The Annual Holiday Musicale will be presented on Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. in the Merrill History & Culture Center, 100 E. Third St.

Performances will be given by Jim Bjorklund, the Vocal Jayz, Choir Director Josh Olson with Tom Krembs on the organ. A sing-along will follow the performances and light refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited, so please make a reservation by calling the Historical Society office at 715-536-5652. There is no charge for the event, but a free will donation would be appreciated.

Snowplow drivers provide a vital public service that supports public safety and mobility

Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed Monday, Nov. 20, as Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin. The Governor’s proclamation notes that Wisconsin’s approximately 2,000 municipal snowplow drivers provide a vital public service that supports public safety and mobility.

“The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has a century-old and highly-valued partnership with county highway departments who do an outstanding job keeping state roadways clear of snow and ice,” said WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross. “We work closely with counties to implement the latest technologies and efficiencies to help keep travelers and commerce moving safely. Motorists can do their part by slowing down, give plows plenty of room to operate, and stay off roads if possible during severe winter storms so plow operators can do their important work.”

WisDOT offers motorists the following winter travel tips:
Before traveling, call 511 or go online (511wi.gov) to check on road conditions and possible incidents. Consider downloading the 511 Wisconsin smartphone app.

Buckle up, watch what’s happening ahead of you and allow plenty of following distance.

Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Drivers are advised to slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.

Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow’s mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.

If you must pass, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.

Don’t be over-confident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. They still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roadways.

During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

When the 2017 regular football season drew to a close last month, the ever-potent Bluejay rushing offense stood in third place behind smashmouth Great Northern Conference heavyweights  Medford and Antigo. Senior Right Tackle Adam Detert and the Bluejay offensive line were a key factor in that success, and conference coaches seemed to agree, as Detert was named an All-GNC selection for the second consecutive year and a unanimous first-team selection this year.

A three sport athlete; Detert will enter into his fourth year as a starter on the Bluejack hockey squad this winter as a defenseman and a second-year starter as a first baseman on the Bluejay baseball team next spring. Detert was also a member of the Bluejay marching band as a trumpet player in the fall as well as a member of the MHS Link Crew.

When he’s not involved in sports or working his part-time job at Dave’s County Market, Adam enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing video games.

Son of Alan and Shelley Detert of Merrill, Adam currently maintains a 3.6 GPA.

Upon graduation next spring, Adam plans to attend UW-Marathon County and eventually transfer to UW-La Crosse as a Chemistry major.

The week’s featured question was submitted for the City of Merrill Street Department and Lincoln County Highway Department.

The question reads:
“When winter weather hits so early like it did last week, I can’t help but wonder the problems it can cause the street and highway departments! Or is that not really the case? Are our crews caught off guard when mother nature surprises us or are winter preparations made well ahead of time? What is all involved with switching over from summer duties to winter duties? I’m sure salt and sand isn’t cheap and stocking it can’t be easy either. Bless you all and thank you for all you do keeping our streets and community safe!”

Answer as given by Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson

Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson

“The City prepares for winter weather prior to the time of the season’s first snow. Our street crews have a  summer schedule of 4 ten-hour days and a winter schedule of 5 eight-hour days. Supplies of salt and sand are purchased, and plows are readied for use long before they are needed. The time of day it snows, the duration of a snow event, and the amount of snow received can impact our overtime budget but our Street Department employees work whenever necessary to keep our streets cleared and safe for our citizens.”

Answer as given by Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz (on behalf of Lincoln County Highway Commissioner John Hanz.

Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz

“The County Highway Department is aware of possible snow, sleet, rain and freezing temperatures in October, November and December. The Department starts discussions on finishing construction projects and WisDOT Routine Maintenance Agreements (RMA), Discretionary Maintenance Agreement (DMA), and Performance Based Maintenance (PBM) in early October.

