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Year: 2025

MERRILL OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL LEAGUE OFFERING SPRING SESSION SIGNUPS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Local residents have an opportunity to get it on the action by joining the Merrill Outdoor Pickleball League. Those interested should go to the Merrill Park and Recreation Facebook page, click on the link provided and sign up for the spring session no later than May 16th. A summer session will also be offered starting in August. Games will be played at the Ott’s Park Courts.

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BURNING PERMITS SUSPENDED AS FIRE DANGER LEVELS CONTINUE TO RISE

Steve Dillon

Fire danger levels are on the rise in Northern Wisconsin. Last week saw high to very high levels aross the Northwoods, as warmer weather, lower humidity and a little to no precipitation set the stage for the increase in risk for fire. The DNR has currently suspended burning permits. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could cause a spark, especially burning debris which is the leading cause of wildfires. Fire danger reports are issued every morning by the DNR.

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CITY OF MERRILL RESIDENTS URGED TO COMPLETE LEAD AND COPPER SURVEY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The City of Merrill is asking residents to complete the Lead and Copper Survey. Upon locating their water meter which is typically located in the basement or crawl space, customers can complete the self-tracking survey on the City’s website under departments, then water utilities. Pictures can then be submitted showing pipe material on both sides of the meter. More information on completing the Lead and Copper survey can be found on the City of Merrill Facebook page.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 11

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 47 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 829. There were 36 EMS calls, and three motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries. There was a trash receptacle fire on South Center Ave in the City of Merrill on Saturday 5/10, and a woodlands fire on Snow Rd in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday 5/7. An individual was removed from a stalled elevator on Grand Ave in the City of Merrill on Tuesday 5/6.

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NORTHWOODS CHAPTER OF THE ICE AGE TRAIL ALLIANCE HOSTING TWO EVENTS IN MAY

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – Friends of Council Grounds has announced that two events are scheduled for Saturday, May 17th. The 4th Annual “Trees for Our Future” community tree planning event is scheduled to begin at 9 AM, while the “Spring Wildflower Hike” will start at 11 AM. Both events are hosted by the Northwoods Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and they will take place in the Merrill High School Forest on Hwy 107 across from New Wood County Park. More information is available on the Friends of Council…

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FATHER / SON CONFRONTATION IN TOWN OF BRADLEY LEADS TO ARREST FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF BRADLEY – On Thursday May 1st, Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Bay Mill Rd in the Town of Bradley regarding a disturbance in progress. A 30-yr-old man and his 53-yr-old Father, both from Tomahawk were engaged in a verbal confrontation. It was learned that the argument ensued from the son being intoxicated so his father took his keys, leading to the confrontation. As a result, Deputies place the son under arrest for disorderly conduct. He was then transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SHORT TERM SUGGESTIONS TO AID WITH CHILD MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The need for Mental Health Care is a growing issue. The average wait time for receiving professional care is 3 months, in most instances longer for children. The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that the Office of Children’s Mental Health offers a list of suggestions for families and caregivers to consider while awaiting children’s mental health services. To explore these resources, visit children.wi.gov/Pages/WhileYouWait.

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NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH BRINGS FOCUS TO LINCOLN COUNTY CHILDREN NEEDING A HOME

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – May is National Foster Care Month. Lincoln County currently has more than 50 children placed in out-of-home care. Foster Care is a home-like environment that is used for temporary placement of children when children are unable to remain in their families home. Information on how to become a foster parent can be obtained by contacting the Lincoln County Department of Social Services at 715-536-6200 or fostercare@co.lincoln.wi.us.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 4

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents last week. There was one call for disorderly conduct.  There were three requests for assistance with probation holds, two instances of theft, and one call where the Department’s K9 unit was requested to assist during a traffic stop and K9 Dasty made a positive alert for drugs and drug paraphernalia. A call was received regarding a scam involving a large sum of money. On Friday May 2nd, officers provided escort for the Merrill Baseball Association kickoff parade. 

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NORTHWOODS UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES VARIED FOR MARCH

Steve Dillon

The most recent unemployment estimates have been released by the Department of Workforce Development, and Northwoods job rates showed a varied trend. Lincoln County saw improvement, dropping from 4.6% to 4.5% in March, while Oneida County’s rate increased from 4.5% to 4.9%. The most significant uptick was in Vilas County, as their jobless rate rose from 5.2% in February to 5.9% in March. Lincoln and Vilas rates were up from 2024, while Oneida was unchanged.. Rates decreased in 54 counties across Wisconsin, while they remained the same in 7 counties.…

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