Jason Hastings, who was on the Price County Board of Supervisors representing District 5, which includes the Town of Fifield and the Town of Eisenstein (Ward 2), resigned on April 22, 2026.
The resignation letter he shared with his constituents is as follows:
"Dear Constituents,
In the oath we took last week, we swore to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. In America, we are all governed by the consent of we the people, who are the rulers.
I am resigning from my position as County Supervisor, a decision not made lightly. I thought it was important that you know the dangerous and corrupt environment Price County’s local governance has become.
It is my duty to inform you, we the people, that your government has wandered from its constitutional obligations. The promises we make to uphold the rights and liberties, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, are being blatantly undermined, and my efforts to oppose these indiscretions have been repeatedly blocked.
Since assuming office, I have been subjected to intimidation and threats, not only to censor my voice, but to endanger my family and personal undertakings. My attempts to eliminate corruption, promote transparency, and protect our community’s interests have been met with relentless resistance and absolute inaction, all of which are verifiable on the Price County YouTube channel.
The jacked up bureaucracy in which we find ourselves is no accident — it is a calculated attempt to stifle anyone who has a dissenting opinion and maintain a "good old boys club" that privileges a select few at the expense of our community and constitutional rights. Roadblocks are intentionally set to silence any attempt at change, as seen through blocked incoming emails from my constituents, threatening lawsuits, and censorship during meetings, failing to respond to emails that posed questions.
Our community’s resources are being mismanaged through schemes like the Solberg Lake project, that had no board approval in different ways, misusing the ARPA funds and Price County's deal with the carbon credits. These were both unjustified financial maneuvers that relocate your hard-earned tax dollars to projects with no accountability or benefit to you. Those who you are supposed to trust with governance have consistently chosen self-interest over public service, all while silencing those who dare to hold them accountable.
I have attempted to serve you by standing against malicious initiatives, such as unauthorized land transactions, fantasy world carbon credit financial entanglements, Bug Tussel tower projects that don’t come to fruition, and the covert expansion of bureaucratic projects — all of which are detrimental to our county's welfare.
Stand firm and demand the accountability that is your constitutional right. Call your supervisors, because your emails are now being censored. Engage in local governance — attend council meetings, question these crazy policies, and do not be silenced by fear.
Thank you to those who were there for my support.
Jason Hastings"
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"From a pool of more than 724 nominated seniors across 379 Wisconsin high schools, just 32 have earned the distinction of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (WIAA) Scholar Athlete Finalist for 2026," according to the WIAA.
Sixteen senior boys and sixteen senior girls compose the 32 athletes selected for 2026, and three of those athletes are from Price County. To have one student from any town is a great feat, but two have two students from Phillips, and three total from Price County, is remarkable.
The WIAA determines the top 32 finalists based on athletic and academic achievement from each of four WIAA divisions.
“On behalf of the WIAA and our membership, it’s an honor to recognize these scholar athletes for the discipline, integrity, and commitment they’ve shown in both the classroom and competition,” said Jake Beschta, Assistant Director of the WIAA. "Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence, but also the support of their families, coaches, and schools. We are proud to celebrate students who truly embody the balance of academics and athletics, and we look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.”
Representing Phillips in Division 3 are Leah Harper and Gavin Esterholm from Phillips High School.
Leah Harper holds a 3.9 GPA and is a 10-time letterwinner. According to the WIAA, "She received Marawood Conference first team all-conference honors three times in cross country and is a three-time team sectional cross country champion. She has lettered three times in track & field and earned all-league honors twice and MVP accolades her junior year. Harper earned a state track & field championship in the 1,600-meter relay her freshman year. In addition, she lettered three years in basketball and was a member of two conference championship squads." Leah shared, “I have learned that the key to success is balance. If I don’t find the perfect balance I either get burnt out or I fall behind. Learning to balance academics, sports, extracurricular activities and more has allowed me to become a better athlete, student, teammate, and leader. I will be able to apply each of these roles later in life and will become a better person because of them.” Leah will continue her education at UW-Stevens Point while participating in cross country and track & field.
