The Merrill Fire Department responded to 42 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 672 calls. There were 38 EMS calls. Emergency units were dispatched to the scene of a recreational vehicle fire in Gleason on Thursday. No injuries were reported. There was a hazardous situation involving the release of carbon monoxide on East 6th St in the City of Merrill on Sunday.
Read MoreAs a part of last Wednesday’s Merrill Area Public Schools Regular Board of Education meeting, the Board recognized school bus driver Mary Klade for 50 years of dedicated service. Board members say this amazing achievement is a testament to Mary’s character, and the care she has for students. Her five decades of service have allowed Mary to have an impact on multiple generations. The Bluejay 96.3 teams joins MAPS in congratulating Mary for reaching this incredible milestone.
Read MoreA very strong weather system that made its way across portions of the upper Midwest on Friday generated multiple Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings across Wisconsin. In the Northcentral portions of the state, the National Weather Service in Green Bay confirmed a tornado in Mosinee late afternoon, and then at 5:08 PM issued another severe weather statement stating a confirmed tornado was located 11 miles northeast of Weston, 14 miles east of Wausau. Additional unconfirmed reports from community members focused on a possible tornado near the Central Wisconsin Airport, followed…
Read MoreIn a game heard right here on WJMT, wjmtfm.com and seen on our WJMT TV Channel on YouTube, the Merrill Bluejay girls defeated the Rhinelander Hodags 13-6 in Great Northern Conference softball action yesterday at the MARC. The win raises the Bluejays conference record to 2-1 and avenges a loss Tuesday on the road to the Medford Raiders. Abbie Krueger got the win inside the circle for the Bluejays, with Jacie Lyon getting the save. The Bluejays put the game away in the sixth, scoring six runs capped by a…
Read MoreJust halfway through the month of April, Wisconsin has already received more than a month’s worth of severe weather. According to the State Climatology Office, the National Weather Service has issued over 150 severe weather warnings in Wisconsin so far this month, compared to the previous record of 123 in all of April 2002. There have also been more than 30 tornado warnings issued so far this month, eclipsing the total of 28 in all of April 2011. Wisconsin typically averages one tornado in April. The National Weather Service will…
Read MoreIn light of the recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across the state, tornadoes drills scheduled for today throughout Wisconsin have been canceled. No alternative date will be scheduled for these drills. ReadyWisconsin made the decision that moving ahead with the drills would place additional strain on emergency management, local agencies and those who are still responding to the impact of recent storms. Many communities remain focused on providing support to family members and loved ones affected by the storms, as well as assessing damage. Residents should continue…
Read MoreLincoln County Sheriff Ken Schneider announced earlier this week that he will retire at the close of his current term, following 36 years in law enforcement. Just three days later, Andy Vanderwyst has formally declared his candidacy ahead of the fall election. Andy’s resume with the Sheriff’s Office includes time as patrol deputy, sergeant investigator, and patrol lieutenant over a twenty-plus year span. He has also served in leadership positions on the Lincoln County Special Response Team and Honor Guard. Vanderwyst spoke of the support he’s received from teammates and…
Read MoreThis week marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, recognizing the dispatchers who serve as the vital link between the public and emergency responders. Here in Lincoln County, dispatchers are often the very first responders, answering 9-1-1 calls, calming callers in crisis, gathering critical information, and helping deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews respond promptly and safely. Team leaders describe the role as one that requires patience, professionalism, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the Sheriff’s Office says the impact…
Read MoreLast Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 43 traffic stops and 43 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer, and one call for a car hitting a turkey. On Thursday, there was an altercation between two inmates at the Lincoln County Jail, Philip Novak and Shawn Morris. Novak was taken to Aspirus Merrill Hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained during the fight. Battery by Prisoner charges will be filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for both prisoners.
Read MoreThe Merrill Fire Department responded to 24 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 630 calls. There were 19 EMS calls. Saturday night, emergency units were dispatched to two separate locations for fallen trees causing downed power lines due to spring storms that were passing through the area. The first incident took place at West Hemlock Street shortly before 9PM, then second just after 9:30 PM on South State Street. The incidents resulted in power outages and arcing along residential conduit. There were no reports of fire or…
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