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Year: 2026

Merrill Defeats Antigo 2-0 in Boys’ Baseball Action

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com and seen on WJMT-TV on YouTube, the Merrill Bluejay boys defeated the Antigo Red Robins 2-0 in a game shortened to 4 1/2 innings due to a serious injury to two Antigo players in the bottom of the fourth.  Quinton Kurtzhals picked up the complete game win, scattering four hits over the five innings he threw.  With the win, the boys’ conference record rose to 5-9 as they finished up the regular season with two conference wins this week.  This…

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Lincoln County Looks to Expand Opioid Funding Opportunities

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County Board of Supervisors is taking steps to grow local resources in the fight against opioid addiction. Supervisors approved using $10,000 in opioid settlement funds to hire grant writers to help pursue additional state and federal funding opportunities focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery programs at their meeting on Tuesday. County officials say the highly competitive grants could support future efforts including a family treatment court, prevention initiatives, and long-term medication-assisted treatment services at the jail. Leaders say the move is designed to make settlement dollars go further while…

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Engelberry Farm to Close After 40 Years

Steve Dillon

Engleberry Farms, a local favorite of Merrill and Lincoln County residents is set to close at the end of the growing season. Husband and Wife team Jeannine and Mike Matushak will be retiring following 40 years as a summertime staple for strawberry lovers in the area. The Matushak farm will become the latest local berry farm to close its doors, joining Mike’s Berries in Wausau, M&M Berries in Merrill, and Merry’s Berries in Antigo, all of which have shut down in recent years. They say the physically demanding work, along…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: TWO CITATIONS ISSUED FOR UNDERAGE POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to nine incidents during the week ending May 17th. Officers conducted approximately 26 traffic stops and 102 security checks. On Friday, there was a report of a male at a local tavern in violation of an open bond. The officer who received the information confirmed the suspect did in fact have a bond prohibiting him from being on the premises of a tavern. The individual left the tavern prior to the officer’s arrival and was seen entering his residence a short time later but would…

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Bluejay Girls Top Antigo 7-3 in Regular Season Finale

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Merrill Bluejay girls’ softball team defeated the Antigo Red Robins 7-3 on the road at Al Remington Field.  The win brought the Bluejay conference record to 7-7 in their first season in the Great Northern Conference. The Bluejays scored three runs on five hits in the third inning before giving up single tallies in the third and sixth innings to bring the score to 3-2.  The Bluejays finished strong with four runs in the seventh frame, paced by AmericInn…

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New Discover Wisconsin Feature Showcases Lincoln County Attractions

Steve Dillon

Discover Wisconsin is once again shining a spotlight on Lincoln County. Their latest feature, released Friday on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube channel, highlights several attractions and outdoor adventures across the county. Host Lindsay Hayes guides viewers to various locations including Camp New Wood Park and 107 Bait Shack, while also showcasing kayaking, hiking and fly fishing opportunities in the Northwoods. Local angler Joe Krznarich is also featured in the episode. The video is part of an ongoing partnership promoting Lincoln County tourism and recreation opportunities.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: GAS LEAK AT LOCAL HOTEL

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 49 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 847 calls. There were 42 EMS calls. Emergency units were dispatched to the Travelodge on Wednesday in response reports of a gas leak. Wisconsin Public Service was on site shortly after their arrival, the leak was mitigated and residents were permitted to reenter the facility within a few hours.

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BLUEJAY BOYS WIN 6-5 IN WALK-OFF

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com and seen on our WJMT TV Channel on YouTube, the Merrill Bluejay boys’ baseball team defeated the Mosinee Indians 6-5 in Great Northern Conference action Monday with a walk-off single by AmericInn Player of the Game Eric Grunenwald driving in courtesy runner Ivan Lee with the game winning run.  Cam Wallin got the win in relief for the Jays, while reliever Aiden Laurilla took the loss for the Indians. The Bluejays struck first on a two RBI single by Connor…

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WISCONSIN SEES STATEWIDE FIRE DANGER LEVEL DROP FOLLOWING ACTIVE WILDFIRE WEEKEND

Steve Dillon

With much needed rainfall moving across the state over the last couple of days, Wisconsinites are now enjoying a respite as all 72 counties are currently listed in the LOW fire danger category. That wasn’t the case moving into the weekend unfortunately, as 37 counties had high to very high fire danger levels, and 12 were labeled as extreme with red flag warnings issued. The very dry conditions resulted in 10 wildfires breaking out across 6 northern counties, 40 throughout the state. Those fires burned nearly 51 acres of land.…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING COPPER WIRE THEFTS

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 44 traffic stops and 27 security checks. There were four calls involving cars hitting deer, one where a car hit a turkey, and one where a car struck a bear. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating thefts of copper wire from Frontier roadside work sites. Within the last couple of weeks, approximately ten sites have been hit within Lincoln County. With the help of other agencies, Detectives continue to gather evidence that will lead to identifying those stealing the wire. The…

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