The following cases were heard in Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court May 7, 2018.

Disorderly conduct
Cameron L. Baker, Merrill, $199.60.

Speeding
Joann L. Benedict, Merrill, $98.80; Elmer G. Engel, Merrill, $124; Hannah K. Froberg, Rhinelander, $98.80; Brian D. Fruend, Wausau, $98.80; Brian D. Proulx, Merrill, $98.80; Kyle J. Schimelpfenig, Merrill, $98.80; Christina L. Weiland, Merrill, $98.80.

Possess THC
Jonathan A. Ford, Wausau, $199.60, possess drug paraphernalia, $199.60.

Non-registration of auto, etc.
Alex N. Graap, Merrill, $98.80; Dorinda J. Gustke, Merrill, $98.80; Nathan J. Hoffman, Merrill, $98.80, operate after revocation, $313.

Destruction of property
Rachele Greenwood, Merrill, $199.60.

Operate MV w/out insurance
Melissa S. Hebert, Merrill, $124; Kyle M. Kleinschmidt, Merrill, $124; Craig A. Schulz, Merrill, $124.

Operate after suspension
Nicholas M. Hebert, Merrill, $313; Brandon C. Sanders, Merrill, $124; Sabrina L. Wert, Merrill, $124.

Passing in no-passing zone
Jordan A. Jaeger, Merrill, $136.60, violation of child safety restraint, $98.80.

Operate after rev./susp. of registration
David H. Mills, Merrill, $98.80.

Animal running at large
Justin M. Pahls, Merrill, $105.10.

Vent/side window excessive tinting
Tanner J. Peterson, Merrill, $98.80.

Unclean/defective lights or reflectors
Scott A. Schulz, Merrill, $86.20.

Speedometer violations
James F. Tudor, Merrill, $98.80.

Hit & run-unattended vehicle
Brad C. Weber, Merrill, $187.

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May 7
Calls: #706- At 3:15 a.m. Med 62 responded, no transport; #707- At 4:01 a.m. Med 62 responded to Foster St. for a 69 year old male with a lift assist, no transport; #708- At 4:35 a.m. Med 62 responded to Foster St. for a 69 year old male with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSH; #709- At 5:28 a.m. MFD responded to N2740 Swede Rd. for a reported brush fire, owners did not burn anything recently, the fire was contained to a 30×30 foot area, approximately 350 gallons of water/foam mix was used to extinguish the fire; #710- At 9:14 a.m. Med 62 responded to Polk St. for a 53 year old male with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #711- At 10:27 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 50 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #712- At 12:34 p.m. Med 63 responded, no transport; #713- At 12:34 p.m. Med 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 90 year old male with a medical problem, transported to Bell Tower; #714- At 1:44 p.m. Med 61 responded to Grand Ave. for a 68 year old female with a Community Paramedic visit, no transport; #715- At 5:58 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 57 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #716- At 6:39 p.m. Med 62 responded to Cty. Z for a 74 year old male with a trauma, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Boat sonar training both in classroom and on Lake Alexander.

May 8
Calls: #717- At 10:20 a.m. Med 62 responded to Park Place for an 85 year old female with a medical problem, no transport; #718- At 11:19 a.m. Med 62 responded to park Place for an 85 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #719- At 11:23 a.m. Med 61 responded to Mathews St. for a 77 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #720- At 11:47 a.m. MFD responded to Cty. E for a reported of a grass fire alongside roadway in north of Alexander Rd., fire was out on arrival, MFD overhauled, DNR took control of scene; #721- At 12:36 p.m. MFD responded to Cty. JJ for a report of a next to the roadway, fire was 50×100 feet, flames 1 foot in height, fire was extinguished and DNR took control of scene; #722- At 3:24 p.m. Med 62 responded to PCNH for a 90 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #723- At 5:31 p.m. Med 62 responded to Heritage Ct. for a 93 year old female with a cardiac problem, transported to AWH; #724- At 9:55 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 8th st. for an 18 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Drill on operation of the jet rescue boat and the Hummingbird Site Scan Imaging.

May 9
Calls: #725- At 7:11 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st St. for an 87 year old female with a respiratory problem, no transport; #726- At 12:01 p.m. Med 62 responded to Wilderness Dr. for a 72 year old female with a cardiac problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Fire safety inspections of area businesses.

May 10
Calls: #727- At 5:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to Center Rd. for a 71 year old male with a medical problem, no transport; #728- At 7:18 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 95 year old male with shortness of breath, transported to AGSH; #729- At 11:37 a.m. Med 61 responded to E. 2nd St. for a 75 year old male with a fall, transported to AGSH; #730- At 12:02 p.m. Med 63 responded to W. Taylor St. for a 75 year old female with an altered mental state, transported to AGSH; #731- At 3:25 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 75 year old female with a medical problem, transported to Artisan House.
Other activities: Training on sonar; boat training on Lake Alexander; bi-annual fire prevention inspections of area businesses.

