Price County Sheriff Wallace Krenzke Recalled

Fair

46°

Feels Like: 43 °
More Weather

Conditions at Wausau Downtown Airport, WI

Posted: Tue 8:21 AM, Aug 25, 2009

A A

Reporter: Mikel Lauber Email

Updated: Wed 7:54 AM, Aug 26, 2009

Back to HomePage

Price County Sheriff Wallace Krenzke Recalled

Price County Sheriff Recall Election Tuesday

Brian Schmidt Elected Price County Sheriff, Krenzke Recalled

Voters in Price County have elected Republican Brian Schmidt Price County Sheriff, recalling Sheriff Wallace Krenzke from office.

Brian Schmidt is currenly a deputy with the Price County Sheriff's Department, and the President of the Village of Prentice. According to the County Clerk, he could be sworn into office as early as September 2nd.

In July, Krenzke beat out two challengers in the primary recall election to move on as the democratic candidate. Independent Darin Baratka was also on the ballot.

Final results are as follows:
With 44 of 44 Wards Reporting:
Wallace Krenzke (D) 1464
Brian Schmidt (R) 1630
Darin Baratka (I) 315

The election was prompted after residents collected enough signatures to recall Sheriff Krenzke in May.

Citizens and agencies say he mismanaged the search for a 70-year-old woman with dementia by delaying the search and refusing help from outside departments.

The woman was found dead in the woods the next morning.

You can see NewsChannel 7's investigation into that search
here

Next Story >

Read Comments

All comments must adhere to the WSAW.com discussion rules.

by proud citizen Location: phillips on Aug 28, 2009 at 06:10 AM

The people have spoken....(Wally's own words)....did the right thing....& gave Wally the infamous, "WALLY WALK." Maybe he can go back to being a security guard by one of his old cronies. Wasn't that on his former resume, to be considered "background experience," for law enforcement? Otherwise he can go work at a bar for one of his friends in the tavern league. They stuck tight with him & he was under the table for them.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by Anonymous on Aug 27, 2009 at 11:54 AM

I agree with Carolyn and wish all the best to the incoming Sheriff; however, it is SHAMEFUL the amount of taxpayer dollars that were WASTED in retailiation for an incident that was of NO FAULT of the outgoing Sheriff. George and the neighbors who did not go to Diane's cries are the one's AT FAULT! Maybe they should be ousted from the county?

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by Price County Taxpayer Location: Park Falls on Aug 26, 2009 at 06:46 PM

Wally is gone.....finally. The people have spoken, and he lost. To say he is gone for good, who knows, since there is a regular election next year for the full term. Here is hoping he stays gone. His term as sheriff was too long, and he was too smug until this came about. Oh, and to "Who Cares", this is just a side note. Brian is a Republican, not a Democrat, so be a little more careful as to who you can call "ignorant". Look in the mirror, apparently what you write about others is what you will see reflected back upon you.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by David Location: Phillips on Aug 26, 2009 at 06:27 PM

Any finally a little justice for the deputy that was wrongly terminated by this corrupt sheriff! Maybe the drunk drivers in Price County better be on alert again!

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by carolyn Location: phillips on Aug 26, 2009 at 03:08 PM

I wish Brian well in this new position. He appears to be a fine young man. I do not believe we had to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars for a recall. It could have waited until the present term was up. What happened to Diane was not any wrongdoing on the sheriff's part. I recently was in charge of my five year old grandson. He was in my care, I had agreed to watch over him. He followed his puppy into the woods and became lost. We heard him calling for help.When you hear a call for help you go. I don't care what obstacles or arrest threats are in your way you go to the aid of the person calling for help.Fortunately we found my grandson. However, had we had to call for help I certainly would not blame the rescue people. He was in my care and I alone am to blame for his being lost. George and the neighbors that heard her pleas for help are to blame. My grandson and Diane should have been watched over much closer than they were.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by John Location: Phillips on Aug 26, 2009 at 07:53 AM

To the 1630 voters who did the right thing, thank you and god bless. Hopefully now the Sheriff's Dept. will have a great leader, one who is competent and compassionate for ALL people, for a good long time. And to Darin "Take a bite out of Taxes" Baratka, thanks for pulling 300 or so votes from Wally, your effort is appreciated. LOL.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by Beth Location: Phillips on Aug 26, 2009 at 07:18 AM

WOW "Don't Matter" sounds like you have had some good run ins with the Law here in Price County or your just Bi Polar who stopped taking their meds.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by proud citizen Location: Phillips on Aug 26, 2009 at 07:12 AM

We are proud here in Phillips to close this ugly chapter & move on to a fresh & open minded NEW Sheriff! You see the people here are much smarter than some may think. We have GOOD hard working people in this county. We wanted a patient, positive, & productive WORKING sheriff. We have this now...CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by Mtn.Man Location: Ogema on Aug 26, 2009 at 05:22 AM

WOW SOUNDS LIKE THAT DUDE SHOULD HAVE RUN FOR THE jOB AS HE thinks HE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.
by Who Cares Location: Dont Matter on Aug 25, 2009 at 01:51 PM

It doesnt matter. The voters in Price County are much too ignorant. It wouldnt matter if Satan himself was running for sheriff, as long he was a democrat, he would win. This county sucks. Between the useless DA, a broken probation system with agents who dont do their jobs, and this sheriff, Price County is a haven for criminals, drunks, and those who victimize others.

[ Report Abuse ]

You have successfully replied to this comment.