The Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. A public hearing and sidewalk assessments for business owners were on the agenda. There was some discussion about business owners wanting grants. It was also mentioned that when the city was trying to get the necessary permits for the sidewalks, which the city does not have yet, ADA compliance became an issue. Therefore, the topic was tabled until more information was received from the state. Four contractors had submitted bids for the project. Ayres Associates estimated the costs for each business owner before the bids were received. Those numbers were available at the city clerk's office; however, it appeared the bids came in higher than the estimates. Those in attendance also learned that not all the sidewalks will be replaced. Instead, the sidewalk will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This information differed from previous meetings where business owners were told all concrete would be replaced, which business owners agreed made sense to have entirely new sidewalk.
At the Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, meeting of the Common Council, Justin from Ayres Associates gave an update on the state's internal meeting regarding the sidewalks in Phillips. Due to the double curb that is in some portions of the downtown area, the state gave two options. Either the sidewalks would need to be left as they are, or the double curb would need to be eliminated for ADA compliance. Justin stated that implementing a five-foot terrace, which would be slightly tapered and colored red in the cement mix, could eliminate the double curb in many areas. While the terrace would not be ADA compliant, having the terrace would cause the sidewalk to be ADA compliant.
Alderman Bill Elliott asked the business owners who were in attendance if they were okay with eliminating the double curb. No business owners gave any input at the meeting, except for one who stated the double curb is difficult for her to navigate with a disability.
Justin stated a motion would need to be made for Ayres to draw up plans for the double curb to be eliminated with a terrace, where possible, so that the city could ask for new bids and possibly still get the project completed this year. A motion was passed for Ayres to get the plans prepared.
Lyn Lydwig stated she had talked to the state a couple years ago about the double curb, but the state did not provide feedback about how they would address the issue when doing their repaving project in Phillips. Justin said he could review her emails and show them to the state to see if that would make a difference in their decision.
Before the meeting, a letter, which was signed by twenty business owners, was given to the aldermen, mayor, and clerk. Every business owner who was contacted, signed the letter without hesitation. Due to a lack of time before the meeting, not all business owners were contacted or available. The letter was asking the city to look for grants to help with the sidewalk project. Business owners felt that the city had promised to look for grants and stated that the Community Development Block Grant could likely be used for this project, but now the city is looking to use it for Avon Avenue, which also has businesses. Business owners feel this is not fair and that the Lake Avenue business owners should either be allowed to get the grant or the cost should be split between Lake Avenue and Avon Avenue business owners so all business owners are being treated the same and no group of businesses would be handling a greater burden. Since assessments were not discussed at the meeting, the letter was not discussed at the meeting.
After the meeting, some business owners talked about the changes the double curb elimination may cause. While it sounds like a good idea to eliminate the double curb, business owners wondered if the addition of a terrace was the proper way to tackle the issue as it could cause additional problems. There are a few businesses that have steps or decks that do not have 10 feet in front of them to fit a five-foot terrace and a five-foot sidewalk, so they are unsure how the terrace can be implemented for those areas and if it would cause the actual sidewalk to zigzag around these building features. Those businesses with a deck or steps out front would possibly have the double curb yet while a neighboring business may not have a double curb. Outside of the meeting, Justin from Ayres Associates said easements may be needed for the terrace, which was not pleasing to some business owners. Also, business owners wondered how businesses would be able to set up for Fall Harvest Fest or sidewalk sales or put out small tables, chairs, and benches for customers if the actual sidewalk will move closer to the buildings. Since this project may not get done until fall, the temperatures will be cooler, and business owners expressed concerns about pouring concrete when weather conditions are not ideal for such a project. Business owners also stated that since the state was made aware of the double curb issue, the state should have addressed that issue before placing the new curb and gutter and repaving the road. Many wondered if the new curb and gutter will need to be ripped out to implement the terrace. Some business owners felt they had more questions than answers and that the process seemed rushed with the ADA-compliance changes. While some would like to see the sidewalks done this year, a large number of business owners were okay with waiting to complete the sidewalk project until next year. The city is moving forward to see if it can get done this year. The Wisconsin DOT estimates their road, curb, and gutter work will be done at the end of August 2025.
The Committee of the Whole and Common Council will discuss the sidewalks at their next meetings in July.
Please remember to visit the Lake Avenue businesses during construction.