Gavin Esterholm holds a 4.0 GPA. He is the student liaison at the school and contributes to My Price County. According to the WIAA, "he has lettered four times in cross country and three times in track. He is a four-time All-Marawood Conference first team performer in cross country and a three-time conference runner of the year. The Logger is a two-time cross country sectional champion and a four-time State cross country participant. As a senior, he placed third at the State cross country championships. He also earned all-conference honors in track & field his sophomore and junior seasons." Gavin shared, "One lesson that will stay with me is the importance of building meaningful relationships with those around you. Whether teammates or competitors, I have been able to connect with amazing people who continue to contribute significantly to my life and motivate me to keep pushing beyond my limits.” Gavin will continue his education by studying psychology at UW-Stevens Point. (The article continues after the ad; keep reading.)
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Representing Prentice in Division 4 is Heston Hueckman from Prentice High School.
According to the WIAA, "Heston ranked first in his class academically with a 4.0 GPA, and he is a nine-time letter winner. Hueckman is a three-time baseball team MVP and two-time first team all-conference selection in the sport. He helped the Buccaneers' cross country team earn back-to-back trips to State as a junior and senior and a basketball conference and sectional championship his senior season." Heston shared, “To be able to stick to something and to work hard at it until it is achieved is something that I think is sort of rare in this world. I believe that it is an extremely important skill to have, and, while I am far from perfect, I think that learning how to do this will be very helpful in the future.” Heston will study mechanical engineering at a yet to be determined educational facility.
The finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Stevens Point. A live stream of the awards program will be available on the websites of the State Television Network stations, including WXOW-TV, WQOW-TV, WAOW-TV, WKOW-TV, WVTV and WCWF at 1:00 p.m. on May 3. A delayed telecast of the ceremony will be aired on a future date.
Just before 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a traffic stop incident on U.S. Highway 51 north of County Road A near Tomahawk. The traffic stop was initiated by the Wisconsin State Patrol on Wade Johnson, 36, of Minocqua.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, "A Trooper from the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Mr. Johnson’s vehicle for an equipment violation. After briefly stopping for the trooper, Mr. Johnson fled from that traffic stop and traveled approximately .25 miles before his vehicle entered the ditch and came to a final rest.
"During that short period of time, Mr. Johnson sustained an apparent self-inflected injury that he succumbed to. Given the extent of the injury that Mr. Johnson sustained, life saving measures were not attempted, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured or fired their weapons during this incident."
Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with members of the Tomahawk Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
At approximately 8:49 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting an adult male subject had been accidentally shot. The incident happened at a home on County Road E in the Town of Little Black. Taylor County deputies, along with Taylor County EMS, were dispatched to the scene.
According to the sheriff's office, "Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive male subject lying in the yard and immediately began life saving measures. The male was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
"Upon follow-up investigation, an adult male was arrested and subsequently booked into the Taylor County Jail."
Authorities state there is no threat to the public.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Taylor County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office.
UPDATE: 5-1-2026
The male victim, from Medford, Wisconsin, has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Olson.
The adult male who was taken into custody on April 29, 2026 is 19-year-old Brent Porter of Marshfield, Wisconsin.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, "Brent was brought before the Taylor County Circuit Court for a bond hearing on the charge of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon - Armed While Intoxicated and was placed on a $5,000 cash bond, which was later posted.
"As a result of further investigative efforts, including but not limited to additional interviews of witnesses and analyzing evidence (both digital and physical), Brent Porter was taken into custody on the felony charge of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide and subsequently transported to the Taylor County Jail.
"Due to the complex nature of these types of investigations and the necessity to maintain the integrity of a criminal investigation, certain details cannot be released during this process. We understand that although this may be frustrating for some members of the public, please trust this process and know that justice for the victim’s family is our main priority, along with the overall safety and security of our community.
"Additionally, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased."
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. has been canceled for the evening of Saturday, April 25, 2026, due to gunshots.
The dinner was underway when shots rang out, reportedly in the lobby. The president, first lady, vice president, and cabinet members were removed from the ballroom.
On Truth Social, President Trump shared, "Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON,” but will entirely be guided by law enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again."
The president followed up stating, "Law enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days."
National news sources are reporting that the shooter is in custody; however, those reports have not been confirmed.
