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Month: July 2025

LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD SET TO VOTE TONIGHT ON RESOLUTION TO POTENTIALLY CLOSE PINE CREST

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Board will vote this evening on a resolution that could begin the process to close Pine Crest permanently. The resolution, passed on a split voice vote by the Administrative and Legislative Committee earlier this month, would instruct the Committee to create a plan and timeline to close Pine Crest by December 31 or earlier if the proposed sale is not completed by August 1, 2025. Members of the local grassroots organization People for Pinecrest have voiced their opposition to the resolution, stating that the measure lacks creativity…

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MATCHING DONATIONS FROM PARK CITY CARES FOUNDATION HELPS DRIVE TOMAHAWK KINSHIP BUILDING FUNDRAISER

Steve Dillon

TOMAHAWK – Support continues to grow for Tomahawk Kinship’s effort to relocate to a larger home for its youth mentorship programs. A recent matching challenge from Park City Credit Union and the Park City Cares Foundation helped drive donations. The foundation pledged to match up to $10,000, a goal the community quickly met—followed by an additional $20,218 in contributions. The funds are part of Kinship’s two-phase campaign to move into a larger space. With Phase 1 complete, the group is set to purchase the former Bradley Bank building. Phase 2…

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NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS JOIN MERRILL AREA AGENCIES

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill and Lincoln County recently welcomed two new law enforcement officers. Deputy Austin Wadzinski recently completed the Sheriff’s Office field training after joining the department in April of 2025. Following four years of service with the Marine Corps and some work in overseas contracting, Wadzinski was previously employed by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. On July 2nd, Officer Boe Nienow (pr Bo Nee-no) was sworn in by the Merrill Police Department. Nienow, a resident of the rural Merrill area attended Wausau…

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MERRILL MAN CHARGED IN 2024 ATTACK PLEADS GUILTY TO TWO CHARGES, FOUR DROPPED

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – A plea agreement has been reached for a man charged in a roadside knife attack that took place in the fall of 2024. 32-yr-old Bradley LaBarge of Merrill was back in court last Thursday for the hearing. LaBarge was arrested in October after an altercation that occurred in the Town of Corning. He had been following a vehicle carrying an ex-girlfriend and another man when the situation escalated and LaBarge sliced the other man with a utility knife. Initially, LaBarge faced six charges. Court records from the hearing…

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HODAG COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL PROVIDES GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, BOOSTS LOCAL ECONOMY

Steve Dillon

RHINELANDER – Country music fans are flocking to Rhinelander as the Hodag Country Music Festival rolls into its 47th year. The annual event brings thousands to the Northwoods with a star-studded lineup that includes Jordan Davis, LoCash, Carly Pearce, Gretchen Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny and even Three Dog Night. Visitors from across the Midwest fill the campgrounds for the four-day celebration, which draws more than 30,000 people each year. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the festival pumps over $10 million into the local economy. It’s also a major fundraiser…

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SUMMER SUN AND HEAT LEADS TO POTENTIAL DISASTER INSIDE VEHICLES

Steve Dillon

Summer sunshine and warmer temperatures can quickly result in potentially fatal conditions inside vehicles. The Lincoln County Health Department is alerting residents to never leave children, elderly adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicle. Temperatures inside parked vehicles spike quickly to unsafe levels for pets and for people. It’s also important to remember that trying to offset the warmer temps by leaving windows opened slightly does NOT significantly decrease the heating rate. Effects tend to be more severe for children, as their bodies have not developed the ability to adequately…

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MERRILL YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL SIGNUPS STILL OPEN, CLOSE ON JULY 18

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Park and Recreation is reminding local families that Flag Football registration for students in 5th & 6th grade is still open but will close effective Friday July 18th. Games will be played 10:30 AM on Saturday mornings at Jay Stadium, beginning September 6th. Cost for registration is $25 per participant. To register, go to the Merrill Park and Rec Facebook page and follow the website address provided.

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NORTHWOODS FENTANYL RING INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN CHARGES FOR MULTIPLE SUSPECTS

Steve Dillon

RHINELANDER – Seven people are facing charges for trafficking fentanyl in the Rhinelander area. Those charged include Jerome Brisby, 40, of Chicago and Lance Reinke, 37, currently held at New Lisbon Correctional, and from Rhinelander Ryan Nest, 40; Joseph LaPuma, 29; Lisa Hooper, 38; Zane Olsen, 27; and Desiree McGinnity, 21. Authorities say the arrests followed a large-scale investigation involving local, state, and regional drug task forces. All seven now face charges for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of fentanyl. Court action is pending.

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ATV CRASH IN TOWN OF PINE RIVER LEADS TO MEDEVAC FOR DRIVER

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF PINE RIVER – Last Wednesday July 2nd, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding and ATV crash with injuries in the Town of Pine River on STH 64 near CTH X. Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies found the ATV had rolled over and there was a male party with a severe head injury. Investigation revealed the ATV ran out of fuel as the driver was searching for a bull calf that had escaped the pasture. While a family member had come to help him pull…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JULY 6

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 11 incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 30 traffic stops and 106 security checks. There were six instances of probation violations, open warrants and bail jumping, and two reports of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct. There was one report of theft, and one arrest for OWI where an individual was found sleeping behind the wheel of a running vehicle. There was one call for a mental health situation where the individual was in possession of a weapon and making threats. Officers located…

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