BLUE-GREEN ALGAE EXPOSURE POSSIBLE LINK TO DOG’S DEATH OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

LYNNE – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received a report of a dog’s death over Memorial Day weekend at Muskellunge Lake, possibly linked to blue-green algae exposure. The incident was also reported to the Lincoln County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. An investigation is now underway, led by the Lincoln County Health Department with support from state health and natural resources officials. Testing is being completed of the Lake water. Should anyone have photos of conditions at Muskellunge Lake over the holiday weekend, especially any…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 25

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 28 traffic stops and 108 security checks. There were two calls for disorderly conduct.  There was one instance of an individual being taken into custody due to active warrants. There was one report of damage to property, one report of mail tampering, one traffic stop where a male driver was cited for operating an ATV on a state highway, and one report of a disturbance that led to a male suspect being cited for possession of…

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ALTERCATION AT LINCOLN COUNTY CAMPGROUND ENDS WITH ONE ARREST, MULTIPLE CHARGES

GLEASON – A dispute at the Otter Lake Campground during the Memorial Day weekend led to one man’s arrest. Deputies dispatched to the scene on Saturday arrived to find a disturbance in progress. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s report stated the caller reported that following the argument, one of the individuals had armed himself with a handgun. The 19-year-old male suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges including second-offense OWI, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, disorderly conduct while armed, going armed while intoxicated,…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TO HOST NATIONAL TOUR OF HONOR

MERRILL – The Tour of Honor is making a stop in Merrill this year. The tour will make seven stops in Wisconsin, one of those at the Merrill Fire Department’s Firefighter’s Memorial. Riders visit various memorials while traveling through all 50 states, as they explore small-town America honoring its greatest heroes, our military veterans and first responders. The self-guided motorcycle tour was founded by brothers Steve and Dave Brooks of Idaho in 2010 following a ride that visited several 9/11 sites. The Tour will also make a stop in Presque…

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LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD BEGINS REVIEW OF TIMELINE FOR 2026 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

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

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

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

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

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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