“We then make plans to covert trucks to winter maintenance configurations (snow plows, sander and brine equipment). This year all but two trucks are ready to go for plowing. The other two will be done shortly. Our crews were not caught off guard, but the early snow is a budget killer. Complicating the budget issue is the rough winter weather for January, February and March 0f 2017.

Salt purchases are made in September, early fills (salt) start at the end of September and continue into late October or until contract requirements are filled. Blending of sand and salt begins when construction is complete. It is normally done by early November. The County Highway Department is and was ready to go!”

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.

Herbert A. Paul, age 83, formerly of Kimberly and Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at Wisconsin Veterans Home, King, with his family at his side.

Herbert was born April 13, 1934, in rural Lincoln County, Wisconsin, son of the late August and Elsie Paul. He married Betty Baumann on July 13, 1957. She survives. Herbert honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1957, and had been stationed in Japan. Herbert, now retired, had been a Treatment Plant Operator at the former Wisconsin Tissue Mill, Neenah/Menasha. Herbert, also known as ‘Herbie’, was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and trout fishing.

Survivors include his wife Betty Paul, Kimberly; four sons, Jonathan (Cheri) Paul, Neenah, Brian (Terri) Paul, Vass, North Carolina, Douglas (Jackie) Paul, Fond du Lac, and Philip (Wendy) Paul, Pewaukee; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Irma Stine, Merrill, and Joyce Jawson, Winneconne; and four brothers, Walter Paul, Beloit, Frederick (Beverly) Paul, Sterling Heights, MI, David (Jan) Paul, Neenah, and Michael Paul, Greenleaf. Besides his parents, Herbert is preceded in death by seven siblings, Adeline, Ursulla, Robert, Donald, Margaret, Alfred, and Giesela.

Memorial Services with military honors will begin at 1:00 PM Monday, November 27, 2017, at the Wisconsin Veteran Home, King. Chaplain Wayne Schwanke will officiate. Inurnment at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Neenah, will take place at a later date. Family and friends may gather at the main chapel beginning at 12:30 PM Nov. 27th. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the Paul family.

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

Eldor E. Schult, age 83, of the Town of Scott, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at his home under the care of his family and hospice.

Eldor was born April 12, 1934, in the Town of Scott, son of the late Anton and Mathilda (Woller) Schult. He married Evelyn D. Koivisto on April 23, 1977. She preceded him in death on November 21, 2009. Eldor lived on the family farm all his life, and as an adult became a dairy farmer. He enjoyed polka dancing with his wife, attending local fairs and festivals, and snowmobiling. As a youth, Eldor enjoyed playing basketball in school. He was a life member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill.

Eldor is survived by his step daughter, Mandy (Todd) Bishop, Merrill; a sister, Orela Holz, Schofield; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Eldor is preceded in death by four siblings, Viola Weisman, and Milton, Lawrence, and Norman Schult.

Eldor’s family and friends may gather at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017. A private family graveside service will take place in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, at a later date. The Rev. Kyle Carnes and the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services are assisting the family.

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

Michael Laverne Schoetz, age 81, a 17-year resident of Three Lakes, lost his courageous battle with cancer on November 17 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  He was born on June 21, 1936, in Merrill, WI, to parents Michael and Mable (Schuster) Schoetz.

Michael served in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959 and attended Milwaukee School of Engineering.  He enjoyed the challenge of his work as a Data Processing Manager.  He retired in 1994 and served as a volunteer fireman while living in Arkansas.  They moved back to Wisconsin in 1999.
He was an avid Packer, Brewer, and Badger fan.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and bowling with family and in league.  He had a competitive nature in fishing and golf contests and card games.  During his retirement he enjoyed traveling, making model airplanes, ships, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.  He also enjoyed delivering meals on wheels.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Mari Lynn.  Michael is survived by loving wife of 57 years: Ruth (Ryan), son: Peter of Rhinelander, daughter: Julie (James) Cooper of Schaumberg, IL, brother: William (Carole), sister: Sally Janish, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Michael will be from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, November 21, at Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, WI. A celebration of life will be immediately following at 11 AM also at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Lodge, 611 W. Doege St., Marshfield, WI 54449 or Caring Bridge at Caringbridge.org.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com

