ANNOUNCEMENTS THANK YOU FROM DANNY DELASKY July 15, 2017 NEWS - COUNTYWIDE SECTION 1 GOVERNOR WALKER APPROVES BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS AT PRICE COUNTY AIRPORT March 7, 2017 SPRING 2017 ELECTION RESULTS April 5, 2017 TAILGATE TOUR: ONE TEAM. ONE COMMUNITY. April 5, 2017 US HWY. 8 IMPROVEMENTS SCHEDULED IN PRICE COUNTY April 24, 2017 FLAMBEAU RIVER FEATURED ON TV May 7, 2017 SKY'S THE LIMIT: SOME PRICE COUNTY ROOTS WILL BE REPRESENTED AT MISS USA THIS SUNDAY May 13, 2017 NEW DRUNK DRIVING PENALTIES IMPLEMENTED May 25, 2017 INMATE SUICIDE AT PRICE COUNTY JAIL June 5, 2017 WISDOT CAUTIONS DRIVERS ABOUT INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR DEER/VEHICLE CRASHES IN JUNE June 12, 2017 NEWS - COUNTYWIDE SECTION 2 FREE ADMISSION TO COMMUNITY FUN DAY June 19, 2017 MONSTER TRUCK SHOW AT THIS YEAR'S PRICE COUNTY FAIR; EXHIBITOR DEADLINE TODAY July 17, 2017 2017 PRICE COUNTY FAIR HAS A REDUCED PRICE ADMISSION OPTION PLUS NEW ENTERTAINMENT August 16, 2017 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES IN PRICE COUNTY August 21, 2017 KEVIN KLEIN IS NEW PRICE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE October 31, 2017 STATE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE FROM PRICE COUNTY November 14, 2017 TOURISM DEPARTMENT SAVED FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR November 15, 2017 NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 1 ALUMNI PEP BAND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULED January 2, 2017 PICTURE PERFECT - NORTHERN WISCONSIN WINTER January 11, 2017 FATAL CRASH ON COUNTY ROAD D January 19, 2017 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL NOMINATION February 9, 2017 STEP BY STEP - THE PHS DANCE TEAM EXCELS February 22, 2017 FAB NEWS FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILLIPS APRIL 27, 2017 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS May 10, 2017 DJ HANSEN BRINGS DISC GOLF TO THE AREA May 18, 2017 FORMER GEORGIA-PACIFIC PLANT SOLD TO LOCAL GROUP May 18, 2017 THE STORY BEHIND THE "SHAKE IT OFF" VIDEO May 31, 2017 LOGGERS' GIRLS' SOFTBALL HEADED TO STATE June 8, 2017 ATV FATALITY June 12, 2017 FATAL PLANE CRASH July 1, 2017

NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 2 "PHILLIPS IS NO MORE" - REMEMBERING 40 YEARS AFTER THE "DOWNBURST" July 4, 2017 NEVER GIVE UP: ANNIKA ANGELO FINISHES SECOND AT PAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL POWERLIFTING July 20, 2017 NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 3 RIBBON CUTTING IN PHILLIPS FOR WISCONSIN'S LARGEST SOLAR FIELD August 4, 2017 HWY. 111 NEEDLE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT September 9, 2017 HOUSE FIRE IN PHILLIPS September 9, 2017 STABBING VICTIM IS 26 YEAR OLD MAN September 11, 2017 DRAWDOWN OF LAKES September 15, 2017 LOGGERS HOMECOMING GAME TONIGHT September 29, 2017 SOO LAKE DRAWDOWN October 26, 2017 SUV-SEMI CRASH November 10, 2017 PHILLIPS ELEMENTARY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD November 12, 2017 2017 CHRISTMAS PARADE December 1, 2017 NEWS - PARK FALLS AND FIFIELD FATAL FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF BERNICE H. BERGDORF, 90 March 10, 2017 69-YEAR OLD WIS 182 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT & DETOUR SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH April 12, 2017 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS May 10, 2017 SUV-Pickup Truck Crash November 22, 2017 NEWS - PRENTICE AND OGEMA THREE VEHICLE CRASH IN OGEMA July 27, 2017 15-MONTH OLD CHILD FATALITY IN DRIVEWAY September 4, 2017 OPINIONS - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PRICE COUNTY CARES - DONATIONS NEEDED DONATIONS REQUESTED FOR BILL KOSLOWSKI, MOTORCYCLE / DEER ACCIDENT VICTIM September 6, 2017 BENEFIT FOR TOM MEYER: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 September 15, 2017 CHEQUAMEGON HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACK IN HOSPITAL WITH ILLNESS November 22, 2017 SPOTLIGHT - PEOPLE OF PRICE COUNTY SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, DAVETTE LYNNE HRABAK, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT February 3, 2017 SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, JODY DELASKY March 16, 2017 SPOTLIGHT ON PARK FALLS / BUTTERNUT RESIDENT, EDDIE & TANYA KRAUSE, NEW OWNERS OF TIMBER BREEZE RESORT April 10, 2017 SPOTLIGHT ON PARK FALLS RESIDENT, DANIEL LEITL, MAYOR OF PARK FALLS June 29, 2017 SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, JEAN KLIMOWSKI August 1, 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS THANK YOU FROM DANNY DELASKY July 15, 2017 I can’t tell you how good it feels to be home. I couldn’t appreciate my home and town more than I do now after being gone for 9 weeks. When planning to have a kidney transplant, I never dreamt it would take me on the journey it did. Complication after complication extended my stay and when they couldn’t get my levels to where they needed to be, I stayed longer. Prior to the transplant, we lined up a few people to serve as caretakers, assuming I would only be at Mayo for 3 weeks. I can’t thank all the people enough who stepped up when I had to stay longer. From being a caretaker at Mayo to mowing our lawn and taking care

of our house at home, to watching our dog and visiting me at the hospital, the support was like none other. To the people who helped monetarily, you all outdid yourselves. To the people who sent cards and called me, you all brightened my days. All I can say is THANK YOU. Thank you to my family, friends and our entire community for showing your support, your concern and for being prayer warriors for me. And finally, the biggest thank you of all to my donor. Thank you for giving me a healthy, fully functioning kidney to battle this disease with. Thank you for buying me time and providing me the opportunity to live my life without dialysis. The journey is far from over but would be a lot bumpier without all of you. So, again, from the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU ALL!

SKY'S THE LIMIT: SOME PRICE COUNTY ROOTS WILL BE REPRESENTED AT MISS USA THIS SUNDAY May 13, 2017 Skylar Witte was born and raised in Altoona, Wisconsin. Moving while a junior in high school, she graduated from D.C. Everest High School. Currently, she attends UW-Madison. On September 11, 2016, she was crowed Miss Wisconsin USA 2017. Of importance to Price County is the fact that Skylar's mom is Jesica Retzlaff Witte, who was raised in the Kennan/Catawba area. Jesica was crowned Miss Northwoods 1994. With some exaggeration but gratefulness, Skylar happily says of her mother, "What hasn't she done? She answers my 500 phone calls a day without complaining!" According to SkylarWitte.com, Skylar has spoken to over 8,500 middle school students about goal-setting, achieving dreams, and leading a positive life no matter the adversities. Having started in pageantry while in middle school, she enjoys speaking with that age group. She states that, "If my life has taught me anything it is the only limitations in the world are those which are self-imposed." You can help Skylar advance to the Top 10 with an audience vote. Until noon today, Saturday, you can vote up to ten times on each of the following four platforms: 1. Via the Miss USA voting website: http://www.vote.missusa.com 2. Mobile App: MissU 3. Vodi App Code: misswiusa17 4. Via Twitter (if your Twitter account is public): Create a tweet with two hashtags, #MissUSA and #Wisconsin The live Miss USA competition, being held in Las Vegas, will air on Fox this Sunday, May 14th starting at 7 p.m. CST. You can view Skylar's Miss USA Contestant Profile at http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/contestant/100 0081 NEW DRUNK DRIVING PENALTIES IMPLEMENTED May 25, 2017 In April 2016, Governor Scott Walker signed a law that makes a fourth drunken driving offense a felony regardless of when it is committed. Under the previous law, a fourth offense is only a felony if committed within five years of the last offense. The sentence for fifth and sixth offenses will also increase from three to five years. Seventh, eighth, and ninth offenses will increase from five to seven and a half years. Tenth offenses will have a maximum sentence of a decade behind bars, increasing from seven and a half years. The law went into effect on January 1, 2017. Meanwhile, Wisconsin remains the only state where a first offense is not criminalized. Stay safe by choosing a designated driver when needed. INMATE SUICIDE AT PRICE COUNTY JAIL June 5, 2017 Price County Sheriff, Brian Schmidt, reports an inmate suicide in the Price County Jail. On Monday, June 5th at about 5:09 a.m. a male inmate was found unresponsive in his cell. Lifesaving efforts were performed by jail staff and EMTs from the Central Price County Ambulance Service without success. Personnel from the Price County Sheriff's Office, Central Price County Ambulance Service, and Price County Coroner's Office responded to the call. An investigation is being conducted with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the WI Department of Corrections, and the Price County Coroner's Office. If we receive further information on this matter, we will update this story. Source: Price County Sheriff's Office WISDOT CAUTIONS DRIVERS ABOUT INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR DEER/VEHICLE CRASHES IN JUNE June 12, 2017 Increase in deer activity creates hazards for all motorists - especially motorcyclists Safety officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are cautioning motorists about the increased potential for deer to dart into roadways over the next several weeks. Deer activity typically increases in June as females search for places to give birth and young deer separate from their mothers. While collisions between deer and motor vehicles peak in the fall months, June typically ranks high as a month when motorists are most likely to be injured in vehicle/deer crashes. In each of the last five years, June ranked as the worst or second worst month for motorists’ injuries from deer crashes. “This time of year, we tend to see increases in traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, and deer activity - and that’s a dangerous combination for all motorists, but especially for motorcyclists,” said David Pabst, Director of WisDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Safety. “The best way to avoid deer crashes and injuries is to slow down, buckle up, and if you’re motorcycling - always wear a helmet and other protective gear.” Last year, 11 people were killed in deer-related crashes in Wisconsin - all were motorcyclists. Last year, Wisconsin law enforcement agencies reported 20,413 deer/motor vehicle crashes. Dane County had the most with 1,006, followed by Waukesha County with 871, and Washington County with 766. In Green Lake, Kewaunee, Shawano, Vernon, and Waupaca Counties, more than half of all reported crashes in 2016 involved deer. A county-by-county breakdown of deer/vehicle crashes in Wisconsin last year is available on the WisDOT website. Tips to avoid deer crashes: Be especially vigilant in early morning and evening hours when deer are most active. Slow down and eliminate distractions. Always wear your safety belt - there are fewer and less severe injuries in crashes when all vehicle occupants wear safety belts. If you see a deer along the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the animal away. When one deer appears, look for more. Deer seldom run alone. If you find a deer looming in your headlights, don't expect it to move away. Headlights can confuse a deer and cause the animal to freeze. Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve. Swerving can confuse the deer as to where to run and can also cause you to lose control of your vehicle and result in a much more serious crash. The one exception is if you are operating a motorcycle, in which case you should slow down, brake firmly, and then swerve if necessary to avoid hitting the deer. Try to stay within your lane if at all possible to avoid hitting other objects. If you do hit a deer: Get your vehicle safely off the road if possible, and call law enforcement. It’s generally safest to stay buckled-up inside your vehicle. Walking along the highway is very dangerous as you could be struck by another vehicle. Don’t attempt to move an injured deer.

