Please note: We made the photos a larger size. Read between the photos and through the bottom of the page for the full article.
Imagine if your dream was to open a restaurant in a small town that you love. You and your spouse not only devote your money, but your time, to revitalize old buildings to turn them into a place where community members can enjoy a fine dining experience. Small setbacks happen, and you overcome them, always looking forward to making your dream a reality.
One room of the restaurant before the vandalism. Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Just when your dream gets so close to reality, a nightmare happens. Your nearly-finished business property gets vandalized on Easter morning. The vandalism is not small. It's not "just" a broken window or "just" one wall splashed with paint. The vandalism is extensive, throughout the building, and amounts to over $50,000 in damages.
This nightmare was the reality for Tammy and Jason Hastings on Easter morning.
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
According to Tammy, at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023, she found the back door of their restaurant open. "There were five gallon buckets of paint and concrete stain spilled out on the brand new acid-stained floor and thrown on all the walls. I went to get Jason, and we went to the front where we were shocked to find the door broken in."
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
The three forward-facing windows were all busted with glass spewing outside onto the sidewalk.
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
"Once inside, we saw the fireplace we built had been destroyed." The vandal had kicked it in and ripped out the mechanics."
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Tammy added that everything in the restaurant is custom-made by local businesses from the table tops to the beverage cabinet. "A table top had been picked up and thrown through a window. The beverage cabinet was picked up and knocked over, the doors ripped off and thrown through the front windows and drive-thru. It was heart-breaking to see all of this custom work destroyed."
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Photo by: Tammy Hastings
Tammy and Jason immediately called the Park Falls Police Department. According to Chief of Police Marvin Nevelier, "Officers responded and began to conduct an investigation, and later obtained video evidence from a surveillance system of a younger male subject attempting to break the front (east) door of the restaurant. Additional video evidence was obtained of the same male subject causing damage within the business." Tammy said the police worked for about nine hours collecting and marking evidence, such as a sock, shoe, and blood left at the scene, among other things.
Chief Nevelier added, "While completing a canvas of the area, officers observed that the west window on the American Legion door was broken out. Based on evidence obtained at the scene, it was determined that the same subject who had damaged La Roca was the same person who had damaged the window at the American Legion. It appears that the subject did not enter the Legion and only broke the window."
"The video cameras picked up several minutes of [the suspect] trying to get into the front door, then falling," Tammy shared. "He was obviously drunk. After several minutes, he was able to break the glass on the front door and let himself in where he proceeded to do his damage."
Tammy posted a still image from the video on social media. Many people messaged her with their thoughts on the identity of the vandal.
One of the people who messaged Tammy was the mother of the suspect, who is a 22-year old man who resides outside of Price County, though his parents reside in Price County.
"Jason and I went to their house where they confessed. I say 'they' because it was more a mom and dad effort. They did all the speaking for him, including saying that he had no recollection. His hands were still covered in paint and stain. His parents asked we not press charges. Not only is that an impossibility because of the dollar amount of damage he did but that would also send a message that he is free to get drunk and do it to someone else. I forgive him and hope he is sorry. But that doesn’t do him any favors in his future or to keeping our community safe."
As for the timeline of this incident, the vandal approached the building around 2:37 a.m., according to video surveillance. It is not known how long he was in the building, but he had to have left before 4:30 a.m. Tammy explained, "According to his mother and the hospital, they picked him up around 4:30 a.m. They had gone to the hospital, took a wheelchair, then brought it back around 5 a.m."
Chief Nevelier said the man was interviewed but not arrested. "At this point, the department will be forwarding criminal charges of burglary and felony criminal damage to property. The department is still actively investigating the case, and additional charges may be filed at a later time."
Tammy stated that she and her husband were able to get through the horrific event on Easter Sunday due to the outpouring of kindness from people in Price County. "Jason and I would like to thank this amazing community and county for your out-pouring of support and words."
