. Since the mayor told Davette that the project could be postponed if the council felt the weather was not conducive to the project, the project could be postponed for that reason and to try to get a grant. Many business owners are concerned about the sidewalks properly curing during mid-September through October given the temperatures will likely be colder than recommended. My main concern is the sidewalks curing properly and the easements issue, but I have presented the combined thoughts of all the business owners that have talked with me, which also includes those who really want a grant," Lynne Bohn said.
At the meeting, Ayres Associates submitted a corrected contract for the sidewalks showing their cost has increased by $7,450 for "preliminary and final design and DOT coordination" citing "Ayres attended additional meetings with the city and had additional coordination with the DOT beyond what was reasonably expected. The DOT coordination resulted in redesign efforts during final design phase due to the compressed schedule of the project." The cost adjustment was approved.
Three bids came in at $385,391.03, $576,447, and $848,599. The council approved the bid for $385,391.03 with a company from Eau Claire.
Alderman Bill Elliott asked how long the sidewalks will be torn up, and Justin thought the project will take about a month. One side of the street will be torn up and completed and then the other side will be torn up and completed. Justin stated it will take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks before any work would start, so work will not start until mid-September at the earliest and will not finish until mid-October at the earliest. The city is still working to get temporary easements signed by all the business owners that need to sign one.
At the meeting in August, it was revealed that the business owners voted and shadow slate won for the color, and brick won for the pattern of the sloped terrace. The council could select between cobblestone, which is a rounded, irregular stone pattern or ashlar, which is a rectangular stone pattern. The council voted for the ashlar pattern.
The Common Council will meet on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and information regarding the sidewalks project will likely be on the agenda.
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 Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Fire Chief David Lontcoski addressed the Committee of the Whole regarding the accident that occurred at the intersection of Hwy. 13 and Little Chicago Road/Hwy. 111. He stated, "We struggled a little bit," because they did not have the stabilization equipment that they needed to secure the 92,000-pound semi as they were trying to get victims out of the pick-up truck and the semi. He asked the committee if they would allow $15,800 to be used from the Equipment Fund to buy the necessary stabilizing equipment so they can handle accidents with commercial vehicles. He added that there are hundreds of heavy, commercial vehicles going through Phillips every day and no emergency services in the county have the proper equipment to secure a heavy vehicle. "We don't always have heavy equipment across the road like we did that day." Even with the heavy equipment they were able to use that day, emergency services workers were afraid the semi could move, causing more injuries or fatalities, as they worked to get to the victims. "In 30 years, I've never ever seen anything like that," David said.
Alderman Richard "Dick" Heitkemper added that he was on call with the ambulance crew that day. "There were three people that were trapped in the pick-up truck under the semi. It took hours to get them out of there. There were two that were deceased, and we could tell right away, but we did rescue a 6-year-old that was stuck under the dash of the truck, and he is alive today. It took a long time to get that little boy out of there. Had these other two been alive on scene, we don't know if they would have lived in the length of time it took us to get those ones out of the truck, but they were deceased upon arrival." He said a huge excavator was used to anchor the truck given they did not have the rescue equipment for which they are now asking.
EMS and fire department members were working from inside the vehicle, reaching inside the vehicle. Dick added, "Everybody was on edge not knowing if that tanker, which weighed 90,000 pounds, was going to continue to roll over down into the hollow, so this is something that we look around and these are not available for any agency in the county at this time." Dick shared, "The response was tremendous" with EMS from the area responding. He said one helicopter landed on scene to take the little boy to the hospital. The other helicopter transported the semi driver from the hospital in Park Falls to Marshfield so the man could have surgery. It took about 3 1/2 hours to get all the people out of the vehicles and about eight hours to clean up the scene.
Dick added the cost of the equipment will be worth it if it even saves one life.
The committee approved the purchase, which will allow 80,000 pounds to be stabilized.
The committee also thanked everyone involved in assisting with the accident.
Naomi (Lukes) Morrison, the K-12 art teacher at the Prentice School District, was waiting at the school for her husband, Bob, and their two sons, James and Luke, to arrive for a meet-and-greet with their new teachers.
