Friday morning, over 300 students and staff of Merrill High School were treated to live demonstrations from active duty Military Police officers Sargent Jessica Gilbert, Private First Class (PFC) Tyler Colon and K9 ‘Zamar’. Attached to the 91st Military Police Battalion based out of Fort Drum, New York, the trio has been touring the state throughout the week, with stops in Onalaska, Black River Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie.
As explained by his handler; Colon, Zamar is an 8-year old Belgian Malinois trained in explosive detection as well as law enforcement duties such as drug detection and apprehension. He has completed two combat tours in Afghanistan and will soon retire. Upon retirement, the military offers various programs to find civilian homes for Military Working Dogs (MWD).

Watch as K9 Zamar performs an apprehension and prisoner escort:

Proud dance families of Dorinda’s Dance Studio held a breast cancer awareness fundraiser, “Pennies for Pink,” during the month of October. The fundraiser collected $183.34, which was matched by the studio for a total of $366.68 donated to the American Cancer Society.

Accepting the donation is Deloris Bauman, Merrill Relay for Life event coordinator.

Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr

11-9-77
The new administrator of Pine Crest is on the job and just in time. Rules regarding state reimbursements required Pine Crest to have a director on board by the first part of November or risk a loss of funding. Mark Wilkom comes to Merrill from Shawano where he managed the 102 bed Maple Lane facility. Don’t expect any immediate changes from Wilkom who hopes to get his feet wet before he makes any major changes. Wilkom told the Foto News that he believes a county run nursing home should not be in business to make a profit. Wilkom feels a county run nursing home’s purpose is to provide the best they can, while hopefully breaking even. Any profit that is shown in that effort should be immediately fed back into the facility to improve the overall atmosphere for the residents. Wilkom, age 27, and his wife Pat relocated to the area last week.
When Richard VanDerGeest starts a project he aims to finish it, it just might take a while. After seven years, yards of Irish linen, and 15 coats of aircraft dope VanDerGeest has finished his Hatz CB-1. The Hatz plane was designed in the 1930s by John Hatz of Gleason. VanDerGeest, who started flying in 1948 while serving in the armed forces, wanted one after flying one in the late 1960s so he decided to build his own. The CB-1 is a two seat open cockpit bi-wing plane. It weighs over 1,000 pounds and carries up to 38 gallons of fuel which will allow it to fly up to four and a half hours before having to refuel. It cruises at over 110 MPH. When VanDerGeest first got the kit he spent one night a week working on the plane’s construction. After five years the plane started to take shape and his enthusiasm grew so he upped it to two days a week. The fuselage is made of aircraft metal tubing, the wings of aircraft spruce wood. The entire frame is covered with Irish linen and finished with the 15 coats of aircraft dope, followed by one layer of colored dope. The Hatz CB-1 kit is produced in a factory in Kentucky who bought rights to the plane; over 80 of the kits have been sold but only five are known to be flying. VanDerGeest will next log 50 hours of flying in the aircraft at which point the FAA will conduct a second inspection. If that is passed VanDerGeest will begin carrying passengers.
The Lady Jays’ Volleyball team is headed to state. The girls will board a bus Friday headed to the Kolf Sport Center on the UW Oshkosh campus where they will take their 12-2 record up against Neenah. Members of the team include Mary Donner, Sheryl Heller, Renea Marquardt, Sue Natzke, Anne Weber, Denise Simon, Kerry Zortman, Sheryl Zomchek, Tammy Bondioli, Cindy Zomchek, Ruth Imhoff and Shirley Runge. Head Coach is Natalie Tank, Assistant Coach is Mary Lucas, and the team manager is Sara Hill. The Blue Jay boys’ football team finished out their season with the annual awards banquet which was held at St. Francis gym this past week. Erik Finanger was named offensive MVP of the championship team and Dale Yorde was named the defensive MVP, the second year in a row he has won that honor.
11-11-87
It appears now that we have a landfill, we also have a road to get there. The negotiating team of the Lincoln County Solid Waste Landfill Committee along with the Town of Merrill have come to an agreement for what is known as Wayside/Oak Lake Road to be used as the access road to the new Town of Merrill site. The Town of Merrill did not want to use that road as the access point but agreed to the use now that the county has agreed to extend the road to Heineman Road with a comparable surface on the direct access road to the landfill itself. Glenn Hartley, legal counsel for the county, advised the group that going to arbitration as had been originally planned would have cost them more than the estimated $100,000 in paving for the road. It is expected both the county board and the town board will meet this week and vote on the compromise, and if this is done the entire plan can head to the DNR for final approval. Solid Waste Manager Bob Reichelt feels we may even be dumping trash there by next year.
The city of Merrill handed out raises to the non-union employees this past week as part of the 1988 budget, but those employees will see a 100% increase in their health insurance deductibles. Employees who are on an individual plan for city health care will see their deductible rise from $50 per year to $100. Families will be hit even harder with the deductible going from $100 to $200. (It appears city deductibles will range from $2,000 to $5,000 for 2018 according to the agenda for a budget session Monday.)
It is pretty evident the group is not meeting any more but the Merrill Historical Society is seeking out the names of about 70 women and children who were members of the Sixth Ward Ladies Union Aid. Many people were unaware of the social and religious based group which had its very own club house in the Sixth Ward. The first meetings of the group was held in the homes of the members but eventually a chapel was built on Pine Street. The group was interdenominational and did Sunday bible school along with Sunday evening services. Rev Maurice Evans and his wife Cecelia served the group first. Other pastors came and went. Depending upon what the coffers of the group held a pastor could have been paid as much as $10 for the month while some months there was no money to contribute. In 1908 the estate of Charles Hoffman left $298.12 to the group (around $7,500 today) and they promptly used the money to install lights, wood, insurance, new hymnals, and Sunday school supplies. According to the logs the light bills ranged anywhere from .35 to $1.50 per month. The building was also a social center for Sixth Ward residents and many community gatherings were held there for holidays. (The building was torn down eventually and now a home sits there, I believe the address would be 100 S. Pine.)
11-12-97
The Lincoln County Long Range Planning Committee sees the need, and now they have met with architects to discuss the future of the Lincoln County Jail. Currently the jail has a maximum capacity of 37 people but houses 47 on average. According to Sheriff Paul Proulx the current jail was built only 15 years ago and has not even been paid off yet it is clearly over capacity. Proulx thinks the only reason we have not been required to ship inmates to other facilities is because the jail inspector position for this region is vacant. Proulx points to booking numbers which went from 491 in 1988 to 1,072 last year. The average stay per inmate has also increased from 8.2 days to 16.2 days in that same time span. Jail planners would like to see a 72-cell pod concept which can hold what they feel will be around 160 prisoners by 2011. After digesting the info the committee also wondered what effect the treatment of those who re-offend constantly would have on our daily population. (According the county’s web site, our current 185 cell jail held on average 117 prisoners in October, 51 of whom were from other counties which pay us rent. Only 19 of the prisoners were currently working under the Huber law.)

