Former Merrill resident, Melanie Tlusty, was recently honored at the White Bear Lake School District’s Teacher of the Year Finalist Celebration. This Minnesota school district of 9,000 students honors six of its nominated teachers yearly.
Melanie was introduced to the gathering by 6th grade student, Arianna Vann-Cook. In her remarks, Arianna expressed why she believed Tlusty received the White Bear Lake Teacher of the Year Finalist Award.
“Miss Tlusty is my favorite teacher and I hope you can see why she deserves this honor so much. Her love and care for her students, and her heart, make her my teacher of the year,” Arianna said.
Melanie is a 2008 graduate of Merrill High School and a 2013 graduate of UW-River Falls. She has been employed for the past four years with the White Bear Lake School District, teaching K-5 music for three years and middle school choir for the past year. She also taught choir at SkyView Middle School in Oakdale, MN for one year.

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Editor,
The Trump administration has decided to separate children (including babies) from immigrants crossing into the United States to seek asylyum. A Border Patrol Agent reported that 658 children were separated from their parents during the period of May 6-19, 2018. These children are being held in juvenile detention centers (supposedly military bases). You just can’t imagine the disappointment in the hearts of the immigrant parents after leaving their homeland to find a better life for themselves and their children, only to have their family torn apart. Who will be changing diapers and giving hungry babies a bottle in the middle of the night? What about the little boys and girls that are in a strange country and miss their parents? Who will wash their clothes, feed them and make sure that they brush their teeth? Will their caregivers mistreat or harass these little ones? Hopefully not. Who are their caregivers? Were these people given background checks like anyone who works at a daycare center is? Medical experts are concerned that this will cause Toxic Stress for these children. Their parents are being held in adult detention centers awaiting deportation. We do not know if the children will be re-united with their parents or not. This a total atrocity by the Trump administration. Please contact your Congressional representative and ask them to reverse this policy. Mr. Trump, this is not how you make America Great.
Patrick Hommerding
Merrill

Dear Editior:
We would like to commend Master of Ceremonies, Paul Russell, and all the other people who helped organize the Memorial Day program. The Merrill City Band under the direction of Linda Becker did a wonderful job as usual. Our thanks to all those volunteers who play in the band, inspired us. Soloist James Bjorklund, accompanied by the city band, inspired us with his strong voice when singing several patriotic songs. Guest speaker, Vaughn Edsal, delivered a powerful message about the meaning of Memorial Day. He pointed out that it is important that we take time every day, keeping in our thoughts and prayers, all those who has answered the call to serve.
Also, we were encouraged to remember and support all the families who sacrificed so much, and continue to sacrifice, as their loved ones serve in our armed forces, some giving their lives in service to our country. Our freedom should be taken for granted. Memorial Day is every day, if we truly value that freedom.
Lastly, we would like to say that by holding the ceremonies in the Merrill High School auditorium, people don’t have to contend with weather issues or outside distractions. They can more readily concentrate on the messages of the day, while being comfortably seated. Merrill can be very proud that there are so many individuals who are willing to volunteer to make this wonderful program such a success.
Ron and Phyllis Presl
Merrill

Compost bins available to Merrill and Tomahawk residents.
Why should we compost? Because it is nature’s way to keep the earth health and fertile. It also keep vegetable and fruit refuse and food scraps out of the landfill and thereby causing less harmful methane gas, which contributes to climate change.
The finished compost, a nutrient rich soil can then be used to fertilize garden beds, bushes and trees of your own yard, all good reasons, why we should compost our table scraps, etc.
A limited amount of composting binds are being made available to city residents for sale. These large black plastic bins are sold at cost for the price of $1.00. Included is a very helpful, informative booklet on how to keep your compost healthy. These bins have been purchased from the Marathon County landfill and are also available through their department. The UW-Ext. office has a bin on display at the Service Center (ground floor) in Merrill.
If you are interested in purchasing a compost bin call UW-Ext. office at 715-539-1072 or Susanna Juon-Gilk at 715-536-7054.
We encourage Merrill and Tomahawk residents to use a more environmentally friendly way to deal with their plant-based scraps.
this project is sponsored by: Live Sustainable, Lincoln County, UW-Ext. and a newly formed group: TL, LEAF (Transition Lincoln, Local Environmental Activists and Friends).
Susanna Juon-Gilk
Merrill

Letters to the Editor Policy
The Foto News welcomes letters to the editor and makes every effort to publish as many as possible. The following guidelines apply: Letters are limited to 250 words. First preference will be given to timely letters of local concern. All letters must be signed. No anonymous letters. Each letter must contain the writer’s address and phone number for verification.
Deadline: Letters received after 10 a.m. Monday will be held for the following week’s issue.

