You are here

Author: Steve Dillon

AUGUST IS CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH MONTH, AND ASPIRUS IS ENCOURAGING REGULAR CHECKUPS

Steve Dillon

In recognition of August being designated as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Aspirus Health encourages families to focus on their children’s vision. Almost 6.8 percent of children under 18 across the nation have an eye health condition, and about 3 percent are blind or visually impaired, per the Centers for Disease Control. Aspirus Health providers recommend initial eye exams be performed between the ages of 4 and 5, as regular vision checkups can detect eye problems early, even before a child realizes they are experiencing them. This can set…

Read More

FORMER M.A.P.S. EMPLOYEE FACING FELONY CHARGES

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – A former Merrill school district buildings and grounds director is accused of making more than $1,500 in unauthorized charges on district credit cards. Dale L. Bergman, 55, of Athens, faces a felony misconduct charge and will make his first court appearance Oct. 1. The criminal complaint states back in April 2024 a woman had reported she became aware in a school board meeting Bergman stole $1,500 from the school, and it was also reported that he used the money to purchase something for his home. Per the complaint,…

Read More

HIGH SPEED CHASE ABORTED, DRIVER EVENTUALLY LOCATED AND BOOKED ON CHARGES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL -Last Saturday a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy clocked two motorcycles at 120 mph in a 55 mph zone while traveling eastbound on CTH C near French Ridge Rd in the Town of Merrill. One of the drivers ignored the deputy’s attempt to stop the motorcycles, initiating a pursuit. Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was terminated shortly thereafter. The deputy provided information about the pursuit and a description of the suspect vehicle to Langlade (LGSO) and Marathon (MNSO) counties. Upon further investigation the deputy determined that the…

Read More

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED FOR CATS IN LINCOLN COUNTY

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Humane Society is currently in need of foster homes for cats. The list includes nursing mother cats with kittens, bottle baby kittens, and kittens who have medical issues. Those interested in fostering are asked to first fill out an application, and they will then be contacted once an animal in need of foster care comes available. Pets that are healthy and adoptable are not typically sent to foster care as the focus is finding them long term homes first. Foster homes receive food and supplies from the…

Read More

NATIONAL AND STATE MEASLES CASES SLOWLY ON THE RISE

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Health Department has provided additional updates to the recent Measles outbreak in the State of Wisconsin. There were nine cases confirmed in Oconto County on August 2nd. All of those had been exposed to a common source that was out of state. More than 1,300 cases of measles have been confirmed in the U.S. as of July 29th, including 169 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths. Multiple states have been affected. The highly contagious disease spreads rapidly, often prior to seeing any symptoms of the illness. Ninety percent…

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 61 traffic stops and 132 security checks. There were nine calls involving cars hitting deer, and one call where a car struck a bear. On Friday, deputies were dispatched to the town of Corning regarding a report of a domestic disturbance involving an argument between a 35-yr-old woman and a 42-yr-old man, both from Merrill. As the situation escalated the man caused damage to some of the woman’s property and threatened to shoot her dogs. As deputies spoke with the man he denied…

Read More

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO HOST OPEN HOUSE AT FORMER ARMORY SITE THIS EVENING

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Members of the Merrill community will have an opportunity this evening to take a tour through the former National Guard Armory. The well-known city landmark could be a possible new safe haven for local kids and teens. Boys & Girls Club C.E.O. Kim Larsen stated, “We are thrilled to welcome the community to come and see what could happen in Merrill. We’re also looking to help build support for the Boys & Girls Club in the community, and looking for additional financial resources to help make the site…

Read More

TRUSTEES ADDED, REAPPOINTED BY NICOLET COLLEGE BOARD

Steve Dillon

RHINELANDER – The Nicolet College Board has added three new trustees and reappointed one returning member. Returning to the board is Abbey Dall, a Nicolet College graduate who currently serves as executive director of the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing (NATH) in Rhinelander. New to the board are Jim Mulleady of Eagle River, who works with Shorewest Realtors and will serve as the employee member; Tony Pharo of Eagle River, executive director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, appointed as an at-large member; and Scott Sievert of Rhinelander, General…

Read More

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 10 traffic stops and 79 security checks. There were two instances of theft, three reports of disorderly conduct and public nuisance, three reports of probation violations and bail jumping, and two reports of a hit and run though neither were substantiated. There was a report of possible gunshots at a local government building on Wednesday. Further investigation revealed the noise was caused by something other than a firearm.

Read More

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS HEAD DOWN STATE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Steve Dillon

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Members of the Merrill Fire Department recently made a special trip south for a meaningful assignment. Throughout each year, firefighters from across Wisconsin volunteer their time in Wisconsin Rapids, helping with upkeep at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial. The work includes mowing, landscaping, and general clean-up around the grounds and museum. This past week, it was Merrill’s turn. According to a social media post, several department members along with a few of their young family members, lent a hand during the latest round of maintenance. There’s…

Read More