NEWS - COUNTYWIDE SECTION 1 GOVERNOR WALKER APPROVES BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS AT PRICE COUNTY AIRPORT March 7, 2017 Governor Scott Walker has approved funding totaling $299,832 for building improvements needed on the equipment storage building, as well as the terminal, at the Price County Airport. Stacey Miller, project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Bureau of Aeronautics, says a larger door will be installed on the equipment storage building and the terminal building will be reroofed. The design work has begun and construction should be completed by August 2017. Funds for these projects will come from the state, Price County and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Funding Breakdown: State = $14,992 Price County = $14,992 FAA = $269,848 Airport improvement projects are administered through the WisDOT Bureau of Aeronautics. Price County Airport is one of 97 facilities included in the Wisconsin State Airport System Plan, which makes it eligible for state and federal funding. Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation SPRING 2017 ELECTION RESULTS April 5, 2017 These results are preliminary given the majority of, but not all, precincts were reporting at the time of publication. The current top vote-getters are listed below in the results we have received for contested races. If any changes occur, we will update this list. STATE OF WISCONSIN Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Evers TOWN OF FIFIELD Board Chairperson: Karren Balzar Board Supervisor: James Hintz (161), Jack Wierzba (132) TOWN OF FLAMBEAU Board Supervisor: John Slaby (74), Ronald McLaughlin (45) VILLAGE OF KENNAN President: Jill Arndt Treasurer: Shirley Arndt TOWN OF LAKE Board Supervisor: Larry Reas (156), John Walasek (132) Treasurer: Mary Behreandt CITY OF PARK FALLS Mayor: Daniel Leitl District 4 Alderperson: Michael Mader CITY OF PHILLIPS School Board Area 1: Joe Fox TOWN OF WORCESTER Board Chairperson: Dan Cummings Board Supervisor: Jordan Spacek (298), Mary Lou Kolnik (287) TAILGATE TOUR: ONE TEAM. ONE COMMUNITY. April 5, 2017 Imagine being a student in Prentice or Phillips and being told to assemble in the gymnasium or auditorium. You do so, not expecting anything different than a normal school assembly. And then the Green Bay Packers walk in! Students in all grades at Prentice and Grades 6 through 12 at Phillips, plus residents at The Waterford in Park Falls, were surprised with a visit by half a dozen Green Bay Packers football players on Wednesday. The Packers were on Day 2 of their Play 60 Tailgate Tour. The Prentice Elementary students participated in exercises focused on improving balance and agility. The Packers also discussed the importance of overall fitness. The school assemblies for older students focused on bullying and proper use of social media. "Don't do something to someone else that you wouldn't want to be done to you," Robert Ferguson #89 shared with the Prentice students. Ahman Green #30 explained how bullying on Facebook can have devastating effects for those being bullied and those doing the bullying. The Packers extended their message at the Phillips High School encouraging students to work diligently to achieve their goals. "Don't let others want it more than you want it for yourself," Ryan Longwell #8 stated. Each school received a $2,000 check for its athletic program. Photo by: Brenda Miller US HWY. 8 IMPROVEMENTS SCHEDULED IN PRICE COUNTY April 24, 2017 Work to improve several miles of US 8 between the Jump River Bridge in Catawba and Lustila Road in Brantwood has been scheduled. For the 2.7 million dollar project on US 8 between Miller Road (Prentice) and Lustila Road (Brantwood), work includes resurfacing the highway, installing centerline rumble strips, replacing the approaches to the bridge over the railroad tracks (located one mile west of Lustila Road), reconfiguring the lanes at the interchange with WIS 13 to provide one through lane in each direction with right and left turn lanes, replacing or repairing 26 culverts, replacing guardrails at three bridges, and replacing curb and gutter at spot locations. Starting April 26, motorists can expect to encounter flagging operations and temporary traffic signals. Work on this section is scheduled for completion in mid-July. For the 1.7 million dollar project on US 8 between the Jump River Bridge and Miller Road, work includes resurfacing the highway, installing centerline rumble strips, replacing or repairing nine culverts, replacing guardrails at the Hay Creek box culvert (west of Hay Creek Road), replacing curb and gutter at the County O intersection, and some re-ditching in various locations to promote drainage. Starting on June 1, motorists can expect to encounter flagging operations. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid-August. American Asphalt is the prime contractor for both projects. Eighty percent of each project will be paid with federal transportation funds, and the remaining twenty percent will be paid with state transportation funds. Construction schedules are dependent on favorable weather conditions and construction status. FLAMBEAU RIVER FEATURED ON TV May 7, 2017 The Flambeau River will be featured on this weekend's episode of "Discover Wisconsin." "Northwoods Fun on the Flambeau River" will air at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6th and 5 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 7th. A My Price County reader tells us it will also air at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday on WAOW News Line 9. Please check your listings for exact times in your location. Hosts Mariah Haberman and Jake Zimmerman start the episode on the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River, sightseeing, fishing, and visiting the Smith Lake County Park. They then voyage down the river to Sawyer County, visiting the Winter Greenhouse and target-shooting from a canoe. After stopping in Ladysmith, the episode ends at the Flambeau River State Forest on the rapids of Slough Gundy. The episode is available on-line at http://discoverwisconsin.com/destinations/northwood s-fun-flambeau-river/

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES IN PRICE COUNTY August 21, 2017 OGEMA: AUGUST 21, 2017 Beginning on Monday, August 21st and extending through early October, replacement of a deteriorated culvert on WIS 86, between WIS 13 and County G in Ogema, will take place. WIS 86 will be closed at Holmes Creek during the project. Traffic will be detoured via WIS 13 and County G. "Lunda Construction Company, Inc., is the prime contractor for the $423,000 project. Crews will replace the current pipe culvert at Holmes Creek with a concrete box culvert," according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. State transportation funds will pay for the improvements. PHILLIPS: AUGUST 22, 2017 The Price County Highway Department will be replacing a culvert in the on Short Cut Road in the Township of Flambeau. Short Cut Road will be closed to all traffic between Deer Creek Road and State Highway 13 from 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. as the Hwy. 13 and Short Cut Road intersection will be impassable. You will need to use an alternate route, such as County Road F or Deer Creek Road. BRANTWOOD: AUGUST 22, 2017 Through August 24th, the Price County Highway Department will be replacing culverts and ditching in the Town of Spirit on Hwy. YY, which will be closed to all traffic between Ball Park Road and State Hwy. 102 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. You will need to use an alternate route. PHILLIPS: SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 Jobes Dam will receive repairs that should be completed by October. To facilitate repairs, a six foot draw down will take place, which will affect the Phillips Chain of Lakes, including Long Lake, Wilson Flowage, Elk Lake, and Lake Duroy. Starting on September 5th, the water level will drop six inches per day to prevent potential fish entrapment. Once construction is complete, the level will fill at a rate of six inches per day, as well, with normal levels being reestablished by mid-October, weather permitting. The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind any residents planning to perform shoreline repairs during the draw down to be sure to acquire proper permitting prior to beginning any repairs. For permitting information, you can contact Doug Cassina, Water Management Specialist, at 715-634-7463. PARK FALLS: ONGOING The WIS 182 bridge on the North Fork of the Flambeau River is undergoing replacement with a completion target date of late October. KEVIN KLEIN IS NEW PRICE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE October 31, 2017 With the retirement of Judge Douglas T. Fox, Governor Scott Walker has appointed Attorney Kevin Klein to serve as a judge on the Price County Circuit Court. Governor Walker stated, “Kevin Klein will serve the people well on the Price County Circuit Court. Klein brings an incredible breadth of professional and community service experience to the Price County bench. His achievements and his commitment to the rule of law give me great confidence that he will make an excellent judge.” Klein received his undergraduate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Living and working in Price County since the early 1980s, his achievements include extensive experience in civil and criminal law as a general practice and trial lawyer. Active in the State Bar of Wisconsin, he served on the Board of Governors and as president. For over twenty years, he has also served as president for the Price-Taylor County Bar, and he is currently a Price County Court Commissioner. Judge Douglas T. Fox stated, “Klein has shown himself to be competent in the law, temperate in his demeanor, and respectful to other lawyers, litigants, and the court. He possesses all the necessary qualifications to serve as a Circuit Judge.” STATE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE FROM PRICE COUNTY November 14, 2017 Governor Scott Walker announced the 2017 State Capitol Christmas tree, which will be on display in the rotunda of the Capitol during the holiday season, is coming from the Town of Emery in Price County. The 40-foot balsam fir is being donated by Jim Ryf. It will arrive at the Capitol on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 and be displayed after Thanksgiving. “This year’s State Capitol Christmas tree will have the added privilege of honoring the Capitol’s centennial with ornaments from school children around the state,” Governor Walker said. “We thank Jim Ryf for donating this tree and are looking forward to seeing it decorated.” This year's theme is the Capitol's 100th birthday. TOURISM DEPARTMENT SAVED FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR November 15, 2017 At the annual budget meeting on Tuesday, County Board supervisors voted 8 to 4 to keep full funding ($107,000) of the tourism department. A pre-meeting draft budget had the department being eliminated, a suggestion by Nick Trimner, county administrator, and also supported by four supervisors. Based on data, they felt that the county wasn't getting its money's worth from the tourism department. This tourism department elimination plan would have saved the county about $70,000 with $15,000 going to the Park Falls and Phillips Chambers of Commerce to offset the loss of the tourism department. Supervisor Bob Kopisch stated, "I think we can do better. I think continuing to do it the way we're doing it isn't going to make it happen. I think there's potential here to do something different. I just don't understand what the real issue is. Why are we being so protective of not taking a chance of doing something differently and possibly get some gain out of it?" The money to fund the tourism department will come from the general fund.

