Price County Sheriff Brian Schmidt reports on March 17, 2022, at about 10:40 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on State Highway 13 north of State Highway 111 in the Township of Worcester.
The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was walking in the vicinity of the northbound shoulder of the roadway when he was struck by a northbound pickup truck, driven by a Phillips man. The pedestrian, a 36-year-old male from Phillips, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of family. (Updated 3/24/22 - The name of the deceased pedestrian is Troy Schulenberg. The sheriff's office has not released the name of the driver at this time.)
Responding agencies included the Price County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips Police Department, Central Price County Ambulance Service, Phillips Fire Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Price County Coroner’s Office.
The matter remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Source: Price County Sheriff's Office
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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public input on proposed improvements to WIS 13 (Hwy. 13) between the North Fork Flambeau River bridge to 5th Street North in the City of Park Falls. Construction is currently scheduled for 2025.
Proposed improvements include:
Resurfacing 2.2 miles of WIS 13
Upgrading curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
Replacing deteriorated curb and gutter
Replacing pavement markings
Evaluating street lighting through the corridor
Assessing extension of sidewalk on the east side of WIS 13 in front of the grocery store to 12th Street South
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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.
During construction, WIS 13 will remain open using staged traffic lane shifts and single lane closures with flaggers. Low traffic side roads may be temporarily closed. Access will be maintained for local, business, and emergency services. Temporary driveway closures may be necessary during construction.
Minor real estate impacts in the form of temporary easements, permanent easements, or fee may be required for construction of sidewalk and curb ramp improvements.
The public is invited to review the project website and provide input between Thursday, March 17 and Thursday, April 7, 2022 using the online comment form.
Residents, property owners, and businesses in the area have been mailed a handout with a comment form that can be sent back to WisDOT.
Questions and comments can be directed to WisDOT Project Manager Andy Casper at (715) 365-5713, by e-mail at Andrew.Casper@dot.wi.gov, or in writing to WisDOT North Central Region, 1681 Second Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54495.
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.
Jeff Williams, Public Works Director for Phillips, along with the City of Phillips crew, have discovered a possible cavern under Avon Avenue and Chestnut Street near Norvado. Approximately a half million gallons of water have poured through the area to the water treatment plant, which has created a mess of mud. When the streets thaw, this possible cavern could cause a significant problem, so signs have been placed on the streets stating the road is closed to heavy trucks.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Long Lake North offers premium vacation rentals in Phillips, Wisconsin. The rentals are located at 219 County Road F. For reservations, call 715-820-1283, visit Long Lake North's website, and follow the Facebook page.
THREE POWERLIFTERS HEAD TO NATIONALS (Scroll down for an update from 3/30/22)
3/18/2022
On Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2022, seven Phillips Loggers powerlifters competed at State competition in Appleton. Those individuals included Courtney Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Micah Angelo, Chloe Borchert, Keileigh Doll, Addison Sushen, and Megan Delasky.
Micah Angelo, Megan Delasky, Isaac Johnson, and Courtney Johnson
Addison Suhsen, Keileigh Doll, and Chloe Borchert
Three of the participants, Keileigh Doll, Chloe Borchert, and Addison Sushen, advanced to Nationals in Lombard, Illinois, near Chicago. That competition will be held on Thursday, March 24th and Friday, March 25th.
The team is coached by Steve and Jan Mealman, Luanne Angelo, and Jason Enderle.
Photos Submitted By: Elaine Doll
(The article continues after the promotional message.) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Bumble Bee Rentals offers rentals of tables & chairs for parties and other events. Visit Bumble Bee Rental's website to view the tables & chairs or call 715-339-3418 to reserve your event date.
PHILLIPS: LOGGERS POWERLIFTERS PLACE AT NATIONALS - Updated 3/30/22
Three Loggers competed at the national powerlifting competition near Chicago on Thursday, March 24th.
Addison Suhsen placed 2nd, Chloe Borchert placed 3rd, and Keileigh Doll placed 4th in their respective weight classes.
Addison is pictured on the left in the first photo, Chloe is on the right in the second photo, and Addison & Chloe are in the third photo.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: From burgers for grilling to bacon-wrapped tenderloins, Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus beef 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.
The Price County Executive Committee submitted Resolution 15-22, "Approve Sale of County Owned Property (Price County Fairgrounds)," and it was adopted by the Price County Board of Supervisors on March 15, 2022 with ten in favor of the sale. Douglas Erickson and Ginny Strobl voted against the sale. Per Wisconsin State Statute §59.52(6)( c ), the county board may "direct the clerk to lease, sell or convey or contract to sell or convey any county property...on terms that the board approves."