The post Letters to the Editor – June 20, 2018 appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

GRADE 9
Highest Honors (4.0)- Aaron Arndt, Levi Black, Edmund Collinsworth, Caleb Dejong, Tanner Depies, Jordyn Henrich, Eleanor Holzinger, Alicia Humphrey, Alex Langren, Trenton Lokemoen, Hannah Losee, Alexander Mann, Ahna Meyer, Devin Miller, Katherine Myszka, Kelly Page, Piper Plautz, Sara Rajek, Rebecca Rell, Alexandra Schmeltzer, Sawyer Schmitz, Kasey Sondelski, Kate Steckbauer, Rachel Travis, Nikolas Zastrow, Nicole Zoellner.

High Honors (3.75-3.99)- Jacob Butler, Alexis Crossman, Gavin Dinges, Kaylee King, Kendall Krueger, Courtney Krueger, Cyjay LaCrosse, Matthew Palazzo, Camryn Schulz, Delainy Stockowitz, Mason Vander Velde, Lainey Voigt.

Honors (3.5-3.74)- Brayton Brown, Ginessa Cole, Kasi Gano, Timothy Handlin, Kariann Hanneman, Lydia Hanson, Tanner Higgins, Elizabeth Hogenmiller, Alexandra Johnson, Kimberly Kracht, Zachary Kriegel, Tyler Leistikow, Ciera Masquas, Alysa McKinney, Erin Murray, Kendra Petrowski, Drew Polak, Trevor Schenzel, Bethany Schultz, Kyle Semling, Parker Short, Alexis Slagoski, Kyle Stellingworth, Nicholas Tanck, Charleze Valliere, Nathan Woller, Jack Zamzow.

GRADE 10
Highest Honors (4.0)- Eve Akey, Kamille Ament, Abby Bucknell, Abigail Burgener, Michael Casper, Dawson Dengel, Cody Depies, Katelyn Hahn, Elizabeth Hartson, Isabella Laufenberg, Reese Mrachek, Caleb Novitch, Aliyah Pillai, Ashley Prebeg, Sophia Schroeder, Connor Sczygelski, Star Spiegel, Izabella Troyer, Ananda Van Wie, Austin Wiederhoeft.

High Honors (3.75-3.99)- Breann Cagle, Aleecia Dawson, Savannah Guenther, Analiz Hart, Cassandra Howard, Hannah Mikalauski, Allison Schlegel, Jacob Schnabl, Allison Smith.

Honors (3.5-3.74)- Rachel Berg, Alex Bloch, Jennifer Bolanos, Bailey Buckholt, Sydney Ellis, Clayton Gruetzmacher, Rylee Hoeppner, MacKenzee Hoffman, Kaylee Holloway, Abbigail Krueger, Jakob Mattson, Logan O’Connell, Anna Rydeski, Ethan Schelbert, Molly Seidler, Allysen Semling, Madison Sturm, Caleb Timm, Sadie Wakefield, Autumn Werner.

GRADE 11
Highest Honors (4.0)- Abrahm Akey, Kaitlyn Arndt, Aimee Black, Chase Bonnell, Jayda Bushor, Lily Cordova, Ellie Gerbig, Morgan Henrichs, Anne Herdt, Sierra Humphrey, Emma Jaeger, Stephen Koch, Rylee Mrachek, Amber Skiff, Quinn Steckbauer, Nora Trapp, Alec Vosburgh, Hunter Wallace, Gwen Wheat, Tyler Wolff.

High Honors (3.75-3.99)- Kathryn Ball, Bailey Iwen, Caitlin Jaeger, Dana Kalepp, Mackenah Krause, William Opsahl, Mary Pawlicki, Journey Smith, Allison Tabor, Dalie Thomas, Brielle Thorson, Olivia Wheat, Maria Wichman.

