2025 – Page 29 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH BRINGS FOCUS TO LINCOLN COUNTY CHILDREN NEEDING A HOME

May 8, 2025May 12, 2025 Steve DillonNATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

LINCOLN COUNTY – May is National Foster Care Month. Lincoln County currently has more than 50 children placed in out-of-home care. Foster Care is a home-like environment that is used for temporary placement of children when children are unable to remain in their families home. Information on how to become a foster parent can be obtained by contacting the Lincoln County Department of Social Services at 715-536-6200 or fostercare@co.lincoln.wi.us.

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 4

May 8, 2025May 12, 2025 Steve DillonMerrill Police Department Report

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to eight incidents last week. There was one call for disorderly conduct. There were three requests for assistance with probation holds, two instances of theft, and one call where the Department’s K9 unit was requested to assist during a traffic stop and K9 Dasty made a positive alert for drugs and drug paraphernalia. A call was received regarding a scam involving a large sum of money. On Friday May 2nd, officers provided escort for the Merrill Baseball Association kickoff parade.

NORTHWOODS UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES VARIED FOR MARCH

May 7, 2025May 12, 2025 Steve DillonNORTHWOODS UNEMPLOYMENT

The most recent unemployment estimates have been released by the Department of Workforce Development, and Northwoods job rates showed a varied trend. Lincoln County saw improvement, dropping from 4.6% to 4.5% in March, while Oneida County’s rate increased from 4.5% to 4.9%. The most significant uptick was in Vilas County, as their jobless rate rose from 5.2% in February to 5.9% in March. Lincoln and Vilas rates were up from 2024, while Oneida was unchanged.. Rates decreased in 54 counties across Wisconsin, while they remained the same in 7 counties.…

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 4

May 7, 2025May 12, 2025 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 38 traffic stops, and 41 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer, one where a car struck a turkey and another where a car hit a porcupine. On Saturday May 3rd a deputy was dispatched to the W700 block of Barker Ave in the Town of Pine River for a report of a burglary. The owner of the home had gone to visit a friend. While he was out someone had entered his property, caused damage to his car and…

WISCONSIN DOT CONSTRUCTION ON USH 51/I-39 IN FULL SWING

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Steve DillonCONSTRUCTION

The Wisconsin DOT has kicked off its construction season. In Oneida County, work on Highway 51 in Minocqua means right lane closures this week between Front Street and 3rd Avenue. Crews are working on curbs and sidewalks through mid-June, then pausing for summer. In Marathon County, Highway 51 and I-39 between Wausau and Mosinee is down to reduced lanes and speeds as crews pave shoulders and driving lanes. Both projects are detailed on the DOT website.

LINCOLN COUNTY JAIL INMATE ESCAPES WHILE ON RELEASE

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Steve DillonLC INMATE ESCAPE ON HUBER RELEASE

LINCOLN COUNTY – On Thursday May 1st the Lincoln County Jail reported that an inmate on huber release for a job interview never showed up the interview. The inmate, 19-yr-old David Brown of Milwaukee, WI is believed to have been picked up by Earnest Julien, 22 also from Milwaukee. As a result of the escape both subjects now face charges. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone having knowledge of their location or other information that could assist in finding them would contact them at 715-536-6272.

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING MAY 4

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 Steve DillonMerrill Fire Department Report

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 23 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 781. There were 21 EMS calls. There was a call for a natural gas leak on Saturday May 3rd on East 3rd St in the City of Merrill.

MERRILL HIGH SCHOOL READINESS EVENT HELD TUESDAY APRIL 29

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 Steve DillonMHS READINESS EVENT

MERRILL – Merril High School held their 2025 College and Career Readiness Day on Tuesday. Over 100 organizations and businesses provided more than 30 different career related activities during the event, and 44 MHS Alumni also attended. Readiness Day offers a unique opportunity for students to experience a variety of options as they consider their future path.

MAKE SOCIAL CONNECTION A PRIORITY DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 Steve DillonMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

LINCOLN COUNTY – May is Mental Health awareness month, and the Lincoln County Health Department is urging residents to make social connection a priority. Members of the community are invited to take the Social Connection Challenge, which involves limiting screen time and enjoying activities with others. Those completing 20 activities can enter to win a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate. Challenge forms are available for pickup at the Lincoln County Health Department, T.B. Scott Free Library, Tomahawk Public Library and Aspirus Tomahawk and Merrill locations. More information is available on the…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING APRIL 27

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

MERRILL – The Merrill Police Department responded to 10 incidents last week. There was one call regarding a domestic disturbance, and one report of damage to public property. A traffic stop resulted in a driver operating with a revoked license being arrested for felony bail jumping. There was one call regarding a vehicle getting stuck in a car wash. Three incidents took place involving open warrants and probation violations. There were two instances of theft, and one call for possession of illegal substances where students were found to be using…