Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

On Monday, the Madison Area Sports Commission unveiled 85 life-sized fiberglass statues of the beloved University of Wisconsin-Madison mascot, Bucky Badger, as they were placed at various locations around the state’s capital city. The statues are part of the “Bucky on Parade” Public Art Event, scheduled to last through mid-September. But these fiberglass works are anything but the usual Bucky that state residents and athletic fans are used to.

In fact, each of the 85 renditions of Bucky is unique, as customized by their respective artists. One such artist, was Merrill’s Prairie River Middle School at teacher Christy Rasmussen.
“My son graduated from UW-Madison last spring,” the 20-year veteran artist explains. “While attending his graduation, I noticed an advertisement about a ‘Bucky on Parade’ event coming up. It sounded like a fun idea so I followed up with the contact information included in the ad and submitted my application last November. A few weeks later I learned I had been selected to participate, and I was selected by one of the biggest sponsors of the event, ‘Two Men and a Truck’ based out of Madison. I was very surprised!”
Not only was Rasmussen selected to participate in the event (which also will raise funds for the Gard Against Cancer charity established by UW Basketball coach Greg Gard) but she was the only artist selected outside of the Madison-Metro area.

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PRMS Art Teacher Christy Rasmussen pictured with parents Jim and Mary Harrison of Eau Claire and joined by 'Bucky' (as portrayed by one of Rasmussen's former students, recent MHS grad and current UW student Tanner Pettit)

In January, Rasmussen and husband Dale made the trek to Madison to bring the plain-white, 6-foot-tall, 115-pound “Bucky” home and got to work.
Rasmussen named her project “Bucky on Guard.”
“As part of the application to participate in the project, artists were asked to not only name their project but offer a conceptual design of what their Bucky would look like,” Rasmussen explains. “My concept was to use Bucky to showcase the many wonderful aspects and sights Madison has to offer.”

The end result was Bucky being adorned from head-to-toe and front-to-back, with depictions of various Madison area attractions as well as a few creative additions; from a mini-portrait of the Yahara chain of lakes on his left upper shoulder and the capital building over his heart to the UW-Madison Athletic “W” logo over his lower torso. Rasmussen’s creative side is evident with Bucky’s back being mostly covered with a slice of swiss cheese, in the shape of the state of Wisconsin. However, upon closer look, it is yet another creative twist with a touch of “home.”
“I wanted to add something to put a home-like touch to the project so I placed one of the holes commonly found in swiss cheese, to signify Merrill’s location on the Wisconsin shaped slice of cheese,” Rasmussen adds with a smile. “And if you look even closer, you will see another more subtle reference to Merrill as I gently placed the number 49 over that hole.”
The number 49 is of course a reference the number worn by Merrill native Sam Arneson, who played four years of football at UW-Madison as a tight end.

All of the work on “Bucky on Guard” was done inside Rasmussen’s art room at PRMS.

“I didn’t keep track of exactly how many hours went into him, but I can tell you it was hundreds,” she said.
Many nights and weekends were devoted to the project, but Rasmussen also took advantage of the opportunity to use the project in discussing various life lessons with her students.
“They helped a great deal with preparing the statue for painting, but I think the biggest thing they took away from the experience was the many lessons that can be learned when working on a long-term project like this,” Rasmussen said. “The level of commitment and ownership one must invest to see something like this through, for example. We also discussed how opportunities like these don’t come about on their own, it takes motivation and a willingness to put yourself out there and take a chance. As I explained to them; when I applied to participate in this project, I had no idea for certain if I would be selected. I had to take a chance. If I was selected I would be very happy of course and if I wasn’t, I would have been disappointed, but that’s part of life.”
Bucky on Guard proved to be an experience Rasmussen treasures as both an artist and a teacher.
“It was really a lot of fun including my students, and they took it upon themselves to be very supportive with their feedback and compliments every day when they came to class. They would make a point of looking over the new work I had done and would let me know what they think. When it was time for Bucky to return to Madison last month when he was completed, I think we all missed him a little bit. After all, he had been literally a fixture here for three months,” she adds with a smile.
The Madison Area Sports Commission is the producer of the Bucky on Parade event, with support from the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau and in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin Athletics, and Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association. Event proceeds will support Garding Against Cancer, Madison Area Sports Commission and other community charities.

