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Year: 2025

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN STUDY FOCUSES ON BARRIERS TO COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Steve Dillon

A study aimed at gaining better understanding of barriers to colorectal cancer screening among rural Wisconsin residents is being conducted by The Medical College of Wisconsin. The project is led by Karly Kostman, a second-year medical student at Medical College of Wisconsin –Wausau, who was inspired to pursue the topic after losing her grandmother to colon cancer at age 12. Kostman is now gathering public input on attitudes toward screening. Residents are invited to complete a brief, five-minute survey. Those who participate will be entered into a drawing for one…

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TRAFFIC STOP FOR SPEEDING ENDS WITH ARREST FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF BIRCH – On Sunday, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol observed a vehicle traveling at a high speed on US Highway 51 near County Highway J in the Town of Birch. The vehicle was clocked on radar at 101 mph in a 65-mph zone. Following a traffic stop of the vehicle the deputy noticed signs of impairment as he interacted with the 31-yr-old male driver from Merrill. The man agreed to perform sobriety tests, which resulted in him being placed under arrest for OWI first offense. The…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT; TWO ACCIDENTS ON FRIDAY, BUILDING FIRE LAST MONDAY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 34 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,950. There were 26 EMS calls. Two motor vehicle accidents occurred on Friday, the first at the intersection of County Road JJ and Schulz Spur Drive in the Town of Merrill where there were no injuries, and the second on Center Rd in the City of Merrill that resulted in injuries. There was a building fire on North Prospect Street in the City of Merrill on Monday.

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MERRILL HONORS DOLORES KELLY WITH WITH FOURTH SIGN DEDICATION FOR 2025

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill’s fourth street sign dedication of the five planned for 2025 is scheduled to take place today at the corner of 2nd and Cleveland Streets and N Sales Streets outside of the historic former city hall. This cycle’s honoree is Merrill’s Dolores Kelly, a dedicated advocate for the City’s elderly. Kelly became a member of the Committee on aging for the city. Her influence started a crusade to bring housing, fix nutritional deficits and provide legal services. Most importantly, a program was started to bring transportation to the…

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WPS URGES HUNTERS TO CHECK HEATING SOURCES TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Steve Dillon

The challenge of hunting in colder weather can lead hunters to utilize a generator or other fuel burning appliance to warm up their cabin or enclosure. Wisconsin Public Service urges hunters to check heating vents, flues and chimneys, and to remove any animal nest or build up of debris as most of these spaces haven’t been used for some time. Appliances should be checked to assure they are operating properly, and portable generators should never be used indoors. Most importantly hunters should make sure thee have a battery-powered carbon monoxide…

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UTILITY WORKER SUSTAINS INJURY FROM CAR STRIKE IN TOWN OF SOMO

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF SOMO – On Monday November 10th, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to US Highway 8 in Town of Somo regarding a car vs pedestrian crash with injuries in the vicinity of Meyer Rd. A utility crew had parked along the shoulder of highway 8 when a vehicle being operated by a 27-yr-old Ladysmith, WI man headed westbound entered the work zone and reportedly slowed down to the posted 45 mph speed limit but was unable to move over due to oncoming traffic. He then proceeded through the…

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WAUSAU’S NEW HY-VEE SELLS $7.1 M MEGABUCKS WINNING TICKET

Steve Dillon

WAUSAU – Hy-Vee, Wausau’s newest grocery store, drew plenty of attention on Wednesday after selling a Megabucks ticket to a local customer. The jackpot-winning ticket totaled $7.1 million, the game’s fourth-largest payout since 2017. Store Director, Jake Dryer said, “We are brand new to the community. It’s really exciting to sell a big winner on our third day open as Hy-Vee.” Previously known as Crossroads County Market, the new Hy-Vee location is set to receive a $100,000 for selling the ticket. The Megabuck lottery game is unique to Wisconsin and…

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MERRILL CHAMBER ANNUAL CELEBRATION HONORS LOCAL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Celebration on October 9th at Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, bringing together Chamber members and community leaders to recognize standout contributions in the local business community. This year’s honorees included Geiss Meat Service as Large Business of the Year, Sawmill Brewing Company as Small Business of the Year, Hugo’s Pizza as Hometown Business of the Year, and the Boys & Girls Club of Merrill as Non-Profit of the Year. Rebecca Klessig of AGRA Industries received the inaugural Emerging Leader…

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PLAN AHEAD FOR WINTER STORMS TO AVOID UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES

Steve Dillon

As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues, the Lincoln County Health Department is reminding the community that having a Winter Storm Planning Timeline can prove critical as residents prepare for the potential of a significant weather event. A few days before a storm arrives, gather emergency supplies for your home and car, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fuel up vehicle and heating resources. The day prior to it’s arrival, adjust plans accordingly, line up a variety of ways to receive warnings, and bring pets indoors ensuring they have enough…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT; INATTENTIVE DRIVING LEADS TO REAR-END ACCIDENT, DAMAGE TO THREE CARS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending November 16, the Merrill Police Department responded to 14 incidents, while officers conducted approximately 33 traffic stops and 44 security checks. On Friday a school bus had stopped at a railroad crossing with two vehicles behind it when a third vehicle rear-ended one of the vehicles, resulting in damage to all three vehicles involved. A citation for inattentive driving was given to the driver who caused the crash, and a crash report was completed. Other activity included two arrests for probation violations and bail…

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