"We have put every penny and minute of our life, for almost five years, into this project. We have fought two vandalisms, one worldwide pandemic, and soaring building prices. One drunk young man is not going to be where we throw in the towel." She added that they will fix the damages, and they will open in the future.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN PRICE COUNTY: 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.
MY PRICE COUNTY / MY NORTHERN WISCONSIN REACHES ALMOST 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS; GET FREE NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Want to see more free news stories, events, help wanted ads, and more? "Like" the My Price County Facebook page and the My Northern Wisconsin Facebook page. You can also register to see free news in Price County and beyond. To sign up to receive our FREE "News Highlights" e-mail, send your e-mail address with "Subscribe" in the subject line to contact@mypricecounty.com Your privacy is important to us. We never give away or sell your e-mail address.
A portion of the former building that many residents have known as Boise Cascade, Lionite, Georgia Pacific, and a few other company names, but is also referred to as "the mill," collapsed in Phillips on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. This was not a planned demolition. It is believed the high winds, freezing rain, and snow may have been a factor, but that has not been confirmed.
Mayor Charles Peterson stated, "With the recent collapse of the north portion of the Phillips Lionite building, the City of Phillips would like to inform everyone that the city is currently working and doing everything possible to encourage the prompt cleanup of the property."
According to the City of Phillips, the owners, Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC, have been notified by the police department of the collapse. There is no set timeline for clean-up but that does not mean there will not be one in the future.
Regarding some residents coming up with ideas on things that could be built there if Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC chose to sell their property or build something new themselves, any new construction would have to comply with current zoning requirements or apply for a variance, if needed. The shoreline setbacks for the City of Phillips are 75 feet.
UPDATE: 5-15-2023: Phillips Lionite Wood Products Co, LLC has obtained permits for the removal of the downed structure.
MY PRICE COUNTY / MY NORTHERN WISCONSIN HAS REACHED ALMOST 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS; GET FREE NEWS IN YOUR INBOX
Want to see more free news stories, events, help wanted ads, and more? "Like" the My Price County Facebook page and the My Northern Wisconsin Facebook page. You can also register to see free news in Price County and beyond. To sign up to receive our FREE "News Highlights" e-mail, send your e-mail address with "Subscribe" in the subject line to contact@mypricecounty.com Your privacy is important to us. We never give away or sell your e-mail address.
4,901 people, 42% of eligible voters, voted in Price County on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The unofficial results are as follows:
Note: The number in parenthesis after the office title denotes how many of the top vote-getters are elected for the position. Numbers after the names of each candidate are the number of votes each candidate received.
STATEWIDE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
In Price County, Janet C. Protasiewicz received 2,075 votes and Daniel Kelly received 2,772 votes. Statewide, however, Protasiewicz prevailed as the winner for the State of Wisconsin Supreme Court with Protasiewicz receiving about 55% of the vote.
REFERENDUM #1
Yes 2,981 (Price County)
No 1,580 (Price County)
Statewide, about 67% of voters voted "yes."
REFERENDUM #2
Yes 3,114 (Price County)
No 1,470 (Price County)
Statewide, about 68% of voters voted "yes."
REFERENDUM #3
Yes 4,063 (Price County)
No 665 (Price County)
Statewide, about 80% of voters voted "yes."
MUNICIPAL
CITY OF PARK FALLS
MAYOR
Tara Tervort 432
Joseph Oskvarek 177
ALDERPERSON - DIST 1
Daniel Greenwood 128
ALDERPERSON - DIST 2
Terry Wilson (registered write-in) 7
ALDERPERSON - DIST 3
Dixie Weidman 100
ALDERPERSON - DIST 4
Jesse Meyer 43
Michael E. Mader 101
(Article continues after promotional image) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: 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.