James, who would be entering third grade, and Luke, who would be entering first grade, were only about ten miles away from their mom and the school at 9:43 a.m., traveling south on Hwy. 13. In that moment, what should have been a happy day turned into tragedy and Naomi and Luke's worst nightmare.
At the intersection of Little Chicago Road / Hwy. 111 and Hwy. 13, tragedy struck for this family. A farm's semi and the pick-up truck that the Morrison family was in, collided.
Sadly, Bob and James passed on at the scene. Luke was airlifted to the hospital. According to Harmoni Jesunas, a music teacher at the Prentice School District and friend of the family, "Luke is going to be okay. He has no major health concerns or major injuries." He was discharged from the hospital and is home.
Harmoni described Naomi as someone who "puts her whole heart into everything she does. You can see the joy that radiates from her when she talks about the love of her life, her husband, Bob, and their two elementary-aged sons, James and Luke."
Harmoni gave information about the Morrison family, sharing, "Naomi and Bob spent this last summer creating the beginning of a fully sustainable dream garden together, expanding their farm livestock, and spending as much time together as they could before the school year started. Bob’s favorite pastime was fishing, a hobby that he and his wife were both passionate about. They enjoyed competing together in ice fishing tournaments, and Bob could be found fishing year-round any chance he got. Their close-knit bond and love was apparent in every smile and laugh that was almost always on their faces.
Bob and Luke. Submitted photo.
"Bob had just finished his final licensing in HVAC the week before this happened. He and a close friend were excited to get their new business venture off the ground and running.
"Sweet little James spent the first few weeks of his life in the NICU as a baby. He grew into a charming, polite, and kind little boy. He shared in his parents love for the outdoors and spent many days exploring and playing outside alongside his little brother, Luke. He had a smile and personality that resembled his mama’s. Naomi loved getting to see her ray of sunshine boy every chance she could both at home and at school as his art teacher. Not everyone loves having their parent as a teacher, but James loved it."
Harmoni has created a GoFundMe page, to help Naomi and Luke navigate the great financial burden. Anyone wanting to donate directly to a bank, rather than online, can do so at Connexus Credit Union in Phillips by depositing the money into Naomi Morrison's account. Harmoni asks the community to "please consider donating whatever you can to help not only with funeral expenses to honor this father and son but also with basic needs. Financial hardship is something those of us who love Naomi are very concerned about."
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On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at approximately 9:43 a.m., several 911 calls were received reporting a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 13 and State Highway 111 in the Township of Worcester.
There were three occupants in a pickup truck and one occupant in a semi-truck. Two occupants of the pickup truck died as a result of the crash. The names of the deceased are being withheld at this time but will be updated in this article if the information is received from the Price County Sheriff's Office in the near future.
The cause of the crash is being investigated.
Responding agencies included the Price County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Reconstruction Unit, Price County Coroner’s Office, Phillips Fire Department, Prentice Fire Department, Park Falls Ambulance Service, Central Price County Ambulance Service, and Price County Highway Department.
When Kelsey (Revak) Loper was in high school, if someone would have told her she would be in Africa on a reality TV show some day, she would not have believed them. She said she thought, "Those adventures were for famous, rich people. Boy, was I wrong! I don't know if I was outgoing enough in high school yet, either? My friends will probably say I was. I never thought I would be an archer, let alone hunting with a traditional bow in Africa on a show. Always say 'yes' to adventure because one crazy journey leads to many more larger adventures."
For those who have not seen this season of "Alone," (read related story), Kelsey was one of ten contestants trying to survive, by herself, with ten survival items she was allowed to select. One other woman, Katie from Australia, and a man, Nathan from Idaho, were among the final three.
The final episode aired on Thursday, August 21, 2025, and Kelsey, raised in Phillips, Wisconsin and currently residing in Montana, took second place, lasting for 33 days. Nathan was the ultimate winner.
Of her placement, Kelsey said she is "very proud, because my goal was to not be the first one out. I told myself 'just don't be the first one to tap.' Mission accomplished. I was the underdog and chased them to the end."