May 11
Calls: #732- At 5:18 a.m. Med 62 responded to Grundy Rd. for a 51 year old female with an illness, transported to ASHH; #733- At 9:23 a.m. Med 63 responded to E. 4th St. for a 61 year old male for a Community Paramedic visit; #734- At 10:31 a.m. Med 62 responded to Cotter Ave. for a 59 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #735- at 1:20 p.m. Med 61 responded to E. 6th St. for a 74 year old male for a Community Paramedic visit.
Other activities: Bi-annual fire prevention inspections of area businesses.

May 12
Calls: #736- At 6:01 a.m. Med 62 responded, no transport; #737- At 10:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st & Sales sts. for an 18 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #738- At 11:21 a.m. Med 62 responded to River St. for a 71 year old male with a cardiac problem, transported to AWH; #739- At 11:56 a.m. Med 63 responded to Langes Rd. for a 67 year old female with a cardiac problem, transported to AGSH; #740- At 3:04 p.m. Med 62 responded to Champagne St. for a 31 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #741- At 4:40 p.m. Med 62 responded to Grand Ave. for a 70 year old female with chest pain, transported to AGSH; #742- At 7:30 p.m. Med 62 responded to Cotter Ave. for a 59 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #743- At 10:19 p.m. Med 62 responded to N. State St. for a 71 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Participated in a Wellness Day hosted by Gress Chiropractic at Riverside Athletic Club.

May 13
Calls: #744- At 2:37 a.m. Med 62 responded to Hwy. 107 for a 39 year old male with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #745- At 10:57 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st St. for a 21 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AWH; #746- At 12:17 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 95 year old female with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSH; #747- At 3:40 p.m. Med 62 responded to Riverside Ave. for a 55 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #748- At 4:35 p.m. Med 62 responded, no transport; #749- At 4:48 p.m. MFD responded to Wisconsin St. for an odor investigation, found that sewer gas was coming from the upstairs bathroom, there was no water to block the gas, homeowner advised to fill with water.
Other activities: Class on the use of Sonar device on MFD boat.

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It’s been said that if you have it, you won’t need it, so the Merrill City Band is preparing for the season by adding Les and Jim’s as a rain site. Should inclement weather occur, notification of the site change would be made in the early afternoon. In the event of extreme heat, the concert would also be moved to the rain site.

The only concert that will not be moved inside should the weather not cooperate, is the first one on June 20. That concert is the big Halloween event with activities for kids, etc., and would be postponed until June 27 should it get rained out. More information on the first concert will be coming soon.

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On May 6 and 7, the Greco and Freestyle state wrestling tournaments were held at the Chula Vista Sports Dome in Wisconsin Dells. The Merrill wrestlers trained at Northern Exposure to prepare for the wrestling. Seven Merrill wrestlers competed at the tournament. All of them competed well and their commitment furthers their ability to get better at wrestling.

Pictured, front row left to right: Wyatt Bathke (School boy 165 lb division, 5th place FS and 4th place GR), Brett Suchocki (Intermediate 84 lb division, 6th place GR) and Allison Hunter (Girl’s 6-8 grade 72 lb division, 1st place); back row, Tanner Depies (Cadet 120 lb division, competed in FS and GR), Ryder Depies (School boy 149 lb division, 6th place GR), Walker Bathke (Cadet 195 lb division, 4th place FS and GR) and Jake Spoehr (Junior 182 lb division, competed in FS and GR).

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Michael VanRixel age 74 passed away on Tuesday May 15,2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital. Michael was born on December 22, 1943 to the late Matthew & Dorothy (Streich) VanRixel in Racine, WI. On June 14, 1975 He married the love of his life and best friend Barbara (Rainville) VanRixel.

Michael, alongside of his wife, owned and operated The Saloon and The Outback bar in Wausau as well as his own carpentry business. Music was his passion! He could play anything with strings and no one could make a steel guitar cry like he could. He played in numerous bands but really enjoyed sitting around the campfire with friends and family playing his guitar and singing songs.

He loved to spend time fishing on the Prairie River with his boys and the Willow Flowage with his grandchildren. He enjoyed his bus trips to the casino with his wife and friends and never met a poker machine he didn’t like.

