At the January 17, 2023 city meeting, Marc Peterson and Galen Azbell were on the agenda to be approved as library board members. However, there may be a conflict of interest with one of the current, not yet formally approved library board members.
The school's superintendent has a required seat on the board, but he can suggest a proxy to sit in his place. Superintendent Morgan recently suggested Marc Peterson to be his proxy. It was just a formality that the mayor needed to formally appoint Marc.
Galen Azbell has sat on the library board for over four years. Library Director Becky Puhl explained that about four years ago he moved back to the area. Since he grew up in Phillips, she said they thought he would be a good fit, and he agreed to accept the board position. However, he was never formally approved by the mayor.
During the meeting, Mayor Peterson was ready to approve both of them when Jerry Clark, alderperson, mentioned that something had been brought to his attention. He stated there was possibly a conflict of interest because Galen's mother, Evelyn, is employed at the library. She became employed after Galen began his time on the library board.
Jerry Clark said, "In correspondence with the regional director, [John Thompson], it was pointed out that, you know, it's not appropriate to have a family member on the board and also working at the library."
Library Director Puhl pointed out that Bruce Marshall, former city attorney, and Bryce Schoenborn, acting city attorney, said everything was fine as long as Galen doesn't vote on the budget.
(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.
Jerry continued that Regional Director Thompson believes it is an ethics violation since board members set the wages for employees. "If they were members of the same household, it could be a conflict."
Mayor Peterson replied, "If Bruce and them say it is okay as long as he is not voting on any wage differential," then he didn't feel he should be taken off the board.
Jenny Markle, a library board member, stated that Galen did abstain from the last vote on the budget but did not give a reason why he was abstaining.
Alderperson Bill Elliott asked, "Is there a waiting list to get on this board?"
Director Puhl stated, "There are a list of options. The interest in the library board is not consistent." She said that, historically, they have had a more difficult time getting board members but there has been an increased interest in the recent past. Currently, there are about twenty people on a waiting list to sit as library board members.
Bill Elliott added that if there are twenty people without conflicts, there might be better options.
Mayor Peterson stated that, in the past year or two, "There's a lot of stuff going on with the library board." He added that he will talk to Bruce Marshall, attorney and library board member, to see what can and cannot be done. He decided to "leave him on as is" until further discussions with Bruce and Bryce. Mayor Peterson further stated, "Galen will be appointed, but let's....okay, alright...." His thought trailed off, but it was left that further information was needed to see how Galen could sit on the board without creating a conflict of interest.
In related news, at the county executive meeting on February 9, 2023, the executive committee voted to appoint additional county members to the Phillips Library Board with a vote of 3-2. This will be sent to the full board on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 so they can make a decision.
(Article continues after promotional image) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: 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.
Catkins Animal Rescue, Inc., with assistance from Price County Humane Officer Mindy Dabler, rescued cats and kittens from a large local colony.
The cats and kittens have a host of health issues that need to be treated. Some have upper respiratory illnesses, eye infections, ear mites, ear infections, and other medical conditions. Several of the adult cats are pregnant and ready to deliver litters of kittens very soon.
Of course, along with being sick, the cats and kittens are scared and stressed, but they are all friendly. Once they are back to good health, they will be ready for adoption and will get a chance at wonderful lives, but their medical concerns need to be taken care of first so applications are not being accepted for these cats and kittens just yet.
Speaking of those medical needs, Catkins advised, "The costs to get them back to a healthy state and spay and neuter them will be significant. If you’re able to help support the care of these deserving cats, please consider doing so by clicking the Donate link at the top of the Catkins website. This could not be done without your support, and we are forever grateful for our community far and wide!"
Catkins is the only Price County rescue service. They receive many calls per week for animal surrenders, strays, and colonies. They are limited on space, resources, and staff but will work with the animals day and night to make sure they receive the care they deserve. "They don’t have a voice, so we become that for them!" Catkins shared.
To make a difference in the lives of these cats and other pets, click the Donate Link at https://www.catkinsrescue.org.
Written By: Lynne Bohn, MyPriceCounty.com
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MY PRICE COUNTY / MY NORTHERN WISCONSIN HAS REACHED ALMOST 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS; GET FREE NEWS IN YOUR INBOX
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Many Price County residents are seeing social media posts about an eight year old girl named Kaylee.
According to a Wisconsin DNR press release and Kaylee's aunt, she passed on due to injuries from a snowmobile accident that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, February 11, 2023 in the Town of Eisenstein. She was a second grade student at Chequamegon Elementary School.
Kaylee was seated on a snowmobile in front of her father, David. The snowmobile accelerated and hit a tree. Other details are unknown at this time.
Both Kaylee and David were taken to the hospital. Kaylee succumbed to her injuries. David has had one surgery and has had or will have at least one more surgery to treat his injuries.
The schools in Price County wore pink and purple on Monday, February 13, 2013 in memory of Kaylee. My Price County / My Northern Wisconsin has reached out to the family to see if they need any help from the public, and we will bring you that information once we have it along with any other details they want to share.
