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Month: July 2026

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Delays AirVenture Cup Race Until Monday

Steve Dillon

Following two delays due to poor air quality conditions resulting from Canadian wildfire smoke, a decision was made to postpone Sunday’s 28th Annual Airventure Cup Race in the interest of the safety of all participants. The race has been moved to Monday morning, with hopes that the smoke and haze will clear. Weather and atmospheric conditions permitting, the start time for tomorrow’s rescheduled event is 9:00 a.m. in Wausau at Wausau Flying Service, Inc.Wausau Downtown Airport. The timed cross-country race will end at the Merrill municipal airport around 4 p.m.…

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Marathon County Disaster Recovery Center Opens to Help Storm and Flood Victims

Steve Dillon

RINGLE, Wis. — A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Marathon County to assist residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred between April 13 and April 23, 2026. The center provides in-person assistance for individuals with uninsured losses or emergency needs related to the disaster. Staff from FEMA and other state and federal agencies are available to help residents apply for disaster assistance, check the status of an application, answer questions about the appeals process and connect people with available recovery resources. The Disaster Recovery…

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WISCONSIN STATEWIDE AIR QUALITY ADVISORY EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin DNR has extended a statewide Air Quality Advisory through noon today, and the advisory could be extended again. This is due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. Thursday morning, Madison’s air quality was in the Hazardous range. Roughly half of Wisconsin was in the “very unhealthy” Air Quality Index category, which means the risk of health effects is increased for all populations. Experts say at this level, most people should limit or avoid outdoor activity. Not only are the skies hazy, but there’s a burning smell and that…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: ROAD RAGE LEADS TO WARNINGS FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to five incidents during the week ending July 12th. Officers conducted approximately 31 traffic stops and 56 security checks. An individual faces multiple charges following a disturbance Tuesday night in a residential neighborhood. Officers were called after reports of someone who appeared to be under the influence and had wandered into a wooded area. The individual was found with an altered mental state and was taken by EMS to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities say the person became combative during treatment, resisted officers and emergency…

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Merrill Fire Department Continues Ambulance Information Sessions

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department is continuing its series of public meetings focused on the future of the department’s ambulance service. Yesterday’s session featured Aspirus Merrill Hospital Emergency Department and Day Surgery Manager Joni Hahn, who discussed the importance of maintaining adequate ambulance staffing and the close working relationship between hospital staff and Merrill paramedics. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., with Medical Director Dr. Clark serving as the guest speaker. The department says the presentations outline current ambulance operations, community needs, and challenges facing local EMS…

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West Nile Virus Detected in Wisconsin Mosquitoes, Birds

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed the first West Nile virus activity of the year. The virus was detected in mosquitoes collected in Milwaukee County and in a wild bird from Bayfield County, signaling that infected mosquitoes are now present in Wisconsin. No human cases have been reported so far this year. Health officials say most people infected never develop symptoms, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness. Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding areas around their homes…

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Bluejays Fall to Wausau 11-1 in Legion Baseball

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Post 46 American Legion boys’ baseball team saw its record fall to 2-11 with an 11-1 mercy-rule shortened loss to the Wausau Post 10 Bulldogs.  The Bluejays saw AmericInn Player of the Game Brody Klebenow (pictured) drive in the Bluejays sole run with the second of his two triples in the contest.  The Bulldogs score twice in the first and single runs in the third and fourth innings before scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth.  Two…

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CAPSIZED PONTOON INCIDENT IN PEPIN COUNTY ADDS TO LIST OF 2026 WISCONSIN BOATING TRAGEDIES

Steve Dillon

Another boating tragedy has occurred in Wisconsin. Late Saturday night, a pontoon carrying 6 people capsized on Lake Pepin in Pepin County, which is on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. It had collided with a barge. All 6 were thrown overboard. Three were found clinging to the pontoon and were rescued while the other three drowned. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Earlier this month, on the 4th of July, three young children from Illinois were killed when their boat capsized during a storm on Lake Geneva. There were also a couple…

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WISCONSIN DNR PROMOTES DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

Steve Dillon

July is Disability Pride Month, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources promotes accessible recreation. People of all abilities are encouraged to explore Wisconsin state parks and public lands this month. Visitors can take advantage of adaptive equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, adaptive kayaks and accessible fishing piers. Many properties also offer sensory-friendly resources and barrier-free facilities. The DNR is hosting Universal Recreation Month events throughout July, from guided hikes to educational programs. A full list of accessible amenities and events is available on the DNR website.

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