Steve Dillon – Page 3 – Bluejay 96.3FM 730AM

MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: ROAD RAGE LEADS TO WARNINGS FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Steve DillonMERRILL POLICE DEPARMENT REPORT

The Merrill Police Department responded to five incidents during the week ending July 12th. Officers conducted approximately 31 traffic stops and 56 security checks. An individual faces multiple charges following a disturbance Tuesday night in a residential neighborhood. Officers were called after reports of someone who appeared to be under the influence and had wandered into a wooded area. The individual was found with an altered mental state and was taken by EMS to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities say the person became combative during treatment, resisted officers and emergency…

Merrill Fire Department Continues Ambulance Information Sessions

July 15, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonMFD EMS INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

The Merrill Fire Department is continuing its series of public meetings focused on the future of the department’s ambulance service. Yesterday’s session featured Aspirus Merrill Hospital Emergency Department and Day Surgery Manager Joni Hahn, who discussed the importance of maintaining adequate ambulance staffing and the close working relationship between hospital staff and Merrill paramedics. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., with Medical Director Dr. Clark serving as the guest speaker. The department says the presentations outline current ambulance operations, community needs, and challenges facing local EMS…

West Nile Virus Detected in Wisconsin Mosquitoes, Birds

July 15, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonWI FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed the first West Nile virus activity of the year. The virus was detected in mosquitoes collected in Milwaukee County and in a wild bird from Bayfield County, signaling that infected mosquitoes are now present in Wisconsin. No human cases have been reported so far this year. Health officials say most people infected never develop symptoms, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness. Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding areas around their homes…

MERRILL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEEK ENDING JULY 12

July 15, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonMerrill Fire Department Report

The Merrill Fire Department responded to 55 calls last week, bringing the total for 2026 to 1,229 calls. There were 51 EMS calls. There was a call to investigate a possible hazardous situation on Tuesday on East Main Street in the City of Merrill. The caller reported the presence of an odor possibly caused by gas or smoke.

Bluejays Fall to Wausau 11-1 in Legion Baseball

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonBLUEJAY BOYS LEGION BASEBALL

In a game heard right here on WJMT and wjmtfm.com, the Post 46 American Legion boys’ baseball team saw its record fall to 2-11 with an 11-1 mercy-rule shortened loss to the Wausau Post 10 Bulldogs. The Bluejays saw AmericInn Player of the Game Brody Klebenow (pictured) drive in the Bluejays sole run with the second of his two triples in the contest. The Bulldogs score twice in the first and single runs in the third and fourth innings before scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth. Two…

CAPSIZED PONTOON INCIDENT IN PEPIN COUNTY ADDS TO LIST OF 2026 WISCONSIN BOATING TRAGEDIES

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonBOATING TRAGEDY PEPIN

Another boating tragedy has occurred in Wisconsin. Late Saturday night, a pontoon carrying 6 people capsized on Lake Pepin in Pepin County, which is on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. It had collided with a barge. All 6 were thrown overboard. Three were found clinging to the pontoon and were rescued while the other three drowned. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Earlier this month, on the 4th of July, three young children from Illinois were killed when their boat capsized during a storm on Lake Geneva. There were also a couple…

WISCONSIN DNR PROMOTES DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Steve DillonDNR PROMOTES DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

July is Disability Pride Month, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources promotes accessible recreation. People of all abilities are encouraged to explore Wisconsin state parks and public lands this month. Visitors can take advantage of adaptive equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, adaptive kayaks and accessible fishing piers. Many properties also offer sensory-friendly resources and barrier-free facilities. The DNR is hosting Universal Recreation Month events throughout July, from guided hikes to educational programs. A full list of accessible amenities and events is available on the DNR website.

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFFS REPORT: MOTORCYCLE CRASH ON HIGHWAY 51

July 14, 2026July 13, 2026 Steve DillonLincoln County Sheriff Report

Last Week, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted 39 traffic stops and 13 security checks. There were 3 calls involving cars hitting deer. Deputies were dispatched to the 220 mile marker of US Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls Tuesday regarding a motorcycle crash with injuries. As they arrived at the scene, they learned that the driver was traveling northbound on highway 51 at a high rate of speed. As he entered a curve, the driver lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the median causing the bike…

Marathon City Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Solicitation Case

July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 Steve DillonMARATHON CITY WOMAN NOT GUILTY PLEA

A Lincoln County criminal case involving a Marathon City woman accused of trying to arrange a murder continued last week with a not guilty plea. Forty-five-year-old Angela Volm is charged with solicitation of first-degree intentional homicide. According to investigators, the alleged victim told police he received threatening text messages, while a witness reported that Volm asked him to make the man “disappear.” Court records show Volm’s cash bond was recently reduced from $100,000 to $5,000. After posting bond, she was released under several court-ordered conditions. Her next court appearance is…

Thousands Enjoy Fifth Annual Taste N’ Glow Balloon Fest

July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 Steve DillonTASTE N GLOW

The fifth annual Taste N’ Glow Balloon Fest wrapped up another successful weekend Saturday at the Trailmates Grounds in Marathon City, drawing large crowds for two days of family-friendly entertainment. While colorful hot air balloons remained the festival’s signature attraction, visitors also enjoyed live music, lumberjack shows, a popular Saturday car show, tethered balloon rides when weather allowed, along with dozens of food vendors and craft exhibitors. Organizers said approximately 25 hot air balloons, 28 food vendors and around 60 crafters and resellers took part in this year’s event. Bluejay…