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Joseph O. Reichl, age 89, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Woodlawn Court in Merrill.

Joe was born May 7, 1929, in Wausau, son of the late Oscar and Caroline (Barres) Reichl. He married Grayce Anderson on October 22, 1975. She survives. Joe had been the owner and operator of Merrill Glass Company. He enjoyed attending both boat and car shows, and spending time on their houseboat on the Mississippi River. Joe served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman.

Survivors include his wife Gracye Reichl, Merrill; three daughters, Robin Reichl, Madison, Virginia (Brian) Zinser, Marquette, Michigan, and Sarah Reichl, Wausau; one son, Alex (Janice) Reichl, Stevens Point; four grandchildren, Natalie, Kate, Jack, and Caroline; and a great grandchild on the way. Besides his parents, Joe is preceded in death by three brothers, John, Ray, and Charles.

Per Joe’s wishes there will be no services. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

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Virginia R. Gremler, 63, Merrill, died Wednesday May 2, 2018 at the Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.

She was born September 29, 1954, in Merrill, daughter of Daisy (Drew) Bergman, Gleason and the late Carl Bergman. On August 14, 1977, she married Joe Gremler at St. John’s Church, Merrill. He survives.

Survivors besides her husband, Joe and mother, Daisy, include her children, David Gremler, Merrill, Robert Strozewski, Texas, Cara (John) Anderson, North Carolina, Renee Bennish, Wausau, Brenda Gremler, Merrill; grandchildren, Ashley (Manuel) Diaz, Kyle Roberts, Corbin Strozewski, Trinity Strozewski, Dena Strozewski, Tyler (Ruth) Anderson, Joeann (Caleb) Taylor, Alexis Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Damon Bennish; great grandchildren, Isabella, Taylor, Hazel, Sakura; and six brothers. Virginia was preceded in death by her father, Carl Bergman, grandmother, Hazel Drew, grandfather, Robert Drew and a son, Joe Gremler Jr.

The family would like to extend a special Thank you to Renee Jacobson and Nicole Williams.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr

5-17-78
By a 5-4 vote the Merrill City Council has rejected attempts to hire a manager for the city’s public works departments. The recommendation for a public works director comes from meetings held over the last few months by former mayor Ralph Voigt’s task force to study city government. Ralph Nienow, task force chairman said creating a public works manager would not mean abolishment of the elected street commissioner. Task force member Jerry Whitburn told how Wausau, Rhinelander, Antigo and Port Edwards already have a position similar to a public works director and the job is being considered in Marshfield. But Alderman Ellsworth Plautz asked his fellow council members to give the elected street commissioner a chance and pointed out that if they change, it likely would lead to the need for a secretary and a foreman to oversee the crew. The aldermen had already voted last month to reject calls from the task force to eliminate the transit commission and administrator; the council on Tuesday voted to reduce the makeup of the group from five to three members and transfer powers away from it such as those dealing with off street parking. The council also voted to create what will be known as a health and safety committee, but that likely will not happen until the council re-organizes in April of 1980.
Two escapees from Lincoln Hill’s School in Irma have been captured slightly 24 hours after running from the institution. Shortly after 8 p.m. Sheriff Ron Krueger, his deputies, and staff from Lincoln Hills took the two boys aged 14 and 15 into custody in the town of Merrill near the intersection of US Hwy. 51 and State Rd. 17. Sightings of the two flooded into the sheriff’s office all day and kept the two confined to a small area north of town. Eventually a dog flushed the juveniles from some brush across the four lane highway and into the waiting arms of Sheriff Krueger. The two youths were returned to the facility in the Town of Birch because according to Sheriff Krueger they did not commit any new crimes while they were on the run. Lincoln Hills’ acting superintendent John Ross expected the pair to be transferred to the state facility at Wales today. On Monday night the pair broke from a minimum security cottage while the counselor had others students outside playing basketball.

