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Month: February 2026

WAKE-ENHANCED BOATING BILL MEETS STRONG OPPOSITION

Steve Dillon

A coalition of 100 Wisconsin-Based groups has joined voices in opposition of Assembly Bill 1033. The Bill addresses wake-enhanced boating. The group is the largest of its kind in Wisconsin’s history. The opposition, which consists of thousands of Wisconsin voters is focused on the protection of Wisconsin’s lakes from wake enhanced boating. Wake boats can cost more than $500,000, and can produce up to 5-foot waves. The Bill now is now receiving additional opposition from the Wisconsin Towns Association, League of Municipalities, and more groups who share concerns regarding the…

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SALARY PROPOSAL FOR THREE ELECTED OFFICES PASSED BY LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County supervisors have locked in pay levels for three elected offices. During Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved compensation for the Clerk of Courts, Coroner, and Sheriff for the years 2027 through 2030. The plan includes a three percent annual increase. Board Chair Jesse Boyd pointed out that early comparisons with other counties show the Lincoln County Sheriff’s salary would fall below the state average, starting at about $98,000 and increasing to roughly $107,000 by 2030. Supervisors made no changes to the proposal, and it passed unanimously. State law requires…

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MERRILL POLICE REPORT: FIREARMS ALLEGEDLY STOLEN FROM LOCAL RESIDENCE

Steve Dillon

During the week ending February 15th, the Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents. Officers conducted approximately 57 traffic stops and 101 security checks. On Wednesday, officers responded to a residence regarding a report that multiple firearms were missing. Officers spoke to the reporting party regarding the alleged theft, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. Other activity included two arrests for out of area open warrants, two probation violations, an instance of disorderly conduct, and an arrest for OWI 4th offense following a traffic stop.

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STATE REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE WISCONSIN SURPLUS FUNDS FOR TAXPAYER REBATES

Steve Dillon

On Monday a proposal was sent to the desk of Democratic Governor Tony Evers from Republican leaders in the state legislature to designate a portion of the state’s $2.5 Billion surplus for rebate checks and property tax relief. WisPolitics reports that the proposal, sent by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, includes $1,000 rebate checks for those married filing jointly and $500 for individuals. Also proposed is a half-billion dollars for the school levy tax credit, and $200 million to reimburse special education costs. The Governor’s…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: TOMAHAWK WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 82 traffic stops and 47 security checks. There were three calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday a deputy on patrol observed a vehicle deviating from its lane on US Highway 51 near the 216 mile marker in the Township of Merrill. While speaking with the 37-year-old female driver from Tomahawk, the deputy noticed signs of impairment so he requested she perform sobriety tests, which led to her arrest for OWI first offense. The woman was later released to a responsible party.

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MERRILL FIRST RESPONDERS RESCUE MAN STRANDED IN ICY WISCONSIN RIVER

Steve Dillon

Monday morning at approximately 10:45 am, the Merrill Fire Department Team responded to the report of a male patient falling through the ice on the Wisconsin River just below the Alexander Hydro Dam. The individual was found to be stranded on the island near the Dam.  Through the use of a Rapid Deployment Craft, Firefighters successfully reached the victim and brought him safely back to shore. Also removed for the victim were his sled and ice shanty. Merrill Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff also assisted with the rescue efforts. 

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NORTHERN SECTION OF US HIGHWAY 51 TO CLOSE IN APRIL FOR CONSTRUCTION

Steve Dillon

In a statement released Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that closures and detours will be put in place on US Highway 51 in Lincoln and Oneida Counties this spring before Memorial Day. The project scope includes the area between US Highway 8 and the Bearskin Bridge near County Road L in Oneida County. Motorists will be detoured along US 8 and Wisconsin Highway 47. The work focuses on concrete pavement repair and asphalt resurfacing, along with bridge repairs. NOTE: This project is NOT connected with the proposed roundabout…

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LINCOLN COUNTY TRAILS IN ZONES 2, 3 AND 4 TEMPORARILY CLOSED, HIAWATHA TRAIL REMAINS OPEN

Steve Dillon

Effective yesterday, Lincoln County Officials announced that all County Administrated Trails in Zones 2,3 and 4 are temporarily CLOSED. The Hiawatha Trail remains open. Riders are also advised that not all Snowmobile Trails are open to Winter ATV use. A trail map that contains details confirming specific access can be found in the Recreation section of the Lincoln County website. Winter ATV use on is not permitted when temps reach greater than 28°F. Trails in Zone 1 remain in good condition, though there are rough and icy stretches with minimal…

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WISCONSIN DNR RECRUITING HUNTER SAFETY COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new volunteers to become certified hunter safety course instructors. Since its inception in 1967, more than a million residents in the state have received their certification, resulting in a significant decrease in hunting related incidents acrossWisconsin. The DNR notes the significant impact of the program is rooted in the dedication and commitment of their volunteer instructors. More than 20,000 individuals have filled thevolunteer role over the years. For more information on the hunter safety instructor opportunity, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/volunteer.

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