2026 – Page 3 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

WISCONSIN STATE PATROL REMINDS RESIDENTS TROOPER APPLICATION PERIOD ENDS SOON

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 Steve DillonWI STATE TROOPER APPLICATIONS

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…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 1

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 38 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 183. There were 34 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries Friday at the intersection of County Road G and State Road 17 in the Town of Pine River.

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

February 3, 2026February 2, 2026 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…

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

February 2, 2026February 1, 2026 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…

LINCOLN COUNTY OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS TO STAY VIGILANT AS NEW SCAM ACTIVITY SURFACES

January 30, 2026January 29, 2026 Steve DillonLINCOLN COUNTY SCAM ALERT

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and County Clerk of Courts are alerting the public to a significant increase in inquiries and complaints received regarding a new scam spreading across our region this week. Reports stated scammers are calling residents and telling them they missed “Grand Jury Duty”, specifically referencing January 12th as the date in question, most likely in an attempt to create urgency. The calls are coming from phone number 715-814-3041, and those that have attempted a call back are greeted with a message identifying the source as the…

NO PRIMARY ELECTIONS FOR LINCOLN COUNTY VOTERS

January 29, 2026January 28, 2026 Steve DillonNO LINCOLN COUNTY PRIMARY

The Lincoln County Clerk’s office has announced that there are no Federal, State or Local elections that will require a Primary in Lincoln County. The Spring Election will take place on April 7th, 2026. State and County election information, including important pre-election voter dates, can be found on the Lincoln County website in the County Clerk portal found under the Departments tab. Sample ballots will be available on the county website mid-February. Candidate information pertaining to your town or city election can be found your specific municipality’s website.

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: FREEZING TEMPS MAKE FOR A LIGHT WEEK

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 19 traffic stops and 48 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer. Other activity throughout the week was limited and very minor, most likely due to the sharp dip in temperatures across the region.

CITY OF MERRILL LAUNCHING “CHRISTMAS OF THE PAST” PROJECT TO REPLACE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL HOLIDAY LIGHTS PROJECT

The City of Merrill and the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce are launching a new program to replace aging holiday lights as part of a “Christmas of the Past” initiative. The city purchased its current LED decorations in 2010, but officials say the lights have now outlived their expected 10-year lifespan. The new LED lights would save the city money in the end with a one-time purchase instead of paying rent every fall. The new program allows residents, former residents, civic groups, and businesses to sponsor replacement lights in honor…

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES FOUND DURING FOUR TRAFFIC STOPS

January 27, 2026January 26, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

During the week ending January 25th, the Merrill Police Department responded to nine incidents, while officers conducted approximately 47 traffic stops and 91 security checks. On Friday, a business reported a man pulled into their parking lot and started punching and slamming the doors of his vehicle. Though a description of the vehicle was provided, officers weren’t able to locate the vehicle. Activity for the week included four traffic stops leading to discovery of illegal substances – three of those with K9 unit assist, one report of theft, one instance…

WISCONSIN CONSERVATION CONGRESS WELCOMES PUBLIC INPUT ON LAWS AFFECTING NATURAL RESOURCES

January 26, 2026January 26, 2026 Steve Dillon

Wisconsin residents have an opportunity to provide input for the creation or revision of laws affecting the state’s natural resources. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is soliciting ideas from the public to advise the DNR on issues like wildlife, air, and water quality. Resolutions can be submitted now through February 9th. Those proposals will be reviewed for the 2026 Spring Hearing, held in every county on April 13th and available online through April 15th. Major policies such as Wisconsin’s blaze orange requirement have resulted from this public process. You can find…