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Author: Steve Dillon

CLEAR VENTS OF SNOW, ICE AROUND YOUR HOME TO HELP PREVENT CO POISONING

Steve Dillon

Winter weather can create a hidden danger around your home. Snow and ice can block furnace, dryer, and fireplace vents, allowing carbon monoxide to build up indoors. Officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to clear snow away from vents after winter storms. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas often called a silent killer, making working CO alarms an important safety step in every home. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone outside immediately and call 9-1-1.

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NORTHWOODS RECEIVES FIRST TRUE BLAST OF WINTER LEAVING SOME WITHOUT POWER, ROADS COVERED AND SLICK

Steve Dillon

The Northwoods received a taste of winter’s fury Sunday evening into Monday, as the season’s most significant weather event to date moved across the region. There were even reports of Snow thunder in some areas. More than 1500 residents were still without power as of Noon Monday, most of those in Oneida and Vilas Counties. WPS outages across all of Northeastern Wisconsin reached a total of more than 10,000 customers affected. Icy roads coupled with drifting and blowing snow made for a difficult Monday morning commute. Motorists are urged not…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER STOPPED FOR SPEEDING ARRESTED FOR OWI

Steve Dillon

During the week ending December 21, the Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents, while officers conducted approximately 24 traffic stops and 92 security checks. On Wednesday, an officer observed a vehicle that was going 67 mph in a 25 mph zone. During a traffic stop of the vehicle, the driver showed signs suggesting impairment. Following sobriety testing, the driver was arrested for 1st offense OWI. Other activity included one report of fraud, three instances of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct, one report of theft, an instance of underage possession…

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CITY OF MERRILL LAUNCHING INITIATIVE TO REPLACE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill and the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new program to replace aging holiday lights as part of a “Christmas of the Past” initiative. The city purchased its current LED decorations in 2010, but officials say the lights have now outlived their expected lifespan. The new program allows residents, former residents, civic groups, and businesses to sponsor replacement lights in honor or memory of loved ones, helping update the displays without raising taxes. Around 100 lights will need to be replaced, with installation expected…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: VEHICLE LEFT IN DITCH LEADS TO ARREST FOR OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 12 traffic stops and 25 security checks. There were five calls involving cars hitting deer, and one where a car struck an unknown animal.    On Saturday a deputy was sent to the Town of Wilson regarding a report of a vehicle in the ditch on US Highway 8 near Honey Road. As the deputy was conducting an investigation at the scene, a call was received by the Sheriff’s Office from a business in Tripoli stating the suspected 44-yr-old male driver from Hawkins…

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WEEKEND POWERBALL DRAWING PRODUCES FOUR WINNERS ACROSS THE STATE

Steve Dillon

Last weekend’s Powerball drawing produced four big winners in Wisconsin, even though no one hit the jackpot. Four tickets sold in Elm Grove, Madison, Hartford, and Janesville matched four of five numbers plus the Powerball. Three of those tickets are worth $50,000, while the Janesville ticket added the 3-X Power Play, boosting the prize to $150,000. Once again, no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s $1.6-billion drawing. As a result, the jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing is now estimated at $1.7 billion—the fourth-largest prize in Powerball and…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT; LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDE AID FOR ANTIGO STRUCTURE FIRE

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 52 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 2,151. There were 43 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries Friday on Commerce Street in the City of Merrill, and a vehicle fire Thursday on North Center Ave, also in the City of Merrill. The department provided mutual aid for a building fire in Antigo on Saturday.

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MERRILL FIRST RESPONDERS JOIN FORCES TO QUICKLY EXTINGUISH VEHICLE FIRE

Steve Dillon

A vehicle fire on North Center Avenue drew a response from Merrill Fire last Thursday afternoon. Multiple ambulance calls were also occurring at the time, so Engine-61 and various other units were dispatched to the scene. Merrill Police Officers used a fire extinguisher on the vehicle while fire units were en route. Firefighters arriving on scene used a hose line to fully extinguish the fire. One firefighter did sustain a minor injury. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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WISCONSIN DNR REMINDS SNOWMOBILERS TO KEEP SAFETY AT THE FOREFRONT AS TRAILS OPEN

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding winter outdoor enthusiasts that as snowmobile trails begin to open, riders need to stay sober and be aware of unsafe ice. Weak ice and impaired operation are two of the most common contributors to off-highway vehicle tragedies around the holidays, and both can be greatly diminished with proper planning and making wise decisions. The state has seen 10 snowmobile fatalities to date in 2025, three of those determined to be alcohol related. Riders should also contact local experts like outfitters, bait shops…

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