Courthouse clock restoration backed by Bierman Family Foundation grant

MERRILL – One of Lincoln County’s most iconic sights will receive needed repairs thanks to support from a local organization.

During its meeting at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill on Tuesday, June 16, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors gave the thumbs up to a resolution accepting a $99,000 grant from the Bierman Family Foundation. The funds will be allocated to the restoration of the clock atop the Lincoln County Courthouse in Merrill.

The courthouse was constructed in 1903. Seventy-five years later, in 1978, the courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historic clock became inoperative after the board approved the 2026 county budget. It was noted during the meeting that finding the restoration funds within the county budget may have proven challenging.

The Rhinelander-based company Wind Me Up LLC will collaborate with The Tower Clock Company of Ohio on the restoration efforts.

The project aims to “preserve the architectural and historical integrity of the clock,” the resolution said.

Prior to the vote, Board Chair Don Friske thanked the Bierman Family Foundation for the contribution.

A project timeline was not discussed during the meeting.