October 23, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

Lincoln County Supervisors Approve Updated EMS Agreement With Merrill

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 Steve DillonLINCOLN COUNTY MERRILL EMS AGREEMENT

A proposed update to the agreement governing emergency medical services in the Merrill area has cleared one major hurdle, with Lincoln County supervisors voting Tuesday to approve the contract. The agreement, negotiated by county and city officials over the summer, would increase county funding for emergency medical services from $1.3 million in 2026 to $1.6 million in 2027. Funding would then receive a 2% annual adjustment under the proposed terms. The agreement updates a contract that had not undergone a major overhaul since 2007. Lincoln County has coordinated regional EMS…

Lincoln County Seeks Community Input on Outdoor Recreation and Economic Growth

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 Steve DillonLCEDC ORTAP

Lincoln County is exploring how outdoor recreation can support local businesses, strengthen downtowns and contribute to long-term economic growth. A community workshop took place Thursday at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill, following a public session Wednesday evening at SARA Park Hall in Tomahawk. The sessions are part of Lincoln County’s participation in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Technical Assistance Program, in partnership with UW–Stout’s Center for Sustainable Communities. The initiative brings together local stakeholders and state and federal partners to assess recreation infrastructure, including trails,…

Merrill to Honor Longest-Serving Mayor Ralph “Fata” Voigt Saturday

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 Steve DillonVOIGT STREET SIGN DEDICATION

A piece of Merrill’s history will be recognized Saturday when an honorary street sign is unveiled in honor of former Mayor Ralph “Fata” Voigt. Voigt, born in Merrill in 1917, served as mayor from 1960 through 1978 after winning election to the Common Council in 1951. He returned to the position in 1979 to finish the unexpired term of Mayor Patrick Nugent. Before entering city government, Voigt graduated from Merrill Senior High School and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During World War II, he served in France and Germany with a…