Per this resolution, Price County Productions Inc., (owner, Alexis Baratka and vice president, Darin Baratka), along with applicable county representatives, have signed the "Term Sheet" for the "Purchase and Sale of Price County Fairgrounds." The purchase includes the land and all buildings excluding equipment, personal property, and trade fixtures of the county. The signed Term Sheet will be used to create a Purchase Agreement, which both parties shall use all reasonable efforts to sign within twenty days of March 15, 2022. Once that purchase agreement is signed within 20 days, the Purchase Agreement will be considered irrevocable for the seller by the county board, and the agreement will be final.
The county's intent for the property is for it "to be available for the public to use as an area to gather, and to see the property grow as a community asset through investment by the buyer, and to insure the future and ongoing use of [The Price County Antiques Association in Building A, the Boy Scouts in Building B, the retired teachers in Building C, and the property users, the Price County Fair Association and the 4-H program.]" Therefore, within ten days after the finalized Purchase Agreement is signed, the county will provide building leases that they would like used by Price County Productions, Inc. and the current building tenants. The leases may have other terms but will ensure that the tenants do not pay building rent aside from certain obligations to maintain and repair the occupied building. The Price County Fair Association will also enter into primary and secondary lease periods. The association will have a period of approximately two weeks in the summer to prepare for, hold, and clean up the fair and will have exclusive access to the property at that time and non-exclusive access at all other times. The leases with the Price County Fair Association and the leases to other organizations cannot adversely affect Price County Productions Inc.'s ability to hold the rodeo.
The restoration or replacement of the cattle barn must be addressed within the first three years, as well.
The buyer can obtain a Conditional Use Permit which will allow the property to be used from time to time for camping, though the county makes no representation as to the feasibility of the buyer obtaining the permit. The county will also issue a standing permit for events greater than 1,000 people pursuant to the requirements of ordinances that govern the property.
The county will have the Right of First Refusal. If Price County Productions Inc. wishes to sell the property to another party, the county will have the first right to purchase it at the price for which Price County Productions Inc. has agreed to with the other interested party. If the county does not want to buy the property, then it can be sold to the other party with the provision that the county can disapprove of the transaction within 15 days of the transfer notice if the county does not feel the new buyer would be consistent with the intended operation of the property. If the land is transferred to a suitable new buyer, the county will receive 10% of the consideration received by Price County Productions Inc.
The purchase price, as set forth in the Term Sheet, is that Price County Productions Inc. will make $150,000 of new capital improvements to the property in the next five years. The $150,000 will be in the form of an irrevocable Letter of Credit, which will remain in place during the five year improvement period. Price County Productions Inc. will need to show they have made $150,000 in improvements to the property, which can include repair or replacement of the cattle barn, but may not include rodeo-specific improvements or maintenance and repair of existing improvements or from a casualty event. Before five years have passed, the buyer must submit invoices to prove they have completed $150,000 worth of capital improvements on the property. If the buyer does not complete the full $150,000 of improvements to the property in five years, then the county has the right to draw the difference from the Letter of Credit. A review of the Letter of Credit will take place at least annually, or up to four times per year if requested by the buyer, and the amount will be reduced accordingly at each review until all $150,000 of improvements have been made, thus making the Letter of Credit $0.
The closing date will take place no later than thirty days following the satisfaction of all conditions of the buyer that will be provided in the upcoming Purchase Agreement.
The Term Sheet that was signed on March 15, 2022 "is not intended to, and does not, constitute a binding or enforceable contract. Rather, this is a summary of terms by which Buyer and Seller agree to negotiate to agree upon the terms of a binding Purchase Agreement for the purchase and sale of the Property."
(Article continues after promotional image) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Forward Bank is a depositor-owned organization driven to move our communities forward. By offering free checking, great rates on loans & deposits, business services, leading edge digital services, and a Charitable Money Market Account, Forward Bank keeps our communities strong. For more information, visit Forward Bank's website.
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On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Price County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m. On the agenda is the possible sale of the Price County fairgrounds, which is 40-some acres and has water frontage, out of public status and into private status.
