August 2025 – Page 4 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

TRUSTEES ADDED, REAPPOINTED BY NICOLET COLLEGE BOARD

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Steve DillonNICOLET COLLEGE TRUSTEES

RHINELANDER – The Nicolet College Board has added three new trustees and reappointed one returning member. Returning to the board is Abbey Dall, a Nicolet College graduate who currently serves as executive director of the Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing (NATH) in Rhinelander. New to the board are Jim Mulleady of Eagle River, who works with Shorewest Realtors and will serve as the employee member; Tony Pharo of Eagle River, executive director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, appointed as an at-large member; and Scott Sievert of Rhinelander, General…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Steve DillonMerrill Police Department Report

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents last week. Officers conducted approximately 10 traffic stops and 79 security checks. There were two instances of theft, three reports of disorderly conduct and public nuisance, three reports of probation violations and bail jumping, and two reports of a hit and run though neither were substantiated. There was a report of possible gunshots at a local government building on Wednesday. Further investigation revealed the noise was caused by something other than a firearm.

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS HEAD DOWN STATE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 Steve DillonMFD VOLUNTEERS

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Members of the Merrill Fire Department recently made a special trip south for a meaningful assignment. Throughout each year, firefighters from across Wisconsin volunteer their time in Wisconsin Rapids, helping with upkeep at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial. The work includes mowing, landscaping, and general clean-up around the grounds and museum. This past week, it was Merrill’s turn. According to a social media post, several department members along with a few of their young family members, lent a hand during the latest round of maintenance. There’s…

LINCOLN COUNTY FAIR KICKS OFF WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6TH

August 5, 2025August 5, 2025 Steve DillonLincoln County Fair

MERRILL – The Lincoln County Fair takes place this week from Wednesday through Sunday, August 6th through 10th at the Merrill Fairgrounds. There will be live music featuring multiple artists every evening, lawn mower races on Friday, and two tractor pull events on Saturday. Sunday afternoon features the always popular Demolition Derby. Carnival rides will once again be a part of the fun, along with other attractions such as 4-H exhibits and competitions, commercial displays, educational exhibits, and farm equipment displays. It’s estimated that as many as 30,000 people will…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3

August 5, 2025August 5, 2025 Steve DillonMerrill Fire Department Report

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 26 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,340. There were 22 EMS calls. There was one call for a smoke scare where the odor of smoke was present Friday on Cty Rd K in the Town of Merrill

LOCAL RESIDENTS URGED TO COME OUT AND CELEBRATE NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Steve DillonNATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

LINCOLN COUNTY – This week is National Farmer’s Market Week. Residents are encouraged to visit on of our local area Markets. Individuals can use their WIC or Senior Farmers Market Vouchers while shopping. A list of the three Farmer’s Markets in the area can be found on the Lincoln County Health Department Facebook page.

POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN RUSSIA LAST WEDNESDAY REGISTERED IN RIB LAKE

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Steve DillonEARTHQUAKE REGISTERED IN RIB LAKE

RIB LAKE – The 8.8 earthquake that occurred in Russia last Wednesday was registered in Wisconsin. A change in ground velocity that was caused by the quake was picked up by a United States Geological Survey Station located in Rib Lake, more than 4000 miles from the quake’s epicenter. The earthquake is the most powerful in 14 years, when a 9.0 magnitude quake which was one of the strongest on record hit Japan. The USGS is estimating that the Russia quake caused severe shaking and significant economic losses.

MERRILL HOLDS THIRD STREET SIGN DEDICATION FOR 2025

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL STREET SIGN DEDICATION #3

MERRILL – Merrill’s third street sign dedication for 2025 was held Friday at the corner of 9th and N Sales Streets. The Historic Preservation Committee selected Former Merrill based Park City Credit Union President William C. “Bill” Johnston for this round. Bill’s Wife Laurie spoke of Bill’s love for anything and everything Merrill. Johnston also served many year’s with the City’s Police & Fire Commission, and was a 1963 graduate of Merrill High School.

WISCONSIN DNR EXTENDS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY IN THE WAKE OF CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE

August 1, 2025August 4, 2025 Steve DillonAQI ADVISORY

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has extended the statewide air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect the region. The advisory, which covers the entire state, is now in effect through noon Friday. Officials warn that air quality at ground level will remain poor for the next several days. Individuals with heart or lung conditions, as well as older adults and children, are urged to limit time outdoors, reduce strenuous activity, and consider moving events indoors. As of 11:00 AM Thursday, the Wisconsin State Climatology Office…

MERRILL COUPLE ARRESTED FOR CHILD NEGLECT

August 1, 2025August 4, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL COUPLE CHILD NEGLECT

MERRILL – Saturday July 26th at approximately 9:29am, Merrill Police Officers were dispatched to a local residence regarding a possible domestic disturbance. The caller reported she had heard two individuals fighting and stated that they left in a vehicle while their newborn baby was left alone in the residence. When they arrived, the officers confirmed that both suspects were not present, and the baby was upstairs crying. The parents later returned to the home and were arrested for child neglect.