MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 31 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,083. There were 26 EMS calls. There was one incident involving carbon monoxide, one unintentional smoke detector activation, and one Community Paramedicine Program visit. On Saturday EMS crews responded to a request for mutual aid on County Rd JJ in the Town of Merrill`.
Read MoreThe first of five honorary street dedications scheduled for 2025 took place on Monday afternoon at the intersection of East and Merrill Sts in the City of Merrill. Honored at Monday’s tribute was Sgt Carl Schenzel, who died when his B-25 J Bomber that was part of the 501st Bomber Squadron / 345th Bomber Group crashed over the Philippines in 1945. The entire crew onboard that day was lost; no bodies were recovered. On hand at the event were members of the Schenzel family, along with Mayor Steve Hass…
Read MoreJuly 4th is soon approaching, and the Lincoln County Humane Society offers some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe during fireworks celebrations. – Keep curtains closed, ceiling fans running, and the tv on to help distract your pet – Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag, and their microchip registration is current – Try a pheromone based plug-in like Canine Calm or Feliway – Walk your dog earlier in the day to reduce stress – Leave new toys or special treats for your…
Read MoreThe Lincoln County Board got an early look at the preliminary budget during their meeting on Tuesday. Finance Director Heather Marhine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse provided a brief summary. Budget approval is usually finalized in the fall, but the Board’s Finance Committee has been actively working on the 2026 spending plan. The initial draft serves as launching point for upcoming planning efforts as it typically reflects totals well exceeding levy limits. The operating levy for 2026 presented during Tuesday’s meeting was $14.2M. The state-imposed levy is $13M, leaving…
Read MoreWith temperatures forecast to be in the 90’s along with higher humidity for the coming weekend, the City of Merrill is reminding residents that a list of cooling centers can be found on the City’s Facebook page. A total of twelve (12) centers are available across Lincoln County. Cooling Centers are air-conditioned facilities where County residents are invited to get relief from the heat and humidity during business hours.
Read MoreThose looking to conduct business at the Lincoln County Service Center this coming Monday should be advised that active threat training exercises will take place throughout the day and could possibly impact some county services. Two training sessions are planned, the first taking place in the morning on the building’s second floor where the County Treasurer,EMS, County Clerk, I.T., Admin, Corporation Counsel, and Emergency Management offices are located. The afternoon session will be held on the ground floor where UW-Extension, Register of Deeds, Forestry, Land Services, Veterans Service, and Maintenance…
Read MoreIn recent years, Lincoln County has received significant funding through nationwide opioid settlement agreements. The money is designated for opioid treatment and prevention. During Tuesday evening’s Lincoln County Board meeting, a recommendation from the opioid settlement task force was approved for utilizing $50,000 for four projects during the next calendar year. Task force grant coordinator Erin Ray shared the funds will be used for increasing access to naloxone, introduction of peer support services, community forums and public education campaigns, and creating a plan focused on reducing child removals involving caregiver…
Read MoreTOWN OF PINE RIVER – Last Friday Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Town of Pine River regarding a disturbance in progress. A 42-yr-old man and 29-yr-old woman were reportedly arguing while she was on a phone call. The reporting party stated she heard what sounded like things breaking and the man and woman arguing with a 4-yr-old in their presence. Upon arrival deputies confirmed an argument had taken place. The woman stated the man was breaking things and was yelling at her young child.…
Read MoreMERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 11 incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 25 traffic stops and 117 security checks. There were two instances of probation violations. and three reports of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct. There was one report of an animal attack stemming from a dog bite, one report of property damage, one instance of theft, and one report of Improper sales solicitation within City limits that violated an ordinance. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of an individual who was unresponsive due to asphyxiation,…
Read MoreMERRILL – The Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office have recently welcomed new Law Enforcement officers to their respective teams. The Police Department announced the onboarding of Officers Emily Treglowne, a recent graduate of MidState Technical College, and Benjamin Smith, a graduate of Northcentral Tech. Their first day with the force was Wednesday June 11th. New Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Budzynski graduated from the Nicolet Law Enforcement Academy on Friday June 13th. Budzynski was a recipient of the Academy’s Top Gun and Fitness awards. He began the agency’s…
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