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Month: December 2025

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT; DRIVER HITS BUILDING, ATTACKS OFFICERS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending November 30, the Merrill Police Department responded to nine incidents, while officers conducted approximately 34 traffic stops and 54 security checks. On Friday shortly after 3am Officers followed up on a report of a vehicle hitting a building. When Officers tried to converse with the female driver, she became belligerent and then attacked the Officers. She was arrested for battery to a law enforcement officer, resisting/obstructing an officer, and disorderly conduct. Other activity included three probation violations, an individual taken into custody on an…

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NEW “DISCOVER WISCONSIN” RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS LINCOLN COUNTY TRAIL NETWORK

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County’s extensive trail network is the focus of a new video released through the county’s ongoing partnership with Discover MediaWorks. The three-minute segment, titled “Off the Beaten Path” highlights popular recreation spots including the Harrison Hills ATV and UTV trails, the Ice Age Trail, and the Underdown Trails for mountain biking and cross-country skiing, along with paddling opportunities on the Wisconsin River. The video is available on Discover Wisconsin’s YouTube channel and social platforms adding to a growing collection of Lincoln County features, including a recent Emmy-winning segment on…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT; SLIPPERY ROADS LAND VEHICLE IN PRAIRIE RIVER

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 12 traffic stops and 23 security checks. There were eight calls involving cars hitting deer. On Thanksgiving Day, deputies responded to a report that a vehicle had rolled and rested upside down in the Prairie River in the Town of Russell, resulting in minor injuries to the 51-yr-old male driver from Gleason. The man told deputies he was driving southbound on Prairie Forks Drive and lost control of his vehicle on slippery roads, striking a bridge embankment then going into a roll and…

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MERRILL MAYOR STEVE HASS ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

Steve Dillon

Merrill Mayor Steve Hass announced Monday that he will seek another term in office. Hass shared his decision follows a period of steady progress in the city, pointing to new projects underway, more deliberate decision-making, and a renewed focus on issues residents have identified as priorities. “I am very excited to announce that I am running for re-election as Mayor of the City of Merrill,” Hass said. “We have a lot of great things happening across the city right now—new projects getting off the ground, smarter decisions being made, and…

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MULTIPLE AREA FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO BATTLE TOWN OF PINE RIVER STRUCTURE FIRE

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF PINE RIVER – Last Saturday, Pine River firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at W4008 County Road G in the Town of Pine River, Merrill. The initial report was that an outbuilding housing an automobile was on fire and a 100-gallon propane tank was near the building. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure upon arrival and no parties were present. Firefighters arrived to find the steel-frame outbuilding fully engulfed. In addition to battling the weather, crews contended with a…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT – DOWNED POWER LINE, WATER EVACUATION AMONG THIS WEEKS CALLS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 45 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,997. There were 31 EMS calls. Four motor vehicle accidents occurred in and around the city throughout the week, three of those resulting in injuries. Crews responded to a call regarding a downed power line on South State Street in the City of Merrill on Wednesday, and provided aid during a structure fire in the Town of Pine River on Saturday. There was a water evacuation event on Cedar Street in the…

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THANKSGIVING DAY FIRE DESTROYS HOME IN RHINELANDER

Steve Dillon

A Rhinelander family is left to deal with unimaginable hardship after a catastrophic fire destroyed their home early Thanksgiving morning. Crews from multiple fire departments in the region responded to Lakeshore Drive near Boom Lake to battle the blaze. Pine Lake fire and Rescue officials reported the owner of the home escaped with minor burns, and their two dogs also escaped safely. The home appeared to be a total loss.

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KEEP THE WREATH GREEN CAMPAIGN FOR 2025 ON FULL DISPLAY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department has displayed the wreath for the 2025 Keep the Wreath Green fire prevention campaign. All the bulbs on the wreath are green, except for one white bulb representing fallen firefighters.  Should a structure fire occur in the department’s jurisdiction between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, one of the green bulbs will be swapped out with a red one.   The effort offers an immediate visual cue urging residents to follow simple fire-safety tips—watering real trees, inspecting light cords, and keeping an eye on the…

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2026 BLACK BEAR AND TURKEY SPRING APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 10TH

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that while they may be enjoying the deer firearm season, the deadline to apply for the 2026 black bear and turkey spring hunting seasons is midnight on December 10th. The black bear authorization drawing will be held in February, while the spring turkey season drawing will happen in December. Those selected will be notified via email, or they can check their Go Wild account. Additional information is available on the DNR’s website.

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