February 5, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE RELEASES COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 Steve DillonWMC COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce affiliate WMC Foundation released its Wisconsin Competitiveness Report. The detailed report offers policy solutions regarding key competitive indicators that reflect where the State is lagging. Wisconsin faces a shrinking population, a labor market that’s failing to grow, burdensome regulations, an underachieving educational system, rising health care costs, and a myriad of taxes that weigh heavily on both families and employers. These pressures do not exist in isolation. They are making Wisconsin increasingly unaffordable for working families who are already struggling to make ends…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 1

February 5, 2026February 4, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

During the week ending February 1, the Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents, while officers conducted approximately 49 traffic stops and 63 security checks. Sunday, officers responded to the report of an individual who was reporting they had been involved in a physical altercation. Officers spoke with everyone involved and discovered the alleged female victim had fabricated the entire incident, and she was cited for obstructing. Activity for the week included three instances of disorderly conduct – two of those domestic in nature, one report of bail jumping and…

CITY OF MERRILL: PETITION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR 2027 PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

February 5, 2026February 4, 2026 Steve DillonCITY OF MERRILL PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS

The City of Merrill has given notice that residents interested in public works improvements of water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, bituminous paving, curb, gutter and sidewalk, for construction in 2027, need to file a petition in the City Clerk / Treasurer’s Office at Merrill City Hall, by May 1, 2026. Petition forms are available in the City Clerk / Treasurer’s Office. Project information is available by contacting Rod Akey, Public Works Director / City Engineer at (715) 536-5594.