Details will be coming soon! Watch our website and follow the event on Facebook.
The Independence Day Parade will be held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., which is the normal date and time. This year, however, due to the road construction happening on Lake Avenue, the parade will be in a new location.
Parade watchers will need to find a spot along Flambeau Avenue (County Road W) to watch the parade. The parade will start at the driveway of Phillips School District on Flambeau Avenue and will travel toward Beebe Street, so it will be a shorter length and travel in a different direction than other years. Parade floats will exit at Beebe Street and Avon Avenue.
County Road W will have a barricade just before the school's driveway (in front of the tennis courts) just after the Shaw Avenue intersection. All side roads along Flambeau Avenue will have barricades so no one can enter onto Flambeau Avenue during the parade. All roads past Beebe Street will be open from Highway 13 to access Avon Avenue and all the other streets. Parking will not be allowed on Flambeau Avenue.
That evening, the fireworks will be in Elk Lake Park at dusk.
Even though some changes had to be made this year due to road construction, the show must go on. Community members and visitors can still gather together for the parade and visit the downtown businesses before and after, enjoying the day and making great memories.
According to Rusk County District Attorney John Cabranes, there is an e-mail chain used by various district attorneys to collaborate on ideas and give insight into various cases. In that e-mail chain, John states that a district attorney from another county in Wisconsin posted, “So I have a question to all of you, considering the way these things have been going nationally, in what looks like a violation of due process. I will confess, I am not the smartest person in the room, but the way ICE is doing this, masked, no hearings, no warrants ( I’m assuming, I could be wrong, I’ve not had this in my county yet), are we obligated to assist in this?” That e-mail was followed up with, "Because, frankly, my gut tells me this is wrong.”
DA Cabranes states that he replied, "You are not alone. The way this is going down is wrong and will eventually lead to violence. ICE will get no cooperation from my office so long as they continue these abusive tactics.”
According to DA Cabranes, that was the full exchange between the two district attorneys on the matter. However, he adds that one of their colleagues sent the exchange to a Milwaukee radio show. DA Cabranes stated the show's host accused both district attorneys of attempting to set up sanctuary counties.
John Cabranes issued a press release in response to the radio talk show host's allegations, as follows:
"I have been proudly serving the people of Rusk County since May of 2024 in the capacity of Assistant District Attorney and as the District Attorney since my appointment last September and confirmed by the election in November. Before joining the Rusk County District Attorney it was my honor to defend individuals in criminal proceedings for 28 years and later, after 2011, assist people in legalizing their status in this country. I make no apologies for that since none are warranted.
"Over my years as a practicing attorney, I acquired a deep respect for the rule of law and the constitutional rights of my clients. Due process, which everyone in this country is entitled to, and the Constitutional protections against illegal searches and seizures are at the very core of our legal system. When I saw the Polk County District Attorney express his concerns about the way ICE was handling the seizures and detentions of undocumented people, it mirrored my own concerns and I reached out to him to let him know that I understood his concerns and that I shared them.
"As a matter of conscience, I cannot support the trampling of anyone’s constitutional rights and I have made the decision that this office will not cooperate with ICE (as my response indicated) “so long as they continue to use these abusive tactics”. Those tactics have included rounding up United States citizens and detaining them until they provide proof that they are in fact, a United States Citizen. That’s not the way we do things in this country or in Rusk County. Because of that, I cannot assist any ICE operations in this County.
"Being committed to due process and safeguarding constitutional rights is not incompatible with holding people accountable for committing crimes in this jurisdiction. So long as I am the District Attorney, if a crime committed in Rusk County the criminal will be arrested, prosecuted and dealt with according to law. That’s true whether you are brown, black or white, whether your name is Smith or Garcia. Rusk County is not, and will not be, a Sanctuary County. Anyone who says differently is not telling the truth."
Reports received by the police departments in Price County for the month have been condensed and summarized.
PRICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Reports from May 2025 were not received by the sheriff's office at the time of publication on 6-12-2025.
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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.
EVENT NOTICE:Click here to get the list of 32 garage sales for June 12-15, 2025.
PHILLIPS POLICE DEPARTMENT
5-1-25: Police were made aware of an ordinance violation at South Argyle Avenue. The ordinance was 82-17(a) involving the disposal of animal feces. A Phillips police officer did respond and spoke with the owners of the dog who stated that it would be taken care of right away. Prior to the officer's departure, the feces were removed from the yard and driveway.
