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Month: December 2025

PLAN AHEAD FOR WINTER WEATHER CLEANUP TO REDUCE INJURIES

Steve Dillon

With the increase in winter storms crossing our region, health care experts are urging individuals to plan ahead and proceed with caution to avoid injury while snow shoveling. Aspirus Health Occupational Therapist Nathaniel Kropidlowski explains that improper body mechanics, lack of preparation, and use of broken or poorly designed equipment are leading causes of injuries and accidents when clearing away snow and ice. When folks bend at the waist and attempt to lift the heavy snow, additional stress is placed on the back and shoulders. Kropidlowski recommends warming up by…

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WISCONSIN TO JOIN OTHER STATES IN LAWSUIT OVER GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

Steve Dillon

The State of Wisconsin will join other states in a lawsuit that will challenge federal attempts to limit gender-affirming care. The suit is designed to block the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing a declaration that attempts to limit access to gender-affirming care for young people. Attorney General Josh Kaul says Wisconsin and the nineteen other states that make up the coalition argue that the declaration violates federal statutes by unlawfully changing medical standards without going through the notice and comment process.

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: IN HOME DISPUTE LEADS TO ARREST FOR DOMESTIC DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted twelve traffic stops and 25 security checks. There were four calls involving cars hitting deer.    On Tuesday deputies were dispatched to the Town of Bradley for a domestic disturbance on Erickson Lane that was reportedly physical in nature, involving a husband and wife arguing about a set a keys. Upon arrival deputies spoke with both the individuals, leading to the husband’s arrest for domestic disorderly conduct. He was then taken to the Lincoln County jail and turned over to corrections officers.

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TIMELY AND PROPER CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL AIDS IN FIRE PREVENTION

Steve Dillon

As the Christmas season comes to a close, disposing of Christmas trees becomes a priority. As each day passes, the risk of fire increases for natural trees. The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 150 fires involving Christmas trees happen every year. Trees should be removed from the home as soon as they are undecorated, however officials warn not to simply move it to the garage or lean it against your home as it remains a fire risk. Tree collection and disposal is an option in some communities.…

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CLEAR VENTS OF SNOW, ICE AROUND YOUR HOME TO HELP PREVENT CO POISONING

Steve Dillon

Winter weather can create a hidden danger around your home. Snow and ice can block furnace, dryer, and fireplace vents, allowing carbon monoxide to build up indoors. Officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to clear snow away from vents after winter storms. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas often called a silent killer, making working CO alarms an important safety step in every home. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone outside immediately and call 9-1-1.

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NORTHWOODS RECEIVES FIRST TRUE BLAST OF WINTER LEAVING SOME WITHOUT POWER, ROADS COVERED AND SLICK

Steve Dillon

The Northwoods received a taste of winter’s fury Sunday evening into Monday, as the season’s most significant weather event to date moved across the region. There were even reports of Snow thunder in some areas. More than 1500 residents were still without power as of Noon Monday, most of those in Oneida and Vilas Counties. WPS outages across all of Northeastern Wisconsin reached a total of more than 10,000 customers affected. Icy roads coupled with drifting and blowing snow made for a difficult Monday morning commute. Motorists are urged not…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER STOPPED FOR SPEEDING ARRESTED FOR OWI

Steve Dillon

During the week ending December 21, the Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents, while officers conducted approximately 24 traffic stops and 92 security checks. On Wednesday, an officer observed a vehicle that was going 67 mph in a 25 mph zone. During a traffic stop of the vehicle, the driver showed signs suggesting impairment. Following sobriety testing, the driver was arrested for 1st offense OWI. Other activity included one report of fraud, three instances of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct, one report of theft, an instance of underage possession…

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CITY OF MERRILL LAUNCHING INITIATIVE TO REPLACE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill and the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new program to replace aging holiday lights as part of a “Christmas of the Past” initiative. The city purchased its current LED decorations in 2010, but officials say the lights have now outlived their expected lifespan. The new program allows residents, former residents, civic groups, and businesses to sponsor replacement lights in honor or memory of loved ones, helping update the displays without raising taxes. Around 100 lights will need to be replaced, with installation expected…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: VEHICLE LEFT IN DITCH LEADS TO ARREST FOR OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 12 traffic stops and 25 security checks. There were five calls involving cars hitting deer, and one where a car struck an unknown animal.    On Saturday a deputy was sent to the Town of Wilson regarding a report of a vehicle in the ditch on US Highway 8 near Honey Road. As the deputy was conducting an investigation at the scene, a call was received by the Sheriff’s Office from a business in Tripoli stating the suspected 44-yr-old male driver from Hawkins…

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