The Merrill Noon Optimists have chosen senior Logan Humphrey as the September Youth Optimist of the Month. Logan was nominated by Ms. Michelle Heeg and Ms. Jill Rothrock Hark.

Ms. Rothrock Hark comments that, “Logan is truly one of my favorite Big Brothers due to the enthusiasm and positive attitude that he brings to mentoring his school based ‘little brother.’ The match between Logan and his little brother is one of my longest and most successful matches because Logan puts a lot of thought into what activities he can do with his little. When participating in the Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser, Logan also took his little brother’s biological brother (who is also a little in the program) to bowl as his Big Sister was unable to bowl that day. I believe that Logan stands out from the crowd and deserves to be recognized because I truly feel like he is helping out in his school and community because he enjoys it; I believe the desire to help has been instilled by family values. Logan is one of the few high school students in my program that stops by to fill me in on his match without me having to ask, and I’m always happy to see him – he is a pleasant, happy young man.”

Ms. Heeg states that, “Logan has an incredible attitude. He is always looking to volunteer and is a great asset to all the organizations that he is involved in. Logan is positive and hardworking, he volunteers because he enjoys it, not for the recognition. He is always someone that can be counted on to get the job done.”

Logan is a current member of the Octagon Club – Vice President, Youth Apprenticeship – MHS Nurse’s Office, National Honors Society – Secretary, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, FFA and has been involved with the Cross Country Team, Link Leader A-Team, and a tutor for Social Studies and Algebra.

