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Month: October 2025

WISCONSIN AND MISSOURI GROCERY CHAINS MERGER FINALIZED

Steve Dillon

The 1939 Group, the Missouri-based holding company for Schnuck Markets, has finalized its acquisition of Wisconsin-based Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers — known locally as Dave’s County Market in Merrill. The deal was first announced in September. The resulting total store network increases to 164, as the 51 Festival and Hometown locations in Wisconsin are adjoined with 113 Schnuck Markets in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. The merger includes the purchase of shares held by Festival and Hometown CEO Mark Skogen, as well as those held by employees through a stock…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 19 – OFFICERS ARREST MAN AFTER PUSHING HIS WIFE INTO FIREPLACE

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending October 19, the Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents, while officers conducted approximately 41 traffic stops and 43 security checks. A male party was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest after he had pushed his wife into a fireplace and eventually needed to be carried out of the house by officers. There was a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday at the intersection of on E 14th St and N Center Ave. A report of a Public Disturbance on Monday where a person…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERRIFS OFFICE REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 19; UNSAFE DRIVING COMPLAINT LEADS TO FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 30 traffic stops and 15 security checks. There were 18 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday a complaint was received regarding a reckless driver traveling all over the road on USH 51 near CTH S in the Town of Skanawan. A deputy who was sent to the area located a car matching the suspect vehicle, and followed it for a short time noticing similar driving patterns. The deputy completed a traffic stop, and while speaking with the 19-yr-old male driver noticed signs…

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NORTHWOODS ON THE DROUGHT SCALE DUE TO DRY CONDITIONS ACROSS THE REGION

Steve Dillon

This year’s late summer and early fall lack of rainfall has led to near drought conditions over a wide area of Northern Wisconsin. Last Thursday’s US Drought Monitor weekly report classified most of the Northwoods as abnormally dry, which is the first of five stages on their drought scale. The area in focus encompasses all of Lincoln, Oneida, Price, and Langlade Counties as well as southern Vilas County. As the drier conditions continue, the risk of wildfire becomes a greater concern, mainly due to leaf and debris burning during the…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS ARCHERY DEER HUNTING ALLOWED IN CITY LIMITS, WITHIN REGULATIONS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Archery deer season is here, and the Merrill Police Department has received numerous inquiries regarding hunting within the Merrill city limits. It’s important to note that only archery hunting is allowed, as discharging a firearm within the city limits is a crime. Aside from that, there are very few additional city regulations. All archery deer hunting within Merrill is subject to the same rules and regulations set by the Wisconsin DNR, which can be viewed at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/regulations.

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WISCONSIN DWD SHARES CONCERNS WITH NO END IN SITE FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Steve Dillon

MADISON – The federal government shutdown’s impact on Wisconsin workers is drawing attention from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The Department typically releases monthly job data helping many organizations with making important fiscal decisions, however DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said the shutdown is keeping them from completing this process. Pechacek also shared that the almost 8,000 Wisconsin federal employees could feel a significant financial hit should the Trump administration decide to not offer them back pay. Pechacek also stated the Ag industry will feel the impact should the shutdown…

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STATE LEGISLATURE PASSES TWO MAJOR EMS MEASURES

Steve Dillon

MADISON – The passage of two major EMS measures in the Wisconsin Legislature represents a significant boost for the state’s emergency medical community. Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug acknowledged the positive outcome will be felt locally. “Along with other EMS agencies in the state, we are excited to see the legislature pass additional funding improvements for EMS. The recent improvements will one, allow us to utilize funding for additional training of EMS personnel, as well as recovering more money through billing for patients we don’t transport”, stated Klug. This improvement…

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DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE IN TOWN OF MERRILL LEADS TO CONFRONTATION WITH PORTAGE COUNTY DEPUTY, MULTIPLE CHARGES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – On Tuesday October 7th, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to investigate a domestic disturbance situation at an address on Pope Rd in the Town of Merrill.  Upon arrival deputies learned that the 45 year old male suspect from Appleton who had been at the residence a few days was causing a disturbance.  The suspect threatened to harm the victims, who stated he is known to be violent towards them and they had told him he was no longer welcome and needed to leave.  The Sheriff’s…

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WATERFRONT OWNERS URGED TO INSPECT FOR AIS DURING END OF SEASON EQUIPMENT REMOVAL

Steve Dillon

With the arrival of fall and all it’s beauty comes the reality that owners of waterfront properties must remove docks, lifts and boats for the season. As they complete the process, the fun-loving nature enthusiasts are encouraged to inspect for aquatic invasive species, then once they’re identified they should report and remove them and clean all equipment thoroughly. Doing so helps keep waterways free of invaders like the zebra and quagga mussels that attach themselves to structures and watercraft that have spent the summer underwater. Waterfront residents are asked to…

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