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Year: 2026

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE RELEASES COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

Steve Dillon

On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce affiliate WMC Foundation released its Wisconsin Competitiveness Report. The detailed report offers policy solutions regarding key competitive indicators that reflect where the State is lagging. Wisconsin faces a shrinking population, a labor market that’s failing to grow, burdensome regulations, an underachieving educational system, rising health care costs, and a myriad of taxes that weigh heavily on both families and employers. These pressures do not exist in isolation. They are making Wisconsin increasingly unaffordable for working families who are already struggling to make ends…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 1

Steve Dillon

During the week ending February 1, the Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents, while officers conducted approximately 49 traffic stops and 63 security checks. Sunday, officers responded to the report of an individual who was reporting they had been involved in a physical altercation. Officers spoke with everyone involved and discovered the alleged female victim had fabricated the entire incident, and she was cited for obstructing. Activity for the week included three instances of disorderly conduct –  two of those domestic in nature, one report of bail jumping and…

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CITY OF MERRILL: PETITION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR 2027 PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill has given notice that residents interested in public works improvements of water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, bituminous paving, curb, gutter and sidewalk, for construction in 2027, need to file a petition in the City Clerk / Treasurer’s Office at Merrill City Hall, by May 1, 2026. Petition forms are available in the City Clerk / Treasurer’s Office. Project information is available by contacting Rod Akey, Public Works Director / City Engineer at (715) 536-5594.

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WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE APPROVES FUNDING FOR WISCONSIN EYE CABLE NETWORK

Steve Dillon

Wisconsin Eye, the state’s version of C-Span is now back online after being unavailable to viewers since mid-December due to a funding shortfall. The Wisconsin Legislature’s joint Committee on Legislative Organization approved $50,000 for operations costs by a ten to zero vote on Monday, clearing the way to resume coverage of the Legislature for February. The website for the private public affairs cable network, wiseye.org is also back online. It includes an archive of hearings, press conferences and legislative sessions and is also available to cable subscribers across the state.…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: COMPLAINTS OF SPEEDING ON HILLSIDE DRIVE DRAW INCREASED ENFORCEMENT

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 36 traffic stops and 64 security checks. There were nine calls involving cars hitting deer. A complaint was received regarding speeding vehicles on Hillside Drive in the Town of Merrill between County Highway JJ and County Highway K during morning school hours. The Sheriff’s Office will be placing extra patrol in the area for focused traffic enforcement on speeding violations.

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ASPIRUS HEALTH FOUNDATION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING ASPIRUS MERRILL HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS

Steve Dillon

With a $275,000 cornerstone gift from the Bierman Family Foundation, Aspirus Health Foundation has officially launched its $1 million Building a Healthier Future capital campaign. The initiative supports a $40 million renovation of Aspirus Merrill Hospital, aimed at strengthening access, safety, and innovation in health care for the Merrill community. Aspirus Merrill Hospital has been a been a trusted health care provider for the region for almost 100 years. The Building a Healthier Future campaign will directly support critical renovation elements, enhancing patient safety, comfort, and quality of care. The…

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WISCONSIN STATE PATROL REMINDS RESIDENTS TROOPER APPLICATION PERIOD ENDS SOON

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin State Patrol, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding anyone interested in becoming a State Patrol trooper that the deadline to submit your application is soon approaching. Positions are open in every region of the state. If you want to be a part of improving the safety of our roads and giving back to your local community, contact the recruiter for the state’s North Central Region Sergeant Kyle Dudek, whose contact info can be found here. The Wisconsin State Patrol is a statewide, multi-role law…

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VIRTUAL 5K SUPPORTING WISCONSIN FORESTS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN APRIL

Steve Dillon

Registration is now open for the 2026 Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K. Proceeds from the virtual event  inspired by artist Bob Ross, benefit tree health and protection. Participants can complete the 5K race by walking, running, skating, riding a scooter or cycle, or on a mobility device at any outdoor location from April 18th through April 26th. A portion of the $36 registration fee for those participating from Wisconsin goes towards tree planting and forest health efforts to combat threats from invasive species in the state’s parks and…

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DNR REQUESTS INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC TO HELP COMPLETE BLACK BEAR STUDY

Steve Dillon

As part of an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population, the Wisconsin DNR is requesting residents report knowledge of any black bear den locations. Results from the study will aid in improving accuracy of population models and will help researchers with investigation of a connection between consumption of human food and bear reproduction. Should you encounter a black bear den, document its GPS coordinates, capture a photo from a safe distance, and provide a description of the site and its surroundings. More information on the black bear…

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