A Ho-Chunk Nation candidate running for re-election says a tribal member was left confused and frustrated after one of her campaign signs was removed from their yard by a police officer in Black River Falls.

     Phyllis Smoke, who is running to retain her seat as District 1 Seat 1 Legislator, shared the incident online that a tribal member found her campaign sign removed from their yard, with a handwritten note left behind citing a “state law” requiring signs be taken down within seven days after an election.

     The note referenced Wisconsin’s Trans 201.16, which governs the display of political signs related to state elections.

     “Of all the things happening in our communities, why would they put so much attention on a small yard sign?” Smoke wrote. She added that in all her years, she had never seen a sign removed in this manner and stressed that the election is still weeks away.

     The Ho-Chunk Nation General Election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, with absentee ballot requests due by May 24.

     Smoke posted a photo of the handwritten note left behind by the officer, which reads:

     "Per State Law Political signs need TO BE removed 7 days after election. Call PD if you have questions."

     In a statement provided by Police Chief Travis Brown, the department confirmed the incident and clarified that it was the result of confusion following a separate complaint.

     According to Chief Brown, the department had received a report about lingering Donald Trump signs still being displayed beyond the allowed timeframe. Officers were then instructed to remove any signs that appeared to violate the state’s political signage laws.

     One officer mistakenly believed the Ho-Chunk campaign sign was related to a local school board race and removed it under that directive. The sign was not confiscated but left on the property next to the residence along with a note explaining the rule.

     After learning the sign was related to an ongoing tribal election, Chief Brown personally visited the elder tribal member, apologized, and confirmed the sign could remain in place.

     “I advised the elder tribal member it was a mistake,” Brown wrote. “I also advised this was not intentionally done to show any disrespect to the sign, what it represented, or any specific tribal member. I told the elder tribal member that if the sign was put back up it would not be bothered again.”

     The sign has since been restored to the property.