Outside of school Logan has volunteered at Grandpa’s Farm, Special Olympics, Bowl for Kids Sake, Washington Enrichment, St. John Coffee and Conversation, Pine Crest, Optimist Cheese Curd Stand, Kate Goodrich Parent Night and Carnival volunteer, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, St. John Fair Stand and mows the church lawn, Merrill Community Garden, Park and Rec Elementary Easter Egg Hunt and has participated in the Kolor Run and Colorama Bike Ride.

After graduation, Logan plans to start college at UW-Marathon and graduate with a health or science degree. He is the son of Jim and Denise Humphrey.

As part of their annual presentation Wednesday afternoon, the Merrill Area Community Foundation announced 12 grants totaling $10,286 have been approved for the ‘Beyond Crayons and Computers’ grant program to schools throughout MAPS and parochial schools.  Funded through the Foundation, the Beyond Crayons and Computers program invites teams of teachers from 3-year-old programs through the High School to submit grant applications that are not only innovative and creative but also involve parents, teachers and other members of the community.

According to a press release from the foundation, “We have been impressed with the variety of innovative and inspired projects that will not only enrich the educational experience, but also involves community members or groups. This year’s grants were awarded to both public and parochial schools, from Elementary Schools to Merrill High School.  The following is a listing of the 2017 grant recipients:

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Pictured Left to Right:Back Row: Lisa Hass, Terri Eckes, Lowie Schultz, Talena Bliven, Lynn Marrier, Kristen NovitchMiddle Row: Amy Van Alstine, Robin Hanson, Tiffany Bucheger, Amanda Goeden, Kacie Anatole, Heather KahrFront Row: Emmalee Smith, Rich Twomey, Emily Grams

Key highlights of this year’s recipients include the PRMS Technology Education and Engineering students being awarded a $1,000 grant for the second consecutive year, to continue to make handmade wooden pens for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight Program in our area. According to Tech Ed instructor Pete McConnell, who spearheaded the program; the program began last January with just a single lathe (machined used to manufacture the pens) and has now grown into 8 total.

“I want you to know something,” McConnell said, in addressing foundation members in attendance on Wednesday.
“Last year, your grant of $1,000 allowed me to start something the kids really got excited about. Since then 7 more lathes have been donated and we have now produced over 350 pens. My goal was to have this program not cost the district a single penny and because of you, we have met that goal. Being able to do something for our veterans is pretty special to the kids and myself and I want to thank you for awarding us another $1,000 this year to continue the program.”

The SFX program at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School was also approved as a repeat grant recipient for the fourth consecutive year.

Other highlights include: Students at Jefferson Elementary School will learn coding, using problem solving, collaboration, creativity and communication to complete tasks and challenges.  Students will work with community members who have coding/programming experience to assist in reviewing and scoring challenges and contest submissions.

*PRMS 7^th and 8^th grade students will learn proper water sampling techniques and how to identify the factors that could possible lead to the contamination of public and private water supplies.

*PRMS is partnering with the TB Scott Library and the Merrill Parks and Recreation Department to expand the sport of disc golf at Stange’s Park and Stange’s Kitchenette Park.  Students can play disc golf on Monday “Team Building Day” and community members can play by checking out materials at the TB Scott Library.

*The River Bend Trail will be decorated with Chalk Art created by the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th grade Accelerated Art students.

*4^th and 5^th Grade Team Serve is a series of projects at Kate Goodrich within our community (Humane Society, Food Pantry, Valentines for Veterans and May Baskets) and outside our community (Hurricane Harvey).  Washington 3^rd grade students will “Spread Kindness Like Confetti” with care packages to the Military, Police and Firefighters, appreciation bags to school families, and Bags of Sunshine items to Merrill citizens.

The Merrill Area Community Foundation is supported by individuals, corporations, and foundations as a means of giving back to their community.  The Beyond Crayons and Computers program began in 2006 and is designed to enhance and reward innovative teaching, learning, and special motivational activities in our schools.  Over $119,000, including $10,286 this year has been awarded to our schools since 2006. Renea Frederick, Board President of the Merrill Area Community Foundation, notes the importance of innovation in our children’s learning. The children also learn they can contribute to our community at any age. She stated, “The Merrill Community Foundation is happy to invest in the worthy, innovative educational projects being proposed by our Merrill-area teachers.
Our “Beyond Crayon and Computer” monetary grants help in achieving those positive experiences for students.”The annual grants to the Beyond Crayons and Computers program are in addition to the grants we have provided to local organizations including Haven, Inc., Merrill Soccer Association, Girl Scouts, St. Vincent DePaul, Disaster Preparedness for Senior Citizens, Merrill Youth Softball, Athletic Park Improvement Project, Merrill Free Clinic, Bell Tower Residence, EMT Paramedic Upgrade, Merrill Rotary Club, Merrill Chamber of Commerce Foundation, United Way for 211 development, Merrill Historical Society, River District Development Foundation, Three Rivers United Temporary Housing (TRUTH) Our Sister’s House, City of Merrill Parks Development Fund, Normal Park Gazebo Fund, Merrill City Band, River Bend Trail, NTC Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters New Website Development, and Merrill Enrichment Center.