In briefs: The Blackheath restaurant will finally open to the public Monday; Dick and Marcene Puder will manage the facility which is located on the Merrill Golf Course. Mel’s Big Dollar has a new name, store owner Mel Peterson and his wife Eleanore are pictured cutting the ribbon for their newly branded store Piggly Wiggly. Bill’s House of Guns north of Merrill is known as the leading distributor of Stoeger firearms in the United States, and thanks to that Terry Casper and his wife Nancy will be taking a vacation to Spain. While in Spain the Casper’s will tour the Stoeger factory. Belle City Amusements has been named in a law suit by the Wisconsin Department of Justice alleging the amusement company has violated safety standards. A laundry list of deficiencies in the company’s rides are listed including worn out brakes and missing safety guards. Ted Lokemoen, board treasurer of the Lincoln County 4H Fair, said Monday that the fair has been doing business with Belle City for 20 years and he expects they will have everything ship shape when they hit town. (I have said before I have visited them in Florida at the Manatee County Fair and I can vouch that they are top notch now and often play large state fairs)

5-18-88
The Merrill Marching Jays are heading for Washington D.C. in the spring of next year. Band directors Dan Nordall and Dale Smith received approval from the Board of Education to plan the trip in which the Marching Jays will take part in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA in May of 1989. It is expected that the Jays will be one of 110 bands that normally participate in the event. The trip is expected to cost $27,300 which will include travel, lodging, meals and sightseeing. Currently the Band Boosters have $12,000 so fund raising will soon begin to fund the trip. The last large scale band trip was to Canada in 1986 where Merrill took home first place. (I think some of our pictures still hang in some hotel offices out in Virginia on the “do not rent” list from that trip)

The Bankroll continues to grow at Drew’s as on the east side Hannah Hess did not have her card punched and on the west side it was Frank Bertagnoli. The jackpots are now up to $1,400 and $1,300.

Ed Stiver says you just have to talk about good things in order for them to happen. His theory carries weight as he was telling his golfing companions yesterday about how he was going to hit a hole in one on the Merrill Golf Course number nine hole. The five year golfer then used a seven-iron to hit the 135 yard shot in one stroke.

5-20-98
The City of Merrill will have a serious meeting in the next couple of weeks to discuss the city’s finances after alarm bells were set off by the city auditing firm. Bill Miller of Cohen & Associates asked for the sit down with the personnel and finance committee in light of the recent audit. The concern is the city’s general fund which stood at $3.3 million at the end of 1997 but now sits at $589,494. City Finance Director Bruce Redlin stated the city will still be able to meet expected expenditures. Mayor Michael Caylor campaigned on his concerns over the city’s finances and now he is telling the auditors he wants a clear explanation for everyone to understand instead of getting mixed messages from numerous sources as to the health of the city. Chief Neil Strobel of the police department was the first to feel the effects of the newly produced tight belt; his request for a third secretary was turned down by the council last night as were the reclassifications of several city employees into higher pay grades.

The Lincoln County Law Enforcement committee has agreed to a temporary fix for the overcrowding in the Lincoln County Jail by installing double bunks in the cells. Sheriff Paul Proulx said the cost of the fixtures, cameras, and extra staff would be around $110,000 the first year but it would save on the estimated cost of $230,000 for outside housing at other jails. Currently the Sheriff is $304,000 under budget for the year.

Will Lincoln County abolish the office of coroner? Both the personnel and law enforcement committees have recommended abolishing the position starting in 1998. According to county administrative coordinator John Mulder the act would be in accordance with 14 other counties who have switched to a medical examiner. Mulder explained the switch would allow the appointment of a qualified person instead of an election. The current budget for the coroner’s office is $23,000 of which $6,952 is salary for Coroner David Haskins.

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A $6,000 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2018 Fellowship was presented to Joan Tabor, teacher at Pine River School for Young Learners at a recognition luncheon hosted by Herb Kohl, Wisconsin philanthropist and businessman. The school will receive a matching $6,000 grant.

“Receiving Kohl Fellowship recognition is one of the highest honors for a teacher,” said Dr. John Sample, Superintendent for Merrill Area Public Schools. “We are so proud of Mrs. Tabor and the dedication she brings to this wonderful program!”

The Herb Kohl Fellowship recognizes teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both inside and outside the classroom.

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has been recognizing educational excellence annually since 1990, awarding fellowships to 100 Wisconsin teachers and matching grants to each fellow’s school.

Since it was established in 1990, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded $14.5 million to Wisconsin students, teachers, principals and schools.