November 17
9:20 a.m.- Officers were requested by Probation and Parole to respond to a residence and take a male subject into custody that had a warrant through their agency. The male subject was located at that residence and transported to the jail.
3:49 p.m.- Officers were requested by Probation and Parole to take a male subject into custody for a probation violation. The male subject was taken into custody and transported to the jail.

November 18
10:08 a.m.- While officers were investigating a different matter, they located a male subject that had an active warrant for his arrest. The male subject was taken into custody and transported to the jail.
11:05 p.m.- Officers were requested to respond to a residence by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and attempt to locate a male subject that had an active warrant for his arrest. The male subject was located and taken into custody on his warrant and transported to the jail.

The Optimist Club of Merrill recently made a $500 donation to the 2017-18 “After the Bell” program. To keep the cost of the “After the Bell” program free to participants, the program has relied on the generosity and support of organizations like the Optimists to fund the program expenses. During the 13 years the program has existed, 615 different youth have participated. Many of these youth attend the program for all three years they are in middle school. Funds are still needed to cover the cost of snacks, program supplies and paying staff who provide daily supervision for the 2017-18 after school program.
“After the Bell” is a free after school program available for all middle school students whether they attend public or parochial school from 3:05–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Room 118 (enter the school through Door 14) at the Prairie River Middle School on regular school days. The program offers middle school youth a safe, easily accessible place to go after school where they have the opportunity to participate in positive enrichment activities and to learn new skills. Participants are supervised by an adult supervisor(s) with assistance from community and high school volunteers. Each day the program offers students a place to choose to participate in enrichment activities, do their homework, play board games, visit with friends, and/or have a snack. Students do not need to attend the program every day but can choose which days they wish to attend.
If students are interested in participating, they can pick up information and required forms in the Prairie River Middle School office, T.B. Scott Library, the UW-Extension office or the first day they attend the program. Forms are also available on the Lincoln County UW-Extension website at http://lincoln.uwex.edu/, click on 4-H Youth Development, then After the Bell Program. Completed forms must be turned in the second time you attend the program.
If you are interested in volunteering or in making a donation to the “After the Bell” 2017-2018 school year program, please contact Ann Stoeckmann, Program Coordinator at 715-536-3016 or via e-mail at astoeckmann77@gmail.com or Debbie Moellendorf at the Lincoln County UW-Extension office at (715) 539-1077 or via e-mail at deborah.moellendorf@ces.uwex.edu.

The Merrill volleyball team hosted their award ceremony last Tuesday (Nov. 14) in the Merrill High School cafeteria. The Bluejays had five girls receiving All-Conference honors to go along with the many special awards given by the team. The five All-Conference winners include Morgan Wardall (unanimous First Team), Kelsie Blefiori (Second Team), Lindsey Casper (Second Team), Maddix Bonnell (Second Team) and Megan Schroder (Honorable Mention). The team awards went to: Most Improved- Elizabeth Iribarren; Co-MVP- Maddix Bonnell; Offensive Player and Best Server- Lindsey Casper; Defensive Player- Kelsie Belfiori; Co-MVP, Best Spiker, Best Blocker- Morgan Wardall. In addition to winning many team awards and getting unanimous First Team All-Conference, Wardall was also voted to the State All-Tournament Team, and Volleyball All State Honorable Mention.

A 41-year-old Wausau man was arrested after deputies found a man wanted in two counties. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office requested deputies be on the lookout for the man after he failed to appear in both Marathon and Portage county courts on felony charges including delivering heroin. Deputies found the man working on a tree farm in the Town of Skanawan and took him into custody. When the man was searched deputies found prescription drugs not prescribed to the suspect.