Donations may be sent to the Merrill Area Community Foundation Fund at P.O. Box 36, Merrill, WI 54452.

T.B. Scott Free Library’s latest Community ArtShare Display features a Breyer Horse Model collection. Breyer horse models began production in 1950 and have been popular with horse enthusiasts ever since. Breyer model horses, which begin as artist’s sculptures, are all handcrafted from plastic, porcelain, and resin in various sizes and are hand-painted with airbrushes and paintbrushes. Approximately 20 different artisans handle each individual Breyer model from start to finish – a process, which, 62 years later, is still done by human hands, not machines. Even today, no two Breyer model horses are ever exactly alike! This collection will be displayed on the library’s second floor through December.

Local resident Esther Trostle began collecting these models over four years ago. Her collection includes over 500 models. Spirit and Rain molds and the classic Mustang mold are among her favorites. Since Esther’s collection is so impressive, she will switch many of the items for a new display every two weeks. Esther states, “I am excited that I am able to purchase the new Breyer model horses and Breyer accessories for my collection at Merrill Feed Store-Heartland Cooperative here in town.”

Please visit the library to view this exhibit and all the wondrous things our library has to offer. T.B. Scott Free Library’s “Beyond Books: Community ArtShare” features a new exhibit every two months on an ongoing basis. The program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. of Wisconsin Rapids.

The Merrill Police Department holds arrests warrants issued 9/25/2017 for Tyler M. Anderson, DOB 4/6/1996, last known address W810 Elm Ridge Ave., Merrill. The city recovered a judgment of $124 for operating after suspension. The defendant is in default of payment, and must pay the amount or spend two days in jail.

The information on this warrant was current as of the time of publication. Anyone with information on Tyler M. Anderson should call the Merrill Police Department at 715-536-8311.

Despite falling in their state title bid last weekend in Green Bay, the Bluejay varsity volleyball team didn’t go down without a fight and senior setter Madi Weix proved a key factor in that effort. In the ladies’ semi-final bout with Luxemberg-Casco last Friday afternoon, Weix proved flawless on serves; going 12/12 on the day with 12 assists to boot.

Upon wrapping up her high school volleyball career, Madi will compete this winter as  starting ‘wing’ on the Bluejay girls varsity basketball team and this spring as a varsity softball outfielder.

In addition to being a three-sport athlete, Madi has been involved in MHS Link Crew as well as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

In her free-time, Madi enjoys spending time with family and friends in the outdoors; 4-wheeling and hunting.

Daughter of Steve and Joelene Weix of Merrill, Madi currently maintains a 3.5 GPA.

Upon graduation this spring, Madi will be attending UW-Eau Claire but is uncertain as to her major yet.

This week’s featured question was submitted for Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett

Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett

The question reads:
“When do we have to start parking off the street by? Just curious why we have to do this. I mean I get the snow plows have to have room to move snow, but why is the off street parking thing a rule all winter long instead of just on nights it is supposed to snow? Has this always been a rule in the winter all winter long? Or is it something kinda new?”

