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Year: 2026

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT PROVIDES FATAL UTV CRASH UPDATE

Steve Dillon

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has released an update to a story released earlier this week. Original reports listed 57-year-old Ronald D Miller of Bristol as a passenger who had minor injuries in a fatal crash involving a UTV striking a tree the Town of Enterprise. While Miller was a part of the group of riders and was on scene, he was not a passenger in the vehicle involved in the crash. The correct name of the passenger involved is Robert J Ogle, 70 of Antioch, Illinois. Ogle was treated…

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State Upgrades Charge Following Hurd Plea Withdrawal

Steve Dillon

Javarius Hurd, the teen charged in the death of Lincoln Hills youth prison counselor Corey Proulx, has withdrawn his plea agreement. The 18-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree homicide while maintaining he was not mentally responsible for Proulx’s June 2024 death. The matter of Hurd heading to prison or to a mental health facility was to go to trial, but that has now been cancelled. Hurd is reportedly seeking to have his case moved to juvenile court following a recent appeals court ruling that changed how judges consider transfer…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: CAR VS DEER STRIKES ON THE RISE WITH SPRING MOVEMENT OF DOE AND FAWN

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 56 traffic stops and 8 security checks. There were seven calls involving cars hitting a deer, and one where a car hit a turkey. The Sheriff’s Office received a call on Monday regarding an intoxicated driver that was headed to Merrill. After prompt follow up by an officer from the Merrill Police Department, the individual was eventually located and placed under arrest for numerous charges.

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SCAM ALERT: LOCAL RESIDENTS URGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department is alerting residents to another round of scam texts and messages circulating regarding unpaid toll fees, jury duty and bail payments. Scammers often demand immediate payment to avoid enforcement. No legitimate law enforcement will ever text or call residents demanding payment or immediate action. In fact, there are no toll roads in Wisconsin, so demands on unpaid toll fees from state roads are always unfounded. All questions regarding unreasonable solicitations and scam activity should be directed to the Merrill Police department. Legitimate citations can be verified…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: DRIVER ARRESTED FOR OWI 6TH OFFENSE

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to eleven incidents during the week ending May 3rd. Officers conducted approximately 20 traffic stops and 54 security checks. On Sunday, a caller from Marathon County alerted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office that an intoxicated driver was en route to Merrill. A Merrill Police Officer located the vehicle and driver at the driver’s home shortly after the call was received. The suspect had in fact been drinking, and was in violation of an open felony bond, and there were pending charges from a separate, unrelated…

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BLUEJAY BOYS DEFEATED BY EVEREST 13-3

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Merrill boys’ baseball team dropped a non-conference road contest to the D. C. Everest Evergreens13-3 in a game shortened to 4 1/3 innings by the mercy rule. The Bluejays jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, aided by walks by Everest starter Ty Rohde, with only one hit by AmericInn Player of the Game Connor Josinger. who was called up from the junior varsity squad to start at third base. Merrill starter Cam…

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RESIDENTS URGED TO AVOID BURNING ACTIVITIES IN LIGHT OF VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER LEVELS

Steve Dillon

Spring is the most critical fire season in Wisconsin. With fire danger levels currently listed as Very High across most of the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking resident to avoid outdoor burning activities. DNR burn permits have been suspended in 43 counties. Dry vegetation, low humidity, warmer temperatures and breezy conditions have all contributed to the rise in fire danger, which will continue until significant rainfall hits our region. In areas where the DNR has burn restriction authority with the elevated fire danger, the DNR will…

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INVESTIGATORS DETERMINE ORIGIN OF WAUSAU APARTMENT FIRE

Steve Dillon

Investigators from the Wausau Fire Department have determined that a cooking accident was the source of the fire that broke out at the Sturgeon Bay Apartments last weekend. The fire was contained to a single unit, avoiding potential damage to other areas of the complex. No serious injuries were reported, however one individual was treated at a local hospital for breathing issues. The sole casualty was a family pet who succumbed to the conditions. Assisting on scene were the Salvation Army and Wausau MetroRide. The majority of the occupants of…

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: POWER OUTAGE, GRASS FIRE TOP LIST FOR THE WEEK

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 51 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 762 calls. There were 42 EMS calls. Emergency units responded to an incident on East Main St in the City of Merrill on Wednesday where a semi severed a utility pole, resulting in a downed power line and a widespread power outage. There was a motor vehicle accident on County Road Q in the Town of Scott on Thursday, and a grass fire on Wilderness Drive in the Town of Rock Falls on Saturday.

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Youth Apprenticeship Program Celebrated at Merrill High School Banquet

Steve Dillon

Merrill High School is recognizing standout students in its youth apprenticeship program. Thirteen “student stars” were honored Thursday night during a banquet at the Eagles Club, with families and local employers joining students to celebrate their work. The program connects students with local jobs, allowing them to earn school credit and income while gaining hands-on experience alongside industry mentors. School officials say Merrill High School has 117 youth apprenticeships this year, spanning a wide range of careers and fields. Among those recognized was Brady Eggebrecht, a phlebotomy apprentice with Aspirus,…

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