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Author: Steve Dillon

AT APRIL’S HALFWAY MARK, WISCONSIN ECLIPSES SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS RECORD FOR THE MONTH

Steve Dillon

Just halfway through the month of April, Wisconsin has already received more than a month’s worth of severe weather. According to the State Climatology Office, the National Weather Service has issued over 150 severe weather warnings in Wisconsin so far this month, compared to the previous record of 123 in all of April 2002. There have also been more than 30 tornado warnings issued so far this month, eclipsing the total of 28 in all of April 2011. Wisconsin typically averages one tornado in April. The National Weather Service will…

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STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILLS CANCELED FOR THURSDAY, WON’T BE RESCHEDULED

Steve Dillon

In light of the recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across the state, tornadoes drills scheduled for today throughout Wisconsin have been canceled. No alternative date will be scheduled for these drills. ReadyWisconsin made the decision that moving ahead with the drills would place additional strain on emergency management, local agencies and those who are still responding to the impact of recent storms. Many communities remain focused on providing support to family members and loved ones affected by the storms, as well as assessing damage. Residents should continue…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT, VANDERWYST DECLARES CANDIDACY

Steve Dillon

Lincoln County Sheriff Ken Schneider announced earlier this week that he will retire at the close of his current term, following 36 years in law enforcement. Just three days later, Andy Vanderwyst has formally declared his candidacy ahead of the fall election. Andy’s resume with the Sheriff’s Office includes time as patrol deputy, sergeant investigator, and patrol lieutenant over a twenty-plus year span. He has also served in leadership positions on the Lincoln County Special Response Team and Honor Guard. Vanderwyst spoke of the support he’s received from teammates and…

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9-1-1 DISPATCHERS RECEIVE DUE RECOGNITION DURING NPS TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

Steve Dillon

This week marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, recognizing the dispatchers who serve as the vital link between the public and emergency responders. Here in Lincoln County, dispatchers are often the very first responders, answering 9-1-1 calls, calming callers in crisis, gathering critical information, and helping deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews respond promptly and safely. Team leaders describe the role as one that requires patience, professionalism, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the Sheriff’s Office says the impact…

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LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT: INMATE FIGHT ENDS WITH INJURIES, CHARGES

Steve Dillon

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 43 traffic stops and 43 security checks. There were six calls involving cars hitting deer, and one call for a car hitting a turkey.   On Thursday, there was an altercation between two inmates at the Lincoln County Jail, Philip Novak and Shawn Morris. Novak was taken to Aspirus Merrill Hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained during the fight. Battery by Prisoner charges will be filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for both prisoners.

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MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: WEEKEND STORMS CAUSE DOWNED TREES, POWER LINES IN CITY OF MERRILL

Steve Dillon

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 24 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 630 calls. There were 19 EMS calls. Saturday night, emergency units were dispatched to two separate locations for fallen trees causing downed power lines due to spring storms that were passing through the area. The first incident took place at West Hemlock Street shortly before 9PM, then second just after 9:30 PM on South State Street. The incidents resulted in power outages and arcing along residential conduit. There were no reports of fire or…

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WEEKEND FIRES AT FACILITIES IN MARATHON COUNTY LEAD TO RESPONSES FROM MULTIPLE AGENCIES

Steve Dillon

Marathon County fire crews were dispatched to two facility fires over the weekend.  On Friday evening, multiple departments responded to a small fire on the east side of Weston Power Plant, operated by Wisconsin Public Service. The Kronenwetter, Mosinee, and Riverside Fire Departments were all on scene to battle the blaze which was active as of 10:00 PM and was later contained, per a Kronenwetter Fire Department official. Another incident at Crystal Finishing Systems Inc Saturday evening drew response from Mosinee, Kronenwetter, Riverside, Safer, City of Wausau, Ringle, and Town…

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BLUEJAY BOYS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT OF 2026 CAMPAIGN, LOOK AHEAD TO HOME CONTEST MONDAY

Steve Dillon

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com as well as seen on our WJMT TV Channel on YouTube, the Merrill Bluejays boys’ baseball team saw its 2026 record fall to 3-1 as they were defeated by the Northland Pines Eagles 4-0 in Friday afternoon action at Athletic Park. Bluejays’ starter Cam Wallin, who was the AmericInn Bluejay Player of the Game, took the loss while giving up only one earned run in 5 1/3 innings of work. Brody Klebenow came in to finish the game for the…

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CITY OF MERRILL STREET DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SPRING BRUSH CLEAN-UP DATES

Steve Dillon

The City of Merrill Street Department Spring Brush Clean-Up is scheduled for the week of April 20-23, 2026.  All City of Merrill residents are permitted to place brush on the boulevard no later than 6:00 AM, on their regularly scheduled garbage collection day, The Street Department has asked that brush be placed next to your garbage and recyclables, butt ends toward the street. Bundled brush will continue to be collected throughout the year, as usual.

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BLUEJAY GIRLS BLANK NORTHLAND PINES, BOYS DEFEAT WAUSAU WEST IN EXTRA INNINGS

Steve Dillon

In a game heard last night on WJMT, wjmtfm.com, the WJMT app, and seen on our WJMT TV channel on YouTube, the Merrill Bluejay girls defeated the Northland Pines Eagles in Great Northern Conference softball action 15-0.  The game was called after 2 1/3 innings due to the mercy rule. The Bluejay girls scored three runs in the first on only one hit and eight more in the second before scoring four in the third, leading the game to be called.  MacKenzie Herdt drove in three runs for the ‘Jays…

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