Honors (3.5-3.74)- Kelsie Belfiori, Melody Button, Taleigh Fox, Dayton Frederick, Alyssa Hardrath, Robert Hinner, Sheena Kalepp, Dominic Leistikow, Lauren Lemke, Criztal Martinez, Christian Matson, Wesley McIntyre, Chloe Morris, Makayla Nelson, Robert Oestreich, Katie Pfuhl, Izabella Prebeg, Brendan Root, Elizabeth Schmidt, Megan Schroder, Taiyana Shaw, Anna Skoviera, Shea-Lynn Stichmann, Raelynn Stubbe, Adam Watson.

GRADE 12
Highest Honors (4.0)- Emalee Alexander, Tyler Baade, Logan Bennett, Kobe Blake, Noah Bolling, Kade Bonnell, Maddix Bonnell, Megan Brewer, Bradley Draxler, Nathanial Grefe, Maria Grund, Allison Kloth, Makayla Koelsch, Taylor Krueger, Adam Laehn, Jordyn Londerville, Isaac Meyer, Jacob Novitch, Brant Raleigh, Rachel Rell, Jacob Romang, Autumn Schenzel, Paige Sondelski.

High Honors (3.75-3.99)- Lindsey Casper, Christina Doering, Rachel Ellerman, Andrei Heisinger, Desirae Hoff, Renee Moonen, Lily Reimann, Sydney Ruplinger, Hailey Schult, Eric Von Hirsch, Morgan Wardall, Mariyah Weber.

Honors (3.5-3.74)- Ashlin Berry, Bonnie Blaise, Stevie Booher, Adam Detert, Andreou Goetsch, Nevada Laabs, Atte Laak, Casie McAllister, Zachary Mootz, Joshua Palazzo, Zoe Slewitzke, Aidan Tautges, Mark Thompson, Emily Toth, Eliza Trojanowski, Abigail Tveten, Patricia Wegner, Devon Winn.

The post Merrill High School Honor Roll 4th quarter 2017-18 appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Each year the Lincoln County 4-H Leaders’ Association awards up to three scholarships to qualified 4-H members who are pursuing programs of study at any accredited college, university or technical college. This year’s recipients of the Lincoln County 4-H Scholarship are Dillon Gnewuch (Gleason), Morgan Wardall (Merrill), and Keia Woller (Merrill).

Dillon, son of Chad and Tena Gnewuch, graduated this year from Rural Virtual Academy. One of his favorite 4-H projects is woodworking which has led him to pursue his degree in the Residential Building Program at North Central Technical College. Dillon has been an active 4-H member since 2005 in the Prairie River Eagles 4-H Club where he has held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and President. He also serves as a county 4-H Ambassador and as a Youth Director on the Lincoln County 4-H Leaders’ Association Board of Directors.

Morgan, daughter of Janet Wardall, graduated this year from Merrill Senior High School. She is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin Whitewater majoring in business and marketing. Morgan has been an active 4-H member for 10 years in the Barnes Creek Buccaneers 4-H Club where she has held the office of treasurer. She has also been very active in the county horse project group throughout her years in 4-H where she served as the Youth President for several years.

Keia, daughter of Jamie Willis and Keith Woller, graduated in 2017 from Merrill Senior High School and is currently pursuing her degree in the Video Production Program at North Central Technical College. Keia has been an active 4-H member for 12 years in the Merrill Busy Bees 4-H Club where she has held the offices of President, Vice President and Secretary. She has served as a Camp Counselor at 4-H Summer Camps for five years.

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Merrill Mayor Derek Woellner proclaimed that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, June 15, would be observed in the City of Merrill. Pictured here with the proclamation are the Mayor and HAVEN Advocate Katie Lines in front of the Elder Abuse Awareness display placed at the Lincoln County Courthouse. The display includes 52 purple pinwheels signifying the 52 known cases of elder abuse that occurred in Lincoln County in 2017. HAVEN partnered with Adult Protective Services of North Central Health Care, the Aging Disability Resource Center, AVAIL of Antigo, and The Women’s Community of Wausau in promoting an area wide observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Week.

The post Merrill observes Elder Abuse Awareness Day appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Monday-Friday from June 11-August 31, free lunch will be served for kids and teens at the Stange’s Park picnic shelter on E. Third Street. Hours of service will be 11 AM-1PM.
‘Bridging the Gap for Hungry Children’ is sponsored by Christ United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Stephens UCC, Our Saviours Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The post Food that’s in when school is out! appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Riiser Energy, a 73-year-old Wausau company with 34 convenience stores, transportation and fuel operations, has been sold to an investment group specializing in building regional chains of convenience stores.