Answer as given Chief Bennett:
“Thank you for the question. Winter parking rules seem to have always been a source of some friction in Merrill despite the fact these rules have been around for a very long time. Usually a simple conversation solves most misunderstandings as to why these rules are necessary. Since the question is directed at only the overnight parking rules, I will try to keep the answer confined to that subject.
“Sec. 36-85. – Winter parking restrictions: (c)Winter night parking restricted. It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle on any city street or traveled right-of-way from December 1 to March 31, inclusive, between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
“This rule is in place largely due to snow plowing and removal operations. Most city-wide plowing occurs overnight when less traffic is motoring on the roadways. Having completely cleared roads allows the Street Dept. to make more efficient and effective passes with the plows. This isn’t just confined to after snow storms have occurred. Snow removal operations occur when the curbside snow piles are getting too high or wide. You may not have noticed, but during winter months the snow piles actually narrow our streets little by little. This is another reason why we have odd/even parking in winter during the remaining hours mentioned above.
“For the most part we try to enforce these winter parking rules during the stated time period. We do this so there is a bright line and we do not inadvertently encourage violations or non-compliant behavior. Unfortunately, a single vehicle left on the road creates a problem much larger than the parking citation we will issue. As the plow works around the parked vehicle, they leave a strip of piled snow around it on the roadway creating a potential road obstruction and more work for later. In such instances we will usually write a parking citation but may also have the vehicle removed by a tow truck. The vehicle owner is responsible for the tow bill and storage fees that follow. We have been known to make exceptions under special circumstances. However, the owner of the vehicle will always be on-call in case the vehicle needs to be moved.”
“I hope that clarifies some of the subject. If not, feel free to give us a call.”  (715) 536-8311.

Have a question or concern you would like to address? Simply send your question or concern to jratliff@mmclocal.com along with an indication of which entity your question or concern pertains to. Current participants are the Merrill Police Department, Merrill Fire Department, Tomahawk Police Department, Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz, Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson, Merrill Area Housing Authority Director Paul Russell, Lincoln County Clerk Chris Marlowe and Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) Superintendent Dr. John Sample. Please note: Those who submit to the ‘Ask an Official’ feature remain anonymous.

On November 11th, 2017, @ 10:45AM, the Merrill Fire Department was dispatched by the Lincoln County 911 Communications Center for a report of a garage on fire in the City of Merrill. Initial response from Merrill Fire Department included Engine 62, Medic 63, and Medic 62. Command from Engine 62 requested off–duty personnel to cover the station and Tomahawk EMS to stand-by in Irma and Pine River Fire Department for an engine.

Upon arrival the company officer of Engine 62 assumed command and reported 20 by 20 foot garage with smoke showing from the outside of the building.  The crew donned self-contained breathing apparatus and pulled a hose line around to the side of the garage where there was a service door to make entry as smoke was coming out from the eaves.  Fire company members made entry into the garage and searched for the fire.  The fire was extinguished and the large garage door was opened to clear the smoke out.

The Merrill Fire Department received mutual aid from the Merrill Police Department with traffic control, and Lincoln County EMS Tomahawk for EMS stand-by.  Pine River Fire Department was called off also as the fire was quickly extinguished.  The garage was searched with a thermal imaging camera (TIC), no other evidence of the fire extending into the garage.

The cause of the fire was a propane space heater too close to combustibles.

Lenore E. Krueger Ehlert, 100, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

Lenore was born August 16, 1917 in the Town of Berlin, Marathon County, daughter of the late William and Adeline (Giese) Lemke.  She married Elmer ‘Ommie’ Krueger on September 11, 1937, the beloved father of her children Sally and Charles.  Elmer preceded her in death on July 19, 1952.  Lenore went on to marry Carl Sholund and later Quinten Swiggum whom preceded her in death.  She later married George Ehlert on May 20, 1995 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2003.

Lenore was a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, since 1937.  She worked as a dental assistant in Merrill for ten years and owned and operated a laundromat in Clintonville for fifteen years.  Lenore was a member of the T.L.C. Club and the Birthday Club.  She enjoyed reading and keeping up with local and world news, working on cross word puzzles, dancing and traveling.  She was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan.  This past August, Lenore and her family and friends gathered to celebrate her 100^th birthday.  As a part of that celebration, Lenore enjoyed tributes from the Merrill Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and local, state and national elected officials.

Survivors include her children, Sally (Gay) Oberg of Merrill and Dr. Charles (Maripat) Krueger of Menomonie, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Lynn Dotter (Jeff Hinz), Scott (Julie) Oberg, Kristin (Scott) Hildebrandt, Kyle (Erin) Krueger and Kimberly (Josh) Kluge; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Richard (Carol) Giese.  Lenore was preceded in death by her parents, William and Adeline Lemke; her husbands, Elmer Krueger, Carl Sholund, Quinten Swiggum and George Ehlert; and her sister, Le Elda Giese.