Once again residents are reminded that scammers continue to work the area as another woman has fallen victim to the lottery scam. The elderly Tomahawk woman was contacted by someone saying they were from a lottery and telling her she won a substantial amount of money. The scammer followed the usual routine that the woman would gain the cash if she sent in money in advance for processing of her windfall. The woman did send in over $5,000 but the family was able to intercede and stop most of the money before it reached its destination. In this case the caller asked the woman to send the money through several different means, it is believed the scammers used those methods to not raise any flags with the people who helped her send the money at stores and at Western Union. The scammer also told the woman they had to exchange a numerical code before they spoke to ensure confidentially. Law enforcement knows this is a method used by the scammers so they don’t get tripped up by family members who may screen calls.

A 32-year-old Merrill man was arrested Thursday afternoon on a warrant charge. Deputies went to the man’s home off of State Rd. 17 in the Town of Schley and arrested the man on a warrant charging him with contempt of court through the Merrill Municipal Court system.

A 41-year-old Irma man was arrested early Friday morning after deputies investigated a disturbance in the Town of Birch. The incident happened at a residence off of County Rd. H on Thursday evening. The man was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and child abuse.

A 46-year-old Irma man sustained minor injuries and was cited after a single vehicle crash Friday afternoon in the Town of Rock Falls. The man told a deputy he was traveling north on State Rd. 107 near Big Hill Road when he lost control on a curve, crossed the roadway and struck a tree. The driver refused medical transport. After field sobriety tests he was taken into custody for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A 19-year-old Merrill man was arrested late Saturday evening after a disturbance in the Town of Merrill. Deputies went to a residence off of Pope Road just after 10 p.m. after the incident was reported. The suspect was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and probation violation. The Merrill Police Department assisted in the arrest.

A 24-year-old Merrill man was taken into custody early Sunday morning after a deputy investigated a crash in the Town of Merrill. A passerby reported a vehicle off the roadway at the intersection of State Rd. 107 and Hill Crest Drive. The driver refused field sobriety tests and was taken into custody for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

The Recreation Deputy reported a busy opening weekend to the nine day gun deer hunting season. The Rec. Deputy had contact and cited several people for violating county ordinances related to operation of ATVs and use of tree stands on county land. Most of the incidents involved people who were operating off road vehicles in restricted areas and using climbing pegs or illegal tree stands. The Recreation Deputy also made contact with some parties in the Town of Birch when he discovered them trying to shoot a deer from the roadway; a Sheboygan man will be cited.

Twenty four people reported striking deer this past week, all but three of the crashes happened before the start of the gun deer season.

6th Grade 1st Quarter

Highest Honors 4.0
Arabella Baumann, Anna Bowe, Ayden Cantrell, Leah Crockford, Malaynie Dengel, Anna Florez, Anthony Hanse, Allison Hoock, Emerson Iwen, Brooklyn Kraegenbrink, Regen Lahti, Erik Mann, Sebastian Ollmann, Savannah Orzech, Mia Ott, Amber Radtke, Alexis Rogers, Carson Schmitz, Dawson Schulz, Julia Shull, Brock Wakefield, Joshua Watzka, Kayli Wirtala, Gracie Wyma

High Honors 3.75—3.99
Charlotte Doescher, Daisha Hatter, Mariah Jacoby, Jonathon Kracht, Brody Lange, Bridger Lemmon, Connor McCorkle, Chloe Mcrae, Caina Orzech, Nicholas Palecek, Olivia Pierce, Mikal Plautz, Kaiden Ratzlaff, Samuel Reimann, Addison Schneider, Sommer Seefeldt, Dylan Smith, Annalee Streich, Parker Welch, Anna Westfall

