Lincoln County Sheriff’s Report: Feb. 16, 2026

As reported by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Monday, Feb. 16:

On 02/10/26 a deputy on patrol observed a vehicle traveling 84 MPH on USH 51 near the 223 mile marker in the Township of Birch. The deputy conducted a stop on the vehicle and went to make contact with the driver, who was identified as a man, 19, from McHenry, Ill. In speaking with the driver, the deputy was able to smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver admitted that there was marijuana in the vehicle. The deputy conducted a search of the vehicle and located several items of drug paraphernalia, as well as marijuana. The driver claimed ownership of the items and was placed under arrest for the violations. The driver was later transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was turned over to corrections officers. A passenger of the vehicle was free to leave at the completion of the stop.

02/12/26 deputies with the Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant on an address on CTH C in the Town of Schley. While conducting the search, they located and arrested a Merrill man on multiple outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. The man was transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was turned over to corrections officers. The address is still under an open investigation, and the reason for the original search warrant will not be released at this time. No other arrests have been made at this time.

On 02/13/26 deputies were sent to the area of USH 51 and the 227 mile marker in the Town of Bradley for a one-vehicle rollover crash with reported unknown injuries. When the first deputy arrived on scene, they made contact with the driver, a man, 29, from Jordan, Minn. The man reported he was N/B on USH 51 when he lost control of his vehicle and began spinning out. The vehicle then entered the median and rolled to a final rest. The man received injuries during the crash. As a result of the crash, the man was referred to the  Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for charges possession of marijuana.

On 02/14/26 a deputy on patrol stopped a vehicle for unreasonable and imprudent speed on Big Eddy Rd. near Bluebird Ln. in the Town of Pine River. In observing the driving behavior prior to the stop and speaking with the driver, a Merrill man, during, the deputy observed signs of impairment and requested the assistance of a second deputy, who is a trained drug recognition expert. The man was asked to do some sobriety tests, which he agreed to do. As a result of those tests, he was placed under arrest for OWI second offense, bail jumping misdemeanor, seven counts of felony bail jumping and probation violation. He was later transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was turned over to corrections officers.

On 02/15/26 a deputy on patrol observed a vehicle traveling on USH 51 near the 216 mile marker in the Township of Merrill, deviating from its lane of traffic and displaying unauthorized registration. In speaking with the driver, a Tomahawk woman, 37, the deputy noticed signs of impairment. The driver was asked to perform sobriety tests, which she agreed to do. As a result of those tests, she was placed under arrest for a first offense OWI. She was later released to a responsible party.

Deputies conducted 82 traffic stops and 47 security checks.

Deputies responded to three car vs. deer crashes.