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Month: October 2025

WISCONSIN DHS WARNS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN COULD AFFECT STATE FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Steve Dillon

MADISON – Tuesday marked two weeks since the start of the federal government shutdown, which could soon have an impact on Wisconsin’s food assistance programs. Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Health Service are warning residents that come November the FoodShare and Women, Infants and Children programs will lose funding should the government shutdown continue. According to DHS, about 700,000 people in Wisconsin rely on FoodShare, and 59,000 families receive WIC assistance. Both programs are currently funded through the end of October.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 12; OFFICERS ASSIST LISO DEPUTIES TO LOCATE MAN WITH OPEN WARRANT

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending October 12th, the Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents, while officers conducted approximately 31 traffic stops and 81 security checks. There was one report of Disorderly Conduct involving a motor vehicle. There were two reports of theft, one a stolen car and the other a bicycle, three instances of arrest for OWI, one of those a 3rd offense that also included charges for felony bail jumping, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation hold. There was a motor vehicle accident on Friday on…

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FELZKOWSKI TO CONTINUE AS WISCONSIN SENATE PRESIDENT, WON’T SEEK HIGHER OFFICE

Steve Dillon

MADISON – Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski has announced that after thorough consideration of entering a race for a higher office, she has decided to remain in her role representing the state’s 12th District. The Republican State Senator has served in the Senate since 2020, taking on the role of President in January 2025. The Tomahawk native was included in conversations surrounding both the Republican candidate for Governor race and 7th Congressional District seat currently held by Tom Tifffany, who has announced his bid for Governor in the 2026 elections.

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 12; SPEEDER CHARGED WITH OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 53 traffic stops and 26 security checks. There were 19 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday a deputy on patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding on Joe Snow and Mill Rds in the Town of Scott. While speaking with the 39-yr-old male driver from Merrill, the deputy noticed signs of impairment. The driver agreed to sobriety testing, and as a result of those tests was arrested for OWI first offense, and also a second offense of operating without a license for 3…

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MERRILL ACE HARDWARE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO EXPAND, MOVE TO LARGER LOCATION ON EAST SIDE

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Ace Hardware will be moving to a larger location and expanding their operations, as they’ve outgrown their current location on Main St. Owner Bill Babiash stated the move marks an exciting new chapter for the business. “We’re absolutely delighted and excited to have an opportunity to move into the much larger (former) Wisconsin Building Supply building located on the east side of town. We’ve listened to a lot of feedback from the community and this is a win for both the community and us to grow.” The…

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CAR VS DEER STRIKE IN TOWN OF ROCK FALLS ENDS IN ARREST FOR OWI, OTHER CHARGES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF ROCK FALLS – On Sunday October 12th, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol heading N/B on USH 51 near the 217 MM observed what looked like an accident in the S/B lane of USH 51 in the Town of Rock Falls. As the deputy approached the scene a single vehicle was located that was positioned sideways in the roadway blocking both S/B lanes of travel. In speaking with the 43-yr-old female driver from Wind Lake, WI the deputy learned that she had hit a deer and lost…

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TRAFFIC STOP OF INATTENTIVE MOTORIST IN MERRILL ENDS IN OWI 4TH OFFENSE

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – On Friday October 10th, a Merrill Police Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that pulled out in front of an officer, causing the officer to abruptly hit their brakes so they would avoid hitting the vehicle. During the interaction with the driver of the vehicle, the officer noticed signs of impairment. The driver was also found to have a 0.02 Blood Alcohol restriction and was ultimately arrested for OWI 4th offense.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 12

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 31 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,723. There were 27 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident with injuries on State Rd 107 in the Town of Merrill on Sunday (10/12), and an incident involving a smoldering silo on Joe Snow Rd on Thursday (10/9) that was caused by the storage of old silage.

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“OLD SILAGE” CAUSE OF SILO SMOLDERING EVENT IN TOWN OF SCOTT

Steve Dillon

‘ TOWN OF SCOTT – On Thursday evening October 9th, Merrill Fire units responded to the report of a silo that was smoldering on Joe Snow Rd in the Town of Scott. Fire personnel arriving on site met with the owner of the property who confirmed that old silage was the cause. Firefighters successfully determined the hot spot through the use of a thermal imaging camera, allowing them to cool those areas on the silo and remove the silage. Roughly 4,000 gallons of water were used for the cooling process.…

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SCHOOL IS IN SESSION; BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR HEAD LICE

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that with the start-up of the school year comes an increase in cases of head lice, which are common among pre-school and elementary aged children. While lice are a nuisance, they do not pose any danger of further illness or infection. The bugs are typically around the size of a sesame seed, and they can attach to the hair of anyone’s head, whether clean or dirty. Their life cycle is typically around 28 days, but the cycle can repeat itself if left…

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