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Year: 2025

NORTHWOODS FIREFIGHTERS HEAD TO LOCAL CLASSROOMS DURING FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Steve Dillon

This week’s all about fire safety, and firefighters across Lincoln and Oneida Counties are taking that message straight into their communities. Crews from the Tomahawk, Nokomis, and Little Rice Fire Departments are stopping by classrooms and other venues like the library to teach kids what to do in case of a fire. In Merrill, they’ll invest several weeks sharing information with students, helping them start to build those lifelong safety habits. Fire Prevention Week for 2025 focuses on lithium-ion batteries, as Fire crews remind folks to choose the right kind…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 5; LOCAL RETAILER TURNS OVER COUNTERFEIT BILLS TO MPD

Steve Dillon

During the week ending October 5, the Merrill Police Department responded to ten incidents, while officers conducted approximately 39 traffic stops and 82 security checks. There were two reports of Disorderly Conduct, one of those with a motor vehicle. There was one report of possession of an illegal substance that also included bail jumping, three reports of theft, one report of public intoxication, one instance of possible trespassing, and one probation hold. On Sunday a store found counterfeit bills in their cash register and turned them over to MPD. The…

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HY-VEE PURCHASES CROSSROADS COUNTY MARKET, COMING TO WAUSAU

Steve Dillon

WAUSAU – Wausau shoppers will soon see a familiar name in grocery stores. Hy-Vee, a Des Moines based chain has purchased Crossroads County Market and will transform it into the company’s 10th Wisconsin location before Thanksgiving. The store will close November 11th for remodeling and will reopen as a full Hy-Vee about a week later. Positions will be offered to All 130 County Market employees at the new store. Also included in the deal is the nearby Circle K, which will reopen as a Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh. Hy-Vee currently…

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KWIK TRIP MAKES CHANGE WITH CHANGE

Steve Dillon

Kwik Trip says it will no longer accept or give out pennies. The Wisconsin-based convenience store chain announced Thursday that this is in response to a move by the U.S. Treasury, which is phasing out production of one-cent coins. Going forward, all cash transactions at Kwik Trip will be rounded down to the nearest five cents, with no effect to Digital and card purchases. CEO Scott Zietlow says the move is meant to make transactions simpler and fair for customers.

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LINCOLN HILLS AND COPPER LAKE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACHIEVE FULL COMPLIANCE

Steve Dillon

IRMA – State officials say Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake have achieved full compliance with all court-ordered reforms — a first for the youth correctional facilities. The Lincoln County sites have been under quarterly review by a court-appointed monitor to track progress on 50 required changes, including staffing, training, and limits on restraints and pepper spray. A new report released this week confirms all goals have now been met, though the Department of Corrections must maintain compliance for several more reviews before oversight can end. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy called…

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HARRISON HILLS FALL RIDE TAKES PLACE TOMORROW IN GLEASON

Steve Dillon

GLEASON – The Harrison Hills Fall Ride takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 4th from 9am til 2pm at Nutzee’s Resort, N9831 County Rd B in Gleason. Riders will receive maps for a self-guided ride, with club members and Trail Ambassadors on the trails to help keep everyone on course. An after party is scheduled following the event from 3pm til 7pm at Nutzee’s Bar & Restaurant, including a raffle drawing at 4PM. Registration for the event is $20 per machine.

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CRASH ON 107 IN TOWN OF MERRILL ENDS WITH “MIRACULOUS” RESULT

Steve Dillon

‘ TOWN OF MERRILL – Shortly after 10 am on Wednesday October 1st, the Merrill Fire Department dispatched Engine-61 and Med-61 in response to a motor vehicle crash on Highway 107 near Lokemoen Rd in the Town of Merrill. Firefighters and EMS responders were also joined by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies at the scene.  Prior to EMS arrival, the driver self-extricated. He miraculously survived the crash with only minor injuries and was evaluated by medics but refused transport.

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LINCOLN COUNTY OFFICIALS LOOK TO LOCAL CITIZENS FOR ANSWERS IN MYSTERY MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF PINE RIVER – On Sunday, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to CTH WW in the Town of Pine River regarding a motorcycle crash with injuries. A motorcycle located in the area reportedly showed signs of striking a deer, however no one was at the scene. The person who had reported the incident stated that before deputies arrived a van had showed up on scene and attempted to load a motorcycle but were not successful. Deputies located a motorcycle showing damage consistent with a crash and found a…

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LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS

Steve Dillon

As a part of their ongoing communication during National Preparedness Month, Lincoln County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to research volunteer or CERT opportunities in our region. CERTs, or Community Emergency Response Teams train neighbors in skills such as fire safety, search and rescue, and first aid. As first responders are not always able to get to the scene of an incident immediately, volunteering can really make a difference and in many instances, can save a life or even lives. Lincoln County has opportunities through local volunteer fire departments, faith-based…

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SEPTEMBER IS AFib AWARENESS MONTH – YOUR SMARTWATCH COULD HELP WITH EARLY DETECTION

Steve Dillon

The month of September shines a spotlight on atrial fibrillation, or AFib — the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. About one-third of people with AFib don’t experience symptoms per the American Heart Association, and cases in adults under 65 are on the rise. One tool that could help may already on your wrist. Smartwatches and other wearable devices can alert users to irregular rhythms. While they can’t diagnose AFib, they can encourage people to get checked by a doctor. Aspirus cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. John Johnkoski, notes early detection…

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