Pine River firefighters and deputies responded on Tuesday after a load of hay being transported started on fire. Just before noon a cell 911 caller reported that hay being transported on a trailer had caught fire at the intersection of US Hwy. 51 at State Rd. 64. When deputies arrived they found the hay had been removed from the trailer and was burning in the ditch. Firefighters extinguished the flames and the highway was cleared in less than an hour.
Deputies worked with the Lincoln County Humane Society this past week as a Town of Merrill woman surrendered several animals. A home care worker requested deputies check on the welfare of a dog that was staying at the home. A deputy found the dog living in filthy conditions being kept in a small animal carrier. The owner agreed to surrender the dog along with five birds and four Guinea pigs to the Lincoln County Humane Society. The woman, who has been charged with animal neglect in the past, will be referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney for animal neglect.
In an unrelated case earlier this week, three snakes were found dead in a storage bin near Irma. It appeared someone had put the snakes inside of the bin, filled it with water and allowed the snakes to freeze to death in the water. You are reminded if you are unable to properly care for your animals please contact the Lincoln County Humane Society for assistance. There has been no new information regarding this matter.
With winter approaching please ensure your outside animals are properly sheltered and have unfrozen water available to them. Calls for animal neglect involving outside animals are common in winter and each call is thoroughly investigated.
A 26-year-old Schofield man was arrested Thursday evening on a warrant charge. The man came to the Sheriff’s Office and informed the corrections staff that he was wanted for failing to pay child support. A check confirmed the warrant through Lincoln County Court as the man was over $1,500 in arrears for his court ordered support. The man was booked into the jail and held.