The Merrill Fire Department responded to 61 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 433. There were 55 EMS calls. The Department provided lift assistance for a Medevac transport on Idle Drive in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday and responded to the report of an odor of gas and potential gas leak on East 6th Street in the City of Merrill on Friday.
Read MoreFirst responders were dispatched to County Line Road in the Town of Hewitt around 4 p.m. last Thursday after an explosion at a syrup shack left a 59-year-old Hewitt man with burn injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities say propane equipment should always be installed and inspected by professionals. Cylinders should be stored upright and outdoors, with ignition sources and flammable materials kept well away. If a propane leak is suspected, leave the building immediately and avoid…
Read MoreThe Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has announced three members of their jail division have recently completed Jail Officer Academy. Corrections Officer Taylor Kolpack graduated from Northcentral Technical College’s Jail Academy, and was selected as the class speaker by fellow classmates reflecting the respect she earned for her leadership during her time at the academy. Graduating from the Nicolet Technical College Jail Academy were Corrections Officers Tanner Walter and Carter Bayer. Both were selected by their peers to receive Nicolet’s partner award, which recognizes teamwork, cooperation, and support of fellow recruits.…
Read MoreWisconsin could soon expand access to healthy food as medicine. Democratic Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Health Services have submitted a letter of intent for the Food is Medicine State Officer Program—a three‑year federal initiative designed to help states develop food‑based health interventions. If selected, Wisconsin would receive funding and support to grow programs like medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and other nutrition services aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A full‑time state officer would work to expand access, boost enrollment,…
Read MoreOn Thursday, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) North Central Region announced the seasonal posting of weight limits on state highways throughout the area, effective Noon on Monday March 9th. The weight restrictions are 6 tons gross load for single axle vehicles and 10 tons gross load for tandem axle vehicles. The maximum gross weight is 24 tons. As the spring thaw period unfolds, seasonal weight restrictions are placed on specific highways in an effort to prevent damage to the structure of the pavement. Should there be and onset of…
Read MoreThe City of Merrill has released the following information ahead of the April 7, 2026 Spring Election. Early voting will begin on Tuesday March 24 at City Hall. In Person Early voting hours are from 8 am until 4 pm from March 24th through the 27th, and Tuesday March 30th through April 2nd. Though City Hall will be closed on April 3rd in observance of Good Friday, those interested in early in person voting on the 3rd should call 715-722-1128 between 8 am and 5 pm to make arrangements. There…
Read MoreMembers of the Wisconsin National Guard are involved in the Middle East conflict. The Wisconsin Guard has been in Kuwait and Iraq since May of last year, with troops from units in Oshkosh and Milwaukee currently on deployment. Several US troops were killed in initial reprisal strikes by Iran, but state officials have not been notified that any of those deaths were from Wisconsin. F-35 jets stationed with the Wisconsin Air Guard in Madison have not been activated as of Tuesday.
Read MoreThe League of Women Voters of the Northwoods invites all county board supervisor candidates in Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas counties, as well as school board candidates in Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River, Merrill and Tomahawk to participate in the League’s nonpartisan online voter guide at VOTE411.org for the upcoming April 7, 2026 Elections.. The voter guide is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and will be live beginning March 15. Candidates who complete the questionnaire ensure voters have the information they need to make informed decisions on Election…
Read MoreDuring the week ending March 1st, the Merrill Police Department responded to thirteen incidents. Officers conducted approximately 40 traffic stops and 94 security checks. On Tuesday, a report was received from a local convenience store regarding an elderly woman on site who was visibly shaken and said she was not able to drive. Further investigation revealed she had experienced vehicle issues prior to arriving in Merrill, keeping her from making it home before dark. The woman had a license restriction prohibiting her from driving in the dark and she felt…
Read MoreThe Merrill Fire Department responded to 38 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 371. There were 35 EMS calls. There was one instance of a fire alarm being accidentally activated on Saturday on East Main Street in the City of Merrill.
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