CITY OF PHILLIPS
ALDERMAN DIST 1
Richard J. Heitkemper 125
ALDERMAN DIST 2
Laura Tomaszewski 73
ALDERMAN DIST 3
Bill Elliott 73
VILLAGE OF CATAWBA
PRESIDENT
Cheryl Moore 34
TRUSTEE
Richard Manula 33
TREASURER
Gloria Lyons 36
VILLAGE OF KENNAN
PRESIDENT
Jill Arndt 37
TRUSTEE
Bret Dunlap 37
TREASURER
Shirley Arndt 37
VILLAGE OF PRENTICE
PRESIDENT
Bruce Jilka (most write-in votes) 15
TRUSTEE (3)
Rick Freeman 107
Rebeca Schantner 106
Kevin R. Gullickson 79
CHAIRPERSON
Ryan G. Plessner (registered write-in) 53
SUPERVISOR (2)
Larry Hinton 169
Ken Broholm (registered write-in) 27
Wesley Kovarek (registered write-in) 14
CLERK/TREASURER
Elizabeth Palecek 209
TOWN OF ELK
CHAIRPERSON
Tom Frane 339
SUPERVISOR (2)
Jeannie M. Heizler 306
Tyler Weber 254
CLERK
Laurie Hansen 341
TREASURER
Joe Neerdaels 356
TOWN OF EMERY
CHAIRPERSON
Dale Houdek 118
SUPERVISOR (2)
Stan Smith 94
Wayne VanDeVoort 84
CLERK
Regina Distin 120
TREASURER
Jodi Podmolik 116
TOWN OF FIFIELD
CHAIRPERSON
Bill Felch 290
SUPERVISOR (2)
John W. Smith 215
Ann Sloane 212
John W. Schroeder 180
Donald Simon, Jr. 36
(Article continues after promotional message) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: 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.
SUPERVISOR (2)
LeRoy Lallemont 39
Joseph VanDeVoort 24
TREASURER
Rebecca Kempen 44
TOWN OF HACKETT
CHAIRPERSON
Ed Hainy 62
SUPERVISOR 1
Glenn Uhren 60
SUPERVISOR 2
Kathleen Kosterman 61
CLERK/TREASURER
Wendy Orysen 64
TOWN OF HARMONY
CHAIRPERSON
Jim Hanson 66
SUPERVISOR (2)
Julie DeLasky 72
David R. Vyskocil (registered write-in) 9
TOWN OF HILL
CHAIRPERSON
Ron Wiitala 116
SUPERVISOR (2)
Jeffery A. Ulrich 80
Roger J. Bergman 75
John Underwood 67
TOWN OF KENNAN
CHAIRPERSON
Jerome Bieszk 66
SUPERVISOR 1
Jeff Premeau 61
SUPERVISOR 2
Tansy Annexstad 61
TOWN OF KNOX
CHAIRPERSON
Andrew Wild 118
SUPERVISOR 1
Cory Wild 116
SUPERVISOR 2
Jason Kivela (registered write-in) 40
CLERK
Joseph Klepac 114
TREASURER
Linda A. Heikkinen 127
(Article continues after promotional message.)
SUPPORT LOCAL EVENTS: From pop to country to rock to polka, the Price County Fair's 2023 music line-up has a lot of genres covered! Enjoy the Price County Fair, coming to Phillips August 23-27, 2023! Visit the Price County Fair's website and follow the Price County Fair's Facebook page.
TOWN OF LAKE
CHAIRPERSON
David F. Wagner 316
Edward J. Kane (registered write-in) 11
SUPERVISOR (2)
Mark Donner 277
Larry Reas 243
Becca Eitel 108
SUPERVISOR (2)
Bill Evans 95
Gary Siebert 65
Jesse Rhody 59
CLERK
JaNelle Nelson 133
TREASURER
Myrna Holmquist 126
TOWN OF WORCESTER
CHAIRPERSON
Paul H. Precour 508
Anthony Sleck 81
SUPERVISOR (2)
Jeremy Pesko 461
Jim Michler 305
Anthony Sleck 96
CLERK/TREASURER
Roberta Reese 500
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
BUTTERNUT SCHOOL DISTRICT (2)
Randol R. Smart 14
Gary A. Mertig 13
(Article continues after promotional message) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN PRICE COUNTY: 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.