Dudley Investments LLC, Wildcatters LLC and Kemerling Investments LLC, the former owners of Riiser Energy and the newly formed Riiser Fuels LLC, based in Durham, N.C., closed the acquisition of Riiser Energy on June 15. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The new owners are hiring the company’s 320 employees, said Jim Kemerling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riiser Energy.

“Riiser Energy is an exceptional company with a proud history and best-in-class operations. The new owners will use their 65 years of combined experience in investing, financing and operating within the c-store and wholesale fuel industry to help Riiser continue to grow into a larger regional operation,” explained Kemerling.

Riiser Fuels, LLC, was formed by Don Draughon and J.D. Dykstra, to make investments in the convenience store industry, a market segment that is seeing considerable merger and acquisition activity.

“We are acquiring a great company in Wisconsin,” said J.D. Dykstra. “Riiser Fuels is committed to growing the chain within the upper Midwest into a regional company and expanding the brand throughout the region. We will utilize the Riiser name and team as the foundation for that growth.”

Riiser was started in 1945 by Arthur Riiser. His son, Tom, took over the business in 1958 and operated the company for 40 years. In 1999, Tom Riiser sold the business to Jim Kemerling, who served as President and CEO of the Company, and Richard (Dick) Dudley, who served as chairman until his death in 2013.

The post Riiser Energy sold to convenience store investment group appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

The following cases were heard in Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court June 11, 2018.

Disorderly Conduct
Kordell J. Renken, Merrill, $136.60. Jonathon E. Hinz, Merrill, $136.60. Jacob J. Johnson, $136.60. Trevon F. Scheuermann, Merrill, $199.60.

Non-registration of auto, etc.
Randy L. Diels, Aniwa, $98.80. Kory K. Welch, Merrill, $98.80.

Operate MV without insurance
Nathan J. Hoffman, Merrill, $124. Jordan A. Jaeger, Merrill, $124. Eric S. Wisnewski, Merrill, $124. Justin L. Peterson, Merrill, $124. Dustin J. Rothgram, $124. Jason L. Halbesleben, Merrill, $124. Meghan A. Ellis, Merrill, $124.

Underage drinking
Caeden J. Wendt, Merrill, $187. Jacob K. Osterbrink, Merrill, $187.

Automobile following too closely
Matthew C. Pitts, Merrill, $124.

Fail to yield right of way from stop sign
Mitchell D. Osness, Merrill, $98.80. Jared J. Kleberg, Merrill, $98.80.

Operate after revocation
Melissa K. Works, Merrill, $313. Dawn M. Mosher, Merrill, $124. Jason L. Halbesleben, Merrill, $124. Ryker W. Hall, $124. Raeann M. Dampier, Merrill, $313.

Operate after suspension
Tara M. Mueller, Merrill, $187. Kaleb M. Tesky, Merrill, $124. Sabrina L. Wert, Merrill, $187. Eric S. Wisnewski, $187. Rudy R. Dvorak, Merrill, $250. Desmond J. Heckendorf, $250.

Speeding
Eric S. Wisnewski, Merrill, $98.80. Bryson L. Woller, Merrill, $98.80. Shannon R. York, Rhinelander, $124. Daniele P. Zoboroski, Wausau, $124. Jayden L. Ver Cauteren, Merrill, $98.80. Jacob D. Vergin, Schofield, $98.80. Janie M. Webb, Merrill, $98.80. Alyssa L. Kulawinski, Merrill, $98.80. Shelly L. Kurtz, Rhinelander, $98.80. Wayne P. Lambrecht, Wausau, $98.80.

The post Municipal Court appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

June 12
Calls: #918- At 8:57 p.m. Med 62 responded to Hwy 17 for a 25 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSMC.
Other Activities: Sonar training with MFD boat. Training with new fire fighter on various tasks.