The funeral service for Lenore will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill.  Rev. Kyle Carnes will officiate.  Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, Merrill.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the church.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

Roger D. Baughman, age 66, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.  Roger was born on January 7, 1951 to Paul and Lucy Baughman in Belle Gelde, FL.  They both survive.

Roger was employed at Walmart in Merrill, and enjoyed his friends and co-workers there very much.  He had also worked for J.W. Perry, Dish Network and many years with P&L Loghomes.  Roger enjoyed playing video games and online poker.

Roger was an avid football fan, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles every chance he had.  He would enjoy being outdoors and spending time fishing.

Roger is survived by his parents:  Paul and Lucy Baughman of Merrill, daughter: Nichole (James) O’Connell of Pittsburgh, PA, brother: Paul (Brenda) Baughman of North Carolina, sister: Sharon (William) Schodowski of Tennessee and his beloved cat: “Gloria”.  He was preceded in death by his brother: James Baughman.

A Time of Remembrance was held at Waid Funeral Home for family and close friends.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

Marvin Podgorski, age 79, of Wausau, died peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, with his loving family by his side.  He was born on October 31, 1938 to the late Sigmund and Tillie (Delikowski) Podgorski in Wausau.  Marvin attended school at the Wausau Senior High School.  He met and married Phyllis Seefeldt on September 23, 1961.  She survives.

Marvin worked as a welder for over 53 years for Greenheck Fan Corp. in Schofield.  He also belonged to the local sheet metal workers union #565, even into his retirement, and he was one of the first members, as well as having the most years with the union.  In his earlier years, along with his day to day job, he fabricated and sold satellite dishes and took on many electrical jobs, re-wiring several homes over the years.  Marvin was known as a “jack of all trades” and able to fix most anything.  His motto was “if you’re going to do it, do it right the first time.”  In retirement, he continued to crop farm, in which he took a daily interest in, whether it was driving his tractor in the field or watching the daily Ag Report on television.  Through many years of dedicated and hard work, he instilled a wonderful work ethic and sense of accomplishment in each of his children.  Marvin was a very strong man who adored his family, and looked forward to spending time with them.  He also enjoyed taking part in conversations about agriculture, history and politics.  Some of his hobbies were deer hunting, gardening and canning with Phyllis, camping, attending and watching his family participate in tractor pulls and helping at the family maple syrup shack.  Marvin was a member of the NRA and supported many organizations, including the Boy Scouts and all of the snowmobile clubs, raffles and banquets, as well as the local Elks Club.  He had an interest in antiques and would collect eagle pieces.

Marvin is survived by his wife: Phyllis Podgorski of Wausau, daughter: JoAnn (Donald) Dombrowsky of Wausau, son: Marvin L. (Lori) Podgorski of Merrill, daughters: Denise (Brian) Hackbarth of Merrill and Connie (Joel) Krueger of Wausau, sons: Matthew (friend, Angela Baker) Podgorski and Jonathon (Katie) Podgorski, both of Merrill, 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sister: Marcella (Delmar) Jaeger of Merrill, brothers: Stanley (Sherrie) Podgorski of Merrill, Sigmund (Nancy) Podgorski Jr. of Wausau and Glenn Podgorski of Wausau and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Nancy Betker and Phyllis Schwede and brother: Gary Podgorski.

A Funeral Liturgy for Marvin will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Father Jim Horath will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 9am until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home.  Burial will immediately follow at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

November 10
9:58 a.m.- Officers were dispatched to probation and parole in reference of a probation violation. A male was taken into custody for a probation violation and transported to the Lincoln County Jail.
1:17 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to a theft complaint in the 700 block of Eugene Street. Multiple electronics were stolen from the location. A suspect was identified and an ongoing investigation is occurring.
5:22 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to a theft complaint in the 400 block of Cottage Street. No sign of forced entry was present, an ongoing investigation is occurring.

November 11
1:23 a.m.- An officer responded to a local business for the report of a retail theft that had occurred. The investigation is ongoing.
1:13 p.m.- An officer responded to a local business for the report of a retail theft. The investigation is ongoing.

