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Year: 2026

DNR TO HOLD TEN SESSIONS DEDICATED TO FISHERY MANAGEMENT

Steve Dillon

Throughout January and February, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be sponsoring ten separate sessions centered on fishery management on the waters of Northern Wisconsin. Maintaining a strong fishery requires focus, effort, and financial resources. The sessions will give emphasis to the work that goes into owning and managing a fishery. A session on 27th will cover Forest and Florence counties Trout Management, while February 12th session in Rhinelander will be dedicated to reviewing 35 Years Of Fisheries Management In Wisconsin’s Ceded Territory. Additional information on these sessions including…

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PARK CITY CREDIT UNION TO OPEN NEW WAUSAU BRANCH

Steve Dillon

Merrill based Park City Credit Union has announced a new, full-service location will soon be opening in Wausau’s Union Station at 2100 Stewart Ave – the organizations 6th branch. The opening of another location reflects their commitment to serving more members and communities across the state. Presently Park City has locations in Merrill, Tomahawk, Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Wisconsin Rapids. Members of the new branch will enjoy access to all of Park City Credit Union’s financial products, including PCCU Rewards Checking and cutting-edge technology. Other features include full lobby and drive-up…

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MAN DIES IN SKIING ACCIDENT AT GRANITE PEAK

Steve Dillon

A man involved in a skiing accident at Granite Peak on Sunday died from his injuries. Reports state that he lost a ski, fell and crashed into a tree, hitting his head. Granite Peak Ski patrol assisted the man getting him to the bottom of the hill and providing life-saving measures until first responders arrived on site. He was then transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No further details on the incident have…

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REPORT: INCREASE IN MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN YOUTH IN 2025

Steve Dillon

According to a review recently released by the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, 2025 saw a sharp increase in the number of young adults suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. The report shows an increasing trend among youth battling major depressive issues both in Wisconsin and across the country. Results also showed that kids who are comfortable discussing their feelings with family can reduce negative childhood experiences. $4 million was allotted to child advocacy centers throughout the state in 2025.

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MARSHFIELD HEALTH SYSTEM IMPLEMENTS VISITATION RESTRICTIONS WITH COVID AND FLU CASES ON THE RISE

Steve Dillon

Expect some changes if you’re planning a visit to a Marshfield Clinic birthing facility. The healthcare system announced Friday they would be implementing temporary visitation restrictions as COVID and flu activity remains high and rising across Northern Wisconsin. The restrictions will impact outpatient and inpatient obstetrics and all newborn nurseries across Marshfield Clinic region, as well as the NICU at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. No visitors under 18 will be permitted, including siblings. No more than two support persons are allowed during labor and delivery and hospitalizations, and grandparents can make…

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SEVERAL PROJECTS ON TAP THIS YEAR FOR WISCONSIN DNR, INCLUDING ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Steve Dillon

With the new year in full swing, the Wisconsin DNR is taking on some significant projects. Improving accessibility is part of their focus for 2026, per Parks and Recreation Management Director Steve Schmeizer. Accessible kayak launches, beach access mats, and track chairs that will be installed to improve trail accessibility will appear at properties around the state. There are also plans for updating kiosks at state parks to dispense a sticker on site, so visitors won’t need to return later to redeem their ticket for a state park sticker.  Those…

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MERRILL POLICE REPORT: MISUSE OF 911 LEADS TO OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER

Steve Dillon

During the week ending January 11th, the Merrill Police Department responded to twelve incidents, while officers conducted approximately 28 traffic stops and 51 security checks. On Monday, a caller reported that two days prior while shopping at a convenience store a male companion who was with her became upset and slammed her vehicle door causing the window to break. The investigation into the male companion’s actions is ongoing. Other activity included one report of theft, one instance of disorderly conduct, five reports of bail jumping and probation violations, two arrests…

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MERRILL CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPLETES FIRST YEAR OF ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Chamber’s Executive Director Sarah Brooks has completed her first year at the Institute for Organization Management. The Institute is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The four-year non-profit leadership training program is held at the Winter Institute in Tuscon, Arizona. Since it’s commencement in 1921, the institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber and other non-profit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates.…

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MERRILL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT RELEASES ANNUAL NOTICE OF EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Area School District has released their annual notice of educational options for children who reside in the School District. Merrill Area Public Schools, also known as MAPS, offers students a variety of options for education. Options for students in Headstart and 4K through grade 4 include Pine River School for Young Learners, Kate Goodrich Elementary for grades K through 2, and Washington Elementary for grades 3 and 4. Middle schoolers grades 5 through 8 are taught at Prairie River Middle School, while students in grades 9 through 12…

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