DNR REMINDS ICE ANGLERS TO REMOVE SHANTIES FROM LAKES

WI – The Department of Natural Resources is reminding ice anglers to move their shanties from local lakes. The deadline to remove fishing sheds from the ice for those located south of STH 64 is March 2nd. Those located North of STH 64 need to have their shanty removed from the ice by March 16th. Dates given are actually the latest times for removal, however warmer temperatures and rain are already melting lake ice around the state. Should you become the unfortunate owner of an ice shanty that falls into…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 23

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 15 incidents last week, including two reports of theft and two reports of fraud. There were four reports of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct, one of those involving an individual displaying a firearm. There were two arrests for probation violation. On Tuesday, February 18th the Wausau Police department requested officers make contact at a residence regarding a female juvenile runaway from Wausau. She was located and returned over to a family member. There were two reports of possession of illegal substances. two accidents…

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SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT IN HARRISON LEADS TO MEDEVAC FOR INJURED OPERATOR

HARRISON – On Friday (Feb 21), Lincoln County deputies, the Town of Russell Fire/First Responders, Tomahawk Ambulance, and a Medivac helicopter were dispatched to a snowmobile crash with injuries on a trail north of Fish Creek in Harrison. The 34-year-old man from East Dundee, IL operating the sled, struck a tree and appeared to have suffered a leg injury. Tomahawk EMS and Russell Fire removed him from the scene and transported him to a waiting helicopter, which airlifted him to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries.…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 23

LINCOLN COUNTY – Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 30 traffic stops, 35 security checks, and six calls involving cars hitting deer. There were two reports of unsafe driving. On Wednesday February 19, deputies were dispatched to the area near the boat landing at Lokemoen Rd regarding a vehicle that had been stopped for 20 minutes with the lights on. Upon arrival the first deputy found the driver inside SEEMINGLY passed out. After several attempts, the deputy was finally able to arouse the driver and had him step out…

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MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES WENDORF BUS SERVICES FOR 65 YEARS OF SERVICE

MERRILL – During their Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast on Monday, Merrill Area Public Schools recognized Wendorf Bus Services for 65 years of safely busing MAPS students to and from school and school activities. A plaque that was presented to the Wendorf family stated the bus service’s commitment, reliability and care have ensured safe travels for generations of students, making a lasting impact on the MAPS community.

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NOMINATED FOR GOVERNORS’ TOURISM AWARD

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors has been nominated for a highly esteemed honor, the renowned Governor’s Tourism Award in the Bright Ideacategory. Given the decline in population and lack of growth, the Board initiated a strategic planning process. The County was designated as “Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins.” A vetting process was established to receive American Rescue Plan funding. Projects were then prioritized to align with economic growth and tourism development. The Board made substantial investments in outdoor recreation, supporting Chambers of Commerce…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD PRESENTED WITH 2024 ANNUAL FORESTRY REPORT AT FEBRUARY 24 MEETING

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Board was presented with the 2024 annual forestry report during their meeting last Monday. Just over 100,000 acres of forest land are maintained by the county. The report reflected more than $1.9M in timber sales last year, which is about $800K less than 2023 sales which were the second highest of all-time. Approximately $385K or 20% of those funds is placed back into the general fund for the County, while $190K or 10% gets distributed to townships with county forest lands. Remaining funds are…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD APPROVES GRANT APPLICATION FROM BERTRAM COMMUNICATION

LINCOLN COUNTY – As part of a continuous initiative to expand broadband access for more businesses and residents throughout the Northwoods, Lincoln County has approved a grant application from Bertram Communication during the County Board Meeting on Monday, Feb 17th. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant program provides Internet Service Providers with grants to bring broadband to rural areas. A brief overview was shared by Supervisor Ken Wickham to the full board ahead of their vote. Wickham highlighted there are approximately 3,000 locations across the county that qualify for the…

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LINCOLN COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REVIEWS 2024 Q4 INFORMATION AT QUARTERLY MEETING

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Traffic Safety Committee met on Tuesday, February 18th at the County Service Center. Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett noted that there were 8 injury crashes in the 4th quarter of 2024. Lincoln County Sheriff Department Chief Deputy Tyler Iverson noted one accident involving fatalities on STH 17 in October and mentioned car vs deer crashes decreased in the 4th quarter. On the state level, committee member Todd Rasmussen shared that while there was an increase in fatal crashes statewide, Lincoln County crashes actually decreased.…

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