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Year: 2025

NORTHWOODS LIBRARIES TO RECEIVE GRANTS FROM CARNEGIE FOUNDATION

Steve Dillon

Several Northwoods libraries will receive $10,000 grants from the Carnegie Foundation as part of a nationwide effort marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Wisconsin once had 65 Carnegie-funded libraries, and two local sites are on the list: the Rhinelander District Library, built in 1903, and Merrill’s TB Scott Free Library. Rhinelander’s director calls the grant a timely boost as they move ahead with a multi-phase renovation and restoration project. Funds from the grants will be awarded in January.

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GENRICH REACHES PLEA AGREEMENT IN RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT CASE

Steve Dillon

An Athens man accused of cutting another man’s brake lines on several occasions has reached a plea agreement. Twenty-four-year-old David Genrich pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree recklessly endangering safety and three counts of criminal damage to property, while five additional charges were dismissed but will be considered at sentencing. Genrich was arrested in April 2023 after investigators linked him to multiple incidents, including surveillance video showing someone matching his description. The plea agreement was reached ahead of a jury trial set for later this month, and sentencing is scheduled…

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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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