5-2-25: Requested to respond to Argyle Avenue where an adult female was driving a vehicle back and forth in a shared driveway. The officer responded and met with the adult female who stated that she was driving over dog feces to get rid of all the feces that the neighbor dog defecates. The officer warned the adult female about her behavior and talked to the neighbor about the removal of feces.
5-2-25: Requested to investigate four juveniles attempting to gain entry into the old elementary school. A Phillips police officer responded and spoke with the juveniles regarding their actions. They were advised to cease the behavior.
5-4-25: Received a phone call regarding dog feces in the yard of the neighbor. An officer told the complainant that the officer already addressed the issue, and the neighbor was given a time frame to comply with the ordinance.
5-4-25: Responded to the report of a two-vehicle accident in front of the Phillips Police Department. Vehicles involved were a 2021 gray Chevrolet and a 1997 red Pontiac Grand Am. An officer responded and completed a crash report.
5-5-25: Observed a motor vehicle traveling South Lake Avenue in excess of the posted speed limit. The officer stopped the vehicle, the driver was identified by their driver's license, and the officer informed the driver of the safety concerns for the violation, issued a written warning for speed and no insurance. The adult female was issued a citation for No Proof of Insurance. The Price County K9 alerted on the vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and contraband was located. The Officer arrested an adult female for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, child neglect, three counts of felony bail jumping, and misdemeanor bail jumping.
5-7-25: Issued a raze order to the owner of a residence on South Argyle Avenue, which was in violation of several city ordinances. The owner of the residence was given 30 days to comply with the order be faced with enforcement action, which includes court costs, legal fees, cost of demolition, clean up, and removal of property.
5-7-25: Investigated a report of a vehicle leaving the roadway on Cherry Street. Deputies and officers responded. Central Price County Ambulance responded and checked on the driver. An officer issued a state citation for open intoxicants.
5-9-25: Asked to assist the school with a female juvenile student who was out of control. An officer responded and helped try to keep the student safe until she calmed down. Some school property was damaged, but the school indicated they would deal with that internally. The student was released to a parent.
5-9-25: Observed a boat that was parked at Chain O' Lakes Campground in site Number 4. The site was not paid for, and the registration would not return on file with useful information. The Phillips Police officer contacted the Public Works Department who advised that they did not give permission for anybody to park a boat in a camping spot. On Saturday, a Phillips Officer checked the campground to find that the camping spot was paid for, and the trailer was present with a camper.
5-9-25: Police were made aware of a traffic complaint that spanned over multiple counties of a white semi-truck that was swerving within its lane of travel. The semi was located at a convenience store and the operator was sleeping in the back of the vehicle.
5-11-25: Responded to Elk Lake Park for the report of an unleashed dog that attacked another dog. Upon arrival, both parties had departed, and the reporting party did not have further details regarding the owner of the other dog. The reporting party identified the name of the handler of the dog but was unable to provide any further information.
5-11-25: Received an anonymous complaint that there was a large campfire near the intersection of South Avon Avenue and Oak Street. An officer did respond to the area and spoke with two individuals who stated that they were using the fire for cooking purposes. They were advised to cease burning due to the fire danger being very high.
5-12-25: Thel school district advised the police of a brief physical altercation that occurred between two male students. The school disciplined the individuals within the school.
5-14-25: Responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at Wyoming Street and Flambeau Avenue. An officer investigated the crash and issued three state citations to an adult female.
5-14-25: Advised by the school of a student who was creating a disturbance in a classroom. An officer responded to that location. The officer had to physically remove potentially dangerous items from the student's possession. The officer later learned that prior to his arrival, the student destroyed some school property.
5-14-25: Advised by the Price County Sheriff's Department of a male individual who had a warrant for his arrest. An officer made contact with the male individual and arrested him on the warrant.
5-19-25: Received a report of a gas line that was cut in a residential area of Pine Ridge Court. An officer arrived and directed the fire department to the scene. The gas company arrived and fixed the severed gas line.
5-20-25: Advised by the school of several students who were suspected to be drinking alcohol on school grounds. An officer responded to the school and worked with staff members to investigate the incident. As a result, three students will be cited for underage drinking and were suspended from school.
