This week’s featured question was asked of Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Director Kevin Kleinschmidt.

Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Director Kevin Kleinschmidt

The question reads:
“I have a few questions about area parks and campgrounds out in the county. First, is it legal to take our ATV’s into parks? Not to tear around of course but to fish, cookout and so on? The same with county campgrounds, are we allowed to bring ATV’s in? And is there a website or a map I can find somewhere that shows where campgrounds are and a little about them, how much they cost and so on? Thanks”

Answer as given by Kleinschmidt

“Lincoln County manages five County Park areas that are maintained for public use and enjoyment. These parks are Tug Lake, Camp Newwood, Hay Meadow, Larson Lake and Otter Lake. Motorized use is not allowed in our County Parks except at designated parking areas due to the safety concerns that would be involved with mixing various recreational users, including small children with this type of traffic. An ATV can be parked in an established parking area while the park is legally open, or at a county managed boat landing provided that they do not block access or disturb other users.

“Please make sure that you are following a legal road route to drive an ATV down a public road to travel to a county park. No person shall operate any vehicle at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour or contrary to posted speed limits in a park area, and no person shall operate any vehicle in any park in a reckless manner. Otter Lake Campground is open to ATV use only to ingress and egress a designated campsite by a registered camper. This allows riders to camp at one of these campsites and access our ATV trail system without having to trailer machines to a trail head. Quiet hours, which are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. must be observed and campers shall not engage in boisterous, unreasonably loud or other disorderly conduct at any time. The camping fee for Lincoln County campgrounds is $15.00 per night and campers must register and pay before setting up camp.

“Overnight use is not allowed at other designated park facilities other than campgrounds. Lincoln County produces a recreational map that shows the location of county managed parks, campgrounds, boatlandings, our county forest property and other recreational opportunities. This map is available by contacting the Lincoln County Forestry Office located at the Lincoln County Service Center, 801 North Sales Street, Suite 106 in Merrill, Phone 715-539-1034. More information about our recreational facilities and opportunities are also available by visiting the Lincoln County website at www.co.lincoln.wi.us Thanks for the question and addition information may be obtained by contacting the Lincoln County Forestry, Land and Parks Dept at (715) 539-1034.”

Have a question or concern you would like to address? Simply send your question or concern to jratliff@mmclocal.com along with an indication of which entity your question or concern pertains to. Current participants are the Merrill Police Department, Tomahawk Police Department, Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson, Merrill Area Housing Authority Director Paul Russell, Lincoln County Clerk Chris Marlowe, Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) Superintendent Dr. John Sample, Lincoln County Forestry Land and Parks Director Kevin Kleinschmidt, the Wisconsin State Patrol and DNR Conservation Warden Curt Butler. Please note: Those who submit to the ‘Ask an Official’ feature remain anonymous.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Tuesday morning the Merrill golf team played in the regional golf tournament, hosted at the Merrill Golf Course. The Jays had a good showing placing fifth out of eight teams scoring 348, two points higher than fourth place Marshfield, however it is not enough to advance as only the top four teams move on.

Sophomore Russell Dettmering led the charge for the Jays and was the lowest scorer in the tournament, shooting at 73 (+1). With that score Russell qualififed as an idividual to advance to sectionals. Hunter Wallace had a nice day on the course, shooting an 87, good enough for a tie for 16th place. Michael Casper tied for 29th with teammate Nicolad Roman who both shot a 94. Mitchael Cammack rounded out he Bluejay golfers, placing 32 with a score of 95.

Although the Merrill team will not be able to advance, Russell Dettmering will be going on to play in the sectional tournament at Stevens Point Country Club on Tuesday, teeing off at 9:00 a.m.

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

In Mid-April, Pine Crest Nursing Home was awarded a 5-star rating in overall quality by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
According to Pine Crest Administrator Lisa Gervais, the elite 5-star rating is the highest possible rating in the quality rating system, and is the first of such for the facility in the 20+ years since the quarterly rating system becoming standardized.
PCNH has previously maintained a consistent 4-star rating since 2016.
Gervais fully credits the PCNH staff for achieving such a milestone.
“We have the dedicated, caring work of our staff to thank for this. It is our job as administrators to lead them to such a goal of a perfect 5-star rating, but they did the leg work. From our house keeping staff and maintenance, to CNA’s, nursing and supervisory staff; it was a hard working effort by all to accomplish this,” she said. “This success is just an example of how much our staff truly care about our residents and providing quality services.”
The rating comes on the heels of CMS inspections involving a variety of criteria including staffing levels, record keeping, quality and safety measures such as falls and re-hospitalizations, as well as results of inspections performed by other agencies; such as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services-Department of Quality Assurance.
“It is just a huge honor to achieve a 5-star rating,” Gervais adds. “It’s been a goal of our facility since I was the Director of Nursing, CMS just doesn’t hand these out, you really have to work to achieve success like this. I can’t express enough how very proud we are of our staff for achieving this milestone.”

