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.”
There are a number of credits and deductions available to taxpayers. The following four sections, (with each heading in bold for ease of reference), focus on tax credits, including the information you should bring to your tax preparer, the Earned Income Credit (sometimes available even if there are no qualifying children), the Homestead Credit, and a summary of many of the credits that are available.
(Article continues after promotional message) 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.
WHEN IN DOUBT, BRING IT IN AND BRING IT UP
There are so many credits and deductions available to taxpayers; many which individual or business taxpayers may not be aware of. Each person’s individual tax situation is unique. An individual that is lower income, someone who has kids, a person who owns and runs a business or a rental, or someone who has a combination of factors on their returns each have unique needs and unique deductions and credits.
It is virtually impossible for an individual to know what all is deductible and what is not on their own. Therefore, when you bring your items in to be prepared, do not hesitate to talk to your CPA. Mention any questions that you have and discuss what all has gone on in your year financially. Many times these conversations open a person up to finding out that they have more deductions and credits available to them than they thought. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Sometimes these helpful conversations can even lead to planning for the future. For example, maybe you have an item that would have been deductible had you taken certain steps in documenting it. The discussion would lead to letting you know what you can do for the following year to make next year’s taxes more bearable.
If you think you have an item that could be deductible, bring it up and ask about it. The worst thing that could happen in bringing it up is that you find out it is not deductible. The best thing is that you find out it is deductible or it sparks additional questions that could lead to something else that may help you in your own individual tax situation.
Bring your prior year return in with you so it can be looked over. Having a thought-provoking discussion and the prior year return available can go far in making sure things have been done the way that they should have been, and, if an issue is found, the best possible course of action can be discussed.
In my practice, I have found new clients coming in that did not realize the deductions and credits that they have missed in prior years’ returns. Many were surprised that some of them can still be claimed without amending a return, (for example, a missed Homestead Credit in a prior year), or via amending a return if needed for some items that can only be corrected in that manner.
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.
THE 2024 TAX YEAR EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT: IN SOME CASES, EVEN IF THERE ARE NO QUALIFYING CHILDREN INCREASED CREDIT AMOUNTS FOR 2024
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a credit that is available to many taxpayers. It is based on a person’s income and the number of qualifying children that they have. However, many people do not realize that if a taxpayer’s income level falls within certain parameters, then a person whom does not have any qualifying children can qualify for the credit if all criteria are met.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a complicated credit that has many rules and adjustments to a taxpayer’s income but it is an often used credit and provides a refund to many people, even in cases where the taxpayer has not had any federal or state withholding taken out of their pay. It is part of a group of credits which are called refundable credits, which basically means that a taxpayer can get back more than what they had withheld from their paychecks.
The maximum Earned Income Credit amounts available to taxpayers are dependent on whether or not the taxpayer has children, and, if they have children, the number of children they have.
If a taxpayer has no children, the maximum credit that they could qualify for is $632.
If a taxpayer has one child, the maximum credit that they could qualify for is $4,213.
If a taxpayer has two children, the maximum credit that they could qualify for is $6,960.
If a taxpayer has more than two children, the maximum credit that they could qualify for is $7,830.
Wisconsin has a Wisconsin Earned Income Credit which provides additional amounts based on individual taxpayer’s facts and circumstances.
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.
COULD YOU BE OVER-LOOKING THE HOMESTEAD CREDIT?
Wisconsin has a credit that is known as the Homestead Credit. If you own a home or rent you may be eligible to obtain a refund even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return.
Below is a basic summary of the qualifications for a taxpayer to be eligible for the Wisconsin Homestead Credit. If you fall into the basic summary, then it would be in your best interest to look further into the credit to ensure you qualify for it, as, if you do, it is a very rewarding credit.