5-21-25: Advised of a vehicle that had been sitting in the grocery store's parking lot for a long period of time, and the complainant wanted the individual inside of the vehicle to be checked on. An officer located the female and spoke with her. While speaking with her, an officer observed a strong odor of an intoxicant coming from the female and was advised by her that she had been drinking. The officer ran the female through field sobriety tests and observed she was intoxicated. She was arrested and brought to the medical center for a legal blood draw and brought back to the Price County Jail for booking.
5-22-25: Received a call of a dog at large that was running around the high school track. An officer arrived and was able to get the dog on a leash and locate the owner. The dog was up to date on its vaccinations but not registered with Price County. The officer gave the owner a warning for dog running at large and gave the owner until Friday, May 23, 2025, to get her dog registered.
5-22-25: Asked to assist the Price County Sheriff's Department outside the City of Phillips with a male that entered a residence of a female who he had a no contact order with. An officer arrived on scene and separated both individuals. The Price County deputy arrived on scene and arrested the male individual for Felony Bail Jumping.
5-23-25: Received a report from an employee at a local gas station who stated there was an intoxicated female that was at the gas station and a welfare check was requested. An officer arrived on scene and the female became disorderly. An officer was notified that the female was on probation and on a no drink. The officer arrested the female individual for Disorderly Conduct and brought the female individual to the Price County Jail where she was also placed on a probation hold.
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PARK FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
5-1-25: An officer observed a male, in the backseat of a vehicle parked in the parking lot of a convenience store, who had an active warrant out of Price County. The male was subsequently arrested for the warrant and transported to the Price County Jail by a deputy.
5-2-25: An officer spoke with a female who reported she was driving and struck a juvenile riding a bike in the roadway. The officer investigated the matter and found the identities of the two involved juveniles. There were no injuries to any party.
5-3-25: Received a report of an individual's home being listed for sale on Facebook.
5-5-25: Ongoing issues between neighbors were reported regarding trespassing and garbage ending up in each other's yards.
5-5-25: A welfare check was requested of two subjects. There is a protection order/injunction between the two subjects. An arrest was made.
5-7-25: While investigating a separate incident, officers were made aware of controlled substances inside of a residence. Both suspects cooperated and turned over the controlled substances and drug paraphernalia in the residence. Both subjects were cited.
5-7-25: An officer was dispatched to Sugar Bush Road for an accident. An officer located an overturned UTV with the male operator entrapped underneath the UTV. And officer assisted Park Falls Fire and EMS. The male was transported via EMS.
5-8-25: A report was received that a local man had just killed himself. Upon investigation, police determined that it was possibly the man phoning in a fake call about his death as he allegedly had also done with other people. After an extensive search for the man, and evidence that felt like the man made the call, police felt they exhausted all their resources and that the man probably made a prank call.
5-15-25: An anonymous individual reported that a person had a coop of chickens along with a rooster. The person confirmed that he had chickens and a rooster. The man was advised of the city ordinance regarding chickens.
5-15-25: A report of an unwanted subject in the reporting party's garage was made. Allegedly, a chair was thrown. Officers located the subject at a bar where he was placed under arrest for multiple charges and a warrant.
5-21-25: An officer responded to a victim's residence as his neighbor had trespassed and stolen his live trap. Upon investigation, one male suspect was cited for theft and two suspects were trespassed from the victim's property.
5-22-25: A report of a push lawn mower and two tires being stolen out of a broken-down pickup truck was received.
5-24-25: A report for record was requested for vandalism to a porch. There was writing in silver-colored permanent marker in three places on the front porch area of the residence.
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.
You can access the list from your computer or smart phone at the above link. If you want a list you can print, you will find two options in the second paragraph at the link. The first option is a pdf with all the information, including sale number, address, dates & times, and items for each sale. It is five pages. The second option is a pdf that omits the "items" and puts the listings in two columns to make it two pages for those who want to print less.
There is also a link for the interactive Google map on the webpage.
Have a fun time thrift shopping with your friends and family.
The Phillips Community-wide Garage Sale Event will be back in June 2026.
A number of people asked if the county-wide sale, which was started last year, will be back again this year. It will be held on August 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2025. Watch our website, sometime in July, for information regarding listing your sale.
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.
On County Road D in Phillips on June 3, 2025, every parent's nightmare came true for Mike and Terri Franson when they learned their almost 17-year-old daughter, Stephanie, had been injured in a car accident.
