Upper Iowa University recently announced Kathryn Oestreich of Merrill, graduated this past July Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Milton J. Tushoski, age 72, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Riverview Nursing Home under the care of Ascera Care Hospice.

Milton was born on June 26, 1945 in Milwaukee to Milton F. & Elaine (Winchell) Tushoski. Milt was formerly married to Margarette Bloch. He was later married to Linda Ainsworth, who passed away in 2011. He served our country with the Army during Vietnam. Milt was an auto mechanic for many years. His passion was hunting, fishing, trips to the casino and he enjoyed indulging on sweets.

Milton is survived by his 6 children – Steven (Eddy) Tushoski, Milwaukee, Suanne Gondek, Greenleaf, WI, Sharon Tushoski, Milwaukee, Brenda (Jeff) Anderson, Tomahawk, Gilbert Gondek, Milwaukee & Daniel Gondek, Rhinelander.

He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 2 sisters – Linda Price, South Carolina & Patty Tushoski, Marathon and his brother – Roger Tushoski, Washington.

The Funeral Service with Military Honors for Milton Tushoski will take place at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Krueger Family Funeral Home. Larry Mathein will officiate. Visitation will take place from 11:00AM until the time of service at 1:00PM.

Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com

The annual Christmas Bazaar, Cookie Walk, White Elephant Sale and Chili Luncheon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 12 E. Wisconsin Ave., Tomahawk.

The Christmas tree lot next to Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill will be open again this year, starting Saturday, Nov. 18. Featured will be balsam, white pine, Scotch pine, Canaan and Fraser Fir trees, ranging in size from five to 10 feet tall. Fully decorated wreaths from 16” to 36” will also be on sale. The lot is self-serve. Simply pick out your tree and wreath, put your money in the zip-lock bag, and place it in the secured mail box. You can also register for a gift card from Dave’s County Market or Lee’s Piggly Wiggly. Trinity Lutheran School is located at 611 W. Main St. in Merrill. Proceeds benefit Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School.

While the Merrill School Board hasn’t yet made a decision whether to place an operating referendum on the April 2018 ballot, district residents have had an opportunity to offer input.

Bill Foster of School Perceptions presented the results of the survey to the Long Range/Referendum Planning Committee Tuesday night. The survey, conducted in October, garnered 1,682 total responses for a return rate of 20 percent. Foster noted that a 20 percent response rate can be considered very good.

Of those who completed the survey, 18 percent were MAPS employees and 43 percent were parents of students in the district. Foster presented the overall responses, while also breaking out those of staff, parents and non-parents.

Respondents gave the most support to a $2.5 million referendum that would maintain all current programs/services and address some additional needs of the district. Among all residents, 38 percent said they would most likely support the $2.5 million referendum; 24 percent said they would most likely support a $3.6 million referendum that would address all identified needs; 14 percent noted support for a smaller referendum that would maintain current programs and services; and 13 percent said they would not support any referendum.

Foster recommended pursuing the $2.5 million option, which would raise the taxes on a $100,000 home by $37.

The survey asked residents if they would support a referendum to provide funding for six identified needs of the district. To fund all of them would require the $3.6 million referendum. Respondents were most interested in enhancing the district’s industrial education/shop courses, addressing annual maintenance needs and retaining high quality staff. Reinstating student support services, maintaining technology and enhancing the band program saw support to a lesser degree.

The $2.5 million referendum would allow funding of some of those identified items. Should the board pursue that option, Foster recommended starting with what survey respondents valued most.

“Start at the top with tech ed and maintenance,” he said. “That’s what your community wants.”

There was no committee discussion of the survey results Tuesday night. The Board of Education will hold a special meeting Nov. 29 to discuss the results and possibly decide what to do moving forward, said MAPS Superintendent John Sample.

The Long Range Financial/Referendum Planning Committee has been meeting for several months. With the survey completed, that group has now fulfilled its mission, Sample said. Further decisions on going to a referendum will be made by the Board of Education, he said.