If the county board decides to sell the fairgrounds, there will be some contingencies. A long-term lease will be established allowing the Price County Fair Association to operate the fair on that property. The lease would also allow the Price County Antiques Association to remain established at the fairgrounds. The Boy Scout building, 4-H building, and the schoolhouse would also remain at the fairgrounds for use by those organizations. In September 2021, County Administrator Nick Trimner told My Price County, "If there is a sale to a private party and they were to ever consider selling, or go out of business, the county would have a first right of refusal to get the property back." Further, the new owners will establish the terms and prices if individuals or groups want to hold any events at the fairgrounds. Those decisions will leave the county and become that of the new owners.
On March 14th, Nick added, "It cannot be parceled off, it cannot be sold to different people, all the groups that currently use it can use it, but I cannot publicly go into more details that will be revealed in closed session."
Members of the community have expressed concern about items being discussed in closed session. Nick explained the need for closed session, stating, "There are two parties who are still interested in this property so say we cannot come to a negotiation with Party A, we don't want Party B to know what we are negotiating because then they would be able to try to use that information. It's just like if you were trying to negotiate a contract between two people, you don't tell those two people the negotiating because then that person is going to outbid the other person or underbid." My Price County asked Nick if there would be time for the public to review the sale price before it was final, and he stated, "As soon as we sign the tentative agreement, then it becomes public record. As soon as we both agree on what those terms are, then the public will know. That is when it is final that we have an agreement to do this." Therefore, the agreement will be made in full during closed session. He explained, "The elected officials were asked to do something because they were elected, they're doing it, and that's what they did. It's called closed session because we are doing specific negotiating."
The property has been in the county's focus for about a year. It was first inquired about by Darin Baratka and his daughter, Alexis, stating they would like to purchase the property, upgrade the fairgrounds, and hold the rodeo there, which has been the home of the rodeo for the last two years. The parcel was then advertised later in 2021 asking if anyone wanted to lease or purchase the fairgrounds. A possible purchase price was not stated, and some community members have expressed that the sale of this size of land with buildings and water frontage would be high. Lynda Ludwig, part of Price County Fairgrounds United, which is organized as a non-profit organization, expressed interest with the county. If either of these two parties purchase the fairgrounds, it will be out of the county's hands, and under the control of individuals, whether they are being represented as individuals or an organization with a controlling board of individuals. The county would no longer control the fairgrounds. The county would have the first right to purchase it back at the listing price provided by the new owner should the new owner want to sell in the future. If the county declined to purchase it back at that time, the new owner could sell it to anyone.
A number of community members privately contacted My Price County with their thoughts regarding the possible sale of the fairgrounds. Some were in favor of it stating that the fairgrounds is in disrepair and needs someone to bring it back to life. Most who contacted My Price County were not in favor of the fairgrounds leaving county control and going into private ownership.
Wanting to share a summary of some of the thoughts, both pro and con, and a link to a small vote that was taken on the topic, My Price County composed an e-mail with this information and also stated, "If the grounds does not get sold, [we] feel the fair website could be used, if the fair agreed, to promote it more for renting it out to events, and My Price County would also be willing to help put the word out for volunteers to get the fair buildings and grounds back in shape. We definitely have the audience to try to get people motivated to help. Our goal is to promote the county, and this would definitely fit in line with that." My Price County sent the e-mail to the county administrator and eleven of thirteen board of supervisors who provide an e-mail address as a means of contact. It was sent on January 11, 2022 with the goal of getting the e-mail read and replied to before the next board meeting. When no one replied to the message, a second message was sent on January 24, 2022 to twelve of the thirteen board members, as one e-mail address was not available at that time. A voice message was also left for Paula Houdek.
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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Stop by Harbor View Pub & Eatery, a view that changes with the seasons. This restaurant, pub, and vacation rental is located at 1094 North Lake Avenue in Phillips. View Harbor View's website, follow their Facebook page, or call 715-339-2626.
Alan Barkstrom replied after he received the second e-mail, accidentally thinking the message came from Lynda Ludwig, and My Price County replied that we are not affiliated with Lynda Ludwig. Nick Trimner replied that he received the second e-mail stating he did not see the first one. His reply was, "We will be having a meeting tomorrow to discuss some of the issues about making sure it continues to be able to be used like it currently has been." Paula Houdek also replied, and she stated that she appreciated the feedback and said, "The executive committee will be meeting tomorrow to continue discussions of the fairgrounds issue. I will make sure all members have received and read your email." However, no board members replied to the community input we provided or My Price County's offer to advertise the need for fund-raising and volunteers. In recent days, more community members have expressed that they were not aware the county needed help in maintaining the fairgrounds as the community has yet to be asked to help. Some stated they would provide materials and labor, but they were not aware of the need until recently.