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Trisha Detert, Elementary Principal at Washington Elementary School in Merrill, was recently appointed as the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) President-Elect for the 2018-2019 school year. She will serve as the AWSA President for 2019-2020. The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, created in 1978, exists to improve the quality of educational opportunities for the youth of Wisconsin by ensuring the professional growth and competency of school administrators and coordinating their collective interests and needs.

The AWSA is a premier professional association in both Wisconsin and the nation that holds high standards of ethical behavior for the administrator, whereby members are viewed by the community, professional associates, and students as a leader in preserving and strengthening the public schools. The AWSA is how school leaders come together to improve the profession and advocate for all students, supporting members with professional learning opportunities, research on best practices, and recognition.

“This appointment as the AWSA President-Elect exemplifies Mrs. Detert’s leadership qualities and the professional trust she has established with her colleagues statewide,” states Dr. John Sample, Superintendent of Merrill Area Public Schools.

Detert will maintain her role as principal while serving in this capacity.

“It is an honor to serve as president of this amazing organization,” Detert commented.

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The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross USA Province headquartered in Merrill has much to give thanks for this year. Four of their sisters are celebrating 70 years each of ministry in religious life. They include Sisters Mary Thomas Reichl, Mary Angela Sackmann, Mary Michael Smits and Jeanne Marie Braun. Each woman entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill in 1946 and made her First Profession in 1948.

Sister Mary Thomas Reichl grew up in Athens and has ministered as a teacher, guidance counselor, hospital chaplain, director of development and provincial of the Holy Cross Sisters. She ministered in North Dakota, Illinois and Wisconsin. Today she is still involved in the Salvation Army and Comunidad Hispana in the Merrill area.

Sister Mary Angela Sackmann hails from Deer Creek near Medford. Her ministries took place in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Kentucky and included teaching, hospital chaplain, coordinator for the senior sisters and working with the poor.

Sister Mary Michael Smits grew up in Wausau and Athens. She spent the majority of those 70 years in the classroom, including schools in Wisconsin, Ohio and North Dakota.

Sister Jeanne Marie Braun, raised in Athens, spent the past 70 years ministering in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Illinois and Minnesota. She was a nurse’s aide, nurse, hospital administrator and volunteer helping the poor and homeless.

Today, these four women reside on the Holy Cross Campus in Merrill. A celebration will take place during the summer meetings of the sisters and associates in early June in Holy Cross Chapel.

The Holy Cross Sisters office is located at 1400 O’Day St., Merrill. For more information on the Holy Cross Sisters and associates, visit www.holycrosssisters.org.

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May 14
Calls: #751- At 10:58 a.m. Med 63 responded to Center Rd. for a 64 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #752- At 12:58 p.m. Med 62 responded to Snow Rd. for a 17 year old male with a medical problem, no transport; #753- At 1:42 p.m. Med 61 responded to E. 2nd St. for an 83 year old female for a Community Paramedic visit; #754- At 3:50 p.m. Med 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 64 year old male, transported to Center Rd.
Other activities: Crew members did aerial operation with the ladder truck at the NTC Merrill training center.

May 15
Calls: #755- At 12:41 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st St. for an unknown problem, no patient; #756- At 2:21 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 90 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #757- at 5:05 a.m. Med 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 90 year old female, transported to E. 6th St.; #758- At 1:47 p.m. Med 63 responded to S. State St. for a 40 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #759- at 6:42 p.m. Med 62 responded to Hwy. 64 for a 63 year old female, transported to AGSH.
Other activities; Physical fitness performed by on-duty crew members; suggested guidelines reviewed; landscaping around station.

