March 2026 – Page 3 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT RECRUITING FOR POLICE OFFICER POSITION

March 18, 2026March 17, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPT APPLICATIONS

The Merrill Police Department is currently accepting applications to fill an open Police Officer position and to create an eligibility list for anticipated retirements. Applicants should be qualified, dependable, and willing to learn. The department expects some retirements in the near term and more in coming years, with several officers and staff already approaching eligibility. Information on Salary & Benefits, qualifications, how and where to apply and more can be found on the Merrill Police Department Facebook page.

Lincoln County EDC To Host AI-Themed LinC & Learn Thursday Morning

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Steve DillonLINC & LEARN LCEDC

Lincoln County small-to-medium size business owners, entrepreneurs, current and potential local business leaders and partners will have another opportunity to join a free interactive business discussion this week. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is holding their second in a series of LinC & Learn sessions Thursday morning at 7:30 AM. The event is being held at the PCA Training Lodge in Tomahawk. This month’s discussion is focused on utilizing AI tools for everyday marketing. Registration is strongly encouraged and can be completed at lincolncountyedc.org/lcedc-events. LinC & Learn Business Connections…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: SUNDAY HOME FIRE ENDS IN TOTAL LOSS

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 37 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 470. There were 33 EMS calls. There was a house fire on Sunday on County Highway K in the Town of Merrill. Given the extent of the damage, the home is considered a total loss. No injuries reported, and the fire did not appear to be intentional. Additional information regarding the fire can be found in the news story posted on Monday.

NORTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN RESIDENTS REMINDED TO KEEP METERS VENTS CLEAR IN WAKE OF STORM

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Steve DillonSNOWSTORM FOLLOW UP

Given the significant snowfall that has hit the region over the last few days, the Lincoln County Health Department and Wisconsin Public Service are reminding residents to keep gas meters and all vents clear of snow to keep your heating appliances properly functioning and prevent deadly carbon monoxide build up inside your home or any enclosed spaces around your property or workplace. Meter piping can be damaged from the extra weight of snow and ice, or vents can become clogged creating a hazardous situation. If you have experienced a power…

TOWN OF MERRILL HOME DESTROYED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON FIRE

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Steve DillonTOWN OF MERRILL HOME FIRE

A home in the Town of Merrill was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon. The Merrill Fire Department was dispatched just before 3:30 p.m. to a structure fire at N4235 County Road K. Crews arriving on scene found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second story and initially began defensive operations.Given limited access to the rural property, firefighters set up a water shuttle using tenders from several neighboring departments, with a fill site established at the hydrant near North Center Avenue and 14th Street in the city. One person was…

BONUS PERMITS FOR 2026 TURKEY SEASON NOW AVAILABLE

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will start selling bonus permits for the 2026 spring turkey season today.The permits—formerly called leftover tags—went on sale Monday at 10 a.m. through the state’s Go Wild license system and at license agents, with a separate sale date assigned to each turkey zone. Hunters must now create a Go Wild username and password before purchasing permits, and the DNR recommends doing so as soon as possible to avoid delays. Bonus authorizations cost $10 dollars for residents and $15 for non-residents, and hunters can buy…

VILAS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAILS RE-OPEN

March 16, 2026March 15, 2026 Steve Dillon

Snowmobilers once again have the opportunity to enjoy riding in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Effective Saturday at 8 AM, the over 500- mile Vilas County Snowmobile Trail system was re-opened, including all state and club-funded trails. All trails are safe for passage, per the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance Clubs. Select trails will remain unopened or could be rerouted because of water issues, and there may be trails that are not groomed. As riders enjoy the extended season, they should avoid trespassing and assume all trails are private property as off-trail riding could…

CITY OF MERRILL DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY FOR LATE SATURDAY THROUGH EARLY MONDAY

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill has released a snow emergency declaration effective late Saturday night March 14th through 12:00 PM Noon on Monday, March 16th. Upwards of two feet of snow is forecast across the region. Vehicles are not to be parked on city streets during the snow emergency period. Any vehicles parked on city streets are subject to being ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. Forfeiture for parking on the street during a snow emergency is $20, not inclusive of the costs for towing. Keeping vehicles from parking on…

BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AT US 51/WIS 29 INTERCHANGE TO CAUSE LANE CLOSURES TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 Steve DillonBRIDGE INSPECTION LANE CLOSURES

Lane closures are planned next week at the US 51 / WIS 29 West Interchange while crews complete routine bridge inspections. Work is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th through Wednesday, March 18th, though the timetable could change depending on weather. A single lane will be closed on the westbound WIS 29 ramp at Exit 191-A, and the eastbound WIS 29 ramp to northbound US 51 at Exit 164-B will be fully closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Drivers can use the eastbound WIS 52 exit as a…

LOCAL TV SCREENS GO “DARK” AS DISH NETWORK DROPS GRAY MEDIA STATIONS

March 12, 2026March 13, 2026 Steve DillonDISH NETWORK DROPS GRAY MEDIA STATIONS

Some television viewers across our area are suddenly missing a pair of local stations. DISH Network customers lost access to WSAW and WZAW Tuesday evening including CBS, The CW, FOX and local programming on Channel 7 after the satellite provider and station owner Gray Media failed to reach a renewal agreement. The change means DISH subscribers can no longer watch programming from those stations, including shows like the CBS Evening News, NCIS, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. DISH customers who want the channels to be restored are encouraged to contact…