The Loggers celebrate a win! Photo by: Steve Teeters
The Lady Loggers basketball team was simply sensational on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in their 86-70 victory against the rival Athens Bluejays.
The Loggers came into the game needing a win against the Bluejays to draw even in the Marawood North conference standings.
Athens entered the contest with an 11-1 record in conference play while Phillips was 12-2. The Bluejays' lone blemish in conference play came against this same Loggers team back on December 16.
The stakes were extremely high with conference title hopes on the line. Phillips came ready to play, though, and was bolstered by an incredibly energized home crowd. It was the type of setting you dream of as a sports fan.
Phillips actually found itself in an early hole, trailing 6-0 in the early going but was able to claw itself back into the game before Solita Kaster connected on a corner three pointer to take a 12-9 lead.
Each team would go on critical runs in the first half but strong rebounding and relentless defense carried Phillips to 35-34 advantage at the break.
Phillips also had to navigate the latter part of the first half with key minutes from their bench as the frontcourt of Brooke Eckert, Elsa Schulter, and Solita Kaster all ran into some foul trouble.
The Lady Loggers weathered the storm before their fantastic guard tandem took over the game in the second half.
(Article continues after promotional image) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN PRICE COUNTY: Lake Village offers affordable, active living in a park-like setting for those 55+ and disabled persons. Rent is based on 30% Adjusted Gross Income. Small pets under 30 pounds are welcome. Contact Lake Village at 715-339-4148.
Sophomore Mataya Eckert scored 19 second half points while connecting on three enormous 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Kacy Eggebrecht had 16 second half points while also draining two long balls. Eckert and Eggebrecht finished with 28 and 25, respectively. The backcourt pushed tempo with stifling defense and created a lot of transition buckets, as well.
Not to be outdone by the strong backcourt play, the trio of post players got it done, too. Elsa Schluter scored 14 points, Brooke Eckert added 11 points, and Solita Kaster chipped in with 7 points. Each also helped keep Athens off the glass.
As mentioned before, the bench also came up big with Sarah Knaack, Kendra Timmers, and Halle Lehman all contributing with solid play.
The Loggers travel to Marathon (8-6) on Thursday for a crucial game while Athens travels to Auburndale (9-4) on Friday.
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.
It was a massive performance Monday night for the Phillips Loggers boys' hoops team as they defeated the Washburn Castle Guards, 75-64.
Photo by: Angie Revak Zajechowski
This was definitely one of the better games I've watched this Loggers team play. It should be noted that they really controlled this game from start to finish against a very strong Washburn team that came into action tonight with a 13-4 record. Washburn's only losses came against last year's Division 5 state qualifier Hurley (14-4) and Solon Springs (18-1), which is currently ranked 7th in Division 5.
Photo by: Angie Revak Zajechowski
Washburn had strong shooting and one very physical post player. It didn't matter though, because Phillips played excellent all around. The offense was very balanced and featured some very strong shooting, especially from freshman point guard JJ Heikkinen. Nate Belan was his usually dominant self, scoring all over the court while being a beast on the glass. Several others contributed on the offensive end tonight, as well.
The theme of the game seemed to be a Loggers offense that played very loose yet composed. This team has good shooters and it certainly showed tonight. The team played with fire and energy that fueled the victory. Phillips improves to 5-14 on the year. But if this game proves anything, it's not how you start; it's how you finish. There's plenty of reason to be excited as the regular season winds down and as we look to the future.
And there is definitely reason to make it to the school tonight, Tuesday, February 7, 2023, as the Lady Loggers basketball team squares off against the rival Athens Bluejays for the Marawood North conference championship. Let's pack the gym and watch the girls bring it home!
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST Ken's Carpet & The Consignment Store sells all flooring types (carpet, vinyl, wood, & ceramic), bedding / mattresses, appliances, solar systems, and consignment sales of furniture, automobiles, farming & logging equipment, ATVs, UTVs, trailers, and campers. Call 715-339-4838 for product inquiries, and follow Ken's Carpet & The Consignment Store's Facebook page.
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A stabbing occurred at a bar in the Village of Radisson on February 3, 2023. At 7:55 a.m., Sawyer County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Sawyer-Washburn-Burnett County SWAT Team and the Barron-Rusk County SWAT Team, responded to the scene.
While on their way to the crime scene, deputies learned that the victim left the bar and went to a residence next door. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ladysmith Hospital. Needing more medical treatment, the person was later flown to another facility. The extent of the injuries is currently unknown.
The victim was able to tell the police the identity of the suspect, Mason C. Forest, 31, of Radisson.
Negotiations with the suspect were unsuccessful, so SWAT teams deployed chemical munitions into the establishment. A short time later, with the assistance of a tactical robot, the SWAT team was able to call the suspect out. He was taken into custody without further incident and arrested for First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Resisting Obstructing an Officer, and Disorderly Conduct. He is being held in the Sawyer County Jail and is awaiting a court appearance.