The Wisconsin Homestead Credit basic qualifications are as follows:
The property that you occupied and owned or rented, meaning your home, apartment, or other dwelling, must be subject to Wisconsin property taxes in 2024. However, there is an exception to this if the property is owned by a municipal housing authority. If the property is owned by a municipal housing authority, it would not be considered tax-exempt for the Homestead Credit if the authority makes payments to a town or city in which it is located. If you are considering the Homestead Credit, and if you live in a place that would be considered public housing, you should check with the management of the facility to see if the property would qualify for the Homestead Credit.
You must be a legal resident of Wisconsin for the entire 2024 year.
By December 31, 2024 you must be 18 years of age or older.
Your household income, based on a formula used for the credit, must be less than $24,680 for 2024.
You must meet one of the following conditions: A. During 2024, you or your spouse, if you were married, and live in the same household, must have positive earned income during the year. B. You or your spouse, if you are married, and live in the same household are disabled. C. You or your spouse, if you are married, are at least 62 years of age or older by the end of 2024.
You cannot be claimed as a dependent for the year on someone else’s federal tax return. However, there is an exception to this if you were 62 years of age or more on December 31, 2024.
You and your spouse, if married, will not claim the Farmland Preservation Credit for 2024 or the Veterans and Surviving Spouse’s Property Tax Credit based on your 2024 property taxes.
At the time of filing, you cannot live in a nursing home and receive Title XIX medical assistance.
You cannot file a claim on behalf of a person after his or her death.
You need to fully understand the definition of household for the Homestead Credit, as only one claim can be filed per their definition of household.
If you received Wisconsin Works (W2) payments of any amount or county relief payments, you will need to do a special calculation.
The Homestead Credit is a very complicated credit which has a lot of modifications to the taxpayer’s income; however, it is also a credit that is very helpful to Wisconsin residents and one that is overlooked by many taxpayers who mistakenly think that just because they are not required to file a return, that they then should not file one. The above listed qualifications are not all inclusive; please consult with a tax adviser for other qualifications required.
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.
ARE YOU GETTING ALL THE CREDITS YOU QUALIFY FOR? A SUMMARY OF MOST TAX CREDITS FOR 2024
There are a variety of credits available for the 2024 tax year. Of course, each has its own criteria and limitations. However, if you qualify for any of them, it will make quite a difference on your tax return. The following is a list of a number of the credits available and a brief summary of what they encompass.
Additional Child Credit: It is for taxpayers who do not claim the full $2,000 tax credit for each child due to circumstances on their returns and who have one or more qualifying children and over $2,500 of earned income, or have three or more children that are qualifying.
Adoption Expense: For a child who is adopted legally who is under age 18 or for the adoption of a person that is incapacitated or special needs (regardless of age). However, this credit has a phase out for Modified Adjusted Gross Income from $252,150 to 292150.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: Expenses for care of dependent(s) who are under the age of 13 or incapacitated. This credit is provided to assist a taxpayer to work or look for work.
Child Credit: If a taxpayer has a qualifying child under the age of 17. Phase-out ranges apply due to Adjusted Gross Income levels.
Earned Income: Taxpayers with or without qualifying children who meet various income and other qualifications.
Education, American Opportunity: For qualified higher education expenses for up to four years of qualified higher education.
Education, Lifetime Learning: For qualified post-secondary education and other courses that are to acquire or improve job skills.
Elderly or Disabled: Low income taxpayers age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement: Taxpayers who are homeowners and who decided to install certain energy saving improvements. Some examples of the improvements are insulation, windows, and doors. If a homeowner taxpayer has an energy audit performed, the cost of the energy audit also qualifies.
Federal Tax Paid on Fuels: Fuels which are used on a farm for farming purposes or fuels for off-highway business use and other qualified uses.
Foreign Tax: Income taxes that are paid to a foreign country or a U.S. possession on income that is subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Minimum Tax: If you are subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), this is a credit allowed against regular tax for part of the AMT paid and it is attributable to deferral items.
Mortgage Interest: A portion of interest expense paid by home buyers who have been issued a government mortgage credit certificate.
Other Dependents: A credit allowed for qualifying dependents that are not qualifying children.