Consideration of a referendum is being pushed mainly by continued declining student enrollment in the district.

The district’s state-set revenue limit is largely tied to its enrollment, which continues to decline. The district is forecasting a budget shortfall of $1.5 million next year and $2.5 million the following year. The only way for the district to levy more than its state-set limit is to pass a referendum.

The full survey results are available on the Merrill Area Public Schools website at http://www.maps.k12.wi.us/.

John “Glen” McDonald, 52, passed away unexpectedly November 13, 2017.  He was born in Rockford, IL to Gloria Northrop and John McDonald.

Glen spent most days enjoying time with family.  He was a proud owner of McConstruction.  He and his wife, Patty, were also proud owners of McPats Crafts for many years.  One of Glen’s latest accomplishments was the roof and Bell Tower of the Old Brick School House at the Merrill Festival Grounds.  He was one of the greatest men to walk this earth.  Glen helped anyone who needed help.  He was a great provider for his family and always put them before himself.  Glen was selfless and was loved by everyone he met.

John is survived by his wife, Patty; daughter, Jessica (Eddie) Woellner; the son he never had, Toby Moser; grandchildren: Videl Hinke, Alexis Fehr, Brittney, Dakota and Francesca Woellner, Savannah Carpenter; sisters: Robyn, Tereasa, Marty, and Breanda; brothers: Walter, James and Larry.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, daughter, Sarah Hinke; sister, Maimi Lois; grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. Royal Peterson; In-laws: Marlene and Donald Woellner.

A private Family memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

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

Margie Lillian Johanna Livingston McAlerny, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.  She was born on August 26, 1924 to the late George and Bertha (Monson) Strand in Elmhurst, IL.  Margie attended and graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL in 1942.  She met and fell in love with Edward P. Livingston, and the two exchanged vows in Chicago, IL, in 1945.  Sadly, Edward passed away on April 9, 1982.  Margie married Paul McAlerny on September 18, 1987.  He also preceded her in death on January 19, 2009.

Margie worked most of her adult life as a secretary, which she excelled at.  She worked at Automatic Electric, House of Merrill, before retiring from Calvary Bible College.  Margie was excellent with her hands and was an avid shorthand writer, typist and pianist.  She played the piano and organ at the churches that she was associated with.  Margie would also enjoy using her talented hands for hobbies such as sewing and knitting.  She is remembered as being an excellent cook, and would often cook for the family gatherings, always making sure that ice cream was for dessert!  Margie also loved to bake, especially around the holidays.  Family was a priority in her life.  Margie also had a steadfast faith, and she enjoyed reading her Bible on a daily basis.  She taught her children the importance of faith and of family.  She was loved by many and will be sadly missed.

Margie is survived by her 4 children: Phillip (Lynn) Livingston of Apache Junction, AZ, David (Cathy) Livingston of Merrill, Martha (Paul) Livingston-Prorok of Reedsburg, WI and Edward (Kristy) Livingston of Merrill, 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, her twin sister: Martha Greinke, brother: Johan (Mary) Strand and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands: Edward P. Livingston and Paul McAlerny, brother: Myron Stand and sister: Gertrude Leville.

Funeral Services for Margie will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Alex Lindsay will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 5pm-7pm and again on Monday, November 20, 2017 from 10am, until the time of the service, all at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Tomahawk.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that monetary donations in Margie’s name be directed to the ongoing development of the new wing at Pine Crest Nursing Home or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

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

If you have found yourself wondering if it’s too early to begin decorating for the holidays, take a ride around the city and you may just find your answer!

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Thursday morning, street department crews were out and about hanging decorative snowflakes and balsam garland in the downtown area. The decorations will remain through mid January.