On Friday, April 10, 2026, Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Amy Casey to serve as Price County coroner. This appointment was needed due to the passing of James Dalbesio III, who was Price County's long-time coroner. Amy will serve the remainder of the expired term, which ends on January 4, 2027. About a month ago, Amy began serving as the deputy coroner.
Governor Evers stated, “With her experience as deputy coroner, I look forward to seeing Amy Casey continue to serve the community of Price County well in this new role. And on behalf of our state, I also want to share my deepest condolences with the family, friends, and entire Price County community on the passing of James Dalbesio. He will not be forgotten.”
Amy shared, “I am humbled and incredibly honored to accept the position of Price County Coroner. I would like to thank Governor Evers and his staff for this wonderful opportunity to be selected to step into this role. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and mentoring I have received from James D. Dalbesio III, while we collaborated in my position as funeral director, and welcome this title with respect and acknowledgment that I have big shoes to fill. I am so appreciative for the support from our interim coroner, my family, and community. I am eager to hit the ground running and thankful to be able to serve Price County and the state of Wisconsin.”
While Price County voted 1,955 to 1,758 in favor of Maria Lazar, Chris Taylor won the election for Wisconsin Supreme Court statewide.
Voter turn-out in Price County was at 41% of eligible voters.
Town of Georgetown: 53%
Town of Harmony: 51%
Town of Hill: 49%
Town of Catawba: 46%
Town of Elk: 46%
Fifield: 44%
Ogema: 44%
Town of Worcester: 43%
Town of Knox: 43%
Town of Emery: 42%
Town of Lake: 40%
Town of Spirit: 40%
Phillips: 39%
Town of Flambeau: 39%
Town of Eisenstein: 39%
Village of Catawba: 38%
Town of Kennan: 37%
Park Falls: 35%
Town of Prentice: 34%
Town of Hackett: 34%
Village of Kennan: 33%
Village of Prentice: 30%
The unofficial Spring 2026 Price County results are as follows:
PRICE COUNTY
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1
Larry Palecek 184
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
Michelle Drobnik 194
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
Joe Baratka 249
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
Jeff Ulrich 228
Kregan Kamin 77
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
Jason Hastings 250
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 6
Paula Houdek 275
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 7
Dennis Wartgow 131
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 8
Brian Ernst 290
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 9
Jordan Spacek 253
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 10
Bob Kopisch 229
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 11
Patricia Stephan 136
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 12
Douglas Erickson 190
SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 13
Jenifer Baratka 167
Shaun J. Krawczyk 146
CITY OF PHILLIPS
MAYOR
Charles Peterson 245
ALDERMAN AT-LARGE (3)
John Klimowski 155
Johnathan McArthur 120
Jeana Clark 105
August F. Mayer 101
Bryan Weisrock 74
Marty Stephan (registered write-in) 7
CITY OF PARK FALLS
ALDERPERSON - DIST 1
Dennis Wartgow 76
ALDERPERSON - DIST 2
Gary Wollerman 47
James A. Corbett 45
ALDERPERSON - DIST 3
Amy Johnson Benedict 85
ALDERPERSON - DIST 4
Dina Bukachek 94
VILLAGE OF PRENTICE
TRUSTEE (3)
Brody Hartmann 86
Kevin R. Gullickson 68
Robert Orlandi - 64
VILLAGE OF CATAWBA
TRUSTEE
Cali Handel 31
VILLAGE OF KENNAN
TRUSTEE
Max Ericson 26
TOWN OF HACKETT
REFERENDUM #1 (treasurer/clerk appointment)
Yes - 26
No - 19
BUTTERNUT SCHOOL DISTRICT
AT-LARGE (2)
Randol R. Smart 18
Katie Wilson 12
REFERENDUM
No 14
Yes 12
CHEQUAMEGON SCHOOL DISTRICT
SEAT 1
Write-in 62
SEAT 2
Robert Hennes 825
SEAT 3
Roger Strand 858
FLAMBEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT
AT-LARGE (4)
Ted Alberson 11
Jennifer Heath 10
Kim Dachel 6
Kenealy (write-in) 1
Lund (write-in) 1
On Monday, March 30, 2026, Mayor Charles "Chuck" Peterson did a 4-minute interview with Spectrum News regarding the challenges of getting grants, the cost of living, tourism, and childcare in Phillips.