Mike loved sports, especially the Packers, and he never missed a game. His friends and family endearingly called him “COACH”. He also liked baseball and his favorite players by far were his two grandsons. No matter the weather he was there to watch them play. He was so proud to have been there to see his Grandson hit his first Grand Slam. He lived for spending time with all of his grandchildren. He enjoyed spoiling them with sweets, watching Looney Tunes, teaching them carpentry, and showing the kids how to play drums on the pots and pans while he sang and played the guitar

Michael is survived by his wife, Barb; sons Brian (Jeannie) VanRixel, Kevin VanRixel, and Keith VanRixel; daughter: Melanie (Travis) Stroming; step-daughters: Kim (Jesse) Mickoleski and Stacy (Kurt) Blarek and Step-sons: Dan (Lori) Mickoleski and Scott Mickoleski; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters: Bonnie (Maynard) Breunig, Barb (Ralph) Konkel, Pam Zimmerman, and DeDe (David) Hanke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Dorothy VanRixel; Father and mother-in-law Charles and Ione Rainville and Granddaughter Jessica Mickoleski

A celebration of life will be held June 2, 2018 at Nancy’s Jamar’s Countryside Bar and Grill 4011 E. Wausau Ave Wausau, WI 54403 at 3pm. A luncheon will be served. Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Merrill are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com

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The Merrill Police Department holds arrest warrants issued 4/16/2018 for Schylur W. Seehafer, DOB 3/9/1994, last known address 210 N. Pine St., Merrill. The city recovered two judgments of $124, both for operating after suspension. The defendant is in default of payment, and must pay the amounts or spend 4 days in jail.

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

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P.E.O. Chapter AA-Merrill has announced the election of officers for the upcoming year: Jill Moore, president; Laurie Johnston, vice president; Carolyn Saunders, recording secretary; Kathy Spencer, corresponding secretary; Kelly Purmal, treasurer; Dawn Schroder-Silvela, chaplain; and Polly Koebe, guard. Officers will serve these roles through February 2019.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded in 1869, is a philanthropic and educational organization in which women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.

There are approximately 6,000 local chapters in the United States and Canada with nearly a quarter of a million members. P.E.O has awarded more than $304 million in financial assistance to more than 102,000 recipients. Chapter AA was organized in Merrill in 1930 and has 19 local resident members.

For more information, call Jill Moore at 715-212-7556.

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To the Editor,
I have contemplated writing this letter for a long time, so here goes. I know we all have seen and heard the negative publicity that had been reported about Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Schools. I would like to tell you about a different side of the story. I am a Foster Grandparent up at the schools. I have been coming up here for 15 months. At first I was hesitant about the job, but I must say I am so glad I did. I have met some of the most dedicated and kind people. The teachers are all very patient, some days their jobs are quite difficult. One teacher has been here since 1990.
We Grandparents are all treated with respect. I can say I have never felt scared or threatened in any way. YC’s patrol the halls on a regular basis. I am not saying that all the youth are receptive to us, but the majority are. We all have seen and heard things we would rather not have. All of us see conflicts between youth. One happened recently and two youths jumped in front of a grandmother to protect her. So many have artistic talents. We have an art contest each month and I am truly humbled to see many of their projects. For me, my favorite thing is graduation. I have seen some of the toughest youth graduate. They put on that cap and gown and it transforms them (if even for a short time); they are all smiles and proud of their accomplishments.
Some of our current grandparents have been coming up here for many years – 15 years for one lady. Our ages range from 57 to 86. Many are in the living units where we visit, play games and bake with the youth.
For the holidays, many of the youth were involved in making wreaths and roping. Currently they are in the green house. Most have never grown anything, so it’s a good experience. Later on they will make hanging flower baskets as well as planting vegetable gardens. I see so much potential in these youth. Many have not come from great environments and have not had the opportunities many of us had growing up.
I would say my purpose in writing this is to maybe make us all think twice when we hear another negative report about Lincoln Hills. After all, we really all are products of our environments.
Thank you for your time,
Patricia Schwab
Foster Grandparent at Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Schools

Editor,
There is a worldwide organization whose calling it is to diversify the way into the future, coined “Transition Towns.” Followers of this movement accept a connection between the theory of peak oil and the changing of global climate. Peak oil explains that, based on a specific amount of petroleum, a point will be reached in where there is a maximum rate of extraction followed by a decline in oil availability.
Our lifestyles, as people participating in the modern economy, are heavily dependent on fossil fuels, like oil and natural gas. In order to maintain a certain way of living, we need access to precise amounts of these natural resources. Through the perspective of peak oil and climate change, the availability of oil will face a deficit in regards to our current consumption and the shifting of the Earth’s climate will halt economic operations as we know it.
Transition Towns follow a 21st century path towards a vision of abundance, which promotes self-sufficiency as an adaptive measure necessary to lessen our dependency on oil and allow for the stabilization of the climate. For information on this movement, do a Google search, read some literature, and check out how to connect with our community’s transition initiative by visiting www.facebook.com/MerrillAAC or T.B. Scott Library’s webpage for Building Merrill Together.
I believe we may all hold a hope of continuous growth and improvement, and I think this movement has been created as a manifestation of this collective intention.
Heather Young
Merrill

