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A three bedroom ranch house, built by Merrill High School’s building construction class over the past two years, was placed on its permanent foundation Friday on Van Buren Street. The first home built under the Bluejay Build Team program, the house will provide affordable housing under the ownership of the Merrill Area Housing Authority.

The Merrill Area Housing Authority (MAHA), Merrill Senior High School and City of Merrill announced The Bluejay Build Team Project in November 2016. This initiative jump started the traditional home build project of the high school Tech Ed building construction class. It had been three years since the Merrill High School building construction class built a house. This partnership puts them on track to build a house every year.

“Our agreement is to provide the funding and facilitation for building a house a year,” MAHA Director Paul Russell said. “Merrill High School is responsible to provide students to build the house and the city is responsible to provide a vacant residential lot for the house.”

The first house actually took two years to construct. Very small building construction classes at the high school – four students the first year and four the next – contributed to the slower pace of construction. The good news, noted Russell, is that 11 students have signed up for the class next year, which should put the program back on track.

MAHA’s investment in the house is expected to be about $100,000 by the time it’s ready for a family to move in, Russell said. This house will be a starting point to help MAHA provide affordable single-family housing that is in demand in Merrill.

“MAHA needs like 50 more homes,” Russell said. “This is a great investment for us. This is here to stay and we have a revenue stream that allows us to invest $100,000 a year into this.”
Russell noted that MAHA has a greater demand for affordable housing in the community than they can satisfy. There are many households on a waiting list for housing, he said.

A family of four is set to move into the Van Buren Street home once it’s ready. The students who worked on the house will be invited to take part in a housewarming ceremony to be held at the end of summer.

For the students, the program provides training and education of skilled trades. All the students who worked on the house this past school year landed paid summer internships with program sponsors.

The sponsor list includes Lincoln Windows, Finishing Touch Signs, Stratford Homes, Hall Drywall, Krueger Plumbing, Wisconsin Building Supply and RTL Electric. They all made commitments to donate time, materials or funding for this program.

MAHA retains ownership of the Bluejay Build Team houses, which will be rented to qualifying families at affordable rates.

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Gazebo Nights was imagined in 2010, shortly after the gazebo was completed in Normal Park. Between Mike Mensching and Karen Karow, they decided it would be a great addition to Merrill to provide music in the park on Thursdays during the summer.

“Wausau was doing it on Wednesdays, and we found out later that Tomahawk was doing it on Wednesdays as well,” Karen said. “So we thought having it on Thursdays would give outside people another music venue to choose from.”

The first thing that had to happen was to find sponsors. Church Mutual was the first sponsor to step up, along with Club Modern, Courtside Furniture, BMO Harris Bank, Merrill Millwork and Brickner’s Park City. Lincoln Lanes allowed Gazebo Nights to use their facility as a rain site, and band beverages were provided by Drew’s Piggly Wiggly.

Current sponsors include: Park City Credit Union, Ace Hardware, Lincoln Community Bank, Nelson’s Powerhouse, Merrill Millwork, Merrill Police Association, Merrill Firefighter Charities, Courtside Furniture, One Way Collision, Brickner’s Park City, Merrill & Tomahawk Community Bank, Reindl Printing, Chip’s Hamburgers (sponsoring Winchester pre-concert music in 2018), Church Mutual Insurance Company, Waid Funeral Home, Lee’s Piggly Wiggly and Lincoln Lanes (as a rain location).

For the first series of concerts in 2011, attendance averaged about 100 people. For the past few years, that average has jumped to 500 to 600 every Thursday night. Series closer, Copperbox, has enjoyed crowds of about 1,500 the past three years.

Through his long-established booking agency, MGM Talent, Mike has the connections to bring in a variety of regional acts. The performers on this year’s schedule represent a wide variety of musical styles. Many of the bands are award winners and many play at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Copperbox has closed the show every year, while the rest of the lineup is always changing.

“There’s a lot of talent in Wisconsin, and we try to bring you something you haven’t heard before,” Mike said.

Mike and Karen have announced that they will be stepping down from the helm of Gazebo Nights after this year’s run of concerts.

“This will be our last year,” Karen said. “We’ve done it for eight years. It’s time for some younger blood.”