CHEQUAMEGON SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
Robert Hennes 1,178
SEAT 2
Roger I. Strand 1,197
SEAT 3
Jennifer BeBeau (registered write-in) 18
FLAMBEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT (3)
Ted L. Alberson 14
Linda Zimmer 11
Daniel E. Kopacz 7
Jennifer Heath 7
Julie Hauser 2
Sara M. Taylor 0
Brian Beardsley (registered write-in) 0
PHILLIPS SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
Evan Jon Lund 1,581
SEAT 2
Meredith Hueckman 1,038
Anne Baxter 920
SEAT 3
Kevin M. Rose 1,569
PRENTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
Randy R. Erickson 757
SEAT 2
Helen Palmquist 725
SEAT 3
Darrell E. Pierson 413
Jesse Rhody 366
RIB LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
Nicole S. Scheller 101
SEAT 2
Jennifer R. Scott 51
Karah Grzanna 41
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Norvado is an Internet, television, and telephone service provider dedicated to the best technology allowing connection to the world while living the “up north” lifestyle. View current offers on Norvado's website.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, residents will see three State of Wisconsin referendum questions on the ballot. More information always helps a voter make an informed decision; therefore, the questions and a brief explanation of each follow.
Question 1. "Conditions of release before conviction. Shall Section 8 (2) of Article I of the constitution be amended to allow a court to impose on an accused person being released before conviction conditions that are designed to protect the community from serious harm?"
According to Ballotpedia, voting "yes" would amend the Wisconsin Constitution. The following underlined, bold words would be added and the bold, struck-through word would be deleted:
(2) All persons, before conviction, shall be eligible for release under reasonable conditions designed to assure their appearance in court, protect members of the community from serious bodily harm as defined by the legislature by law or prevent the intimidation of witnesses. Monetary conditions of release may be imposed at or after the initial appearance only upon a finding that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the conditions are necessary to assure appearance in court. The legislature may authorize, by law, courts to revoke a person's release for a violation of a condition of release.
According to NBC News, both Daniel Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates, support a "yes" vote on this referendum question.
State Senator Van Wanggaard supports a "yes" vote, stating, "First, it allows a judge to consider 'serious harm' to others instead of 'serious bodily harm' when setting conditions of release. This is an important change, because 'serious bodily harm' is a statutorily defined term, essentially meaning harm that could cause death or serious, permanent disfigurement."
State Representative Sue Conley supports a "no" vote, stating, "There is also no question that the cash bail system is broken. However, we must invest in proven strategies to reduce violent crime and recidivism. Our justice system should not continue to favor those with the resources to post bail. We need to look at successful models that better assess risk and develop a long term, evidence-based solution to the problem."
Question 2. "Cash bail before conviction. Shall Section 8(2) of Article I of the constitution be amended to allow a court to impose cash bail on a person accused of a violent crime based on the totality of the circumstances, including the accused's previous convictions for a violent crime, the probability that the accused will fail to appear, the need to protect the community from serious harm and prevent witness intimidation, and potential affirmative defenses?"
A "yes" vote supports amending the state's Constitution to authorize judges to consider the totality of the circumstances when setting cash bail for people accused of violent crimes, including considering a previous conviction of a violent crime, the likelihood the accused party will not appear in court, the need to protect the community from serious harm which is defined by the state legislature, the need to prevent witness intimidation, and the potential affirmative defenses of the accused party.
A "no" vote opposes amending the state's Constitution, which would maintain the existing conditions for imposing cash bail. Those conditions include ensuring an accused person's appearance in court, protecting members of the community from serious bodily harm, and preventing the intimidation of witnesses.