June 13
Calls: #919- At 10:21 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for a 67 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #920- At 12:07 p.m. Med 62 responded to Robl Ave. for an 84 year old male with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus Wausau. #921- At 12:11 p.m, Med 63 responded to Pope Rd for standby for law enforcement. #922- At 1:14 p.m. Med 63 responded to E 10th st for a 90 year old female with a traumatic injury, no transport. #923- At 3:23 p.m. Med 62 responded to the Merrill Aquatic Center for a 9 year old female with a traumatic injury, no transport. #924- At 4:59 p.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for an 85 year old male with a cardiac problem, transported to Aspirus Wausau. #925- At 8:49 p.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for an 88 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC.
Other Activities: Prepared the station for the badge pinning ceremony.

June 14
Calls: #926- At 7:05 a.m. Med 62 responded to Bell Tower for a 79 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #927- At 12:58 p.m. Med 62 responded to Lake St for a requested stand by for the MPD. #928- At 1:49 p.m, Med 62 responded to Jackson St for a 66 year old female with a cardiac problem, transported to GSHC. #929- At 3:02 p.m. Med 62 responded to State St for a 49 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #930- At 4:16 p.m. Med 62 responded to Prospect St for a 20 year old male with a traumatic injury, transported to GSHC. #931- At 8:42 p.m. Med 62 responded to Scott Rd for a 63 year old female with a traumatic injury, transported to Aspirus Wausau.
Other Activities: Badge pinning ceremony for Chief Klug and fire fighter/paramedic Enkers.

june 15
Calls: #932- At 6:28 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for a 78 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #933- At 7:48 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for a 101 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #934- At 8:31 a.m. Med 62 responded to State St. for an 11 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #935- At 10:40 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for an 87 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #937- At 12:58 p.m. Med 61 responded to Hwy Z for a CPP visit, no transport. #938- At 11:17 a.m. Eng 62 and Med 62 responded to Taylor St for a gas leak, gas was shut off and building was evacuated. #939- At 3:31 p.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for a 83 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #940- At 4:16 p.m. Med 62 responded to Grand Ave for a 87 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #941- At 6:02 p.m. Med 62 responded to GSHC for a transport to Pine Crest. #942- At 10:55 p.m. Med 62 responded to 1st St for a 56 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC.
Other Activities: Fire prevention inspections on local businesses. Weekly readings on time spent on district. Protocol review for EMS.

June 16
Calls: #943- At 8:21 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine crest for a 81 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #944- At 2:14 p.m. Med 62 responded to GSHC for a transport to Pine Crest. #945- At 2:45 p.m. Med 62 responded to Cty Rd J for a male with a medical problem, no transport. #946- At 6:34 Eng 62, Truck 63 and Med 62 responded to Cedar St for a car fire, car was smoking on arrival, fire extinguished. #947- At 8:15 p.m, Med 62 responded to Water St for 4 year old male with a injury, no transport.
Other Activities: Training with first responders. Hose test on Eng 62. Weekly readings including pediatric PIT crew CPR.

june 17
Calls: #948- At 2:44 a.m. Med 62 responded to Main St for a 58 year old male with a traumatic injury, transported to GSHC. #949- At 1:59 p.m. Med 62 responded to Joe Snow Rd for a 63 year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #950- At 4:38 p.m, Med 62 responded to Grand Ave for a 65 year old male with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #951- At 8:01 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St for a 76 year old female with a breathing problem, transported to GSHC.
Other Activities: Hose test on Tender 65 per NFPA standards.

The post Merrill Fire Department reports appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

The T.B. Scott Free Library is rocking all summer long! And, what a way to get it started with music from our own Merrill area musicians.
Grab your blankets and chairs and your picnic basket full of goodies to enjoy on Tuesday, June 26. Relax on the library lawn as you listen to some great music. Jammin’ to Music starts at 5 p.m. with some tunes from Russ Zoellner and Carl Jackson. At 6:30 p.m., the music will continue with some great Rock N’ Roll by the local band, Winchester, with musicians Paul Waid and Andy Ament.
Please note that it is Library policy that we have no alcoholic beverages at the event.
Please stay tuned for future events as T.B. Scott Free Library rocks all summer long.
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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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Late this spring, Sawmill Brewing Company upped the ante in options they offer, with the addition of a 22 x 8-foot food trailer complete with a fully functional commercial kitchen.
“We have been working toward offering food options since we opened in the fall of 2016,” explains Sawmill co-owner and manager Zach Kubichek. “We actually purchased the trailer during the summer of 2016 and started off by serving kettle chips as a snack option. Then we eventually partnered with Rich Grenfell to offer ‘Uncle Rico’s Chicken Wings.’ Both proved very successful for us.”
Sawmill ownership looked to capitalize on that success and took the leap to offer a full menu out of the trailer in mid-May, thanks in part to the culinary expertise of chef Ann Liebmann.
“We were waiting to meet the right person for a partnership with the kitchen and found exactly what we were hoping for when we met met Ann,” Kubichek adds. “She happens to be the wife of a home brewer we had previously worked with, which is how we came into contact. We learned she had a culinary background and had traveled around the country; picking up various authentic cooking styles and recipes. We wanted to keep our menu as locally rooted as possible while also offering authentic menu options from around the country. Our visions for the trailer and menu options aligned, and we quickly realized she was the perfect fit for us. She is a great cook, her food is pretty amazing.”

