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Governor's Prison Overhaul Proposal Would Affect Lincoln Hills Published on 02/17/2025 under News

A proposal to overhaul the state correctional system would impact the state's juvenile correctional facility here in the Northwoods.

Over the weekend, as part of his ongoing budget roll-out, Governor Evers proposed sweeping changes to the prison facilities around the state. That includes Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, the state's lone youth correctional facility, which shares a campus here in Lincoln County.

For years, the state has sought to build smaller, youth correctional facilities in population centers in southern Wisconsin. A Milwaukee area facility is in the works, with another planned for Dane County. The Governor's plan would include $130 million for that purpose.

With Lincoln Hills no longer needed for youth, Lincoln Hills would be converted to a medium security facility. The Governor's proposal earmarks $9 million for that overhaul.

The entire, $500 million plan, was described as a domino series of changes. The Waupun facility would become a state-of-the-art, medium-security institution that would be designated as the state's first "vocational village" aimed at rehabilitation of inmates. Stanley Correctional Institution would convert to a maximum-security institution; and renovations of the Hobart facility would add 200 minimum-security beds

Any changes would need approval from the Republican-controlled legislature.

In Other News

Nationwide Tour of Honor Motorcycle Ride Includes Stop in Merrill

Published on 05/27/2025 under News A nationwide, self-guided motorcycle tour paying tribute to America's military veterans and first responders, will include a stop in the Northwoods this year. The Tour of Honor encourages exploration of small-town America while honoring its greatest heroes. The ride was founded in 2010 by brothers Steve and Dave Brooks of Idaho after taking a similar ride that visited several 9-11 sites. Throughout the summer, the riders are tasked with visiting various memorials across all 50 states, with each state featuring multiple stops. There are seven stops in Wisconsin, including the Merrill Fire Department and their Firefighter's Memorial. A bit further to the north, another site is the Wilderness Veterans Memorial up in Presque Isle. In addition to the officials tour stops, the guide also features other nearby points of interest. While visiting the sites, the participants need to submit a photo with their motorcycle, their rally flag, and the memorial in the background. They earn certificates and prizes based on the number of stops. Over the years they've received more than 40,000 photo submissions. Through registration, the Tour of Honor also raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to benefit military and first responder organizations. People can visit tourofhonor.com to learn more.

Published on 05/27/2025 under News With spring upon us and summer right around the corner, more motorcycles are out. Officials are reminding all motorists to share the roadway whether traveling on two wheels or four. The Wisconsin State Patrol is highlighting motorcycle safety in the month of May. According to DoT data, there are around 2,000 crashes involving motorcycles each year in the state. Unfortunately, 102 motorcyclists were killed in crashes on Wisconsin roadways last year. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "Everyone on the road has rights and responsibilities to maintain a safe transportation system, and being respectful and alert can go a long way in preventing tragic crashes. Motorcycles do have a smaller profile so not only are they harder to see in blindspots, but its also easier to misjudge their approaching speed and distance. Carnahan says vehicle drivers and motorcyclists need to be aware of each other on the roads and look twice before changing lanes or entering intersections. He also encourages motorcyclists to ride defensively, scan the road ahead for debris or hazards. It's also important to dress for the part, starting with a helmet. From there, consider protective, high-visibility clothing and safety gear. Beyond motorcycles, it's important to be mindful of ATV/UTVs, bicycles, farm equipment, and pedestrians on, along, and crossing roadways.

