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Month: April 2026

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: UNSAFE DRIVING INVESTIGATION ENDS WITH FOURTH OFFENSE O.A.R. CITATION

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 73 traffic stops and 32 security checks. There was one call involving a car hitting a deer. A report was received on Monday of a driver swerving all over the road where US highway 51 enters Lincoln County at the 205-mile marker. A deputy conducted a traffic stop on Lake Road after locating the suspect vehicle traveling westbound on County Highway Q. The driver, Timothy Schultz of Merrill told the deputy he was en route to the court house regarding an unrelated traffic…

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MAPS BOARD OF EDUCATION LOOKS TO FILL VACANCY AS KAUTZA DECLINES POSITION

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Area Public School District is dealing with an unexpected vacancy on its Board of Education following the spring election. Only two candidates appeared on the ballot for three open seats, leaving the third position to be decided by write-in votes. That seat went to Lin Kautza, but district officials say she has declined the role after not filing the required oath of office by the April 27th deadline. In a letter to Superintendent Shannon Murray, Kautza indicated the decision came after careful thought, noting her long-standing commitment to…

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BIG RIG SEVERES UTILITY POLE, 3500 MERRILL RESIDENTS HIT WITH SHORT-TERM POWER OUTAGE

Steve Dillon

Shortly before 11:50 am Wednesday morning, 3500 residents across the City of Merrill lost power due to a semi-truck hauling a gravel-loader conveyor trailer taking out a utility pole at the corner of East Main and Stuyvesant Streets. Initial reports indicated the driver of the semi failed to properly negotiate the curve, allowing the rig to strike and sever the pole, leaving it hanging from power lines. Merrill Fire Department ladder trucks were on scene immediately following reports of the incident along with Merrill Police Officers. WPS utility vehicles arrived…

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LINCOLN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HOSTS 2026 SUMMIT IN MERRILL

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation held their 2026 Economic Summit at the Merrill Expo Center on Tuesday, focusing on the theme “Energizing the Small Business Spirit.” Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation shared, “This morning we had some great updates, including a report from the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce on the Wisconsin Competitiveness Report. We also had a presentation from Joe Thiel talking about innovation and his experiences at ‘Innovate Marquette’.” Guild went on to highlight information from the afternoon session, stating “we had…

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BLUEJAY BOYS DROP HEARTBREAKER 5-4 IN BASEBALL ACTION

Steve Dillon

In a game heard yesterday right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Merrill Bluejays boys’ baseball team dropped a 5-4 thriller to the Antigo Red Robins in conference play at Kertz Park in Antigo.  Bluejay starter Cam Wallin gave up five runs on five hits in the bottom half of the first inning after Merrill scratched out a single tally in the top half of the frame.  Merrill tallied three in the top of the third after two Red Robin outfielders collided on what turned out to be only a…

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MAY HAVE LED TO FATAL STABBING IN TOWN OF NORRIE

Steve Dillon

A deadly stabbing reported early Sunday in the Town of Norrie is currently under investigation by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say deputies were called just after 12:30 a.m. to a home in the 183000 block of Norrie Road after receiving a report that a man had been stabbed. When deputies arrived, they found 57-year-old Thomas J. Anker suffering from a stab wound and immediately began lifesaving efforts. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the case involves an act of domestic violence. A 58-year-old man was…

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GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR CWA’S NEW TERMINAL BUILDING SET FOR THIS WEDNESDAY

Steve Dillon

A significant groundbreaking event for business travelers, medical flight technicians and pilots, and other private and charter flyers across the central portion of the state is scheduled to take place in Mosinee Wednesday. Members of the media along with other local figures will be on hand tomorrow for a ceremony at the Central Wisconsin Airport, marking the beginning of construction on the airport’s new 6800 square foot private and non-commercial General Aviation Terminal Building. The new structure, which will offer upgraded amenities, replaces the current facility built in 1971. The…

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DATCP URGES RESIDENTS TO UTILIZE CONSUMER PROTECTION RESOURCES AS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH CLOSES

Steve Dillon

April is Financial Literacy month, and the Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection is reminding consumers that financial literacy isn’t just about investing; it’s about making informed decisions and avoiding scams. The DATCP is encouraging consumers to take advantage of its free financial protection resources. They offer downloadable Consumer Protection Fact Sheets and a 40‑plus‑page Consumer Guide covering everyday issues like protecting your money and navigating small claims court. More than 100 consumer topics are available online, along with educational videos in the DATCP’s “Consumer Protection 101” series.

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HIGHWAY 51 TRAFFIC STOP ENDS WITH DRIVER’S DEATH, INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION

Steve Dillon

A traffic stop initiated by the Wisconsin State Patrol Friday just before 5 pm on US Highway 51 north of County Road A has prompted an investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Initial reports include a State Patrol trooper conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle in that area, and the sole occupant fleeing the scene. During the course of the event, authorities say it appears the driver sustained a self-inflicted fatal injury. Responders to the incident included Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, members of the Tomahawk Police Department, and…

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