He mentioned that its difficult to get grants for a small area. Even though Phillips has a population of about 1,500, the outlying townships make the area larger than the city population itself.
He said the cost of living is less for buying groceries or buying a beer in the area.
Chuck mentioned that the amount of people in the area grows in the summer with all the tourism and the nice lakes that are available.
He stated childcare is a problem. He said there are not many childcare facilities in the area, and the city clerk/treasurer has to bring one of her children to work.
Track and field kicked off with its first practice last week, Monday, and, for the first time in a few years, they were actually outside because of the great weather. Their first meet was Thursday, March 19, at the Ashland High School indoor track. This year, there are a lot of familiar faces with a few new freshmen, but overall, a good number of athletes are competing.
BAND
The band went on the band trip and went to the Chazen Museum of Art in downtown Madison. Afterward, students went to the West Town Mall to shop and eat dinner. Next, the band members went to the Overture Center in Madison to watch Back to the Future, the musical. The performance was extravagant. I really enjoyed the sound and effects, as well as the pit band musicians, who did an amazing job. Students stayed the night in Mount Horeb to wake up early, then left at 8:30 to head over to Spring Green to see the world-renowned House on the Rock, where everyone walked in awe as the seemingly never-ending tour continued through some of the most chaotic and obscure exhibits. Students made a stop at Culver's in Spring Green to then head back to Phillips, a long haul home. There was a band concert on Tuesday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center, and solo and ensemble is quick to follow, on Friday, March 27, all day at Phillips High School.
QUIZ BOWL
The quiz bowl team was in the CESA 12 conference competition on Tuesday, March 17, in Ashland, where they faced various teams from around northern Wisconsin.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The student council is organizing its second blood drive of the year, which will be on April 15, 2026, in the gym. They are looking for any willing donors to sign up. There will be information posted around the school with a QR code to sign up.
WRESTLING
Ayron DeLeasky and JJ Adomaitis were down at the Kohl Center in Madison, competing at the WIAA State Wrestling Meet. JJ Adomaitis was seeded at the 5th spot of the Division 3, 150-pound weight class, and Aryon was seeded 8th for the Division 3, 190-pound weight class, with JJ finishing in the top 10 and Ayron finishing in the top 8. Seniors include JJ Adomaitis, Ayron DeLeasky, and Sawyer Kucaba.
FBLA
FBLA is preparing for State, which is coming up in a few weeks, and they are also doing the annual butter braid fundraiser.
SOFTBALL
Softball practice started on Monday, March 16, and the next game is the weekend of March 28.
BASEBALL
Baseball started practice, and their first game is Tuesday, March 31, at Barron High School.
SOCCER
Soccer started practice, and their first game is a conference matchup against the Assumption Royals in Wisconsin Rapids on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
TEEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) OF THE PHILLIPS PUBLIC LIBRARY
The TAC will be hosting a scavenger hunt at the Phillips Public Library throughout the city limits, where groups and individuals can attempt a fun scavenger hunt to take them all around Phillips and have a good chance of winning some fun prizes. The TAC is also looking to start up a program to incentivize reading among high school and middle school students. This will be called the 100 books before graduation. This will offer prizes for the number of books read before graduation. There will be more information for this to come in the future, as it is still in the works, but it will likely debut in April.
OTHER NEWS
The junior class completed the ACT testing on Tuesday, March 10.
The Prentice Buccaneers (25-4) boys' basketball team played the state semifinal on Friday, March 20, 2026, against the Southwestern Wildcats (24-6) of Hazel Green, Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison. The head coach for Prentice is Adam Blomberg.
In a game where the Prentice team was down by double digits, many fans thought it was over at that point. However, the Prentice Bucs did not give up and brought Southwestern's lead down to single digits with an exciting finish.
Ultimately, Southwestern led most of the game and won with a score of 69 to 65.
Evan Lord, Hardy Hueckman, and Ledger Jones gathered the most points for Prentice during the game. Matti Heikkinen, Evan Lord, and Aidan Hause were game leaders for rebounds.
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