Lincoln County Emergency Management

04/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

Statewide Tornado Exercise Cancelled; Lincoln County Encourages Continued Severe Weather Preparedness

Merrill, WI—Lincoln County Emergency Management is notifying community partners, stakeholders, and the public that today’s Wisconsin statewide tornado exercise has been cancelled due to real-world severe weather impacts and ongoing emergency response activities across the state.

While the statewide exercise will not take place, severe weather preparedness remains critically important for Lincoln County residents, businesses, schools, healthcare partners, faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and government stakeholders.

“Although today’s statewide exercise has been cancelled, preparedness cannot be cancelled with it,” said Tyler Verhasselt, Director of Emergency Management for Lincoln County. “This is still a strong opportunity for communities to revisit their tornado and severe weather plans, talk through them, and put them into action. If a plan does not already exist, this is the right time to build one.”

Lincoln County Emergency Management encourages the public and partner agencies to use today as an opportunity to review tornado and severe weather safety.

Before Severe Weather:
Community members should monitor the forecast, stay weather-aware, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings. Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and mobile alerts each play an important role, and no one should rely on a single source for life-safety information. People should also know in advance where they would go if a tornado warning is issued, whether at home, work, school, or in a public building.

During Severe Weather:
If a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is observed, people should take shelter immediately. The safest locations are a basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. People should remain in shelter until the threat has passed and continue to monitor trusted sources for updated information.

After Severe Weather:
After a storm passes, caution should remain high. Damaged buildings, broken glass, debris, downed power lines, and utility hazards can all create life-threatening conditions. People should avoid damaged areas when possible, check for injuries, follow instructions from local officials, and report emergencies through appropriate channels.

Lincoln County Emergency Management also encourages partner agencies and stakeholders to review internal warning procedures, sheltering locations, continuity considerations, and personnel accountability processes. Severe weather can develop quickly, and preparedness at every level strengthens the resilience of the whole community.

For additional tornado and severe weather preparedness information, residents are encourages to follow guidance from ReadyWisconsin and remain alert throughout Wisconsin’s severe weather season.

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About Lincoln County Emergency Management
Lincoln County Emergency Management is dedicated to safeguarding our community and strengthening its resilience against all hazards through proactive resource acquisition, collaborative planning, and community partnerships. Our mission is to prepared for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience throughout Lincoln County. We provide a range of essential services, from securing and managing state and federal grants to delivering specialized training, community outreach, and coordination of disaster response and recovery operations. With a vision of an engaged, prepared, and resilient community, we work closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Lincoln County is equipped to withstand and swiftly recover from any emergency. Through innovative risk mitigation initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to empower all community members to play an active role in enhancing Lincoln County’s safety and resilience.

For More Information
Tyler Verhasselt
Director of Emergency Management, Lincoln County
[email protected]
(715) 218-0128

03/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2026

Lincoln County Declaration of Local State of Emergency

WHEREAS, the Chair of Lincoln County Board of Supervisors is authorized to issue a declaration of local state of emergency when emergency conditions exist within Lincoln County; and

WHEREAS, this declaration is made upon the recommendation of the Director of Emergency Management based on verified information provided through county departments and partner agencies; and

WHEREAS, Lincoln County is experiencing an actual and ongoing blizzard and winter storm emergency; and

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has identified blizzard conditions across the region, with widespread wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour or greater causing whiteout conditions and near-impossible travel, along with additional snowfall and expected infrastructure impacts from heavy snow, ice, and high winds; and

WHEREAS, verified county situational awareness reporting reflects hazardous winter travel conditions with reduced visibility, drifting snow, and the risk that some roads may become difficult or impassable, creating threats to life safety, public safety, and continuity of operations; and

WHEREAS, ongoing blizzard conditions present a continuing threat to motorists, emergency responders, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure, including the potential for utility disruptions and other storm-related impacts; and

WHEREAS, the severity and duration of these conditions require sustained countywide emergency coordination in order to support incident management, maintain situational awareness, protect life and property, and facilitate any necessary emergency actions; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jesse Boyd, Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby declare that a Local State of Emergency exists throughout all of Lincoln County, Wisconsin, as a result of the actual and ongoing blizzard and winter storm emergency.

IT IS FURTHER DECLARED THAT:
1. This declaration applies to all of Lincoln County.
2. This declaration is effective immediately upon signature.
3. County government shall continue countywide emergency coordination through the Emergency Operations Center as necessary to support life safety, incident management, information sharing, and continuity of operations.
4. Lincoln County departments, offices, and supporting agencies are directed to take those action necessary and appropriate, consistent with applicable law and established authority, to protect life, property, public health, and public safety during this emergency.
5. This declaration supports continued coordination of emergency operations, protective actions, public information, and any lawful requests for assistance that may become necessary as incident conditions evolve.
6. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow official instructions, advisories, and warnings issued by Lincoln County and the National Weather Service.
7. This declaration shall remain in effect until rescinded in accordance with law.

DATED this 15th day of March, 2026, at Lincoln County, Wisconsin.

Jesse Boyd, Chair
Lincoln County Board of Supervisors

03/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

Lincoln County Closes Select Facilities Due to Blizzard and Winter Storm Emergency

Merrill, WI—Lincoln County is temporarily closing select county facilities tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026, due to hazardous travel conditions caused by blizzard and winter storm emergency across central Wisconsin.

According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, blizzard conditions across the region, with widespread wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour or greater causing whiteout conditions and near-impossible travel, along with additional snowfall and expected infrastructure impacts from heavy snow, ice, and high winds.