Sawmill chef Ann Liebmann

From authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches to shrimp and grits, the menu offers an array of options on any given day. In keeping with their roots of brewing, as an added twist; the company’s home brews are incorporated into every menu option.
“We have gotten off to a great start,” Kubichek said. “We have heard great things from our customers and we have even sold out of food a few times so that’s always a good sign. The tough part is gauging how many people to serve on any given day versus how much food to have on hand to prepare. But we are new at this yet so I’m sure that will come in time.”
Sawmill food trailer hours are Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m.-close or until sold out. On Sundays at 11 a.m., brunch is served through 2 p.m. or until sold out. For more information, contact Sawmill Brewing Company at (715) 722-0230 or stop in at 1110 E. Tenth St.

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Lyle (Mike) Michael English died on Monday, May 28, 2018 at UW Madison Hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in Merrill, WI on July 5, 1948, the only child of the late Lyle H. English and Jeanette (Sladek) English.

Mike was raised surrounded by the love of his aunts, uncles and cousins.  His mother’s love of vocals and harmony nurtured Mike’s early love of music. Those from the Wausau area recall Mike’s first band, Jimmy and the Javelins.  There were many other bands and many friendships along the way. The passion he had for rock and blues defined his entire life.

Mike had a graduate degree in Guidance and Counseling. He used his education at the Youth Services Bureau of Marathon County as well as Neenah Menasha. He was a high school recruiter for Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee and then an admissions counselor for UW-Fox Valley.  He finished his career as an instructor at Fox Valley Technical College.

Mike is survived by his bride and best friend, Elizabeth (Beth Conrad) English.  Together with Beth, he traveled extensively, loved game night and sheepshead with friends.  Mike is too well loved to ever be forgotten.

The family would like to thank Karon Sandberg for her loving gift of a kidney. He was proud to have become a 15 year kidney transplant survivor. Please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).

The funeral was held June 2, 2018 at St Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W Pine St, Appleton, WI. Inurnment is in St. Joseph Cemetery Prayer Garden, Appleton, WI.

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Mildred “Millie” Marie Ott, age 88, of Merrill, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, while surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on May 14, 1930 to the late James and Anna Kellar in Merrill, and baptized at First Baptist Church in Merrill.  Millie attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  She met her best friend and love of her life, LeRoy J. Ott, and the two exchanged wedding vows on August 24, 1951.  He survives.  Their 66 years of marriage has been a witness to what “true love” and “a promise” really are.

Millie was first and foremost a housewife and caring mother, but would at times work at various local businesses.  Throughout her lifetime, Millie was very involved in church activities, events and teaching Sunday school, and she had such a love for children, always giving them loving hugs and sweet words. She enjoyed helping others and sharing her faith through Bible studies that she and LeRoy attended.  Millie and her family would look forward to traveling, and would visit various places throughout the United States.  Millie also enjoyed reading, golfing, playing cards, working on puzzles, gardening and dancing polkas with LeRoy.  She was also very skilled in sewing, crocheting and knitting.  Millie is lovingly remembered by family as a sweet and gentle soul that had a strong Christian faith.  She was a life member of the VFW Women’s Auxillary Post # 1638 and the Merrill Bible Church.