On the show, while chasing her goal, she said, "I want to show that women are stronger than they think they are....You know, we can keep up in a man's industry. We are strong enough mentally, physically, emotionally. So, if I were to win, I could prove that; I can show that." By getting second place, she did just that.
Kelsey is happy with how she handled her adventure. "I don't think I would have done anything different. It wouldn't have changed the outcome. I had about 14 days left before being pulled for medical weight loss. The rules/laws took me out by not allowing me to shoot anything else. I had a bull sable at twenty yards that I couldn't shoot, I had warthogs just outside my territory, I had wildebeest walking right to me, and the waterbucks never left the hillside, but you can't dwell on the negative; look at it as lessons in hunting."
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She feels the best move she made was walking with a ready bow. She had the arrow knocked, because "you have a split second when big game gets in front of you, and for that I was able to eat for three weeks." Feeling hungry was one of the most difficult things, and when food entered her mind, it was difficult to get it off her mind. She said, "The food fantasies are real, and it's hard to keep your mind from wandering to hungry places."
Wandering with her feet did help her get her mind off whatever was plaguing her at the moment, whether it be missing food or loved ones. During this season, on her walks she found happiness seeing a tortoise, among other animals. "My favorite moment was when I was walking my loop, I was very tired and thirsty, and out of nowhere I saw an ardwolf. It was so cool to see one in the wild," Kelsey shared.
Kelsey took away more from the experience than seeing the animals in their natural habitat. She said the life lesson of the experience is that you don't need much to be happy. "I lived with so little for so long that you realize you don't need a bunch of clutter. There's a quote, 'You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,' and it's so true. Use what you have; don't save it for a special occasion, because every day is special."
Kelsey said being on "Alone" has inspired her to consider applying for other survival TV shows. Now that she has a full belly, it would be easy for her to do it all over again, she said with laughter in her voice.
To see where future adventures take Kelsey, "follow" her on Facebook.
Written by: Lynne Bohn
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On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 2:27 p.m., a 911 call was received reporting an accident. The location was on State Highway 182 at the intersection of Cedar Rapids Road in the Township of Eisenstein.
The 29-year-old driver was ejected from the vehicle. When first responders found her, she was deceased. There were not any passengers in the vehicle.
The Price County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Park Falls Police Department, Park Falls Fire & Rescue, Park Falls Ambulance Service, and the Price County Coroner's Office.
The name off the deceased woman has not been released at this time.
The sidewalks in Phillips were last replaced in the summer of 1996. Twenty-nine years later, the council is hoping to have them replaced by the end of October 2025.
At the July 1, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, Ayres Associates presented a contract for the administration of the sidewalk project. In the contract, it showed that Ayres Associates would charge $10,000 to apply for the DOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant. Alderman Mark Brzeskiewicz pointed out that line item, which started discussion regarding if the city should apply for the grant given the concern that the competitive grant may not be awarded. Justin, from Ayres Associates, said that items, such as bike racks, could be added to the application to make it more attractive to receive the grant, but he could not guarantee the city would get a competitive grant, as it depended on which other projects applied and how the city's project would rank amongst those other projects. Also, since the grant's application deadline is mid-October 2025, the sidewalk project could not be completed until 2026. Business owners had previously questioned how the sidewalk project will get done in 2025 at this late stage, but the council members said they want it completed in 2025. The council asked the few business owners who were in attendance if they wanted it completed this year. Mayor Chuck Peterson stated, at the start of the meeting, that public comment would be allowed at the start of the meeting but not during the meeting, so business owners replied by shaking their heads "yes" and "no" in response to getting the project done this year. Lynda Ludwig had arrived late and did not know comment was not allowed during the meeting, so she said that the city would score higher on the grant than Price County United Limited (PCUL) did when it applied for a sidewalk grant a number of years ago, because the city will score higher than a citizen or group. Justin agreed that a city submitting the application would score higher. Alderman John Klimowski stopped Lynda from speaking further, stating that the mayor had said no one could speak during the meeting, though he realized she had not heard that information since she arrived later in the meeting. At prior meetings, Kathy Billek had volunteered to write for the grant at no cost to the city, and Lynne Bohn offered her assistance with the grant writing. Kathy has written for grants in the past and has knowledge and experience with proper grant writing. The offer from these two business owners was not taken by the council.
