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Month: June 2025

WAUSAU SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW LISTING FOR RECENTLY CLOSED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDINGS

Steve Dillon

WAUSAU – The Wausau School District has announced three of four closed elementary schools in the area are now officially for sale. The Hawthorn Hills, Hewitt-Texas and Grant buildings have been listed through broker Tim Wimmer. Per a recent press release, school district leaders will be working closely with Wimmer through the sale process. Asking price for the properties ranges from $250K to $650K. Staff will pack up classrooms and offices during the summer break in preparation of their move to other facilities. The transition should be complete in time…

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WISCONSIN EXPECTING RECORD NUMBERS FOR TRAVEL THIS WEEK

Steve Dillon

With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, a record number of travelers are expected. AAA projects nearly 1.47 million Wisconsin residents will be on the roads this week—a 2.5% increase from last year. Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel at AAA, says the holiday falling on a Friday allows travelers to enjoy a longer weekend and a bit more time away. In the Northwoods, peak traffic is expected northbound on Wednesday, July 2nd, and southbound on Sunday, July 6th. Early morning hours are recommended for smoother travel. Gas prices are…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JUNE 22

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 31 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,083. There were 26 EMS calls. There was one incident involving carbon monoxide, one unintentional smoke detector activation, and one Community Paramedicine Program visit. On Saturday EMS crews responded to a request for mutual aid on County Rd JJ in the Town of Merrill`.

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FIRST HONORARY STREET SIGN FOR 2025 UNVEILED NEAR STANGE PARK

Steve Dillon

The first of five honorary street dedications scheduled for 2025 took place on Monday afternoon at the intersection of East and Merrill Sts in the City of Merrill. Honored at Monday’s tribute was Sgt Carl Schenzel, who died when his B-25 J Bomber that was part of the 501st Bomber Squadron / 345th Bomber Group crashed over the Philippines in 1945. The entire crew onboard that day was lost; no bodies were recovered.   On hand at the event were members of the Schenzel family, along with Mayor Steve Hass…

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LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS 4TH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS FOR FURRY FRIENDS

Steve Dillon

July 4th is soon approaching, and the Lincoln County Humane Society offers some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe during fireworks celebrations. – Keep curtains closed, ceiling fans running, and the tv on to help distract your pet – Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag, and their microchip registration is current – Try a pheromone based plug-in like Canine Calm or Feliway – Walk your dog earlier in the day to reduce stress – Leave new toys or special treats for your…

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PRELIMINARY 2026 BUDGET FIGURES PRESENTED AT RECENT LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD MEETING

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Board got an early look at the preliminary budget during their meeting on Tuesday. Finance Director Heather Marhine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse provided a brief summary. Budget approval is usually finalized in the fall, but the Board’s Finance Committee has been actively working on the 2026 spending plan. The initial draft serves as launching point for upcoming planning efforts as it typically reflects totals well exceeding levy limits. The operating levy for 2026 presented during Tuesday’s meeting was $14.2M. The state-imposed levy is $13M, leaving…

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LINCOLN COUNTY RESIDENTS REMINDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL COOLING CENTERS

Steve Dillon

With temperatures forecast to be in the 90’s along with higher humidity for the coming weekend, the City of Merrill is reminding residents that a list of cooling centers can be found on the City’s Facebook page. A total of twelve (12) centers are available across Lincoln County. Cooling Centers are air-conditioned facilities where County residents are invited to get relief from the heat and humidity during business hours.

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LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING EXERCISES MONDAY

Steve Dillon

Those looking to conduct business at the Lincoln County Service Center this coming Monday should be advised that active threat training exercises will take place throughout the day and could possibly impact some county services. Two training sessions are planned, the first taking place in the morning on the building’s second floor where the County Treasurer,EMS, County Clerk, I.T., Admin, Corporation Counsel, and Emergency Management offices are located. The afternoon session will be held on the ground floor where UW-Extension, Register of Deeds, Forestry, Land Services, Veterans Service, and Maintenance…

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LINCOLN COUNTY OPIOID TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION APPROVED BY COUNTY BOARD

Steve Dillon

In recent years, Lincoln County has received significant funding through nationwide opioid settlement agreements. The money is designated for opioid treatment and prevention. During Tuesday evening’s Lincoln County Board meeting, a recommendation from the opioid settlement task force was approved for utilizing $50,000 for four projects during the next calendar year. Task force grant coordinator Erin Ray shared the funds will be used for increasing access to naloxone, introduction of peer support services, community forums and public education campaigns, and creating a plan focused on reducing child removals involving caregiver…

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DOMESTIC DISPUTE IN PINE RIVER ENDS WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT, BAIL JUMPING CHARGES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF PINE RIVER – Last Friday Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Town of Pine River regarding a disturbance in progress. A 42-yr-old man and 29-yr-old woman were reportedly arguing while she was on a phone call. The reporting party stated she heard what sounded like things breaking and the man and woman arguing with a 4-yr-old in their presence. Upon arrival deputies confirmed an argument had taken place. The woman stated the man was breaking things and was yelling at her young child.…

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