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Year: 2025

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WARNS RESIDENTS OF BAIL MONEY SCAM

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a scam that has recently resurfaced in neighboring counties. Potential victims will receive a call from a scammer stating that a loved one is in jail and is needing bail money. The caller typically will claim the loved one is in critical condition and will send a courier to collect the money in person. The courier then moves on to another community to avoid apprehension. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone receiving such a call to contact their loved…

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FIRE IN TOWN OF MERRILL DESTROYS GARAGE, HOME SPARED AMIDST DIFFICULTIES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – Shortly after 5:15 PM on Thursday, February 13th, The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched to 606 Cottage St for a detached garage fire in close proximity to the home. Engine-61 responded with only two personnel, as the remaining three on-duty staff were transporting a recently revived patient to Wausau Hospital. Upon arrival firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from behind the house in the detached garage. Law enforcement officers assisted with deployment of hose lines in an attempt to prevent the fire spreading to the…

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LISO CORRECTIONS OFFICER COMPLETES JAIL ACADEMY TRAINING

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Corrections Officer Jorge Pacheco has successfully completed the 200-hr Jail Academy at Nicolet College. Jorge joined the Sheriff’s Office in May of 2024, and since then has dedicated himself to putting in the hard work to achieve this mark. His commitment to the citizens of Lincoln County is not only commendable, but is crucial for ensuring safe and effective operations within the jail.

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WISCONSIN SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK FEBRUARY 10-14

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – This week is Wisconsin School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and Merrill Area Public Schools and the City of Merrill is reminding residents to thank our drivers for their dedication, kindness and commitment to keeping students safe on their journeys to and from school. The Bus Driving force is an essential part of the MAPS family, going the extra mile as they do their job every day, literally and figuratively. Be sure to give our drivers a wave of appreciation when you see them driving around town this week.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 9

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 42 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 288 calls. There were two motor vehicle accidents with injuries, and 32 calls requesting EMS services excluding the two motor vehicle accidents. There were two recreational vehicle fires, one passenger vehicle fire and one building fire on Monday February 3rd all on River Rd in the Town of Merrill. No injuries were reported from this event, however the vehicles were a total loss.

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Lincoln County Man Dies After Being Hit by Vehicle

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – A Lincoln County man is dead after being hit by a vehicle on State Road 107, west of Merrill. Lincoln County Dispatch Center got a report of the incident at 8:47 p.m. last night, Monday February 10th. First responders attempted to save the victim, but the pedestrian, a 30-year-old Merrill man died from his injuries. State Road 107 was closed for about 5 hours while the crash was investigated. The Lincoln County Coroner’s Office, Merrill Police and Fire Departments, Wisconsin State Patrol and Lightning Towing assisted…

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ASPIRUS MERRILL HOSPITAL TO OFFER QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – QPR training will be offered in March and April through a partnership of Aspirus Merrill Hospital and the Lincoln County Health Department with the Healthy Minds Coalition. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. These three critical steps have been proven to play a critical role in saving a life from suicide. The free training will take place on Tuesday March 11 and Friday April 4. Times, locations and a link for registration are listed on the Lincoln County Health Department Facebook page. Those who plan to attend…

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ONE PERSON INJURED IN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING IN TOWN OF SCHLEY

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF SCHLEY – Early Friday morning February 7th, the Lincoln County 911 Center received a call requesting an ambulance for a male subject with a gunshot wound.  Deputies and Merrill EMS responded to the area of CTH X and CTH C in the Town of Schley where they made contact with the injured party.  The male subject suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was treated on the scene.  He was then transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for his injury.  All parties involved have been identified and there…

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CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL STUDENTS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – February is Career and Technical Education Month. Through CTE, local students gain practical learning experiences, explore various career pathways, and develop essential skills that set them up for future success in college, the workforce, and beyond.  A wide range of CTE programs is offered, inspiring students to follow their interests and build a strong foundation for bright and fulfilling futures. A link to the official CTE Month proclamation from Governor Evers can be found on the Merrill Area Public Schools facebook page.

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NO COST WELL WATER TESTING AVAILABLE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS THROUGH WELLTAP

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that no cost well water testing is available through the Wisconsin Well Testing Access Program, a.k.a WellTAP. Requirements to qualify include enrollment in a government assistance program, Pregnancy, having a weakened immune system or being under 12 years old. WellTAP provides testing for bacteria, nitrates, fluoride and an extensive list of metals. Call 715-536-0307 or visit LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us to see if you qualify.

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