NEWS - COUNTYWIDE SECTION 2 FREE ADMISSION TO COMMUNITY FUN DAY June 19, 2017 If you need something fun and free to do on Saturday, June 24th, look no farther than the Price County Fairgrounds in Phillips. The Community Fun Day event will start at 8 a.m. with registration of the Color the Fair 5K run/walk. The event begins at 9 a.m. Slip 'n slide kickball is a team event that begins at 11 a.m. Teams of six to nine people are needed, so gather your group, and enjoy some fun teamwork. There will be a horse show at noon. Topping off the fun is a 2 p.m. central Wisconsin ATV/lawn mower pull in the grandstands. Food, beverages, a beer tent, and vendors will be on- site. All proceeds of food and drink go to bringing you a better Price County Fair in August, so please share this free event with your friends to make the community aware of it. MONSTER TRUCK SHOW AT THIS YEAR'S PRICE COUNTY FAIR; EXHIBITOR DEADLINE TODAY July 17, 2017 Are you ready for an exciting addition to the Price County Fair? The All Star Monster Truck Tour is making its debut appearance on Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th. “The line-up of all-star monster trucks is huge,” said Kristy Reichert, fair board member and entertainment chairman. “Some of the biggest all-star monster trucks from all across the nation will converge on Phillips to battle in a jaw-dropping best trick competition, wide open racing, and no rules / no holds barred freestyle throw down. According to Kristy, participating in the show will be the first monster truck to successfully complete a backflip in front of a live audience; Larry Quick’s Ghost Ryder, a former national points series champion known for driving his wild 1968 Ford Fastback Mustang to the limits; Larry’s wife, Shannon Quick, will be in the hot pink Girl Power monster truck; and Jeff Gottwald’s, Illuminator, the world’s only glow-in-the-dark monster truck. Along with the monster trucks, there will be stunt performances by Wisconsin’s Demolition Devil, Scott Turkiewicz, who will perform the body burn, engulfing himself in 700 degrees of flames as he walked around the arena floor. This exciting addition comes with an $18,000 price tag for the fair, but the fair board members know it will be worth it to bring something new to the community. "We put these events on to make our community happy and to give them something to do here instead of trying to find somewhere else to go to have a good time with their family, their friends, and to make amazing memories with them," shared fair board member, Amanda Seitz. Saturday’s show will have the grandstand gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with a driver meet & greet session for all ticket holders from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are currently $15.50 each and can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/monster-trucks-at-the- fair-tickets-32442748133 Sunday’s show will have the grandstand gates opening at 12:30 p.m. with a driver meet & greet session for all ticket holders from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are currently $15.50 each and can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/monster- trucks-at-the-fair-tickets-32443879517 To see other entertainment that will be at the fair, which is updated regularly, visit http://www.PriceCountyFair.com and “like” their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pricecountyfair. For more information regarding the Monster Truck Show, you can call Kristy Reichert, entertainment chairman of the Price County Fair, at 715-428-2176 or 715-965-2281. ENTRY DEADLINE FOR EXHIBITS As a reminder, if you were planning to make a fair entry this year, today, Monday, July 17th, is the deadline. You can go to the UW-Extension Office until 4:30 p.m. today to get your entries accepted. You can also send them to P.O. Box 123, Phillips, WI 54555, but they need to be postmarked by today, July 17, 2017. 2017 PRICE COUNTY FAIR HAS A REDUCED PRICE ADMISSION OPTION PLUS NEW ENTERTAINMENT August 16, 2017 The 2017 Price County Fair will be held Wednesday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 27th at the Price County Fairgrounds in Phillips. There are two major changes to this year's fair. First, the cost to enter the fair has changed giving people more options. If you want to walk around the fair and take in some of the entertainment and exhibits, you can do so for a lower cost of $5 daily, which includes gate admission without rides. If you want unlimited rides, the cost at the gate is $15 for a day of fun. It's also not too late to purchase season tickets at a rate lower than the daily rate. Ticket prices can be viewed at http://www.pricecountyfair.com/tickets.html Second, the All-Star Monster Truck Show, a new addition to the fair, will take place on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in the grandstand. Saturday’s Monster Truck Show will have the grandstand gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with a driver meet & greet session for all ticket holders from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/monster- trucks-at-the-fair-tickets-32442748133 Sunday’s show will have the grandstand gates opening at 12:30 p.m. with a driver meet & greet session for all ticket holders from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/monster-trucks-at-the- fair-tickets-32443879517 Aside from the Monster Truck Show, additional events and entertainment include various musical acts, 4-H shows, karaoke & UB the Band competitions, lawn mower & ATV pulls, chainsaw carving, a kiddie tractor pull, a butterfly exhibit, and farm olympics. Daily events are listed below, and you can always view the schedule on the fair's website at http://www.pricecountyfair.com/entertainment.html Wednesday, August 23 FREE Gate Admission No Carnival Rides 1 to 7 p.m.: Entry Day & Face to Face Judging (Youth Building) Cans for a Cause Construction Begins (Northwoods Building) Thursday, August 24 Gate admission of $5 (without rides) or $15 (with rides) 9 a.m.: Opening Ceremony 9 a.m.: Poultry Judging (Poultry Building) Noon to 9 p.m.: Non-stop Carnival Rides by K&M Amusements Antique farm equipment display and log school open Noon: DJ Russ (Center Stage) 12:30 p.m.: Movie (Theater) 1 p.m.: Rabbit Judging (Rabbit Building) 5 p.m.: Karaoke Contest (Center Stage) Friday, August 25 - Senior Citizen Day Gate admission of $5 (without rides) or $15 (with rides) 8:30 a.m.: Large Animal Show (Cattle Barn) 11 a.m.: Concertina George Dums Noon to Midnight: Non-stop Carnival Rides by K&M Amusements Antique farm equipment display and log school open Butterfly Exhibit Noon: Senior Meal (Theater) Noon: UB the Band (Center Stage) Noon: Chainsaw Carving 11 a.m.: Senior Meal (Theater) 1 p.m.: 4-H Show (Horse Arena) 2:30 p.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) 5 p.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) 6 p.m.: Lawnmower/ATV Pulls (Grandstand) 7 p.m.: 4-H Market Animal Sale (Cattle Barn) 7 p.m.: Movie (Theater) 8 p.m.: Cruz (Center Stage) Saturday, August 26 - 4-H Day Gate admission of $5 (without rides) or $15 (with rides) 9 a.m.: Dairy Judging (Cattle Barn) 10 a.m.: Open Horse Show (Horse Arena) Noon to Midnight: Non-stop Carnival Rides by K&M Amusements Antique farm equipment display and log school open Butterfly Exhibit Noon: UB the Band: (Center Stage) Noon: Chainsaw Carving 1 p.m.: Movie (Theater) 2:30 p.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) 4 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Pull (Outside of Chapel) 4 p.m.: What It’s Worth (Northwoods Building) at 5 p.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) 7 p.m.: All-Star Monster Truck Show (Grandstand) 7 p.m.: Square Dancing (Cattle Barn) 8 p.m.: Ditch Runners (Center Stage) 8:30 p.m.: Movie (Theater) Sunday, August 27 Gate admission of $5 (without rides) or $15 (with rides) 10 a.m.: Worship Service (Chapel) 11 a.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) Noon to 5 p.m.: Non-stop Carnival Rides by K&M Amusements Antique farm equipment display and log school open Butterfly Exhibit Noon: Chainsaw Carving 1 p.m.: Farm Olympics (Cattle Barn) 2 p.m.: UB the Band (Center Stage) at 3 p.m.: Chainsaw Carving 2 p.m.: All-Star Monster Truck Show (Grandstand) 4 p.m.: Animal exhibits allowed to go home 5 p.m.: All other fair exhibits allowed to go home

STEP BY STEP - THE PHS DANCE TEAM EXCELS February 22, 2017 Photo by Gabrielle Pirtle, Flawless Photography Photo by: Sarah Pisca Photo by: Sarah Pisca Photo by: Sarah Pisca Some high school athletes dream of one day coming back to their small town high school to coach the sport they love. That dream became a reality for Bonnie Calkins when she saw Phillips High School's ad for a head coach for the dance team and was awarded the position in 2014. Bonnie, being the captain of her high school dance team during her sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school, had plenty of experience with dance. Therefore, she was ready to take on the challenge of building a team nearly from scratch, given not many of the girls had any background in dance. In the past, when the middle school had a dance team, the girls would start to learn basic skills at 11 or 12 years of age. With that team no longer in existence, it was up to Bonnie to teach them the basics and beyond at age 14. For the first two years, Bonnie was able to devote her free time to the dance team and craft the girls' skills. Welcoming in the 2016-2017 season, however, she hit a road block when her day job responsibilities were not going to allow her to be available for Monday night practices. Enter Sarah Pisca. She had been a member of the dance team in high school, as well. Two years Bonnie's junior, they were on the team together for two years. Sarah was the captain during her senior year. She had helped with dance camps for the last three years, and Bonnie asked if she would be interested in working with the team, especially on those Monday nights when Bonnie would not be able to attend practice. Sarah happily accepted the offer and took on her responsibilities as assistant coach. Together, they worked with ten high school girls with half of them being first year dancers. That skill set differential did not stop them from working together to advance everyone and being able to perform seven different routines this season. Routines were choreographed by Head Coach Bonnie Calkins, Team Captain Emilee Kress, and Amanda Kadlecek, team member. With all that hard work and determination, though, comes the loss of two of the girls who will graduate this year. Emilee Kress and Amanda Loomis will be passing down the captain and co-captain titles to Amanda Kadlecek and Hailey Klchosky, respectively. "Both [Emilee & Amanda] have been on for four years, three of them with me. They have served as role models and inspiration for the younger girls to be better dancers. They will be greatly missed," Bonnie said, who is having to say good-bye to senior girls for the first time in her coaching career. Sarah added that Emilee & Amanda were showcased in the "Work It" routine that included their own choreography. "They set great examples of leadership for the underclassmen, they inspired the rest of the team to work harder and be better at dance, and they always showed positivity. We are going to miss them greatly." While those two young ladies are held in high regard by their coaches, the rest of the team is also discussed with the same glowing pride. "I was really proud of the girls the first time they performed the "Come Out and Play" routine," Sarah acknowledged. "It was a difficult routine that they were struggling with and didn't think they could pull it off. When they hit the floor to perform, it was flawless. I think that's when they really started believing in themselves and their confidence grew. It gave me goose bumps!" Aside from performing at halftime, they also participated in the Christmas parade for the first time. Plus, the dance team has held a few fundraisers that have also benefitted the area. Fifty-nine children, ages 3 to 12, were taught dance skills at a dance camp. The high school dance team taught the younger children a routine which they performed at halftime of a high school basketball game. The dance team also taught a hula dance at the luau fundraiser at the pool. Bonnie noted, "They are a really great group of girls with a great sense of love for their community." The dance team will also hold fundraisers this summer, including a car wash, to raise money for the team. Money raised will be used for new uniforms, team bonding activities, and a summer camp that the team hopes to attend. "The girls are giving a lot of time out of their schedules to be in dance. They really do enjoy working with children of our community and participating in events," Bonnie added. All the hard work has paid off. The coaches received a lot of compliments with many stating this is the best they have seen the dance team perform in years. "The parents were very supportive of the girls this year, and even had dance mom t-shirts made. The girls worked very hard and were pushed beyond their comfort zones to perform difficult routines," Sarah said. Head Coach Bonnie Calkins added, "I am proud of how my team has grown throughout the years, individually and as a team. They are working together to accomplish goals and all their hard work shows when they perform. I am very proud I get to coach my team. I think they will only get better in the years to come." Bonnie & Sarah are hopeful that spectators attending the basketball games next year will be just as excited to watch the dance team perform as they are to watch the basketball game. The high school girls on the team include Emilee Kress (team captain), Amanda Loomis (co-captain), Katie Willers, Amanda Kadlecek, Hailey Klchosky, Mckenzi Franz, Marin Rose, Kenzie Karnosh, Austyn Kleinhans, and Ashley Jacob. FAB NEWS FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILLIPS APRIL 27, 2017 On April 25th, Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced that 21 school districts throughout the state have been awarded a total of nearly $500,000 in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities. The School District of Phillips is one of the recipients, receiving a $25,000 grant. "Fab labs play a vital role in ensuring that today's students have the skills they need to compete for the jobs On April 25th, Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced that 21 school districts throughout the state have been awarded a total of nearly $500,000 in grants to establish or expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities. The School District of Phillips is one of the recipients, receiving a $25,000 grant.of the 21st century by providing hands- on experience in areas such as design, engineering, and complex problem-solving," said Governor Walker. "This is the latest example of the significant investments we've made in education and workforce development over the last six years to ensure that current and future workers have the skills that are in high demand in the job market." A fab lab is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer-controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and plasma cutters. Through its Fab Lab Grant Program, WEDC is supporting the purchase of fab lab equipment for instructional and educational purposes by elementary, middle, junior, or high school students. 21 school districts are receiving a total of $494,809 in fab lab grants from WEDC. Individual school districts were eligible for up to $25,000 and consortiums of two or more districts were eligible for up to $50,000. The program requires matching funds from each district. WEDC received 69 applications representing over $1.58 million in funding requests. Applications were evaluated based on readiness and long-range planning, curriculum, business and community partnerships, financial need, and previous awards. The review committee consisted of experts from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the Wisconsin Technical College System, and UW-Stout, as well as three WEDC team members. "Wisconsin's fab labs are already making a difference around the state by helping students develop skills that will benefit them regardless of what career path they choose after high school," said WEDC Secretary Hogan. "Fab labs will undoubtedly benefit individual students, school districts, and Wisconsin's economy as a whole." In addition to the funding, WEDC has developed a fab lab resource page for its website that provides districts with information and a video on how to set up and equip a fab lab, how to implement best practices to ensure a successful fab lab, and more. Content for the page was provided by UW-Stout and Gateway Technical College. UW-Stout also received a grant from WEDC for the development of an online tool to increase collaboration and the sharing of resources among Wisconsin fab labs. This is the second round of funding for the Fab Lab Grants and brings the total number of districts receiving grants to 34. Governor Walker's 2015-17 state budget included $500,000 to fund the initial round of grants. In response to an overwhelming number of applications in the first year, WEDC provided another $500,000 for the program, and in May 2016, grants of up to $25,000 were awarded to 25 school districts. Because of the important role that fab labs play in student training and workforce development, Governor Walker's 2017-19 budget proposal calls for another $1 million in fab lab funding over the next two years. This year, WEDC is requiring award participants to make the fab labs accessible to the public, and many schools will offer community members, businesses, and entrepreneurs the opportunity to use the labs after school. This facet of the program is expected to drive innovation and foster economic development throughout the community, WEDC officials say. The Fab Lab Grants Program, which is aimed at preparing students for the workplace, embodies Think-Make-Happen In Wisconsin, a new unifying message that celebrates Wisconsin as a premier destination for business, personal, and professional fulfillment. For more information on the state's fab labs, including resources for teachers, visit www.inwisconsin.com/fablabs

NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 1 ALUMNI PEP BAND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULED January 2, 2017 On Friday, January 13, Phillips High School alumni will join the pep band at the boy's basketball game against Abbotsford. The pep band performance will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. The pep band is under the direction of Ray Knihtila, who stated that if you want to play that evening and need an instrument to do so, you can contact him at rknihtila@phillips.k12.wi.us He will have an instrument ready for you when you arrive. Music will be in front of the band room so that when each alumnus arrives, that person can pick up what is needed before the performance. If any pep band members have requests for certain pep band tunes, contact Ray Knihtila by the 6th of January. "We will play pre-game, full time-outs and at halftime. All alumni are welcome," Knihtila stated, hoping to encourage those interested in playing an instrument and those who just want to come watch a good game of basketball with a little blast from the past filled with good memories. "This is also the night of the football team's chili feed," Knihtila reminded, so this should be a great event for the community. Please share this with your friends so the community can come together on this alumni pep band and chili feed night at the Phillips High School. PICTURE PERFECT - NORTHERN WISCONSIN WINTER January 11, 2017 FATAL CRASH ON COUNTY ROAD D January 19, 2017 Price County Sheriff, Brian S. Schmidt, reports his department is investigating a fatal vehicle crash. At 9:23 a.m. on January 19, 2017, the Price County Sheriff's Office received a call of a vehicle rollover crash on County Road D in the Town of Worcester. The vehicle was traveling on County Road D when it lost control on icy roads, entered the ditch, rolled over, and struck a tree. The lone occupant of the vehicle, Lee J. Harmon, age 32, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff's Office. Responding to the crash were the Price County Sheriff's Office, the Phillips Fire Department, Central Price County Ambulance Service, the Phillips Police Department, Price County Coroner, and Price County Chaplain Service. HAY, HAY, HAY! February 6, 2017 It was the 4th of July in 2012 which marked the birthday and military deployment homecoming of Mike Onchuck’s cousin, Andy, which prompted him and his relatives to make a “Welcome Home, Andy!” greeting with three bales of hay, three red, white, & blue stars, two American flags, and a banner. Little did Mike know that his first encounter with “hay art” would not be his last. His next creation came one year later. This time he used six bales of hay, plus the flags and the stars he had kept from the year prior’s hay art. Getting praise from neighbors, the Onchuck family realized the hay art was a success at making people feel cheerful. His mom, Kathi, saw a smiley face made out of hay, and she asked Mike if he could create something similar. He decided that he could do something like that. Since it was the Winter of 2015, he decided to create a happy-faced snowman. By this time, more than the neighbors were taking notice and showing appreciation. “We definitely have a lot of people make it known that they really like them. People leave notes that they enjoy them, and it’s things like that which make you want to do them again,” Mike said. With spring arriving in 2016, the snowman needed to...melt. “Since it would be simple enough to make some bunny ears and a face, I decided to turn the snowman into a bunny for Easter. I thought that one was the cutest of them all,” Mike shared. Given Mike was on such a roll with making hay art, two of his uncles joked that he needed to make a firecracker for the 4th of July in 2016, and Mike did just that. He was motivated throughout his various hay designs knowing that his nephews (and now his new niece) would enjoy seeing them. Posting each design on his personal Facebook page, friends started to notice and send him a few ideas. In October, one friend shared with him a teddy bear made of hay, asking “Your next project?,” to which Mike replied he would make it if he had the time. When another friend sent him the same picture, somehow he found the time for this Valentine’s Day, and he created the teddy bear in January. “I plan to make a big, red heart and put it on its chest just to give it a little color,” he mentioned. On the first few days of the teddy bear’s existence, it seemed the deer were a bit scared of it and they stayed away. Unfortunately, after a few days, they got used to it and have started feasting on its hay paw given this hay creature is not wrapped in plastic. Even though Mike used very strong, long nails to attach the art to the feet, the deer are finding a way to do a bit of damage, actually pulling one nail completely out and eating some of the hay. While it is unknown how long it will take for the deer to create total destruction, Mike said it took him about fifteen minutes to put the hay together for the teddy bear. “Making all the pieces, like the paws, ears, nose, etc., that took several hours,” Mike shared, but he made sure to give credit to his mom, Kathi, who does most of the artwork as she is really good with painting all the craft pieces and often helps with the creative element. Doing a rough build of all the pieces in his yard helps to make sure it will all go together nicely and easily when he places it out near the road where people can drive by and enjoy it. If you would like to view the Onchuck hay art designs, you can travel down Flemings Rapids Road in Phillips and enjoy the current work of art. Mike said that since the teddy bear was shared on My Price County, he did notice increased traffic last weekend. “It got around in a hurry; word travels fast.” While he doesn’t have any immediate plans for the next hay art project, Mike doesn’t plan to retire from it just yet. “I think at some point we’ll do something again. When we see an idea we like, we’ll do it.” Shown in the photos are Mike (twice) and his sister, Pamela Onchuck, along with their two nephews, Jaxson and Jarrett. Photos provided by Mike Onchuck. NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL NOMINATION February 9, 2017 The Phillips Elementary School has earned its first nomination as a National Blue Ribbon School. The program honors schools that have made vast improvements in closing achievement gaps or that have high performance levels. Elementary principal, Dave Scholz, explained, "Phillips was nominated because we were one of the top schools in the state for the growth in the proficiency rate of students with disabilities, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students compared against the growth in the state rate for each traditionally higher scoring comparison group." Nominated by the state superintendent, Phillips Elementary is one of eight Wisconsin schools and one of just over 300 schools in the nation to receive the nomination this school year. "The Phillips Elementary School students and staff are proud of their nomination for a National Blue Ribbon School award. The administration and teachers at PES have a strong belief in setting high expectations for ourselves as well as our students," Scholz added. To continue the process, the school will need to submit an application to the Department of Education by March 31st. The National Blue Ribbon School winner will be announced in September of this year.

NEVER GIVE UP: ANNIKA ANGELO FINISHES SECOND AT PAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL POWERLIFTING July 20, 2017 Photos by: Luanne Angelo Annika Angelo participated in the Pan American International Powerlifting Competition held on July 6th in Orlando, Florida as a member of the United States National Team. Unlike the open class category, which usually has participation by any adult who wants to enter, the junior and sub-junior classes, where Annika lifted, were by invitation only. Each of those classes had eight lifters, one for each weight division. Annika, however, was asked to lift in the 114 pound class along with another girl rather than have a lifter in one of the other weight classes as the USA team believed having Annika on their team would be a greater asset. In powerlifting, there are three types of lifts, including squat, bench press, and deadlift, and this competition was no different. Participants were given three attempts at each type of lift. The largest amount lifted counted toward their total. At the competition, Annika made six of her nine lifts and lifted a total of 766 pounds. She placed second in her weight class with her teammate placing first. Her team placed first out of all the countries that lifted. Looking at the numbers, she had the eighth best overall bench in the women's equipped category (counting all ages), had the best sub-junior girl bench total, and the second best bench between both sub- junior and junior girls. Annika, coached by Steve & Jan Mealman, followed a dedicated path to reach her goal, and it was not always easy. She has continued on an upward trend since her first squat workout four years ago. "She hyperventilated, couldn't breath, cried; I think she thought she was going to die," Steve recalled. "But here she is today lifting on the Sub Junior National team." Steve continued, "Annika worked hard her first three years of lifting, making it to State and Nationals each year, but she wanted more her senior year. She set high goals for herself. I told her in order to get to those goals she would need to lift all year long." And lift she did. According to Steve, they trained from September 2015 to July 2017, including vacations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring & summer breaks. Annika dedicated herself to her goal, lifting eight to ten hours per week. It wasn't the long hours that Annika found to be the hardest aspect, though. "The hardest part of the training process was losing the weight to compete. However, I learned a lot about diet and nutrition from the process, and I'll definitely be taking that with me to college." Aside from diet and nutrition, Annika learned that a small community often comes together to support their own. "The powerlifting team is a family. Everyone supports and encourages each other to do our best. I've been blessed to have these coaches and teammates in my life. The support from the community was humbling, from monetary to simply coming up and congratulating me. This year the Loggers really pulled through in sports, from regional and sectional champs to advancing to state in various sports, and I'm proud to contribute to that," Annika said. One member of her powerlifting family was Kenzie Svoboda, Annika's lifting partner this year. "Every week Kenzie was an important part of Annika's success," Steve noted. "Often lifters from here might make it to State and possibly to Nationals but only with dedication, drive, and good coaching," Annika's mother, Luanne, mentioned. "Almost every student athlete going to the national level has not just a team coach but a personal trainer and a nutritionist. Annika didn't have that luxury. She did, however, have coaches who believed in her and teammates that pushed her to be her best. While Annika was the one lifting out there on the platform, her coaches put in a lot of time and dedication and extreme belief into Annika. They were there not just for the good times but for the bad ones," Luanne shared with appreciation. "The best part is lifting with the team and watching everyone achieve what they believed was impossible," Annika shared. "You get to know the girls and develop bonds that will last. I especially enjoy traveling the country for lifting at meets. I've made so many friends from all over Wisconsin. The main thing I see at meets is how everyone is friendly and encouraging, even if you're their competition." According to Steve, Annika did her part to encourage others, as well. "Annika was a pleasure to coach. She always did everything we asked of her. She pushed herself and her work ethic was a good example to the other lifters, but even more, she is great at encouraging others to push to be their best." Steve's most prideful coaching moment was Annika getting her third bench try at her last national meet in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Annika explained that she had almost bombed out, meaning she was almost unable to complete three lifts in either squat, bench, or deadlift at a meet. "However, I ended up completing all three of my benches at the NAPF meet, giving me a 198 pound bench. It was an amazing feeling lifting that last bench and making a comeback!" With pride in his prodigy, Steve added, "She then followed up with her 200 pound bench at the Pan American meet!" There is no need to wonder if Annika regrets the sacrifices she had to make to achieve her powerlifting goals. "I would do it again in a heartbeat!" Annika exclaimed. She will be continuing on with lifting at UW- Eau Claire where she will enter collegiate meets with the team there. "Powerlifting has been an important part of my life, and I can't imagine living without it," she summarized. Annika and her family would like to extend a special thank you to all who supported Annika financially through generous donations, physically by being there, and emotionally by sending messages and prayers.

NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 2 "PHILLIPS IS NO MORE" - REMEMBERING 40 YEARS AFTER THE "DOWNBURST" July 4, 2017 Forty years ago on July 4th at 2:55 p.m., around the time the parade will end in downtown Phillips later today, a great storm hit. For anyone who lived here in 1977, they remember the pea soup green color of the sky, the loud freight train sound of the winds, the scared emotions they felt, the compassion of neighbors helping neighbors and strangers helping strangers, and the determination of the area to repair and restore the great City of Phillips. While no one knew what type of "oversized tornado" storm system was hitting Phillips in the moment, it was later learned to be a derecho with downburst winds. Downbursts happen when cool air from a thunderstorm rushes to the ground, producing straight-line winds. This derecho produced winds reaching 100 miles per hour, according to the anemometer at the Price County Airport in Phillips before the anemometer blew away. The 14-hour long storm system started its approximately 800 mile long by 17 mile wide swath of destruction in North Dakota and concluded in Ohio. However, Price, Sawyer, and Oneida Counties in Wisconsin were the hardest hit. Most, if not all, homes in the City of Phillips were damaged with 30-some being total losses. About twenty people were injured. Some community members mentioned a young girl, who was vacationing with her family, being killed at Solberg Park, though we could not find this information in any documentation we reviewed. One death is shown on record in Sawyer County. According to the National Weather Service, 172,000 acres of woodlands were severely damaged or destroyed. In 1977 dollars, the damage was estimated at 24 million dollars. At the time, Wisconsin governor, Martin Schreiber, arrived and stated, "Nowhere have I seen devastation like this in Wisconsin in recent times." Forty years later, some citizens shared their first-hand accounts of that indelible storm. From pets cowering under tables to small children being scared and adults lending a helping hand, everyone was affected by the storm. Dan Hein was in Northern Manitoba the day of the storm. "I was getting some water out of an enormous lake and, looking south at 3 p.m., said to Linda, 'Wow! Look at those thunderclouds all in a chain! Somebody is really getting it today.' Those were clouds of the front that went through Phillips!" Dan added some additional insight about the storm's destruction and likelihood that one will hit an area. "This derecho blew down the entire "Big Block" in the Flambeau State Forest. The Big Block had never been cut. It's trees arched over the Flambeau River on both sides making the river seem it was going through a tunnel. It was awesome! It was the largest stand of northern hardwoods outside of the Appalachians. It all went down in 20 minutes save for the big white pine which withstood the blast. Foresters at the UW have told me they have been studying this storm ever since and have concluded that other derechos have roared through northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota, 'like a tornado on its side,' over and over in the past with the likelihood every area will be hit once in a thousand years. Too bad it had to hit The Big Block. We can rebuild a town, we can replant city trees. In forty years you would hardly know the storm went through, but we cannot restore an entire ancient ecosystem. Driving by, you would never know there had been a storm. Many hardwoods were mostly blown down but not killed. The maples and ash have remained alive and their former side branches have now all grown straight skyward, a real mess for human passage through the forest," Dan added. Robert Larson was at a picnic at Hultman Lake with his wife, Liz, and their infant son, plus the Guzinski family. "The sky turned a horrible rose, yellowish green. We packed up and left. By Stones Lake, a tree blew across the road. We turned around and by Willy Blomberg's another tree blocked the road," Robert said. He added they waited out the storm at Willy's until David Mattson came with a chain saw and opened the road for travel. Midge Nehiba was at her mother's house in Ogema, where she watched the sky turn green. "The mercury in the thermometer visibly dropped. It was time to head south for home," Midge stated. She said her aunt and uncle lived along the river on the north side of Phillips. With about one hundred pine trees covering their property before the storm, every tree perished with the high winds of the day. "My aunt had a big garden and the carrots were pulled right out of the ground and scattered across the garden," she remembered. Weathering a huge storm lying down on the floor of a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville outside of Warga's on South Highway 13 does not sound like fun, but it was reality for Bradley Lietha. "A lighter car would have turned over," he is certain. During the storm, Bradley looked up out the window only to see Warga's roof peeling away. "After it was over, we looked up the street past the bowling alley and saw utter chaos. Campers were tipped over on the street, house roofs [and more] just blown around in the sad aftermath." Bradley remarked that clean-up was tricky as there were a number of chainsaw injuries by folks that had likely never spent much time with a chainsaw in the past, plus chainsaws did not have certain safety features at the time. "I'll never forget that storm," Karen Smart shared. "We were at my in-laws home next door to ours. Friends from Illinois were visiting them. We'd just finished eating when we noticed the green sky to the west. We all agreed we'd better take cover and soon! Into the house [we went], and we stayed upstairs watching the trees in our field snap off. Our son was just 1 1/2 years old. We moved downstairs after about ten minutes and heard the trees falling outside. When it was over, twenty minutes later, we went out to view the damage. A tree was leaning against the house, and Mick and I were really scared our home was severely damaged or gone. We walked home and climbed over trees to get up to the house. Thank God our house was untouched." Karen said lots of branches were down but there was no physical damage to their home. "We went back to the in-laws and had a few people try to get past the house, but the road was entirely blocked. We asked if they had gone through Phillips and they replied, "Phillips is no more." We were without power for 10 days. John and Jerry Fusak came down the road cutting trees and cut up the trees in our driveway. My parents lived in Skokie, Illinois, and I couldn't get a hold of them for several days. It was a life remembering experience." "I'll never forget this," Holly Henderson Ernst admitted, as well. "I was 6 1/2 years old with my parents at Westwood Golf Course. They had out-of-town friends, Gary and Marty Kohl Seymour, visiting and were playing some golf. We were all walking the course. I remember the sky turning green and them saying, "We need to get off the course." We all went in the basement of Westwood but came upstairs briefly. I remember seeing those giant trees being snapped in two. I was so scared for our animals at home." Once the storm had passed, the Hendersons drove their 1969 Buick Electra convertible home, not knowing what they would find. "Power lines and trees were down everywhere. I'll never forget seeing a woman in the bay window of her house praying. That image has stuck with me for many years." Holly added that before the storm hit, the kids would play "tree tag" outside while their parents were socializing inside Westwood. After the storm, the game had to be renamed to "stump tag." Like Holly, Davette Hrabak was a young girl at the time. She remembers it being a super hot, humid July 4th when the sky quickly turned an awful greenish color and the high winds were very loud. "We lived in the country with tons of trees surrounding us. With no basement at the time, there was nowhere to go for shelter, so my mom, Judy Hayton, and I sat huddled on the front porch. I was seven and scared. My mom, who was pregnant with my sister, Lynne, at the time, tried to comfort me. She said, 'Don't worry; it will be okay. The big white pine is still standing.'" Davette said the white pine was so large that her mom would not have been able to fully wrap her arms around the trunk. Not long after Judy comforted Davette with those words, the great white pine fell, and Judy did not share that scary news with her daughter. "After the storm, we went outside and saw the tree was uprooted and landed on my stepfather's spare car in our front yard only about twenty feet from the porch where we had been sitting. My stepfather, Jerry Bohn, had been driving during the storm, knowing he had to get to us, but fearful that he would find us dead. He said the van lifted up off the road while he was driving in the high winds to get to us. We were all very lucky." Davette added that after the storm, power was out for quite a few days. "County Road F towards Phillips had extremely tall pine trees along it, but all were destroyed. People had all kinds of odd stories such as grass blades being shoved through tree trunks, some things in one area being completely destroyed while just a couple feet away fragile things were left unharmed. Volunteers came from all over and helped people clean up. Our small community, with the help of others, banded together and survived." For years, the Downburst Celebration was intertwined with Independence Day activities. While the downburst celebration name was erased from events in recent years, The Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce has brought it back this year with the Downburst Celebration Parade. Many floats will be depicting events surrounding the downburst. You can enjoy the parade from Lake Avenue today, July 4th, at 2 p.m. Enjoy the auction and first-ever, Chalkfest, afterward. The fireworks will be at dusk over Lake Duroy.

SOO LAKE DRAWDOWN October 26, 2017 Beginning on Friday, October 27, minor construction will begin on the Soo Lake boat landing. Weather permitting, the construction work is expected to be finished by October 28th. An 18-inch draw down of Soo Lake is necessary for the repairs. The draw down began on Wednesday, October 25th with a level drop of 6 inches per day to prevent potential fish entrapment. Once construction is complete, the water level will fill at a rate of 6 inches per day. Normal winter pool levels will be re- established by October 30th. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Highway Department's main office at 715-339-3081. SUV-SEMI CRASH November 10, 2017 Price County Sheriff Brian S. Schmidt reported that on November 8, 2017 at about 5:08 p.m., his Department received 911 calls reporting a tractor-trailer versus SUV crash on State Highway 13 near Tower Lane, just south of Phillips in the Township of Worcester. Emergency personnel from the Phillips Fire Department, Central Price County Ambulance Service, Prentice Fire, and EMS Department, and the Price County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene. Tomahawk EMS paramedics and the Life Link III medical helicopter from Rice Lake were also dispatched. Two of the SUV occupants were transported to Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls and the third SUV occupant was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk for treatment of injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured. The matter remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff's Office. Source: Price County Sheriff's Department PHILLIPS ELEMENTARY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD November 12, 2017 On Tuesday, November 7th, Dave Scholz and Tina Gilge, staff at the Phillips Elementary School, attended an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. to accept the National Blue Ribbon School Award for the Phillips Elementary School. The National Blue Ribbon program's purpose is to "honor and bring public attention to American schools for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high academic standards. It is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about effective school leadership and teaching practices." The elementary school is one of 342 schools nationwide, and one of nine in Wisconsin, which earned the award for 2017. State Superintendent Tony Evers commented that "nationwide, only a few schools achieve Blue Ribbon status each year. The Blue Ribbon program recognizes the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for solid student academic achievement in a safe and supportive learning environment." According to Phillips Elementary School principal, Dave Scholz, a keynote speaker at the ceremony stated that college athletes have a 1.7% chance of becoming a professional athlete but only a quarter of a percent of schools receive a Blue Ribbon Award each year. To celebrate this prestigious success, elementary school students will participate in a parade on Monday, November 13th at 2:15 p.m. The parade will start at Maple Street and go to Balsam Street past the courthouse down Lake Avenue. Come cheer on the students & teachers for their great achievements. View the Phillips Elementary School's page on the National Blue Ribbon website, https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinne rs/winning/17wi110pu_phillips_elementary_school.ht ml UPDATE (11/13/2017 at 6:20 p.m.): "This is a championship academically," Dave Scholz, Elementary School Principal, said. Ever wonder what it would look like to see 339 students and school staff parade down Lake Avenue? In this photo, two students hold the National Blue Ribbon School banner at the beginning of the parade. View the National Blue Ribbon School parade video from today, Monday, November 13, 2017 to see the celebration. Photos by: Tara Scholz 2017 CHRISTMAS PARADE December 1, 2017

