Hunters across the Northwoods that are using a generator to power their hunt are reminded to make sure that it’s at least 20 feet away from people or structures. It’s also important to bring a battery operated carbon monoxide protector. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. Generators create high levels of deadly carbon monoxide gas in their exhaust and should never be used in an enclosed area.
Read MoreThe application deadline for Christmas Spirit – the Lincoln County United Giving Tree Program is this Wednesday, November 5th. The program brings holiday joy to local families facing financial challenges by ensuring their children receive gifts. Children must be 17 or younger, and each child may only be entered once. Merrill residents can pick up and return applications at the Merrill Fire Department and Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. Those with questions regarding the program can call 715-500-5066 or email ChrismasSpirit715@gmail.com.
Read MoreMERRILL – During the week ending October 26, the Merrill Police Department responded to 14 incidents, while officers conducted approximately 37 traffic stops and 62 security checks. On Monday October 20th, an officer completed a traffic stop of a vehicle that was speeding and noticed signs of impairment with the driver. Following field sobriety testing the driver was arrested for OWI 2nd offense. Additionally, a passenger in the vehicle was cited for underage drinking and possession of tobacco. There were three instances of arrests for open warrants and probation violations,…
Read MoreTwo additional candidates have joined the field of those vying for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional seat that’s being vacated by US Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has entered the Gubernatorial race. Conservative businessman Paul Wassgren of Ashland and Michael Alfonso, both self-proclaimed pro-Trump Republicans will be on the ballot for next year’s primary, which will take place in August of 2026. Alfonso is the son-in-law of former congressman and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. This grows the field on the Republican side to three nominees, as Jessi Ebbens had previously announced his…
Read MoreThe Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues their search for a missing Fox Valley man whose vehicle was found in the area earlier this year. Authorities are requesting hikers, hunters, or folks riding off-road this fall to report any possible clues that could help locate thirty-four-year-old Mitchell Reif. Back in June, Deputies first investigated an abandoned vehicle belonging to Reif in the Town of Somo. Winnebago County officials had reported him as missing days earlier. The Sheriff’s Office says K9 teams have been involved in recent search efforts but no new…
Read MoreWESTON, WI – A D.C. Everest staff member has been placed on leave following charges in Milwaukee County of sexually assaulting a Greenfield student in 2024. Twenty-three-year-old Bennet Schmitz of Schofield faces charges including child enticement and sexual assault of a student by school staff. Superintendent Casey Nye says Schmitz, who works at the Greenheck Turner Community Center, was placed on leave after his arrest. The district disabled his key card, locked his electronics, and directed him to stay off school property.
Read MoreDuring their Tuesday, October 21st meeting, the Lincoln County Board approved seven resolutions focused on grant funding and donations to protect their 650 miles of rivers and streams, and more than 700 lakes and waterways. Included in the grants is funding for Clean Boats, Clean Waters; Lake Monitoring and Protection Network, Surface Water Planning, Surface Water Restoration, and Healthy Lakes and Rivers programs. The new funding will help grow educational and outreach programs, and support ongoing restoration and improvement work. Also included in the resolutions were local stakeholder pledges to…
Read MoreWith the lack of rainfall in September and October, abnormally dry conditions still exist across most of our state. The Wisconsin DNR is requesting that residents be aware of local fire danger levels prior to any outdoor burning activity. As trees continue to shed their leaves and plant life enters dormancy stages, the risk of wildfires increases. Almost twenty acres have burned in October alone from more than fifty wildfires, most of them preventable according to the DNR.
Read MoreLast Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 47 traffic stops and 44 security checks. There were 14 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Wednesday a deputy on patrol in the Town of Merrill was traveling N/B on STH 17 near Norwegian Rd, following a vehicle traveling below the speed limit and weaving in the travel lane. After conducting a traffic stop of the vehicle, the deputy made contact with the 65-yr-old female driver from Merrill and noticed signs of impairment. The driver agreed to complete some sobriety testing and as…
Read MoreMERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 35 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,791. There were 26 EMS calls. There was an outside storage fire on Tuesday on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott. There were 4 reports of gas leaks throughout the week.
Read More