In an interview today, March 14, 2022, My Price County asked Nick Trimner about that e-mail and the possibility of fund-raising and writing for grants. He said, "The way the grants work is if we were going to do a project, we would go looking for grants. A lot of times grants sound great, but they don't pay for it [all], so that's where we struggled. Say we could get a grant to do something out there, we still have to come up with a grant to cover the difference." He added, "If either one of these groups are to take over out there, we will assist them with grants if they need a county sponsorship. Broadband would be a good example....It was a 7 million dollar project and they got a 5 million dollar grant, and we had to participate in that by saying we were supporting it. So, whoever the new caretakers are out there, we will support them in the same way, so if they can get a grant for the barn, great, and we will do a resolution saying we support them to do that so they are eligible and then they would come up with the difference in money." He added that both interested parties have started to do tentative fund-raising and both have expressed saving the barn as a priority. When we asked about My Price County's offer to help with fund-raising efforts and some community members possible offers of labor and materials, he stated, "It's not what we're looking to do." He said with so many projects, the county is not interested in prioritizing the revitalization of the fairgrounds.
My Price County also reached out to a couple board members earlier today. When asked about fund-raising efforts or why the county did not promote the fairgrounds in the past, trying to bolster people to hold private or public events there, to generate the needed maintenance funds, one of them stated, "We don't have the people in the county government who want to do that stuff....I love people to be involved, but we are too far along now." One board member stated he would consider voting to keep it with the county but only if people are willing to put considerable donations of time and money into the project, so he recommended that if you speak up, be willing to support your words with actions. The community must be willing to take on this revitalization project for the board to even consider it as an option.
Based on My Price County's interviews, it feels like the fairgrounds will be approved to be under new ownership. However, finalization will take place tomorrow, so nothing has been decided yet. Since community members have asked My Price County what they can do, My Price County's suggestion is if you have any comments for the board, for or against the sale of the property, or with ideas for how the county can get the property maintained so it could stay in the county's control, writing your comments on this article will be a good method. (To post a comment or vote in our poll, you need to register for free as you need a username to post.) Another great method of expressing your thoughts, is to contact your board representatives. Their contact information can be found at the end of this article. Attending the meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 9 a.m. to voice your opinions, is the best method. The meeting, however, is under COVID-19 protocols, so the meeting can be attended in a few ways. You may call 715-339-3325 to reserve a seat, join the meeting online, (the link is also shown in the meeting agenda, below), or participate via conference call by calling 1-408-418-9388 and using Conference Code 2483 060 5761. Even if joining the meeting virtually, you will be able to share your comments at the meeting.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
1. Larry Palecek
715-762-4540
E-mail: larry.palecek@co.price.wi.us
350 River Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 5 & 6)
2. Ginny Strobl
715-474-3434
E-mail: ginny.strobl@co.price.wi.us
N5957 Woodlawn Rd, Kennan, WI 54537
(Village of Catawba, Village of Kennan, Town of Catawba, Town of
Kennan, Town of Georgetown)
3. Mark Kyle
715-797-5585
E-mail: mark.kyle@co.price.wi.us
N15432 County Rd B, Park Falls, WI 54552
(Town of Flambeau; Town of Lake, Ward 1; City of Park Falls, Ward 3)
4. Jeffrey Hallstrand
715-767-5100
E-mail: jeff.hallstrand@co.price.wi.us
W6014 Otteson Rd, Ogema, WI 54459
(Town of Ogema, Town of Hill)
5. James Hintz
715-762-3435
E-mail: jim.hintz@co.price.wi.us
W7530 White Rock Rd, Fifield, WI 54524
(Town of Fifield; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 2)
6. Paula Houdek
715-339-3307
E-mail: paula.houdek@co.price.wi.us
W3601 Maple Dr, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Emery, Town of Hackett, Town of Knox, Town of Spirit)
7. Dennis Wartgow
715-762-2795
E-mail: dennis.wartgow@co.price.wi.us
261 9th St N, Park Falls, WI 54552
(City of Park Falls, Wards 1, 2, 4 & 7)
8. Alan Barkstrom
715-339-6516
E-mail: alan.barkstrom@co.price.wi.us
W7577 County Rd W, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 1; Town of Harmony)
9. Jordan Spacek
715-339-2827
E-mail: jordan.spacek@co.price.wi.us
W6986 Cranberry Lake Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Worcester, Ward 1 & 3)
10. Robert Kopisch
715-762-4301
E-mail: bob.kopisch@co.price.wi.us
N16165 Lakeshore Dr, Butternut, WI 54514
(Town of Lake, Ward 2; Town of Eisenstein, Ward 1)
11. Waldemar Madsen
715-780-0744
E-mail: waldemar.madsen@co.price.wi.us
561 Flambeau Ave, Phillips, WI 54555
(City of Phillips, Ward 2, 3 & 4)
12. Douglas Erickson
(4/21) 715-657-0580
E-mail: doug.erickson@co.price.wi.us
N3838 Hay Creek Rd, Prentice, WI 54556
(Village of Prentice, Town of Prentice)
13. Brian Ernst
715-661-0892
E-mail brian.ernst@co.price.wi.us
1555 Hillcrest Rd, Phillips, WI 54555
(Town of Elk, Ward 2; City of Phillips Ward 1; Town of Worcester, Ward 2)
Tammie Blomberg lives in southern Price County. In June 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and lung cancer. She has undergone many treatments, procedures, and surgeries, but still has a vast amount of medical care ahead of her.
