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Year: 2025

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REMINDS RESIDENTS OF WINTER UTILITY MORATORIUM END

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is reminding residents that the annual winter moratorium on utility disconnections comes to a close on April 15th. Natural gas and electric customers who have outstanding bills are urged to make payment arrangements or apply for financial assistance now. The annual moratorium blocks utility companies from turning off residential heat due to unpaid bills, but disconnections can resume after April 15 if no payment plans are in place. Residents needing assistance should contact their utility provider to set up a payment plan or to determine eligibility…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT WEEK ENDING MARCH 23

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY- Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 44 traffic stops, 31 security checks, and there were three calls involving cars hitting deer. There were 13 reports of unsafe driving. On Saturday March 22nd, deputies were dispatched to the N600 block of CTH X in the Town of Pine River regarding a one vehicle crash with injuries. The driver of the vehicle ran off the road and struck a pile of trees. The 79-year-old male driver and 78-year-old female passenger from Antigo both sustained minor injuries. They were transported…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES NEW PROMOTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Dept announced that effective yesterday. Monday Mar 24th three promotions or new assignments took place to fill vacancies that resulted from recent retirements. Former Detective Lieutenant Don Seubert, who joined the department in 1995 and has served in numerous roles, was promoted to Captain. Lt Tyler Tesch started with the department in 2007 and has also served in a number of different positions. Tesch was assigned to the Detective Bureau, moving from Patrol Lieutenant to Detective Lieutenant and is also very involved in his role as…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MARCH 23

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 41 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 538. There were 36 EMS calls, and there was one call regarding a natural gas leak on East Main St in the City of Merrill on Monday Mar 17th. There were two motor vehicle accidents on Sunday March 23rd, the first on North Center Ave in the City of Merrill which resulted in injuries. The second took place at the 210mm of S/B USH 51 in the Town of Merrill and no…

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MARCH 31 DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR DOG LICENSES IN LINCOLN COUNTY

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – Dog owners in Lincoln County have until March 31st to purchase a license for their furry pet. The cost for a spayed or neutered dog is $10, unaltered is $30. Beginning April 1st, the cost increases to $25 and $65 respectively. A rabies certificate is required for purchase. Dog licenses must be renewed annually and can be purchased through your municipality’s Town Treasurer. A list of contacts by municipality can be found on the Lincoln County Humane Society Facebook page.

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LINCOLN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERING ARSENIC TESTING

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department will be offering Arsenic testing during the month of April, for a cost of $40. High levels of arsenic exposure may raise the risk of certain cancers, harm the nervous system, contribute to diabetes, and affect children’s learning and development. More information on having your water tested for Arsenic can be found at co.lincoln.wi.us/health.

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD APPROVES NEW CONSERVATION SPECIALIST ROLE

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – A newly created position was approved via voice vote by Lincoln County supervisors during last Tuesday’s County Board meeting. The Conservation Specialist role will focus on enhancing conservation programs, especially those focused on sustainable agriculture. This involves supporting farmer-focused initiatives and educational efforts on practices like managed grazing, nutrient management, improving soil health, using cover crops, and adopting reduced tillage methods. The position was touted as a strategic investment in the long-term environmental and economic health of Lincoln County. It will be paid for entirely through grants,…

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SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION A MAJOR FOCUS FOR LINCOLN COUNTY LAND SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – Counties in Wisconsin receive state funding for projects designed to protect and preserve the state’s soil and water resources. The Lincoln County Land Services Department shared that one Lake Nokomis resident has seen nearly 8ft of shoreline disappear from his lakefront property due to significant erosion. Experts chosen through a bidding process managed by the County helped the property owner by installing the necessary materials and plant life to reinforce the shoreline. The Land Services Dept says farm field erosion, grazing systems and other projects may be…

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NORTHWOODS SEES RISE IN JANUARY UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES

Steve Dillon

Following several months of minimal change the Northwoods saw an increase in unemployment estimates in January, per job data released this week by the Department of Workforce Development. 71 of the state’s 72 counties saw an increase over December numbers. Lincoln County figures jumped from 3.1% in December to 4.5% in January, while Oneida County rose from 3.4% to 4.7% and Vilas County from 3.7% to 5.1%. Though month-over-month comparisons have shown a significant increase, the trend is typical during the winter months and numbers are only slightly up from…

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MERRILL AREA UNITED WAY APPOINTS MOELLENDORF AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Area United Way Board of Directors recently announced that following the retirement of Dee Olsen, Debbie Moellendorf will become their new Executive Director. Moellendorf is a Lincoln County mainstay, having held previous positions with the UW-Extension system including their 4-H and Health and Well-Being programs. Along with education and outreach, her roles included grant writing and administration. The Board hopes her skills and strong community ties will support her in this role. Current Executive Director Dee Olsen will continue serving through May 2nd in the role…

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