Questions 1 & 2 are related.
According to NBC News, both Daniel Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates, support a "yes" vote on this referendum question.
Question 3. "Shall able-bodied, childless adults be required to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits?"
Sam Adolphsen, policy director of the Foundation for Government Accountability, supports a "yes" vote, stating, "The workforce crisis in the Badger State has been driven largely by rapidly expanding welfare programs like food stamps, BadgerCare, and other cash benefits that, for three years, have been disconnected from work. Wisconsin has nearly a quarter million open jobs. Employers are desperate for workers, and voters will soon weigh in on whether they prefer able-bodied adults to be working for a paycheck or receiving a welfare check."
Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard supports a "no" vote, stating, "Their resolution, simply put, attacks low-income people in the state of Wisconsin, and it's born out of a consideration to their base for the spring election. They're trying to gin up their voters, simply put."
All quotes were reported by Ballotpedia.
VOTE MEREDITH HUECKMAN FOR PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD ON APRIL 4, 2023!
To learn more about Meredith, read her article and follow her Facebook page.
Mindy Dabler, Price County Humane Officer, is asking for more information about the cat shown in these photos. The cat was found in Prentice and is on a stray hold at Catkins Animal Rescue. He has extensive hair loss/scaling, infestation with fleas, stress, and other illnesses, but Catkins is working to bring him back to good health. Catkins states the cat is friendly and could not have been feral or part of a colony, so he had to be someone's pet. If you have information about this cat, you can contact the Price County Humane Officer at 715-339-3011.
The Ladysmith Middle/High School was not the only school that was targeted in Wisconsin on Wednesday, March 23, 2023, with swatting calls. Other known schools included Chippewa Falls (currently on Spring Break), Rice Lake, Spooner, Superior, and Wausau.
Swatting is the act of intentionally falsely reporting an event to law enforcement to invoke a large police response, such as the use of SWAT teams.
In the incidents on Wednesday, the swatting was about school shootings that weren't truly happening. The caller at many of the schools had a heavy foreign accent. The caller reported people being shot on campuses. Law enforcement in each area responded to the scene and checked the buildings as if there were an active shooter, although there were a number of red flags indicating the calls were fake.
Swatting calls reporting school shootings were made in Iowa a day prior.
At the national level, swatting is a felony which can cause the swatter to receive time in prison and monetary penalties. At the state level, each state makes their own laws and penalties. Swatting is a crime in Wisconsin, and a swatter can face severe penalties due to felony charges.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES: Norvado is an Internet, television, and telephone service provider dedicated to the best technology allowing connection to the world while living the “up north” lifestyle. View current offers on Norvado's website.
On March 15, 2023, Governor Tony Evers announced he is looking for applicants for the Price County district attorney position.
The position is currently held by Karl Kelz. His term is set to end in June 2025; however, Karl submitted his resignation in Price County, effective April 7, 2023, to accept a position as Rusk County's assistant district attorney.
Former Price County District Attorney Mark Fuhr, who is currently Price County's assistant district attorney, working twenty hours per week in the DA's office, will continue his role.
Karl Kelz stated, “It’s been an honor and privilege to represent the good people of Price County as their district attorney. In my time as district attorney, my office has aggressively prosecuted drug offenses, sensitive crimes, and has held offenders accountable for their actions. Additionally, I have modernized and streamlined procedures in the district attorney's office that has resulted in timely and efficient prosecutions and have cleared many backlogged cases. I have provided training classes for law enforcement and provided legal guidance to all law enforcement agencies within Price County. When elected, I promised to make changes that would improve the office to help protect the citizens of Price County. I have fulfilled my promise to Price County. I would like to thank all of my supporters, my incredible DA staff, and the citizens of Price County.”
VOTE MEREDITH HUECKMAN FOR PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD ON APRIL 4, 2023!
To learn more about Meredith, read her article and follow her Facebook page.