On behalf of Pine River School for Young Learners staff and students, Principal Jill Seaman stated, “We are fortunate to have Joan as a teacher at our school and her school family is very happy for her receiving this prestigious award.”

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By Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Zahn

Navy Office of Community Outreach

A Merrill native and 1995 Merrill Senior High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS).

Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Annis is the chief staff officer of base operations at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, operating out of Sasebo, Japan.

A Navy chief staff officer is second in command to the commanding officer of the base. He is overall responsible for base operations, maintenance, military personnel, staff and families. He is the principal advisor to the commanding officer on all fleet operations.

“I learned to work hard and take care of people, these are hometown and family values that I bring to the Navy,” said Annis.

Annis thus far is proud of having the chance to be able to lead and help sailors and their families. He is appreciative of the people who he serves with and the people who work for him. He believes that he is part of a great group of sailors, families and civilians. He also enjoys being able to do what he does overseas.

Moments like that makes it worth serving around the world ready at all times to defend America’s interests. With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world. The Navy’s presence in Sasebo is part of that long-standing commitment, explained Navy officials.

“I’m proud and thankful for the opportunity to be able to do what I do for as long as I have,” said Annis. “I enjoy being involved in the operations here and being able to see everyone work together to get the job done. Being able to support the forward deployed naval forces execute their mission on a daily basis is what’s important.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Annis and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I think the biggest thing for me is realizing that I’m serving for something larger than myself,” said Annis. “How important and rewarding that is to serve in the Navy.”

Seventh Fleet, which is celebrating its 75th year in 2018, spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South. Seventh Fleet’s area of operation encompasses 36 maritime countries and 50 percent of the world’s population with between 50-70 U.S. ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and approximately 20,000 sailors in the 7th Fleet.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

It was a wild week for the Merrill softball squad, playing seven games over a five-day stretch to make up time lost to a lingering winter. On Tuesday night the girls kicked off the run of games, with a home sweep of Wausau East.
In the first game, the Jays got on the board in the third inning when Maddix Bonnell came through with a double. The Jays scored two more runs in the next inning on a Kelsie Belfiori two-RBI double.
Merrill would extend their lead in the bottom of the fifth as Megan Schroder hit an RBI single and then scored on a double by Makayla Heller.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Jays rallied to score five more runs. Belfiori scored on a Bonnell fly ball, then a double by Calli Oberg would score Patience Pyan to make it 8-0. Taylor Krueger singled to score Oberg from second. An error would score two runs for Merrill ending the game at 11-0.
Taylor Krueger pitched all six innings, striking out five, allowing five hits and no runs.
Belfiori went 2-3 with two RBI’s, two runs scored and a walk. Bonnell also had a two RBI game, going 2-3 with a double, and a run scored. Schroder had three hits to go along with an RBI and a run scored.
In the second game, Merrill beat the Lumberjacks 18-4 in five innings.
The Jays got the jump, scoring two runs in the first. Belfiori led off with a single, and scored on a Bonnell triple. Bonnell then scored on a single by Krueger. East tied the game at 2-2 in their half of the first inning, however Merrill went off for four runs in the top of the second. Pyan would hit a fly ball, scoring Ally Semling. Bonnell would then deliver a single to score another Merrill run. Pyan and Bonnell would both cross the plate on an Oberg single, making the score 6-2.
Three walks in the top of the third inning set up Pyan for a two-RBI single. Bonnell would then clear the bases with a triple, putting Merrill up 10-2. Merrill exploded for eight runs in the top of the fifth. Pyan would drive in Molly Weix with a single. Taylor Krueger would ground out to first base, scoring Pyan from third. A single by Lindsey Casper scored two more Bluejay runners, bringing the score to 14-2. A Semling single scored one, followed by a Molly Weix single that would score two more. Pyan would hit again in the inning and drove in another run to make it an 18-2 game. East scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth, however Merrill would get the 18-4 victory.
Krueger went the whole five innings for Merrill, giving up seven hits, three earned runs, and striking out three batters while walking only one.
Pyan had a huge five RBI game to go along with her three hits and three runs scored. Bonnell also had a big game with four RBI’s, three hits including two triples, and three runs scored. Krueger had a two RBI game with one hit. Casper knocked in two runners, and had one run scored, and one hit.

