Steve Dillon – Page 19 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

DISCOVER MEDIAWORKS PARTNERS WITH LINCOLN COUNTY TO WIN REGIONAL EMMY FOR DOG SLED SEGMENT

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 Steve Dillon

A partnership that started two years ago between Lincoln County and Discover Mediaworks has led to a regional Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest for a local sled-dog kennel. The two partnered to produce a series of video features for Uniquely Wisconsin. One of the episodes produced, titled ‘The Heart of Wisconsin Mushing,’ features Melissa Omernick of Gleason, her family and their beloved sled dogs. Released in December of 2024 with a goal to tell the story of a location through its people, the episode has since garnered…

LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD APPROVES PLAN TO UTILIZE PINE CREST PROCEEDS

November 17, 2025November 16, 2025 Steve DillonLC SUPERVISORS VOTE PINE CREST PROCEEDS

At their Annual Budget Hearing Meeting last Wednesday, Lincoln County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution by voice vote prioritizing projects that will utilize the proceeds from the Pine Crest Nursing Home sale. Nearly $1.8 million will be pointed to facility and maintenance projects, according to the resolution. An Ad Hoc Facilities Committee was previously established to develop a priority, and prior to the vote Administrative Coordinator Renee Krueger shared a presentation. The $1.8 million in proceeds are to be expensed by August 1, 2027. Also up for vote was…

2026 BUDGET APPROVED FOR LINCOLN COUNTY FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 Steve DillonLINCOLN COUNTY 2026 BUDGET APPROVED

A special meeting of the Lincoln County Board was held on Wednesday morning. Following a round of activity and preparation that started back in the spring, the Board successfully approved their 2026 Budget. Very few changes were made from the proposed budget presented in October, resulting in minimal discussion between county supervisors prior to unanimous approval of the resolution. A balanced budget including a proposed $17.2 million tax levy was presented at their October meeting, reflecting a $500,000 or 2.9% increase over the current year. The finance team successfully closed…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT; TWO CAR CRASH LEADS TO CITATION FOR OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER

November 13, 2025November 13, 2025 Steve Dillon

During the week ending November 9, the Merrill Police Department responded to twelve incidents, while officers conducted approximately 34 traffic stops and 71 security checks. On Friday a two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of W Main St and Grand Ave. The officer investigating the crash received false information from one of the drivers, so he cited the driver for Obstructing an Officer then issued several other citations to both drivers. There were three instances of arrests for probation violations and active warrants, four instances of theft, one instance of…

NO COST FLU VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AVAILABLE AT LINCOLN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

November 13, 2025November 13, 2025 Steve DillonLCHD NO COST VACCINES FOR KIDS

The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that there is still time to protect your child from the flu with no cost vaccines. FluLaval flu shots and FluMist nasal mist are free for Lincoln County students grades 4K through 12. Children 6 months and older who aren’t covered by insurance or are enrolled for Medicaid, BadgerCare, ForwardHealth or any medical assistance are also eligible to receive a no cost vaccine at the Health Department. Parents and guardians can reach out to the Health Department at 715-536-0307 or LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us to…

TOWN OF MERRILL RESIDENTS VOTE “NO” TO TAX LEVY INCREASE

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 Steve DillonTOWN OF MERRILL TAX LEVY VOTE

TOWN OF MERRILL – On Monday evening, a public hearing was held at the Town of Merrill Community Center regarding the town’s proposed 2026 budget. On the agenda was a vote to increase the tax levy by 52.9% or nearly $164,000, which would raise taxes $50 per $100,000 property assessment. The proposed tax hike did not pass, as town residents cast 48 votes for and 74 votes against the increase. The focus of the proposal for an increase was an additional $135,000 needed for total highway maintenance in 2026 and…

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT; CAR VS DEER STRIKES ON THE RISE

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 33 traffic stops and 26 security checks. There were 21 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday deputies were dispatched to the area near the 219MM of USH 51 regarding the report of a car crash with injuries. As they arrived on the scene, deputies discovered two separate crashes had occurred. The crash that was originally reported was found to be without injuries, however the second crash did result in the driver and passenger sustaining injuries, and both were transported by ambulance to…

LINCOLN COUNTY CORONER APPEALS TO COMMUNITY IN EFFORT TO ADDRESS RISE IN COUNTY SUICIDES

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 Steve Dillon

In a release sent out yesterday, Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor announced an appeal to the community to be aware of available resources for those experiencing mental health concerns given the spike in suicides in the county in 2025. As of October, eight individuals have taken their lives, with the two most difficult months still ahead for those suffering from depression or mental illness. “For many, the changing of the seasons means preparing for family traditions, be it outdoor recreation or holiday gatherings over Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, for some…

SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH IN TOWN OF HARRISON LEADS TO ARREST FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 Steve DillonCRASH STH 17 OWI AND POSSESSION

TOWN OF HARRISON – On Saturday November 8th, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a car crash with injuries. Deputies were dispatched to STH 17 and Cinder Rd in the Town of Harrison where they found a vehicle that had been traveling northbound on STH 17 when it left the roadway and struck a tree. While the 22-yr-old male driver from Rhinelander was in the ambulance being treated for injuries, the deputy spoke with him and noticed signs indicative of impairment. When asked to perform sobriety tests,…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT – TWO CALLS INVOLVING CARBON MONOXIDE IN MERRILL

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 26 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,867. There were 21 EMS calls. There was a carbon monoxide incident on Tuesday on South State St and a CO detector activation due to a malfunction with the unit on Saturday on Cedar Street, both in the City of Merrill.