2026 – Page 9 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

NORTHCENTRAL TECH TO RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Steve DillonNORTHCENTRAL TECH FUNDING

Northcentral Technical College is receiving more than $3.2M in federal funding to support its North Central Wisconsin Firefighter and Paramedic Apprenticeship Program. The funding, requested by Senator Tammy Baldwin, was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 signed into law earlier this month. The 18-month program combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training to prepare apprentices for careers in public safety while addressing workforce needs across the region. Each cohort includes nine apprentices who complete more than 3,200 hours of combined instruction and real-world experience. College leaders say the…

MERRILL POLICE OFFICERS RESPOND TO DISORDERLY CONDUCT COMPLAINT AT LOCAL RESIDENCE, CHARGES PENDING

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DISORDERLY CONDUCT COMPLAINT

On Saturday February 7th, Merrill Police officers were dispatched to a city residence regarding a complaint of disorderly conduct involving a disturbance inside the home. It was reported that a 19-year-old male was throwing items and causing damage. Officers arriving on the scene noticed damaged household items including a broken candle and wooden chair as well as a damaged table. An adult woman on scene was described as distraught. Charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct have been requested. The case remains under investigation.

ASPIRUS’ KIRKLEY NAMED WISCONSIN EMS ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

February 12, 2026February 11, 2026 Steve DillonASPIRUS KIRKLEY WI EMS ASSOC DIR OF YEAR

The Wisconsin EMS Association has named Director of Emergency Medical Services for Aspirus MedEvac, Bob Kirkley, as its 2025 Director of the Year. The recognition highlights exceptional leadership and a lasting impact on the Emergency Medical Services profession. Kirkley brings 35 years of experience in emergency medical operations and has become a leading voice in EMS administration. He is widely regarded for fostering innovation, strengthening operational performance, and building resilient teams and infrastructure. Kirkley began his career in 1990 as a frontline paramedic before advancing into leadership roles. His career reflects…

DNR “CHECK OUT WISCONSIN STATE PARKS AT YOUR LIBRARY” PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO CARDHOLDERS AGAIN

February 10, 2026February 10, 2026 Steve DillonDNR CHECK OUT WI STATE PARKS LIBRARY PROGRAM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources “Check Out Wisconsin State Parks at Your Library” program is available once again for those who frequent their local library. Cardholders can check out free day passes to state parks, forests and recreation areas. The program launched in 2022 and now encompasses 160 libraries along with over 200 locations participating. It has expanded to included libraries with specialized services, with UW-Madison and UW-Superior among the first to join. Visitors may also receive maps, stickers, accessibility information, and more in addition to the free day…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 8

February 10, 2026February 9, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 35 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 219. There were 30 EMS calls. There was a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries Thursday on Grand Ave in the City of Merrill.

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE HONORS TOMAHAWK MAN FOR LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS

February 9, 2026February 9, 2026 Steve DillonMASON WEBSTER SHERIFFS RECOGNITION AWARD

Last week, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recognized Tomahawk resident Mason Webster with a Sheriff’s Recognition Award for commendable courage and selfless action. On December 22, 2023, Mason heard cries for help from a man who fell through the ice on the Spirit Flowage near Boat Road. Though the unstable ice and frigid water posed extreme danger, Webster moved ahead with life-saving efforts. Upon locating the individual in distress, he contacted 911, then entered the dangerous scenario. Without regard for his own personal welfare, Mason held the man above the…

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…