You are here

FIRST HONORARY STREET SIGN FOR 2025 UNVEILED NEAR STANGE PARK

Steve Dillon

The first of five honorary street dedications scheduled for 2025 took place on Monday afternoon at the intersection of East and Merrill Sts in the City of Merrill. Honored at Monday’s tribute was Sgt Carl Schenzel, who died when his B-25 J Bomber that was part of the 501st Bomber Squadron / 345th Bomber Group crashed over the Philippines in 1945. The entire crew onboard that day was lost; no bodies were recovered.   On hand at the event were members of the Schenzel family, along with Mayor Steve Hass…

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS 4TH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS FOR FURRY FRIENDS

Steve Dillon

July 4th is soon approaching, and the Lincoln County Humane Society offers some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe during fireworks celebrations. – Keep curtains closed, ceiling fans running, and the tv on to help distract your pet – Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag, and their microchip registration is current – Try a pheromone based plug-in like Canine Calm or Feliway – Walk your dog earlier in the day to reduce stress – Leave new toys or special treats for your…

Read More

PRELIMINARY 2026 BUDGET FIGURES PRESENTED AT RECENT LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD MEETING

Steve Dillon

The Lincoln County Board got an early look at the preliminary budget during their meeting on Tuesday. Finance Director Heather Marhine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse provided a brief summary. Budget approval is usually finalized in the fall, but the Board’s Finance Committee has been actively working on the 2026 spending plan. The initial draft serves as launching point for upcoming planning efforts as it typically reflects totals well exceeding levy limits. The operating levy for 2026 presented during Tuesday’s meeting was $14.2M. The state-imposed levy is $13M, leaving…

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY RESIDENTS REMINDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL COOLING CENTERS

Steve Dillon

With temperatures forecast to be in the 90’s along with higher humidity for the coming weekend, the City of Merrill is reminding residents that a list of cooling centers can be found on the City’s Facebook page. A total of twelve (12) centers are available across Lincoln County. Cooling Centers are air-conditioned facilities where County residents are invited to get relief from the heat and humidity during business hours.

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING EXERCISES MONDAY

Steve Dillon

Those looking to conduct business at the Lincoln County Service Center this coming Monday should be advised that active threat training exercises will take place throughout the day and could possibly impact some county services. Two training sessions are planned, the first taking place in the morning on the building’s second floor where the County Treasurer,EMS, County Clerk, I.T., Admin, Corporation Counsel, and Emergency Management offices are located. The afternoon session will be held on the ground floor where UW-Extension, Register of Deeds, Forestry, Land Services, Veterans Service, and Maintenance…

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY OPIOID TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION APPROVED BY COUNTY BOARD

Steve Dillon

In recent years, Lincoln County has received significant funding through nationwide opioid settlement agreements. The money is designated for opioid treatment and prevention. During Tuesday evening’s Lincoln County Board meeting, a recommendation from the opioid settlement task force was approved for utilizing $50,000 for four projects during the next calendar year. Task force grant coordinator Erin Ray shared the funds will be used for increasing access to naloxone, introduction of peer support services, community forums and public education campaigns, and creating a plan focused on reducing child removals involving caregiver…

Read More

DOMESTIC DISPUTE IN PINE RIVER ENDS WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT, BAIL JUMPING CHARGES

Steve Dillon

TOWN OF PINE RIVER – Last Friday Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the Town of Pine River regarding a disturbance in progress. A 42-yr-old man and 29-yr-old woman were reportedly arguing while she was on a phone call. The reporting party stated she heard what sounded like things breaking and the man and woman arguing with a 4-yr-old in their presence. Upon arrival deputies confirmed an argument had taken place. The woman stated the man was breaking things and was yelling at her young child.…

Read More

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING JUNE 15

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 11 incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 25 traffic stops and 117 security checks. There were two instances of probation violations. and three reports of domestic disturbance and disorderly conduct. There was one report of an animal attack stemming from a dog bite, one report of property damage, one instance of theft, and one report of Improper sales solicitation within City limits that violated an ordinance. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of an individual who was unresponsive due to asphyxiation,…

Read More

MARSHFIELD CLINIC RECRUITING MERRILL RESIDENTS FOR LONG TERM CANCER STUDY

Steve Dillon

MERRILL – Marshfield Clinic is currently recruiting Merrill residents to participate in a long-term, nationwide cancer prevention study. Led by the National Cancer Institute, the Connection for Cancer Prevention Study (a.k.a. Connect) brings innovative cancer research to the area through Marshfield. The long-term study requests that participants complete online health surveys a few times a year and also submit blood, urine, and saliva samples approximately once every two to three years. With a goal of 11,000 participants, Marshfield Clinic had enrolled more than 5,000 in the study as of June…

Read More

LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SCHEDULES ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING EXERCISES FOR MONDAY JUNE 23

Steve Dillon

Next Monday, an active threat training exercise will be conducted by the Lincoln County Emergency Management in conjunction with the Lincoln County Sheriff Office. This initiative aids in equipping county personnel with skills that are necessary for responding appropriately in the event of a potential active threat emergency. The exercise features realistic scenarios including the use of blank ammunition designed to emphasize the importance of communication, coordination, and responding under pressure. Anyone located near the event may hear loud noises and could observe a significant increase in emergency response activity.…

Read More