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Year: 2025

SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT IN HARRISON LEADS TO MEDEVAC FOR INJURED OPERATOR

Steve Dillon

HARRISON – On Friday (Feb 21), Lincoln County deputies, the Town of Russell Fire/First Responders, Tomahawk Ambulance, and a Medivac helicopter were dispatched to a snowmobile crash with injuries on a trail north of Fish Creek in Harrison. The 34-year-old man from East Dundee, IL operating the sled, struck a tree and appeared to have suffered a leg injury. Tomahawk EMS and Russell Fire removed him from the scene and transported him to a waiting helicopter, which airlifted him to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries.…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 23

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 30 traffic stops, 35 security checks, and six calls involving cars hitting deer. There were two reports of unsafe driving. On Wednesday February 19, deputies were dispatched to the area near the boat landing at Lokemoen Rd regarding a vehicle that had been stopped for 20 minutes with the lights on. Upon arrival the first deputy found the driver inside SEEMINGLY passed out. After several attempts, the deputy was finally able to arouse the driver and had him step out…

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MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES WENDORF BUS SERVICES FOR 65 YEARS OF SERVICE

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During their Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast on Monday, Merrill Area Public Schools recognized Wendorf Bus Services for 65 years of safely busing MAPS students to and from school and school activities. A plaque that was presented to the Wendorf family stated the bus service’s commitment, reliability and care have ensured safe travels for generations of students, making a lasting impact on the MAPS community.

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOMINATED FOR GOVERNORS’ TOURISM AWARD

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors has been nominated for a highly esteemed honor, the renowned Governor’s Tourism Award in the Bright Ideacategory. Given the decline in population and lack of growth, the Board initiated a strategic planning process. The County was designated as “Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins.” A vetting process was established to receive American Rescue Plan funding. Projects were then prioritized to align with economic growth and tourism development. The Board made substantial investments in outdoor recreation, supporting Chambers of Commerce…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD PRESENTED WITH 2024 ANNUAL FORESTRY REPORT AT FEBRUARY 24 MEETING

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Board was presented with the 2024 annual forestry report during their meeting last Monday. Just over 100,000 acres of forest land are maintained by the county. The report reflected more than $1.9M in timber sales last year, which is about $800K less than 2023 sales which were the second highest of all-time. Approximately $385K or 20% of those funds is placed back into the general fund for the County, while $190K or 10% gets distributed to townships with county forest lands. Remaining funds are…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD APPROVES GRANT APPLICATION FROM BERTRAM COMMUNICATION

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – As part of a continuous initiative to expand broadband access for more businesses and residents throughout the Northwoods, Lincoln County has approved a grant application from Bertram Communication during the County Board Meeting on Monday, Feb 17th. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant program provides Internet Service Providers with grants to bring broadband to rural areas. A brief overview was shared by Supervisor Ken Wickham to the full board ahead of their vote. Wickham highlighted there are approximately 3,000 locations across the county that qualify for the…

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LINCOLN COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REVIEWS 2024 Q4 INFORMATION AT QUARTERLY MEETING

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Traffic Safety Committee met on Tuesday, February 18th at the County Service Center. Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett noted that there were 8 injury crashes in the 4th quarter of 2024. Lincoln County Sheriff Department Chief Deputy Tyler Iverson noted one accident involving fatalities on STH 17 in October and mentioned car vs deer crashes decreased in the 4th quarter. On the state level, committee member Todd Rasmussen shared that while there was an increase in fatal crashes statewide, Lincoln County crashes actually decreased.…

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MINOCQUA MAN ARRESTED FOR SECOND OFFENSE OWI, OPEN INTOXICANTS DURING TRAFFIC STOP

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – On Friday February 14th, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy followed up on a complaint of a vehicle traveling N/B on USH 51 from the Wausau area that was weaving across the center lane and did not have working taillights. The deputy located the suspect vehicle exhibiting similar behavior near the 225 MM and completed a traffic stop to investigate. The 71-yr-old male driver from Minocqua was exhibiting signs of impairment. The driver agreed to perform sobriety tests, and as a result of those tests he was placed…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 16

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 12 incidents last week, including three reports of theft and one report of fraud. There were two reports of property damage, one of those where a motorist struck a street sign. There were three reports of public disturbance and disorderly conduct. Officers took a man into custody on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation and Parole on a probation hold and later transported him to the county jail. Officers assisted the Merrill Fire Department with a structure fire on Thursday, February…

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