Honors 3.5—3.74
Chloe Belant, Hannah Hayes, Aaron Hipke, Linzee Hixon, Daniel Hogenmiller, Mckenna Meyer, Madison Ott, Nolan Polak, Andrew Proulx, Jr, Samara Schoerner, Kekoa Schuetze, Nora Trojanowski, Thomas Troyer, Jacob Walsh, Macy Wesbrock, Macy Wienke

7th Grade 1st Quarter

Highest Honors 4.0
Jaxson Banser, Evelyn Blennert, Mason Borchardt, Ryder Depies, Lily Grefe, Nichole Hanson, Carla Higgins, Samuel Holzinger, Summit Hoyt, Judah Leder, Austin Mosher, Jaiden Pillai, Addison Schmeltzer, Ian Schuetze, Olivia Troyer, Adrianna VanderGeest, Ramsey Wendt, Amber Winter, Dafney Yates

High Honors 3.75—3.99
Madison Crossman, Taylor Jacobson, Jersey Kulawinski, Gage Lassa, Sierra Moore, Caleb Norton, Midori Paulus, Kalynn Podgorski, Morgan Polacek, Alayna Pozorski, Gabriel Small, Madison Vandergeest

Honors 3.5—3.74
Erica Arneson, Brian Ball, Grace Berg, Connor Cortright, Ian Dreikosen, Vincent Entenmann, Donna Jo Gano, Tyson Glisch, Tanner Hannemann, Cassandra Kasten, Jessica Leander, Mia Orchard, Bradyn Pieper, Trenton Pozorski, Brennen Schotz, Drew Semling, Sarah Smith, Ethan Stieber, Jaycie Stockowitz, Eleanor Tanck, Preslie Thiel, Clint Waliczek, Hannah Wendt

8th Grade 1st Quarter

Highest Honors 4.0
Anika Bartz, Annie Becker, Samuel Bennett, Kierra Boyd, Madalia Burrows, Sarah Crockford, Jackson Dejong, Lauren Duginski, Brandon Ellerman, Benjamin Freyer, Caitlyn Geiss, Cory Gigl, David Golisch, Angela Hinner, Jack Hoock, Evan Jaeger, Grace Koehler, Danyelle Kottke, Olivia Losee, Felicia Mayfield, Lydia McIntyre, Michael McRae, Madison Nyman, Bailey Orzech, Emma Pajtash, Jonnie Pierschalla-Zastrow, Adam Polak, Alynn Renzelmann, Daniel Ricci, Elizabeth Schmidt, Grace Schultz, Olivia Stevenson, Levon Vandergeest, Ashton Voermans, Haven Wakefield, Erica Wickman, Laney Zuelsdorff

High Honors 3.75—3.99
Decilyn Clark, Riley Fritcher, Wyatt Grosskurth, Adeline Heisinger, Emily Hintz, Callen Hoeppner, Marissa Hoffman, Samuel Johns, Ashley Johnson, Hailey Mohr, Alexis Peacock, Tanaya Pillai, Ariana Raddatz, Henry Reimann, Abigail Schmidt, Brennan Schneider, Claire Schultz, Taylor Zastrow

Honors 3.5—3.74
Wyatt Bathke, Austin Crapeau, Nicole Doering, Delainy Frederick, Hailey Gerbig, Kasia Jaeger, Carter Jensen, Alexcis Kaufman, Ryan Kevilus, Jr, Danielle Korman, Maria Marvin, Melody Nelson, Paige Plautz, Kayoda Raddatz, Melony Rampart, Matthew Rydeski, Dru Sabatke, Anna Schlegel, Courtney Schneider, Alyssa Seamans, Draven Slweitzke, Brenna Steinagel, Anthony Vogel, Riley Warren, Darrin Wiederhoeft, Makenna Wimmer, Geno Zecca

Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill will present its annual Live Nativity in the church parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4-7 p.m.

You’re invited to come and view the true meaning of Christmas, and also enjoy a free soup meal in the church basement from 4-6:30 p.m.

