Steve Dillon – Page 20 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

WISCONSIN WATERFOWL HUNTERS REMINDED TO BE SURE OF THEIR TARGET

November 11, 2025November 10, 2025 Steve DillonWATERFOWL HUNTERS KNOW YOUR TARGET

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding waterfowl hunters to confirm what they’re seeing in the crosshairs. Wild Swans are a protected species in the state, and it is illegal to hunt American white pelicans and whooping cranes. Trumpeter swans range from 4.5 to 5 feet in length, with a wingspan of more than 7 feet, while tundra swans are slightly smaller and are recognizable due to their high pitch call. Both breeds are white with black bills. Though once considered an endangered species, the trumpeter swan population now…

WISCONSIN DHS CONTINUES FOCUS ON RURAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS

November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 Steve Dillon

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is applying for $1 billon in federal funding to support rural healthcare. DHS says that as a part of the Rural Health Transformation program, over 200 community partners have given feedback to help shape the state’s application. More than $335 million would go toward recruiting and retaining rural healthcare workers. Nearly $330 million would help upgrade provider systems and digital infrastructure, while $279 million would fund grants to improve healthcare coordination across rural region. DHS will learn at the end of December if the…

WPS WARNS RESIDENTS SCAM CALLS ON THE RISE, IF SUSPICIOUS “HANG UP!”

November 10, 2025November 11, 2025 Steve Dillon

Wisconsin Public Service and the Merrill Police Department are warning customers of a recent surge in scam calls. As winter approaches, an aggressive scam campaign has been threatening WPS customers throughout Northern Wisconsin with disconnection if they do not make an immediate payment. The scammers also ask for account and banking information. WPS officials note that these con artists often prey on fear to move customers to act quickly with the onset of colder temperatures, and unfortunately some customers have agreed to pay costing thousands of dollars. Red flags to…

LINCOLN COUNTY SPEEDER TRACKED AT 120 MPH ON CTH K

November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 Steve DillonLINCOLN COUNTY SPEEDER

TOWN OF SCOTT – On Tuesday October 27th, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle traveling at a very high rate of speed on CTH K near CTH FF in the Town of Scott. The vehicle was tracked on radar going 120 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. The 19-yr-old male driver from Merrill told the deputy he was headed to his girlfriend’s house and was running late. He was cited for traveling 65 MPH over the speed limit, endangering safety, and unreasonable and imprudent speed. The young adult…

MORATORIUM IN EFFECT FOR THOSE UNABLE TO STAY CURRENT WITH WINTER UTILITY PAYMENTS

November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 Steve Dillon

The winter disconnection moratorium went into effect on Wednesday, which means residents in Wisconsin are once again protected from utilities being shut off due to non-payment. Those who are unable to stay current with heat and electric bills will have until the spring to get caught up. Assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. To see if you qualify simply call Home Energy Plus at 800 506 5596 or contact your local United Way at 211.

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT INCLUDES BATTERY OF ELDERLY BY A JUVENILE, ALCOHOL PROVIDED TO UNDERAGE INDIVIDUALS

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

MERRILL – During the week ending November 2nd, the Merrill Police Department responded to 20 incidents, while officers conducted approximately 40 traffic stops and 36 security checks. On Friday a request was submitted for a welfare check because a 20-yr-old male who was intoxicated was causing a disturbance. After an investigation of the incident the man was being transported to jail and he bit the door panel inside the squad car. He was eventually arrested on seven separate counts and was cited for underage drinking. There were two instances of…

LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOLD JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES FRIDAY

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 Steve DillonLINCOLN COUNTY JOINT ACTIVE THREAT TRAINING

MERRILL – Tomorrow from 8:00 am to 12 Noon, Lincoln County Emergency Management will conduct an active threat training exercise in coordination with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The training exercise will be held at the Lincoln County Court House. The effort reflects a countywide commitment to public safety, providing personnel with the training and readiness needed to respond to potential active threat emergencies. The exercise will feature real-life scenarios, including the use of blank ammunition to simulate an active threat environment. The goal of the training is to reinforce…

NATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH HONORS THOSE WHO SACRIFICE THEIR TIME FOR LOVED ONES

November 5, 2025November 7, 2025 Steve DillonNATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH

November is National Family Caregivers Month, providing an opportunity to honor the millions of family caregivers who share their time, energy, and love to support those in need. A leading National community based mental health non-profit organization Mental Health America states that nearly 1 in 4 or 63 million adults in the U.S. are family caregivers. While caregivers often find meaning in helping loved ones, the constant demands can take a toll — leading to stress, anxiety, or burnout. Resources to help manage caregiver stress are available at mhanational.org.

DNR ASKING NORTHWOODS RESIDENTS FOR INPUT ON STATE MANAGED LANDS

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 Steve DillonDNR ASKING FOR INPUT ON STATE MANAGED LANDS

The Wisconsin DNR is inviting residents across the Northwoods to share input on the care and use of northern Wisconsin’s state-managed lands. As part of its ongoing Master Plan and Environmental Analysis for the North Central Forest landscape, the DNR is reviewing 250 properties across 20 counties — including state forests, parks, trails, and natural areas covering roughly 9,500 square miles. The first public informational meeting was held Monday night at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. Another is set for this evening at 5 o’clock at the Park Falls Library. Proposals…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 2

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 Steve DillonMERRILL FIRE DEPARMENT REPORT

MERRILL – The Merrill Fire Department responded to 46 calls last week, bringing the total for 2025 to 1,838. There were 40 EMS calls. There was a building fire on Copper Lake Avenue in the Town of Birch on Tuesday, and a call for a gas leak on Jackson St in the City of Merrill on Sunday.