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Lincoln County Sheriff's Report: Seeking Information on Vehicle Theft Published on 09/14/2020 under News

Lincoln County Deputies are seeking the public's help in an investigation into a vehicle theft.

Early last week a resident on North Star Drive in the Town of Merrill reported their red 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen.

The Sheriff's Office says that the vehicle was recovered on Friday. They said it was found on a residential street in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office or Crimestopper of Lincoln County.

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A 20 year old Merrill woman was taken into custody and cited Monday morning after a deputy found her sleeping behind the wheel. When the deputy made contact he noted signs of impairment and later cited her for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A 35 year old Merrill man was arrested Monday evening on a warrant charge in the Town of Pine River for violating the terms of his probation.

A 47 year old Tomahawk man was arrested Tuesday morning on a felony charge after a traffic stop in the City of Tomahawk at 12:45 AM. The driver showed signs of impairment. Following field sobriety tests he was arrested for a felony fourth offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A 27 year old Merrill woman was arrested Friday morning on multiple charges after deputies responded to a disturbance in the City of Merrill. She was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, battery or threat to a law enforcement official/judge and probation violation.

A 42 year old New Richmond man was cited Saturday evening for an OWI on US Hwy 8 at County Rd CC at 8:40 PM. The driver was placed through field sobriety tests and cited for the first offense.

The number of car deer crashes reports are down with only six being reported this past week.

In Other News

Food for Kidz Volunteers Pack 220,000 Meals Saturday; Surpass 3 Million in 18 Years

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Volunteers in Minocqua came together over the weekend to cross a major milestone in the fight against food insecurity. More than 500 community members gathered at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday for the 18th annual Food for Kidz meal-packing event, hosted by the Lakeland-Area Lions Club. Working across two high-energy, two-hour assembly shifts, a crew of 506 packagers, alongside table hosts, restockers, and setup crews, packed 690 cases totaling nearly 220,000 meals. Organizers say those results officially pushed the event's lifetime impact past 3.1 million meals packaged over its 18-year history in the Northwoods. The packaged meals will now be distributed to roughly two dozen local food pantries, shelters, and school backpack programs, with additional meals going to broader relief efforts across the country and overseas.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News The homicide trial against an 18-year-old charged in the fatal attack of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor enters its final stretch today in Lincoln County Circuit Court. Javarius Hurd is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by a prisoner in the June 2024 death of 49-year-old Corey Proulx. Prosecutors say Proulx suffered fatal head injuries after pursuing Hurd into an outdoor courtyard following an initial assault on another staff member. The trial began last Tuesday with opening statements. After a week of testimony, both the prosecution and defense rested Monday afternoon. Hurd did not testify in the trial. Closing arguments are set for this morning, after which the case will go to the jury for deliberations. If convicted on all charges, Hurd faces up to 60 years in prison.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News Early voting and absentee balloting remain underway across Wisconsin, with thousands of Northwoods residents having already cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming fall election. Many voters continue to utilize absentee ballots by mail or early in-person voting, which opened last week at local municipal clerks' offices. According to daily statistics from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, as of Monday, more than 440,000 state residents had already voted. Local clerks report a steady stream of early voters as well, with state data showing roughly 1,500 early votes cast in Lincoln County, 2,000 in Vilas County, and 2,800 in Oneida County. Election Day is next Tuesday. Voters can visit myvote.wi.gov for election information including sample ballots.

Published on 10/27/2026 under News October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while regular screening mammograms are essential, getting called back for additional imaging can cause immediate anxiety. To help patients navigate that uncertainty, Aspirus Health relies on a dedicated team of "Nurse Navigators" to provide personalized guidance, care coordination, and emotional support. From explaining pathology and testing procedures to coordinating care across the health system, Nurse Navigators serve as an expert, ongoing resource. Aspirus Nurse Navigator Stephanie Ostrowski says, "Health care is complicated, and a lot of patients are overwhelmed. We're here to support patients, help them understand what's happening, and make sure they don't feel lost in the system." The navigation service is available at no cost to patients across the entire Aspirus network.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is in Washington DC, today to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. Today's mission marks the 58th overall for the Wausau-based Never Forgotten Honor Flight. It features 98 veterans from across North Central Wisconsin, including 96 Vietnam-era veterans, one Korean War veteran, and one World War II veteran. That WWII Vet is Paul Donatell of Cumberland, Wisconsin; who is 101 years old. He is actually the second centenarian to fly with the organization this year. The roster also highlights strong local representation, including 10 veterans each from Lincoln and Oneida counties. This is the fourth and final flight planned for the year. Dating back to 2010, the hub has transported 5,482 local veterans to the nation's capital. The public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm. Organizers continue to encourage any area veteran who served in the U.S. military in any capacity prior to May 7, 1975, and has not yet participated, to submit an application.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Two influential figures in Merrill's history are being remembered following a pair of street sign dedications over the weekend. The City of Merrill Historic Preservation Committee unveiled two honorary street markers celebrating local leaders near the sites of their biggest contributions. On Saturday morning, community members gathered at Grand Avenue and North Genesee Street to honor Ralph "Fata" Voigt, Merrill's longest-serving mayor. After serving as a World War II Army lieutenant, Voigt returned home, established an insurance agency, and was elected mayor nine times, serving from 1960 to 1979. He also founded the "Merrill on the Move" initiative to champion local growth. Then on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Steve Hass and family members gathered at West Main and Thomas Streets to unveil a sign for early industrialist Ferdinand Ollhoff. Ollhoff built a major sawmill on North Thomas Street in 1910, providing steady jobs for early settlers in Merrill's Sixth Ward through the Great Depression. Known statewide for his absolute honesty, Ollhoff was recognized by the committee as a foundational builder of early Merrill.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Major changes are coming to a popular Northwoods golf course. Rondele Ranch announced the purchase of Pinewood Golf Club in Harshaw, along with renovation plans for the property. Prior to a 2021 sale, the Bromann family operated Pinewood for six decades. Now, Rondele Ranch is taking the reins to revitalize the course. Owner Bob Chadwell says the purchase is about investing in the region and bringing people together. He added, "We see tremendous potential at Pinewood, and we're excited to help revitalize the course and create a place the community can enjoy for years to come." Among the plans for next year is a brand-new clubhouse, capable of hosting up to 150 guests for weddings and banquets. They also plan to install golf simulators. On the course, plans include a new irrigation system, tee boxes, and cart paths. During work they will use the existing clubhouse and all 18 holes will be open. Day-to-day operations will remain in familiar hands, with General Manager and PGA Pro Kyle Christian and Superintendent Tyler Nehls staying on to lead the team.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News With November right around the corner, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is urging residents to make arrangements ahead of the winter heating disconnection moratorium. During the moratorium, which runs from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting residential customers who fall behind on their bills. While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the service during the winter months, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills and have their service restored by the end of the week. Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Most utilities will also work with their customers to provide payment plans.

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Published on 10/26/2026 under News It was a pleasant weekend to get a little yard work done. For City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage, It's time once again for the annual fall yard waste pick up. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the city picks up lawn waste placed at curbside. Pick up begins Monday. A few quick reminders from the city... Brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the street. Yard waste should be placed in plastic bags and set in the terrace area of the street. The bags should only include yard waste, other rubbish should be placed in your regular garbage pick up. As always, yard waste for city of Tomahawk residents, can also be dropped off at the city collection site on South Tomahawk Avenue.

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