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Author: Steve Dillon

EARLY SPRING STORMS BRING ICY CONDITIONS LOCALLY, SEVERE WEATHER TO OUR SOUTH

Steve Dillon

A very strong low-pressure system made its way across the Midwest on Thursday. The front brought severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings and watches to southern portions of the region, while Central Wisconsin and the Northwoods were pelted with sleet and freezing rain. Locally, schools and some businesses closed for the day due to slippery road conditions. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department confirmed there were numerous calls for vehicles sliding off roads, but no major incidents or injuries were reported. WPS reported counties to the south and east of our area…

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SPRING BREAK IN THE NORTHWOODS OFFERS KIDS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES, FREE BREWERS TICKETS

Steve Dillon

This week’s spring break activities come with an extra reward for Northwoods families. The Northwoods Children’s Museum in Eagle River and The Children’s Imaginarium of Wausau are taking part in a statewide promotion through the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation. Children 17 and under who visit either museum through Saturday will receive two free ticket vouchers to select Milwaukee Brewers home games at American Family Field. Organizers say the promotion is meant to encourage family learning and spring break activities while giving kids a chance to experience Major League Baseball.

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SENIOR EMPOWERMENT PROJECT BREAKFAST SPARKS OPPORTUNITIES TO BETTER SERVE OUR SENIORS

Steve Dillon

More than 80 seniors attended the Senior Empowerment Project’s Northwoods Senior Breakfast in Merrill last Saturday. Participants shared a meal together, but the deeper value came from the opportunity to share their opinions. The group listed several challenges that affect their everyday lives. Among the top concerns were access and availability to transportation across city and county lines (including weekends), and isolation, including connecting isolated neighbors, especially those who struggle with technology, to information, resources, churches, enrichment, and libraries. Other challenges discussed included senior healthcare access, caregiver support, and respite…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: MAN FOUND PASSED OUT ON GRAND AVE WITH CHEST INJURY, FEMALE SUSPECT TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to 21incidents during the week ending March 29th. Officers conducted approximately 28 traffic stops and 88 security checks. On Friday, officers responded to the report of a male who appeared to be passed out on the 400 block of Grand Ave. Officers discovered the man had experienced a traumatic chest injury. Further investigation at the scene led to officers taking a female from a nearby residence into custody on multiple charges. Other activity included a hit and run accident in a local business parking lot,…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: DEERBROOK MAN ARRESTED FOR FIRST OFFENSE OWI

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 67 traffic stops and 27 security checks. There were four calls involving cars hitting deer, and one incident where a sheriff department cruiser struck a large muskrat. On Saturday, a deputy patrolling in the Town of Corning saw a vehicle traveling left of center on County Highway Z. During a traffic stop of the vehicle for the violation, the deputy noticed signs of impairment with the driver, Raymond Wickkiser of Deerbrook so he asked him to complete  sobriety tests which he agreed to.…

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MAPLE SYRUP OPERATION BELIEVED CAUSE OF PINE RIVER SHED FIRE

Steve Dillon

The report of a structure fire Sunday evening on State Road 64 in the Town of Pine River prompted an immediate response from a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy, with the Pine River Fire Department arriving on site shortly thereafter. A shed on the property was fully consumed in flames and had started to collapse. There was no immediate danger to any nearby structures. The fire had started to spread into the wooded area surrounding the structure; however firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. The owner of the property reported that the…

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FIRST WILDFIRES IN NORTHWOODS REGIONS A REMINDER OF THE NEED FOR CAUTION

Steve Dillon

An increase in wildfire risk is expected in Wisconsin as the state moves into the spring season. The Northwoods saw its first wildfires over the weekend. Both Lincoln and Price Counties reported wildfire activity, but the season’s first blaze took place on Saturday in Oneida County prompting response from the Nokomis Fire Department and other nearby agencies. Nearly 2.1 acres burned in the Oneida fire. No structures were burned and there were no reported injuries. The DNR’s wildfire dashboard recorded a total of 42 fires throughout the weekend. The risk…

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VICTIM IN SERIOUS CONDITION FOLLOWING STABBING IN MERRILL

Steve Dillon

Merrill Police say a stabbing occurred at a home late Friday night. The victim managed to walk to a nearby bar, apparently seeking help, before collapsing. Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett says the victim’s name is no being released, but that they are in stable but serious condition. Authorities say the investigation is active and no further information will be released at this time.

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Winter Moratorium on Utility Shutoff Ends Mid-April

Steve Dillon

In a few short weeks, Wisconsin’s winter utility disconnection moratorium will come to an end. State Law prohibits disconnection from residential power by utility companies during the coldest months of November through April. The moratorium ends on April 15th. Residents who are behind on payments are encouraged to make arrangements for remaining balances. Utilities do work with customers to create reasonable payment options assuring their service won’t be cut off, and assistance programs such as the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program are available.

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