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Year: 2025

LINCOLN COUNTY SOCIAL CONNECTION CHALLENGE CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE AND JULY

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County residents still have an opportunity to join the Social Connection Challenge. The challenge encourages individuals to prioritize social connection by limiting screen time, reaching out to friends, family and neighbors, looking for avenues to help others and pursuing community involvement. Sign-up forms are available for pick up and drop off at the Lincoln County Health Department, T.B. Scott Free Library, Tomahawk Public Library or Aspirus Merrill and Tomahawk locations or electronically on the Lincoln County website. The challenge forms must be turned in by July 11th, and 40…

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ANNUAL BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED AT CITY OF MERRILL MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the City of Merrill Marketing and Communications Committee meeting on Thursday May 15, discussion took place regarding the results of the Annual Business Survey. 18% of the 385 businesses surveyed responded, with 32 of those stating they advertised open positions. 62% of those business who responded shared they had received applications from outside Lincoln County. Twelve businesses agreed to be part of a video centered around living and working in Merrill. The Committee intends to continue conducting the Business Survey annually.

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BLUE-GREEN ALGAE EXPOSURE POSSIBLE LINK TO DOG’S DEATH OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Steve Dillon

LYNNE – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received a report of a dog’s death over Memorial Day weekend at Muskellunge Lake, possibly linked to blue-green algae exposure. The incident was also reported to the Lincoln County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. An investigation is now underway, led by the Lincoln County Health Department with support from state health and natural resources officials. Testing is being completed of the Lake water. Should anyone have photos of conditions at Muskellunge Lake over the holiday weekend, especially any…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 25

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 28 traffic stops and 108 security checks. There were two calls for disorderly conduct.  There was one instance of an individual being taken into custody due to active warrants. There was one report of damage to property, one report of mail tampering, one traffic stop where a male driver was cited for operating an ATV on a state highway, and one report of a disturbance that led to a male suspect being cited for possession of…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 25

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 46 traffic stops, and 16 security checks. There were 19 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Saturday a deputy on patrol completed a stop of a UTV on STH 107 in the Town of Merrill for operating on a prohibited highway. In speaking with the 20-yr-old driver from Merrill, the deputy noticed signs of impairment. The driver agreed to sobriety testing, and as a result of the tests he was placed under arrest for OWI in a UTV and later was released to…

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ALTERCATION AT LINCOLN COUNTY CAMPGROUND ENDS WITH ONE ARREST, MULTIPLE CHARGES

Steve Dillon

GLEASON – A dispute at the Otter Lake Campground during the Memorial Day weekend led to one man’s arrest. Deputies dispatched to the scene on Saturday arrived to find a disturbance in progress. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s report stated the caller reported that following the argument, one of the individuals had armed himself with a handgun. The 19-year-old male suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges including second-offense OWI, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, disorderly conduct while armed, going armed while intoxicated,…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TO HOST NATIONAL TOUR OF HONOR

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Tour of Honor is making a stop in Merrill this year. The tour will make seven stops in Wisconsin, one of those at the Merrill Fire Department’s Firefighter’s Memorial. Riders visit various memorials while traveling through all 50 states, as they explore small-town America honoring its greatest heroes, our military veterans and first responders. The self-guided motorcycle tour was founded by brothers Steve and Dave Brooks of Idaho in 2010 following a ride that visited several 9/11 sites. The Tour will also make a stop in Presque…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD BEGINS REVIEW OF TIMELINE FOR 2026 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

Steve Dillon

Budget development is currently a key priority at both the state and county levels. On Tuesday evening, the Lincoln County Board reviewed the timeline for crafting next year’s financial plan. Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse gave a brief overview, noting that while the state operates on a biennial cycle, Lincoln County sets its budget annually. State-imposed levy limits—based on factors like net new construction, which has seen about 1% growth—continue to pose challenges. Ongoing concerns include rising health insurance costs, capital improvements, and the uncertain future of Pine Crest. The…

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MERRILL MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT CITY CEMETERY VETERANS MEMORIAL

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Memorial Day festivities will once again take place at the City Cemetery Veterans Memorial located at 2700 Thielman St. Monday’s observance will include the unveiling of new permanent displays and tributes, as emphasis will be placed on local veterans and fallen heroes. The Merrill City Band will perform a 30-minute set of entertainment starting at 10:30 AM, followed by the Memorial Day program promptly at 11:00 AM. United States Congressman Tom Tiffany is this year’s featured speaker. Should the weather be unfavorable, the event will be moved…

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