LINCOLN COUNTY CORONER APPEALS TO COMMUNITY IN EFFORT TO ADDRESS RISE IN COUNTY SUICIDES

In a release sent out yesterday, Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor announced an appeal to the community to be aware of available resources for those experiencing mental health concerns given the spike in suicides in the county in 2025. As of October, eight individuals have taken their lives, with the two most difficult months still ahead for those suffering from depression or mental illness.

“For many, the changing of the seasons means preparing for family traditions, be it outdoor recreation or holiday gatherings over Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, for some the cold weather, the shortened day light hours, and lack of social interaction leads to dark places,” according to Caylor. The County Coroner also noted that Lincoln County has no specific mechanism to point to for gaining an understanding of the root of the problem. She shared that of the eight individuals who took their own life, all but one used a firearm and all but one were male. Caylor went on to state that “most or even none had ever been known to law enforcement for having mental health issues prior to the event. The average age was 39: however, two of the victims were teenagers. One person who took their life in 2025 was a veteran of military service.”

The Lincoln County death review committee meets quarterly in closed session to discuss preventable deaths in Lincoln County. One topic raised at their latest meeting was providing additional resources for mental health needs at the high school level. Merrill Area Public School’s mental health program is amongst the most participated mandatory classes at the High School. Caylor is hopeful that the success their having will spread out to other schools

Resources available include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is answered 24/7 and can also be accessed by texting 838255, and the North Central Health Care Crisis Hotline at 715-845-4326 / 800-799-0122.