November 3, 2026 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

Groundbreaking Ceremony held Monday for New Merrill Goodwill Location

November 3, 2026November 3, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL GOODWILL GROUNDBREAKING

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin has officially broken ground on its new Merrill store. The groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday at the former Church Mutual Insurance building at 3500 East Main Street. The building will undergo interior and exterior renovations by MJI Building Services, with the new store expected to open in spring 2027. Goodwill says revenue from its stores helps support job training and employment programs for people facing barriers to work.

Aspirus Merrill Hospital marks 100 years with $40 million renovation

November 3, 2026November 3, 2026 Steve DillonASPIRUS 100 YEARS RENOVATION

As Aspirus Merrill Hospital approaches its 100th anniversary, a $40 million renovation and expansion project is bringing major upgrades to the facility. The hospital opened in November 1926 and has served Merrill-area residents for a century. The current project is expected to be completed in early 2027. Improvements include a new Emergency Department triage room, an expanded Imaging Department with new equipment, and a redesigned Laboratory Department. The inpatient unit is also being renovated and expanded, with 10 additional patient rooms. Other project features include a new inpatient physical therapy…

Former Lincoln Hills inmate sentenced in correctional officer’s death case

November 3, 2026November 3, 2026 Steve DillonJAVARIUS HURD SENTENCING

An 18-year-old former Lincoln Hills inmate has been sentenced to three years in prison followed by three years of extended supervision in connection with the 2024 death of correctional officer Corey Proulx. Javarius Hurd was convicted of battery by a prisoner following a jury trial in Lincoln County. Jurors found him not guilty of first-degree reckless homicide and one of two battery-by-prisoner counts, but guilty of the remaining battery charge. Hurd was sentenced Friday, October 30, to three years of initial confinement followed by three years of extended supervision. The…

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: VEHICLE IN DITCH IN TOWN OF SCOTT ENDS WITH OWI ARREST

November 3, 2026November 2, 2026 Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 10 traffic stops and 24 security checks. There were 15 reports of cars hitting deer, and 1 where a car struck a bear. A Merrill man was arrested Saturday following the report of a vehicle in the ditch in the Town of Scott. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were sent to the area of County Highway K and Creek Avenue where Derek Meringdol drove into the ditch while attempting a U-Turn. Deputies noticed signs of impairment while speaking with Meringdol,…