Marathon City Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Solicitation Case

A Lincoln County criminal case involving a Marathon City woman accused of trying to arrange a murder continued last week with a not guilty plea. Forty-five-year-old Angela Volm is charged with solicitation of first-degree intentional homicide. According to investigators, the alleged victim told police he received threatening text messages, while a witness reported that Volm asked him to make the man “disappear.” Court records show Volm’s cash bond was recently reduced from $100,000 to $5,000. After posting bond, she was released under several court-ordered conditions. Her next court appearance is…

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Thousands Enjoy Fifth Annual Taste N’ Glow Balloon Fest

The fifth annual Taste N’ Glow Balloon Fest wrapped up another successful weekend Saturday at the Trailmates Grounds in Marathon City, drawing large crowds for two days of family-friendly entertainment. While colorful hot air balloons remained the festival’s signature attraction, visitors also enjoyed live music, lumberjack shows, a popular Saturday car show, tethered balloon rides when weather allowed, along with dozens of food vendors and craft exhibitors. Organizers said approximately 25 hot air balloons, 28 food vendors and around 60 crafters and resellers took part in this year’s event. Bluejay…

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Fire Destroys Arbor Vitae Duplex; One Person Seriously Injured

A duplex in Arbor Vitae was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon, leaving one person seriously injured. Arbor Vitae Fire Rescue responded to the blaze shortly after noon on White Pine Lane. Firefighters launched an aggressive attack and attempted to search the building, but intense heat and heavy flames forced crews to pull back. One occupant was able to escape and was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a burn unit in Madison for treatment. No firefighters or emergency responders were injured. Investigators determined the fire started in…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: BATTERY INCIDENT REPORTED DURING FIREWORKS

The Merrill Police Department responded to four incidents during the week ending July 5th. Officers conducted approximately 20 traffic stops and 90 security checks. Friday night around 10:25 pm, a report was received regarding a battery incident at the MARC center during the holiday fireworks celebration. Officers who spoke with the victim learned the altercation resulted in their chipping a tooth. Further investigation revealed the suspect resided outside of the jurisdictional limits of the City, prompting officers to request assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies who responded the…

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Merrill Fire Department to Host Public Meetings on Ambulance Service

The Merrill Fire Department is inviting residents to attend a series of public information meetings this month focused on local ambulance service and the challenges facing emergency medical response in the community. Department leaders will provide an overview of the history of ambulance service in southern Lincoln County, discuss current operational demands, and explain potential funding options for the future. Each session will also feature a guest speaker with experience in emergency medical services who will be available to answer questions from attendees. The first meeting took place Wednesday evening,…

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Bluejay Boys Drop Double-Header at Home to Rangers 

In a pair of games heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Merrill Post 46 baseball team saw their record drop to 2-10 as they lost both halves of a double-header to the Wisconsin Rapids Rangers 12-5 and 9-4.  The two teams face off again in Wisconsin Rapids Thursday with the Nicollet Bank pre-game show beginning at 6:45 and first pitch at 7:00. The first game saw Merrill starter Quinton Kurtzhals give up six runs in the first inning before giving way to AmericInn Player of the Game Andrew…

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Merrill Man Arrested After Nail Gun Incident at Resort

A disturbance at a Lincoln County resort has led to multiple criminal charges against a Merrill man after investigators say a nail gun was used to threaten people and damage vehicles. Sheriff’s deputies were called to Rock Island Resort in the Town of Merrill on June 30th following reports of a disturbance. Investigators say Daniel Zulliger became disruptive during a boating outing, allegedly pushing one person into the water before returning to shore. Once back at the dock, he reportedly fired nails at nearby bystanders and parked vehicles. Deputies say…

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Council Grounds Summer Photo Contest Underway

If you’ve captured a great photo at Council Grounds State Park, now’s your chance to show it off. The Friends of Council Grounds has kicked off its annual summer photo contest, inviting amateur photographers to submit their favorite park images. Entries are being accepted in four categories: plants, wildlife, landscapes, and people enjoying the park. Photos taken this year or last year are eligible. Once the entry period closes, the Friends group will choose three finalists in each category before online public voting determines the winners. Complete contest details, entry…

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Home Destroyed in Sunday Fire in the Town of Merrill

A home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon, prompting a large response from fire departments and emergency crews across the area. The Merrill Fire Department was called to a home on Ackerman Road just before 3:45 Sunday afternoon after reports that the flames had spread beyond the structure and into nearby woods. When firefighters arrived, they found the house heavily engulfed in flames, with thick smoke pouring from the building and a brush fire burning alongside the roadway. Crews quickly worked to stop the vegetation…

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