May 16
Calls: #760- At 6:30 a.m. Med 62 responded to Heritage Ct. for a 93 year old female with weakness, no transport; #761- At 8:39 a.m. Med 62 responded to Grand Ave. for a 92 year old female with a fall, transported to AGSH; #762- At 11:05 a.m. Med 62 responded to Polk St. for a 49 year old female with AMS, transported to AGSH; #763- At 2:51 p.m. Brush 66 responded to Hwy. 29 fro mutual aid to Wausau, called off on arrival; #764- At 3:32 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 109 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AWH; #765- At 5:22 p.m. MFD responded to Joe Snow Rd. for a grass fire that entered a barn, mutual aid from DNR, Corning Fire & Pine River Fire was requested; fire extinguished while protecting other structures; #766- At 10:32 p.m. Med 62 responded to Bell Tower for an 80 year old male with an illness, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Bi-annual fire prevention inspections of area businesses; pre-plan/walk through Stone Bridge Apartments.

May 17
Calls: #767- At 2:39 a.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for an 80 year old male with an illness, transported to residence; #768- At 9:16 a.m. Med 62 responded to Center Rd. for a 64 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #769- At 10:09 a.m. Med 61 responded to Grand Ave. for a 56 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #770- At 1:24 p.m. Med 61 responded to Foster St. for a 69 year old male for a Community Paramedic visit; #771- At 6:19 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 109 year old female unresponsive, transported to AGSH; #772- At 8:57 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 109 year old female with a medical problem, transported to Bell Tower.
Other activities: Training with aerial truck at NTC Merrill center; bi-annual fire prevention inspections of area businesses; CPP visit made for a CHF patient; CPR/First Aid class taught to Jefferson School staff/parents.

May 18
Calls: #773- At 12:37 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 72 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #774- at 12:51 p.m. Med 63 responded to Cty. X for a 77 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AWH; #775- At 4:12 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st St. for a 42 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #776- At 6:51 p.m. Med 62 responded to N. Sales St. for a 50 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #777- At 8:26 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 8th St. for a 67 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #778- At 9:56 p.m. Med 62 responded to Liberty St. for a 37 year old efmale with a cardiac problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Aerial operations at NTC Merrill Center; internet based EMS training on abdominal aortic aneurysm.

May 19
Calls: #779- At 12:14 p.m. Med 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 64 year old male, transferred to residence; #780- At 12:25 p.m. MFD responded to Brush Rd. for a riding lawn mower fire near a garage, DNR put fire out, MFD personnel cooled the mower, no injuries; #781- At 1:17 p.m. Med 62 responded to W. 3rd St. for a 60 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #782- At 3:40 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 72 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #783- At 6:31 p.m. Med 62 responded to Big Eddy Rd. for a 26 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Standby for Mental Health Awareness Walk on River Bend Trail; participated in groundbreaking for Northwoods Veterans Post.

May 20
Calls: #785- At 1:25 a.m. Med 62 responded, no transport; #786- At 3:38 a.m. Med 62 responded to S. Genesee St. for an 18 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #787- At 8:56 a.m. Med 62 responded to E. 1st St. for a 77 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #788- At 3:25 p.m. Med 62 responded to Turtle Lake Rd. for a 37 year old male with a trauma, transported to Cty. H & J intercept with Medevac Air; #784- At 9:50 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 92 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Pumping with Tender, Truck 63, Engine 62.

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The following cases were heard in Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court May 14, 2018.

Inattentive driving
Brenda L. Anderson, Merrill, $111.40; Cody R. Cavett, Merrill, $111.40.

Speeding
Stacy L. Bolder, Tomahawk, $98.80; Naomi E. Dawson, Wausau, $98.80; Jan. M Pacheco, Merrill, $124.

Theft of library materials (+ restitution)
Alyssa N. Collins, Marshfield, $172.54.

DC w/motor vehicle
Charles G. Hurtienne, Irma, $136.60; Darla F. Schuman, Merrill, $136.60; Glenn M. Seefeldt, Merrill, $136.60.

Operate after suspension
Ryan O. Kleinschmidt, Merrill, $187; Nichol R. Perry, Rothschild, $124, speeding, $124; Jasmine J. Trueblood, Merrill, $313, operate MV w/out insurance, $124, cracked/damaged windshield, $98.80, display unauthorized vehicle registration plate, $161.80.

Possess THC
Lisa M. Krueger, Merrill, $199.60, possess drug paraphernalia, $199.60.

Operate w/out valid license
Richard T. Smith, Merrill, $86.20.

Violation of child safety restraints
Ashley L. Spransy, Merrill, $73.60.

Operate after revocation
Brandon M. Thompson, Merrill, $313.

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Wisconsin State Treasurer candidate Sara Godlewski was in town Monday afternoon, on one of just many campaign stops across the state this summer. Godlewski met with Lincoln County Retired Educators at First Street Coffee Station; discussing her vision for the treasurer’s office if elected this fall. “I would like to raise awareness of this office and my vision of what the state treasurer’s office can do for all Wisconsinites,” Godlewski said. “I feel it’s critical to visit areas outside of our major cities such as Milwaukee and Madison, as the fiscal watchdog can play an important role in both urban and rural parts of Wisconsin.”

