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Year: 2026

Lincoln County Board Raises Concerns Over Aging Roads, Funding Gaps

Steve Dillon

Concerns over road funding are prompting action from the Lincoln County Board. Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday urging lawmakers to adopt a long-term, sustainable plan for roads and bridges. County officials say local governments maintain about 90 percent of Wisconsin’s roads, but state aid has not kept up with inflation and rising construction costs. They also point to aging infrastructure, including thousands of small bridges statewide, warning communities could be forced to delay projects or take on more debt without stable funding. The resolution passed with little discussion and…

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Merrill Builds Business Growth Through Rural Venture Program

Steve Dillon

Merrill is continuing work to strengthen its small business community through a statewide rural development program. The city joined UW–Madison’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture initiative two years ago, one of the first 12 communities selected. “It is a longer term program that works with leadership teams in small rural communities and helps them develop a strategy for best supporting their local entrepreneurs,” shared Lisa Taylor, REV Program at UW-Madison Extension specialist. During the first phase, local leaders and business owners gathered input from across the community. That process showed Merrill has…

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NEED FOR BLOOD DONATIONS REACHES CRITICAL STAGE, RED CROSS OFFERS INCENTIVE

Steve Dillon

The late winter snowstorms have had a major effect on blood donations, prompting the American Red Cross to urge residents across Wisconsin to donate. More than 1000 blood and platelet donations were missed due to the necessary cancellation of over 30 blood drives, and the hazardous conditions made transporting blood supplies challenging. Red Cross officials say all blood types are needed, so they are encouraging donors to participate. They emphasized that the need is always critical after extreme weather events, so even a single donation can help save lives. To…

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WRONG WAY TOMAHAWK DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

On Wednesday March 11th, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were alerted to a reckless driving incident in the area of Muskellunge Lake Rd and CTH A in the Town of Bradley. Initial reports stated the driver was weaving all over the road and going into oncoming traffic, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop in the wrong lane. An additional report said a Tomahawk Police Officer had accompanied the suspect at an address on Muskellunge Lake Rd. Upon arrival the Officer from Tomahawk shared with the deputy that the driver…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: OFFICERS RESPOND TO TWELVE WEATHER RELATED INCIDENTS DURING SNOWSTORM

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents during the week ending March 15th. Officers conducted approximately 41 traffic stops and 70 security checks. During Sunday’s snowstorm, officers responded to twelve weather related complaints including motorist assists and ordinance violations or roadways being blocked with snow. Other activity included separate instances of possession of and evidence of an illegal substance, four arrests for probation violations, citations issued for disorderly conduct and speeding, and a report from a local bank that a business had a counterfeit bill come in through their…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: VEHICLE WITH TIRES SPINNING FOUND IN DITCH IN TOWN OF BRADLEY

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 50 traffic stops and 30 security checks. There was one call involving a car hitting a deer, and there were 28 calls for assistance regarding  cars in the ditch due to the weekend storms. A deputy on patrol on Sunday came across a vehicle in the ditch with the tires still spinning, near the 228 mile marker of US Highway 51 in the Town of Bradley. Upon investigation the deputy found that the driver, a 64-year-old man from Wausau was not breathing. The…

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County Board Sets New Hours for Offices After Extended Discussion

Steve Dillon

During Tuesday evening’s Lincoln County Board meeting, the board approved an adjustment the ordinance that pertains to hours of operation for county facilities. Effective immediately, hours of operation for most county offices will be Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with discussions taking place for reducing availability to the public on Friday afternoons. A number of supervisors stated their constituents had concerns that the reduced hours could impede their ability to address county matters, including weekenders and seasonal residents. After considerable discussion, the ordinance change was approved and…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT RECRUITING FOR POLICE OFFICER POSITION

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department is currently accepting applications to fill an open Police Officer position and to create an eligibility list for anticipated retirements. Applicants should be qualified, dependable, and willing to learn. The department expects some retirements in the near term and more in coming years, with several officers and staff already approaching eligibility. Information on Salary & Benefits, qualifications, how and where to apply and more can be found on the Merrill Police Department Facebook page.

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Lincoln County EDC To Host AI-Themed LinC & Learn Thursday Morning

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County small-to-medium size business owners, entrepreneurs, current and potential local business leaders and partners will have another opportunity to join a free interactive business discussion this week. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is holding their second in a series of LinC  & Learn sessions Thursday morning at 7:30 AM. The event is being held at the PCA Training Lodge in Tomahawk. This month’s discussion is focused on utilizing AI tools for everyday marketing. Registration is strongly encouraged and can be completed at lincolncountyedc.org/lcedc-events. LinC & Learn Business Connections…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: SUNDAY HOME FIRE ENDS IN TOTAL LOSS

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 37 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 470. There were 33 EMS calls. There was a house fire on Sunday on County Highway K in the Town of Merrill. Given the extent of the damage, the home is considered a total loss. No injuries reported, and the fire did not appear to be intentional. Additional information regarding the fire can be found in the news story posted on Monday.

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