November 12
9:05 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to a driving complaint in the area of West First Street and Pine Street. The vehicle was described as squealing its tires and leaving the roadway, going over the curb and coming to a rest in a yard. Contact was made with a male subject standing next to the vehicle. He started walking towards the residence and denied that he was driving on the roadway. Markings in the roadway and in the boulevard showed the vehicle’s direction of travel and only one set of foot prints were observed coming from the vehicle, that being the one officers observed standing next to the vehicle. The male displayed signs indicative of impairment and refused to perform any field sobriety tests. The male subject was subsequently arrested for operating while under the influence 4th offense.

A 53-year-old Tomahawk woman was arrested Monday evening after a 911 call was received reporting a wrong way driver on US Hwy. 51. When deputies arrived in the area they found a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lanes. The woman was arrested on a felony fourth offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Snow on Thursday caused issues on county roadways. As a result of one crash, a 23-year-old Rhinelander man was arrested on a warrant charge. A check showed the man was wanted by the Oneida County Sheriff for contempt of court.

The Town of Pine River Fire Department along with a deputy responded Thursday evening after a fire started in a grain bin in the 1800 block of State Rd. 17. The fire appeared to have started in the lower part of the grain bin and required firefighters to empty the bin to extinguish the fire.

A 47-year-old Gleason man was arrested Friday night for violating the terms of his probation. A deputy stopped the vehicle the man was driving and a check showed the man’s driver’s license was revoked. As part of the man’s parole rules for a felony drunk driving offense, he was not allowed to drive without a valid driver’s license.

An 18-year-old Merrill man was arrested Saturday afternoon on a warrant charge. The man was located at a residence and taken into custody around 4 p.m. The man had a warrant issued after he failed to appear in Lincoln County Court on a misdemeanor drug charge.

A 21-year-old Merrill man was arrested Sunday morning for violating terms of his probation. The man was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped on County Rd. H. A check showed he had been drinking in violation of his probation rules.

Town of Russell firefighters along with deputies responded to a reported structure fire Sunday afternoon in the Town of Birch on Railway Street. The fire appeared to be electrical in nature and no severe damage was reported.

Twenty two people reported striking deer this past week.

Jeanne Louise Heckman passed away Friday, November 10, 2017 at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital, Merrill.

Jeanne was born February 10, 1922, in Madison, Wisconsin.  Her parents were Raymond Mathias Heckman and Mary Shafer Heckman.  She attended Edgewater Grade and High School in Madison, graduating high school in 1938.  She attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, at that time a college for women.  She graduated in 1943, having concentrated on courses in English, History, and clothing design.

During her summer vacations, Jeanne sold advertising for a Mount Mary College publication.  This experience led to a job, following graduation, with the Chicago Tribune.  In that position, she not only sold advertising, she also wrote a daily column.  Jeanne, along with a group of about twenty Tribune employees, was given a two-month all-expense-paid tour of parts of the British Isles, Europe, Africa, and South America.  This proved to be one of the highlights of her life.

Later, while working in Danville, Virginia, a casual encounter with a New York sales representative led to an interview for and a job with Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics in New York City.  For the next twenty-five years – from about 1946 to 1972 – Jeanne was a sales representative for Elizabeth Arden, for whom she had a great deal of respect and affection.  While she traveled widely, her home base was New York City.  As a result of the far-flung clientele that she had, she met and became friends with many prominent people.  She has many photographs and other mementos of those interesting and exciting years.

After her mother’s death in 1972, Jeanne returned to the Midwest and joined the Milwaukee Company, an investment securities firm, working out of their Milwaukee office.  Later, after her father’s retirement from that same company, Jeanne returned to Merrill to live with and assist her father, whose death took place in 1992 when he was ninety-five years old.  Jeanne, when she was ninety-three years old, concluded, “I’ve had a good life!”  Jeanne had resided at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill since shortly after suffering a stroke in early July of 2016.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard; her sister-in-law, Elsie; her sisters, Mary Elizabeth Heckman and Irene Gervais; and nephew, Joseph Gervais.  She is survived by her sister, Barbara Heckman Angus and her husband, Jack, of Omaha, Nebraska, as well as their children – Mary, Jeanne Pulver, John, Kristin Shada, and Robert and wife Dawn, and families; the children of Richard and Elsie Heckman – sons, Michael, Steven and wife Fran, Paul and wife Sara, and daughters, Susan and husband Steve Bialecki, and Patricia McCarron, and families; the children of Irene Gervais – Peter, David and wife Lisa, and Noel, and families.

