Friday afternoon, the Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Department announced all county Summer ATV trails will open as of 8 AM Friday, May 18.

According to Forestry, Land and Parks Director Kevin Kleinschmidt, the trails are opening a few weeks late this year, due to the late departure of winter weather.
“Normally we try to get the trails open by May 1 but due to the heavy snowfall in April, we still had quite a bit of snow cover on the trails at the beginning of the month. Then once the snow had melted, we had to wait for the ground to thaw and then dry out so we could get our equipment in to start preparing the trails. Every year we go through and assure any severe washouts are addressed along with clearing brush and so on. Normally we are able to get underway by early to Mid-April, but mother nature set us back a bit this year. Even as of this past week, frost is still coming up out of the ground and things are a bit soft yet, but everything should be good and dried out by Friday.”

Due to the early season conditions of trails, riders are asked to use caution when enjoying the trails this opening weekend.

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May 11
1:49 p.m.- Officers responded to a domestic complaint. The caller stated her son had become disorderly inside the residence and then went outside and continued to yell and punch trees. The male was located by officers and resisted while they arrested him. The male was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.
11:08 p.m.- Officers responded to an intoxicated driver complaint. The caller stated a male party was drinking beer in a vehicle and was heading to the east side of town. The vehicle was located in a driveway and contact was made with the individual who was not the driver. He was cited for underage drinking. Officers made contact with another vehicle that was involved in the incident and that passenger was also cited for underage drinking. There was an altercation between the two males who had been drinking. Investigation is ongoing.

May 13
9:12 a.m.- An officer investigated a forgery complaint. The caller stated a male party had been using counterfeit money at the business. The male was spoken to and confessed to using counterfeit money. He was arrested.

May 14
12:50 p.m.- A caller reported unauthorized purchases on his debit card. A suspect was named and investigation continues.
12:59 p.m.- A male was arrested for a probation violation at the request of Probation & Parole.

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James R. Voigt, age 76, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

James was born April 23, 1942, in Merrill, son of the late Ralph and Ernestine (Kleinschmidt) Voigt. James was self-employed. He is survived by three sons, Jeff Voigt and Jim (Gigi Heinz) Voigt both of Merrill, and Ralph Voigt of Stevens Point; two grandchildren, Brooke and Austin; four sisters, Dawn (Gerald) Schmidt, Merrill, Darlene (David) Herdt, Merrill, Shirley Hopkins, Wausau, and Carol (Mark) Pankow, Merrill; and five brothers, Ralph (Arlene) Voigt, Wayne (Virginia) Voigt, Gene (Phyllis) Voigt, LaVerne (Linda) Voigt, all of Merrill, and Mike Voigt of Texas.

