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Month: March 2026

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: JUVENILE SON HITS MOTHER WITH KEY LANYARD, REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to nine incidents during the week ending March 8th. Officers conducted approximately 43 traffic stops and 95 security checks. On Tuesday, a caller reported her brother hit her mother with a key lanyard causing injury to her leg. Investigation revealed the juvenile son swung the lanyard at his mother’s leg during a disagreement about vehicle usage. The juvenile was referred to Lincoln County Social Services. Other activity included two arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and another arrest for armed while intoxicated. There were…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: MAPLE TAPPING EFFORTS LEAD TO TWO CAR ACCIDENT IN TOWN OF SCHLEY

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 59 traffic stops and 33 security checks. There were two calls involving cars hitting deer. Deputies were dispatched to the Town of Schley on Saturday for a report of a two-car crash with injuries in the area of County Highway X and Jane Spur Road. Initial investigation at the scene revealed a vehicle with its flashers on and hauling a trailer was parked facing north on the southbound side of the highway while passengers from that vehicle collected maple sap, and one of…

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FORMER WAUSAU FIRE DIVISION CHIEF SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS PROBATION, RESTITUTION AND COUNSELING

Steve Dillon

A former Wausau fire official will serve probation after admitting to stealing powerful narcotics from the department. Forty-six-year-old former Division Chief Jared Thompson pleaded guilty Monday to two felony counts of misconduct in office and was sentenced to three years of probation. Investigators say more than one-thousand vials of hydromorphone and fentanyl were discovered missing during an audit of department supplies. City officials say Thompson was fired after the allegations surfaced. He must also complete treatment and counseling and pay restitution to the city.

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TOWN OF BRADLEY MAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF CHILD ABUSE

Steve Dillon

On Wednesday March 4th Lincoln County Social Services, with the assistance of a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy investigated an alleged child abuse complaint. A 9-year-old child in the Town of Bradley reportedly had bruises on her face that appeared to be consistent with physical abuse. The child shared with officials she had lied to her grandfather when questioned her about taking a yo-yo to school, so he took away her belongings causing her to become upset. The grandfather, Paul Pietschmann of Irma grabbed the child by the hair and proceeded…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: FIRST RESPONDERS PROVIDE LIFT ASSISTANCE FOR MEDEVAC TRANSPORT

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 61 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 433. There were 55 EMS calls. The Department provided lift assistance for a Medevac transport on Idle Drive in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday and responded to the report of an odor of gas and potential gas leak on East 6th Street in the City of Merrill on Friday.

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SYRUP SHACK EXPLOSION IN TOWN OF HEWITT LEAVES LOCAL MAN WITH BURN INJURIES

Steve Dillon

First responders were dispatched to County Line Road in the Town of Hewitt around 4 p.m. last Thursday after an explosion at a syrup shack left a 59-year-old Hewitt man with burn injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities say propane equipment should always be installed and inspected by professionals. Cylinders should be stored upright and outdoors, with ignition sources and flammable materials kept well away. If a propane leak is suspected, leave the building immediately and avoid…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECOGNIZES JAIL OFFICER ACADEMY GRADUATES

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has announced three members of their jail division have recently completed Jail Officer Academy. Corrections Officer Taylor Kolpack graduated from Northcentral Technical College’s Jail Academy, and was selected as the class speaker by fellow classmates reflecting the respect she earned for her leadership during her time at the academy. Graduating from the Nicolet Technical College Jail Academy were Corrections Officers Tanner Walter and Carter Bayer. Both were selected by their peers to receive Nicolet’s partner award, which recognizes teamwork, cooperation, and support of fellow recruits.…

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WISCONSIN LOOKS TO EXPAND HEALTHY FOOD PROGRAMS THROUGH FEDERAL INITIATIVE

Steve Dillon

Wisconsin could soon expand access to healthy food as medicine. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Health Services have submitted a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program—a three‑year federal initiative designed to help states develop food‑based health interventions. If selected, Wisconsin would receive funding and support to grow programs like medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and other nutrition services aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A full‑time state officer would work to expand access, boost enrollment,…

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NORTH CENTRAL REGION OF WISDOT ANNOUNCES SEASONAL POSTING OF WEIGHT LIMITS ON STATE HIGHWAYS

Steve Dillon

On Thursday, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) North Central Region announced the seasonal posting of weight limits on state highways throughout the area, effective Noon on Monday March 9th. The weight restrictions are 6 tons gross load for single axle vehicles and 10 tons gross load for tandem axle vehicles. The maximum gross weight is 24 tons. As the spring thaw period unfolds, seasonal weight restrictions are placed on specific highways in an effort to prevent damage to the structure of the pavement. Should there be and onset of…

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CITY OF MERRILL ANNOUNCES DATES FOR IN PERSON EARLY VOTING, TESTING OF VOTING MACHINES

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill has released the following information ahead of the April 7, 2026 Spring Election. Early voting will begin on Tuesday March 24 at City Hall. In Person Early voting hours are from 8 am until 4 pm from March 24th through the 27th, and Tuesday March 30th through April 2nd. Though City Hall will be closed on April 3rd in observance of Good Friday, those interested in early in person voting on the 3rd should call 715-722-1128 between 8 am and 5 pm to make arrangements. There…

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