I am Meredith Hueckman, a mom to 7 children, ages 1 through 15, and they have all been raised in Phillips. I have a vested interest in our Phillips school and community, and I want to help in any way that I can. Each one of our children should have every educational opportunity possible to be able to grow in their unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Therefore, I'm running for a seat on the Phillips School Board on April 4, 2023. Our community is an exceptional place to raise kids, and we all want the best education for them.
Education is a passion of mine, and I have experience with many different forms of schooling. My children have gone to school, been home-schooled, and have also used RVA virtual learning. Before my husband, Scott, and I had children, I was a substitute teacher at Phillips Elementary School. Every individual child is a special blessing, and I have experienced firsthand the multiple ways in which children learn best.
Our government should serve our community, a lesson I learned as a former government reporter for a local newspaper. I understand the importance of putting the community first and doing the right thing fiscally, as well as having a responsibility to give the next generation every opportunity possible for success.
Transparency and communication are key between elected officials and the community that they serve. That is something that I would like to bring to the table as your school board representative.
Additionally, for over a decade, Scott and I have added jobs and enterprise to the area as small business owners of Hueckman Auction and Sales. I know the value and necessity of hard work, and how important it is to instill that value into our children.
It's just as important for me to work hard for you, your children, and our community. If I am elected to the Phillips School Board, I am committed to putting in the work to make sure that our shared values are represented in our school district.
Every vote counts and I need your help to get the message out. If you like what I have to say, will you please tell your friends and family about me? And if you would like for me to represent you, please vote for Meredith Hueckman for Phillips School Board on April 4th. Thank you so much for your support.
On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Park Falls City Council held an approximately two-hour long meeting, which was attended by about 50 residents. There was a presentation about the current challenges the City of Park Falls is facing regarding the current city hall building. "I am deeply grateful for the community members who showed up and heard the proposal and facts of the matter," Mayor Michael Bablick said. "I believe there was a general acceptance of the proposal and/or agreement, including several members of the library board." At the conclusion of the meeting, a few things were decided.
Mayor Bablick, in an 8-question interview with My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin, gave answers to residents' most pressing questions, many of which were discussed at the meeting, as well.
The first decision was that the city offices will move back to their original location, which is the Park Falls library building. The City of Park Falls will have the offices moved by the start of the 2023/2024 heating season, so Mayor Bablick predicts the move will take place around October 1, 2023.
Residents were concerned that if the city moved to the library, the library may be made smaller, groups may not be able to use the library as they did in the past, and people may not be allowed keys to enter the library after city office hours.
Mayor Bablick stated, "The proposal is to occupy the old city offices, which are currently the location of the library director, audio books, and fiction section. The majority of the library board and director have stated that while not optimal, they can rearrange the library and have no reduction in services. The City will have less space, the library will have less space, but the 3rd floor community rooms will not be impacted beyond elections and two scheduled monthly meetings of the council. It is a compromise but will work. It's worth remembering that the current library was once the city hall, library, fire, and police department. The city government has retained ownership of this building since its departure in the '70s-'80s. Superior communication and planning will make this highly successful and achieve an operational savings to the budget of anywhere between $30-50,000 per year for city taxpayers and avoidance of additional debt spending (increase in taxes). The library board and City Council have had phenomenal relationships for decades, and no one would want to see a reduction in library services."
As for a better description of where the city offices will be located, Mayor Bablick explained they will be exactly where they were located in the library for over 50 years, which is in the old mayor's office, city clerk's office, and the Council Room, (not the auditorium), all located on the west side of the second floor. He said, "It was designed in 1923 for these operations, and the library services have greatly expanded since then. The rest of the library, minus just the city offices, would remain the domain of the library to manage. The old entrance, on the south side, which is a spectacular and beautiful entranceway, would be reopened to ensure most city hall traffic is totally separate from the library. ADA access is totally up-to-date, and those that require such access will be able to use the library entrance on the north side. The layout of the building really is right for this use. All parties acknowledge that the increased traffic will probably increase library usage, which is a win-win for several reasons."