Jays best West twice

On Thursday, Merrill hosted Wausau West for another conference double header. Again, Merrill swept the day, taking the first game by a score of 4-2.
In the bottom of the third, Merrill took the lead with two runs as Pyan drove in Heller with a single, then scored on a Bonnell double. West struck back in the top of the fourth with a solo home run to bring the score to 2-1.
The Jays would score in the fourth on a walk and a throwing error. West added another solo home run in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the inning, Oberg came through with a single that scored Pyan, as Merrill won 4-2.
In the second game against West, the Jays battled back for a 9-3 win.
West scored one run in the first inning to take a lead that would hold up until the fourth inning, when the Jays rallied for four runs. With the bases loaded, Schroder drew a walk to score one run. A ground out by Semling would push another run across, right before Molly Weix scored two runs with a fielders choice. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Warriors struck for two runs to make it a 4-3 game.
Oberg gave Merrill some breathing room with a solo home run in the top of the fifth. A four-run seventh inning featured a Belfiori RBI single and a three-run homer by Oberg to extend Merrill’s lead to 9-3.

Late rally sparks Bluejays win
On Saturday, Merrill hosted an invitational at the MARC, and the Jays opened with a 6-5 win over Medford.
In the top of the first, Medford scored two runs. In Merrill’s half of the inning, Taylor was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score a run.
Medford scored three more in the top of the second. The Jays responded in the bottom of the third with one run on three singles in a row from Schroder, Semling and Molly Weix.
In the bottom of the fifth, Merrill cut the lead to one. Oberg scored on an error and Semling hit an RBI single. In the bottom of the sixth, singles by Oberg and Krueger scored Pyan and tie the game at five. Casper would then hit a sacrifice fly ball to left field to score the go-ahead run.
Medford would go down in order in the top of the seventh inning, as Krueger struck out four of the last six Medford batters to get the 6-5 win.
Jays beat down Robins
In Merrill’s second game Saturday, they scored 10 runs in the first inning en route to a 17-2 blowout win over Antigo.
Antigo got the first two runs of the game in the top of the first. Merrill struck back in a big way scoring 10 runs in the bottom of the first. Pyan got things started with a solo home run, Antigo would then walk in two runs to give Merrill a lead. Merrill then scored another run on a passed ball before Pyan hit a grand slam and her second homer in the inning to give the Jays a 9-2 lead. Bonnell followed that up with a single and would score on an Oberg double.
Two runs in the bottom of the third brought the 10-run rule into play for Merrill as they led Antigo 12-2. The runs would come off an Oberg ground out and a Krueger single. The Jays then exploded for five more runs in the fourth inning to put the game out of reach. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for a Pyan walk that scored a Merrill run. Bonnell then singled to score two more and leave two runners on. Krueger came through again with a single to score another two runs. Antigo went down in order in the top of the fifth to end the game.

Altoona tops Jays in finale
In the last game of Saturday’s invite, a late inning run pushed Altoona past Merrill.
Altoona scored three runs in the top of the third, but the Jays got one back in the bottom half of the inning. Belfiori reached on an error and advanced on a Pyan single. Bonnell would then fly out, scoring Belfiori from third. In the bottom of the fourth, Merrill would tie the game when Madi Weix singled to score Krueger and Molly Weix grounded into a fielders choice which scored Casper.
Altoona recaptured the lead in the fifth inning, scoring two runs to go up 5-3. In the bottom of the sixth, Merrill pulled within 5-4. Altoona scored one more run in the top of the seventh on a Merrill error. In the last half inning of the game, Belfiori got Merrill’s offense started with a single, then scoring on a MBonnell double. But that’s as close a Merrill would get, as the game ended in a 6-5 loss.

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The Merrill Post Office will host a Passport Day event on May 12 from 9 a.m.-noon.

“This is a great opportunity for Merrill residents planning to travel outside the United States to apply for a passport without making a reservation,” said Merrill Postmaster Joelle Nelson.

In addition to the familiar passport book, travelers can also apply for a passport card, which may be used for land and sea travel only between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean region. The wallet-sized passport card is a less expensive alternative for those who travel to these destinations, but it is not available for international travel by air.

To apply for a passport book or passport card for the first time, applicants need proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of their birth certificates issued by the city, county or state, or a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Applicants will also need a valid form of photo identification, and they must submit a photocopy of that identification. There will be passport photo service available at the Merrill Post Office.