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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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Friday night the Merrill baseball team played host to Pittsville at Athletic Park. Pittsville was able to build a four run lead on the Jays, however Merrill would fight back to make it a one run game before falling by a score of 5-4.
After a scoreless top of the first inning, Merrill got the early lead when Chase Bonnell got the Jays started with a single to center field. Bonnell advanced to second on an error before Piersen Pyan drove him in with another single to center. Pittsville would even things up in the top of the second inning, before scoring two more runs in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead. Pittsville then tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning making it a four run game.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Jays rallied for three runs to make it a one run game. A walk to Bonnell followed by a Kordell Renken double would score the first run of the inning for Merrill. Kole Meyer then reached on an error, allowing Renken to score. Later Zach Anderson hit a double to center field, scoring Meyer and making it a 5-4 game.
Bonnell led the Jays’ offense, going 1-1 at the plate with a single to go along with two walks and two runs scored. Renken went 1-3 at the plate with an RBI, and a run scored. Anderson went 1-3, knocking in one run on his double. Pyan rounded out the Merrill offense, going 1-3 with an RBI.
Anderson started on the mound for Merrill and would go five and two thirds innings, giving up five runs on seven hits, striking out two batters and walking four. Brant Raleigh went one and a third innings without allowing a run on two hits, striking out one.
Merrill winless at Lakeland invite
On Saturday the Merrill baseball team traveled to Lakeland for their annual invite. The Jays struggled and were unable to come out of the invite with a win, losing their first game 7-1 to Ashland.
Ashland jumped on Merrill right away, scoring two runs in the first inning, three in the second and two more in the third. The Jays’ only run would come in the top of the third inning. After walks to Kobe Blake and Renken, Pyan singled to right field to score Blake and make the score 5-1. Unfortunately that was all the offense Merrill could muster up as they took the 7-1 loss.
Pyan led the way for the Merrill offense with one hit in three tries and an RBI.
Bonnell started on the bump for the Jays and would allow seven runs on four hits and five walks. Bonnell would strike out three batters along the way. Holden Smith came in and threw the final inning and allowed three hits but no runs.
Game two of the invite saw Merrill go up against Chequamegon. Merrill had a big fourth inning that would give them the lead, however they were unable to hold on to it as Chequamegon took the 6-5 win.
It was a well pitched game throughout the first three innings, as neither team was able to crack the scoreboard. The fourth inning would see the first runs of the game as Merrill exploded for five. Pyan led off the inning with a single down the right field line. Pyan would move to second base on a walk to Zach Anderson, and later score on a Peyton Becker single. Raleigh would then reach on an error, allowing Anderson to score. Later, Blake would double to left field scoring Becker and Raleigh to make it a 4-0 game. Bonnell followed Blake with a single to center, scoring Blake from second base.
In the top of the fifth inning Chequamegon would strike for one run to cut into the deficit. Chequamegon then rallied in the top of the sixth inning to score five runs and take the 6-5 lead on the Jays. Merrill was unable to respond in the sixth or seventh innings as Chequamegon got the come from behind win.
Bonnell led the Jays with two hits in four at bats, with one RBI. Blake drove in two runs, with one hit in four tries. Becker went 1-3 at the plate with one RBI along the way.
Smith was the starting pitcher for Merrill, going four and two thirds innings, allowing one run on three hits and three walks, striking out eight batters in the game. Cole Zimmerman came in for relief and went only two thirds of an inning, giving up four runs on two hits and two walks. Becker would finish up the game, allowing one run on three hits and striking out one batter.

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This July, 53 of Dorinda’s dancers and their families will be traveling to New York City to once again “Dance the World.”

The dancers will perform in Times Square on National Dance Day, July 28, with hundreds of other dancers from around the world. Additionally, the dancers will be performing one of their own routines, “Juicy Wiggle,” on a Broadway stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to Broadway’s Aladdin.

While in New York, Dorinda’s dancers will rehearse under the instruction of recent Dancing with the Stars champion, Lindsey Stirling, and other professionals in the industry. The dancers will have the opportunity to attend celebrity master classes, learning professional choreography in musical theater, singing, acting and dancing. The trip will conclude with a New York City skyline cruise gala with Lindsey Stirling and other dancers from around the world.

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McCoy Group, Inc. a family-owned company based in Dubuque, IA, is expanding its business base with the purchase of seven John Deere Construction and Forestry stores serving northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Nortrax, Inc. The acquisition is effective immediately.

The company, which will do business as McCoy Construction & Forestry (MCF), has acquired facilities in Escanaba, MI; Merrill, Chippewa Falls and Ashland, WI; and Duluth, Grand Rapids and Bemidji, MN. MCF plans to retain the current 131 Nortrax employees as part of the acquisition.

The McCoy Group’s new construction and forestry division joins a growing organization that is already home to seven subsidiaries, including Midwest-based Freightliner dealerships Truck Country and Stoops, and transportation focused companies, Foodliner, Quest Liner and McCoy NationaLease.

“The acquisition and subsequent formation of McCoy Construction & Forestry has provided our organization with an opportunity to diversify our business into an industry that is similar in many ways,” said Greg McCoy, president and CEO of McCoy Group. “We are proud and excited to be partnering with John Deere, whose brand is one of the strongest in the world for delivering world-class products and services to its customers. It’s also an organization that shares the same McCoy Group values of integrity, honesty, quality, innovation and, above all, commitment to the customer.”

