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Year: 2026

WISCONSIN DNR REMINDS OFF ROADERS TO COMPLETE SAFETY TRAINING

Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding ATV and UTV riders to complete a certified safety course before hitting the trails this season. Riders born on or after January 1st of 1988 must complete a DNR-approved course and carry proof of certification while riding on public trails and routes. DNR officials say many ATV and UTV crashes involve operators who never completed a safety class. New regulations are also now in effect, including mandatory seatbelt use for all UTV operators and passengers. The DNR says classes are available online…

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BLUEJAY BOYS TOP LUMBERJACKS 7-1

Steve Dillon

In a game heard Friday right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com and seen on our WJMT TV Channel on YouTube, the Merrill boys’ baseball team saw their record move to 8-11 with a convincing 7-1 victory over the Wausau East Lumberjacks in non-conference action at Athletic Park in Merrill.  Bluejays’ starter Quinton Kurtzhals went four innings and allowed only one unearned run before AmericInn Player of the Game Brody Klebenow (pictured) came in for the final three frames to earn the save. Merrill touched the Wausau East starting pitcher for…

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Merrill’s Food Truck-a-Palooza serves up another successful year

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fairgrounds was packed with visitors on Saturday for the City’s third annual Food Truck-a-Palooza. Guests from around the region were treated to an impressive variety of flavors from the 35 food trucks on site, along with crafts, candles, baked goods and other specialty items from 55 local vendors. Families spent the day browsing booths, sampling food and taking in the festive atmosphere as the popular community event continued to grow in both size and attendance. Food trucks stayed busy throughout the afternoon as attendees enjoyed everything from barbecue…

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Bluejay Girls Fall to Tomahawk 8-6 in Extra Innings

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com and seen on the WJMT TV Channel on YouTube, the Bluejay girls’ softball team fell to the Tomahawk Hatchets 8-6 in eight innings. The loss saw the Bluejays’ record fall to 7-11 and 6-7 in Great Northern Conference action, while the Hatchets tied the bluejays in the conference standing. Bluejays’ starter MacKenzie Herdt (pictured) earned AmericInn Bluejay Player of the Game honors as she struck out 16 Hatchets while taking the loss. She held the hatchets scoreless for four innings…

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HIGHWAY 17 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH IN LINCOLN COUNTY

Steve Dillon

The first phase of improvements to Highway 17 begins later this month in Lincoln County. WisDot says culvert work and the removal and replacement of the Barnes Creek bridge will be included in this phase. A new concrete girder bridge will be installed over the creek, which runs just north of Smith Road before Barnes Creek Ave. Highway 17 will be closed at the bridge during construction with traffic being detoured to County G. Work being completed during the $870,000 project was awarded to Sheet Piling Services of Custer, WI.…

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JOINT RESPONSE FROM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE PRESIDENTS ADDRESSES GOVERNORS BUDGET SURPLUS PROSAL

Steve Dillon

In a May 13 release, Technical College Presidents from 15 technical institutions across the state including Northcentral Technical College responded to Governor Evers bipartisan budget surplus proposal announced May 11th. The response from college leaders highlights the importance of sustained, long-term investment in workforce education. College leaders say the proposal would shift a portion of technical college funding from local property taxes to state support but would not provide additional long-term funding for expanded programs or workforce training. They say Wisconsin employers continue facing workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, skilled…

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MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: INTOXICATED MAN WITH GUN ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Police Department responded to five incidents during the week ending May 10th. Officers conducted approximately 33 traffic stops and 129 security checks. On Saturday, officers were sent to the scene of a fight that was taking place in the City of Merrill. As they arrived officers discovered an intoxicated male party who was carrying a firearm. The suspect was arrested for Disorderly Conduct while Armed and Going Armed with a Firearm While Intoxicated. Investigation into this matter is ongoing. Other activity included a report of unauthorized use of…

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BIPARTISAN EFFORTS SCORE BIG TAX WIN FOR WISCONSITES

Steve Dillon

State Representative Calvin Callahan has announced that following months of negotiations a deal has been reached between Wisconsin Assembly and Senate Republicans and Governor Tony Evers regarding the state’s $2.4 billion budget surplus. Wisconsin taxpayers can look forward to $862 million in in direct support in the form of tax relief. Individuals will receive $300 income tax refunds, while married couples filing jointly can expect a $600 refund. Additionally, $300 million will be allocated for general school aid, with another $300 million to allocated for special education and $50 million…

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POSSIBLE HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN RUSK COUNTY

Steve Dillon

Authorities in Rusk County are investigating after suspected human remains were discovered Friday in a local wooded area. According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, a forester marking trees in the area came across what appeared to be suspected remains and alerted authorities. Deputies were then led into the woods, where the human bones were recovered. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active as officials work with the Rusk County Medical Examiner’s Office and a forensic anthropologist to determine the identity of the individual and other pertinent information surrounding…

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