Godlewski (D-Eau Claire) will be joined by  Paul Boucher, Cynthia Kaump, Dawn Marie Sass and Jake Tulogeski on the Democratic ticket in the August 14 state primary. Travis Hartwig and Jill Millies are in the running for the Treasurer’s office on the Republican ticket. The winners will proceed to the November 6 General Election.  Candidate filing remains open until June 1.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

Wednesday night the Merrill softball team kicked off their postseason with a match-up against seven seeded Hayward. Merrill dominated the game, winning 10-0 in six innings, due in big part to Taylor Krueger’s shut down performance.

Merrill would strike early, scoring four runs in the first inning to get a jump on Hayward. A leadoff single by Kelsie Belfiori, followed by a Patience Pyan double and Maddix Bonnell walk, loaded the bases for the Jays. Taylor Krueger then singled to center field, scoring Belfiori and Pyan. Later in the inning Megan Shroder singled to center field to score Bonnell. A courtesy runner for Taylor Krueger would score the fourth run of the inning, coming off of a passed ball with two outs.

In the second inning the Jays added two more runs to their lead. Belfiori singled to start the inning, with a double by Bonnell moving her over to third base. A double by Calli Oberg would score both Merrill runners and bring the score to 6-0. In the bottom of the third inning Merrill added one run to their lead, coming on a sacrifice fly from Molly Weix to score Schroder from third base.

The Jays would increase their lead even further in the fifth inning with one run. Taylor Krueger led off with a single and would later score on a single by Ally Semling. Merrill would end the game in the sixth inning by scoring two runs to enforce the 10-run-rule. Belfiori led off the inning with a single and would later score on a Bonnell double. Oberg would then single, advancing Bonnell to third where she would score on a walk-off single by Krueger.

“We played well,” comments Merrill coach Matt Ellenbecker. “Fifteen hits and one strikeout… that’s a good recipe. It was great to jump on them early and keep pressure on them consistently each inning. Hayward actually made 3-4 outstanding defensive plays to take big hits away from us, so we earned everything we got. We used the whole field, peppering both gaps. That’s a great sign for us.”

Krueger pitched the whole game for Merrill without allowing a run. She would go six innings, giving up only four hits and striking out four batters while walking none.

“Our defense was sharp,” adds coach Ellenbecker. “Lindsey Casper and Molly Weix stood out particularly on defense, but everyone played a great, error-free game. Taylor was sharp in the circle. We ran the bases aggressively, but smart. It was a great way to start tournament play.”

Krueger would also lead the way for the Bluejay’s offense, going 3-4 at the plate with three RBI’s and two runs scored. Belfiori also had a three hit night, while scoring two runs. Oberg went 2-4 at the plate with a double, driving in two runners. Other noteable Merrill hitters include: Bonnell (2-4, 2 doubles, 1 RBI, 3R), Patience Pyan (2-4, double, 1R) and Schroder (2-3, 1RBI, 1R).

The Merrill softball team will host three seeded Rhinelander for a Regional Championship showdown tonight at the MARC, with first pitch at 4 p.m.

“This will be a challenging game for sure,” Ellenbecker said. “They have a solid crew, led by a set of twins who are seniors for them, Makayla and Stephanie Kuester. Those girls can really hit. We need to be sharp each pitch. They earned the three seed for a reason. It will be a battle.”

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Lindsey Casper had a solid game against Hayward although she was not able to come up with any hits. Casper was solid in the field and also did her job at the plate bunting over teammates on two occasions. Pictured is Casper as she lays down a bunt to allow runners to advance to second and third base.

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Merrill High School Art students secured 10 out of 13 places in the annual Aspirus Volunteers Student Talent Art Review (STAR) program. Their art work has been professionally matted, framed and will be displayed in a corridor of the hospital for one year. In addition, the first place winner received $200 and the second place, $150.

Pictured from left are Dayton Frederick (two Honorable Mentions), Kaitlyn Arndt (2nd Place), Camryn Schulz (Honorable Mention), Maria Wichman (Honorable Mention), Ananda Van Wie (two Honorable Mentions), Allison Smith (Honorable Mention), Alyssa Hardrath (1st Place); missing from photo, Megan Brewer (Honorable Mention).

