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Year: 2025

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT; 26 CAR VS DEER INCIDENTS DURING PEAK RISK PERIOD

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 31 traffic stops and 27 security checks. There were 26 calls involving cars hitting deer during what has historically been the highest period of the year.   On Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to the area of CTH W and Deer Run Rd in the Town of Pine River regarding a report of a two-car crash with injuries. A 72-yr-old Merrill man was traveling on Deer Run when he proceeded to pull out in front of a vehicle headed northbound on CTH W, resulting…

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AS SEASON APPROACHES, ASPIRUS / DNR REMIND HUNTERS OF TREE STAND SAFETY

Steve Dillon

With the 2025 gun-deer season approaching, safety officials are putting extra focus on one of the biggest risks hunters face each fall: tree stand accidents. Dr. Michael Clark with Aspirus MedEvac says falls remain a leading cause of hunting-related injuries. “You’re much more likely to get injured from a fall than a gunshot wound,” noted Clark. “It’s a concern that we should definitely take precautions to avoid.” The DNR is offering a series of reminders as hunters prep for the season. They recommend inspecting the tree, the stand, and your…

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WISCONSIN LEADS THE NATION DURING DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT

Steve Dillon

Wisconsin collected almost 54,000 pounds of unwanted medication during the October 25th Drug Take Back event — the most of any state, according to the Department of Justice. Two hundred fifty-eight law enforcement agencies joined the effort, supported by more than 300 collection sites for unwanted meds. More than 1.42 million pounds of expired or unneeded drugs have been collected since the Drug Take Back initiative started in Wisconsin back in 2010. Two Drug Take Back events are held in the state each year, one in the spring and fall,…

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DISCOVER MEDIAWORKS PARTNERS WITH LINCOLN COUNTY TO WIN REGIONAL EMMY FOR DOG SLED SEGMENT

Steve Dillon

A partnership that started two years ago between Lincoln County and Discover Mediaworks has led to a regional Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest for a local sled-dog kennel. The two partnered to produce a series of video features for Uniquely Wisconsin. One of the episodes produced, titled ‘The Heart of Wisconsin Mushing,’ features Melissa Omernick of Gleason, her family and their beloved sled dogs. Released in December of 2024 with a goal to tell the story of a location through its people, the episode has since garnered…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD APPROVES PLAN TO UTILIZE PINE CREST PROCEEDS

Steve Dillon

At their Annual Budget Hearing Meeting last Wednesday, Lincoln County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution by voice vote prioritizing projects that will utilize the proceeds from the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale. Nearly $1.8 million will be pointed to facility and maintenance projects, according to the resolution. An Ad Hoc Facilities Committee was previously established to develop a priority, and prior to the vote Administrative Coordinator Renee Krueger shared a presentation. The $1.8 million in proceeds are to be expensed by August 1, 2027. Also up for vote was…

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2026 BUDGET APPROVED FOR LINCOLN COUNTY FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING

Steve Dillon

A special meeting of the Lincoln County Board was held on Wednesday morning. Following a round of activity and preparation that started back in the spring, the Board successfully approved their 2026 Budget. Very few changes were made from the proposed budget presented in October, resulting in minimal discussion between county supervisors prior to unanimous approval of the resolution. A balanced budget including a proposed $17.2 million tax levy was presented at their October meeting, reflecting a $500,000 or 2.9% increase over the current year. The finance team successfully closed…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT; TWO CAR CRASH LEADS TO CITATION FOR OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER

Steve Dillon

During the week ending November 9, the Merrill Police Department responded to twelve incidents, while officers conducted approximately 34 traffic stops and 71 security checks. On Friday a two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of W Main St and Grand Ave. The officer investigating the crash received false information from one of the drivers, so he cited the driver for Obstructing an Officer then issued several other citations to both drivers. There were three instances of arrests for probation violations and active warrants, four instances of theft, one instance of…

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NO COST FLU VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AVAILABLE AT LINCOLN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that there is still time to protect your child from the flu with no cost vaccines. FluLaval flu shots and FluMist nasal mist are free for Lincoln County students grades 4K through 12. Children 6 months and older who aren’t covered by insurance or are enrolled for Medicaid, BadgerCare, ForwardHealth or any medical assistance are also eligible to receive a no cost vaccine at the Health Department. Parents and guardians can reach out to the Health Department at 715-536-0307 or LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us to…

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TOWN OF MERRILL RESIDENTS VOTE “NO” TO TAX LEVY INCREASE

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – On Monday evening, a public hearing was held at the Town of Merrill Community Center regarding the town’s proposed 2026 budget. On the agenda was a vote to increase the tax levy by 52.9% or nearly $164,000, which would raise taxes $50 per $100,000 property assessment.  The proposed tax hike did not pass, as town residents cast 48 votes for and 74 votes against the increase. The focus of the proposal for an increase was an additional $135,000 needed for total highway maintenance in 2026 and…

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