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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TRAGIC BOATING DEATH OF 11-YEAR OLD MERRILL GIRL TIED TO CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

MERRILL – Lincoln County officials have released more information including the identity of the 11-year-old girl who died Sunday on Lake Alexander. The victim has been identified as Maisy Livingston of Merrill. While she was a passenger on a boat, Maisy is suspected to have suffered Carbon Monoxide Toxicity, which caused her to become unconscious and fall from the vessel. Three other individuals from the same boat were taken to various medical facilities for treatment of Carbon Monoxide Toxicity and are currently in stable condition and expected to make a…

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MERRILL CULVER’S SUPPORTS LOCALS THROUGH “COPS AT CULVER’S DAY”

MERRILL – Merrill Culver’s is one of many locations participating in the 9th annual Cops at Culver’s Day today. Officers from the Merrill Police Department and WI State Patrol will be on hand throughout the day. The program provides aid for families and individuals who have come upon hard times due to life events such as a fire in the home, a need for clothing when starting a new job, and fuel costs for families with prolonged medical needs where they’re continually traveling to and from facilities. The one day…

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