Families rush for last-minute back-to-school supplies with rising costs in mind

GRAFTON, Wis. — Even on Labor Day, parking lots across Ozaukee County were crowded with families making final preparations for the new school year.

Many parents, like the Phillips family, were shopping to complete their back-to-school lists just hours before classes resumed.

Ruby Phillips and his younger brother Tommy are both students at Webster Middle School in Cedarburg. Their family made a last-minute trip to pick up a few final back-to-school items.

"I'm excited to go back," Ruby said. "(It's the) last year to prepare for high school... (We got) one folder, a few pens. Just a few things we forgot on the list," Ruby said.

While back-to-school shopping has always been a yearly endeavor for parents, this year's shopping comes amid growing concerns about rising costs. Jackie Phillips,