Jeff Herkert, MCF president added, “A constant over the past six decades has been the McCoy Group’s customer-driven philosophy. Customers will see the same commitment to service under the new ownership group. As we look forward to fostering relationships and growing our team, we are excited by the possibilities this new chapter brings for our customers, teammates, John Deere and the entire McCoy Group family.”

“The McCoy family has a remarkable track record with customers and employees dating back all the way to 1958,” said Tim J. Murphy, Nortrax president and CEO. “They are totally committed to growth and investment in their respective businesses for the long term. They bring a proven track record of great financial stability and customer focus, which will enable them to grow and support the John Deere brand in the Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin markets.”

Concluded Greg McCoy, “We owe a special thanks to all McCoy Group employees for the great work they do, which has allowed us to be successful and pursue opportunities of this nature. Additionally, we want to both thank and welcome Nortrax’s Midwest group of talented employees into our family. As we move forward as one team, our commitment to our customers and employees is stronger than ever.”

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Thursday afternoon the Merrill softball team went up against one of the best teams in the state in the SPASH Panthers. Merrill fought hard and held a lead after four innings of play, however SPASH would make a late comeback and take the 4-3 win over the Jays.
Merrill head coach Matt Ellenbecker praised his team’s defense and pitching in the game.
“We played excellent defense,” he said. “Kelsie made huge plays out in center, Calli was nails behind the plate, and Maddix is so steady and consistent at SS. Everybody played a solid game defensively, and Taylor was really on hitting her spots. Holding them to four runs takes all parts working together. Room for error is so small every pitch.”
In the first inning, the Panthers jumped out to a two run lead on the power of a two run homer by Halle Pavelski. The Jays would respond in the bottom of the third inning scoring three runs to take the lead. Madi Wiex led off the inning with a single past the shortstop, and would advance to third base on a Kelsie Belfiori double to left field. Patience Pyan would then walk to load the bases, as Maddix Bonnell reached base on an error, allowing a Merrill run to score. A single by Calli Oberg would score two more Bluejays as Merrill took the early 3-2 lead.
In the top of the fifth inning Pavelski would strike again, as she blasted another two run homer to left field to take the 4-3 lead on the Jays, which would be enough to secure the SPASH win.
“Halle Pavelski is a senior who has been a good player for four years, and she made the difference today,” Ellenbecker said.
Taylor Krueger pitched all seven innings for Merrill, allowing four runs on seven hits, walking two batters and striking out two.
The Jays’ leading hitter in the game was Belfiori with two hits in three tries along with one walk. Oberg went 1-4 at the plate with a single and two RBI’s.

Jays Handle Hatchets
On Friday. the Merrill softball team faced Lincoln County foe Tomahawk at the MARC. Merrill was able to take care of business, beating the Hatchets by a score of 11-2.
After the Hatchets struck first with one run in the top of the first inning, the Merrill offense exploded for five runs in their half of the inning. A double by Pyan started things off for the Jays, followed by an Oberg single that would score Pyan. Krueger and Lindsey Casper would both draw walks to load the bases as Makayla Heller doubled to center field to score three more runs. Heller would later score on a Molly Weix single to center making the score 5-1. Merrill added one more run in the bottom of the second inning to extend their lead. A single by Bonnell followed by an Oberg double, allowed Bonnell to score on an error by the left fielder.
The bottom of the fourth inning saw Merrill extend their lead by another run. Pyan singled and later stole second base to get into scoring position for Bonnell, who would knock her in with a single past the second basemen. The Jays would tack on another run in the fifth inning on a single by Belfiori, scoring Madi Weix who reached on an error.
With the Jays up 8-1 in the top of the sixth inning, Tomahawk was finally able to add another run. A triple by Courtney Theiler got things started for the Hatchets and a single by Rachel Dallman would score Theiler making it an 8-2 game.
In the Merrill half of the sixth inning, the Jays would load the bases and score two more runs. Oberg singled to start the rally, followed by Krueger who was hit by a pitch and Casper who reached on an error. Heller would reach on an error, scoring a Merrill run. Molly Weix then doubled to center field scoring two more runs, extending the lead to 11-2, which would be the final.
Taylor Krueger pitched all seven innings for the Jays, allowing two runs on four hits. Krueger would strike out six batters on her way to a win.
Molly Wiex had a three hit game for the Jays, knocking in three runs along the way. Heller led Merrill with four RBI’s to go along with her two hits and two runs scored. Oberg had a 3-4 night at the plate with one RBI and one run scored. Bonnell went 2-4 with one RBI and a run scored, while Pyan rounded out the offense going 2-4, with two runs scored.

