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Author: Steve Dillon

FREE WELL TESTING KITS FOR SELECT GROUPS STILL AVAILABLE FROM LINCOLN COUNTY

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department continues to offer free well water test kits to private well owners with weakened immune systems or who meet income criteria, through their well water testing program. Those seeking to determine if they qualify must begin the process by completing an eligibility survey, which can be found on the County website under Health, or via phone @ 715-536-0307. Those interested in the program are urged to fill out the survey as soon as possible, as supplies are limited.

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Midwest Spring Storms Leave Trail of Damage Across Wisconsin, Cause Power Outages

Steve Dillon

Severe weather pounded Wisconsin Thursday night, bringing strong thunderstorms with large hail, lightning and high winds across the state. NWS confirmed a tornado over Loyal, 12 miles northeast of Neillsville, around 5:15 p.m. They confirmed another tornado near Colby and the Highway 13 corridor as well as confirming a tornado in the Rib Falls area, as Marathon County Emergency Management confirmed a brief tornado touchdown on County Hwy H and Cherrywood Lane in Rib Falls. Bancroft area homeowners are cleaning up after a tornado hit the area Thursday night. A…

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MOTORCYCLIST CLOCKED AT 116 MPH RECEIVES MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF SCOTT – A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy clocked a motorcycle going 116 MPH in a 45 MPH zone on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott on Wednesday, May 7. Due to the extreme speed and safety concerns, the deputy did not attempt a traffic stop. He later identified the rider as a 16-year-old Merrill boy and confirmed his involvement. The teen will be referred to the District Attorney’s office for second-degree recklessly endangering safety and multiple traffic violations. He was not taken into custody but was…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 18

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 10 incidents last week. There were four calls for disorderly conduct.  There was one request for assistance with a probation hold, one instance of theft, and one situation where an officer assisted in locating a lost item.  There was one call regarding an attempted break in at a local business, and one call regarding a student at a local school with a vape in their possession. Officers were dispatched to the scene of a 2-vehicle crash at E 6th and Mill St’s on Saturday 5/10.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 18

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 10 incidents last week. There were four calls for disorderly conduct.  There was one request for assistance with a probation hold, one instance of theft, and one situation where an officer assisted in locating a lost item.  There was one call regarding an attempted break in at a local business, and one call regarding a student at a local school with a vape in their possession. Officers were dispatched to the scene of a 2-vehicle crash at E 6th and Mill St’s on Saturday 5/10.

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MERRILL OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL LEAGUE OFFERING SPRING SESSION SIGNUPS

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Local residents have an opportunity to get it on the action by joining the Merrill Outdoor Pickleball League. Those interested should go to the Merrill Park and Recreation Facebook page, click on the link provided and sign up for the spring session no later than May 16th. A summer session will also be offered starting in August. Games will be played at the Ott’s Park Courts.

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BURNING PERMITS SUSPENDED AS FIRE DANGER LEVELS CONTINUE TO RISE

Steve Dillon

Fire danger levels are on the rise in Northern Wisconsin. Last week saw high to very high levels aross the Northwoods, as warmer weather, lower humidity and a little to no precipitation set the stage for the increase in risk for fire. The DNR has currently suspended burning permits. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could cause a spark, especially burning debris which is the leading cause of wildfires. Fire danger reports are issued every morning by the DNR.

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CITY OF MERRILL RESIDENTS URGED TO COMPLETE LEAD AND COPPER SURVEY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The City of Merrill is asking residents to complete the Lead and Copper Survey. Upon locating their water meter which is typically located in the basement or crawl space, customers can complete the self-tracking survey on the City’s website under departments, then water utilities. Pictures can then be submitted showing pipe material on both sides of the meter. More information on completing the Lead and Copper survey can be found on the City of Merrill Facebook page.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 11

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 47 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 829. There were 36 EMS calls, and three motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries. There was a trash receptacle fire on South Center Ave in the City of Merrill on Saturday 5/10, and a woodlands fire on Snow Rd in the Town of Merrill on Wednesday 5/7. An individual was removed from a stalled elevator on Grand Ave in the City of Merrill on Tuesday 5/6.

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NORTHWOODS CHAPTER OF THE ICE AGE TRAIL ALLIANCE HOSTING TWO EVENTS IN MAY

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – Friends of Council Grounds has announced that two events are scheduled for Saturday, May 17th. The 4th Annual “Trees for Our Future” community tree planning event is scheduled to begin at 9 AM, while the “Spring Wildflower Hike” will start at 11 AM. Both events are hosted by the Northwoods Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and they will take place in the Merrill High School Forest on Hwy 107 across from New Wood County Park. More information is available on the Friends of Council…

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