January 2, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

HEALTH OFFICIALS ALERT RESIDENTS TO GET CHECKED FOR BLASTOMYCOSIS IF FLU SYMPTOMS LINGER

January 2, 2026January 3, 2026 Steve DillonBLASTOMYCOSIS ALERT

While the winter season brings the opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy snow sports and other activities, this time of year also sees an increase in diagnoses of Blastomycosis, also known as Blasto or Gilchrist’s disease. If you or someone you know has flu- or pneumonia-like symptoms that aren’t improving, health officials urge you to contact a healthcare provider immediately, as it could be blastomycosis. More information on the disease is available through the Blasto Spotlight on the Lincoln County Health Department’s web page.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 5TH-8TH IN THE CITY OF MERRILL

January 2, 2026January 4, 2026 Steve DillonCHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP

The City of Merrill is reminding residents that Christmas Tree Pickup is scheduled to take place between Monday January 5th and Thursday the 8th. Christmas trees should be placed curbside after 4pm on the day preceding your assigned garbage collection day. All ornaments, lights stands and plastic bags need to be removed prior to putting your tree out for pickup. Trees that are buried in snow or frozen to the ground will not be collected.

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER ACCUSED OF PASSING SCHOOL BUS WITH STOP LIGHTS ON

January 2, 2026December 31, 2025 Steve Dillon

During the week ending December 28, the Merrill Police Department responded to seven incidents, while officers conducted approximately 37 traffic stops and 46 security checks. On Tuesday, Officers responded to a report of a vehicle passing a school bus while its stop lights were activated. Officers identified the vehicle and contacted the driver. The investigation is ongoing. Other activity included one report of theft by scam at a local business, four instances of disorderly conduct, and one report of reckless driving.