On Sunday October 22, the Merrill Boys Soccer team held their annual end of season banquet at St. John’s Lutheran Church where three Bluejays received Wisconsin Valley Conference All-Conference honors, along with four team awards given out.
Merrill’s Hunter Wallace was awarded second team All-Conference and was also named the team Offensive Player of the Year. Mason Gebert and Hayden Smith were both awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference. Gebert was also awarded with Defensive Player of the Year for the Bluejays. Eric Paige was selected for the Bluejay award and to round out the awards Isaac Sutton earned the Newcomer of the Year award.

State Representative Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) will hold three listening sessions on the Monday and Tuesday following Thanksgiving weekend in Antigo, Tomahawk and Merrill.
The listening sessions are an opportunity to hear feedback from residents of the 35th Assembly District.
•Monday, Nov. 27- 6 p.m., Antigo City Hall- Council Chamber, 700 Edison St, Antigo.
•Tuesday, Nov. 28- 10 a.m., Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Tomahawk.
•Tuesday, Nov. 28- 6 p.m., Merrill City Hall- Community Room, 1004 E. 1st St., Merrill.
If you are unable to attend the listening sessions, Rep. Felzkowski invites all residents to send their input to her office at P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 or email: Rep.Felzkowski@legis.wi.gov.

The Lincoln County Retired Educators’ Association will be meeting on Monday, Nov. 20, at Cathy and Cal’s Supper Club. Registration and social hour begins at 9:30 a.m. The meeting and speaker will begin at 10:30. Jennifer Clark, Services Specialist from the Aging and Disability Services of Central Wisconsin, will be the guest speaker. For more information, or to make reservations call Barb Dintelman at 715-536-3775.

Presented by Lincoln County Humane Society

Every day, we answer the phone at the Lincoln County Humane Society and tell the caller, “I am so sorry, we cannot take cats and kittens from other counties or from owner surrenders at this time. We are overflowing with cats and kittens here.”

Pet overpopulation has one of the easiest and cheapest solutions. Spaying and neutering is more accessible and affordable than ever. And it is the only way to save lives. So why don’t more people spay and neuter?

Cost is a factor and it can be a daunting concern. But there are several low-cost spay and neuter clinics in Wisconsin. There is even one in our area! “The Fix Is In” visits the Lincoln County Humane Society one day per month to offer low-cost surgeries. You do not need to be a resident of Lincoln County to utilize these services! We do recommend calling The Fix Is In to make an appointment as soon as possible – their clinics fill up quickly (LCHS cannot schedule surgeries or provide schedule information). The surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary staff. The prices for a cat spay/neuter range from $40-$50 and includes the rabies vaccine! This is a wonderful option for individuals that may not otherwise afford the cost of a spay/neuter surgery. Even putting $5 or $10 a week away will enable you to afford to spay or neuter your cat in just a few months.

Many people contact the humane society after failing to find new homes for kittens through free ads listed in the paper or on craigslist. Even if you find homes for every kitten your cat has, there are still healthy cats and kittens dying in shelters every day and only due to lack of space. If we work together, there won’t need to be animals euthanized for lack of space or waiting lists for people to bring their felines to a shelter. The ASPCA estimates 860,000 cats are euthanized each year in the United States – more than 2,000 every single day (see the link below for the source of these statistics).

It is important we all take responsibility to overcome this issue! Even if your own cats are spayed and neutered, be an advocate for animals by promoting spaying and neutering. Encourage others to get their cats “fixed” before more animals die. If you know someone that has an unaltered cat, consider assisting with the cost of the surgery. One of the LCHS board members once paid for her adult son’s cat to be spayed for Christmas!

LCHS is encouraging the “If you feed it, fix it” mentality. We completely understand the desire to provide food for the stray cats near your home. But with the offer of food, you are also inviting those outdoor kitties to establish their home near the food source you provide. If you take the time and money to feed the outdoor cats, please spay or neuter the outdoor cats. LCHS also rents live-traps for $40 to assist with trapping outdoor cats in Lincoln County. We recommend contacting the shelter in advance to discuss options with outdoor cats.