At a 2021 city meeting, it was noted that there likely would not be enough space to make the library a feasible option for the city offices. Mayor Bablick admitted there will be a slight reduction of the current city office space, "but it's clear that the city can operate out of those rooms, as it did for over 50 years. The last proposal was for the 3rd floor, but it became clear that the community highly values those rooms. In order to have city offices up there and maintain community rooms, it was deemed to be infeasible. This compromise of re-occupying the old offices was deemed the best option by library staff, some board members, and city officials if this was to proceed. Our phenomenal library director has my every confidence in accomplishing a reorganization of materials with no service loss. If there was going to be a disruption in services, I would be hesitant on the proposed plan. There will be issues that arise during this process, but I am totally confident solutions will arise," Mayor Bablick assured.
(Article continues after promotional message)
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: 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.
Groups that utilize the third floor will be effected very little or not at all as that space will remain untouched except for the auditorium being used for council meetings twice per month at a maximum and during elections. "From the last discussion on this, no one wants to intrude on that very important community space," Mayor Bablick stated.
Regarding if other people will be allowed to have keys, Mayor Bablick responded, "Library hours are longer than city hall hours, opening and closing. The library building is owned by the city, and the staff are city employees. If the city hall is closed during library hours, the doors to the specific offices would be locked (mayor's office, city clerk, and old Council Room), and the rest of the library would function as it is now. There is no issue."
The second thing decided at the end of the council meeting was that the YMCA's proposal to purchase the current city hall would be approved. Some residents wanted to know why the building was good enough for the YMCA to renovate and use but not for the city to renovate and use. Mayor Bablick explained, "Essentially, to renovate the existing facility to what it really needs to be, per MSA, it would cost around $3 million 'as is.' In order to raise enough funds and continue with the normal capital improvement plan (streets, police vehicles, other building maintenance, fire department, matching funds for future grant opportunities, etc.), it would require a referendum to exceed the state statutory maximum for revenue collection. This would result in a significant increase in taxes, and I firmly believe the residents of Park Falls would not pass that proposal. We received the final plans from MSA in November of 2022. This is also after we have searched and solicited for several grants to accomplish this without a burden on local residents. Based on the feedback [from the March 13th meeting], it certainly seemed apparent that it would not be a successful referendum. City staff and I have spent a significant amount of time trying to find grants, talking with legislators (going so far to write a complete proposal for the federal budget), and to find alternatives. We were unsuccessful in our efforts."
Mayor Bablick continued, "The YMCA can renovate it to their needs, and complete the broader project, because it has a $5.675 million grant. Large benefactors have signaled additional support to ensure that it will be successful for the full facility build out (child care, community center, fitness center, gymnasium). In short, the current city hall would be fully remodeled for childcare, a community center, and add-ons with the other grant funds for the rest."
Residents also questioned why a new city hall was not built. Mayor Bablick explained, "The cost of a new city hall is at least $10 million per MSA, and total renovation is at around $3 million. The final numbers were received in November of 2022. A discussion of the next steps was not going to take place until a new mayor was elected; however, the proposal from the YMCA accelerated the discussion. With the offer made from the YMCA to the city, the discussion suddenly became ripe for discussion."
To summarize, Mayor Bablick added, "This issue has been very well thought out." He stated community feedback was solicited over the years, there was much planning, and there were attempts to find alternatives. He continued, "In the end, after all the analysis, this remains the best decision for all entities involved. I totally believe this decision, in complement with the YMCA, produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the community. The annual budget savings of $30,000-$50,000 will help for future budgets as wages increase in the area, off-setting inflation, and increased costs for emergency services. In my eyes, this is the best possible solution considering the situation."
