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Author: Steve Dillon

NO COST FLU VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AVAILABLE AT LINCOLN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents that there is still time to protect your child from the flu with no cost vaccines. FluLaval flu shots and FluMist nasal mist are free for Lincoln County students grades 4K through 12. Children 6 months and older who aren’t covered by insurance or are enrolled for Medicaid, BadgerCare, ForwardHealth or any medical assistance are also eligible to receive a no cost vaccine at the Health Department. Parents and guardians can reach out to the Health Department at 715-536-0307 or LCHealth@co.lincoln.wi.us to…

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TOWN OF MERRILL RESIDENTS VOTE “NO” TO TAX LEVY INCREASE

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF MERRILL – On Monday evening, a public hearing was held at the Town of Merrill Community Center regarding the town’s proposed 2026 budget. On the agenda was a vote to increase the tax levy by 52.9% or nearly $164,000, which would raise taxes $50 per $100,000 property assessment.  The proposed tax hike did not pass, as town residents cast 48 votes for and 74 votes against the increase. The focus of the proposal for an increase was an additional $135,000 needed for total highway maintenance in 2026 and…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT; CAR VS DEER STRIKES ON THE RISE

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 33 traffic stops and 26 security checks. There were 21 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Sunday deputies were dispatched to the area near the 219MM of USH 51 regarding the report of a car crash with injuries. As they arrived on the scene, deputies discovered two separate crashes had occurred. The crash that was originally reported was found to be without injuries, however the second crash did result in the driver and passenger sustaining injuries, and both were transported by ambulance to…

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LINCOLN COUNTY CORONER APPEALS TO COMMUNITY IN EFFORT TO ADDRESS RISE IN COUNTY SUICIDES

Steve Dillon

In a release sent out yesterday, Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor announced an appeal to the community to be aware of available resources for those experiencing mental health concerns given the spike in suicides in the county in 2025. As of October, eight individuals have taken their lives, with the two most difficult months still ahead for those suffering from depression or mental illness. “For many, the changing of the seasons means preparing for family traditions, be it outdoor recreation or holiday gatherings over Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, for some…

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SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH IN TOWN OF HARRISON LEADS TO ARREST FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF HARRISON – On Saturday November 8th, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a car crash with injuries. Deputies were dispatched to STH 17 and Cinder Rd in the Town of Harrison where they found a vehicle that had been traveling northbound on STH 17 when it left the roadway and struck a tree. While the 22-yr-old male driver from Rhinelander was in the ambulance being treated for injuries, the deputy spoke with him and noticed signs indicative of impairment. When asked to perform sobriety tests,…

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WISCONSIN WATERFOWL HUNTERS REMINDED TO BE SURE OF THEIR TARGET

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding waterfowl hunters to confirm what they’re seeing in the crosshairs. Wild Swans are a protected species in the state, and it is illegal to hunt American white pelicans and whooping cranes. Trumpeter swans range from 4.5 to 5 feet in length, with a wingspan of more than 7 feet, while tundra swans are slightly smaller and are recognizable due to their high pitch call. Both breeds are white with black bills. Though once considered an endangered species, the trumpeter swan population now…

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WISCONSIN DHS CONTINUES FOCUS ON RURAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is applying for $1 billon in federal funding to support rural healthcare. DHS says that as a part of the Rural Health Transformation program, over 200 community partners have given feedback to help shape the state’s application. More than $335 million would go toward recruiting and retaining rural healthcare workers. Nearly $330 million would help upgrade provider systems and digital infrastructure, while $279 million would fund grants to improve healthcare coordination across rural region. DHS will learn at the end of December if the…

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WPS WARNS RESIDENTS SCAM CALLS ON THE RISE, IF SUSPICIOUS “HANG UP!”

Steve Dillon

Wisconsin Public Service and the Merrill Police Department are warning customers of a recent surge in scam calls. As winter approaches, an aggressive scam campaign has been threatening WPS customers throughout Northern Wisconsin with disconnection if they do not make an immediate payment. The scammers also ask for account and banking information. WPS officials note that these con artists often prey on fear to move customers to act quickly with the onset of colder temperatures, and unfortunately some customers have agreed to pay costing thousands of dollars. Red flags to…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SPEEDER TRACKED AT 120 MPH ON CTH K

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF SCOTT – On Tuesday October 27th,  a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle traveling at a very high rate of speed on CTH K near CTH FF in the Town of Scott. The vehicle was tracked on radar going 120 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. The 19-yr-old male driver from Merrill told the deputy he was headed to his girlfriend’s house and was running late. He was cited for traveling 65 MPH over the speed limit, endangering safety, and unreasonable and imprudent speed. The young adult…

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