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During public comment at the July 8, 2025 Common Council meeting, Lynne Bohn presented the concerns, questions, and comments of over twenty business owners. Lynne read text from the business owners, stating, "Since it was brought up at last week's meeting that perhaps the grant portion of the Ayres contract should be taken out, business owners are asking the council to keep it in and to look for any grants, because the council has said in and outside of meetings they would love to get us grants and would do anything they could to get us grants, which should mean Ayres would apply for grants." Aside from the grants aspect, Lynne stated that business owners had questions and concerns with the new "terrace." Some business owners were concerned that the slightly slanted, red terrace will be unsafe, unattractive, and not give enough room for sidewalk displays. Some were concerned that the concrete will not cure well in the fall or that the bids will be higher as contractors try to fit it into their schedule at the end of the year. Some were concerned that if a concrete contractor has openings so late in the year, perhaps that shows they don't get many contracts, and their work may not be as good. It was also expressed that, as mentioned at a previous meeting by Lynda Ludwig, the State of Wisconsin should be contacted to help with the double curb issue. Since the sidewalks cannot be completed until after the DOT is done with the road project, there is no time-savings trying to complete the project this year and some wondered why there is a rush to complete the project this year. The letter stated the exact thoughts of one business owner, which summarized well the thoughts of many, which was, "I would vote more for slowing down, proceeding methodically, looking at grants, and not trying to beat the weather."
The council discussed the possibility of applying for a grant and answered some of the business owners' questions. Ultimately, the council decided to keep the grant language in the contract but not pursue grants at this time.
Justin presented the sidewalk plan diagrams. Since a five-foot terrace would have infringed on business owners' properties, and easements would have been needed, or a jogging of the sidewalk may have occurred, the terrace was scaled back from five feet to three feet. The maximum pitch will be 8.1%. The terrace will be colored and possibly stamped. The terrace will only be on the west side from Subway to the former Wells Fargo bank building, which will eliminate the double curb that starts at the auto parts store and continues to the old bank. The colored terrace will not be in any other area.
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At the August 5, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting, Justin presented diagrams for the sidewalk project and showed the stamped pattern and color options, as he stated the terrace does not have to be red. The terrace area will be paid for by the city; the business owners are responsible for five lineal feet of actual sidewalk. The city chose four colors (shadow slate, sienna, lanon stone, and clary sage) and three stamped pattern options (stone, brick, or brushed with no stamped pattern) for the affected business owners to vote upon. Alderman John Klimowski suggested that the best option would be the cheapest option. Anne Baxter voiced that she did not think the city should pick the cheapest option but should select what will look best in our city. Justin also discussed that the double curb could be eliminated by the bait shop with a ramp for handicapped access, but this would mean the bait shop would need to buy a new door that would swing the opposite direction it does now. The step would then we near the building; therefore, the step would not be fully eliminated due to there not being enough space, so the business owner preferred to leave the curb as is in that location. The council agreed to proceed as the business owner preferred. Lauren Ball was concerned if salt, in the winter, would degrade the textured pattern and also questioned if business owners would be responsible for cleaning the snow off the terrace given business owners are only required to pay for five feet of sidewalk. Alderman Dick Heitkemper stated his stamped concrete handles the salt. Jim Heizler, Department of Public Works, stated the business owners would continue to remove snow from the entire sidewalk, including the new terrace.
The image shows the color choices. The outer color swatches were presented to the business owners in a survey from the city, which was taken from a file from the company. The inner color swatches came from a photo of the page of colors, which were presented by Ayres Associates at the meeting; the photo was taken by My Price County. The colors shown online versus in-person have different shade variations, so these swatches show a general concept of the colors.
