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Author: Steve Dillon

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT – DOWNED POWER LINE, WATER EVACUATION AMONG THIS WEEKS CALLS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 45 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,997. There were 31 EMS calls. Four motor vehicle accidents occurred in and around the city throughout the week, three of those resulting in injuries. Crews responded to a call regarding a downed power line on South State Street in the City of Merrill on Wednesday, and provided aid during a structure fire in the Town of Pine River on Saturday. There was a water evacuation event on Cedar Street in the…

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THANKSGIVING DAY FIRE DESTROYS HOME IN RHINELANDER

Steve Dillon

A Rhinelander family is left to deal with unimaginable hardship after a catastrophic fire destroyed their home early Thanksgiving morning. Crews from multiple fire departments in the region responded to Lakeshore Drive near Boom Lake to battle the blaze. Pine Lake fire and Rescue officials reported the owner of the home escaped with minor burns, and their two dogs also escaped safely. The home appeared to be a total loss.

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KEEP THE WREATH GREEN CAMPAIGN FOR 2025 ON FULL DISPLAY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department has displayed the wreath for the 2025 Keep the Wreath Green fire prevention campaign. All the bulbs on the wreath are green, except for one white bulb representing fallen firefighters.  Should a structure fire occur in the department’s jurisdiction between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, one of the green bulbs will be swapped out with a red one.   The effort offers an immediate visual cue urging residents to follow simple fire-safety tips—watering real trees, inspecting light cords, and keeping an eye on the…

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2026 BLACK BEAR AND TURKEY SPRING APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 10TH

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that while they may be enjoying the deer firearm season, the deadline to apply for the 2026 black bear and turkey spring hunting seasons is midnight on December 10th. The black bear authorization drawing will be held in February, while the spring turkey season drawing will happen in December. Those selected will be notified via email, or they can check their Go Wild account. Additional information is available on the DNR’s website.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT – POLICE LEADERS RESPOND TO ARGUMENT OUTSIDE CITY HALL

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – During the week ending November 23, the Merrill Police Department responded to five incidents, while officers conducted approximately 23 traffic stops and 65 security checks. On Monday the 17th, the Merrill Chief of Police and Captain responded to an argument that was taking place in front of City Hall between a male and female party. The male was cited for Disorderly Conduct.   Other activity included two arrests for probation violations, one instance of possession of an illegal substance, a citation for speeding, and an additional instance disorderly…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: RECKLESS DRIVER ARRESTED FOR 1ST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 61 traffic stops and 58 security checks. There were twelve calls involving cars hitting deer.   On Friday, a complaint was received for a reckless driver traveling Northbound on US Highway 51 near the 216 mile marker in the Township of Merrill. The vehicle had been observed weaving all over the road. Upon locating the suspect vehicle, the deputy conducted a traffic stop and observed signs of impairment as he made contact with the 19-yr-old male driver from Rhinelander. The driver agreed to…

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MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN STUDY FOCUSES ON BARRIERS TO COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Steve Dillon

A study aimed at gaining better understanding of barriers to colorectal cancer screening among rural Wisconsin residents is being conducted by The Medical College of Wisconsin. The project is led by Karly Kostman, a second-year medical student at Medical College of Wisconsin –Wausau, who was inspired to pursue the topic after losing her grandmother to colon cancer at age 12. Kostman is now gathering public input on attitudes toward screening. Residents are invited to complete a brief, five-minute survey. Those who participate will be entered into a drawing for one…

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TRAFFIC STOP FOR SPEEDING ENDS WITH ARREST FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF BIRCH – On Sunday, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol observed a vehicle traveling at a high speed on US Highway 51 near County Highway J in the Town of Birch. The vehicle was clocked on radar at 101 mph in a 65-mph zone. Following a traffic stop of the vehicle the deputy noticed signs of impairment as he interacted with the 31-yr-old male driver from Merrill. The man agreed to perform sobriety tests, which resulted in him being placed under arrest for OWI first offense. The…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT; TWO ACCIDENTS ON FRIDAY, BUILDING FIRE LAST MONDAY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 34 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,950. There were 26 EMS calls. Two motor vehicle accidents occurred on Friday, the first at the intersection of County Road JJ and Schulz Spur Drive in the Town of Merrill where there were no injuries, and the second on Center Rd in the City of Merrill that resulted in injuries. There was a building fire on North Prospect Street in the City of Merrill on Monday.

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MERRILL HONORS DOLORES KELLY WITH WITH FOURTH SIGN DEDICATION FOR 2025

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill’s fourth street sign dedication of the five planned for 2025 is scheduled to take place today at the corner of 2nd and Cleveland Streets and N Sales Streets outside of the historic former city hall. This cycle’s honoree is Merrill’s Dolores Kelly, a dedicated advocate for the City’s elderly. Kelly became a member of the Committee on aging for the city. Her influence started a crusade to bring housing, fix nutritional deficits and provide legal services. Most importantly, a program was started to bring transportation to the…

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