March 23, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

Lincoln County Board Raises Concerns Over Aging Roads, Funding Gaps

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026 Steve Dillon

Concerns over road funding are prompting action from the Lincoln County Board. Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday urging lawmakers to adopt a long-term, sustainable plan for roads and bridges. County officials say local governments maintain about 90 percent of Wisconsin’s roads, but state aid has not kept up with inflation and rising construction costs. They also point to aging infrastructure, including thousands of small bridges statewide, warning communities could be forced to delay projects or take on more debt without stable funding. The resolution passed with little discussion and…

Merrill Builds Business Growth Through Rural Venture Program

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL REV PROGRAM

Merrill is continuing work to strengthen its small business community through a statewide rural development program. The city joined UW–Madison’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture initiative two years ago, one of the first 12 communities selected. “It is a longer term program that works with leadership teams in small rural communities and helps them develop a strategy for best supporting their local entrepreneurs,” shared Lisa Taylor, REV Program at UW-Madison Extension specialist. During the first phase, local leaders and business owners gathered input from across the community. That process showed Merrill has…