The city plans to approve the contract with Ayres Associates at the next meeting on August 12 so that bids can be put out that day through late August. At the September meetings, a bid could be selected. The city hopes the sidewalk project will get completed by the end of October 2025 if all goes according to plan.
EVENT REMINDER: Get your PRICE COUNTY garage sale listed for free by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, by sending a message to contact@mypricecounty.com. Event details can be found at this link. The garage sales event will be held from August 14 - 17, 2025. Cap off Saturday by enjoying PACC's Phillips on Tap that evening.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the months of June and July have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Reports have not yet been received for June and July 2025.
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PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-4-25: Police received information regarding a woman that was breaking a condition of her bond. The officer responded to the location, but the woman had already left. Price County Sheriff's Officer was able to locate and arrest the woman for bail jumping.
6-5-25: Police provided a police escort for the Phillips School District track and field state qualifiers.
6-5-25: Asked to assist the Price County Sheriff's Office with a possible domestic abuse incident outside the City of Phillips. One female was arrested and transported to the Price County Jail.
6-6-25: Made contact with a female who was sitting in a vehicle parked at a business that was closed. The female advised the officer that she drove there for an appointment with the manager, but no one was there. The officer ran the female through the mobile data computer and found the female's operating status was suspended. A citation for operating while suspended was issued, and the female advised her parents were on their way to pick her up.
6-6-25: Responded to a neighbor dispute on Flambeau Avenue. An officer arrived and mediated between two men. The dispute was over property lines and mowing grass. An officer advised both parties that a survey would be needed for any law enforcement action to be taken.
6-7-25: Police observed a vehicle traveling on South Lake Avenue. The vehicle was stopped for non-readable license plate.
6-8-25: Responded to a report of a power line down in the alley behind Lake Avenue near Cherry Street. An officer arrived and secured the area around the power line. The utility company arrived and restored the downed power lines.
6-8-25: Asked to do a welfare check on two children at a residence where the mother believed the father was intoxicated. An officer arrived on scene and observed the children were playing outside, and the father was sober and enjoying a campfire with his family.
6-10-25: Observed a vehicle parked on the wrong side of the street. The officer made contact with the driver and warned the driver.
6-10-25: Requested to investigate a neighbor dispute on Argyle Avenue regarding demolition waste being placed on the complainant's property.
6-10-25: Advised of a white 1998 Chevrolet GMT traveling on South Lake Ave where the operator's driver's license was suspended. Phillips Officer identified the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. While conducting a check on the driver, the Price County Sheriff's Office advised of located drugs and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was searched, and the driver was taken into custody. The driver was booked into the Price County Jail on the charges of Possession of THC 2nd +, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Felony Bail Jumping, and a probation hold.
6-11-25: Received a report that there were multiple vehicles not stopping at stop signs after they finish their shift at work. Complainant requested extra patrol on Airport Road.
6-11-25: Conducted a Bar Compliance Check at a bar at the north end of the city. Officers were accompanied by agents of the Department of Revenue. Numerous violations were observed, and an officer will be following up with the establishment to correct the violations. Also conducted a Bar Compliance Check at a downtown bar, and no violations were observed.
6-12-25: Issued a courtesy violation notice on North Argyle Avenue to an owner for not displaying address numbers. The owner has seven days to display the building address.
6-12-25: Received a complaint from a man who advised his neighbor on Flambeau Avenue pulled a no trespassing sign out of his lawn and moved it and told him to stop trespassing.
6-14-25: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Department with an altercation at an establishment in Prentice where a weapon was possibly involved. An officer and Price County deputies located the individual responsible and learned about a domestic abuse incident that occurred after the altercation. One male was arrested and brought to the Price County Jail.
6-16-25: Made contact with a man who stated that someone had went into his porch area and into a garage on Flambeau Avenue and had stolen items and cut the cord of an electrical tool. More investigation required.