Published on 05/27/2025 under News Officials have provided additional information on a fatal weekend crash in Lincoln County including the names of those involved. That single vehicle crash happened on Highway 107 near Merrill at around 1:30am Sunday morning. The preliminary investigation northbound vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree. There were three occupants in the vehicle at the time, including a passenger who sustained fatal injuries. According to an update provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Monday, that woman has been identified as 26 year old Allison Jones of Merrill. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 22 year old Jurnee Robertson of Merrill. She was brought to the jail on charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. As of Tuesday morning, the online court calendar did not list an appearance or formal charges. A second passenger was treated and released from an area hospital. His name was not provided. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 05/27/2025 under News A man was arrested following a dispute at a Lincoln County Campground over the holiday weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, deputies were dispatched to the Otter Lake campground Saturday for a disturbance in progress. The call indicated one of the individuals armed himself with a handgun following the argument. Following the initial investigation, the 19 year old Wausau man was taken into custody on a number of charges including second offense OWI, disorderly conduct while armed, go armed while intoxicated, intentionally pointing a firearm at a person, and resisting/obstructing. His name was not immediately released. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report... A traffic stop led to 1st offense OWI for 42 year old Antigo man. A 38 year old Eau Claire man was arrested for first offense of operating with a restricted controlled substance after a speeding stop. An investigation into altercation led to a 40 year old Manitowoc man arrested for 4th offense OWI. The other man involved in the fight, a 40 year old Irma man, was also arrested for violating an absolute sobriety order. A 20 year old Merrill man was arrested for OWI in a UTV. The number of vehicle vs. deer collisions jumped with 19 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 05/27/2025 under News The Tomahawk community continues to support local students in a big way, with thousands of dollars invested into their secondary education. The Tomahawk High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas during Friday's commencement. Ahead of that ceremony, the students also took part in the annual Senior Awards night this past week. The pre-graduation program is when most of the local scholarships for graduating seniors are announced. Around 45 students received a helping hand in paying for their college whether a tech school or a 4 year university. That scholarship pool has been growing steadily. This year, they announced more than $170,000 in scholarships. And once again a reminder, the Tomahawk High School graduation ceremony has now been posted to the District YouTube channel.(part 1) (part 2)

Published on 05/27/2025 under News The Tomahawk community continues to utilize visitor spending to reinvest into tourism in the area. The annual grants are funded by a room tax collected at area hotels. They are earmarked for non-profits with a goal tourism development and promotion of the Tomahawk area. The Tomahawk Chamber Board is in charge of the distribution, and they recently opened up the application window for the latest cycle. Just a few examples include events like the Main Street Memories Car Show and attractions like the Tomahawk Dream Park. Additional information and eligibility guidelines are available on the Chamber's website, we'll include a link in the online version of the story. The two week application period opened Monday. Non-profits have until June 13 to apply.

Published on 05/26/2025 under News One person is dead, two others injured in a crash near Merrill over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, responders were paged to a single vehicle crash on Highway 107 near Tug Lake Road. The call came in at around 1:30am Sunday morning. The preliminary report indicated the vehicle was traveling north and the driver failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway and struck a tree. There were three occupants in the vehicle at the time. A 26 year old woman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at an area hospital. Another passenger, a 24 year old man, was transported to an area hospital. He was treated and released. The driver, a 22 year old woman, was treated at a hospital and then taken into custody. According to the release, she is being held in the Lincoln County Jail on charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. The names of those involved were not immediately released. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 05/26/2025 under News The Tomahawk High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas Friday evening. But first, they took a literal walk down memory lane. As part of the annual graduation festivities, the Tomahawk School District continued the Graduate Celebration Walk. For most THS students, their educational years are spent on the same campus and under one shared roof, K-12. On their final day of class, the soon-to-be graduates, in cap and gown, took part in a mini-parade through the entire campus where they were celebrated by staff and students in the elementary, middle and high schools. The Walk was established a few years ago as a way to promote the camaraderie and progress these students have made, while, allowing them an opportunity to inspire younger students and even reconnect with past teachers and staff members who have contributed to their educational journey. Speaking of Friday night's THS graduation, that ceremony was recorded and is available for viewing on the Tomahawk School District YouTube channel. (part 1) (part 2)

Published on 05/26/2025 under News Officials are investigating a death on a Langlade County lake over the weekend. According to the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, their dispatch center received a call of a possible drowning on Pence Lake in the Town of Upham. The call came in Saturday afternoon at shortly before 2pm. Upon arrival, deputies located a 78 year old man deceased. No other information on the man nor his manner of death were provided. The incident remains under investigation.

Published on 05/26/2025 under News Last month the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress invited people to weigh in on all things outdoors, and thousands of people responded. This past week, the results of 2025 of the survey were posted. Just over 9,000 people responded to the questionnaire either in person after attending the spring hearing, or online. That includes around 400 who either reside or recreate in Lincoln County and more than 1,000 for Oneida County. Conservation Congress Chair Rob Bohmann says, "We had very good participation again for this year's spring hearings." He added, "It tells me the public is still interested and engaged in resource management in Wisconsin, and it is important to them." The survey included more than 70 yes/no questions including the use of lead ammo, extending the turkey season, lake-specific fishing rules, and building accessible cabins at state properties. Public input is advisory. The results were presented at the Conservation Congress annual meeting and will be sent to the DNR and Natural Resources Board for their June meeting. The results are also available for public review on the DNR website.

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