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Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) and Junior Achievement (JA) showed its appreciation by hosting its Eighth Annual Junior Achievement Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Eagles Club Tuesday. The 50 volunteers who taught 55 JA classes during the 2017-2018 school year helped 1,155 students learn more about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work-readiness skills.

Because of these volunteers, kindergarten students were able to participate in the program called “Ourselves” and learn about individual choices and the importance of saving and giving, and the value of work. First grade students participated in the program called “Our Families” and learned how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and of the community. Second grade students participated in “Our Communities” and learned about taxes, decision-making, and the economy. Third grade students participated in “Our City” and learned about economic exchange and money management by people and cities. Fifth grade students participated in “Our Nation” and learned about the need for employees who can meet the demands of the 21st century job market, particularly high-growth, high-demand jobs. Sixth grade students participated in “It’s My Future” and learned about preparing for the working world through career clusters, high-growth jobs, career planning, and creating a personal brand.

Seventh grade students participated in “Economics for Success” and learned how to build strong personal finances and the importance of exploring career options based on their skills, interests, and values. They also learned about spending money within a budget; saving and investing wisely; and using credit cautiously.

Volunteers with five or more years of volunteering were the following: Brenda Bartz (Tomahawk Community Bank), Matt Boyle (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Jim Brickner (Brickner’s Park City), Tricia Fox (Lincoln Community Bank), Alexandra Hartinger (Modern Nutrition), Anita Holman (Park City Credit Union), D’Lacey Haight (Merrill Ace Hardware), Bruce Iattoni (Skare & Associates), Barb Iwen (Retired), John Kilgust (Retired), Dana Laher (Church Mutual Insurance Company, Linda Murray (Murray & Associates), Mark Steinberg (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Buck Steiniger (Retired), Desirae Thomaschefsky (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Mary Ann Van Der Geest (Retired), and Raegan Zuelsdorff (OptumRx).

Volunteers who had less than five years of volunteering were the following: Mark Bares (Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes), Jennifer Berreth (Merrill Area Public Schools), Christa Christiansen (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Darcy Dalsky (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Clint Golisch (Interflex Group), Danielle Green (Park City Credit Union), April Hallas (Reindl Printing), Kelly Hirn (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Patricia Hughes (Associated Bank), Rebecca Hunter (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Kristin Jacobson (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Rebecca Kimmons (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Carrie Klinger (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Eric Klug (Klug’s Country Gold), Abbie Lange (Lincoln Community Bank), Cassandra Lieble (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Kathy McDonough (R.A.J. Services), Clyde Nelson (Lincoln Community Bank), Leah Nelson (Associated Bank), Justin Peters (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Heather Pophal (American Family Insurance Agency), Rhonda Pozorski (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Mitch Radtke (Entrepreneur), Sonya Ropson (Interflex Group), Susan Ryman (River Valley Bank), William Schultz (Lee’s Piggly Wiggly), Jill Servi (JAMPS Strategic Insights), Meg Shortridge (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Michael Spoon (Church Mutual Insurance Company), Lindsey Urban (Walmart), Darla Vachavake (Retired), Rachel Winter (R.A.J. Services), and Shannon Worlin (Church Mutual Insurance Company).

Since the pilot program days in 2010-2011 with 15 classes and 14 volunteers, JA is now being offered to almost every kindergarten through seventh grade student throughout the district. In addition, a personal financial literacy class is a requirement at the high school. Each element of the program helps students prepare for their productive roles in society.

“Without the support of the businesses donations and the volunteers teaching the classes, Junior Achievement would not be possible in the Merrill community,” said program coordinator Carrie Pierschalla. “The premise of the program is bringing business, community, and education together to teach the students. Educators cannot do it alone. It is a commitment by everyone, and in this case, businesses pay for the programs, volunteers teach the programs, and teachers provide the classrooms and the students.”

To learn more about JA go to www.ja.org. For information about becoming a volunteer, contact Carrie Pierschalla at carrie.pierschalla@maps.k12.wi.us.