NEWS - PHILLIPS, KENNAN, CATAWBA SECTION 3 RIBBON CUTTING IN PHILLIPS FOR WISCONSIN'S LARGEST SOLAR FIELD August 4, 2017 If you have driven to Lugerville during 2017, you have likely noticed the developing 22-acre solar field on Short Cut Road. It has been in development since 2015 when landowners, Ken & Sally Denzine, first received a call about the project. The Denzine family has owned the farmland since 1945 when Ken's dad, Galen, bought the acreage. Since that time it has produced crops like corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. As of June 2017, the 2.5 megawatt Flambeau Solar Project has been producing electricity, making it the largest solar field in Wisconsin. On Thursday, August 3rd, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony with participants including those involved in the project. GroSolar, based out of Vermont, designed and constructed the solar array, which covers 138 rows. They will manage the project for the next two years. At that time CMS Enterprises, the owner of the array and a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation from Michigan, will take over. The substation, which distributes the energy, is owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative of La Crosse. Price Electric Cooperative of Phillips will provide that energy to citizens in the Crane Chase region of Phillips. According to the business development manager of Dairyland Power, Craig Harmes, the almost 10,000 solar panels provide power for homes, farms, and businesses in the area. There is enough energy produced at Flambeau Solar Project to power approximately 600 homes. Tim Melm, CMS Energy's development director, added that the panels know the position of the sun at all times given there are solar-powered motors that can move the panels, allowing them to collect as much energy as possible. To view the new solar farm on the northern side of Phillips, drive to the corner of Hwy. F and Short Cut Road. HWY. 111 NEEDLE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT September 9, 2017 According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Hwy. 111, located between Hwy. 13 and US 8, will be receiving a bridge replacement over Needle Creek starting on September 11th and extending into late October. The $420,000 project will cause Hwy. 111 to be closed at Needle Creek and traffic will be detoured via US 8 and Hwy. 13. Larson Construction Company, Inc. is the main contractor. 80 percent of the project will be paid for by federal transportation funds and the remaining 20% will be paid for with state transportation funds. HOUSE FIRE IN PHILLIPS September 9, 2017 During the 1 p.m. hour on Thursday, September 7, a house between Prentice and Phillips, on Elderwood Road in the Town of Worcester, was completely destroyed by fire. Someone at the residence was working in the attached garage when something caught fire. The garage became fully engulfed and the house was also a total loss. Two people were at the home, one of which was taken to Flambeau Hospital to be treated for burns. STABBING VICTIM IS 26 YEAR OLD MAN September 11, 2017 Phillips Police Chief Michael Hauschild reports his department is investigating a stabbing that occurred at a residence in the City of Phillips. On Saturday, September 9, 2017 at approximately 12:13 a.m., the Phillips Police Department received a 911 call of a male that was bleeding at a city residence. Upon law enforcement's arrival, officers found a 26 year old male, identified as Thomas G. Sarnstrom, lying on the living room floor. He had been stabbed multiple times in the stomach. The male victim was transported by the Central Price County Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Officers arrested a 24 year old male, identified as Christopher L. Sarnstrom, at the residence for 2nd Degree Reckless Injury. Christopher Sarnstrom is being held at the Price County Jail. At no time was the public in any danger. Deputies from the Price County Sheriff's Department responded and assisted the Phillips Police Department. Source: Phillips Police Department Press Release DRAWDOWN OF LAKES September 15, 2017 Long Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Duroy, and Wilson Flowage are in the Chain of Lakes that are affected by the drawdown as can be easily seen when viewing the lakes. The drawdown is taking place so that repairs can take place on Jobes Dam starting on Monday, September 18th. Construction should be completed by October. The drawdown of six feet started on September 5th with a drop in water level of six inches per day to prevent potential fish entrapment. Once construction is finished, which is expected to take about two weeks, the water level will fill back at a rate of six inches per day with the normal pool being re-established by mid- October. The Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents who are wanting to perform shoreline repairs during the drawdown to acquire proper permits prior to beginning any repairs. For permitting information, please contact Doug Cassina, Water Management Specialist, at 715-634-7463. Questions or concerns can be shared with Joe Neeb, Dams Keeper, at 715-492-4459 or the Highway Department’s main office at 715-339-3081. Remember that, while it is interesting to view part of the lakes' floors, removing anything that is part of the lakes will change the environment for the fish who use these structures as homes or food sources. Please leave the lake as it is during this process. Photos provided by: Jennifer Ringersma LOGGERS HOMECOMING GAME TONIGHT September 29, 2017 The Phillips Loggers will host the Siren Dragons tonight, Friday, September 29th, at 7 p.m. at Logger Field. The Homecoming queen is Lorren Sauter, sponsored by Girls Cross Country, and the king is Brandon Huettl, sponsored by football. Go, Loggers!

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS May 10, 2017 The Park Falls Home & Sport Show is this weekend. It starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Street work is underway in the downtown area with hopes that paving will begin mid-May. The Hwy. 182 bridge replacement is also scheduled to begin around that time with full closure of the bridge on May 30th. According to a member of the Price County Economic Development Association, BadgerNet is working to get broadband service of 1 gigabyte to all of the schools. The City of Park Falls has received regulation information regarding WITN's poles in the local right- of-way. The City of Park Falls has a utility restriction height of fifty feet, which would conflict, but the Board of Public Works is being contacted regarding this idea. The towers need to be located near utilities and use existing fiber. Timber Breeze has re-opened in Southern Butternut. Stop by for dinner to enjoy some good food and drinks and meet the new owners, Eddie & Tanya Krause. SUV-Pickup Truck Crash November 22, 2017 Price County Sheriff Brian S. Schmidt reported that on November 21, 2017, at about 5:45 p.m., his department received 911 calls reporting a pickup truck versus SUV crash on State Highway 13 near Walnut Street in the Township of Fifield. Emergency personnel from the Fifield Fire Department, Fifield Emergency Medical Responders, Flambeau Hospital Ambulance Service, Central Price County Ambulance Service, and the Price County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene. Spirit, the medical helicopter from Woodruff, and Life Link III, the medical helicopter from Rice Lake, were also dispatched. The driver and passenger of the SUV, and the driver of the pickup truck, were transported to Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls. The matter remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff’s Office. Source: Price County Sheriff's Office

NEWS - PARK FALLS & FIFIELD FATAL FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF BERNICE H. BERGDORF, 90 March 10, 2017 Price County Sheriff, Brian S. Schmidt, reports his department is investigating a fatal fire. On March 10, 2017 at 2:23 a.m., the Price County Sheriff's Office received a call of a fully engulfed residence on Voight Road, in the Township of Fifield. Unfortunately, one individual was found deceased in the residence. Responding to the fire were the Price County Sheriff's Office, the Fifield Fire Department, Park Falls Ambulance Service, State Fire Marshall, and Price County Coroner. The fire remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshall's Office. The victim of the fire was Bernice H. Bergdorf, age 90. Source: Price County Sheriff's Department 69-YEAR OLD WIS 182 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT & DETOUR SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH April 12, 2017 The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is conducting a construction information meeting to discuss this year’s replacement of the WIS 182 bridge over the North Fork of the Flambeau River, located in Park Falls. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Park Falls City Hall at 400 Fourth Avenue South in Park Falls. Local officials, property owners, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. Citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing and require an interpreter may request one by contacting Kristin McHugh, WisDOT Region Communications Manger at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay System (711). Pheifer Brothers Construction is the prime contractor for the $2.8 million project. Work is currently expected to begin as early as mid-May. The bridge will be widened from 24 feet to 36 feet, with two 12-foot lanes and two 6-foot shoulders. The sidewalk on the new bridge will be wider. Aesthetic improvements include decorative railing and decorative street lighting. Crews will also resurface WIS 182 between WIS 13 and Saunders Avenue. When work begins, crews will close the bridge and detour through traffic via WIS 13, WIS 70, and WIS 47. Construction is scheduled for completion in late October. The schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions and construction status. The project will be paid for with a combination of federal, state, and local funds.

15-MONTH OLD CHILD FATALITY IN DRIVEWAY September 4, 2017 Price County Sheriff, Brian S. Schmidt, reports his department is investigating a fatal accident in Ogema. On September 3, 2017 at 5:49 p.m., the Price County Sheriff's Office received a call from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, who reported they had received a 911 call from an unidentified female subject who reported someone had been run over by a vehicle and was bleeding. Officers responded to a location in the Township of Hill from which the 911 call was made. At 6:01 p.m., a second call was received from Taylor County reporting the patient was a 15 month old child who had been run over in the driveway. CPR was in progress at that time. Responding to the incident were the Price County Sheriff's Office, Prentice Ambulance Service and First Responders, Ogema Fire Department and Aspirus Medivac. The child was transported to Aspirus Medford Hospital and later pronounced dead at which time the Price County Coroner's office was notified. Names are not being released at this time pending notification of family members. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Source: Price County Sheriff's Department

NEWS - PRENTICE & OGEMA THREE VEHICLE CRASH IN OGEMA July 27, 2017 Price County Sheriff, Brian S. Schmidt, reports his department is investigating a three vehicle crash. On July 27, 2017 at 10:49 a.m., the Price County Sheriff's Office received a call of a three vehicle crash on State Highway 13 and Johnson Road, in the Township of Ogema. Responding to the crash were the Price County Sheriff's Office, the Prentice and Rib Lake Ambulance Services, the Ogema and Westboro Fire Departments, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and Medivac Air. Three occupants of the vehicles were transported from the scene by ambulance. The accident remains under investigation by the Price County Sheriff's Office. More information will be released as it becomes available. Source: Price County Sheriff's Department