6-17-25: Responded to 164 Cherry Street for the report of a hit and run accident. The complainant came out of work and located damage to the front of her vehicle. A Phillips officer took pictures of the damage to the struck vehicle and advised the complainant that a crash report would be completed due to the damage to her new vehicle. The officer viewed camera footage from the Price County Sheriff's Office and observed a newer Honda sport utility vehicle, dark in color, strike the complainant's vehicle but was unable to see the license plate which was blue in color on the top. The suspect vehicle struck the complainant's vehicle at approximately 9:19 a.m. and departed at approximately 10:00 a.m., traveling northbound on North Avon Avenue. The officer was not able to locate a license plate of the striking vehicle. A Phillips officer searched the area for a vehicle matching the description of the striking vehicle with no success. A state crash report was completed.
6-19-25: Observed a man with an open can of beer walking away from a business. An officer identified the man and explained to him the city ordinance regarding drinking on public ways. The officer had the man empty the can of beer. The man then walked to his residence.
6-20-25: Advised of a possible child abuse that occurred outside the City of Phillips. An officer advised the reporting party to contact the Park Falls Police Department and advise them of the situation.
6-23-25: Issued a Courtesy Violation Notice for failure to care for deceased trees on a property that was not in compliance with city codes. The property will need to be removed prior to the notice date or the city Department of Public Works will remove the tree and bill the owner of the property.
6-25-25: Stopped a vehicle for expired registration. A Price County investigator assisted with the traffic stop and observed the driver take a pipe out of his sock. The officers had the driver step out of the vehicle and found the pipe to be a marijuana pipe. Officers searched the vehicle and found a clear plastic bag of marijuana, two glass pipes with marijuana inside, part of a cigarette carton rolled up like a straw, and a plastic straw with a crystalline substance inside that tested positive for methamphetamine. The male driver was arrested for possession of marijuana (THC) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Price County Jail for booking.
6-29-25: Received a report of a male individual who was throwing trash into the back of a female's vehicle. An officer arrived on scene and spoke with the female individual who provided a video of the incident. The officer observed the male individual was being belligerent and threatening the female individual. The officer arrested the male for Disorderly Conduct and transported him to the Price County Jail for booking and release.
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Reports were not received from 7-1-25 to 7-7-25.
7-8-25: Received a report of an elderly man who was dumping his residential garbage in the public garbage cans in the downtown area of the City of Phillips. An officer made contact with the man who admitted to doing it. An officer warned the man about his conduct.
7-9-25: Received an anonymous report of a cat that was trapped inside of a storm drain. An officer assisted in the removal of the cat from the storm drain, and a citizen that also assisted took custody of the cat.
7-11-25: Spoke to the manager of a local business in reference to noxious odors emitting from a dumpster behind their business. The manager advised that the dumpster was broken and leaking and corporate has to decide if and when they will fix it. An officer explained to the manager that they are in violation of a city ordinance regarding noxious odors. The officer advised the manager to relay to corporate that they will receive an ordinance citation if the dumpster is not fixed.
7-17-25: Advised that an individual called American Asphalt and threatened the crew members stating that if they did not leave Phillips they would cause harm to the crew. Police officers responded, talked to the individual, and warned him about his actions. The individual apologized and stated he knew he should not have said what he did. The individual blocked the phone number and stated that he would never call again. The officer spoke with the company, and they did not want an arrest made.
7-21-25: Asked to assist the Price County Dispatch Center with an intoxicated female who was being disorderly. An officer arrived on scene and assisted deputies with arresting the female. The female individual spit in the officer's face and bit a deputy. The female was arrested and transported to the Price County Jail.
7-21-25: Advised by an anonymous individual of an illegal poker game that was occurring at a local tavern on County Highway D. An officer spoke with the owner who stated the female individual was asked to leave earlier as she was being disorderly in the bar.
7-23-25: Dispatched to the area of South Argyle Avenue for a fawn that was struck by a motor vehicle. An officer responded and observed the deer walking by its mother, so the officer advised the complainant that the deer appeared to be okay and that Mother Nature would care for the The complainant was okay with this solution.
