2026 – Page 2 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

ASPIRUS HEALTH FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 10TH CLASS AT 2026 SCHOLARS SIGNING CEREMONY

February 9, 2026February 8, 2026 Steve DillonASPIRUS HEALTH FOUNDATION SIGNING CEREMONY

Last Thursday evening, the Aspirus Health Foundation held its 2026 Aspirus Scholars Signing Ceremony. The Foundation celebrated their 10th class and a great investment in the future healthcare landscape. The total award for each scholar is now $175,000, reflecting a combined $875,000 for the 2026 cohort. The Aspirus Scholars Program now includes 36 total scholars. Developed by Aspirus Health in collaboration with community partners, the program helps to address health care concerns throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the U.P. of Michigan through supporting the development of top-tier medical providers not just…

LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY AND SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMPLETE UNUSUAL ANIMAL RESCUE

February 6, 2026February 6, 2026 Steve DillonLCHS AND LISO ANIMAL RESCUE

An uncommon animal rescue happened this week involving the efforts of both the Lincoln County Humane Society and the Sheriff’s Office. Twenty-eight Chickens and a turkey were left behind after their owners had vacated their property, prompting a call to both organizations. The scenario provided a fitting example for when folks should reach out for help if they’re no longer able to care for their animals. In this case, the birds were left out in the extreme cold with little protection from sub-freezing temps. Though you may have farm animals…

WISCONSIN DNR ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR FRIENDS GRANTS

February 6, 2026February 6, 2026 Steve DillonWI DNR FRIENDS GRANTS

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 29 nonprofit organizations yesterday. The grants will be used to make improvements at DNR-managed properties across the state. Funding was approved by the State Building Commission for 32 projects totaling $499,144 in Stewardship grant dollars, leveraging $572,061 in matching contributions and $3 million in total project costs. In an effort to preserve important natural communities, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to protect water quality and fisheries and expand outdoor recreation opportunities.…

WISCONSIN DOT: FROZEN ROAD LAW NOW IN EFFECT ACROSS ALL FIVE ZONES IN THE STATE

February 6, 2026February 5, 2026 Steve DillonWI DOT FROZEN ROAD LAW ALL ZONES

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has declared that effective today, highways statewide are officially frozen and the frozen road law is in effect across the state. The law allows trucks hauling logs cut crosswise (not including woodchips) and salt and sand for winter maintenance to carry heavier loads, while the cold weather is in place. The seasonal weight restriction program provides an alternative for protecting Wisconsin’s investments in roads. WISDOT and county highway personnel monitor temperature forecasts and utilize liquid-filled devices under the pavement know as frost tubes to assess…

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE RELEASES COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 Steve DillonWMC COMPETITIVENESS REPORT

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…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 1

February 5, 2026February 4, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

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…

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

February 5, 2026February 4, 2026 Steve DillonCITY OF MERRILL PUBLIC WORKS IMPROVEMENTS

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.

WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE APPROVES FUNDING FOR WISCONSIN EYE CABLE NETWORK

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Steve DillonWIS EYE FUNDING

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.…

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

February 4, 2026February 3, 2026 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

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.

ASPIRUS HEALTH FOUNDATION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING ASPIRUS MERRILL HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS

February 4, 2026February 3, 2026 Steve DillonASPIRUS MERRILL HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS

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…