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This graduation season, local pizza restaurants and community partners are collaborating with the Lincoln County Drug-Free Coalition and local law enforcement to promote the “Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking” Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate the community about the health and safety risks of underage drinking and the legal outcomes of providing alcohol to youth. This year, Ballyhoo’s Bar and Eatery, Hugo’s Pizza, the Pizza Shop, and Salvo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant are supporting the Parents Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Underage Drinking Campaign by placing campaign stickers on carry out pizza boxes and posting signage within their restaurant.

In addition, Merrill Area Public Schools, Tomahawk School District, Lincoln County Health Department, UW-Extension Lincoln County, the Psychological Resource Center, T.B. Scott Free Library, Communidad Hispana and St. Vincent DePaul Free Clinic are supporting the campaign by posting signage on their premises.

Graduation is an important milestone in young people’s lives and cause for celebration; however it’s important for parents to remember that providing alcohol to teens at graduation parties can be costly for everyone involved. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol.

Several steps can be taken to prevent underage alcohol use at graduation parties:
1) Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during graduation season and the summer.
2) Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property.
3) Be at home when your teenager has a party.
4) Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home. If youth bring in alcohol, take it away immediately.
5) Talk to other parents about alcohol-free youth events.
6) Report underage drinking to authorities promptly.

Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don’t Be a Party to Teenage Drinking Campaign was developed by and is a project of the Drug-Free Action Alliance. If you would like more information or would like yard signs or a banner for your business or home; contact Kristin Bath, Health Educator for the Lincoln County Health Department at 715-539-1373 or kbath@co.lincoln.wi.us.

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Tuesday morning, MHS hosted an official acceptance ceremony for seniors Brant Raleigh and Hailey Schult. Raleigh has been accepted to attend West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York, and Schult has been accepted to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In their quest to attend the highly revered institutions, both Schult and Raleigh were required to complete extensive application materials and competed in an application process spanning over a year; including congressional interviews with state representatives. Both will report to their respective schools next month.

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By Collin Lueck
Editor

Newly-appointed Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug will start his new job on Monday, May 21. While his title may be new, Klug is no stranger to the Merrill Fire Department, having started his career in Merrill 16 years ago.
Klug is a Merrill High School graduate and served 11 years with the Merrill Fire Department. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fire & Emergency Response Management from UW-Oshkosh. From 2013-2016, he served as Fire Chief in Mosinee, and from 2016 until present, he’s been the Deputy Fire Chief in Wausau.
“When I left (Merrill Fire Department) five years ago, I had never envisioned leaving,” he said, “but circumstances and things changed and opportunities presented themselves. I decided to make the best of them and go for it.”
After leaving Merrill, Josh and his family moved to Mosinee five years ago to be part of the community he would serve as fire chief.
“Especially in small towns, I think it’s a good idea to live and work in those areas,” he said.
Josh got involved in the Mosinee community and continues to honor some commitments there. He still meets with his “little sister” in Mosinee through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. It’s a program that specifically seeks out firefighters and police officers for the role of “bigs.”
“Kids in the program are really looking for a stable, positive role model in their life,” he said.
As a Merrill firefighter, Josh followed in the footsteps of his father, Robert Klug, who retired as a lieutenant in 2000, after 30 years with the Merrill Fire Department.
While firefighting has always been in his blood, Josh came to his career in a roundabout way. After tearing an ACL playing high school football, Josh decided he wanted to be a physical therapist. But after one semester of college, the pull of the fire service drew him to change his focus. He enrolled in the fire program at Fox Valley Technical College and joined the Merrill Fire Department in 2002.
Klug is married with three children and coaches youth baseball, softball, wrestling and flag football. He is an elder of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill and exhibits a strong passion for his home community.
The Klugs still owned their home in Merrill, so when Josh took the job with the Wausau Fire Department they welcomed the opportunity to move back home to Merrill.