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Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
5-31-78
A survey conducted by marking students at North Central Technical College shows a difference of opinion on the state of parking in downtown Merrill. Students George Gunderson, Stephen Loos, Ronald Kuehn and Tim Ravn surveyed both merchants and shoppers in order to get a sampling of opinions on both sides of the issue. For the most part the 48 business owners in the east side district believe that their employees do not have adequate space to park. Many park in metered stalls which takes away valuable parking space for their customers. Suggestions from the business owners in the short term were to increase penalties for parking over the meter limit to the long term solution of building a parking ramp behind Livingston’s Department Store in order to provide adequate space for both customers and employees. A poll of shoppers shows that for the most part they are satisfied with shopping downtown and the majority has no issue parking and walking a block or two to get to their favorite store. Mayor Nugent has forwarded on the study to the Police and Fire Commission but noted he is opposed to a parking ramp behind Livingston’s, instead encouraging the group to seek land in the area of Scott Street where the new elderly housing complex is being built.
Big changes will soon be coming to downtown Merrill as M&I Citizens American Bank is preparing to build a new facility. The board of directors has selected Fluor Brothers of Schofield as the general contractor for the project and authorized spending up to $750,000. During phase one the former Gibson Store located to the east of the existing building will be torn down along with the back offices of the bank. The bank will operate from its present facilities as the new building is constructed around it. By January the new bank should be built and operations will move into the new section while the original building is leveled.
In briefs: John and Jackie Willis have purchased Park City Liquor; they are pictured with realtor Ed Chartier handing over the keys of the previous owners Gene and John Cotter. The new elderly housing complex in Gleason is nearing completion. An open house will be held this Sunday at the facility which should see its first overnight guest around June 10. Anthony Skic has been installed as commander of the VFW Post 1638 with Wayne Kraetsch as the senior vice-commander.
6-1-88
The Merrill Board of Education has voted to make all school campuses tobacco free. Board member Diane Mikkelson stated she would like to see the adults in the community lead by example and help create a smoke free environment for the children noting it should not just be the teachers and administrators who are restricted from smoking. An attempt to amend the policy and allow smoking at outdoor venues such as Jay Stadium was defeated narrowly. The new policy will go into effect at the start of the 1988-89 school year. Good Samaritan Health Center has also adopted a no smoking policy except in designated areas. The hospital will not allow smoking in any patient care areas and other designated areas. It is the hope to have the facility completely smoke free by 1990.
A hearing will be held this evening at City Hall for the proposed annexations on the east end of the city. The two separate petitions include the areas around the Pine Ridge oasis and the Wisconsin Dairies building. The second extends down Big Eddy Road and back to the east through the 3’s Company area. Mayor Ken Sparr is supportive of the plan and told the paper he has not heard one negative comment from any business owner or individual.
Fox Point Sportswear has announced they are closing their retail outlet. All remaining merchandise in the store is 50% off for the sell-off which will run through Saturday. The company explained they need to close the store in order to expand their production facilities.
The City of Merrill Common Council has approved a bid from Ken Matson to raze three houses on West Third Street. The homes are located between 102 and 208 W. 3rd between Lions and Stange’s Parks. The site will provide more parking for park users and students as well as people attending functions at the high school. The school and the city will share in the expense of acquiring the properties, razing the buildings and developing the parking lots.
6-3-98
Work has all but stopped on a proposed extension of Alexander Lake Road after a ruling by Langlade County Judge James Jansen. Jansen’s ruling has directed the township to follow resolutions adopted by residents at their annual town meeting in April which directed the township to stop spending town money on the project. Wisconsin Public Service had planned on putting in a boat landing for the public to have access to Lake Alexander, and the town agreed to extend the road into the landing. Town Clerk Janice Fredrickson has certified petitions calling for the recall election of the town chairman, a town supervisor, and the treasurer. A special election will be held on June 30.
The full report on the state of the city’s finances is still at least a week away from being delivered but city Finance Director Bruce Redlin is warning that the belts must be tightened. The city Personnel and Finance Committee has directed department heads to come up with zero based budgeting for 1999. Despite that the committee did recommend approving a third clerk for the city police department as 75% of the pay will come from a federal grant while also agreeing to reclassifying two newly promoted police lieutenants, Ken Neff and Chris Hartwig, despite questions about whether four police lieutenants were needed for a department that only has three shifts. Reclassifying of other city employees has been put on hold until the 1997 audit is presented with Alderman Kurt Helmstadter saying, “It used to be approve, approve, approve (transferring money from the general fund); now it has hit home.” The council did agree to a request from Merrill Area Public Schools for 18 new informational signs around town to help guide people to the new schools as long as MAPS foots the estimated $100 per sign cost and installs them.
Now that the snow is gone it is time for the next season in town, road construction. The city is busy moving ahead with a full slate of projects with the first being extending Thielman Street and adding curb and gutter on South Alexander Street. The biggest project will be the re-paving of North Center Avenue which will begin next Monday. It is anticipated the federal government will drop a large amount of money into state coffers for roadwork and if that is done the city is set to ask for the immediate reconstruction of Second Street between Polk and Mill streets, those projects were set for early 2000, but if the city can take advantage of the federal funds they will only be on the hook for 20% of the costs.