7-24-25: Advised of drugs that were found inside a residence on Eyder Avenue. An officer met with the person who advised he wanted to turn over drugs that he found at his residence. An officer obtained a plastic bag with a white crystalline substance inside, which tested positive for methamphetamine. The white crystalline substance was packaged into an evidence bag and placed into evidence.
7-26-25: Received a phone call regarding an adult male going through mail at different residences. The complainant stated that the person was in a white van. The officer was able to locate the vehicle at the post officer and determined that it was an employee.
7-26-25: Received a report of a property damage accident between a vehicle and equipment from American Asphalt. The officer responded, gathered necessary information, and took photographs of the damages. A state accident report will be completed.
7-26-25: Requested, at a bar on North Lake Avenue, to investigate a theft by fraud complaint. An officer responded and spke with a manager for the business who advised that they were a victim of a scam and were out $498.66.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
6-1-25: An officer responded to speak with a male reporting party about a disturbance where two suspects possibly threw something at a vehicle.
6-10-2025: Officers were dispatched to a residence for the report of a man who had an active warrant for his arrest. Officers responded, arrived on scene, and located the man hiding in the residence. He was taken into custody and transported to the Price County Jail.
6-11-25: Police responded regarding a male being in possession of a goat within city limits.
6-11-25: A reportable traffic crash occurred at an intersection. A vehicle and government property (stop sign/street, sign/fire hydrant) were heavily damaged. DPW notified.
6-12-25: An officer observed a woman on foot. The officer was aware of active warrants. Upon contact, she fled on foot and resisted the officer. Once secured, drug paraphernalia was located. Charges were referred to the DA's office.
6-12-25: Dispatch advised that a female had missed her turn and drove her car into a ditch. The car was successfully removed.
6-14-25: An officer was dispatched for a complaint of theft of electricity. The homeowner explained that his neighbor is stealing his electricity with an extension cord coming from his house. An officer saw the extension cord running from trailer to trailer.
6-23-25: Report of a skunk trapped in a post hole. Wisconsin DNR was contacted, and the skunk was removed.
6-27-25: An officer received a complaint from a reporting party who found his truck topper window shattered.
7-2-25: An officer received a complaint of a lot of yelling coming from Hines Park. The reporting party thought an altercation was taking place. After an investigation, no physical altercation took place.
7-3-25: An officer was informed of a male subject at the library / city hall who had been there for numerous hours. The person stated he was homeless and would sleep in his vehicle once the library/city hall closed.
7-4-25: Reported a disturbance between coworkers at a fast food restaurant. Parties were spoken to, and the matter seemed to be resolved.
7-5-25: While on patrol, an officer located a person down in a front yard. The welfare of the person was checked. The person had been drinking.
7-6-25: Report of a bear cleaning out bird feeders and going door to door looking for available food. USDA contacted.
7-7-25: A person wanted it documented that a father was making threats about killing his daughter's dog.
7-7-25: An officer spoke with numerous parties regarding a burglary at a residence. A search warrant was conducted and property and controlled substances were seized. Two suspects were taken into custody upon numerous charges.
7-11-25: An officer was dispatched to the medical center for a person who struck a nurse.
7-12-25: Delivered a letter from the City of Park Falls regarding a person not getting a building permit for a structure they built. The person hadn't obtained the building permit in the 30-day timeline given and will be cited for the violation.
7-13-25: An officer was notified that a dark colored pickup truck dumped tires into the dumpster at Hines Park. The suspect was located and cited for illegal dumping.
Reports were not received from 7-14-25 to 7-20-25.
7-22-25: An officer was dispatched for a female on an ATV, possibly trespassing on the mill property, and fishing off a bridge. An officer spoke with the woman and her husband about numerous DNR violations. The conservation warden was contacted and stated he will take over the case.
7-23-25: An incarcerated male reported that he had not heard from his mother in several months and wished to have a welfare check done on her. She was found safe and sound.
7-26-25: An officer was notified that a person was at a bar and shouldn't be. The person was on probation and had rules not to be consuming alcohol or in any establishment that exists primarily for the sale and consumption of alcohol. An officer responded but couldn't locate the subject.
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