February 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

WISCONSIN STATE PATROL REMINDS RESIDENTS TROOPER APPLICATION PERIOD ENDS SOON

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 Steve DillonWI STATE TROOPER APPLICATIONS

The Wisconsin State Patrol, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding anyone interested in becoming a State Patrol trooper that the deadline to submit your application is soon approaching. Positions are open in every region of the state. If you want to be a part of improving the safety of our roads and giving back to your local community, contact the recruiter for the state’s North Central Region Sergeant Kyle Dudek, whose contact info can be found here. The Wisconsin State Patrol is a statewide, multi-role law…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 1

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 38 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 183. There were 34 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries Friday at the intersection of County Road G and State Road 17 in the Town of Pine River.

VIRTUAL 5K SUPPORTING WISCONSIN FORESTS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN APRIL

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 Steve Dillon

Registration is now open for the 2026 Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K. Proceeds from the virtual event inspired by artist Bob Ross, benefit tree health and protection. Participants can complete the 5K race by walking, running, skating, riding a scooter or cycle, or on a mobility device at any outdoor location from April 18th through April 26th. A portion of the $36 registration fee for those participating from Wisconsin goes towards tree planting and forest health efforts to combat threats from invasive species in the state’s parks and…

DNR REQUESTS INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC TO HELP COMPLETE BLACK BEAR STUDY

February 2, 2026February 1, 2026 Steve Dillon

As part of an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population, the Wisconsin DNR is requesting residents report knowledge of any black bear den locations. Results from the study will aid in improving accuracy of population models and will help researchers with investigation of a connection between consumption of human food and bear reproduction. Should you encounter a black bear den, document its GPS coordinates, capture a photo from a safe distance, and provide a description of the site and its surroundings. More information on the black bear…