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Month: May 2026

RESIDENTS URGED TO AVOID BURNING ACTIVITIES IN LIGHT OF VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER LEVELS

Steve Dillon

Spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. With fire danger levels currently listed as Very High across most of the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking resident to avoid outdoor burning activities. DNR burn permits have been suspended in 43 counties. Dry vegetation, low humidity, warmer temperatures and breezy conditions have all contributed to the rise in fire danger, which will continue until significant rainfall hits our region. In areas where the DNR has burn restriction authority with the elevated fire danger, the DNR will…

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INVESTIGATORS DETERMINE ORIGIN OF WAUSAU APARTMENT FIRE

Steve Dillon

Investigators from the Wausau Fire Department have determined that a cooking accident was the source of the fire that broke out at the Sturgeon Bay Apartments last weekend. The fire was contained to a single unit, avoiding potential damage to other areas of the complex. No serious injuries were reported, however one individual was treated at a local hospital for breathing issues. The sole casualty was a family pet who succumbed to the conditions. Assisting on scene were the Salvation Army and Wausau MetroRide. The majority of the occupants of…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: POWER OUTAGE, GRASS FIRE TOP LIST FOR THE WEEK

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 51 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 762 calls. There were 42 EMS calls. Emergency units responded to an incident on East Main St in the City of Merrill on Wednesday where a semi severed a utility pole, resulting in a downed power line and a widespread power outage. There was a motor vehicle accident on County Road Q in the Town of Scott on Thursday, and a grass fire on Wilderness Drive in the Town of Rock Falls on Saturday.

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Youth Apprenticeship Program Celebrated at Merrill High School Banquet

Steve Dillon

Merrill High School is recognizing standout students in its youth apprenticeship program. Thirteen “student stars” were honored Thursday night during a banquet at the Eagles Club, with families and local employers joining students to celebrate their work. The program connects students with local jobs, allowing them to earn school credit and income while gaining hands-on experience alongside industry mentors. School officials say Merrill High School has 117 youth apprenticeships this year, spanning a wide range of careers and fields. Among those recognized was Brady Eggebrecht, a phlebotomy apprentice with Aspirus,…

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Minocqua Business Owner Announces Run for Governor During Ongoing Protest

Steve Dillon

A local taproom owner is entering the race for Wisconsin governor. Minocqua Brewing Company’s Kirk Bangstad made the announcement Saturday during a livestream, as protesters gathered outside his establishment over a recent controversial social media post referencing free beer tied to the death of former President Donald Trump. That post also led to interviews with the U.S. Secret Service and FBI. The governor’s seat hopeful says his campaign is focused on challenging what he calls establishment Democratic politics, while also targeting Republican frontrunner Tom Tiffany. Bangstad mounted a Democratic campaign…

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Deadly Langlade County Crash Leads to Charges Against Antigo Man

Steve Dillon

A deadly crash in Langlade County has led to multiple charges against an Antigo man. WAOW-TV reported 25-year-old Kory Piszczor is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, along with OWI, bail jumping, and possession of a masking agent. Authorities say he is currently wanted on a bench warrant issued April 24th. The crash happened around 10:30 the night of April 22nd and claimed the life of 45-year-old Gina Marie Brunner of Wittenberg. Piszczor was treated for injuries at a nearby hospital. Investigators say early evidence suggested alcohol…

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BLUEJAY GIRLS COME UP SHORT AGAINST MARSHFIELD

Steve Dillon

In a game heard on WJMT and wjmtfm.com and seen on WJMT TV on YouTube, the Merrill girls’ softball team fell to the Marshfield Tigers 17-5 in six innings at home in a non-conference game on Friday.  Bluejays’ starting pitcher Abbie Krueger, the AmericInn Player of the Game, took the loss and came back to finish the game inside the circle after relievers Maddie Barker and Jaci Lyons were not able to stem the Tigers’ offensive tide.  At the plate, Krueger was 3-4 with two RBI to pace the bluejay…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: K9 DASTY SEARCH REVEALS POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents during the week ending April 26th. Officers conducted approximately 52 traffic stops and 117 security checks. On Friday, a vehicle registration query by an officer revealed the owner had a suspended driver’s license. The officer stopped the vehicle, and during the stop K9 Dasty completed an exterior sniff of the vehicle. The K9 inspection produced a positive alert for an illegal substance, and a search by officers uncovered several methamphetamine items. A male and female subject were arrested for possession of methamphetamine.…

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BLUEJAY GIRLS DEFEAT LAKELAND 9-3 IN SLUGFEST

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com. the Merrill Bluejay girls’ softball team defeat the Lakeland Thunderbirds in Great Northern Conference action 9-3 at the MARC yesterday.  The Bluejays gave up two runs in the top of the second and a single tally in the fifth but scored once in the bottom of the second and twice in the fourth before a six run outburst in the bottom of the fifth sealed the victory. In that frame, the Bluejays scored on a solo homerun by junior third…

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