Friends of Tammie are hosting a benefit to help raise money to cover the time she needed to take off work and any additional expenses related to her treatments.
There will be a spaghetti dinner, pie auction, silent auction baskets, and live music at the Ogema Baptist Church at W5091 State Highway 86 in Ogema on Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
UPDATE on 3/14/2022: The county issued the necessary permit on Monday, and there will not be a meeting about this issue.
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On Friday, March 11, 2022, many Price County farmers felt true concern for their livelihood.
Mullins Cheese, who operates the milks truck that pick up milk from farmers in Kennan, Catawba, Phillips, Ogema, and Brantwood, informed the farmers that they could not get a permit from Price County to travel on the roads after March 16th when they are posted for spring break-up.
According to Peggy Hainy, "We all get picked up the same day and it's an every other day pickup. The county board has suggested that Mullins send two trucks. Don Mullins, [the owner of Mullins Cheese], said that is not feasible. Besides the gas cost, he doesn't have the labor force, like most places these days."
Peggy's husband, Ed, starting calling people immediately to get this resolved. He contacted the highway commissioner, county board members, and workers at Mullins Cheese. According to the Hainys, a special meeting was needed to resolve this issue immediately.
"The highway committee is in charge of the weight limits, and Ed has been told that Mr. Larry Palecek will not call a special meeting to get this resolved. Never in the 40 years of us farming have the milk trucks been stopped from picking up milk until now. All the surrounding counties have given Mullins permits. We will continue to fight. This is our livelihood," Peggy explained.
If you want to help the local farmers, community members can call their county board representatives or specifically the highway committee, which includes Chairman Larry Palecek, Alan Barkstrom, James Hintz, Jordan Spacek, and Jeff Hallstrand.
Highway Commissioner Joe Baratka, as of Saturday morning, stated there will be a highway committee meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. in the county board room to address the milk hauling issue. This meeting is open to all, and Peggy encourages the community to attend. According to Peggy, "If nothing is changed as of March 16th, the farmers of Price County will be out of business."
UPDATE on 3/14/2022: The county issued the necessary permit on Monday, and there will not be a meeting about this issue.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: From burgers for grilling to bacon-wrapped tenderloins, Deer Creek Angus, LLC has a large selection of Black Angus beef 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.
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Governor Tony Evers today announced $20 million from the Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program will support facility upgrades and modernization at the Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls, which is a critical access hospital of Marshfield Clinic Health System, to expand access to quality healthcare for rural communities that have been historically underserved.
“This healthcare facility bridges an important gap in healthcare access in the Park Falls community, and they would not be able to continue to provide care without some critically needed upgrades and modernization,” said Governor Evers. “This investment will allow them to keep providing high-quality care in the community, and I am glad to support this project today and to continue supporting the health and well-being of folks in the Park Falls area.”
The Marshfield Medical Center-Park Falls Critical Access Hospital was built in 1966, and this $20 million investment will support substantial and transformational upgrades to modernize the facility and enhance the quality of care for patients. This facility also bridges an important gap in healthcare coverage in rural Wisconsin as the next closest medical facility is more than an hour away, and these funds will allow the facility to stay open to continue to serve the community and bridge this gap, while keeping jobs in the area and helping to attract and retain new medical professionals.