The Lincoln County Humane Society has always promoted spaying and neutering your pets. As almost 100 cats and kittens call the shelter their temporary home, as our surrender waiting grows daily, and as every other shelter in the area faces the same struggles, we are begging, pleading, and hoping this message will be enough to convince the people in our community to do the right thing and spay or neuter your cats.

Officers of the Tomahawk Police Department along with assistance from other local and state agencies continue to investigate a homicide which occurred Thursday evening in the City of Tomahawk.

According to a press release issued by the department earlier this afternoon, on the evening of November 16, 2017 at approximately 5:47 PM,  members of the Tomahawk Police Department were dispatched to 205 W Mohawk Drive in reference to a person with a gunshot wound. The officers arrived on scene and learned that there was a person with a gunshot wound in the driveway. Officers discovered that a 52-year-old male sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers discovered other information that assisted in determining the caliber of bullet. Tomahawk EMS arrived on scene and the victim was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital. The male victim was fatally wounded in the altercation. The male victim was later identified as Charles L. Ramp of Tomahawk.

The investigation revealed that a 32-year-old male allegedly shot Ramp in the driveway of Ramp’s home. It was discovered that the two males were familiar with each other. The alleged shooter was identified as Eric Lee Moen of the Wausau area. Moen fled the scene of the shooting but was later located and taken into custody in Lake Hallie, in Chippewa County and transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

Eric Lee Moen

Officers were able to develop information from Moen and recovered the firearm involved. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Lab processed the scene and secured the evidence.

Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, troopers with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of justice Crime Scene Response Unit all arrived on scene and assisted with the investigation. The Tomahawk Police Department was further assisted by the Wausau Police Department, Everest Metro Police Department, Lake Hallie Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Tomahawk EMS and Lincoln County Corners Office.

A charge of First Degree Intentional Homicide was referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office and the case remains under investigation by the Tomahawk Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tomahawk Police Department at 715-453-2121.

