MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS HEAD DOWN STATE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

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…

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LINCOLN COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6TH

MERRILL – The Lincoln County Fair takes place this week from Wednesday through Sunday, August 6th through 10th at the Merrill Fairgrounds. There will be live music featuring multiple artists every evening, lawn mower races on Friday, and two tractor pull events on Saturday. Sunday afternoon features the always popular Demolition Derby. Carnival rides will once again be a part of the fun, along with other attractions such as 4-H exhibits and competitions, commercial displays, educational exhibits, and farm equipment displays.  It’s estimated that as many as 30,000 people will…

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POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN RUSSIA LAST WEDNESDAY REGISTERED IN RIB LAKE

RIB LAKE – The 8.8 earthquake that occurred in Russia last Wednesday was registered in Wisconsin. A change in ground velocity that was caused by the quake was picked up by a United States Geological Survey Station located in Rib Lake, more than 4000 miles from the quake’s epicenter. The earthquake is the most powerful in 14 years, when a 9.0 magnitude quake which was one of the strongest on record hit Japan. The USGS is estimating that the Russia quake caused severe shaking and significant economic losses.

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MERRILL HOLDS THIRD STREET SIGN DEDICATION FOR 2025

MERRILL – Merrill’s third street sign dedication for 2025 was held Friday at the corner of 9th and N Sales Streets. The Historic Preservation Committee selected Former Merrill based Park City Credit Union President William C. “Bill” Johnston for this round. Bill’s Wife Laurie spoke of Bill’s love for anything and everything Merrill. Johnston also served many year’s with the City’s Police & Fire Commission, and was a 1963 graduate of Merrill High School.

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WISCONSIN DNR EXTENDS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY IN THE WAKE OF CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has extended the statewide air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect the region. The advisory, which covers the entire state, is now in effect through noon Friday. Officials warn that air quality at ground level will remain poor for the next several days. Individuals with heart or lung conditions, as well as older adults and children, are urged to limit time outdoors, reduce strenuous activity, and consider moving events indoors. As of 11:00 AM Thursday, the Wisconsin State Climatology Office…

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MERRILL COUPLE ARRESTED FOR CHILD NEGLECT

MERRILL – Saturday July 26th at approximately 9:29am, Merrill Police Officers were dispatched to a local residence regarding a possible domestic disturbance. The caller reported she had heard two individuals fighting and stated that they left in a vehicle while their newborn baby was left alone in the residence. When they arrived, the officers confirmed that both suspects were not present, and the baby was upstairs crying. The parents later returned to the home and were arrested for child neglect.

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SOCIAL CONNECTION CAMPAIGN YIELDS MARKED IMPROVEMENT AMONG PARTICIPANTS

The results are officially in for the Lincoln County Health Department Social Connection Campaign. The campaign was launched in May in observance of Mental Health Month as an initiative of the Healthy Minds for Lincoln County Coalition. Aspirus Health also provided financial support. Focus was given to the positive effect that social connection can have on our mental health. Members of the community were urged to limit screen time, reach out to friends, family and neighbors, help others, and pursue opportunities to engage in their community, providing a way for…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JULY 27

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 19 traffic stops and 107 security checks. There were two instances of theft, and two reports of disorderly conduct and domestic altercation. There was one report of probation violation, and also a report of trespassing. One case of child neglect was also reported.  On Friday July 25th, an individual flagged down officers to report that she had observed a male physically assaulting a female inside a black Honda Civic while the vehicle was in motion.…

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