Editor,
Merrill Eagles Auxiliary 584 would like to say “thank you” to the businesses and individuals that have donated as well as the people attending our raffle to make it a success for our scholarships.
Spring Raffle Committee

To the Editor:
Erik Pfantz’s recent letter to the Foto News is one of the best I have read. It is encouraging to me because he recognizes the huge need to live with less dependence on fossil fuels. He writes that “young people are consciously limiting personal energy usages in order to practice stewardship of earth’s resources.”
It is encouraging to me also because he represents Merrill’s Young People Action Committee, an organization that is working to achieve a sustainable lifestyle. To change things we need organization; we need to work together, to network.
To Erik Pfantz and the Merrill Young People Action Committee, I wish you great success and much ongoing enthusiasm for your purposes. And, thank you!
James A. Lewis
Village of Maine
Volunteer lobbyist, Friends Committee on National Legislation

Editor:
On April 30, 2018, at 2 p.m., Lincoln County hosted a WisDOT listening session with Secretary Dave Ross of WisDOT. This was published in local newspapers and on local radio stations.
Sadly, not one of the county board members of county employees attended this session. There were attendees from Vilas, Oneida and Langlade counties including towns, cities and villages.
I would like to add that the session was very informative and a rare opportunity to talk one-on-one with Secretary Ross. I am sure that Secretary Ross noted the lack of interest from the host county.
Carl Vander Sanden
Gleason

Letter to the Editor of the Foto News:
I wish to thank the hundreds of Lincoln County residents who signed a petition to place a referendum on the Aug. 14, 2018 primary election ballot regarding whether the County should continue the $20 per private vehicle “wheel tax/registration fee” for the 2019 budget.
It was my opinion that the fee increase that was passed in 2017 and that we are now paying in 2018 was actually a tax for which there was no public hearing. This lack of transparency by government is frustrating to the average taxpaying parent or parents working one or two jobs to make ends meet. It is also my opinion that this tax was dumping on the folks who least can afford it.
At the September 2017 meeting when the tax was passed 11-7 with two abstentions, one supervisor had the gall to comment that $20 wasn’t much since most people were driving expensive vehicles. At the May 15, 2018 meeting I labeled that statement “over-the-top elitism.” This same supervisor (name will be provided upon request) then used a parliamentary procedure of “calling the question” which ended any debate on the referendum resolution.
Most of those supervisors who spoke at the May 15 meeting stated that 80-90% of their constituents oppose the wheel tax. In a straw hand vote of 19-3, the board voted to keep the tax and formally adopt it in July. More to come.
Bill Zeitz
District 9, Lincoln County Board

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Merrill High School held two chess tournaments this year and ended the season with a grand finale between the first semester tournament champion, sophomore Alex Stone, and the second semester tournament champion, freshman Ethan Florez. Alex Stone won the match and earned the title of 2017-2018 Chess Grand Champion.

Fifty-two students from all grade levels participated in the first semester tournament and 65 students participated in the second semester tournament. Students ranging from playing chess their whole lives to student who had never played before participated. The tournaments started out as double elimination and by pairing people of like experience levels to give everyone a shot at learning.

This tournament was organized by MHS Library Technology Specialist Nathan Hanson.

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Military veterans and those who support them will be on hand for the Northwoods Veterans Post groundbreaking celebration, slated for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19, Armed Services Day.

Tens of thousands of veterans across northcentral Wisconsin will be served by the new post, made possible by a land grant of 4.3 acres from Church Mutual Insurance Company. Since the land was granted in late 2016, volunteers from across the region have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the new building. It will replace the existing VFW facility in downtown Merrill, which lacks space, accessibility and safety features. The new, $2.8 million Northwoods Veterans post will be located on Johnson Street near the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

The 14,376-square-foot facility will support military members, scouts, their families and the entire region. It will be available for training events, meetings, social events, sports and, most importantly, veteran affairs services. Currently, many vets must travel to Tomah, La Crosse, Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin for veterans affairs services.

The Northwoods Veterans Post will serve eight essential veteran and scout organizations, making it one of only a few joint organizational posts in the nation bridging the gap between veterans, youth and the private sector.

The new post, expected to open 2020, will include a wellness room, a fitness center, eight offices, four meeting rooms, an education center, kitchen, storage building and volleyball courts. The post also offers access to hiking, biking, snowmobile and ATV trails.

In addition, the building will provide a home for our nation’s first United States Military Chaplains Registry offering opportunities for continued support all over the world.