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Collin Lueck
Editor

On Tuesday May 15, Lincoln County Board supervisors indicated support for maintaining a vehicle registration fee that adds $20 to the cost of registering a vehicle in Lincoln County this year.
A straw poll taken to gauge supervisors’ support for a continued registration fee in 2019 resulted in a 19-3 show of support.
The county vehicle registration fee was approved by the county board last September as a means to raise $526,000 to fill an anticipated shortfall in the county budget. By state statute, money raised by a county vehicle registration fee can only be used for transportation related purposes. The current registration fee would expire at the end of 2018.
Later at last Tuesday’s county board meeting, the board considered a related resolution presented by Supervisor Bill Zeitz. Zeitz proposed an advisory referendum question on the Aug. 14 ballot, seeking voter input on whether the county should continue the registration fee. Zeitz objected to the fact that no public hearing was held to allow taxpayer input prior to the county enacting the vehicle registration fee.
Zeitz’s resolution was ultimately defeated on a 19-3 vote, with Supervisors Nubs Ashbeck, Tim Panfil and Zeitz voting in favor.

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Rose M. ‘Thea’ Theissen, 110, of Merrill, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Thea was born December 28, 1907, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, daughter of the late Clement and Mary (Linen) Schaefer.  Thea graduated from Breckenridge High School and continued her education at State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota.  She married Elmer Theissen on August 6, 1929.  Elmer worked as a pharmacist for Ford Hopkins Drug Stores and was relocated several times.  Thea and Elmer eventually settled in Fort Madison, Iowa, bought the Ford Hopkins Drug Store and renamed it Theissen Rexall Drug.  Thea worked alongside her husband as a clerk at the pharmacy.  Elmer passed away on September 15, 1991.  Thea enjoyed volunteering and served with the Gray Ladies of the Red Cross in the Fort Madison area for over 55 years.

Thea moved to Merrill in 2004 and lived with her daughter for the past fourteen years.  She was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.   Thea enjoyed taking walks, vegetable gardening, knitting, reading and receiving mail.  Thea especially enjoyed attending her granddaughters’ events.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary McElwee of Waukesha, WI, Eleanor (Gary) Wright of Battle Creek, MI and Audrey Anderson of Merrill, WI; 13 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.  Thea was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Theissen; parents, Clement and Mary Schaefer; daughters, Ruth Rose Theissen and Helen Ann Theissen; great-grandson, Trevor Howard; siblings, Herb Schaefer, Clarence Schaefer, Anne Schaefer, Gertrude Hintgen and Rita Brenner; and son-in-law, Bill McElwee.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill.  Father Chris Kemp will preside.  Burial will take place at a later date in Gethsemane Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa.  The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home for taking such good care of ‘Grandma Thea’.

The family suggests memorials be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Thursday night the Merrill softball team hosted the Rhinelander Hodags in the regional finals. Rhinelander got the jump on Merrill going up two runs early, but Merrill would fight back and take the 10-3 win.

The Hodags got out to a good start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning on two singles followed by a big double. Merrill was quick to respond, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Lindsey Casper led off the inning with a double to left field. Walks to Megan Schroder and Kelsie Belfiori would then load the bases for Patience Pyan who singled to center field, scoring two runs. Maddix Bonnell then singled to left field, scoring two more Merrill runs.

Rhinelander struck back in the top of the fourth inning, scoring one run to make it a 4-3 game in favor of Merrill. The Jays were quick to get that one run back as they scored in the bottom of the fourth. A leadoff single by Belfiori, followed by a Pyan bunt, and Bonnell single put runners on first and third for Calli Oberg. Oberg would drive in the run from third hitting a sacrifice fly ball to left field.

Merrill added three more runs to their lead in the fifth inning to take a commanding 8-3 lead. A single by Casper got the Jays started, followed by a Makayla Heller walk, and a fielders choice by Maddi Weix to score Casper. An error by Rhinelander would allow another run to score for Merrill, and leave runners on first and third. Pyan would then single to left field to score Weix from third. Two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning sealed the game for Merrill as they took a 10-3 lead. With runners on first and third Maddi Weix singled to center field, scoring a run. An error on a Belfiori ground ball allowed another run to score as that would be all the scoring for the game, with Merrill taking the win.

Taylor Krueger had another great game on the mound, pitching seven innings while allowing only three runs on 10 hits, and striking out five batters while walking none.