According to Terri, "We do not know exactly what happened. All we or the police can do is guess. After school, she did a few things around town. Being an early dismissal day, Mike and I were driving our bus routes." Mike and Terri got home. Their daughter told them she had to pick one thing up at the store, drop off a co-worker, and then she would be home. Everything went according to plan until she turned onto County Road D. "She remembers turning onto D, but that's it," Terri shared. "We figure it was raining, and she knew she had a phone appointment at 3 p.m. with DVR to get things going for school after she graduated. We think she was just trying to get on the road and forgot to put her seatbelt on, hit a puddle of water just before the first bridge, and hydroplaned. The officer was thinking the same." They believe the truck rolled four or five times, and Stephanie got thrown from the truck.
Submitted photo.
After such a horrific crash, the extent of her injuries was unknown, but, thankfully, she was alive. Doctors at the hospital in Park Falls determined she had a broken bone in her neck, lacerated liver, and bruised lungs. She also had a gash above her eye, along with other scrapes and bruises.
Stephanie was sent to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield to be seen by the trauma team. Doctors there found many injuries, including a skull fracture, fracture in her neck and the 4th vertebrae, fracture in her lower spine, bleeding from her lower spleen, possible slight bleeding from the top of her spleen, and a fracture in her pelvic area. They took more tests to determine the best road to recovery.
Submitted photo.
On June 4, 2025, it was determined Stephanie would need surgery to repair her pelvis. According to her mother, Terri, a screw was put in place to hold everything together.
The next day, Stephanie was able to sit on the side of the bed and stand twice. Her mom shared, "One time standing was quick due to the pain, but the second time she worked through her pain and stood for five seconds. She needs to learn how to stand and walk with little to no pressure on her right leg until the pelvis heals a bit from the surgery." Later that day, her neck brace was removed. Progress was being made.
Submitted photo.
Stephanie was able to walk across her ICU room on June 6, and she was able to leave ICU that evening. She was transferred to a regular hospital room. Once she comes home, the physical therapists suggested Stephanie have a ramp to be able to get into the family's home. The house currently does not have a ramp.
Terri stated that Stephanie will also need a vehicle she can easily get in and out of, especially to travel to follow-up doctor's appointments, and Terri's 2011 Chevy Traverse will be the best option for her to get into. Unfortunately, it needs some repairs, including a timing chain, valve cover gaskets, front brakes, front struts, rear shocks, and a front stabilizer bar. Mike can do the repair work once they have the parts, Terri shared.
If anyone is willing to donate boards or money for a ramp or parts or money for the repair of a car, it would be much appreciated by the Franson Family. You can reach out to Terri on Facebook to send money via Facebook or Cash App, donate on GoFundMe, or you can send it to their address at W2998 County Road D, Phillips, WI 54555.
Stephanie and her parents are appreciative of the prayers sent and kindness already shown by the community.
Then there is the businesses who got Covid money in Price County from our governement. Tens of thousands of dollars each business mostly. https://projects.propublica.org/coronavi...ch?q=54555 I prefer to shop at the ones that didn't take Covid money but sooo many got money while still being open during Covid & making money!!! They started as loans but the talk was to apply & the government would forgive those loans & they did forgive those loans & businesses got & kept the free money!!! Take take take. Forgive loans, take grants and bankrupt our country.
Imagine being alone in the arid land of the Great Karoo Desert in South Africa, completely alone, for an unknown number of days, weeks, or months. There are nine others who are also alone, trying to survive, and trying to last the longest to win $500,000. Every season on the TV show, "Alone," ten people have tried to survive in the frigid temperatures of the Arctic, all alone. In Season 12, ten people will try to survive in the dry heat of the South African desert, all alone. Eight men. Two women. One of those women, Kelsey (Revak) Loper, was raised in Phillips, Wisconsin.
Born to Larry and Linda Revak, Kelsey has two sisters, Katie Canfield and Angie Revak. She grew up on Musser Lake and graduated from Phillips High School in 2007. "Swimming, fishing, tubing, playing by the dam, etc. is what we did every summer. Since Phillips is a small town, lots of kids will take some time off school for hunting season. I grew up with almost all guy cousins and didn't want to be left out of anything, so I always went hunting with family. Growing up in the country of the northwoods of Wisconsin shaped me into the outdoorsman that I am. We were always outside," Kelsey said of her early life that inevitably helped prepare her for the reality TV show.