The following Lincoln County facilities are closed to the public:
• Lincoln County Service Center
• Lincoln County Health and Human Services Building, including: Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and North Central Health Care (NCHC)
• Lincoln County Solid Waste
The following facilities remain open to the public:
• Lincoln County Courthouse
• Lincoln County Sheriff Office

These closures are being implemented in coordination with the declaration of a local state of emergency which presents a continuing threat to motorists, emergency responders, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure. No public meetings, routine public use, or in-person services will be conducted at the closed facilities today.

County officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely and will provide additional updates should conditions warrant further action. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow official instructions, advisories, and warnings issued by Lincoln County and the National Weather Service.

For latest updates, residents should monitor official Lincoln County communication channels and local weather advisories.

# # #

About Lincoln County Emergency Management
Lincoln County Emergency Management is dedicated to safeguarding our community and strengthening its resilience against all hazards through proactive resource acquisition, collaborative planning, and community partnerships. Our mission is to prepared for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience throughout Lincoln County. We provide a range of essential services, from securing and managing state and federal grants to delivering specialized training, community outreach, and coordination of disaster response and recovery operations. With a vision of an engaged, prepared, and resilient community, we work closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Lincoln County is equipped to withstand and swiftly recover from any emergency. Through innovative risk mitigation initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to empower all community members to play an active role in enhancing Lincoln County’s safety and resilience.

For More Information
Tyler Verhasselt
Director of Emergency Management, Lincoln County
[email protected]
(715) 218-0128

03/15/2026

Stay home and stay safe! Travel in Lincoln County is NOT advised at this time.

NEWS RELEASE: Share this information far and wide - Stay home and stay safe! This is a rapidly evolving, life-threatening situation. Northern Wisconsin counties are severely impacted by the winter storm. Many roads are impassable and travel is not advised across the majority of northern counties.

Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate in the southern counties as the storm progresses. WisDOT asks the public to heed all warnings and avoid unnecessary travel in these regions. Read more: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/news-rel/031526-winterstormupdate.aspx

03/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected]

Lincoln County Announces March 16th Solid Waste Closure
and Limited County Services

Merrill, WI— Lincoln County announces that its Solid Waste Department will be closed on Monday, March 16, 2026. All other Lincoln County departments are expected to operate with minimal staffing and residents are encouraged to call ahead before traveling.

This announcement applies to county operations on Monday, March 16, and is intended to help residents plan ahead before visiting county offices or facilities. Because weather conditions may change, residents should continue to monitor official county communication channels for the most current information.
Lincoln County advises the public to confirm office availability before traveling for in-person services, appointments, or other county business. Taking this step helps reduce unnecessary travel and ensures residents have the most accurate information about service availability.

The Lincoln County Solid Waste Department will not be open for regular operations on Monday. Residents who plan to use Solid Waste services are encouraged to adjust their plans accordingly and watch for further updates from the county.
All other county departments are currently expected to remain open with minimal staffing. However, service levels, office coverage, and operational status may change. Residents are strongly encouraged to call the appropriate county office before leaving home.

Lincoln County will provide additional updates through its official website and social media platforms as needed. Residents should use those sources for the latest information regarding county services and operations.

# # #

About Lincoln County Emergency Management
Lincoln County Emergency Management is dedicated to safeguarding our community and strengthening its resilience against all hazards through proactive resource acquisition, collaborative planning, and community partnerships. Our mission is to prepared for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience throughout Lincoln County. We provide a range of essential services, from securing and managing state and federal grants to delivering specialized training, community outreach, and coordination of disaster response and recovery operations. With a vision of an engaged, prepared, and resilient community, we work closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Lincoln County is equipped to withstand and swiftly recover from any emergency. Through innovative risk mitigation initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to empower all community members to play an active role in enhancing Lincoln County’s safety and resilience.

For More Information
Tyler Verhasselt
Director of Emergency Management, Lincoln County
[email protected]
(715) 218-0128

01/23/2026

We’ve been getting a lot of questions on exploding trees. 💥🌲Thanks to our friends at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources explaining the science behind the social media myth.

As a deep freeze heads our way, headlines and social posts about "exploding trees" are everywhere, and although it can technically happen, the less exciting headline of “cracking trees” is usually more appropriate.

When it gets cold enough, the liquid sap inside trees can freeze. When this happens, the sap expands and puts intense pressure on the inside of the tree. If the tree can’t handle that much pressure, it physically cracks.

As you can probably imagine, cracking open a tree takes a lot of force. A loud cracking or popping noise often occurs when the physical crack forms. While these cracks can certainly be startling, a true "explosion" would be rare.

A large crack seldom kills the tree, but it can be an entry point for insects, bacteria and fungi that can contribute to eventual tree decline.

Property owners seeing a large crack in a yard tree are urged to consult an arborist to determine if there is a risk of the tree falling or dropping large branches.

01/22/2026

Lincoln County will experience dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills tonight through Friday morning. ❄️🌬️💨

LINCOLN COUNTY FORECAST:
• Air temperatures: -22°F to -24°F
• Wind chills: as low as -45°F
• Frostbite can occur in 8 minutes or less

Use the CDC guidance below to avoid, recognize, and treat frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cold, your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which can lead to serious health problems.

TAKE ACTION NOW:
• Limit time outdoors and dress in multiple warm layers, hat, gloves, and face covering.
• Check on elderly neighbors, children, and those without reliable heat.
• Keep pets indoors and protect livestock and plumbing.
• Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Preparation saves lives. Stay informed and stay safe.

11/18/2025

🎒 Build a winter home emergency kit now—before the storms hit. Stock food, water, flashlights, chargers, warm layers, and safety essentials.

11/17/2025

📢 Cold-weather alerts have changed. Know the new terms so you can act fast when extreme cold hits. Stay aware, stay prepared, stay safe.

09/30/2025

📢 Don’t miss critical alerts. Keep a NOAA Weather Radio ready and download the FEMA app today. Stay informed, stay safe.