MERRILL – Temperatures are dropping, and that means heavier and more layers of clothing resulting in an increase in loads of laundry. The Merrill Fire Department is reminding residents to clean your dryer’s lint filter prior to each cycle. The U.S. Fire Administration warns that clothes dryers cause thousands of fires each year. For extra safety, it’s best to have your dryer vent checked and cleaned regularly.
Read MoreMERRILL – The Merrill Chamber of Commerce has announced that effective September 15th, Sarah Brooks will become their new Executive Director. Brooks has served the community as the Chamber’s Office and Member Engagement Manager since March of this year. She will follow current Executive Director Clyde Nelson, who has announced his retirement after 5 years of service effective the end of 2025.
Read MoreIn preparation for multiple hunting season openings in September, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that many mobile-friendly resources are available for them to tap in to. The DNR’s website offers information on topics like hunting regulations, season dates, and hunting hours. A list of public lands open to hunting can also be found on their site. The DNR also reminds game seekers to keep safety at the forefront by treating every firearm as though it is loaded by always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction.
Read MoreMERRILL – Merrill Area Public Schools has announced in cooperation with the Merrill Police Department, they’ve expanded their School Resource Officer program for the 2025-26 school year. Officers Nicole Cimino and John Sass will be serving the district for this term. Founded in 2005, the SRO program initially placed one uniformed officer on duty to oversee both Prairie River Middle and Merrill High Schools supporting staff and students. The program has grown to two officers starting this year to provide greater visibility, consistency, and support across all MAPS facilities. School…
Read MoreTOMAHAWK – On Wednesday August 27th, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol in Tomahawk noticed a vehicle being operated at night without its lights on. The Deputy stopped the vehicle at W Spirit Ave and Railway Streets, and while interacting with the 32-yr-old male driver from Wausau observed evidence of impairment. After admitting to consuming alcohol prior to driving, the driver agreed to sobriety testing, resulting in the deputy placing him under arrest for a first offense OWI. The man was later released to a responsible party.
Read MoreMERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 38 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,506. There were 33 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident with injuries on STH 64 in the Town of Pine River on Tuesday.
Read MoreAs the holiday weekend approaches, the Wisconsin DNR is reminding ATV/UTV drivers there will be a presence of additional law enforcement. The effort is part of the Think Smart Before You Start campaign. DNR wardens and deputies will be monitoring for unsafe behavior and will provide safety tips to drivers. To date, there have been 27 fatal ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin in 2025. In most of those instances drivers were not wearing seatbelts or helmets. Alcohol and speed also contributed to the crashes. Officers will be focusing on potential OWI’s,…
Read MoreMERRILL – During the week ending August 24, the Merrill Police Department responded to five incidents, while officers conducted approximately 38 traffic stops and 112 security checks. There was one report of disorderly conduct, one report of bail jumping, a report of theft, and one hit and run in a commercial parking lot resulting in minor cosmetic damage to the reporting person’s vehicle. On Wednesday, officers respond to a complaint of a driver swerving and striking a curb, The vehicle was located, and officers conducted an investigation for OWI,…
Read MoreLast Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 48 traffic stops and 64 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer, one call where a car struck a bear, and another call where a car hit a goose. On Sunday, August 25th a complaint was received regarding child abuse and neglect at an address in the Town of Scott. The reporting party shared two young girls had gone to a neighbor’s house as they were afraid of being with their 39-yr-old father from Merrill, who was intoxicated. Deputies who…
Read MoreThe WPS foundation’s Rewarding Responders program is on full display across the Northwoods this week as they visit law enforcement, fire, EMS and rescue agencies. The foundation will be providing grants for crucial equipment and safety gear, as well as training. First on the tour was a stop at the Oneida County Airport where they met with the Life Link III medical helicopter, who received funds to purchase a sapphire pump. The infusion pump ensures safe and accurate medication is administered while patients are transported via Life Link. Additional agencies…
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