Millie is survived by her loving husband of 66 years: LeRoy Ott of Merrill, children: Susan (Bryan) Pester of Wausau, Steven (Eileen) Ott of Suamico, WI, Randall Ott of Merrill and Brenda (Russell) Luterbach of Wausau, grandchildren: Chad (Leah) Pester of St. Augustine, FL, Matthew (Maricar) Pester of New Ulm, MN, Eric (Angela) Ott, Ryan (Katie) Ott, both of Merrill, Frank Staszak of Madison, Julie Kreuser and Jeff (Amber) Ott of Green Bay, great grandchildren: Isabella and Mason Pester, Megan and William Kreuser and Rylie and Lainey Ott, sisters: Judy (David) Sukow and Florence Kulawinski, brother: Carl Kellar, brother-in-law: Don Kurth, sisters-in-law: Bernelda Jockimsen, Jenny (Don) Ebertz and Virginia Ott.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Valeda Carlson, Betty Genz and Mable Kurth, brother: Robert Kellar, brothers-in-law: Marvin Ott and Dick Kulawinski and sister-in-law: Kiyoko Kellar.

The Funeral Service for Millie will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 11:30am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Pastor Todd VanRyn will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 26^, 2018 from 9am  until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

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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Over 20 bikers and ATV/UTV riders turned out Sunday for the 1st Annual Sunday Funday Ride: Poker Run and Fundraiser, in support of the Merrill Food for Kids Program, hosted by the Merrill Community New Year Ride.

Currently serving approximately 160 children per week during the school year, the Merrill Food for Kids program is overseen by St. Stephens United Church of Christ, with the help of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Calvary Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church.
The program begins every year with a letter sent home from the MAPS Central Office requesting parental permission for a child to participate in the Food for Kids program. The only pre-requisite is that the child is enrolled in the Free or Reduced Lunch program.
Relying strictly on donations, volunteers purchase non-perishable items and microwaveable entrees from local grocery stores. The food items are then packaged for delivery by volunteers at all four churches; each church being assigned to a school. Once packaged, the food is then delivered to the schools mid-week.

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V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! Every summer, many of us long for that word. Millions of people can’t wait to take time away from work or school and take to the road, beach, vacation home, or campground for some relaxation. The Lincoln County Health Department wants to remind everyone that even in time of relaxation, family and friends, food safety should still be taken seriously.

“We tend to see foodborne illnesses and complaints increase in the summer months,” says Meghan Williams, Environmental Health Specialist, Lincoln County Health Department. “This could be for a number of reasons but it all goes back to thinking about and making sure your food is being stored, prepared and handled in a safe way.”

Following some easy, common sense food safety rules could be the difference between a vacation to remember or one that is remembered because of food poisoning.

When traveling with food:
If you are traveling with refrigerated or frozen food, place in a cooler with ice or freezer packs and place in the car right before you leave.
Try to reduce the times the cooler needs to be opened. This may mean packing drinks in a separate cooler.o Pack raw meat away from foods that are already cooked or meant to be eaten raw (such as fruits and vegetables).

• When cooking on the grill:
Wash your hands before touching food.
Use a separate cutting board and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods that will not be cooked prior to eating.
Use a food thermometer to make sure all food is cooked.

• When serving food outdoors:
Never let food sit out for more than 2 hours.
Serve food in small portions so that the other food can remain in the cooler and refill often.
Keep hot foods hot by setting on the side of the grill.

The signs and symptoms of foodborne illness can include, upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration. If you believe that you are sick from food that was not handled or cooked correctly, contact your medical provider to be tested. You can also go online and see how your favorite restaurant is keeping food safe from foodborne illness by viewing their inspection report. Results are posted to the website one week after an inspection. To view the reports go to lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com and click on “Lincoln County Inspection Reports” on the right side of the page to view all restaurants in Lincoln County.

For more information about Lincoln County Health Department’s programs and services, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find us on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always working for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.

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Mutual of Wausau Insurance awarded a $400 grant to the Hamburg Hawks 4-H Club on Monday, June 18. Mary Felzkowski, owner of CIS Group Insurance Agency in Tomahawk, presented the award to club leader, Colleen Schult at the Hamburg Municipal Center. The Municipal Center and Maple Grove School are two of the club’s local projects.

“The money will pay for flowers and soil in the two flowerbeds that the Hamburg Hawks plant annually. Club members and their families volunteer their time throughout the summer to water and weed the flowerbeds which are enjoyed by many in the community,” said Colleen.