(Article continues after promotional message)
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES – SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Birchland Realty specializes in commercial, residential, recreational, and vacant land real estate. Visit Birchland Realty's website to find your new property.
Beyond our interview, the City of Park Falls also issued the following press release regarding the plans:
CITY OF PARK FALLS APPROVES PLAN FOR CITY BUILDINGS AND YMCA
At the City of Park Falls Common Council meeting on March 13, 2023, with around 50 citizens in attendance, the Mayor facilitated a comprehensive presentation on a proposal to move the current City Offices back to the Park Falls Public Library (former City Hall). The current Library Building was constructed in 1923 as a City Hall which included City Offices, Library, Fire and Police Department. The City Council voted unanimously to execute that proposal later in the meeting. The Fire and Police Department will remain in their current location. City Offices will relocate to its former location known as the “old” Mayor’s, City Clerk, and Council Chamber (2nd floor, west side) offices.
At the public meeting, the Library Director and some members of the Library Board who were present voiced their support for this proposal, as it will not affect library services. This move would not affect the layout of the 3rd floor of the library. After public input in 2021, community members made it clear that the activities, meetings, and programming held on this floor were very important. These spaces will remain for community use.
This proposal will also save the city up to $50,000 a year in operations of the current City Hall and millions of dollars in needed capital improvement. “This action is a win-win for the Park Falls community,” said Mayor Michael Bablick. “While it is a compromise for both entities, it saves millions of taxpayer dollars, avoids a possible referendum, does not reduce service at the library, and ensures that the city can continue investing in its other major projects without an increase in taxes.”
Also at this meeting, a proposal submitted to the Council from the YMCA of the Northwoods was discussed regarding the sale of the current City Hall property, minus the Fire and Police Department. The Council also approved this proposal after public Q & A, as it seemed evident that a majority of those present preferred that the city sell the property to an entity like the YMCA if a decision to move was approved. The YMCA had requested consideration of this proposal as the site provides more visibility, less site prep work, and the $5.675 million grant (received last year from the State of Wisconsin), would be enough to rehabilitate the facility with add-ons. The sale of the property is contingent upon final approval by the YMCA board.
“This site makes it possible for us to include extra amenities that may not have been included if we started with a blank slate,” said Allie Plessner, Co-Chair for the YMCA Northwoods - Park Falls.
Lastly, the “Old Abe'' monument located on City Hall property will be moved and rededicated into the City’s new downtown center. This will allow the symbol of the city and memorial to be honored and rededicated which is more interactive with the public, making it a cornerstone of the downtown. A local veterans group has indicated this is their preferred location.
“City offices will be relocated into its former space before the next heating season starts, the YMCA of the Northwoods will completely rehabilitate the current City Hall and add on additional amenities, and complete their project by December 31, 2024,” said Mayor Michael Bablick. “I believe this decision provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the community. I would especially like to thank our Library Director and the majority of the Library Board for their feedback and support.”
The meeting's presentation slides can be viewed at this link.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Bohn Web Design creates custom websites, plus provides SEO marketing, graphic design, website hosting, and more for anyone, anywhere! Contact Bohn Web Design at 715-339-6677 for a free quote or visit Bohn Web Design's website for more information.
![[Image: lakeparkpinevillage.jpg]](https://mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/lakeparkpinevillage.jpg)
![[Image: davettelynnehrabakcpa.jpg]](https://mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/davettelynnehrabakcpa.jpg)
![[Image: deercreekangus.jpg]](https://mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/deercreekangus.jpg)
![[Image: pricecountyfair.jpg]](https://mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/pricecountyfair.jpg)
![[Image: norvado.jpg]](https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/norvado.jpg)
![[Image: deercreekangus.jpg]](https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/deercreekangus.jpg)
![[Image: birchlandrealty.jpg]](https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/birchlandrealty.jpg)
![[Image: bohnwebdesign.jpg]](https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/display/bohnwebdesign.jpg)