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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD BEGINS REVIEW OF TIMELINE FOR 2026 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

Steve Dillon

Budget development is currently a key priority at both the state and county levels. On Tuesday evening, the Lincoln County Board reviewed the timeline for crafting next year’s financial plan. Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse gave a brief overview, noting that while the state operates on a biennial cycle, Lincoln County sets its budget annually. State-imposed levy limits—based on factors like net new construction, which has seen about 1% growth—continue to pose challenges. Ongoing concerns include rising health insurance costs, capital improvements, and the uncertain future of Pine Crest. The…

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MERRILL MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT CITY CEMETERY VETERANS MEMORIAL

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Memorial Day festivities will once again take place at the City Cemetery Veterans Memorial located at 2700 Thielman St. Monday’s observance will include the unveiling of new permanent displays and tributes, as emphasis will be placed on local veterans and fallen heroes. The Merrill City Band will perform a 30-minute set of entertainment starting at 10:30 AM, followed by the Memorial Day program promptly at 11:00 AM. United States Congressman Tom Tiffany is this year’s featured speaker. Should the weather be unfavorable, the event will be moved…

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SUSPICIOUS MAN IN MERRILL FACES TWO COUNTS OF FELONY BAIL JUMPING

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Last Thursday 5/15 a Merrill Police Officer received information regarding a suspicious male approaching a woman and her child. Upon further investigation it was learned that the male subject had an open bond prohibiting contact with anyone under the age of 18. The individual was identified and confirmed to the officer that he had been at the location and had in fact spoken with the woman and child. As a result, he will face two counts of felony bail jumping.

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RIVER BEND TRAIL REROUTED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE TO SEMCO BUILDING

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Merrill Park and Recreation has announced that in the wake of the effects from last week’s storm, barricades are being placed on the River Bend trail to close the section from the TB Scott Tower to Kyes St, in the interest of public safety. The Semco building located in that section of the trail sustained some damage and is experiencing issues with the ongoing windy conditions. Trail enthusiasts can still enjoy a walk along the river by re-routing along River St in either direction.  

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 18

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 47 traffic stops, and 31 security checks. There were 11 calls involving cars hitting deer. On Wednesday 5/14 a 911 call was received regarding a one vehicle crash with injuries on CTH C in the Town of Schley. Deputies arriving on the scene made contact with the 63-yr-old Wausau man who was driving the vehicle. He was unable to recreate the events leading up to the crash and was transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment. 

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HIGH WINDS POSSIBLE CAUSE IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH LAST FRIDAY

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF BRADLEY – Last Friday 5/16, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a motorcycle crash with injuries on USH 51 in the Town of Bradley. Deputies arriving on the scene spoke with the driver who shared that his motorcycle began to wobble while he was travelling down the highway. He stated he then lost control, was ejected from the bike and landed in the median. A witness who confirmed his story indicated that a gust of wind may have caused the event. The 21-yr-old driver…

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FREE WELL TESTING KITS FOR SELECT GROUPS STILL AVAILABLE FROM LINCOLN COUNTY

Steve Dillon

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department continues to offer free well water test kits to private well owners with weakened immune systems or who meet income criteria, through their well water testing program. Those seeking to determine if they qualify must begin the process by completing an eligibility survey, which can be found on the County website under Health, or via phone @ 715-536-0307. Those interested in the program are urged to fill out the survey as soon as possible, as supplies are limited.

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Midwest Spring Storms Leave Trail of Damage Across Wisconsin, Cause Power Outages

Steve Dillon

Severe weather pounded Wisconsin Thursday night, bringing strong thunderstorms with large hail, lightning and high winds across the state. NWS confirmed a tornado over Loyal, 12 miles northeast of Neillsville, around 5:15 p.m. They confirmed another tornado near Colby and the Highway 13 corridor as well as confirming a tornado in the Rib Falls area, as Marathon County Emergency Management confirmed a brief tornado touchdown on County Hwy H and Cherrywood Lane in Rib Falls. Bancroft area homeowners are cleaning up after a tornado hit the area Thursday night. A…

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MOTORCYCLIST CLOCKED AT 116 MPH RECEIVES MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF SCOTT – A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy clocked a motorcycle going 116 MPH in a 45 MPH zone on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott on Wednesday, May 7. Due to the extreme speed and safety concerns, the deputy did not attempt a traffic stop. He later identified the rider as a 16-year-old Merrill boy and confirmed his involvement. The teen will be referred to the District Attorney’s office for second-degree recklessly endangering safety and multiple traffic violations. He was not taken into custody but was…

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