Premium Assistance: This is for certain taxpayers who enroll or whose family member enrolls in a qualified health plan, which needs to be one that is offered in the Marketplace, meaning the health insurance exchange.
Previously-owned Clean Vehicle Credit: This credit is for certain used vehicles that are purchased by a taxpayer, meaning that the original use of the vehicle must have started with a person that is not the current owner of the vehicle and the vehicle must meet the requirements for the Clean Vehicle Credit that is for new vehicles. This credit is subject to ranges on modified adjusted gross income.
Residential Clean Energy: This credit is for property that is installed on a taxpayer’s residence for items such as qualified solar electric, qualified solar water heating property, qualified small wind energy, or a qualified geothermal heat pump, fuel cell, and battery storage technology.
Retirement Saver’s: This is for people who make retirement plan contributions based on income level. This credit is in the amount of 10 to 50 percent of contributions, within various phase-out ranges.
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. Read More
The City of Park Falls recently renewed their garbage and refuse collection contract.
The company has increased the amount they charge the city for this service and that increase will be reflected on upcoming water utility bills, which was effective on January 1, 2025. The quarterly rate was $45 and is now $54.96.
At 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, Phillips Fire responded to a structure fire at 800 Ash Street. The property has been owned by John and Teresa Harrington since September 10, 2013.
According to Phillips Fire Chief Dave Lontcoski, "Phillips Fire responded with two engines, brush/command truck, heavy rescue, and nine firefighters."
The chief requested a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) at Level 1, which is the first level of assistance requested when a local department can't handle an emergency on its own. The MABAS brought help from the Fifield, Prentice, and Catawba Fire Departments. Fifield responded with an engine, command vehicle, and nine firefighters. Catawba responded with an engine and six firefighters. Prentice responded with their equipment van and six firefighters.
Thirty firefighters fought the blaze in temperatures that reached 25 degrees below zero with wind chills of 40 degrees below zero. The chief added, "It made firefighting very difficult with frozen hoses and lots of ice."
Approximately 115,000 gallons of water were used.
The Phillips Fire Department was back in service at 11:15 a.m.
Firefighters had to return to the scene for rekindles on Sunday afternoon and the morning of January 20th.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time and is under investigation.
My Price County does not have a photo of this home, but it can be viewed on Zillow.
At 12:16 a.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Ashland-Bayfield Emergency Communication Center received a call. A person reported that their friend, a 20-year old man from Ashland, Wisconsin, named Harlow Pruess, was late joining them. They were to meet on the Chequamegon Bay for ice fishing. The missing person was reported to be on a snowmobile, and they had not heard from him since 9:03 p.m. on January 18, 2025.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ashland Fire Department, Ashland Police Department, and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded and began searching for the man.
At approximately 10 a.m. on January 19, 2025, Harlow was found, deceased, in open water.
The incident is currently being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
(Article continues after promotional image) 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.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
11-30-2024: A Phillips man reported he placed an order from Micro Bio Male Enhancement. He stated he ordered one bottle for $59, but when he looked at his bank statement, the company was charging him $299. He called the company but they stated they were sending him several bottles. The man asked that the transaction be cancelled and refunded as he only wanted one bottle, but the company refused to cancel and refund the money.
12-2-2024: A Park Falls woman stated she slammed on her brakes in an attempt not to hit a dog, but she did hit the dog. She got out to check on the dog, and the dog appeared uninjured, so she told the owner that she should keep the dog on a leash. The caller stated the owner of the dog became upset and closed the vehicle's door on the woman's left leg, leaving a mark. However, the woman did not need an ambulance.
12-4-2024: A Prentice woman reported a girl was being sexually assaulted while at her father's residence, which she believed to be in another county. The woman stated she called Child Protective Services but had not received a call back.
12-4-2024: A Park Falls man stated his neighbor had a wind chime that sounded as loud as church bells, and he believed it was modified to go off more often. He stated this was disturbing his dog, child, and himself.
