LCHD announces summer cooling centers

With summer heat on the way, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) announced a list of designated cooling centers in Lincoln County where residents can find air-conditioned relief during business hours.

In Merrill
• Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, 1208 N. Center Ave., 715.536.9405. Mon.–Thu., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat., 3–11 p.m.; Sun., closed.
• Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St., 715.539.1019. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• MAC Home Warming Center, 407 W. Main St., 715.722.1200. Mon.–Sun., 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Standard screening is done upon entry.

• Merrill Enrichment Center, 303 N. Sales St., 715.536.4226. Mon.–Thu., 8 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
• Riverside Athletic Club, 500 S. Center Ave., 715.536.2481. Mon.–Thu., 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC), 1100 Marc Dr., 715.536.7313. Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• T.B. Scott Free Library, 106 W. First St., 715.536.7191. Mon.–Thu., 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Wal-Mart, 505 S. Pine Ridge Ave., 715.536.2414. Mon.–Sun., 6 a.m.–11 p.m.

In Gleason
• Gleason Bowling Center, N5353 State Hwy. 17, 715.873.4588. Mon., 11 a.m.–close; Tue., closed; Wed.–Sat., 11 a.m.–close; Sun., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Residents are reminded that hours may vary and locations may not be open during extreme weather events. The health department notes that extreme heat poses particular risks for infants, children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. Staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors during midday hours, and checking on neighbors are among the precautions recommended.
A full and current list of county cooling centers, including locations in Tomahawk, is available at lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com. Businesses or organizations interested in becoming a designated cooling center can contact Public Health Prevention and Education Specialist Kristin Bath at 715.536.0307 or kristin.bath@co.lincoln.wi.us.