“We’re here to help our customers as they prepare to travel the world,” added Nelson. “We make getting a passport easy and convenient with a one-stop shop solution.”

Customers can learn more about passport application costs and save time by downloading forms at www.usps.com/passports.

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Since getting underway in early February, the new Stonebridge Housing project has certainly experienced its share of obstacles. Despite various setbacks, including a record setting April snowstorm which dumped nearly two feet of snow over the Merrill area, the project has not only persevered, but the original timeline remains intact and on schedule.
As the project nears the halfway mark of its construction schedule, the tri-level structure overlooking the city has all its framework and windows in place as well as infrastructure for electrical and plumbing.
According to Horizon Group Project Manager Dave Jellings, roof work began in mid-April and will be wrapping up next week. The next step will be the start of interior work such as drywall and flooring which is expected to begin at the end of the month, along with completion of electrical and plumbing installation. Around the same time, exterior siding work will also begin, with both phases expected to be completed by mid-June.
“Our original completion date for the project remains intact for September 4,” Jellings stated. “But I assure you, the new Stonebridge Housing Complex will be open by September 1.”
MAHA Executive Director Paul Russell is not surprised by the project’s success and overcoming winter’s last stand.
“I like and appreciate Dave’s confidence,” he said with a smile. “We have a great crew assigned to this project that just doesn’t back down or slow down. From laying concrete in bitter cold and wind using heating blankets, to working through a massive winter storm in April; they just refuse to allow themselves to get sidetracked. The efforts of those working on this project have just been outstanding.”
When complete, Stonebridge will offer 38 brand new apartment units with a range of amenities.
“When this building is finished, the gateway to the west side of the city will have a whole new look. In the big picture, Park Place brought a whole new look during its era back in 1970. And Stonebridge will also bring a whole new look to the city, while providing affordable housing for the next 40-50 years.”

3D rendering of the Stonebridge Housing Complex when completed

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May 7
8:26 a.m.- A male party was located in front of the armory who had an active warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the jail.
3:42 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to a domestic complaint. Officers spoke with the male and female who were involved in the altercation. After the investigation was completed, the female was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.

May 8
3 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to a residence to assist Social Services on a home visit. During the contact, two individuals in the residence were found to have active warrants for their arrest. The two parties were arrested and transported to the jail.

May 9
9:14 a.m.- An officer observed a male in a vehicle he knew to have a warrant for his arrest. A traffic stop was conducted and the man was arrested for the warrant.
6:43 p.m.- An officer conducted a traffic stop at the festival grounds after observing the driver operating in a reckless manner. The driver was cited for disorderly conduct with a motor vehicle.

May 10
7:17 a.m.- A male was arrested for bail jumping after going to a female’s residence he is court ordered not to have contact with.
1:31 p.m.- A caller reported someone had struck her vehicle sometime overnight. The officer discovered a neighbor’s vehicle had damage consistent with the crash. The driver is known and further investigation is forthcoming.
2:51 p.m.- A 16-year-old male was cited for petty theft after it was found he had stolen a box of candy bars at the middle school.
3:51 p.m.- A male was arrested for a probation violation at the request of Probation & Parole.

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Millions of Americans experience hearing loss, but the good news is that most people can correct the problem with hearing aids.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one in eight people in the United States 12 years of age or older has hearing loss in both ears. Based on standard hearing examinations, that’s approximately 30 million people who may benefit from hearing aid technology.

Ascension Medical Group Doctors of Audiology Heidi Grosskopf and Karen Teter will offer a free educational seminar on hearing loss and new hearing aid technology on Wednesday, May 23 in Merrill.

The Merrill program will be held at Ascension Medical Group, 430 E. Main St., from 1-3 p.m. The presentation will last approximately 20 minutes with a question and answer session to follow. Light refreshments will be provided.

Ascension Medical Group cares for people with many types of hearing, balance and ear disorders, such as hearing loss, dizziness or loss of balance, Meniere’s disease and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Testing services range from newborn hearing screens to full diagnostic evaluations for adults.

Hearing aid evaluations are also available at Ascension Medical Group — a personalized interview to determine what will best meet individual needs — and one-on-one fittings to ensure comfort and confidence in programming and using hearing aids.