“It will be such a thrill to put the first shovel in the ground,” said Paul Russell, chairman of the Northwoods Veterans Support Group, the Merrill-based organization spearheading the project. “The Northwoods Veterans Post will mean so much for military members and their families in our region. From social services to veterans affairs support, the facility will become a great resource for northcentral Wisconsin.” Russell is a retired U.S. Army colonel who served for 31 years.

Church Mutual, one of the largest, best-known employers in the region, sees a natural affinity between the company and the new post.

“At Church Mutual, we are driven by a commitment to serve those who serve others,” said President and CEO Rich Poirier, a U.S. Navy veteran who retired in 2010 as a captain. “Veterans represent service in the very best sense of the word. They have risked their lives to protect our freedoms. They deserve our thanks, respect and ongoing support well beyond their active-duty years.”

Poirier also is pleased Church Mutual is playing a part in establishing the country’s first chaplains registry. Church Mutual insures houses of worship of all faiths across the U.S., as well as other faith based and nonprofit organizations.

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The evening of May 4 would prove to be a night to remember for members of the 2018 MHS Boys track and field teams; especially senior Jared Ollhoff. En route to the boys claiming the title of the 33rd annual Otto Bacher Invitational meet at Jay Stadium, Ollhoff left his mark on the meet for what will most likely be years to come. Not only did he break the 33-year old school long jump record with a mark of 21.5 feet, he also broke the event record and school record in the triple jump with a mark of 44 ft, 11 inches. Ollhoff would go on to claim the high jump event with a leap of six feet and place second in the 4X 200 relay event.

In addition to track, Ollhoff was a 3-year starter on the Bluejay varsity football team as a defensive back and wide receiver as well as a 4-year starter on the Bluejay varsity basketball team as a power forward.

When not competing in local sports, Jared enjoys spending time with family in friends in the outdoors; camping and hiking.

Son of Ken and Cecilia Ollhoff of Merrill, Jared currently maintains a 3.75 GPA. Following graduation this Spring, Jared will be attending UW-Whitewater where he will also compete on the Warhawks Track and Field team; competing in the triple and long jump events.

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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.

May 15
10:13 a.m.- A female was arrested for a probation violation at the request of Probation & Parole.
4:20 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation. The officer could smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted there was a small quantity of marijuana inside. She was cited for speeding and possession of THC.
8:48 p.m.- A caller reported a pickup truck was in a parking lot pulling another pickup truck in a reckless manner. It was found two young men had used a tow chain to hook their trucks together as a competition to see whose truck had more power. Both participants were cited for disorderly conduct with a motor vehicle.

May 16
2:14 p.m.- An officer responded to an animal neglect complaint. The caller advised this was the first day they were watching the neighbor’s dogs and when they went to let the dogs out, they saw the severe physical condition the dogs were in. The dogs were removed from the residence and taken for medical care. Investigation is ongoing.

May 17
10:38 a.m.- Officers responded to people arguing in an apartment. The parties were located and identified. One of the parties was found to have restrictions related to a previous arrest which prohibited him from entering the residence. The party was taken into custody for violation of a bond agreement. While in the residence officers detected an odor of marijuana coming from a bedroom in the residence. The owner of the bedroom gave permission to search the bedroom and several items of contraband were located. That party will be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia based on the evidence that was located.
12:30 p.m.- Officers responded to a reported violation of restraining order. Officers made contact with the parties involved. It was determined that the suspect was attempting to make contact with the reporting party through a third party and also by use of phone. The suspect was arrested for violating a restraining order.
3:11 p.m.- Officers responded to a driving complaint. Officers discovered that an individual had passed two vehicles while on East 6th Street at a high rate of speed. Officers determined that this occurred near a school and at approximately the time that school was letting out students for the day. The suspect was identified and issued a citation for disorderly conduct with a motor vehicle.
7:51 p.m.- Officers responded to a report of juveniles smoking marijuana while in a vehicle and fishing. The parties involved were located and identified. The parties involved admitted to smoking marijuana and turned over drug paraphernalia to officers. Suspects will be issued citations for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

May 18
4:55 p.m.- Callers reported a male party walking on East Main Street that was flipping off passing vehicles. The male party was known to officers but was not located in the area. Contact will be made with the male party.

May 19
1:27 a.m.- An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speed violation on Pier Street and East 9th Street. During contact with the driver, indicators of impairment were observed and the driver performed field sobriety tests. The driver was arrested for OWI 1st offense and was cited for the speed violation.
3:38 p.m.- An officer conducted a traffic stop on an individual known to have active warrants for his arrest. During the contact with the party K9 Eros was deployed and subsequent to a positive alert methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. The male party was arrested for the warrants as well as Possession of Methamphetamine and other drug related charges.