While you’re there, shop the breads, candies and cookie sale from 3-8 p.m., also in the church basement.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 107 N. State St. in Merrill.

Students of the Quarter at Prairie River Middle School are recognized for their efforts in being a good citizen, including: Behavior, Integrity, Responsibility and Discussion. The school is proud to acknowledge these students’ positive learning behaviors.

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Sixth grade students of the quarter are, front from left, Julia Shull, Leah Crockford, Sommer Seefeldt, Emerson Iwen, Joshua Watzka, Parker Welch, Ayden Cantrell; second row, Olivia Pierce, Kekoa Schuetze, Erik Mann, Carson Schmitz, Savannah Orzech, Kaiden Ratzlaff (missing from the photo is Andrew Proulx).

This holiday season marks the 36th year for the Mitten Tree at Miller’s Home Furnishings on Merrill’s west side.

Throughout the holiday season, the public is invited to donate new hats, mittens, socks and scarfs that are knitted, crocheted or purchased. The items may be brought to Miller’s and hung on the Mitten Tree.

The project is sponsored by Merrill’s west side merchants and Wally Smith, owner of Miller’s Home Furnishings.

“A grateful thank you to Miller’s for providing the tree,” said project coordinator Sandy Hull. “Without you none of this would be possible all these years.”

Posters to promote the tree are made by local Girl Scout troops, this year by Troop 7074 of middle and high school age girls in the Merrill area.

“On behalf of all the children and Wally and myself, we wish to say this community has always been such a sharing and caring and supportive community of the Mitten Tree,” Hull said. “It is with a big heart felt thank you to you that this project has been such a success all these years.

“This means so much to the children whose heads, hands and feet won’t be cold this winter.”

The items from the tree are made available to the children who need them through the Merrill area schools. For more information, contact Hull at 715-536-9131.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s likely there are multiple parties and thus many meals in your future. Carrying food from one location to another and sharing dishes with a crowd means more opportunity for bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning. Whether you’re a skilled cook, a first-time party host, or simply adding a dish to the potluck lineup, the holidays can make even the most confident chefs nervous. The Lincoln County Health Department wants everyone to have a safe holiday season by sharing these food safety tips.

Safely thaw your turkey. Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a clean sink of cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave. Avoid thawing foods on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature to prevent harmful germs from growing rapidly.

Cooking meat properly. A whole turkey is safe to eat when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Most hams can be bought precooked. Precooked hams should have an internal temperature of 140° F. If you are cooking a raw ham it should reach a temperature of 145° F for 3 minutes. Beef roasts are often cooked at different temperatures depending on preferences, however remember consuming any food that are undercooked can increase your chances of getting a food borne illness. For medium rare 145 °F, medium 160 °F, and well done 175 °F.

Use pasteurized eggs for dishes containing raw eggs. Salmonella and other harmful germs can live on both the outside and inside of normal-looking eggs. Many holiday favorites contain raw eggs, including eggnog, Tom and Jerry’s, tiramisu, hollandaise sauce, and Caesar dressing. Always use pasteurized eggs when making these and other foods made with raw eggs.

Do not eat dough or batter. Dough and batter made with flour or eggs can contain harmful germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Do not taste or eat raw dough or batter of any kind, including those for cookies, cakes, pies, biscuits, pancakes, tortillas, pizza, or crafts. Do not let children taste raw dough or batter or play with dough at home or in restaurants.

Keep food out of the “danger zone.” Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. After food is cooked, keep hot food hot (135° F and above) and cold food cold (41° F or below). The danger zone is often referred to as between 41- 135° F. Refrigerate or freeze any perishable food within 2 hours, to include foods at a potluck, which are not kept at proper temperature.