Ascension Medical Group audiologists work closely with other specialists, including primary care doctors, pediatricians, ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctors and neurologists to form a team of experts who are focused on your hearing health.

For more information, please contact Ascension Medical Group at 715-361-4560.

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Canning can be a safe and economical way to preserve quality foods at home. Canning homegrown food may save you half the cost of buying commercially canned food. The advantages of home canning are lost when you start with poor quality fresh foods; when jars fail to seal properly; when food spoils; and when flavors, texture, color, and nutrients deteriorate due to improper canning.

If the art of home canning is new to you, or you just need a quick refresher or some helpful hints, come to the T.B. Scott Library Community Room on May 22 at 6 p.m. for a session with D’Lacey Haight.

D’Lacey learned early on to appreciate the taste difference of fresh uncomplicated foods. With that knowledge and a desire to hone her skills, she enrolled in culinary school.

Now “at a certain age” she is more aware than ever of the role food plays in your mental and physical health, and holds high the value of knowing where your food comes from and how it is prepared.

D’Lacey will speak to the changes they have seen, regarding food preservation, at Merrill Ace Hardware, and how they are constantly working to meet the needs of avid canners and those timid wannabes alike.

This program is part of the library’s Words Worth Hearing series. Refreshments will be provided.

For further information, please contact Laurie Ollhoff at 715-536-7191 or lollhoff@tbscottlibrary.org. Find out what’s happening at your library at www.tbscottlibrary.org, @TBScottFreeLibrary on Facebook, or by calling 715-536-7191.

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The Merrill Police Department holds arrest warrants issued 4/16/2018 for Tanya M. Slozes, DOB 6/10/1985, last known address W5318 Hillside Dr., Merrill. The city recovered a judgment of $124 for operating without a valid license. The defendant is in default of payment, and must pay the amounts or spend 2 days in jail.

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

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Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1638 and its Auxiliary will be distributing Buddy Poppies in various locations throughout the city of Merrill. The main drive dates are May 18-27.

Michael Paul, Sr. Vice Commander Post 1638 and Cheryl Paul, Jr. Vice President Post 1638 Auxiliary, state that the proceeds from Buddy Poppy distributions must be used to benefit disabled and needy veterans and the family members and orphans of deceased veterans.

“What better way to help our veterans in the community than by distributing this little flower of remembrance. We encourage everyone in town to stop by the various locations, Dave’s County Market, Piggly Wiggly, Pine Ridge Mobil and only May 25, 26 and 27 at Walmart, and get a Buddy Poppy to help the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” they stated. “We are looking forward to seeing everybody we possibly can and be proud when the donations are counted up and sent out to help the needy. Please help the cause and thank you for your continued support.”

This drive is a lead-in to the Memorial Day remembrance of the fallen.

Mayor Derek Woellner, newly elected, signed a City of Merrill Proclamation, dedicating the week of May 18-27, 2018 as the annual Buddy Poppy Campaign.

Last year’s top distributors were Lloyd “Bud” Schmitz – Post 1638, and Karen Radloff-Auxiliary.

For further information for the Buddy Poppy Campaign, or donations, contact VFW Post Chairman Michael Paul at 715-218-2891 or Cheryl Paul at 715-218-2889.

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MHS Girls varsity soccer Goalie Kaylee Bowe proved a force to be reckoned with on Thursday  May 3, as she tallied a career high 21 saves in the team’s bout at D.C Everest. A junior at MHS, Kaylee is in the middle of her third year as a varsity starter on the soccer team. This past winter she made her varsity debut at the post position on the Girls Varsity Basketball team and this fall; Kaylee will enter into her third season as a Middle Hitter for the Bluejay varsity volleyball squad.

Aside from sports, Kaylee is a member of MHS Link Crew and enjoys spending time with family and friends in the outdoors.

Daughter of Kristine and Dean Bowe of Merrill, Kaylee currently maintains a 3.5 GPA. Following graduation next spring, Kaylee plans to attend a 4-year university and study either Physical Therapy or Athletic Training.

