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Year: 2025

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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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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