May 20
1:04 a.m.- Officers responded to a report of a domestic incident. An investigation resulted in a male being placed under arrest for domestic related disorderly conduct and battery.
7:46 p.m.- An officer responded to a report of a dog running loose which attacked another dog which was being walked by its owner causing injuries to that dog. The officer located the owner of the loose dog and the female party was cited for Animal Running at Large. The female was also found to have a warrant for her arrest. The female was placed under arrest and transported to the jail.

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Volunteers from the area will be placing Memorial Day flags at the grave of veterans on record with the Lincoln County Veterans Service office. This takes place approximately one week before and then they will remove those flags approximately one week after Memorial Day, May 28. Unfortunately they experience difficulty in locating some of the graves. Relatives and friends of veterans buried in those Lincoln County cemeteries are asked to determine whether or not the graves are marked with a flag and flag holder. If a grave is not marked with a flag, they are asked to stop at the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office, 801 N. Sales St., Room 146, Merrill, to pick up a flag.

Merrill Area Veterans Organizations will be placing flag on veterans grave on Monday, May 21 at 5 p.m. in St. Francis Cemetery and Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Merrill Area Veterans Organizations will be installing ceremonial flag poles and flags for the Avenue of Flags in St. Francis Cemetery and Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 28. The poles and flags will be loaded at the VFW Clubhouse, 205 N. Cleveland St., Merrill, starting at 6 a.m. They will be transported to the cemeteries and installed. Assistance is needed to accomplish this project. Members are asked to help and should assemble at VFW Clubhouse at 6 a.m. Assistance will be required to remove the Ceremonial Flag poles and Flags at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. Meet at Memorial Park Cemetery.

A Memorial Day Service will be conducted at the Merrill High School Auditorium, 1201 N. Sales St., Merrill, on Monday, May 28, at 11 a.m. The Merrill City Band will start playing at 10:30 a.m. Master of ceremonies will be retired Colonel Paul Russell, a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Army. The guest speaker will be Vaughn Edsel, honorable discharge from the United State Navy after serving nine years. Participating will be the Veterans of Foreign Wars Schmitt-Manecke-Donner Post 1638 and Auxiliary, American Legion Edward Burns Post 46, MID-WIS AMVETS Post 2000, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 29, VFW Honor Guard, Merrill City Band. Color Guard, Boy Scout Troop 503, Pack 503 and other local Boy and Girl Scouts. Participants are asked to assemble at 10:30 a.m. in the Auditorium entrance.

The public is encouraged to attend.

For further information contact Commander John Rathke, VFW Post 1638, at 715-218-1886.

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Gary Gene Weber or “Web” as he was known by most everyone, age 67, of Merrill, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19 2018, at his home, surrounded by his wife, Nadine, his son, Cody and his daughter-in-law, Shannon, along with Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  His daughter, Callie, and grandson, Wyatt were not physically at his side, but their hearts were very much with him.  Gary entered this world on September 16, 1950 to Earl and Selma Weber in Merrill, he was their first born son.  Selma survives.  Gary attended and graduated from Merrill High School and worked on grandma and grandpa Schuster’s farm and the Associated Co-op.  Gary married Nadine Roberts on July 9, 1977 in Tomahawk, WI.  She survives.   They had two children, Callie (Daniel) Boneck and Cody (Shannon) Weber, and his grandson, Wyatt, who was his pride and joy.

Gary proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, starting in 1969, and continued to serve for the next 7 years and was honorably discharged.  He was very active with Motorsports and enjoyed competing in demolition derby’s throughout central Wisconsin.  Gary was also an active member of the Merrill Ice Drags for many years, with his numerous Chevy’s throughout the years.  Gary was also an avid pool league player for much of his life.  He enjoyed talking with his buddies and drinking Old Style at the tavern.  He wanted his friends at S&S to know he truly enjoyed their company.  Gary did not have much of a serious side and that was evident throughout much of his life.  He was a kind-hearted and giving man, who would give anyone the shirt off his back if he knew that it was needed.  Gary was a simple man who didn’t expect anything from anyone.  Except for the Green Bay Packers and Rusty Wallace, then Brad Keselowski to win!  Gary was employed by Anderson Brothers & Johnson red granite quarry company, and then Merrill Equipment, until his retirement.  He is remembered as a very hard-working man .  This last January, Gary and Cody went to Charlotte, NC to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame and he met his driver, Brad Keselowski, a trip that they both cherished.

Gary is survived by his mother:  Selma Weber of Merrill, his wife: Nadine Weber of Merrill, daughter: Callie (Daniel) Boneck of Oregon, son: Cody (Shannon) Weber of Merrill, grandson: Wyatt Weber, sisters: Nancy (Ken) Raddatz, Susan (Terry) Marth and Terry (Duwaine) Weber-Nahring, all of Merrill, brother: Dennis (Jocelyn) Weber of Merrill and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father: Earl Weber.  In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Gary’s name be directed to “Jessi’s Wish”.