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

On the night of Thursday, April 26, the crash of a Eurocopter AS 350 Air Ambulance helicopter in rural Oneida County near Hazelhurst, claimed the lives of all three crew members on board. Personnel from area agencies including those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), were soon on-scene to investigate.
On Monday, May 7, the NTSB released a preliminary crash report, detailing early findings of the investigation.
The details of the report lend key details surrounding the crash, but leaves a fair amount of mystery as to the cause.

As reported, the pilot; identified as 34-year old Rico Caruso, radioed of the aircraft’s departure from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field at approximately 9:04 PM. The crew had transported a patient to a Madison area hospital earlier in the day. Prior to take-off; bound for Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, the aircraft had received 80 gallons of fuel.

The radio transmission would be the only communication established with the aircraft or it’s crew. When the Air Ambulance did not arrive at HYMC at it’s scheduled time, search procedures began immediately according to the report.

“According to initial information, the pilot radioed that he departed from MSN. The helicopter did not arrive at its destination at its estimated arrival time, and the operator started their search procedures for the helicopter. The
Air Force Rescue Coordination Center placed a call to the operator and advised that an emergency locator transmitter signal associated with the helicopter was received by the center. The center informed the operator of a latitude and longitude in which to look for the helicopter. The helicopter was subsequently found near that location about 0215 on (Friday) April 27, 2018.”

The aircraft reportedly impacted trees and terrain during cruise flight and was destroyed during the impact
Further details of the report indicate; as of his last certification in May of last year, Caruso had logged 3,200 hours of flight time, with 100 hours logged in the preceding 6 months. His most recent training was in January of this year, when he satisfactorily passed a check ride (an examination conducted by the FAA, which one must undergo to receive an aircraft pilot’s certification, or an endorsement for additional flight privileges).

Weather conditions were reported to have been favorable on the night of the crash, as area airports (Minocqua, Rhinelander and Eagle River) recorded temperatures between 32 and 35 degrees with calm winds.

“The helicopter was found in a wooded area,” the preliminary report goes on to state.
“First Responders indicated that the sky was clear, the moon was visible, and there was a smell of fuel
at the time the helicopter was located. However, the wreckage did not exhibit any signs of fire.
A ground impression about 11 ft by 9 ft and 2 ft deep was found in front of the helicopter wreckage. The helicopter came to rest on its right side.  During the on-scene examination, the smell of fuel was present at the site and in the ground below the helicopter. All major components of the helicopter were located at the site. The cockpit and cabin area was destroyed. The fuselage exhibited rearward crushing deformation.”

The helicopter was equipped with an Appareo Vision 1000 recorder unit, which records to both a removable secure data (SD) card and internal memory. Both the unit and the SD card sustained impact damage. The unit and its SD card were shipped to the National Transportation Safety Board Recorder Laboratory to see if they contain data in reference to the accident flight.

The final report from the NTSB could take as long as a year or more, to be released.

Many thinks to Merrill Foto News partner, WJFW Newswatch 12 for their assistance with this update.

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A 20-year-old Menasha woman was arrested Monday afternoon on a warrant charge. The woman turned herself into the Lincoln County Jail after she learned she was wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for violating the terms of her probation.

Pine River Firefighters along with the DNR responded to US Hwy. 51 on Friday afternoon after a grass fire was reported just south of the State Rd. 64 exit.

A 59-year-old Medford man was arrested Saturday afternoon on a felony charge after deputies investigated a reckless driving complaint. A cell 911 call reported the vehicle driving in a reckless manner on Joe Snow Road. When stopped, the operator refused to perform field sobriety tests and was arrested for a felony fourth offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A 24-year-old Rhinelander man was arrested Saturday evening on a warrant charge. A deputy stopped the man on State Rd. 17 for a speeding violation. When a check was done it was found the man was wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for violating the terms of his probation. The man was cited for speeding, operating without a license and arrested on the warrant charge.

A 23-year-old Tomahawk man was arrested early Sunday morning on a felony charge after a traffic stop in the Town of Bradley. A deputy stopped the vehicle on County Rd. S south of Tomahawk after he observed it speeding. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and following field sobriety testing was arrested for a fourth offense of operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration.

The number of deer crashes for the week remains at four. A Merrill man reported hitting a turkey Saturday morning on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott, no damage was caused in that crash; on Sunday night an Iowa County woman struck a turkey on County Rd. C in the Town of Merrill disabling her vehicle.

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