The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.  Sister John Marie Simien will preside.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Arvo Robert Britten, 81, of Wausau passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Arvo was born in Durand, Wisconsin on September 10, 1936 to the late Robert and Lila (DeMarce) Britten. He graduated from Wausau High in 1955, where he played varsity football, basketball and baseball. He was captain of Wausau High’s 1955 state basketball team and played second base on the baseball team.

Arvo attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Physical Education. During his years at the university, Arvo played football and baseball, eventually making wrestling his sport of choice for his last two years there. As a wrestler, he placed 2nd in the WSUC Conference Tournament (1959) and 2nd in the State AAU tournament (1960).

Arvo joined the United States Army in 1960 and served until 1963, during which time he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal as well as a badge for Sharpshooter in both rifle and carbine. During his time in the service he played for the baseball and softball team as catcher and was a member of the Southeast Asian championship team in 1962.

After leaving the Army, Arvo was hired by Merrill Public Schools as a junior high social studies instructor, later becoming a physical education instructor. Throughout his career, he coached football and track but found his greatest success in the wrestling program where he accumulated a record of 207-17-0, never losing more than two matches in any one season. He also found time to umpire baseball and softball and officiate wrestling matches, a dedication that would continue for over 50 years and result in him being inducted into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame (1990) and given the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Award for Lifetime Contribution (2001) – the first wrestling official to ever be given this award. The many friendships he made supporting the sports he loved were an integral part of who he was.

In his spare time Arvo enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially his trips to Wyoming and Canada with friends who shared his enthusiasm for the outdoors. He loved tending to his rose bushes and proudly showed them off when given a chance. He loved to bake and cook as well as watch the Badgers and Packers. He passed along his love of fishing – teaching all of his grandchildren how to fish.

Arvo is survived by his life companion of the last 24 years, Nelda Hettinga; his children, Marc Britten of Woodbury, Minnesota, Andrea Britten (Stephen Mobley) of McLean, Virginia, Dana Britten of St. Paul, Minnesota, Carrie (Spiro) Avouris of Melbourne, Australia, and step-daughter Marie (Chris) Peterson of Merrill, Wisconsin. His grandchildren include Jordann Britten, Maxwell and Henry Mobley, Lila Avouris, a baby girl expected in February, and step-grandchildren Greta and Garik Peterson. He is also survived by his brother Martin (Cindy) Britten of Indiana.

A memorial service will take place at 5:30 pm on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home- Wausau Chapel, 522 Adam Street, Wausau. Bill Metter will lead the celebration and offer stories of Arvo’s life. Visitation will take place from 3:00 pm until the time of the service.

The family also wishes to thank the staff at Garden Side Crossing for their compassionate care during his brief stay with them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice in Arvo’s name.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com

Delores E. Hopperdietzel, 90, Athens, died Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Colonial Center, Colby.

She was born August 19, 1927 in Goodrich, daughter of the late William and Josephine (Fishbach) Achterberg.  On July 31, 1948 she married Raymond “Bucky” Hopperdietzel in the town of Hamburg.  He preceded her in death on January 20, 2003.

As a young girl Delores worked at Fromm Brothers and after getting married she farmed with her husband, then went to work at Edgar Basket followed by Mullins Cheese.  After retiring from Marathon Cheese in 1994 she worked in the ginseng fields as well as 25 years at the town of Rietbrock disposal site.  Some of her enjoyments included spending time outside, mowing the lawn or gardening, sewing and putting together puzzles.  She also enjoyed traveling with her children and she loved her dog and her cat.

Survivors include her children, Carol Roesler, Merrill, Geraldine (Ozzie) Karlen, Athens, Bernice Hopperdietzel, Athens, and Byron “Hoppy” Hopperdietzel, Athens; sister, Beaulah (Effort) Degner, Merrill; brother, William Achterberg, Hamburg; many nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, Jack and cat, Tommy.

Besides her parents and husband, Raymond, she was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Melvin Roesler and Harley Westfall and sisters, Virginia Duerr and Beatrice Kriewald.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens.  Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate.  Burial will be in Athens Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Colonial Center for their kind, compassionate care of Delores during her time with them.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The Merrill Park and Recreation Department will be hosting a Open Skate with a DJ rink side on Friday, Nov. 17, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Smith Center. If you bring in a bag of Christmas candy you will receive half off your admission. There will be games, prizes and music. Any questions call Dawn at
715-536-7313.