January 9, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

MERRILL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT RELEASES ANNUAL NOTICE OF EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL NOTICE OF EDUCATION OPTIONS

The Merrill Area School District has released their annual notice of educational options for children who reside in the School District. Merrill Area Public Schools, also known as MAPS, offers students a variety of options for education. Options for students in Headstart and 4K through grade 4 include Pine River School for Young Learners, Kate Goodrich Elementary for grades K through 2, and Washington Elementary for grades 3 and 4. Middle schoolers grades 5 through 8 are taught at Prairie River Middle School, while students in grades 9 through 12…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING JANUARY 4

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 42 calls last week. The total for the 2025 calendar year was 2,227 calls. There was a motor vehicle accident on US Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls on Wednesday, December 31st. No injuries were reported from the crash.

MAPS BOARD SPRING ELECTION BALLOT TO FEATURE TWO CANDIDATES, ONE OPPORTUNITY FOR WRITE-IN

January 9, 2026January 8, 2026 Steve DillonMAPS BOARD OF EDUCATION SPRING ELECTION

There are two candidates on the ballot for Merrill Area Public Schools Board of Education Spring elections. While three board member positions are up for re-election in 2026, only two of those members have announced their candidacy. Board President Kevin Blake and Board Member Nubs Ashbeck have both completed the candidacy filing process, while Board Clerk Ron Liberty has announced non-candidacy. No other filings have been received to run for the vacated position. This leaves a write in option for the 9th Board opening. Terms for three of the other…