12-6-2024: A Brantwood man stated an intoxicated male would not leave his house, even though he asked him to do so numerous times. The man became verbally abusive to the homeowner.
12-6-2024: A New Jersey man asked for a welfare check because their company has a text option for customers during after hours, and the system received two messages. Both came from his customer's phone and one stated, "He's dead," and the other stated, "I killed [the man's first name]." Officers responded to the residence.
12-7-2024: A Pennsylvania man reported his fiance's mother was watching his dog while he was in jail in another state, and she would not give the dog back.
12-8-2024: A Phillips man reported a woman was in the ditch. He offered help but she refused help. The woman was shoveling snow with an ice scraper. A field sobriety test was conducted.
12-8-2024: A Fifield man stated a driver blew a tire, which caused the driver to jump the culvert and get into his yard. The man was not injured, but there was damage to a road sign and the homeowner's property.
The police reports for the remainder of December 2024 were not received from the Price County Sheriff's Office at the time of publication on 1-11-2025.
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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.
PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
12-2-2024: Received a complaint that a set of Waste Management garbage cans were stolen from a residence. An officer spoke with the caretaker of the residence and is investigating the incident.
12-3-2024: Advised of a male subject who was lying on the ground, and when he got up, he seemed unsteady. An officer checked the welfare of the subject and was advised he was not feeling well. The subject stated he would be making a medical appointment if he didn't feel better.
12-5-2024: Received a report of a scam from an elderly lady. The woman stated that her computer gave her a message to contact Microsoft or her computer would be frozen. She stated that the person she talked to was suspicious and did not want her to talk to anyone else about the matter. The woman stated she did not give any personal information and contacted her bank to remove the online banking from her computer.
12-6-2024: The Public Works Department towed a vehicle that was parked downtown as the department was removing snow. The vehicle was towed to the city impound lot.
12-6-2024: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with the serving of two search warrants outside of the City of Phillips. An adult male and an adult female were arrested for possession of illicit drugs.
12-7-2024: Observed a male individual stumbling into traffic as he was highly intoxicated. The male individual was transported to his residence.
12-8-2024: Assisted the Price County Sheriff's Office with an adult male who wished to have an adult female removed from their residence on Old 13 Road. The adult female left the residence.
12-11-2024: Contacted by Price County Dispatch about the odor of marijuana. Phillips Police investigated and located the odor. Citations will be issued.
12-16-2024: Advised of an incident that occurred several weeks ago between two juvenile subjects. The two subjects were reported to have sent inappropriate images to each other. The incident will be investigated further.
The police reports for the remainder of December 2024 (except for a few minor reports on the last few days) were not received from the Phillips Police Department at the time of publication on 1-11-2025.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
12-4-2024: An officer spoke with a manager at a convenience store about an employee who was stealing from the business.
12-5-2024: Report of an individual pushing snow into the yard of another individual residence.
12-6-2024: Report for record regarding a subject receiving a threat via text message.
12-11-2024: An officer performed a welfare check at a store. The store's van was running in the alleyway overnight. The store was secure when the officer checked. The owner was contacted and it was learned the driver forgot about the van overnight and would be coming to town to shut it off.
12-12-2024: Received a report of a dog left outside for approximately three hours in the -12 degree temperature.
12-14-2024: An officer responded to an ambulance assist call of an intoxicated female. The female was transported to the medical center. The officer was called back to the hospital as the patient was causing issues. The officer stood by until a family member came to pick up the patient.
12-14-2024: Received a report of a possible fire. The caller was observed to be very "out of touch" with reality and tampering with electrical in the apartment complex. Landlord were notified of observations.
12-15-2024: An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. One male suspect was cited for numerous vehicle violations. A criminal charge of operating without a valid license (2nd within 3 years) was to be referred to the Price County DA.
12-23-2024: Received a report of inappropriate physical contact between two students at school.
12-24-2024: An officer was requested to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle following too closely to a deputy's squad. The officer observed the suspect vehicle almost rear end the deputy's vehicle. Upon the traffic stop, the suspect vehicle fled to evade law enforcement. Officers pursued and apprehended the intoxicated male suspect.
