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Month: June 2026

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: WELFARE CHECK ENDS WITH ARREST FOR OWI

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents during the week ending June 21st. Officers conducted approximately 25 traffic stops and 90 security checks. Sunday morning, an officer responded to the Kwik Trip on Pine Ridge Avenue for a welfare check. Investigation at the scene revealed an individual in a vehicle who was determined to be under the influence of intoxicants. The individual was arrested for OWI 2nd offense. Other activity included a report of a hit and run involving a car parked in a parking lot of a local…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: SPEEDER ARRESTED AFTER BRIEF PURSUIT

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 34 traffic stops and 20 security checks. There were 13 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday, a deputy attempted a traffic stop for a speeding violation on Taylor Street in the City of Merrill. The driver sped away resulting in a brief pursuit. The driver, Jon Hart of Spring Valley WI was placed under arrest for vehicle operator flee/elude officer and was later booked into the Lincoln County Jail.

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Lincoln County Board Discusses Priorities for New Term

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County supervisors are beginning to identify priorities for the next two years. During last week’s county board meeting, members held a brainstorming session on goals they would like to pursue during their current term. Among the topics discussed were expanding broadband access, increasing housing opportunities, improving roads and infrastructure, and promoting tourism throughout the county. Supervisors also raised the issue of data centers, which are drawing growing attention across Wisconsin as developers consider potential locations. Board Chairman Don Friske noted that the board’s two-year term leaves limited time to…

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Bluejay Legion Girls Trounce Marathon 10-3

Steve Dillon

In a game heard on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Merrill Post 46 girls’ softball team trounced the Marathon Red Raider girls’ 10-3 on the road in a game shortened to six innings by the mercy rule, The Bluejay girls scored three in the top of the first inning, paced by AmericInn Player of the Game Jacey Lyon (pictured). Lyon tripled in shortstop Allie Kohn horst and then scored on a groundout. The Raiders responded with two solo home runs in the bottom of the first to close the gap to…

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Bluejays Fall to 0-5 With 10-6 Loss to Marshfield 

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com on Monday, the Merrill Post 46 Bluejay boys; baseball team saw its record fall to 0-5 with a 10-6 loss to the Marshfield Post 54 Blue Devils on the road at Jack Hackman Park. The Bluejays were paced by AmericInn Player of the Game Korey Page (pictured) , who went 2-3 with a walk and two RBI’s as well as relieving Bluejay starting pitcher Eric Grunenwald in the fourth inning. Unfortunately the Jays made a crucial error in the Marshfield…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: CARBON MONOXIDE INCIDENT AT BUSINESS ON MERRILL’S EAST SIDE

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 47 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 1,068 calls. There were 40 EMS calls. On Sunday, crews responded to the report of a carbon monoxide alarm at a commercial building on North Memorial Drive in Merrill. First responders found elevated carbon monoxide levels and the potential of natural gas inside the building. Additional medical units were requested to assist at the scene.   

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HARSHAW MAN SUSTAINS LIFE THREATENING INJURIES IN UTV VS VEHICLE CRASH

Steve Dillon

Saturday at approximately 11 p.m., Oneida County Dispatch received a call regarding a crash in the Town of Hazelhurst at US Highway 51 and Oneida Street. Initial investigation revealed 69-year-old James R. Bowman of Harshaw was operating a UTV when he failed to stop at the stop sign, causing the four wheeler to strike the side of a pickup travelling southbound on Highway 51. The driver of the pickup, Nathan E. Birkholz of Mosinee was not injured, however the passenger Tia R Gaulke, 28 also of Mosinee did sustain minor…

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Tomahawk Woman May Reach Plea Deal in OWI Case

Steve Dillon

A possible plea deal appears to be in the works for a Tomahawk woman facing multiple drunk driving charges in Lincoln County. A plea and sentencing hearing for 56-year-old Connie Jones has been scheduled for January 15th of next year. Jones was arrested last October after authorities received multiple reports of a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lanes of Highway 51. Deputies stopped the vehicle near mile marker 208 and reported signs of impairment, including an open bottle of alcohol. Investigators also learned Jones was already out on bond…

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Wausau Woman Convicted Following Marathon County Break-In Spree

Steve Dillon

A Marathon County jury has found a Wausau woman guilty on seven of eight charges connected to a string of burglaries and thefts last year. Forty-two-year-old Ashley Pinkert was convicted Tuesday on charges including burglary, theft, criminal trespass, and one count of arming herself with a dangerous weapon. She was acquitted on a second weapons charge. According to the criminal complaint, reports of break-ins began in April of last year. In one case, homeowners in the Town of Rib Falls returned home to find their door unlocked, items moved, and…

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MORE LATE SPRING SEVERE WEATHER IN SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

Steve Dillon

The National Weather Service is tracking severe storm damage from multiple tornado touchdowns on Wednesday night. Meteorologists say at least two tornadoes touched down and more were possible after conditions shifted during Wednesday to make twisters more likely. Two homes in the Dane County village of Belleville were significantly damaged by a tornado. The National Weather Service in La Crosse tracked a tornado that moved from Iowa into Crawford County. Assessment teams will be out across the region this week looking for other possible tornado touchdowns near Boscobel.

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