Pyan led the charge for the Merrill offense, driving in three runs on two hits, and scoring once. Bonnell also had a nice game with two hits in four tries, driving in two runs. Other notable hitters include: Casper (3-4, 2 doubles, 3 runs), Belfiori (2-4, RBI, 2 runs), Maddi Weix (1-4, 2 RBI, 1 run) and Oberg (1-2, RBI, BB).

Merrill will be back on the field on Tuesday as they will play the winner of top seeded Mosinee and five seeded Antigo/White Lake. Time and location is to be determined.

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Calli Oberg had a solid game in the regional final against Rhinelander, driving in a pair of runs, including a sacrifice fly ball. Pictured is Oberg as she hits a high fly ball to left field, allowing the runner on third base to tag up and score.

Merrill will be back on the field on Tuesday as they will play the winner of one seeded Mosinee and five seeded Antigo/ White lake. Time and location is to be determined.

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Being There – Reaching Out Inc. will showcase their display of 400 combat boots at the Lincoln County Courthouse around the clock, from Friday May 25 through Memorial Day.  The display is a memorial to all men and woman who have been killed in action since the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.  Each pair of boots has a photo and story attached.  Being There – Reaching out focuses on surviving family support, communication and coordination.

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Kyle J. Stellingworth, son of Dana and Christi Stellingworthm achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on Nov. 26, 2017. Kyle is a member of Boy Scout Troop 599 of Merrill. His Eagle Court of Honor was held on May 20, 2018 at St Francis Church.

Kyle has been involved in Boy Scouts since he was a Tiger Cub. Troop 599 is chartered through St. John Lutheran church in Merrill and part of Samoset Council. As a Cub Scout, he participated in many camping and other events.

Kyle earned his Arrow of Light and crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts on Feb. 18, 2014. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in the summer of 2017. Kyle attended and completed the National Youth Leadership Training program in June of 2016. In 2017 he was on staff as a leader for the National Youth Leadership training. In 2017 he donated over 300 hours of volunteering for different activities. Kyle’s Eagle project consisted of contacting three of the local Merrill food pantries to include, Merrill Helping Hands, Merrill Food Pantry and the Merrill High School food pantry. He proposed the idea of building book cases and giving books to the clients that sought food from the food pantries. The food pantries thought this was a great idea and he met with the different parties and planned for the bookcases and books. He designed and built the bookcases with the help of the other Boy Scouts in his troop and his building mentor, Delmer Polak. He also contacted the Friends of the Library and told them of his project and they graciously said they would donate books to the project. He also received books from community members. The project has been very successful and since June of 2017 over 2,500 books have been donated and given back to Merrill community members. He introduced the food pantry members and Friends of the Library to each other, so the food pantries will continue to receive books. His Life to Eagle Scout Coach was Aimee Weisskopf.

Kyle has held the position of Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide and National Youth Leadership staff. He attended the National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia in the summer of 2017.

Kyle is a member of St. Francis Church. He is a freshman at Merrill High school and holds a 4.0 GPA. He participates in cross county and basketball. He is employed at Kindhearted Home Care.

He is a member of the Octagon Club and Chess Club. He also plays basketball for the Wisconsin Playmakers.

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As a complement to the Prairie River Middle School 2018 Civil War Day, the T.B. Scott Free Library is bringing to Merrill, Eric Schlehlein, a Wisconsin author on Thursday, May 31, at 6 p.m. His first book, “Black Iron Mercy,” which is the focus of his author visit, takes place during the American Civil War in Wisconsin. Eric has also recently announced the release of his next historical fiction novel, “The Dim White Light,” which is available for pre-order.

To all of our Wisconsin history buffs, come and enjoy an informative and entertaining presentation as Eric shares his journey to becoming a writer and the importance of research when writing historical fiction.

Eric Schlehlein is a freelance writer and historian, with a deep appreciation for all things Americana. He has served his community the last 16 years as a lieutenant on the Hartland Fire Department and has served as president of the Hartland Firefighters Association, Inc., where he is now well into his fifth term. He lives in Hartland, Wisconsin, with his wife and three children.

Books will be available for sale and autographed by Eric. Read more about Eric at https://ericschlehlein.com/ and https://dpi.wi.gov/wisconsin-writes/eric-schlehlein.

For further information, please contact Laurie Ollhoff at 715-536-7191 or lollhoff@tbscottlibrary.org. Enjoy refreshments with coffee courtesy of the First Street Coffee Station. 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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