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Month: July 2025

SOCIAL CONNECTION CAMPAIGN YIELDS MARKED IMPROVEMENT AMONG PARTICIPANTS

Steve Dillon

The results are officially in for the Lincoln County Health Department Social Connection Campaign. The campaign was launched in May in observance of Mental Health Month as an initiative of the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition. Aspirus Health also provided financial support. Focus was given to the positive effect that social connection can have on our mental health. Members of the community were urged to limit screen time, reach out to friends, family and neighbors, help others, and pursue opportunities to engage in their community, providing a way for…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JULY 27

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 19 traffic stops and 107 security checks. There were two instances of theft, and two reports of disorderly conduct and domestic altercation. There was one report of probation violation, and also a report of trespassing. One case of child neglect was also reported.  On Friday July 25th, an individual flagged down officers to report that she had observed a male physically assaulting a female inside a black Honda Civic while the vehicle was in motion.…

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TRAGIC BOATING DEATH OF 11-YEAR OLD MERRILL GIRL TIED TO CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Lincoln County officials have released more information including the identity of the 11-year-old girl who died Sunday on Lake Alexander. The victim has been identified as Maisy Livingston of Merrill. While she was a passenger on a boat, Maisy is suspected to have suffered Carbon Monoxide Toxicity, which caused her to become unconscious and fall from the vessel. Three other individuals from the same boat were taken to various medical facilities for treatment of Carbon Monoxide Toxicity and are currently in stable condition and expected to make a…

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MERRILL CULVER’S SUPPORTS LOCALS THROUGH “COPS AT CULVER’S DAY”

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Culver’s is one of many locations participating in the 9th annual Cops at Culver’s Day today. Officers from the Merrill Police Department and WI State Patrol will be on hand throughout the day. The program provides aid for families and individuals who have come upon hard times due to life events such as a fire in the home, a need for clothing when starting a new job, and fuel costs for families with prolonged medical needs where they’re continually traveling to and from facilities. The one day…

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DRIVER IN CAR CRASH ROLL OVER ARRESTED FOR OWI 3RD OFFENSE

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF HARDING – Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the Town of Harding last Saturday for the report of a car crash with injuries. Deputies learned that the 56-y-old male driver from Gleason crossed the center line while traveling S/B on Tesch Rd. He eventually entered the ditch on the N/B side and went into a roll before hitting a utility pole and breaking it in half, finally coming to rest on the passenger side. After observing signs of impairment, the driver was arrested for OWI 3rd offense.…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JULY 27

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 49 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,313. There were 39 EMS calls. There was one motor vehicle accident with injuries on Pikes Peak Rd in the Town of Pine River on Friday. An emergency water rescue was attempted on Sunday after an 11-yr-old child fell from a boat on Lake Alexander and did not surface. Sonar was used to locate the body. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

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DNR reminds off-road enthusiasts that seatbelts are “the law”

Steve Dillon

While it is a well-known fact that wearing seatbelts in an automobile is the law, not everyone is aware that the same applies when it comes to off-road vehicles. The Wisconsin DNR reminds UTV operators and passengers that buckling up is not just an option, it’s a requirement. While these vehicles are equipped with safety features like roll cages and seatbelts, they are only effective when being used. Twenty of the 23 fatal ATV/UTV crashes that have happened this year occurred in UTV’s and 75% of the victims were not…

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Lincoln COUNTY RESOURCE GUIDE UPDATED BY HEALTHY MINDS COALITION

Steve Dillon

Healthy Minds Lincoln County exists to empower people through outreach, education, and support, with a hope to make navigating resources from the county regarding mental health and substance use easier. To that end a guide has was developed including information on treatment, counseling, recovery support, and helplines in not only Lincoln, but Marathon, Langlade, and Oneida Counties.  Initially created in 2019, the Lincoln County Mental Health and Substance Use Resource Guide was recently updated and posted by the Healthy Minds coalition. Paper copies are available; however an online version can…

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SECOND STREET SIGN DEDICATION FOR 2025 HELD SATURDAY IN MERRILL’S 6TH WARD

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The second dedication of an honorary street sign for 2025 was held at the corner of W Main and Foster Sts in the 6th ward Saturday afternoon. The Historic Preservation Committee chose Charles L. “Loafer” Graap Jr, a Corporal in the Korean War who fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. Graap was the sole Merrill native wounded in the battle, bore the scars of his military service for the remainder of his life. More information from Saturday’s street sign dedication can be found on the Bluejay…

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Body of 11-year-old Child found after fall from boat on Lake Alexander

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF ROCK FALLS – The Lincoln County 911 Dispatch Center received a call for emergency assistance at approximately 3:28 Sunday afternoon stating an 11-yr-old female party had fallen from a boat on Lake Alexander and was missing underwater. The Dispatch Center sent out emergency responders from the Merrill Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Also requested were the Lincoln, Oneida and Marathon County Dive Teams. The Wisconsin DNR, Newbold and Pine Lake Fire Departments also assisted with fan boats. The Merrill Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office…

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