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Year: 2025

LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOLD JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES FRIDAY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Tomorrow from 8:00 am to 12 Noon, Lincoln County Emergency Management will conduct an active threat training exercise in coordination with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The training exercise will be held at the Lincoln County Court House. The effort reflects a countywide commitment to public safety, providing personnel with the training and readiness needed to respond to potential active threat emergencies. The exercise will feature real-life scenarios, including the use of blank ammunition to simulate an active threat environment. The goal of the training is to reinforce…

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NATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH HONORS THOSE WHO SACRIFICE THEIR TIME FOR LOVED ONES

Steve Dillon

November is National Family Caregivers Month, providing an opportunity to honor the millions of family caregivers who share their time, energy, and love to support those in need. A leading National community based mental health non-profit organization Mental Health America states that nearly 1 in 4 or 63 million adults in the U.S. are family caregivers. While caregivers often find meaning in helping loved ones, the constant demands can take a toll — leading to stress, anxiety, or burnout. Resources to help manage caregiver stress are available at mhanational.org.

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DNR ASKING NORTHWOODS RESIDENTS FOR INPUT ON STATE MANAGED LANDS

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin DNR is inviting residents across the Northwoods to share input on the care and use of northern Wisconsin’s state-managed lands. As part of its ongoing Master Plan and Environmental Analysis for the North Central Forest landscape, the DNR is reviewing 250 properties across 20 counties — including state forests, parks, trails, and natural areas covering roughly 9,500 square miles. The first public informational meeting was held Monday night at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. Another is set for this evening at 5 o’clock at the Park Falls Library. Proposals…

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HUNTERS REMINDED TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISIONING WHEN USING GENERATORS

Steve Dillon

Hunters across the Northwoods  that are using a generator to power their hunt are reminded to  make sure that it’s at least 20 feet away from people or structures. It’s also important to bring a battery operated carbon monoxide protector. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. Generators create high levels of deadly carbon monoxide gas in their exhaust and should never be used in an enclosed area.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE NEARS FOR LINCOLN COUNTY UNITED GIVING TREE PROGRAM

Steve Dillon

The application deadline for Christmas Spirit – the Lincoln County United Giving Tree Program is this Wednesday, November 5th. The program brings holiday joy to local families facing financial challenges by ensuring their children receive gifts. Children must be 17 or younger, and each child may only be entered once. Merrill residents can pick up and return applications at the Merrill Fire Department and Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. Those with questions regarding the program can call 715-500-5066 or email ChrismasSpirit715@gmail.com.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 26; SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTS WITH CHILD NEGLECT INCIDENT

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending October 26, the Merrill Police Department responded to 14 incidents, while officers conducted approximately 37 traffic stops and 62 security checks. On Monday October 20th, an officer completed a traffic stop of a vehicle that was speeding and noticed signs of impairment with the driver. Following field sobriety testing the driver was arrested for OWI 2nd offense. Additionally, a passenger in the vehicle was cited for underage drinking and possession of tobacco. There were three instances of arrests for open warrants and probation violations,…

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FIELD EXPANDS FOR WISCONSIN GOVERNOR’S RACE AS TWO MORE CANDIDATES ENTER THE ARENA

Steve Dillon

Two additional candidates have joined the field of those vying for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional seat that’s being vacated by US Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has entered the Gubernatorial race. Conservative businessman Paul Wassgren of Ashland and Michael Alfonso, both self-proclaimed pro-Trump Republicans will be on the ballot for next year’s primary, which will take place in August of 2026. Alfonso is the son-in-law of former congressman and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. This grows the field on the Republican side to three nominees, as Jessi Ebbens had previously announced his…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE SOLICITING HELP FROM THE COMMUNITY IN ONGOING SEARCH FOR MISSING FOX VALLEY MAN

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues their search for a missing Fox Valley man whose vehicle was found in the area earlier this year. Authorities are requesting hikers, hunters, or folks riding off-road this fall to report any possible clues that could help locate thirty-four-year-old Mitchell Reif. Back in June, Deputies first investigated an abandoned vehicle belonging to Reif  in the Town of Somo. Winnebago County officials had reported him as missing days earlier. The Sheriff’s Office says K9 teams have been involved in recent search efforts but no new…

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D.C. EVEREST STAFF MEMBER CHARGED WITH 2024 SEXUAL ASSAULT

Steve Dillon

WESTON, WI – A D.C. Everest staff member has been placed on leave following charges in Milwaukee County of sexually assaulting a Greenfield student in 2024. Twenty-three-year-old Bennet Schmitz of Schofield faces charges including child enticement and sexual assault of a student by school staff. Superintendent Casey Nye says Schmitz, who works at the Greenheck Turner Community Center, was placed on leave after his arrest. The district disabled his key card, locked his electronics, and directed him to stay off school property.

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