12-28-2024: An officer assisted a Price County deputy on a traffic stop. The officer observed controlled substance packaging in the vehicle. Upon a vehicle search, marijuana products were located.
12-28-2024: There was an unattended indoor death investigation. The death appears to be of natural causes.
Bumble Bee Rentals offers modern residential and commercial rentals of storefronts, apartments, and homes, plus rentals of tables & chairs for parties and other events. Visit Bumble Bee Rental's website to view their properties or call 715-339-3418.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration is projecting a population decline in Price County, but duplexes and fourplexes, in the amount of 60 total units, are coming to Park Falls with the project set to begin in May or June 2025.
According to Mayor Tara Tervort, the city secured nearly 20 acres of land for this development, which is off of Tower Road and within the city limits.
Photo Credit: City of Park Falls
In the spring of 2024, a development company was awarded $1.4 million in low income housing tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to be used for this development. The developer is seeking additional financial backing and is also working with the city to complete a development agreement and get the needed permits.
Mayor Tervort feels there is a significant housing need in the Park Falls area stating she spoke with many business owners and concerned community members who felt housing was needed.
In a recent interview with Phillips Alderman Richard Heitkemper, he stated that the City of Phillips and City of Park Falls recently had a joint study conducted that showed those two cities need more working class housing as there is enough low income housing in the area.
Recent numbers released by the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration show a projected decline of 279,000 people over the next 25 years across Wisconsin with only 13 of the 72 counties showing a population increase. Dane County (38.8%), Trempealeau County (33.9%), Eau Claire County (12.2%), Brown County (11.5%) and St. Croix County (10.1%) are the top five counties that will see a double digit percentage increase. However, 59 counties, significantly those in the northern portion of the state, are projected to decrease partly due to the aging population, less children being born, less young people moving in, and the workforce challenge. Price County is #6 on the list of counties in Wisconsin that are expected to see a large decline, losing as much as 24.9% of the population or 3,504 people.
PRICE COUNTY POPULATION
2020 Actual: 14,054
2030 Projection: 13,135
2040 Projection: 11,880
2050 Projection: 10,550
The past 25 years may be a good indicator of the next 25 years in Price County. Most graduating classes have become about 40% to 50% smaller in that time period even with investments being made in some of the schools to try to attract more families to move to the area.
These projections could motivate community leaders to seek ways to prevent this decrease and attract more people to the area.
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These students distinguished themselves as being "respectful."
OCTOBER 2024
Front Row, Left to Right:
Macy Patterson, Regan Warshall, Peyton Derr, Cashlyn Phelps, Emery Volk, Lexa Medaris, Madelynn Larson, and Kendall Davis
Back Row, Left to Right:
Diana Skawninski (State Farm Insurance), Harper Patterson, Scarlett Struck, Brayden Hawn, Hadley Bay, Adeline Branch, and Riley Belcher.
These students distinguished themselves as being "responsible."
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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.
NOVEMBER 2024
Front Row, Left to Right:
Lila Hammond, Blake Brinegar, and Tyler Treviranus
Middle Row, Left to Right:
Dana Faye Sohl, Hank Hammond, Jack Carlson, Salomon Larios, and Kaydin Dahlgren
Back Row, Left to Right:
Paityn Davis, Isaac Kjetland, Rayden Oscar, Aaliyah Green, and Colton Bruun
These students distinguished themselves as being "safe."
DECEMBER 2024
Front Row, Left to Right:
Henry Sharp, Bennet Wagner, and Mackenzie Miesbauer
Middle Row, Left to Right:
Namine Stewart, Faith Velarde, Daxon Singer, Kiki Rodriguez, and Zayda Dannelley
Back Row, Left to Right:
Rose Jim, Rocky Bruehling, Elias Wilson, Bryson Seller, Mackenzie Knoop, and Diesel Oswald.
These students distinguished themselves by having "gratitude."