The incident remains under investigation by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office.
Four life-ending snowmobile accidents occurred within days of each other in Vilas County. The first two accidents occurred when snowmobilers hit trees. The third crash took two lives. Chief Deputy Patrick Schmidt asked that people remember to operate their snowmobiles safely. Before today's crash, he stated, "We’ve had three in a month and every little bit of safety info we can get out, helps. This is not a good way to start 2023," he shared. After today, the total for Vilas County has been brought to five deaths.
FIRST ACCIDENT
At 2:27 p.m. on January 26, 2023, the Vilas County 911 Center received a call of a snowmobiler who had struck a tree in the Town of Phelps.
Officers identified the snowmobile had gone off the trail, near Marker 920, and struck a tree.
Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and operator, Diana Kiel, 59, of Phelps, Wisconsin, was pronounced deceased.
Assisting with the investigation was the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Phelps Fire Department and Ambulance, Vilas County Medical Examiner, and the WI Department of Natural Resources.
SECOND ACCIDENT
On Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 7:02 p.m., 911 in Vilas County received a call that a snowmobiler had struck a tree in the Town of Arbor Vitae.
The snowmobiler had gone off the trail and struck a tree on Trail 17, which is near Schuman Road.
TG Redfern, 54, from Lovington, Illinois was pronounced deceased at the scene as life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.
The Vilas County Sheriff's Office, Arbor Vitae Fire Department and Rescue, Wisconsin State Patrol, Vilas County Medical Examiner, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources all assisted with the investigation.
THIRD ACCIDENT
On Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 11:58 a.m., the Vilas County 911 Center received a call stating two snowmobilers had crashed on Trail 70 in the Town of Cloverland.
Emergency services responded. Both snowmobile drivers, Robert Groter, 75, from Wyoming, Illinois and Andrew M. Spiess, 43, from Elmhurst, Illinois, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Assisting with the investigation were the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Germain Fire Department and Ambulance, Boulder Junction Ambulance, Plum Lake Fire Department, Vilas County Medical Examiner, and WI Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).
On Friday, January 27, 2023, at approximately 11:10 p.m, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a snowmobile accident. The accident was on Trail 51, which is south of Intersection 300 near the intersection of CTH L and Heafford Road, located in the Town of Nokomis.
Deputies were able to determine that a snowmobile overtook another snowmobile at a high rate of speed. The passing snowmobile was unable to negotiate a curve in the trail, causing the snowmobile operator to be ejected from his seat. He then struck a fence post.
Witnesses attempted life saving measures; however, the 41-year old man, Matthew R. Finstrom, from Plainfield, Illinois, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is completing an accident report.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Nokomis Fire, first responders, Oneida County EMS, Tomahawk EMS, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the DNR, and the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Department.
A snowmobile crash on Thursday took the life of another man. To read that article, click here.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a snowmobile accident in the Town of Newbold. Located near the intersection of Hwy. 47 and Bridge Road, deputies determined that a group of snowmobilers were crossing Hwy. 47 from east to west. The last snowmobile in the group was struck by a vehicle that had been traveling southbound.
The last snowmobiler, Michael J. Green, 57, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, was pronounced deceased at the accident scene.
The operator of the vehicle was treated for minor injuries by the Rhinelander Fire Department and released from the scene.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reconstructed the scene to complete an accident report. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Newbold Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Rhinelander Fire Department, DNR, Oneida County Highway Department, and Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Department.
What better way to spend the weekend before Valentine's Day than with your family? Two events will be held in Phillips offering plenty of entertainment.
BEN FULLER CONCERT
On Friday, February 10, 2023, a fundraising concert is being hosted by the Northwoods Living Hope, a new non-profit group with a mission to provide temporary and transitional housing to women and children in need.
The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Phillips High School Auditorium (Performing Arts Center).
Tickets are on sale now at https://nightofhope4u.eventbrite.com at $25 per adult and $15 per student. Free will donations are also appreciated. All proceeds will go to Northwoods Living Hope.
(Article continues after promotional image.) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: IAP Inc. is a manufacturer of industrial fans and blowers. Impeccable service, high quality standards, continued growth & prosperity. Visit IAP's website. and follow their Facebook page.
FAMILY FORMAL DANCE
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Logger Family Formal will be held at the Phillips Municipal Center. It is being hosted as a fundraising event by the Loggers United Booster Club.
Children of all ages and their parents (or any other adult in their life) are invited to dress up and enjoy a night of dancing in a decorated environment with music provided by a local DJ; photo sessions; snacks and refreshments; a chocolate fountain; and a special performance by the Phillips Dance Team. Every child in attendance will receive a keepsake gift, and adults will have a chance to win gift certificates.
The Loggers United Booster Club is pre-selling tickets. To be able to attend you must have a ticket in advance. Tickets must be purchased by January 21, 2023. Adult tickets are $20 each and children are $5 each. To sign up, fill out the form and make your check payable to the Loggers United Booster Club.
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.
