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Year: 2026

Court Schedules Phase Two Trial for Madison Teen Convicted in Corey Proulx Killing

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – 17-yr-old Javarius Hurd will face a jury from February 2nd through 11th as a part of a phase two trial. Hurd previously pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide for the death of Corey Proulx, a youth counselor at Lincoln-Hills – Copper Lake Schools. Hurd is claming mental disease or defect, however the trial won’t focus on his mental state during his attack on Proulx during a 2024 altercation at the Lincoln Hills Youth Prison. The incident began with Hurd throwing a cup of soapy water into the face…

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WITH DANGEROUSLY LOW TEMPS NOW IN PLACE, COUNTY OFFICIALS REMIND RESIDENTS RELIEF IS AVAILABLE AT WARMING CENTERS

Steve Dillon

With the bitter cold now in place in our region, communities across the Northwoods can expect to see temps drop well below sub-zero levels, with lows currently forecasted at minus 25 degrees. Real feel temperatures could reach minus 40 degrees. Lincoln County officials are reminding residents that they can find relief at one of the fourteen warming centers throughout the region. There are eight warming locations in Merrill, five in Tomahawk and one in Gleason. A full list of warming centers including addresses and business hours is featured below, along…

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NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE RECEIVES THIRD NATIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION

Steve Dillon

The leading association in continuing education and workforce development, Learning Resources Network has named Northcentral Technical College one of the top training colleges in North America. The honor recognizes NTC’s Workforce Training Plus Professional Development team and places Northcentral among just eleven colleges in North America.The team partners with employers to deliver customized training solutions, technical assistance and consulting with a goal of driving measurable business results. NTC has now been named a top training college by Learning Resources Network three times in the past six years. “The award is…

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LINCOLN COUNTY OPIOID TASK FORCE INTRODUCES VITAL STRATEGIES PROJECT

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force met last Wednesday, January 14th.  Opioid Task Force Grant Coordinator Erin Ray provided an update on the county’s Vital Strategies project. The four objectives for the initiative include: – Reducing Stigma by providing education to the community on substance abuse as a disease – Reducing overdose risk by expanding naloxone distribution through community partnerships – Initiating recovery case management and peer support services – Addressing the profound impact of substance use on children and families through interagency planning Three town halls are scheduled, the…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: SNOWMOBILE CRASH IN TOWN OF HARRISON

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 60 traffic stops and 75 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer.    On Saturday, deputies were dispatched to the Town of Harrison for the report of a snowmobile crash with injuries near Hummingbird Lane on Pine Lake Rd. As they arrived on scene deputies spoke with other parties involved who did not actually witness the crash, and the 61-yr-old Gleason man who was driving the sled but had no recollection of the event. Observation at the scene led deputies…

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LINCOLN COUNTY WARMING CENTERS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE WINTER’S BITTER GRIP

Steve Dillon

A significant high pressure system centered over the upper Midwest is tightening its grip on the central and eastern portions of the nation. Communities across the Northwoods will see temps that are already down in the teens and single digits drop to sub-zero levels, with lows currently forecasted to be at or near 25 below zero. Real feel temperatures could reach -40 degrees. With the onset of the dangerously cold weather, Lincoln County officials are reminding residents that they can find relief at one of the fourteen warming centers throughout…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE RECOGNIZES TEAM MEMBERS FOR 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office honored four team members last week for achievements in 2025. County Jail Administrator Nicholas Hoeft was presented with the Sheriff’s Recognition Award for displaying selflessness and dedication during a critical incident in July of 2025 involving the dive team.  Lieutenant Thomas Tollefson received the Life Saving Award for his response to a medical emergency on December 2nd. Lt. Tollefson responded to a welfare check in the City of Merrill and found the patient to be not breathing and having no pulse. Lt. Tollefson began cardiopulmonary…

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DNR URGING SNOWMOBILE RIDERS TO STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS, STAY SAFE AND SOBER

Steve Dillon

With winter riding conditions in place, the Wisconsin DNR is urging snowmobilers to operate only on designated trails or permitted areas and to respect trail closures. Snowmobile clubs across the state work hard throughout the year to assure riders can enjoy one of the best experiences in the nation. Operating a sled off of a designated trail can be dangerous, and could cause damage to private property. It is illegal to operate a snowmobile on closed trails. Riders should check Travel Wisconsin’s Snow Report  to see which trails are open prior…

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LINCOLN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS TIPS WITH FLU AND COVID ON THE RISE

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Health Department has shared that current data reflects “very high” levels of the Flu and “high” levels of COVID-19 in our region. In an effort to combat the spread of the illnesses, the Health Department strongly recommends residents: Should you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. For more information on precautionary steps that can be taken to avoid contracting these illnesses, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov and click on “Healthy New Year”.

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WISCONSIN’S GET KIDS READY PROGRAM PROVIDES CHILDCARE FUNDING

Steve Dillon

Tuesday marked the inaugural launch of Wisconsin’s entirely state funded childcare program, Get Kids Ready. $65 million in direct payments to childcare centers will provide school readiness programming for the 2026-27 school year. According to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, the funding will be put to use by qualified providers who will give focus to developing children’s academic, physical, social-emotional and self-help skills. Childcare providers receive funding from the state for the time kids spend in Get Kids Ready programming, making that part of the day free for…

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