In 2022, the federal government renamed places, including over two dozen bodies of water in Wisconsin. These places had the word "Squaw" as part of their names, and the government felt the use of "Squaw" was derogatory to Indigenous women. The renaming effort was led by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland, who was the first Indigenous woman in that role. The DOI worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to identify places that needed name changes and collect replacement names.
In Phillips, Squaw Creek became Aabajijiwani-ziibiinsing, Squaw Creek Flowage became Aabajijiwang Flowage, and Lower Squaw Creek Flowage was renamed to Lower Aabajijiwang Flowage.
Over two years later, Squaw Creek Road in Phillips has been renamed. The Town of Worcester recognized that the road is locally referred to as "Rollercoaster Road" due to all of its hills. Initially, people supported that replacement name, but those living on the road stated they did not prefer that name. For years, property owners on the former Squaw Creek Road have witnessed erratic driving on their road and did not want more people to be enticed to use the road, speed, and potentially cause an accident.
Instead, the property owners suggested Hills Road. The Town of Worcester Board passed an ordinance effective on January 1, 2025 for this name change. Squaw Creek Road is now known as Hills Road.
(The updated article continues after the promotional message.) Birchland Realty, located at 104 North Lake Avenue in Phillips, specializes in commercial, residential, recreational, and vacant land real estate. Visit Birchland Realty's website or call 715-339-2181 for assistance finding your new property.
UPDATED 1-9-2025: TOWN OF WORCESTER EXPLAINS WHY SQUAW CREEK ROAD WAS RENAMED
According to the Town of Worcester clerk/treasurer, "To rename Squaw Creek Road to Hills Road was a town board decision, but the name was voted on by the people of the community and several homeowners who live on the road. We felt that it was better to be proactive than to wait until somebody ordered us to make a change. Current US government communications typically do not use the word "squaw;" instead writing it as "sq**w," because the word "sq**w" is deeply offensive. While nobody forced us to make the change, we felt that it was only a matter of time until somebody did or the government changed the road name to Aabajijiwani-ziibiinsing (which would be very hard for the homeowners to pronounce and have to write every time they wrote their address). In addition, the old road name no longer was relevant to the new creek name.
"We originally sent out letters to the Squaw Creek Road homeowners, mentioning we would be changing the name to Rollercoaster Road since the road is very well-known by that name already, and members of the town meetings also agreed that that was a good name. We received feedback from the homeowners that they did not want the road to be changed to Rollercoaster Road because that may attract people to drive fast down the road, where people are already driving well over the speed limit. So we held a meeting and allowed the town members to have a vote and say on the new name."
As of the morning of Sunday, January 5, 2025, Dopey (from Park Falls) has been found and returned to his owners. Molly (from Catawba) is still missing.
1-4-2025:
Two dogs are currently missing in Price County.
A male pit bull terrier mix, white and brown in color, is missing from Park Falls. The dog, named Dopey, has been missing since December 27, 2024 and was last seen near Saunders Avenue and Maple Street.
A thin 17-year old female dog named Molly is also missing in the Catawba area. This dog has been missing since January 4, 2025. She's blind in one eye and deaf. She is friendly.
If you see either of these dogs, contact Mindy Dabler, the Price County Humane Officer, at 715-339-3011.
Mindy shared, "If anyone finds any dog tracks in their yard or driveway, that don't belong to your animal, please report it. Also, please check your out buildings and under porches."
At approximately 4:29 p.m. on January 1, 2025, a Price County deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 13 near Grunerwald Road. The location is south of the City of Park Falls.
During the traffic stop, the passenger of the vehicle provided the deputy with a false name. The person then fled on foot into the woods.
The driver of the vehicle gave the real name of the person who fled on foot. That person had five warrants, one of which was a felony for felon in possession of a firearm.
The deputy requested assistance from other deputies, the Park Falls Police Department, and K9 Dixon.
K9 Dixon tracked the person through the woods and swamp for approximately 2 1/2 miles. The person was located and taken into custody without incident.
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