For more information about food illness, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodborne/index.htm .For more information about Lincoln County Health Department’s programs and services, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or like us on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always working for a safer and healthier Lincoln County

All it took was four very determined young brothers to join forces to create what would turn out to be the largest silver fox and mink farm in the United States, The Fromm Brothers Fur & Ginseng Farm. Edward, Walter, John and Henry Fromm were hard-working young men. Their work ethic brought to fruition an enterprise that impacted multiple business industries – from ginseng farming and disease control to fox and mink farming and fashion, and numerous other ventures in between. It is an amazing local story of hard work and determination.

Come to the T.B. Scott Library on Sunday. Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. as we hear about the history of the Fromm Brothers and how their iconic local business put the small Town of Hamburg on the worldwide map. Learn about the future of the Fromm Brothers property and how the Fromm Brothers Historical Preservation Society, that has been formed, will ensure that individuals for generations to come will know about this very unique Wisconsin enterprise. The event presenter, Gregory Strasser, is a founding board member of the Fromm Brothers Historical Preservation Society. His love of history brought him to the Fromm property in Hamburg and the legacy created there. His love of the community compelled him to help preserve that legacy.

As a bonus, Bright with Silver will be available for viewing at the presentation. In 1947, author Kathrene Pinkerton did a phenomenal job of telling the story of the Fromm brothers and their business enterprise journey. The library has copies available for checkout at any time.

This program, part of the Library’s Words Worth Hearing Series, provides an opportunity for community members and historians to listen and learn about a real-life story that made an enormous impact on our small town in the Midwest and how it will be preserved.

Refreshments will be available from First Street Coffee Station and The Checkered Churn. Find out what’s happening at your library at www.tbscottlibrary.org, “T.B. Scott Free Library” on Facebook, or by calling 715-536-7191.

The Merrill Lions awarded prizes in the annual Peace Poster contest at St. Francis School. Pictured from left are: Patti Gessler, art teacher; Ana Voermans, first place; Tessa Wheat, second place; Isaiah Rell, third place; Lauren Cohrs, honorable mention; Nevaeh Nelson, honorable mention; and Lion Judeen Knott, peace poster coordinator. The goal of Lions International is to emphasize the importance of and encourage young people to realize the value of world peace. Winning posters were selected by local judges for their originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme – “The Future of Peace.” The first place winning poster will be forwarded to the Lions District competition. The Merrill Lions congratulate the winners and thank all the entrants in the peace poster contest.

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.

The bells you hear ringing as you exit your car at Dave’s County Market or Walmart are reminders that the Red Kettle Campaign is up and running again in Merrill!

Last year’s campaign was a year of many firsts:
It was the first year a ringer rang the bell for over 60 hours (not consecutively!). Ward Gremler put in over 60 hours with Don MacSwain coming in second with 56 hours.
It was the first year that Church Mutual supplied ringing volunteers from throughout the whole company during work hours.
It was the first year we had a diamond ring donated at a kettle.
It was the first year we topped $30,000 in donations – $10,942 more than the previous year.

In the past, individuals and organizations in Merrill have embraced the Red Kettle Campaign. The yearly campaign uses the funds raised to help Merrill residents with emergency lodging, evictions, and assists residents with gas/electricity shut offs, and medical/emergency transportation issues. Individuals can support the annual campaign which helps Merrill’s neediest residents by ringing a bell, donating at the kettle, or sending a check to Salvation Army of Merrill, PO Box 614, Merrill WI, 54452).

Organizations are instrumental in making the campaign a success. This year the churches who are participating are St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Christ Methodist Church, Bible Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Merrill Bible Church, New Testament Church, Calvery Lutheran, Journey Church, St. John Church and Hillside Fellowship. Many different Boy Scouts troops also ring as a group, including Troop 599 who ring a whole day at Dave’s County Market. Another group instrumental in our ringing success is The Saint Vinny Ringers, composed of volunteers from St. Vincent DePaul.

To volunteer to ring, please contact Sharon Anderson by phone 715-536-9166, or (715) 921-0673, email anderson1969@frontier.com, or message us on our facebook page Salvation Army of Merrill.