In news briefs: The paper is starting to fill up with holiday shopping ideas. One of the bargains found on page two is an offer for a Warner Cable hook up for only $5, down from the normal $25 charge of installation. If you call in time you can see the bowl games along with the Thanksgiving day parade. Warner now offers 11 channels for your viewing pleasure in Merrill. By next year at this time hunters will have more room on the east side to stay as it has been announced a Best Western motel will be constructed near the Hwy. 51 and 64 interchange. The 40-unit motel will be adjacent to the Pine Ridge Restaurant and Standard Oil Service Station. On the subject of food, there are plenty of ads this week with Thanksgiving just over a week away. At Mel’s Big Dollar, turkeys are selling for .55 a pound, yams are four pounds for $1, three loaves of bread is $1, and Old Style 12 packs are $2.79. Drew’s has turkeys starting at .65 per pound, five pound canned hams are $7.99, ground beef and chuck steaks are .69 a pound, an 8-pack of Coke bottles is $1.07, and a gallon of milk is $1. Eating light for the holiday? TV dinners are .49 apiece. Over at Bob’s Food King, turkeys are .44 a pound, a 10-pound bag of flour is $1.09, a 10-pound bag of potatoes is $1.29, onions are two bunches for .39, and celery is .39 a stalk. At Dave’s Red Owl, the turkeys are .65 a pound, a box of cake mix is .53, frozen pumpkin pies are $1.19, bacon is $1.19 a pound and cases of Olympia beer are priced at $5.29. Heading out into the woods? Mel’s will hand you a bag of 10 ham sandwiches for only $1.
Hunting seasons starts this Saturday and County Clerk Ken Oldenburg is reminding you that you have to buy your licenses by midnight Friday. Clerk Oldenburg will keep his office open at the Court House until 9 p.m. on Friday, and after that you can buy your licenses at vendors such as Fred’s Bait Shop or Chuck’s Sport Shop in Tomahawk. Establishments selling licenses up until midnight include the Beacon Bar for the Merrill area, May-B-Inn for Tomahawk, Thielman’s in Harrison, and in Gleason the Gleason Bowling Center, Village Tap, Rod’s Old Time and Lange’s Bar. If active duty military personnel arrive home after midnight they can get their permit during the weekend by calling Clerk Oldenburg at his Gleason home.
The girls volleyball team ended up with a fifth place finish at Oshkosh where they competed in the WIAA State Tournament. Milwaukee Madison took the first place trophy home; the Jays ended the tournament 4-9. Merrill’s head basketball coach David Linehan hopes to carry the recent success of the football and volleyball teams onto the floor of the East Gym this season. Linehan points to the senior leadership returning to the team. Lettermen returning this year include Mike Hoff, Tim Casper, Erik Finanger, Bruce Heldt and Eric Pankow.
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The Merrill Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual banquet and award ceremony this past weekend and with it presented its annual “Hall of Fame Award.” The Hall of Fame Award is the Chamber’s most prestigious award and is presented to an individual who by his or her action and involvement has made a life-long commitment to the community. Typically the award goes to someone who prefers to be more low key and work in the background yet whose impact has been profound. The winner this year has been on Merrill’s side for years, our very own Ralph Schewe. He has been a member of the Chamber for 40 years, he is a charter member of the Merrill Jaycee Club and served as its first president where he continues to provide leadership to the group to this day. Schewe is president of Merrill Candy and Distributing. He has a love for the scouts, having been the very first Eagle Scout in Merrill; Ralph presently serves on the Boy Scout executive board. He is a member of the Lincoln County Sportsman’s Club, Ducks Unlimited, and Trout Unlimited. Schewe has further served on the board of directors of the hospital and is currently on the foundation board. He has spent his life promoting Merrill’s name throughout the country through the exposure his business gives to the Merrill name. The former Navy lieutenant is the father of seven children, 32 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Others recognized at the banquet include Roger Wendorf, the Merrill wrestling coach who carries the name of Merrill beyond the community and does so with dignity and honor, received the chamber’s Ambassador Award. Also Marion Prange was recognized for her work at Council Grounds State Park. Prange heads up the naturalists program, and thanks to her work visitors at the park are way up and so is the interaction with nature. Prange averages over 40 hours per week at the park volunteering; she received the Merrill On the Move Individual Award.
A mediator will likely decide the future of the MAPS contract with the local teachers’ union. According to Les Voight, member of the MAPS BOE and negotiating team, the two sides have reached an impasse in talks over the 1988-1989 contract. According to Mike Van Lieshout the two sides have agreed on benefits, summer school pay, and next year’s school calendar with the remaining big issue being salaries. The Merrill Teachers Union has submitted their final offer to the mediator leaving the BOE to finish and submit their response by Nov. 24.
With the nine day gun deer season starting this Saturday and Thanksgiving next Thursday you will find plenty to do and plenty to eat in the four page entertainment section. The Fairway Supper Club will host a buffet on Thanksgiving that will feature prime rib along with walleye, ham and turkey for a price of $6.95 per person. At Club Modern they will have a special menu which will include a buffet next Thursday at a cost of $5.95 per person. Lv&Av’s Country Fare has a buffet on Thanksgiving and music this weekend. Friday night the Jackson Family will play followed by the Zunk on Saturday. Schultz’s Country Inn has their fourth annual hunters ball next Wednesday with Carl and Jeni and Roxanne providing the music. If you are heading out into the woods early the Rits, Kozy Korner, and Champs will all be open for breakfast before you head out to the woods with Champs opening earliest at 4 a.m. (for my father and Uncle Bill). Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes has their big buck contest and next Friday the music of Sundog.
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The Merrill Historical Society is proud of the new man in town, his strong gaze watching over the Prairie River with a strong build and towering appearance. He is actually a wooden statute, carved by Jeff Prust of Hawk Hallow in Hurley, and he represents a visual reminder of a 19th century river running. The carving of white pine stands just west of the T. B. Scott Library. The creation has no name at this time other than River Rat as he symbolizes the hundreds of men who came north to mill towns like Merrill to work. These log drivers fed logs into Merrill’s eight mills whose owners preferred running logs down the river as the water soaked out the pitch and enabled better drying. The group hopes to add a sign and lighting in the next year.