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On Wednesday at 5:22 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Communication Center dispatched the Merrill Fire Department and Wisconsin DNR for the report of a grass fire at W7209 Joe Snow Rd., Merrill. The grass fire did spread and started a small barn on fire. The initial response to the scene included Engine 62, Tender 65 and Medic 62. While enroute to the fire, mutual aid was requested with an engine and tender from Corning Fire Department and a tender from Pine River Fire Department. Upon arrival the command was assumed and the first-in report included a grass fire moving east across old pasture land and a fully involved structure. Command also requested a mutual aid response from Tomahawk EMS for an ambulance to standby.

Command ordered the first arriving engine company to deploy two lines in an aggressive attack with pre-connected hose lines. The DNR took the south flank of the grass fire while MFD took the north flank where they worked together putting out fire as they worked towards the head of the fire to pinch it off and extinguish it. The second line was used to protect an adjacent structure and also extinguish the barn.

Companies extinguished the fire and checked for any hot spots. Traffic control was provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. Information was gathered and the MFD, along with the DNR, conducted a cause and origin investigation. There were no reported injuries to the citizens or firefighters.

The owners were home and they tried to burn out the inside of a silo foundation when the owner went into the house for something. When he got back outside, the brush pile next to the silo foundation had started on fire. The owner went back to get a fire extinguisher and returned to find his barn on fire.

According to information from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the barn was complete loss and some damage occurred to a nearby garage. No injuries were reported and the small barn was not housing any animals.

Remember to check burning conditions before you burn a brush pile or burn in a barrel. You can check the fire conditions and burning restrictions by calling 1-888-WIS BURN (947-2876) or on the internet at dnr.wi.gov/wisburn after 11 a.m.

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Early Thursday morning at 4:18 a.m., a Lincoln County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a registration violation on Hwy. 51 near Tamarack Lane in the township of Skanawan. The deputy identified the operator of the vehicle and it was found they had a warrant for their arrest.

Upon the deputy re-approaching the vehicle, the operator fled at a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued for several miles and a spike strip was deployed near the city of Tomahawk. The operator continued for a short distance before coming to a stop after colliding with a Lincoln County patrol vehicle.

The operator was taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln County Jail where they were booked in on a warrant. Additional charges will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office.

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This past week on Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11, the Wisconsin Community Media (WCM) Spring Conference and Best of the Midwest Media Fest was held at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center in Oshkosh. Merrill High School’s Merrill Productions crew was involved in both presenting at a session during the conference and receiving several awards during the banquet held Thursday evening.

Station Manager, Nathan Meyer; Draco Fink, Producer; and Anthony Kromrie, Student Producer, participated in the session entitled, “Successful School Partnerships.” Later that same evening several of the Merrill Productions crew received awards. WCM and Midwest Alliance of Community Media team up for this conference and media fest each year. These awards would be equivalent to medals such as Excellence (Gold), Achievement (Silver), and Merit (Bronze).

Carl Dornbrack and Sara Schoerner – Achievement Award and Best in Show – Schools for the category of Performing Arts – Amateur Level for the program, On Stage, Monday Night Performance.

Anthony Kromrie and Carl Dornbrack – Achievement Award for the category of Sports for the program Varsity Volleyball vs. St. Croix Central – Sectional Finals.

Nathan Meyer and John Sample – Merit Award for the category of Talk Show for the program Bluejay Chat, Episode 5

Nathan Meyer – Merit Award for the category of Local Events for the program 2017 Graduation.

Nathan Meyer and Deb Brunett – Merit Award for the category of Local Events for the program 2017 Mock Crash.

“Merrill Productions, or MP3 as we were known as, since 2001 has received numerous awards in its existence – 31 awards to be exact,” said Merrill Productions Operations Manager Deb Brunett. “We wish to thank our school district and community for the support it has given us. We truly would not be where we are today without the City of Merrill, Merrill Area Public Schools, and our community. Thank you all so much!”