(Article continues after promotional image) SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SHOP PRICE COUNTY FIRST: Forward Bank is a depositor-owned organization driven to move our communities forward. By offering free checking, great rates on loans & deposits, business services, leading edge digital services, and a Charitable Money Market Account, Forward Bank keeps our communities strong. For more information, visit Forward Bank's website.
Part of a more than $285 million investment allocated by the governor for community capital projects statewide, the Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program was first announced in August 2021, alongside the Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant Program awarded last week. Park Falls also received more than $5.6 million through the Neighborhood Investment Fund Grant Program for the construction of a new YMCA facility in the community. (The YMCA facility is slated to be built where the tennis courts are now, and the tennis courts will be rebuilt northwest of their current location. The project will begin this summer or fall, and the facility will be completed in 2023 or 2024. All services have not yet been determined, but childcare will be a focus.)
The Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with grants ranging in size from $158,000 to a maximum of $20 million. Applications opened on Oct. 26, 2021, and closed on November 30, 2021.
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A sample of police reports for Lincoln County have been summarized for March and April 2022.
A 54 year old Abbotsford man was arrested for 4th offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated Monday afternoon after deputies responded to a driving complaint on USH 51 near Tomahawk. The man was also cited for operating after revocation and possessing open intoxicants as a driver.
A 37 year old Rhinelander man was cited for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated early Wednesday morning after deputies investigated a hit and run in the City of Tomahawk.
A 42 year old Merrill man was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony bail jumping, a warrant for failure to appear, and a probation hold Wednesday night after deputies responded to a vehicle in the ditch on USH 51 near County Rd J in the Town of Birch.
A Town of Pine River man was the victim of a scam Thursday morning. He was contacted by a party claiming to be from the IRS and was directed to purchase a pre-paid gift card in the amount of $500. The victim provided the numbers of the card and the money was removed from the card balance.
A Town of Tomahawk woman was the victim of a scam on Wednesday afternoon. The victim’s e-mail was hacked and put on the “dark web.” A short time later she observed an unauthorized transaction of $20 from KOD JO ENGLISH out of Stanford, CT taken from her bank account.
Deputies and the Tomahawk FD responded to a semi-truck that was reported to be on fire on USH 51 south of Tomahawk Friday afternoon. The driver was able to extinguish the flames before any significant damage occurred and no injuries were reported.
A 42 year old Tomahawk man was arrested Friday afternoon on two Lincoln County warrants for failure to appear.
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A 17 year old female was stopped and cited for travelling 82mph on County Rd K near County Rd C in the Town of Merrill Friday evening.
A 24 year old man was stopped and cited for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on County Rd JJ near Lincoln Drive in the Town of Merrill early Saturday morning.
A 30 year old Tomahawk man was arrested on charges of domestic battery and domestic disorderly conduct following an incident in the Town of Bradley Saturday morning.
A 42 year old Tomahawk man was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine as a repeater, 2 counts of felony bail jumping, and possession of drug paraphernalia Saturday evening in the Town of Merrill.
A 30 year old Merrill man was arrested for disorderly conduct and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping early Monday morning.
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An inmate of the Lincoln County Jail is facing charges of battery by prisoner and five counts of felony bail jumping following an altercation Monday evening.
A 23 year old Merrill man was arrested on charges of criminal damage to property, possession of drug paraphernalia, battery, disorderly conduct and misdemeanor bail jumping following a disturbance in the Town of Merrill Monday evening.
An inmate of the Lincoln County Jail is facing charges of prisoner throw/expel bodily substance and two counts of felony bail jumping following an altercation early Tuesday morning.
A 17 year old Marshfield male was stopped and cited for travelling 98mph on USH 51 near County Rd J in the Town of Birch Thursday evening.
A 62 year old Ojibwa, WI man will be referred to the District Attorney on charges of misdemeanor bail jumping and operating after revocation OWI related following a traffic stop on State Rd 64 near Midway Rd in the Town of Corning Saturday afternoon.
A 33 year old Tomahawk man was arrested for a first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated Sunday morning on Squaw Lake Rd near County Rd A in the Town of Harrison.
Deputies and the Town of Crescent Fire Department responded to the area of Old 63 and State Rd 17 in the Town of Harrison for several round hay bales that were on fire Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fires is unknown.
Lincoln County deputies were kept busy during Monday’s (3/14) snowstorm and Tuesday’s (3/15) fog and icy road conditions. Deputies responded to 19 vehicles in the ditch and four property damage crashes.
