WISCONSIN TO JOIN OTHER STATES IN LAWSUIT OVER GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

The State of Wisconsin will join other states in a lawsuit that will challenge federal attempts to limit gender-affirming care. The suit is designed to block the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing a declaration that attempts to limit access to gender-affirming care for young people. Attorney General Josh Kaul says Wisconsin and the nineteen other states that make up the coalition argue that the declaration violates federal statutes by unlawfully changing medical standards without going through the notice and comment process.

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: IN HOME DISPUTE LEADS TO ARREST FOR DOMESTIC DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted twelve traffic stops and 25 security checks. There were four calls involving cars hitting deer.    On Tuesday deputies were dispatched to the Town of Bradley for a domestic disturbance on Erickson Lane that was reportedly physical in nature, involving a husband and wife arguing about a set a keys. Upon arrival deputies spoke with both the individuals, leading to the husband’s arrest for domestic disorderly conduct. He was then taken to the Lincoln County jail and turned over to corrections officers.

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TIMELY AND PROPER CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL AIDS IN FIRE PREVENTION

As the Christmas season comes to a close, disposing of Christmas trees becomes a priority. As each day passes, the risk of fire increases for natural trees. The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 150 fires involving Christmas trees happen every year. Trees should be removed from the home as soon as they are undecorated, however officials warn not to simply move it to the garage or lean it against your home as it remains a fire risk. Tree collection and disposal is an option in some communities.…

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CLEAR VENTS OF SNOW, ICE AROUND YOUR HOME TO HELP PREVENT CO POISONING

Winter weather can create a hidden danger around your home. Snow and ice can block furnace, dryer, and fireplace vents, allowing carbon monoxide to build up indoors. Officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to clear snow away from vents after winter storms. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas often called a silent killer, making working CO alarms an important safety step in every home. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone outside immediately and call 9-1-1.

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NORTHWOODS RECEIVES FIRST TRUE BLAST OF WINTER LEAVING SOME WITHOUT POWER, ROADS COVERED AND SLICK

The Northwoods received a taste of winter’s fury Sunday evening into Monday, as the season’s most significant weather event to date moved across the region. There were even reports of Snow thunder in some areas. More than 1500 residents were still without power as of Noon Monday, most of those in Oneida and Vilas Counties. WPS outages across all of Northeastern Wisconsin reached a total of more than 10,000 customers affected. Icy roads coupled with drifting and blowing snow made for a difficult Monday morning commute. Motorists are urged not…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER STOPPED FOR SPEEDING ARRESTED FOR OWI

During the week ending December 21, the Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents, while officers conducted approximately 24 traffic stops and 92 security checks. On Wednesday, an officer observed a vehicle that was going 67 mph in a 25 mph zone. During a traffic stop of the vehicle, the driver showed signs suggesting impairment. Following sobriety testing, the driver was arrested for 1st offense OWI. Other activity included one report of fraud, three instances of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct, one report of theft, an instance of underage possession…

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CITY OF MERRILL LAUNCHING INITIATIVE TO REPLACE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

The City of Merrill and the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new program to replace aging holiday lights as part of a “Christmas of the Past” initiative. The city purchased its current LED decorations in 2010, but officials say the lights have now outlived their expected lifespan. The new program allows residents, former residents, civic groups, and businesses to sponsor replacement lights in honor or memory of loved ones, helping update the displays without raising taxes. Around 100 lights will need to be replaced, with installation expected…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: VEHICLE LEFT IN DITCH LEADS TO ARREST FOR OWI

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 12 traffic stops and 25 security checks. There were five calls involving cars hitting deer, and one where a car struck an unknown animal.    On Saturday a deputy was sent to the Town of Wilson regarding a report of a vehicle in the ditch on US Highway 8 near Honey Road. As the deputy was conducting an investigation at the scene, a call was received by the Sheriff’s Office from a business in Tripoli stating the suspected 44-yr-old male driver from Hawkins…

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WEEKEND POWERBALL DRAWING PRODUCES FOUR WINNERS ACROSS THE STATE

Last weekend’s Powerball drawing produced four big winners in Wisconsin, even though no one hit the jackpot. Four tickets sold in Elm Grove, Madison, Hartford, and Janesville matched four of five numbers plus the Powerball. Three of those tickets are worth $50,000, while the Janesville ticket added the 3-X Power Play, boosting the prize to $150,000. Once again, no ticket matched all six numbers in Monday night’s $1.6-billion drawing. As a result, the jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing is now estimated at $1.7 billion—the fourth-largest prize in Powerball and…

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