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Author: Steve Dillon

MATCHING DONATIONS FROM PARK CITY CARES FOUNDATION HELPS DRIVE TOMAHAWK KINSHIP BUILDING FUNDRAISER

Steve Dillon

TOMAHAWK – Support continues to grow for Tomahawk Kinship’s effort to relocate to a larger home for its youth mentorship programs. A recent matching challenge from Park City Credit Union and the Park City Cares Foundation helped drive donations. The foundation pledged to match up to $10,000, a goal the community quickly met—followed by an additional $20,218 in contributions. The funds are part of Kinship’s two-phase campaign to move into a larger space. With Phase 1 complete, the group is set to purchase the former Bradley Bank building. Phase 2…

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NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS JOIN MERRILL AREA AGENCIES

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill and Lincoln County recently welcomed two new law enforcement officers. Deputy Austin Wadzinski recently completed the Sheriff’s Office field training after joining the department in April of 2025. Following four years of service with the Marine Corps and some work in overseas contracting, Wadzinski was previously employed by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. On July 2nd, Officer Boe Nienow (pr Bo Nee-no) was sworn in by the Merrill Police Department. Nienow, a resident of the rural Merrill area attended Wausau…

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MERRILL MAN CHARGED IN 2024 ATTACK PLEADS GUILTY TO TWO CHARGES, FOUR DROPPED

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – A plea agreement has been reached for a man charged in a roadside knife attack that took place in the fall of 2024. 32-yr-old Bradley LaBarge of Merrill was back in court last Thursday for the hearing. LaBarge was arrested in October after an altercation that occurred in the Town of Corning. He had been following a vehicle carrying an ex-girlfriend and another man when the situation escalated and LaBarge sliced the other man with a utility knife. Initially, LaBarge faced six charges. Court records from the hearing…

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HODAG COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL PROVIDES GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, BOOSTS LOCAL ECONOMY

Steve Dillon

RHINELANDER – Country music fans are flocking to Rhinelander as the Hodag Country Music Festival rolls into its 47th year. The annual event brings thousands to the Northwoods with a star-studded lineup that includes Jordan Davis, LoCash, Carly Pearce, Gretchen Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny and even Three Dog Night. Visitors from across the Midwest fill the campgrounds for the four-day celebration, which draws more than 30,000 people each year. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the festival pumps over $10 million into the local economy. It’s also a major fundraiser…

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SUMMER SUN AND HEAT LEADS TO POTENTIAL DISASTER INSIDE VEHICLES

Steve Dillon

Summer sunshine and warmer temperatures can quickly result in potentially fatal conditions inside vehicles. The Lincoln County Health Department is alerting residents to never leave children, elderly adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicle. Temperatures inside parked vehicles spike quickly to unsafe levels for pets and for people. It’s also important to remember that trying to offset the warmer temps by leaving windows opened slightly does NOT significantly decrease the heating rate. Effects tend to be more severe for children, as their bodies have not developed the ability to adequately…

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MERRILL YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL SIGNUPS STILL OPEN, CLOSE ON JULY 18

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Park and Recreation is reminding local families that Flag Football registration for students in 5th & 6th grade is still open but will close effective Friday July 18th. Games will be played 10:30 AM on Saturday mornings at Jay Stadium, beginning September 6th. Cost for registration is $25 per participant. To register, go to the Merrill Park and Rec Facebook page and follow the website address provided.

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Lincoln County Sherrif’s Report Week Ending July 6

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 70 traffic stops and 16 security checks. There were 11 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Friday July 4th, a deputy on patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding on near CTH K on Lake Pesobic Rd in the Town of Merrill. While speaking with the 26-yr-old driver from Merrill, the deputy noticed signs of impairment. The driver was asked to perform sobriety tests, which he did agree to however he stated he had not been drinking and refused a preliminary breath test. As…

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EVERS ANNOUNCES BUDGET ALLOTMENT TO AID FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER IN WISCONSIN

Steve Dillon

WAUSAU – Food security is getting a boost in Wisconsin’s new state budget. Governor Tony Evers visited Wausau Monday, where he announced $10 million is being set aside to fight hunger statewide. Speaking at the Community Partners Campus, Evers said food insecurity became a bigger concern during the pandemic—and remains a top priority. He admitted that while the funding isn’t enough, it is a start. Evers also praised the Wausau facility’s model, which brings food and medical services together in one location. The governor made additional stops in Milwaukee and…

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MARATHON COUNTY “HELMET HERO” SAFETY INITIATIVE IN FULL SWING

Steve Dillon

A safety campaign is active once again in Marathon County this summer, reminding kids to wear helmets while biking, scootering, or skateboarding. The “Helmet Hero” initiative is a joint effort by Aspirus Health, Safe Kids Marathon County, and local law enforcement agencies. As an incentive, groups will be teaming up with Wausau and Metro Bay Police Department to be on the lookout for kids wearing their helmets properly while riding through the community. Children who “caught” wearing a helmet will get a ticket – for a free ice cream at…

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RED CROSS URGES RESIDENTS TO DONATE NOW TO BOLSTER BLOOD SUPPLIES

Steve Dillon

In an effort to keep the blood supply strong during the typically low summer donor turnouts, the Red Cross is strongly urging residents to donate blood now. Summer vacations and holidays tend to hamper efforts to solicit donors, as well as the seasonal severe weather. The Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s blood, and they typically see their lowest blood supply in late summer and early fall. The greatest need for hospital supplies is Type O blood products. The organization is reminding potential donors that it is crucial…

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