Crime Stoppers of Lincoln County needs your help.

The Merrill Police Department is investigating the theft of a security system from Walmart on Nov. 6. Photographs of a suspect, which can be seen on the Merrill Police Department and Crime Stoppers Facebook pages, show a white male, slender build, wearing jeans, black hooded sweatshirt with yellow lettering, gray cap and jacket, black athletic shoes.

If you have information on this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 715-536-3726. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward.

Dr. John Sample

Proud Superintendent

Another busy and productive month for Merrill Area Public Schools has passed! I am pleased to have the opportunity to share a few of this month’s highlights with you.

Patriotism Patriotism is taught in our schools and this past week marked an annual event hosted by our very own VFW Post 1638. MAPS middle school and high school students had the opportunity to compete in written essay and taped audio contests. Our Prairie River Middle School students competed in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest and responded to this year’s theme “America’s Gift to My Generation.”

I am pleased to announce the following final contestants representing PRMS this year.

2nd Place Madison Vandergeest Seventh Grade

4th Place Dafney Yates Seventh Grade

6th Place Erin Kremsreiter Seventh Grade

8th Place Olivia Troyer Seventh Grade

9th Place Evan Perry Seventh Grade

10th Place Liv Cordova Seventh Grade

Merrill High School students participated in the Voices of Democracy audio essay contest. This year’s theme was “American History: Our Hope for the Future.”

Here are the proud winners of this year’s contest:

1st Place Abrahm Akey Junior

2nd Place Lily Cordova Junior

3rd Place Ian Springborn Senior

4th Place Dayton Frederick Junior

5th Place Casie Mcallister Senior

Congratulations to all of our students for representing Merrill Area Public School with pride and dignity!I had the pleasure of attending most of the Veterans Day programs in our schools and I am amazed by the work our students, teachers, support staff, parents and administrators do to create such wonderful ceremonies. Our students and staff had the opportunity to thank the brave women and men who sacrificed so much for our country. Our Veterans continue to give their time by connecting with our young people in helping them to understand the struggles they endured and the purpose of their great undertaking. It’s this connection to our Veterans that will never be forgotten. It is important that we thank and honor our Veterans throughout the year. You may be aware of their vision to construct a new building, the NorthWoods Veterans Post, which will not only benefit Veterans, but other organizations as well. Their plans include housing the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AmVets, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Cub Scouts. Such a project also holds promise for attracting potential residents to our area. Please consider supporting this project and remember our Veterans each day of the year.

MAPS Referendum SurveyOther significant news in the district includes the results of the referendum survey. The MAPS Board of Education and members of the Long Range Financial Referendum Planning Committee received the results of this community survey at their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Expect to hear more information in the coming months based on the results of this survey.

School Cancellation ReminderIt’s that time of year where the snow falls and the temperatures drop. Since our district’s highest priority is that of student safety, this is a great time to remind the community of our Weather Related School Closures procedure.When making the determination to cancel school due to weather emergencies, I will always take every reasonable effort to make thoughtful and timely decisions in the interest of student safety. Each event has unique circumstances and, at times, will allow for more notice than others.If the National Weather Service issues a wind chill or cold temperature warning, school and school related events will be cancelled.If the National Weather Service issues a snow or freezing rain advisory or warning, I will make a determination as to whether road conditions pose a substantial risk for travel. This decision is made with assistance from local meteorologists, transportation providers, state patrol, and the county highway department.Decisions to cancel school or conduct a late start will generally happen prior to 6:00 a.m. I understand that this may challenging for some families however, storms are not as predictable as outside temperatures.Early releases will be decided no later than 10:15 a.m. and parent notification will occur immediately following the decision.Please remember that I am dealing with natural forces which are not always predictable. I will take every precaution to make the best decision possible with the information available. At times, this may include keeping our students at school instead of issuing an early release for the purpose of allowing road crews the time necessary to clear roads.