USH 8 was closed down for about six hours Tuesday morning following a fatal motor vehicle crash. A 22 year old Eagle River woman was fatally injured as a result of the crash. The Wisconsin State Patrol handled the crash investigation.
A 43 year old Irma man was arrested Wednesday morning for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and going armed while intoxicated. The man was also cited for speeding in excess of the posted speed limit following a traffic stop on USH 51 south of Tomahawk.
A 27 year old Tripoli man was arrested Wednesday evening on charges of domestic disorderly conduct, misdemeanor bail jumping and two counts of felony bail jumping following a disturbance in the Town of Somo.
A 41 year old Merrill woman was stopped and cited for traveling 102mph on USH 51 near County Rd V near Irma Thursday morning.
A 23 year old Merrill woman was arrested for domestic battery in the Town of Pine River following a disturbance at a residence.
A 34 year old Tripoli man was arrested on charges of Resisting/obstructing, second degree reckless driving, and cited for operating a motor vehicle after revocation and speeding following traffic stop Saturday evening.
A 33 year old Merrill woman was arrested for first offense driving while intoxicated Saturday evening on County Rd K north of Merrill.
Wednesday, March 23rd, created a weather event that kept deputies busy. There were 15 vehicles in the ditch and nine property damage crashes reported. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
A 32 year old Tomahawk woman was arrested on a Lincoln County warrant Wednesday afternoon.
A seventeen year old male was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated 1st offense in the Town of Merrill Wednesday evening.
A 31 year old Lac Du Flambeau man was stopped and cited Thursday evening for travelling 88mph on USH 51 north of USH 8 which is a 55 mph speed zone.
A 64 year old Merrill woman was arrested for 3rd offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated after a deputy located a vehicle in the ditch on County Rd K in the Town of Merrill.
A 38 year old Merrill man was arrested on a felony Lincoln County warrant in the Town of Merrill early Friday morning after deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle.
A 20 year old Rhinelander woman was stopped and cited for travelling 93mph on USH 51 near State Rd 64 Friday evening.
A 34 year old Wausau man was arrested on charges of fleeing, resisting/obstructing an officer, 3 counts of felony bail jumping, a probation violation and cited for operating while suspended and not having insurance following a traffic stop Friday evening.
A 42 year old Merrill man was arrested first offense driving while intoxicated and a probation violation following a traffic stop Friday night.
Four people reported striking deer last week.
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An inmate of the Lincoln County Jail is facing charges of battery by prisoner following an altercation in the jail Monday evening.
A 34 year old Jackson, WI man and a 29 year old Tripoli woman were arrested on various charges following a traffic stop early Tuesday morning. The man was arrested for a probation and parole warrant and the woman was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A 21 year old Merrill man was arrested for first offense driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop on County Road A near County Road U in the Town of Bradley early Tuesday morning.
A 60 year old Tomahawk man was arrested on two counts of disorderly conduct and one count of threats to law enforcement following a disturbance in the Town of King on Wednesday evening.
The Town Chairman of Merrill reported the theft of a road sign indicating a bump in the road from the area of North Star Drive and Swamp Road. The sign is valued at $240. If you have any information regarding this theft, you are asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers using their P3 app.
A 60 year old Tomahawk man was arrested on charges of domestic battery, domestic disorderly conduct, 2 counts of felony bail jumping and 2 counts of misdemeanor bail jumping following a disturbance Thursday night.
A 28 year old Milwaukee man was stopped and cited for travelling 89 MPH on USH 51 north of USH 8.
A 47 year old Tomahawk woman was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated first offense on Friday night.
A 30 year old Wausau man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated early Sunday morning.
A 54 year old Wausau man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated early Sunday morning. He was also cited for speeding.
Four people reported striking deer last week.
April 11, 2022 Updates:
A 29 year old Tripoli woman was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacture/deliver amphetamine, felony bail jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping following a traffic stop on County Rd J near USH 51 Monday evening.
A 41 year old Rhinelander man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle and cited for operating after revocation following a crash Monday evening on County Rd B near Parish Rd in the Town of Harrison.
A contractor reported a theft of lumber, screws and bolts from a construction site on Selmer Rd in the Town of Bradley Tuesday morning. The theft was believed to have occurred sometime between 6:00pm Monday evening and 7:45am Tuesday morning. If you have any information regarding this theft, you are asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office 715-536-6272 or Crime Stoppers using their P3 App. Callers may remain anonymous.