SPOTLIGHT ON PARK FALLS RESIDENT, DANIEL LEITL, MAYOR OF PARK FALLS June 29, 2017 Daniel Leitl was born to Donald & Margret Leitl. He graduated from Park Falls High School in 1987 and later earned an AA in Liberal Arts from West Hills Community College in Lemoore, California. The first thing Dan did after high school graduation, though, was join the Navy in August of 1987. His next 20 years were spent working on F/A-18 aircraft that deployed in 1989, 1990-91, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2004, and 2005 on several different aircraft carriers. “I deployed in support of combat operations for Desert Storm in 1991 and for operations in Bosnia in 1992 and again for Iraq and Afghanistan in 2005,” Dan added. It was in the service where Dan feels his greatest work contributions have been made. “The things we did affected things on a global scale; we shaped history. It may not have seemed like it at the time and things had to fall into place further on down the line from what we on the decks did, but we were a cog on the wheel, and had things broken there, that would have had consequences down the line.” Retiring from his military career in 2007, Dan reflected on some of the most interesting things he has done thanks to the Navy. “For someone that grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, to have circumnavigated the world is interesting. I have been as far north as the Arctic Circle and as far south as southwestern Australia. I have been through the Suez Canal more than a dozen times and set foot on four different continents,” Dan reminisced. During his military career, in 1995, he married Melissa Burl from Saranac Lake, New York. They had two children, Douglas and Kaitlyn. After living in Florida from 2007 to 2009, Dan moved his family back to Park Falls. His children graduated from Park Falls High School. Douglas currently works at Park Falls Hardwoods, and Kaitlyn is attending college at UW- Parkside in Kenosha. She is pursuing a career in law enforcement. Unfortunately, Dan’s wife, Melissa, passed on last year, so he currently lives alone with his two dogs, Jake and Elwood, and his daughter’s two cats. Acting as both a cook and waiter, Dan has found himself busy at the Pal Cafe for the last few years. He continues to work there on the weekends while serving as the newest mayor of the City of Park Falls, being elected to the office this April. Dan was motivated to run for the position of mayor for a couple of reasons. “One of the main reasons is I thought the city needed a change in leadership,” he said. Dan feels that when someone is in office for many years, the person may not look for new solutions to old problems, be too set in ways of doing things, and the thought of change could make the person so nervous that complacency sets in. “I care deeply about Park Falls, and thought I could bring a new perspective to the city government, and I want to push Park Falls to what I remember best about it when I was younger. I also have the advantage of being semi-retired and have the time to devote to the position of mayor,” Dan explained. Even though he knows he may be looking at things with rose-colored glasses, Mayor Leitl has many high hopes and goals for the City of Park Falls. Remembering the many businesses that used to be in place downtown, the large Fourth of July celebrations, Flambeau Rama celebrations, and a very active community, he is hopeful that atmosphere can be created once again. He hopes that good manufacturing businesses, which could provide jobs for growing families, will want to come to Park Falls to help the city grow. “I would like to see the community take pride in Park Falls and show that pride by taking an active part in putting Park Falls back on the map as a great place to live or visit. City Hall can take the lead in that by working with the community groups we have and supporting them and actively promoting the groups and events.” An aging infrastructure and aging population are the greatest challenges of the area as seen by the new mayor. While part of the infrastructure is currently being fixed, there is more to address. As for the aging population, he realizes that causes a lot more people to be on fixed incomes, which can prevent people from maintaining their houses. “There is no quick fix for any of these things. We will continue to work on our infrastructure shortcomings, but, of course, that is expensive, so we will seek out low interest loans and grants to help with that. We are seeking out new businesses to bring to town that hopefully will help both with bringing in new people and helping with our tax base. We are also looking to work with our residents and regional organizations to get no interest deferred loans for home improvement as we have many homes in the area that are in various states of disrepair.” One thing that Dan would like to see is a sense of civic pride in more of the residents. “We need to work to clean our streets and yards, support our local businesses, and support various events in the community.” He stated that everyone needs to take ownership of the city so it can be cared for and improved. “That is not going to be something that city hall can dictate,” he reminded. “It is going to have to come from the citizens. And for that to happen, we are going to need to work together. We can’t have room for egos and playing the blame game. We will need to listen to the ideas of everyone and sort out what will work and what won’t. If something starts slow, we need to stick with it and see it through to success, but at the same time, we need to know when to cut our losses on those things that don’t work.” Dan wants to engage all ages to invigorate Park Falls. “I think our greatest strength is both our potential and our history. For those of us that have lived through what could be considered the heyday of Park Falls, we know how great our little city can be. If we talk with some of the older residents and listen to what used to be, we have the potential to bring some of that back. We have fantastic natural resources all around us. We have experienced people who we can tap for the knowledge we have. We need to get our young people to want to be involved and help with outreach to other youth.” Dan added that the area needs to engage the youth, finding jobs and activities for them, thus giving them reasons to stay in Park Falls and invest in its future. Dan’s best advice for young people who are looking to pursue their goals would be not to doubt themselves. “You may not be able to accomplish everything that you want to do but you still need to fight to do what you can. Take the victories where you can and learn from your defeats. Always remain true to yourself. Don’t let others change your convictions. You know what you believe, what you know is right, and that is no less valid than what others think.” Aside from his mayoral duties, Dan is currently commander of the VFW Post 6903. That group has tried to be more involved in the community in recent years, having a Fourth of July breakfast every year. They also installed six new flagpoles in Nola Cemetery for the Wisconsin, POW/MIA, and service flags. On a more personal level, in the next ten years, Dan sees himself as mostly retired. “I will be just shy of 60, and I want to travel more on my terms and not the military’s. I have never been to Africa and would love to go on safari there.” Photo: Submitted by Mayor Leitl, City of Park Falls SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, JEAN KLIMOWSKI August 1, 2017 Jean Klimowski, fondly known by her nickname of Jeannie, grew up in Colby, Wisconsin where her favorite memory was all the neighborhood kids getting together after chores to play baseball. “I miss the way things were when I was growing up,” she said. Her “guiding light” then and now is God, but if she had to choose someone else, she would choose her parents, brothers, and sisters. After graduating from Colby High School, Jeannie went to Milwaukee Metropolitan Business College. She worked as a keypuncher and then moved on to working secretarial jobs and doing computer work. Her first job was working for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Milwaukee. During her first marriage, she moved to Norfolk, Virginia. She had two children. Lara currently lives in Florida with her husband, Dave. Dana currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, Kelly, and their three children, Cole, a member of the Army, and Caitlyn and Caleb, who are in grade school. After a short time in Virginia, Jeannie and her family moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she worked for a year. Jeannie feels the most interesting thing about herself is that she once lived in Cuba. “My sister also lived there at the same time. I was called to go to work keypunching the second day I was down there. The supervisor went back through the grapevine to find me, because they were short-handed and heard that I could keypunch,” Jeannie explained. She said she has learned many things through life experiences. Next, Jeannie moved to California, working for Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. She moved back to Colby and worked at Voelker Brothers in Marshfield. She then met and married Tom Klimowski, which accounted for her final move to Phillips. For 26 years, she worked in various departments for Price County, including Human Services, the County Clerk's Office, Forestry, and Veterans' Services as a benefit technician, plus she worked for an additional two years with the county as a contracted employee through NTC. The Klimowskis, now married for 34 years, also operated a dairy farm and have one son, John. Jeannie’s favorite vacation memory is one she shares with her son when they were in Italy. She especially enjoyed visiting the Vatican and watching John learn so much. “We went for a walk in Venice crossing little bridges and suddenly found ourselves lost,” Jeannie reminisced. “We spotted some signs that we recognized from earlier in the day and followed them and ended up in a square where we took a boat back to our hotel. That is a fun memory,” Jeannie shared, stating that she looks forward to vacation time with her children and grandchildren. “I feel proud of my kids,” she added. Jeannie’s religious and moral convictions are not only evident in that favorite vacation memory but in many of her interview answers. When asked what superpower she’d most like to have, she replied, “I would not choose any of them. It would be a great responsibility to use them wisely and fairly and I would worry about doing the right thing. Besides, I like the way God made me.” Due to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, Christmas is Jeannie’s favorite holiday. She also likes the beautiful decorations and the fact that everyone is usually in a happy mood. “I love celebrating Christmas with family and friends, one of the major days that we get together during the year,” remarked Jeannie. Her immediate family and friends have brought her the most happiness in life. Also finding happiness in helping others, Jeannie’s favorite quote is, “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,” said by President Kennedy. Her fondness of this quote is exemplified in the organizations she has worked with in our area. For the last 27 years, Jeannie has been the chairman of the Price County Salvation Army (SA). Plus, she is an associate member of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP). While she said it was a difficult question to answer, Jeannie feels her greatest contribution to the community was working with people in need through SA and SVDP. “I also love working with Veterans,” Jeannie added. In that arena, Jeannie was the president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Phillips but currently holds the position of vice president. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Being on the board of directors for Friends of Fred Smith, she helps oversee the restoration of the Wisconsin Concrete Park. She was a religious education teacher for several years. Rounding out her activities, Jeannie belongs to St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church where she participated as a reader and server of Communion until her diagnosis of breast cancer in January of 2016, which is when she also retired from her career with the county. Jeannie feels that younger people should want to live in Price County because, “Phillips is a smaller community with friendly people and a great place to work with great recreational activities available such as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ATVs, a movie theater, community plays, swimming, camping, hiking, golf, etc. It is a great place to raise a family.” Unable to pick the most special thing someone has done for her, Jeannie remarked, “Since my illness, so many people have been so kind to me that it would be impossible to pick one thing....I know I am loved.” Jeannie admitted, “I need all of my family and friends’ support during trying times like during cancer....I hope for a cure for cancer.” If you would like to offer Jeannie some support during her cancer treatments, you can attend her benefit on Saturday, August 5th starting at 1 p.m. at Club 13 in Phillips. There will be a pie auction at 2 p.m. Pies include blueberry, cherry, chocolate peanut butter, coconut, Dutch apple, French silk, grasshopper, peach, pecan, pumpkin, raspberry, and strawberry rhubarb. There will also be two cheesecakes and an almost five pound pina colada cake. Aside from food, several larger items and raffle baskets will be available. If you wish to make a donation before the event, or need further details, you can contact two of the event organizers, Toni Bauer Singsime or Sylvia Kerner. The event’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/events/552182228503831/ Photo by Lynn Neeck

