October 28, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

Goodwill Plans New Merrill Store for Spring 2027

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL NEW GOODWILL

A former Church Mutual Insurance building on East Main Street will become the newest retail location for Goodwill North Central Wisconsin. Goodwill NCW plans to break ground at noon Monday, November 2, at 3500 East Main Street. The building’s interior and exterior will be remodeled by MJI Building Services, with the new store expected to open in spring 2027. The Merrill location will expand Goodwill NCW’s retail presence in north-central Wisconsin. Revenue generated through Goodwill stores helps support employment programs and job-skills training for people facing barriers to employment. The…

Jury Acquits Hurd of Homicide in Death of Lincoln Hills Officer

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026 Steve DillonJURY ACQUITS JAVARIUS HURD

A jury has found 18-year-old Javarius Hurd not guilty of reckless homicide in the 2024 death of Lincoln Hills correctional officer Corey Proulx, while finding him guilty of one count of battery by a prisoner. The verdict was returned Tuesday afternoon, October 27, in Lincoln County Circuit Court, following a trial that began last week. Hurd was accused in the June 2024 death of Proulx, 49, who suffered fatal head injuries during a confrontation at the Lincoln Hills youth correctional facility. Prosecutors said Hurd had assaulted another correctional officer by…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 25

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026 Steve DillonMerrill Fire Department Report

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 51 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 1,941 calls. 47 of those calls required EMS Services. The Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm alert Sunday evening, in the 1600 block of East 2nd Street in the City of Merrill.