The purpose of the Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation 4-H Club Grant Program is to support 4-H Clubs in youth development and to promote civic and leadership responsibilities. The grant program is open to any 4-H Club located in the Mutual of Wausau coverage area. CIS Group Insurance reached out to the Lincoln County UW Extension Youth Development Dept. to forward on the grant applications to local 4-H clubs.

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Merrill Area Public Schools and Northcentral Technical College are proud to present the Merrill Adult Diploma Academy (MADA) June 2018 graduates. The graduating class consists of seven high school and 10 adult students who have completed their goal and are ready to move forward in their lives. Many of these students already have full-time jobs; some are planning on furthering their education.

The MADA Charter School has served the Merrill Community since 2007. It is a partnership between Merrill High School and Northcentral Technical College. The primary purpose of the school is to help both high school and adult students earn a diploma or GED. In addition, they offer Employability Skills, Computer Basics and they work with students preparing to enter NTC programs. The school is located at 1101A N. Mill St.

MADA has been fortunate to have the generous support of Todd and Renea Frederick, who donated the MADA building, free of charge to the Merrill School District for the past eleven years. During those eleven years, 131 high school and 71 NTC students have graduated from MADA.

The school is here for the Merrill community. If you are interested in more information, please call 715-536-1431. View the facebook page for additional graduation photos at: www.facebook.com/madadiploma.

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This week’s featured question was submitted for a member of the Merrill Fire Department
The question reads:
“Is it true the Merrill Fire fighters will come and do fire and safety inspections at folks homes? If so, what do the inspections include? I mean what do they do and what do they inspect when they come and is there a charge? If this isn’t true, do you have any ideas who does this sort of thing? I have an older home and just think it would be a good idea to have it looked over by someone who knows their stuff. Thank you and thank you for everything you do for our community!”

Answer as given by MFD Battalion Chief Steve Hintze:

Merrill Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Hintze

“Well it is certainly true that Merrill Fire Department (MFD) personnel will do fire/safety inspections in private homes and structures of residents in the City of Merrill and Towns of Merrill, Scott, and Rock Falls; which is the fire coverage area provided by the MFD. It is a real benefit for those who utilize this service in an effort to keep themselves, family members, and their property safer, as well as just having the peace of mind, knowing that a safety expert has completed such an inspection in the occupied structure.
“Merrill Fire Department personnel not only have experience in looking for fire and safety hazards from the 1,000+ businesses and public facilities they inspect annually, but all MFD staff are also licensed through the State of Wisconsin, Department of Safety and Professional Services. Additionally, most Merrill Fire personnel have completed training and successfully passed the test for “State Certified Fire Inspector,” thus qualifying them as experts.
“State codes require all public buildings to be inspected at least annually by the fire personnel having jurisdiction within the fire departments coverage area. For their efforts, fire departments in Wisconsin receive monies from insurance companies for these services that may be utilized by the department orits governing municipality for ongoing efforts of fire prevention within the fire coverage area. Currently there is no code that requires or allows for an inspector to enter a private structure or residence without permission from the owner for fire inspections.
“So if an individual would like to schedule a home fire/safety inspection, they can call the Merrill Fire Department on their non-emergency phone line to request an in-home inspection at 715-536-2233. Merrill Fire Department personnel would arrive and follow protocol procedure for an inspection and give the resident advice on anything that may need to be replaced, changed, or updated in order to make the structure safer for those who may occupy it.
“When the fire/safety inspectors arrive they will utilize a systematic approach and evaluate all aspects from the outside of the home, to the basement and all the areas above grade as well. They will focus on such things as, “means of egress, floor surfaces, windows and doors, appliances, lighting, ventilation electrical, heating, and alarms. This service has been offered for years, for free, by the Merrill Fire Department, but really it hasn’t been utilized by the community for the most part. Just recently the department has teamed up with Good Samaritan Health Center in a program called “Community Paramedicine Program” (CPP) where these same cross trained personnel visit a patient who has been released from a medical facility and have gone back into their home to continue to recuperate. It is during the scheduled “CPP” visit by Merrill Fire/EMS personnel both a medical examination as well as an in home fire/safety inspection are completed, in an effort to keep that individual from a return trip to the hospital.”

Should you or a family member have further questions regarding this free service offered by the Merrill Fire Department, please call for more information or questions at 715-536-2233. Stay Safe!

Battalion Chief Steve Hintze
Inspections Division

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

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