February 13, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

“211 DAY” BRINGS AWARENESS TO ADDICTION RECOVERY HELPLINE

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Steve Dillon211 DAY

Wednesday February 11 – 2/11 on the calendar – marked Wisconsin Addiction Recovery 211 Helpline Awareness Day. Executive Director of Merrill Area United Way Debbie Moellendorf stated “In 2025, United Way’s 211 answered 324 requests for help from Lincoln County residents, providing 802 referrals to community resources. The number one referral in Lincoln County last year was for housing.” United Way’s 211 Helpline services are available 24/7, helping folks in need find food, housing, healthcare, and so much more.

NORTHCENTRAL TECH TO RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Steve DillonNORTHCENTRAL TECH FUNDING

Northcentral Technical College is receiving more than $3.2M in federal funding to support its North Central Wisconsin Firefighter and Paramedic Apprenticeship Program. The funding, requested by Senator Tammy Baldwin, was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 signed into law earlier this month. The 18-month program combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training to prepare apprentices for careers in public safety while addressing workforce needs across the region. Each cohort includes nine apprentices who complete more than 3,200 hours of combined instruction and real-world experience. College leaders say the…

MERRILL POLICE OFFICERS RESPOND TO DISORDERLY CONDUCT COMPLAINT AT LOCAL RESIDENCE, CHARGES PENDING

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DISORDERLY CONDUCT COMPLAINT

On Saturday February 7th, Merrill Police officers were dispatched to a city residence regarding a complaint of disorderly conduct involving a disturbance inside the home. It was reported that a 19-year-old male was throwing items and causing damage. Officers arriving on the scene noticed damaged household items including a broken candle and wooden chair as well as a damaged table. An adult woman on scene was described as distraught. Charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct have been requested. The case remains under investigation.