As an adult, she moved to Cody, Wyoming to work as a guide for horseback trail rides at a dude ranch. She learned archery and trapping, which would also prove helpful in her "Alone" endeavor.
(Article continues after promotional image) 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.
She then moved to Montana. She met Brady Burdick through a mutual friend, and they have been together for eight years. Together, they have Long Acres Rescue, which was handed down to them from a friend. Kelsey shared, "My favorite thing about training wild mustangs and burros is that they are a clean slate. Nobody has messed them up and given them bad habits. The progress you see even in just three days is incredible. They go from never being touched in their life to being halter broke, leading, loading, grooming, and picking up their feet. We love seeing animals find the right home and be loved." Of course, while Kelsey was in competition, Brady took care of the rescue. Kelsey gave credit to Brady and the other contestants' support people back home. "They stay back and hold down everyone's lives while we go out in the wilderness on our crazy journey. They are the real heroes of the show."
The show doesn't happen for any contestant, however, until they apply. For Kelsey, she was approached by a casting producer, via Instagram, in March 2022, being told that she looked like a great candidate for the show. However, to compete at that time, each contestant needed the COVID-19 vaccine. "I said, 'Call me back when that requirement changes,'" and they called back in March 2023. The next hurdle was that Kelsey needed to know how to make Paiute Deadfall and Figure 4 Deadfall Traps, plus shoot archery with a traditional bow. "I had never made those traps, and I only shot a Hoyt compound bow. They wanted me to thrive and be successful, so we both decided to wait until the next season so I could prepare with more primitive skills.
"About 6 months later, they called again while I was guiding elk hunters in Montana. I still hadn't bought a recurve bow but said I'll get on it and apply. I needed to send in videos of everything from shelter making, setting traps to water filtration and hunting. I had about two months to get in hours of video and learn some new skills. They engage with a lot of people, narrow it down to about 50 or so people, and pick 24 to go to boot camp. I was shocked when they called and said I made it to boot camp. Then, after a two-week boot camp, they chose the ten participants, which I was one of them. So, they found me, and I said, 'Heck yeah, let's go!'" Watch part of Kelsey's application footage in the video at the top of this page.
With the application process complete, and Kelsey selected for the show, she started the competition on May 22, 2024. Since winter was just beginning there, the daytime Fahrenheit temperatures were in the 80s but nighttime could get into the 20s or 30s.
To survive in that climate, she was allowed to select ten items to bring on her "Alone" journey. Kelsey explained, "We were allowed to bring as many items to location as we wanted. We could take 15 or 20 items for our two-week orientation on location. Then we choose ten the day before we launched. We got to get a lay of the land and weather before choosing. I wanted things to help me get big game and fish and a ration of some sorts. I tried not to think about taking any comfort items. If it didn't have more than one purpose, I probably didn't want it." Kelsey brought a tarp; wool blanket; saw; multi-tool with knife; cooking pot; Ferro rod (fire starter); paracord; 30- and 14-pound fishing line and lures; a ration of 1/3 rice, 1/3 salt, and 1/3 sugar; and a bow. Kelsey explains her reason for taking each item in this video.
Once the items were selected, it was time to start the journey of surviving alone. "My emotions were pure excitement, like a kid going in the woods to build a fort but not needing to be called in for bedtime. I literally had no obligations and could do anything I wanted. It was freeing to know I just needed to find food and shelter but could do whatever I wanted when I wanted."
Kelsey had no idea how long she would be surviving on her own and doing whatever she wanted when she wanted. In Season 1, the final contestant lasted 56 days, but, in another season, someone lasted 100 days. "There is no telling how long someone will last, especially in a new location where they have never filmed before," Kelsey explained. Given it is unknown how long the final person would last, when a contestant decides they are done with the show or gets pulled for a medical reason, they go through a re-feeding process due to weight loss, an exit interview, and then the person can go home.
Home is something Kelsey said she tried not to think about. "I hiked a lot and was constantly trying to find big game to harvest and eat. I did not think about Brady or home, because it made me emotional, so I kept busy with scouting and lots of sun naps. The things I missed most were my books, because I read 24/7, and my watch, because I love to time everything, and it's a habit to look at my watch every now and then. It was hard not to read my book before bed or watch a movie to 'wind down' after a long day. It really was great to get away from the everyday creature comforts."