A Funeral Service for Gary will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 7:15pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 4pm until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Military honors will be performed by the local V.F.W. Post #1638 immediately following the service at the funeral home.

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

“Bye. Love you, mush.  Thanks everyone for the good times, I wish you all luck and take care!  I encourage everyone to get a colonoscopy when appropriate.” ~Gary

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Sunday afternoon the Merrill Rangers played their second game of the year, hosting the Interwald Woodticks. The Rangers got an early lead and would build on it later in the game to secure a 6-2 win over the Woodticks.

After a scoreless first inning, Chris Grunenwald got Merrill on the board in the bottom of the second with a solo homerun to left field. The bats would go silent for a few innings after the homer, until the fifth inning came around and the Rangers were able to put up five more runs to extend their lead. A walk to Adam Messerschmidt started the inning, followed by a Dan Duginski double. Trevor Asmundsen then drove in Messerschmidt from third base with a ground out to the first baseman. Chase Nelson would then ground into a fielders choice, scoring Duginski in the process. A double by Brad Kanitz would score another Merrill run, with two more runs scoring on errors, making it a 6-0 game.

In the top of the seventh inning Interwald was finally able to get on the scoreboard. Following two Merrill errors, Interwald would ground into a fielders choice, allowing a runner to score. The top of the eighth inning saw Interwald score another run. An error to start off the inning, followed by a base hit put Interwald in a good spot to score a run. The Woodticks would then hit a double to score the runner and make it a 6-2 game, which would be the final score.
Chase Nelson started on the mound for Merrill and would pitch seven innings, allowing no earned runs. Nelson also struck out nine batters while walking none and allowing only four hits. Shawn Schultz would relieve Nelson in the eighth inning and pitch just that inning, giving up one hit, and striking gout one batter. Justin Pyan would close the game out in the ninth inning, striking out one batter and not allowing a hit.

Dan Duginski led the Rangers offense with two doubles in four at bats. Chris Grunenwald had one hit in three tries, with his one hit being a solo homer. Brad Kanitz went 1-3 at the plate with an RBI and a double. Trevor Asmundsen rounded out the Merrill offense with one hit in four at bats, and one RBI.

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Don G. Langenkamp, 73, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully Friday, May 18, 2018. He was born on June 24, 1944 to the late Gordon and Dorothy “Beth” (Stumpf) Langenkamp. On August 3, 1968 he married Mary Jane Ploederl at Holy Cross Church, Kaukauna.

He attended and graduated from UW Madison with a degree in English. Don worked as a journalist for multiple newspapers, most notably The Green Bay Press-Gazette for over 25 years.  During his career he received numerous awards including, the 1977 National Sportswriter of the Year Award and the 1981 and 1984 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Columnist awards. Don was an avid fisherman, golfer, sports enthusiast, and he enjoyed wintering in the Florida Keys.

He is survived by his children: Lisa (Scott Kositzke) Langenkamp, Sturgeon Bay, Kristina Langenkamp, Jeffrey (Robin) Langenkamp also of Green Bay and grandchildren: Mackenzie and Alexis Brunette.  Don is further survived by his brother, James (Vida) Langenkamp, and sister, Betsy (Mark) Smith, his dog Sadie as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Langenkamp and his parents.

Family and friends may gather at St. Matthew Parish, 130 St. Matthew Street, Green Bay, beginning at 10:30am, Wednesday, May 23, 2018 until 11:45am with a Memorial Mass to follow at Noon with the Rev. Robert Kabat, officiating. Inurnment will take place at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Vaughn Edsall, manager of physical security and saftey at Church Mutual, who is also a U.S. military veteran, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony giving his input on how this Veterans Post will help the local Veterans as well as the community. Pictured is Vaughn as he speaks at the podium.

By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

Saturday afternoon, over 50 civilians and veterans gathered on the corner of Johnson and East 6th streets in Merrill, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Northwoods Veterans Post. The event kicked off with patriotic tunes courtesy of the Merrill City Band and vocals from the Church Mutual employee choir. Various members of the VFW along with executives from Church Mutual Insurance Company were on hand at the event and spoke on the impact this building will have on local veterans and the community.

Church Mutual donated the 4.3 acres of land where the building is currently under construction. The 14,376 square-foot facility will support more than just veterans, as it will be accessible to scouts, families of veterans and the entire region. The new post, expected to open in 2020, will include eight offices, four meeting rooms, an education center, a storage building, volleyball courts and access to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, an ATV and snowmobile trail.