SPOTLIGHT - PEOPLE OF PRICE COUNTY SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, DAVETTE LYNNE HRABAK, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT February 3, 2017 Davette Lynne Hrabak was born at the Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls and raised in Phillips. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a comprehensive major in accounting and business administration. After graduation, she worked for an accounting firm in Park Falls for a number of years. Once the owner retired, she opened her CPA office at 164 South Lake Avenue in Phillips on October 6, 1997, providing various accounting services to individuals and businesses, such as (but not limited to) tax return preparation, business start-up services, bookkeeping, payroll, and consulting. Davette said she moved back to the area after completing college because much of her family lives in Phillips, plus it is a friendly, beautiful place to live. There is a spirit of pride in our community that also drew her back. Plus, the pace of life is more comfortable. "In our area, rush hour traffic is waiting a couple minutes to pull out onto the highway," she said, noting that Phillips is a less stressful place to live than large cities and the commutes are shorter while filled with beautiful scenery. She said she appreciated growing up here where classmates got to know one another and teachers could take time with each student. "You did not get lost in a crowd of huge classes," Davette added. Her wish for young people growing up in this area would be that they realized the value of an adult life in Price County. "The cost of living is more economical, and the area is ripe for growth," Davette stated. "There are many opportunities for people to start a small business and grow it. I would like to see more people that have grown up in Price County stay in Price County." When she was in grade school, she said she would hear people discuss how a person cannot make a living here, and she wishes that idea would get turned around to a more positive one. "To me, that is one of the saddest things to hear. Our area has so much to offer, and for us to stay in existence here, we need to grow. I hear people say there are no good jobs here, but I look at it differently; I see a need for a lot of jobs and occupations. I see many opportunities. If people are taught to look outside the box, if they are taught to brainstorm what our area may be lacking in services and retail, that information provides great insights into what our area needs." She feels that 95 percent or more of occupations can be held in our area, but we need to have people arrive and stay to accomplish such growth. "I think most of the problem is fear," she remarked. "Most of us have heard the quote, 'All we have to fear is fear itself.' Fear is exactly what parents feel for their kids worried about them finding a job, and what all individuals feel when they are going to launch a business, but we all need to remember that fear in this way stops us from meeting our fullest potentials. We cannot let fear drive us; we need to nurture and grow our area." Luckily for Davette, she knew what drove her since she was a little girl. "I always enjoyed math and wanted to stay in the area. When I was about 12 or 13, I learned about accounting and decided that an accountant was what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I did just that." Davette said the two most common questions she gets asked during tax season are about her lion statues and the professional letters behind her name. As for the lion statues, she added those over five years ago when she decided she wanted something decorative outside of her office that would also go with her marketing slogan, 'When it comes to taxes, save the lion's share; enter between the lions to get this special care.' "I feel the lions represent pride, strength, courage, and endurance, all traits that are evident in accounting and in our community, as well," Davette stated. Once she located the lions she wanted, all she needed were pedestals for them to stand on, and those were made with the extra bricks left over from when the front of her office was bricked. Once the lions were in place, her dental hygienist asked her if she had named them, and on the spur of the moment Davette decided they were named Debit and Credit, named after t-accounts, the basic building block of double entry accounting. "Kids and adults love the statues," Davette shared. "They walk by with a smile and some adults and children alike will pat their heads as they pass by." On one 4th of July, she noticed that some parade watchers had put hats on them during the parade, and one day her sister, Lynne, noticed someone had placed a stick in Debit's mouth for him to "chew" on. Davette often notices little kids all about them, getting a picture taken by their parents. She encourages anyone who would like to share their photo to post it on her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/davettelynnehrabak As for the professional "alphabet soup" behind her name, CPA, CFE, CBM, ATA, ATP, ABA, ECS, CGMA stand for Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Business Manager, Accredited Tax Adviser, Accredited Tax Preparer, Accredited Business Accountant, Elder Care Specialist, and Chartered Global Managerial Accountant. Davette said that one of her most notable hobbies is genealogy. She enjoys tracing her family lines, because "there are so many stories and so many eras that people lived in, which makes it all the more interesting." She said it would be difficult to choose which ancestor she would like to meet but decided that since she loves tracing a mystery and discovering more generations, she would have to choose someone from one of the lines where she is at a roadblock so that person could provide more information and she could solve yet another family mystery. You can view Davette’s website at https://www.DavetteLynneHrabak.com SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS RESIDENT, JODY DELASKY March 16, 2017 Jody DeLasky grew up in the Twin Cities area and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in economics. Moving to Price County in 1997, she worked for a local real estate office. In 2005, she and her husband, Wes, purchased a building on the south end of Phillips next to the Super 8 Motel and opened a RE/MAX franchise. Their business currently has four agents and serves all of Price County and beyond. She explained, “Wes and I chose to become part of the most widely recognized, number one real estate franchise worldwide in order to give our small community great exposure and a great experience.” Jody loves what she is doing and would choose real estate as her dream job. “I love my job because it gives me a rare opportunity to see into the lives of others and to be a part of one of the greatest things they will ever do, which is buy or sell a house or vacation property. It is a true blessing.” Ten years from now, Jody hopes to continue to grow her real estate career and assist in further developing the agents that work at RE/MAX. On a personal level, she wants to take time to explore life and enjoy time with her family. Jody and Wes raised their family of five children in Price County. “Three of our five children live and work in the area, and the other two live and work in Wisconsin and are located within five hours, which we are grateful for,” Jody expressed. “We have one grandson and spend as much time with him as we are able. He is 17 months old and is growing fast.” Speaking of her grandchild, Brooks, Jody said the most special thing someone has done for her was when her daughter and son-in-law let her be part of the experience of the birth of her grandson. “This was truly magical, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it.” Clearly, Jody cherishes all of her friends and family. While Jody wishes she lived closer to her parents, she said they have always been her voice of reason whenever she has needed to be redirected on her path. Her “guiding light” is God. Overall, she enjoys having diverse people in her life that will help her learn and grow. She appreciates listening to people when they talk. “I know that I have a lot more to learn and experience in this life,” she shared. Jody feels we are blessed to live in America and enjoys traveling. If she could time travel, she’d like to visit the 1950s. Since she loves warmth and sunshine, a Florida coast is what best suits her, and she has been to many wonderful stopping points in her travels. She said she loves the water so anything that happens on or near a beach is interesting to her. One of the most fun and difficult things Jody has done is train for and complete a mini-triathlon in Minnesota, which involved swimming, biking, and running. Placing fourth in her bracket, she described it as “an absolute blast and test of strength,” and she hopes to compete again and make a better placement. Keeping in the fitness frame of mind, Jody said she would like to see bicycle trails added to Price County to bring more tourism and another fun and safe thing to do in our area. She also said she would love to see more of our main street shops successfully open for business. Jody hopes that young people would consider living in Price County. “Having lived in the Twin Cities, in a suburb, and in a couple of small towns over the years, I feel that our area offers a little bit of everything.” She said she loves that people here are genuine and kind and that her kids had a solid education and were raised with hometown values. The fact that we can shop locally and have a relationship with business owners and those we see at the local cafe or pub is another bonus. Spending time fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, and enjoying our trails and nature in a quiet, quaint and peaceful community also make her feel a sense of community and pride that she can call Price County “home.” SPOTLIGHT ON PARK FALLS / BUTTERNUT RESIDENT, EDDIE & TANYA KRAUSE, NEW OWNERS OF TIMBER BREEZE RESORT April 10, 2017 Eddie Krause grew up in West Bend as the eldest of four siblings. He attended West Bend East but graduated from Martin Luther King High School in Milwaukee. He received further education, obtaining his ASE Certification for automotive repair. His wife, Tanya, grew up on a dairy farm, the eldest of three siblings. Graduating from Random Lake High School, she studied at Martin School of Hair Design in Manitowoc to become a hair stylist. Since marrying 23 years ago this coming May, their entrepreneurial spirits have led them on a diverse path of careers. Not only was Tanya a hair stylist, but the couple also had various businesses, including a landscaping service, automotive garage, used car lot, towing company, motel, and storage units. Before moving to Price County on February 23rd, they owned and operated a 228 unit hotel in Wisconsin Dells. With work ingrained in their spirits, they took their first vacation to the Caribbean 13 years into their marriage. “The cruise was a fun time,” Tanya reminisced and then joked, “Since we are coming up on the next 13 years, perhaps we will take another vacation in the near future!” Wanting a change of pace in their daily lives, they considered purchasing a campground as their new business pursuit. In their research, they stumbled upon Timber Breeze Resort in southern Butternut, came up to look at it the end of November 2016, and made an offer on December 1st. “We were looking to simplify our life, and the Northwoods seemed to be the answer. Whether working at Timber Breeze or out on beautiful Butternut Lake, we look forward to enjoying our time together. I might even catch a musky or walleye!” Tanya deciding, admitting she had not fished since she was about twelve. “Being from a small town, I like that everyone is friendly. I like that when you drive down the road, people wave. We are down to Earth people, too,” she stated, which is likely why they were drawn to the feel of a close-knit community. Along with hoping to find time to relax, the couple said they have always been driven in their careers. Since they do not have children, aside from two cat “fur babies,” Mr. Boo & Molly, their businesses have become their big projects where they feel they can really make a difference, hoping to provide a quality service to the community. “We’ve always run our own businesses and been hands-on in all aspects of the businesses,” Eddie said. Eddie & Tanya are planning to change Timber Breeze from the supper club feel it presently has to more of a sports bar. There is a volleyball net outside, plus they plan to add a dart board and pool table, and they would like to welcome league play. During the off- season, they would like to see locals enjoying cribbage and Sheepshead tournaments, if possible. Hoping to open the dining area in May, the menu will consist of burgers, appetizers, chicken sandwiches, broasted chicken, and pizzas. Eddie’s aunt and uncle owned a pizzeria in Milwaukee, where their pizzas were quite popular. Making homemade dough for bread and pizzas, they hope to bring that great-tasting pizza to the northwoods. “We plan to start out simple and see what people like,” Tanya stated. They will expand their menu as time progresses and hope to have theme nights with specials that can be viewed on their events calendar on their website. “I know that we have to make a good old fashioned,” Tanya joked, knowing its importance in Wisconsin. As for entertainment, they welcome ATV enthusiasts and snowmobilers, as Timber Breeze is located right on the trail. They are hoping to showcase local talent who may be interested in acoustic performances or having an open mic night, and they welcome anyone to contact them with suggestions of local talent. “We want Timber Breeze to be a place where families can come together,” Tanya shared. “Growing up in the 1940s or 1950s would have been awesome as it was a time when families did things together, played games in the car on vacation, and there were no electronics. Electronics are supposed to make our lives easier, but I think in many ways they make our lives harder, because we can easily be always connected to work.” Knowing the Northwoods gently mimics that idyllic time period, they are hoping Timber Breeze will be a place for people to disconnect from the pressures of life, enjoy each other, and appreciate family and friends who are like family. Tanya’s mom always told her that every decision a person makes in younger years will follow that person through life, so one better think twice before making a bad decision, plus anything someone wants to truly succeed at in life, that person has to work for to achieve. Those two pieces of advice, and the fact that both her parents instilled a solid work ethic while growing up on a dairy farm, are what she believes have guided her in her business pursuits. “My drive comes from within,” Eddie added. “I have a desire to succeed in whatever I put my mind to.” Tanya said that she and Eddie like to appreciate every day on this beautiful Earth that God created. “From the simplest things of the birds chirping in the morning or the naughty red squirrels that tried to get in my engine,” she laughed, “or the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, it is so peaceful and quiet here.” Their hope is to continue to enjoy every day to the fullest. Photo by: Sandy Preder

CHEQUAMEGON HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACK IN HOSPITAL WITH ILLNESS November 22, 2017 Thomas Harris, the son of Kim Kaletka and big brother to Lexi Harris, is a junior at Chequamegon High School where he enjoys being the school's quarterback, socializing with friends, and actively participating in his schoolwork. Unfortunately, in early November he started not feeling well, which prompted two visits to the emergency room in Park Falls. On November 11th he fell very ill and has been in the Children's Hospital in Marshfield ever since that time. Doctors are trying to determine Thomas' exact condition. "They are looking at a variety of diagnoses," his mother said. "His white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelets are all extremely low. We started one treatment [on Tuesday night] to see how his body responds." Labs have currently been sent as far away as Cincinnati so that doctors can discover how Thomas needs to be treated to cure or manage his illness. His mother was transitioning jobs at the time Thomas fell ill, and she had to leave her former job early to be with her son at the hospital. While she is slated to start her new job on December 5th if all goes well enough with Thomas, the family has been left with no income for much of November. If you would like to help with costs, a family friend has established a GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/thomas-harris-hospital- fund Photos by: Stacie Moller Mollman

PRICE COUNTY CARES - DONATIONS NEEDED DONATIONS REQUESTED FOR BILL KOSLOWSKI, MOTORCYCLE / DEER ACCIDENT VICTIM September 6, 2017 On Friday, August 18th, Bill Koslowski was riding his motorcycle on Short Cut Road near the new solar field. Two deer ran out in front of his motorcycle. He was able to miss the first deer but he hit the second. According to his family and friends, his injuries are significant. He is currently in a coma at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. Bill has been a life-long resident of Phillips and resides in the Lugerville area. He recently retired from the Price County Telephone Company. Family and friends will plan a benefit for Bill in the future. In the meantime, Roger Wanish has set up a fund for Bill Koslowski at Heritage Credit Union should anyone like to make a donation. Also, Roger is offering free corn to anyone at his residence at W7624 Short Cut Road, Phillips. However, Roger's wish is that if you take some corn, you also give a donation to Bill's fund. Some ears of corn are already picked in the wagon, but you are also welcome to enter the field of corn behind the sign and pick your own. Photo of Bill Koslowski was submitted. All other photos by My Price County. BENEFIT FOR TOM MEYER: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 September 15, 2017 Tom Meyer started visiting Phillips as a young boy when his parents purchased a cabin on Soo Lake. When he turned eighteen, he decided to make Phillips his home. As a northwoods resident, he loves gun deer hunting, fishing, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Tom also enjoys woodworking as a hobby. Tom has two daughters, Kayla and Kelsie, 23 year old twins. He works for the Red Apple Development Center helping developmentally disabled people perform jobs at local businesses. Unfortunately, Tom was diagnosed with lymph node cancer in late spring. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. The good news is that Tom's prognosis looks positive. The tricky part of his recovery is that he has to drive about 160 miles five days per week, to and from Marshfield, which has left him unable to work, and he does not have any sick time or disability benefits. A benefit will be held for Tom at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, September 16th at Crane Chase Tavern. There will be a raffle and a DJ. His daughters started a Go Fund Me page to help defray his travel costs and loss of income. If you want to contribute, you can visit http://www.gofundme.com/v2quk-toms-medical-funds Photo by: Kelsie Meyer