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Author: Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: JUVENILE STRIKES MOTHER THEN LEAVES SCENE

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 24 traffic stops and 54 security checks. There were five calls involving cars hitting deer.    On Monday January 29th, deputies were dispatched to Pope Rd in the Town of Merrill regarding a disturbance in progress. A 36-yr-old Merrill woman attempted to take her 16-year-old son’s phone away from him after confronting him about his behavior, and he proceeded to strike her. The son left the scene before deputies arrived, but was located soon thereafter and taken into custody, then transported to the…

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REPORT OF VEHICLE IN DITCH IN TOWN OF SOMO LEADS TO ARREST ON MULTIPLE COUNTS

Steve Dillon

On Sunday January 4, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to County Highway T in the Town of Somo regarding a vehicle in the ditch and a burglary. The reporting party stated a vehicle had entered the ditch near an address on County T and the occupants in the vehicle then broke into his building. When Deputies arrived, they questioned the 60-year-old suspect from Mosinee, who denied breaking into the property. Investigation at the scene revealed fresh footprints in the snow matching those of the suspect, which led to and…

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MERRILL POLICE REPORT: OVERDOSE ALERT ENDS WITH ARREST FOR OPEN WARRANTS, OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER

Steve Dillon

During the week ending January 4th, the Merrill Police Department responded to at least nine incidents, while officers conducted approximately 32 traffic stops and 56 security checks. On Thursday, Officers and EMS responded to a residence for a reported overdose. A male party involved in the incident shared different names with officers, and investigation at the scene revealed there were warrants for his arrest. Once positively identified, the male party was arrested for those warrants and for obstructing an officer. Other activity included two reports of theft, two instances of…

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WITH PEREGRINE FALCONS COMING TO NEST SOON, WPS SHARES REPORT OF 2025 ACTIVITY

Steve Dillon

Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies Power Plants are preparing for the return of peregrine falcons to their nests as the breeding season approaches. The utility providers have filled a vital role over the years in the falcon’s recovery. In reviewing past activity, they published peregrine falcon manager Greg Septon’s 2025 nesting report. The program has seen 443 peregrine falcon chicks hatch at WPS and We Energies facilities across the state since 1992. Four active nesting sites produced a dozen new chicks in 2025, with names inspired by past peregrines.…

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GOVERNOR DUBS 2025 “YEAR OF THE KID” DURING STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Steve Dillon

As a part of his January State of the State address, Democratic Governor Tony Evers dubbed 2025 “The Year of the Kid”. Evers challenged state lawmakers to support education focused initiatives in the 2025-27 biennial budget he signed last summer. $1.4 billion for K-12 schools and more than $360 million for childcare support was allocated as a part of the budget.  Also included were increases for the Universities of Wisconsin System and state technical colleges. The Governor also signed into law a bill prohibiting the use of cellphones in classrooms,…

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WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM RELEASES LATEST SNOW REPORT

Steve Dillon

With the recent increase in snow amounts across the state, Wisconsin’s tourism department has released the latest snow report. The report offers the latest snow conditions and other information pertinent to the season, including snowmobiling. A robust roster of over 100 local snow reporters across the state’s 72 counties provide information for the report, including Chambers and Visitor’s Bureaus, snowmobile clubs, and state and county park personnel. The snow report provides ideas for winter activities, as well as trail conditions and snow amounts. Travel Wisconsin will continue to expand the…

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HEALTH OFFICIALS ALERT RESIDENTS TO GET CHECKED FOR BLASTOMYCOSIS IF FLU SYMPTOMS LINGER

Steve Dillon

While the winter season brings the opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy snow sports and other activities, this time of year also sees an increase in diagnoses of Blastomycosis, also known as Blasto or Gilchrist’s disease. If you or someone you know has flu- or pneumonia-like symptoms that aren’t improving, health officials urge you to contact a healthcare provider immediately, as it could be blastomycosis. More information on the disease is available through the Blasto Spotlight on the Lincoln County Health Department’s web page.

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CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 5TH-8TH IN THE CITY OF MERRILL

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill is reminding residents that Christmas Tree Pickup is scheduled to take place between Monday January 5th and Thursday the 8th. Christmas trees should be placed curbside after 4pm on the day preceding your assigned garbage collection day. All ornaments, lights stands and plastic bags need to be removed prior to putting your tree out for pickup. Trees that are buried in snow or frozen to the ground will not be collected.

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER ACCUSED OF PASSING SCHOOL BUS WITH STOP LIGHTS ON

Steve Dillon

During the week ending December 28, the Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents, while officers conducted approximately 37 traffic stops and 46 security checks. On Tuesday, Officers responded to a report of a vehicle passing a school bus while its stop lights were activated. Officers identified the vehicle and contacted the driver. The investigation is ongoing. Other activity included one report of theft by scam at a local business, four instances of disorderly conduct, and one report of reckless driving.

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PLAN AHEAD FOR WINTER WEATHER CLEANUP TO REDUCE INJURIES

Steve Dillon

With the increase in winter storms crossing our region, health care experts are urging individuals to plan ahead and proceed with caution to avoid injury while snow shoveling. Aspirus Health Occupational Therapist Nathaniel Kropidlowski explains that improper body mechanics, lack of preparation, and use of broken or poorly designed equipment are leading causes of injuries and accidents when clearing away snow and ice. When folks bend at the waist and attempt to lift the heavy snow, additional stress is placed on the back and shoulders. Kropidlowski recommends warming up by…

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