The facility will be used for training events, sports, meetings, social events, but most importantly veteran affairs services. Currently, many vets must travel to Tomah, La Crosse, Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin for such services.

The Northwoods Veterans Post will be home to eight different organizations, making it one of only a few organizational posts in the nation to provide unique opportunities to bridge the gap between veterans, youth and the private sector. In addition, the building will provide a home for our nation’s first United States Military Chaplains Registry; offering opportunities for continued support all over the world.

“This post is a good resource for the community,” said Vaughn Edsall, manager of physical security and safety at Church Mutual, and also a U.S. military veteran. “But more importantly, a lot of veterans who serve overseas in combat zones come home and don’t have access to the services they need. So what I’m hoping is that local veterans can now come home and this post will provide them with all the services that they need.”

Church Mutual is one of the largest and best-known employers in the region, with many veterans working as executives, including President and CEO Rich Poirier; Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel Mike Smith; and many more throughout their company.

“Church Mutual is a big business in this community, and we are very committed to the community as well as the military,” said Dawn Bernatz, Director of Marketing Strategy and Communications at Church Mutual. “So when this opportunity came up and they were looking for a place to go, knowing we had all of this land, all the powers that be and the leaders talked about it and decided that it would be a really great thing to give them this land, because the Post will serve so many veterans and their families that need support. There are so many military veterans that work for our company throughout the country, so it was a really neat opportunity, We are very happy to be a part of it, because Church Mutual is so dedicated to Merrill and anything that we are capable of doing to help the community, we will.”

According to (U.S. Army Ret.) Colonel Paul Russell, chairman of the Northwoods Veterans Support Group, fundraising is still ongoing for the Veterans Post. For more information or to donate, call 715-351-2889, email NVPmerrill@gmail.com, visit www.NorthwoodsVeteransPost.org, or visit their Facebook page, facebook.com/nvp.org.

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Roland Edgar Hetfeld, age 95, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  He was born on June 3, 1922 to the late Carl W. and Alma I. (Fishbeck) Hetfeld in St. Paul, MN.  Roland attended school at Goodman and graduated with the class of 1940.  After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at the Lockheed Aircraft Corp. before enlisting in the service.  Roland proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard from October 1942 until February 1946, when he was honorably discharged.  He was a Radio Man 2^nd Class in the Coast Guard and earned the Pacific Theatre metal, the American Theatre metal, the Good Conduct metal and a purple heart from WWII.  Roland participated in the invasion of New Guinea and the Philippines.  After returning from the military, he met and fell in love with Francis Ulrica Anderson, and the two exchanged wedding vows on March 30, 1946 in Goodman, WI.  Sadly, Francis preceded him in death in 2012.  Roland attended the Wisconsin State Teachers College in Superior, WI and graduated from there in 1950.  He was an elementary principal in Goodman from 1950-1954, and moved to Merrill in 1954.  He then earned his bachelor’s degree in science and education in 1960 from UW-Madison.  He taught Botany and bacteriology at UW-Marathon/Marshfield.  Roland had worked for the Merrill Area Public School System for many years and retired as a science teacher in 1984.

Roland enjoyed being a camp director at the Birch Trail Girl Scout Camp for several years, as well as being a Boy Scout leader in Goodman.  He was a hunter’s safety instructor for many years in Merrill.  Roland was a member of the Merrill Teacher’s Association and the Christ United Methodist Church in Merrill.

Roland is survived by his sons: Jeffery (Pamela) Hetfeld of Merrill and Carl Hetfeld of Milltown, WI, sister: Sarah Moore of Orlando, FL, grandchildren: Amy (Dan) Riley, Karla (Steve) Wickersham, Josh (Jennifer) Hetfeld, Nick (Christy) Hetfeld, Megan (Adam) Snegosky, Luke (Lydia) Hetfeld, Jasmine Hetfeld and Nayda Hetfeld, step grandchildren: Braden Moening, Brittany Lofgren and McKayla (Kyle) Walker and great grandchildren: Khloe, Andrew, Matthew, Joshua, Brooke, Lauren, Avery, Audrey, Claire, Noelle, Nolan, Parker and Courtney.  He is preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Alma Hetfeld, wife: Francis Hetfeld, sons: Oscar, Scott and Ross, brother: Calvin Hetfeld, sister: Charlotte Gremban and sister-in-law: Lois (Warren) Slatter.

A Memorial Service for Roland will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 11am at the Christ United Methodist Church in Merrill.  Pastor Ho Lee will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018 from 10am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Military honors, performed by the V.F.W. Post 1638, will be conducted at the church, immediately following the service.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in Goodman, WI.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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MHS Golfer Russell Dettmering claimed his second straight Wisconsin Valley Conference title last week, after winning five out of seven conference events this season.

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