September 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: VEHICLE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC LEADS TO OWI ARREST

September 2, 2026September 2, 2026 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 17 traffic stops and 21 security checks. There were five incidents involving cars hitting deer, and one where a car struck a porcupine. Saturday, the sheriff’s office was requested to check on a vehicle stopped in the turn lane of County Highway K at County Highway Q in the Town of Scott. Investigation at the scene revealed the driver, Alejandro Clemente of Merrill was passed out behind the wheel with his vehicle still in drive and his foot on the brake, stopped in…

New Trail, Rustic Campsite Added to Underdown Segment

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 Steve DillonUNDERDOWN ADDITIONS

Volunteers came out to the Ice Age Trail’s Underdown Segment in early August to build yet another stretch of trail. Almost nine-tenths of a mile of additional footpath were cleared and prepped, replacing a segment of road. The trailblazers also built two stone steps, three boardwalks, and the first designated rustic campsite along the 30-mile trail section. The campsite is situated strategically on a high ridge, allowing campers to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding glacial landscape. The event also gave 14 new volunteers an opportunity to work alongside experienced…

79-Year-Old Dies Following Stratford UTV Crash

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026 Steve DillonFATAL UTV CRASH IN STRATFORD

A 79-year-old man has died following a UTV crash in Stratford. Authorities were called to private property on Forward Street Saturday morning, where they found the man unconscious beside the vehicle. He was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. Authorities say he was the only person in the UTV. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and Stratford EMS. The man’s name has not been released.

Highway 17 Construction Project Begins in Lincoln County

September 1, 2026August 31, 2026 Steve DillonHIGHWAY 17 CONSTRUCTION

A major construction project on Highway 17 in Lincoln County began Monday, bringing a full closure of the highway to through traffic between Highway 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the project is scheduled to continue through November 6th before construction resumes next spring, from April 5th through July 30th, 2027. Work on the project includes replacing the asphalt surface, replacing sections of concrete curb and gutter, installing centerline rumble strips and applying protective thermoplastic coating at snowmobile crossings. WisDOT’s broader project plans also…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: CRASH ON MERRILL’S WEST SIDE LEADS TO INJURIES

September 1, 2026August 31, 2026 Steve DillonMerrill Fire Department Report

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 46 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 1,555 calls. There were 42 calls requiring EMS Services. On Friday, the Department responded to a motor vehicle collision with injuries at State Street and Grand Avenue in the City of Merrill.