Warming centers available throughout Merrill this winter

The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is reminding residents to protect themselves from extreme cold temperatures this winter, which can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Eight locations in Merrill are serving as warming centers this season, providing residents relief from extreme cold during business hours.”
“We would like to thank the following locations for serving as warming centers this winter,” said Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator with the LCHD.
Merrill warming centers include:
• Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, 1208 N. Center Ave., 715.536.9405. Open Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St. Open Mon. through Thurs. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fri. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• MAC Home Warming Center, 407 W. Main St., 715.722.1200. Open Mon. through Sun. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Standard screening will be done upon entry.
• Merrill Enrichment Center, 303 N. Sales St., 715.536.4226. Open Mon. through Thurs. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Riverside Athletic Club, 500 S. Center Ave., 715.536.2481. Open Mon. through Thurs. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC), 1100 Marc Dr., 715.536.7313. Open Mon. through Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• T.B. Scott Free Library, 106 W. First St., 715.536.7191. Open Mon. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Walmart, 505 S. Pine Ridge Ave., 715.536.2414. Open Mon. through Sun. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In the Gleason area, the Gleason Bowling Center, N4878 Hwy. 17, 715.873.4588, is open Mon. 11 a.m. to close, closed Tues., Wed. through Sat. 11 a.m. to close, and Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The LCHD warns that while anyone can experience health issues from cold weather, older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and those without safe, warm housing face a higher risk.
Safety recommendations include watching weather forecasts; dressing in layers of loose, lightweight clothing; wearing water-repellent outerwear; minimizing outdoor activities; checking on neighbors; and knowing the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Additional warming centers are available in Tomahawk including Our Sisters’ House, Tomahawk Public Library, Strikers Tomahawk Bowl, Tomahawk Senior Center, and Tomahawk City Hall.
Businesses or organizations interested in becoming designated warming centers can contact Bath at 715.536.0307 or Kristin.Bath@co.lincoln.wi.us. More information about staying safe during extreme cold is available at dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winterweather.htm.