Kelsey said she found the competition to be more mental than physical. "Your mind will tap out before your body usually," she noted. "It was very hard. If anyone says it's easy, they are lying. It was hard not bouncing ideas off anyone, it was hard not to think of home, it was hard when I had multiple family members have birthdays while I was out there and not talk to them, it was hard to keep encouraging myself to continue on days I wanted to quit, it was hard with no food, it was hard when things didn't go right and I had no creature comforts. I had a blast and stayed positive, but it took work."
(Article continues after promotional message) UPCOMING EVENT: List your garage sale for free by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025. Find out how. On the morning of Thursday, June 12, (or possibly as early as Tuesday), get the list of sales at this link.
All the work was truly done all alone, including the filming. Kelsey explained, "Alone means you are truly alone. We had camera classes we took at orientation to learn all the gear we needed to film ourselves. We have one big main camera and two Go Pros, as well as a couple trail cameras. The camera crew films the helicopter ride that takes you to your individual spot; then, when you get off the helicopter, they leave and all the filming is on me. I had tripods and Go Pro attachments to get multiple angles and views. The camera crew only comes to check on you when the medics come to do medical checks or if you tap out. Medical checks are every three weeks in the beginning and slowly get closer together as you lose more and more weight. They make sure you don't get in a danger zone of weight loss. They can pull you from the game at any time if they feel you are not fit to continue health-wise. Illnesses like Giardia, constipation, and injury can also cost you the game."
A person can also tap out on their own volition. "You can tap out a few different ways," Kelsey said. "You have an emergency red button on your yellow brick which is a GPS device. If you break a leg hiking, slice your hand, etc., this is what you push. If you're not in any danger, you use a satellite phone to tap out, and they will come get you. If that dies or doesn't have great connection, there is a last and final source of communication and that is a radio."
The one thing Kelsey would like to communicate with the youth of Price County is about not being afraid to go on crazy adventures like this one. She said, "Even though Phillips is one of the best small towns to grow up in, there is a whole other world of adventure out there; do not be afraid to jump and go on crazy adventures. You can always make money; you can't always make memories. If you are questioning doing something, always do it. Because, if you succeed, you are one step closer to your goals, and, if you don't, it will shape you into the strongest person you know and make you smarter and more resilient."
To find out how far this "force to be reckoned with" made it on her crazy adventure, watch "Before the Drop" at 7 p.m. CST and then Episode 1 at 8 p.m. CST on Thursday, June 12, 2025 on The HISTORY Channel. The show will also stream for free on The HISTORY Channel the following day.
Read the follow-up article to see how Kelsey did at this link.
Article written by: Lynne Bohn
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According to Governor Tony Evers, the Price County District Attorney, Matthew McElroy, has submitted his resignation, effective July 7, 2025.
McElroy replaced Karl Kelz in August 2023 after Kelz's resignation earlier that year.
The governor will need to appoint a new district attorney to fill the vacancy. The term will expire at the end of January 2029.
UPDATED 6-9-2025:
Matthew McElroy told My Price County that he is leaving the area to open an office in Stevens Point. He will be having his own practice there. He stated he is originally from the farther parts of Southern Wisconsin, but he worked in the Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids areas previously and really liked it, so he wants to move back there.
When asked if he would like to give a farewell message to the residents of Price County, he said, "I enjoyed my time as district attorney. It's been an honor to serve as their district attorney."
UPCOMING EVENT: Summer Reading Kick-off Carnival on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Elk Lake Park.
The housing project, known as "The Pines at Park Falls," which was going to be built on Tower Road, has been suspended for 2025.
According to the City of Park Falls, "This pause is due to rising construction costs and recent changes in federal regulations affecting the funding sources for the project. Because of these challenges, the developer is currently unable to meet the financial and timing requirements associated with the current project design. However, they have indicated an intention to revise the project for the following year, assuming that building costs stabilize and that federal regulations related to funding are adjusted. Moving forward, this will likely involve the developers reapplying for WHEDA housing tax credits and a redesign of the project."
The City of Park Falls stated that the development remains a priority for the city, because it supports various goals, such as providing workforce housing, strengthening the local tax base, and adding customers to the utility system. The city will continue to work with the developers in hopes that the project will resume and be completed at a later date.
Need housing now? 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.
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