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From May 21 to June 3, law enforcement across Wisconsin will patrol in greater numbers for longer hours to enforce seat belt and other traffic safety laws

To help prevent traffic-related injuries and deaths, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will patrol in greater numbers for longer hours looking for unbuckled motorists as part of the Click It or Ticket mobilization set for May 21 – June 3. During the annual initiative, WisDOT will utilize designated federal dollars to fund enhanced law enforcement patrols and public outreach about seat belt use.

“With another busy travel season getting underway, we’re reminding all motorists that whether you’re headed across town or across the state, every safe journey begins with wearing a seat belt,” said Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Dave Ross. “As always, this is not about stopping or citing motorists – this is about public safety and getting all motorists to voluntarily comply with traffic laws.”

Currently, about 90 percent of Wisconsin motorists wear safety belts. The 10 percent who fail to buckle up account for nearly half of all the drivers and passengers killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes each year. State law allows police to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a safety belt. In addition, drivers can be cited for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children.

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Governor Scott Walker is joining families at Mills Fleet Farm in Wausau and Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Onalaska today to encourage eligible parents, grandparents and guardians to claim their $100-per-child tax rebate at ChildTaxRebate.wi.gov. The rebate can be claimed at ChildTaxRebate.wi.gov from May 15 through July 2, 2018, with direct deposits or mailed checks to be delivered by Sept. 1, 2018 – in time for the new school year.

“As parents, Tonette and I understand the challenges families face when getting ready for the upcoming school year and how a couple hundred dollars more in the family budget can really make a difference,” said Governor Walker. “Our bold reforms have led to a larger than expected budget surplus and it’s only right that we send that money back to Wisconsin’s hardworking taxpayers to spend on their priorities.”

Wisconsin families who claim the rebate will receive $100 for each child living at home under the age of 18 as of Dec. 31, 2017. Eligible parents must apply for their $100-Per-Child Tax Rebate between May 15 and July 2, so they can receive the money before school starts this fall.

Along with the Child Tax Rebate, all Wisconsinites will have the opportunity to take advantage of Wisconsin’s Aug. 1–5 Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday across the state. This means the state sales tax will not be charged for those days on school supplies where each item is $75 or less, clothing where each item is $75 or less, computer supplies where each item is $250 or less, and computers where each item is $750 or less.

This $100-Per-Child Tax Rebate, coupled with the August Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday, Aug. 1–5, 2018, will provide relief to parents, grandparents, and guardians as their children head back to school in the fall.

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Courtesy Corporation-McDonald’s is excited to announce they have purchased the McDonald’s Restaurants of Merrill and Tomahawk from Barb Igl. Courtesy Corporation is a local franchise of McDonald’s that owns and operates 59 other restaurants (including Mosinee) in Western Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota and Decorah and Clear Lake, Iowa. Their office headquarters are in Onalaska and Eau Claire.

“Our family business has a deep history rooted in quality operations, opportunities for our employees, and giving to both the communities we are in as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities. We are excited to continue the quality operations Courtesy Corporation-McDonald’s prides itself on in the community of Merrill,” says Rick Lommen, Owner/Operator.

Customers can expect the same great quality, service, cleanliness and value they’ve been receiving from Barb Igl’s organization and feel good that their McDonald’s will remain a great place for families to gather, Lommen says. Igl is retiring after 38 years with McDonald’s.

“We believe in opportunities for advancement and education. Our McScholars tuition matching program is a direct reflection of this belief. All employees are eligible to put aside 50 cents for every hour they work and Courtesy Corporation matches this up to $10,000 for college tuition,” says Shawn Senn, Human Resource Manager. McDonald’s Corporation also offers “Archways to Opportunity,” a tuition program supporting college students working at McDonald’s with an annual contribution of either $2,500 or $3,000. Together with both programs, employees can earn more than $22,000.

Courtesy Corporation looks forward to partnering with organizations, schools and community leaders and learning more about the great work the community does.
“We take an active role in each community where our stores are located, from school-to-work, educational programs, and community events focusing on health and well-being,” says Lommen.

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