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Merrill Woman Loses Thousands in Social Media Charity Scam Published on 06/29/2020 under News

A Merrill woman thought she was helping raise money for charity, but instead lost several thousand dollars through a social media scam.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the woman was contacted by someone on Instagram claiming to be raising money for charity.

The scammers sent the woman two mobile checks, $1,500 and $2,000. They instructed her to cash the checks and use the money to purchase gift cards and share the card information with them. After making the purchases, the woman learned the mobile checks sent by the scammers were bad, and she lost more than $2,400 as a result.

This is the third consecutive week the Sheriff's Office has reported scams in Lincoln County, either through telephone or online.

In Other News

Tomahawk Man Makes Initial Appearance After Arrest for Grocery Store Threats

Published on 12/02/2025 under News A Tomahawk man arrested in connection with a series of threats made to a local grocer has been formally charged. According to court records, Nicholas Wolf made his initial appearance in Lincoln County Court on Monday. The 26 year old is facing 4 felony charges, two counts each of bomb scares and making terrorist threats. Wolf was arrested early last week after Tomahawk Police investigated multiple threats called in to the Trig's grocery store in Tomahawk. At the time, they said it was part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation and that there was no threat to the community. According to court records, at Monday's initial appearance, Judge Galen Bayne-Allison set bond at $10,000. As a condition of the bond, Wolf is not allowed contact with any Trig's location and he may not have access to any electronic device with the exception of a phone for emergencies only. Wolf is due back in court again for an adjourned initial appearance on December 22.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News Lincoln County has trails of all types, no matter your interest, and that's the focus of another new video short. Over the past two years, Lincoln County has had an ongoing partnership with Discover MediaWorks and their various programming. This past week, they released another video segment focused on Lincoln County, and specifically the trail networks. It's titled 'Off the Beaten Path' and in three short minutes focuses on some of the different recreation opportunities available. This includes the Harrison Hills for their ATV/UTV trails, the Ice Age Trail for hiking, and the Underdown Trails for mountain biking and cross country skiing. And perhaps the most natural of all trails on the water with the Wisconsin River. The narrator notes the area is perfect for a quick day trip or a weekend escape. The video segment is available on Discover Wisconsin's Youtube channel and cross-promoted on their various social media accounts. This is part of a growing catalog of segments and features on Lincoln County. As we reported earlier this month, a Uniquely Wisconsin segment focused on a sled dogs in Gleason won a Regional Emmy Award. There have actually been a number of Northwoods-themed episodes in recent weeks including Vilas County snowmobiling, a Northwoods UTV loop through St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, and Woodruff, and a Rhinelander-themed episode of their podcast The Cabin.

Published on 12/02/2025 under News After a weekend of holiday shopping; today is set aside for giving back. Giving Tuesday has become a national movement encouraging people to donate to non profits. Those looking to donate are encouraged to a do a little research, and not to forget local organizations. Groups including the Better Business Bureau and State Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection offered warnings about scammers taking advantage. As usual, they recommend avoid pressure tactics, ask questions, and skip any unusual payment requests. When in doubt, think local, as there are a number of familiar groups and organizations in every community that are able to fulfill their missions thanks to community generosity. That includes: food pantries, animal rescues, youth programs, and temporary shelters. And if money is tight at this time of year, get creative. Consider donating food, blood, winter clothing items, toys, or even your own time by volunteering at an organization that interests you.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News With the calendar turned to December, the holiday season is in full swing. That includes an impressive light display in Rhinelander that switches on this evening. Now entering year number nine, Lights of the Northwoods continues to grow each year. It now features more than a million lights and festive displays along a path through Hodag Park. Over the past few weeks, organizers have been putting the final touches on the festive Christmas light tour which begins Monday evening. Attendees have two options, a slow drive through the park, or if the weather allows, a walking tour. While entrance is free, organizers invite revelers to give back to the community and help area non-profits. Last year they collected thousands of dollars for local community organizations, and thousands of pounds of food were distributed to area food pantries. When Lights of the Northwoods began, nearly a decade ago, it was centered in and around the week of Christmas. Due to popularity, they now welcome visitors throughout the month of December. While the lights are nightly, organizers have special activities on weekends including bonfires, visits from Santa, and snacks and cold weather refreshments. Like year's past, they'll also wrap up Lights of the Northwoods with a January 1 fireworks display. The full calendar is available on the Lights of the Northwoods website.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News A storage building was destroyed in a fire in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Pine River Fire Department, crews were called to a structure fire on County G in the Town of Pine River on Saturday afternoon. The initial call reported a steel-framed outbuilding on fire. The report indicated there was an automobile in the building along with other fuel sources including diesel, oil, tires, and landscaping materials. Outside the building was a large propane tank. Mother Nature may have helped the firefighters...they indicated the strong winds pushed the fire away from the propane tank and a nearby home. In the end, the building was considered a total loss. No injuries were reported to humans or animals. Several neighboring agencies provided mutual aid and crew were on the scene for several hours. The fire is believed to have been caused by an improperly installed wood furnace.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News After Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, today marks the third in a holiday shopping trio...Cyber Monday. Officials are reminding online consumers to shop safe and shop smart. Over the years, more and more consumers have shifted to online shopping for at least a portion of their holiday purchases. The experts says a little bit of extra research can held avoid these Grinches and their holiday scams. First make sure your browser and anti-virus software is up-to-date.Watch for misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers.Be wary of unsolicited offers and those that appear 'too good to be true.'Before clicking 'buy' double check shipping and return policies and read all fine print.Finally, keep a paper trail and monitor your bank and credit card statements throughout the holiday season.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News Across their 1.5 million acres, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has no shortage of trees including some that would be perfect for Christmas. For those looking for their holiday centerpiece, forest officials have once again made their annual Christmas tree permits available for the public. It may be a little extra work, it can be a fun and festive family activity. While the trees in the forest are not professionally trimmed or groomed, many enjoy them for their natural appearance. Officials note that cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health by helping thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife. Some trees are off-limits such as those adjacent to campgrounds and trails. The permits are just $5, available on both the forest website. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors initiative which allows fourth grade students a free Christmas tree permit.-Photo provided by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Published on 12/01/2025 under News Patrons typically take items from their local library. But here in Tomahawk, they're asking people to leave something behind...a non perishable food item. The Tomahawk Public Library kicked off a food drive to help support local food pantries serving the Tomahawk community. Throughout the month of December, people can drop off non-perishable food items when they visit the library. The goal is to offer a helping hand to those in need. It comes at a time when more people are facing food insecurity, especially ahead of the holiday season. The Tomahawk Public Library food drive is currently scheduled to run through December 20.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News One person is dead following a house fire in Vilas County early Friday morning. That fire was reported at shortly before 6:30am on Crab Road in the Town of Presque Isle. Upon arrival, responders found the home was fully engulfed. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, the homeowner was unable to evacuate the home and was found dead. The victim has been identified as 67 year old Dean Lea. The home is a complete loss, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Published on 12/01/2025 under News A family was displaced after a Thanksgiving morning fire in Oneida County. That call was reported on Lakeshore Drive near Rhinelander Thursday morning at just before daybreak. According to the Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, crews arrived to find the home fully ablaze. They encountered several small explosions while suppressing the fire. Crews were on the scene for approximately 4 hours. They said the owner of the home was able to evacuate, though he sustained minor burns. Two dogs also made it out safely. The home is a complete loss. The cause of fire was not immediately determined and remains under investigation.

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