The following cases were heard in Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court Nov. 6, 2017.

Operate MV w/out insurance
Jennifer E. Brown, Gleason, $124.

Disorderly conduct
Nicholas J. Buell, Wausau, $199.60.

Speeding
Kay M. Coburn, Merrill, $98.80; Kordell J. Renken, Merrill, $98.80.

Licensee sell alcohol to underage person
Rebecca J. Kubisiak, Wausau, $388.60.

Operate after suspension
Dustin J. Rothgarn, Merrill, $124.

Possession of marijuana
Justin D. Sims, Merrill, $199.60.

1ST QUARTER HONOR ROLL 2017 – 2018

GRADE 9
Highest Honors (4.0): Levi Black, Jacob Butler, Edmund Collinsworth, Caleb Dejong, Tanner Depies, Jordyn Henrich, Eleanor Holzinger, Alexandra Johnson, Zoe Jones, Courtney Krueger, Alex Langren, Trenton Lokemoen, Alexander Mann, Alysa McKinney, Ahna Meyer, Devin Miller, Kelly Page, Sara Rajek, Rebecca Rell, Alexandra Schmeltzer, Sawyer Schmitz, Alexis Slagoski, Kasey Sondelski, Rachel Travis, Mason Vander Velde, Nicole Zoellner.

High Honors (3.75-3.99): Aaron Arndt, Gavin Dinges, Timothy Handlin, Zachary Kriegel, Nathan Leskela, Hannah Losee, Erin Murray, Katherine Myszka, Matthew Palazzo, Kate Steckbauer, Kyle Stellingworth, Delainy Stockowitz, Caleb Stoeckmann, Nicholas Tanck, Cailyn Thomas, Lainey Voigt, Nikolas Zastrow.

Honors (3.5-3.74): Alexis Crossman, Abrianna Davis, Russell Gerbig, Kariann Hanneman, Lydia Hanson, Tanner Higgins, Nathan Johnson, Erin Kanitz, Kaylee King, Alexsis Koehler, Kimberly Kracht, Cyjay LaCrosse, Tyler Leistikow, Tavius Morris, Piper Plautz, Trevor Schenzel, Bethany Schultz, Camryn Schulz, Jacob Sczygelski, Faith Seliger, Alyssa Shockman, Hunter Slozes, Hayli Stockman, Charleze Valliere, Courtney Jo Wolfe, Nathan Woller, Jack Zamzow, Jacob Zelinski.

GRADE 10
Highest Honors (4.0): Eve Akey, Kamille Ament, Abby Bucknell, Michael Casper, Aleecia Dawson, Dawson Dengel, Cody Depies, Katelyn Hahn, Elizabeth Hartson, Grace Heldt, Mackenzee Hoffman, Isabella Laufenberg, Macy Marion, Reese Mrachek, Caleb Novitch, Logan O’Connell, Aliyah Pillai, Ashley Prebeg, Sophia Schroeder, Connor Sczygelski, Allison Smith, Star Spiegel, Madison Sturm, Izabella Troyer, Ananda Van Wie, Austin Wiederhoeft.

High Honors (3.75-3.99): Rachel Berg, Abigail Burgener, Breann Cagle, Skylar Herdt, Rylee Hoeppner, Abbigail Krueger, Madeline Leischer, Hannah Mikalauski, Anna Rydeski, Allison Schlegel, Molly Seidler, Sadie Wakefield, Tapanga Woller.

Honors (3.5-3.74): Alison Anderson, Allison Blaubach, Alex Bloch, Jennifer Bolanos, Bailey Buckholt, Ava Cohrs, Tyler Frederick, Henry Grefe, Clayton Gruetzmacher, Savannah Guenther, Kaylee Holloway, Cassandra Howard, Isabelle Kelly-Lowrie, Bayen Lemmon, Ian Lunders, Jakob Mattson, Caleb McCorkle, Alexa Pozorski, Jacob Schnabl, Allysen Semling, Brandon Stolz, Zachary Strasser, Caleb Timm.