A 19 year old Merrill man was stopped and cited Thursday evening for travelling 84mph on USH 51 near County Rd Q in the construction zone which is posted 55 MPH.
A 40 year old Tripoli woman was cited for travelling 90mph on USH 51 north of Merrill Thursday afternoon.
A 55 year old Merrill man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated following a crash on Swede Rd near State Rd 107 in the Town of Merrill Thursday evening.
A 38 year old Gleason man was arrested early Friday morning for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and cited for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to maintain control following a crash on USH 51 near County Rd Q. A 31 year old Gleason woman was also cited for assisting a person fleeing an accident.
A 19 year old Bryant, WI man was stopped and cited for travelling 80mph on State Rd 17 near Norwegian Rd Saturday afternoon.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Town of Birch Officials are looking for information regarding a large amount of tires being dumped on Horseshoe Lake Dr. A deputy arrived on the scene and locate 23 tires disposed of on county land. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office 715-536-6272 or Crime Stoppers using their P3 App. Callers may remain anonymous.
A 41 year old Merrill woman was arrested Sunday evening on charges of domestic battery and domestic disorderly conduct following a disturbance at a residence.
An 18 year old Antigo woman was stopped and cited for travelling 80mph in a 55mph construction zone Sunday morning.
April 18, 2022 Update:
Lincoln County Deputies and the Merrill Fire Dept. responded to a car fire on USH 51 near Merrill in the Tuesday morning. The vehicle was in the southbound lane of travel and was reported to be fully engulfed. The cause of the fire is unknown and no injuries were reported.
A 32 year old Tomahawk man was cited for passing a stopped school bus with stop arm extended on Tannery Rd Thursday afternoon.
A 67 year old Town of Pine River resident was scammed on Thursday afternoon. The victim was contacted by 2 people purporting to be able to double her money if she sent American Express cards to them.
A 17 year old Merrill youth was stopped and cited for operating his ATV at 63mph on Hillside Dr near Lake Pesabic Road.
A 48 year old Merrill man was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest following a disturbance in the Town of Scott Friday evening.
A 52 year old Merrill man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on Hillside Dr. near County Rd JJ Saturday evening.
A 21 year old Berlin, WI man was arrested for first offense operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, resisting / obstructing, and a probation violation following a traffic stop on County Rd W early Sunday morning. The driver was also cited for operating left of center and inattentive driving.
Six people reported striking deer last week.
April 25, 2022 Update:
A 30 year old Merrill man was injured following a motor vehicle crash Monday morning on USH 51 near Tomahawk in the Town of Bradley.
A 25 year old Merrill man will face charges of theft after using a credit card from the company he is employed by for personal purchases in excess of $2,000.
A 39 year old Eagle River man was arrested for first offense driving while intoxicated on State Rd 86 near Pfeifer Rd in the Town of Bradley Tuesday night.
A 33 year old Merrill woman was arrested on charges of physical abuse of a child and strangulation/suffocation Wednesday evening.
A 60 year old Hillsboro, TN man was stopped and cited for travelling 76 mph in a 55mph construction zone on USH 51 near State Rd 64 Thursday morning.
A 22 year old Wausau man was stopped an cited for failure to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of County Rd H at County Rd J after he was observed by a deputy going through the intersection at a high rate of speed.
A 28 year old Appleton, WI man was arrested Friday evening for criminal operating a motor vehicle after revocation, bail jumping, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a warrant for failure to appear out of Winnebago County. Following a traffic stop on USH 51 near County Rd Q. He was also cited for speed (84/55) and open intoxicant in a motor vehicle.
A Town of Rock Falls resident avoided injury following a tractor fire on his property. The battery of the small tractor caught fire and the owner was unable to extinguish it. No other property or land were damaged. The cause of the fire is unknown.
A 19 year old Schofield man was stopped and cited for travelling 94mph on USH 51 near County Rd V in the Town of Birch Saturday evening.
A 26 year old Merrill man was stopped and cited for travelling 80mph on County Rd W near County Rd P in the Town of Pine River Sunday night.
A 19 year old Merrill man was stopped and cited for travelling 85mph on State Rd 17 near County Rd G in the Town of Merrill Sunday night.
A 16 year old Tomahawk youth was injured following a motor vehicle crash on County Rd Y near Graf Rd in the Town of Bradley. Following an investigation of the crash the youth was cited for first offense driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated and open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.