GRADE 11
Highest Honors (4.0): Abrahm Akey, Kaitlyn Arndt, Kathryn Ball, Aimee Black, Lily Cordova, Dayton Frederick, Ellie Gerbig, Morgan Henrichs, Dana Kalepp, Rylee Mrachek, Makayla Nelson, Mary Pawlicki, Lydia Rosengren, Amber Skiff, Journey Smith, Nora Trapp, Jackson Vander Velde, Hunter Wallace, Gwen Wheat, Olivia Wheat, Maria Wichman.

High Honors (3.75-3.99): Chase Bonnell, Kaylee Bowe, Jayda Bushor, Anne Herdt, Robert Hinner, Sierra Humphrey, Bailey Iwen, Emma Jaeger, Spencer Johnson, Taylor Korman, Dominic Leistikow, Criztal Martinez, Wesley McIntyre, Chloe Morris, Robert Oestreich, William Opsahl, Izabella Prebeg, Elizabeth Schmidt, Quinn Steckbauer, Shealynn Stichmann, Allison Tabor, Tyler Wolff.

Honors (3.5-3.74): Jamie Bartz, Kelsie Belfiori, Calista Berger, Sydney Brandenburg, Melody Button, Mitchael Cammack, Taleigh Fox, Colton Frisch, Alexis Gloudemans, Eve Gruetzmacher, Alyssa Hardrath, Justus Hipke, Caitlin Jaeger, Ashley Kloth, Stephen Koch, Jacob Kottke, Mackenah Krause, Anna Melder, Joe Osborne, Katie Pfuhl, Brendan Root, Taiyana Shaw, Anna Skoviera, Dalie Thomas, Brielle Thorson, Adam Watson.

GRADE 12
Highest Honors (4.0): Emalee Alexander, Logan Bennett, Ashlin Berry, Kobe Blake, Noah Bolling, Maddix Bonnell, Megan Brewer, Lindsey Casper, Christina Doering, Julia Dowis, Rachel Ellerman, Nathanial Grefe, Maria Grund, Desirae Hoff, Allison Kloth, Makayla Koelsch, Jordyn Londerville, Isaac Meyer, Jacob Novitch, Jared Ollhoff, Brant Raleigh, Benjamin Reindl, Rachel Rell, Nicolas Roman, Autumn Schenzel, Angela Schoone, Hailey Schult, Justin Sims, Paige Sondelski, Aidan Tautges, Eric Von Hirsch, Cristiana Wood.

High Honors (3.75-3.99): Tyler Baade, Nicholas Baumann, Bonnie Blaise, Kade Bonnell, Stevie Booher, Ivan Debroux, Bradley Draxler, Tori Folz, Ethan Halfmann, Andrei Heisinger, Rachel Kleinschmidt, Jared Kniess, Taylor Krueger, Atte Laak, Adam Laehn, William Leischer, Alannah Leopold, Casie McAllister, Renee Moonen, Leigha Ollhoff, Joshua Palazzo, Lily Reimann, Jacob Romang, Jonathan Shuman, Zoe Slewitzke, Mason Smith, Jacci Sousek, Jennisa Strand, Mark Thompson, Mariyah Weber, Devon Winn.

Honors (3.5-3.74): Allison Becker, Zachary Boehm, Delaney Campbell, Kelsey Chladek, Adam Detert, Andreou Goetsch, Makayla Hinz, Shaylin Horn, Jacob Johnson, Brandon Kerchefski, Samuel Krahn, Madelyn Kurtz, Brianna Maas, Kate Peterson, Alexander Pfingsten, Patience Pyan, Sydney Ruplinger, Aaron Schnabl, Jake Spoehr, Ian Springborn, Emily Toth, Eliza Trojanowski, Morgan Wardall, Madisen Weix.