They expect to make an announcement this summer regarding who will be taking over the organization of Gazebo Nights.

Although MGM Talent will continue to book the bands for Gazebo Nights, Mike and Karen are looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren and at their lakefront cottages during the summer.

“We feel like eight years is enough,” Mike said. “We’ll be leaving Gazebo Nights with a good solid foundation and a huge support base.”

“We want to thank all the sponsors and businesses, and the community, for all their support,” Karen added.

For its eighth season, Normal Park will be hosting Gazebo Nights concerts every Thursday night starting at 6 p.m. with the first concert set to go on July 12, and the last concert on Aug. 30.

Each night will have a different band or artist of all varieties of music. There will also be a pre-concert each week at 5 p.m. starting on July 19 with music by Winchester.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase at the park courtesy of the Merrill Hockey Association and Relay for Life. Carry-ins and lawn chairs are welcome at the park. If there happens to be any bad weather the concert will be moved just a couple blocks down the road to Lincoln Lanes where carry-ins will not be allowed.

Gazebo Nights 2018 will kick off on July 12 with a performance by Kevin Moore, an acoustic country and classic rock artist, sponsored by Park City Credit Union.

Additional performances this summer will include:
July 19: Red Ben & The Missing Miles (Fun-A-Billy Grass & Original Music) sponsored by: Merrill Police Association and Reindl Printing
July 26: Broken Arrow Band (Outlaw country and Classic rock) sponsored by: Nelson’s Powerhouse and Merrill Millwork
Aug. 2: Charles Walker Band (Funk, soul and blues music) sponsored by: Merrill Ace Hardware and Lincoln Community Bank
Aug. 9: Whitehouse Players (country and classic rock music) sponsored by: Brickners, Merrill Fire Dept. Charities and Merrill/Tomahawk Community Bank
Aug. 23: Incorruptibles (Rock & Roll and Blues-A-Billy music) sponsored by: Courtside Furniture and One Way Collision
Aug. 30: Copper Box (classic rock polka music) sponsored by: Church Mutual Insurance Company

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Earl Robert Hartwig, 96, from the Town of Spirit, was called home to Heaven on June 30, 2018, at Aspirus Care & Rehab, Medford, where he had resided for the past 18 months.  Services to celebrate his life will be at 11 AM on Friday, July 6 at Zion Lutheran Church in the Town of Spirit with Pastor James Langebartels officiating.  Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Town of Spirit.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM on Thursday, July 5 at Hemer Funeral Home, Rib Lake and from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM at the church in Spirit.  Pallbearers will be – Ron, Steve & Scott Komarek, Randy Weinke, Robert Olwell & Mark Blasel.  A lunch will follow at the Church.

Earl was a lifelong resident of Spirit, WI.  He was born to a WW I hero and Purple Heart recipient, Ferdinand Hartwig, and his wife, Gloria (Andreae) Hartwig on November 23, 1921.  He attended Stone Lake School, Town of Spirit.  On November 4, 1944, Earl married the love of his life, Vangel “Birdie” Komarek.  They were virtually inseparable until her passing on March 29, 2018.  They built their home, and had many adventures, on a farm in the Town of Spirit, and called it “The Silver Spur Ranch”.  They raised cattle, farm animals and horses.  They had one child, Karen Hartwig Campbell, and one grandchild, Jody Lee Campbell.  Both were tragically lost many years ago.  Earl adored them both.

Earl Hartwig was a hard working man.  He worked at home breeding and masterfully training his award-winning show horses, as well as farming, restoring antiques and handcrafting items.  He also worked full time for Owens Illinois from 1969 until his retirement in1986.  He was a very talented man.

Earl was a member of the National Rockhound Society, Zion Lutheran Church of Spirit, Taylor County Rough Riders, Spirit Lake Snowmobile Club and the Arabian Horse Association.  His zest for life included many passions.  Hunting, boating fishing, traveling, snowmobiling, gardening, repairing clocks, his dogs, and water skiing were among his favorite activities.

Earl is survived by his brother-in-law, Harry Blasel, two sisters-in-law, Betty Komarek and LaVon Komarek, and many nieces/nephews.  He was preceded in death by his much-loved wife, Vangel (Komarek) Hartwig, parents Ferdinand & Gloria Hartwig, beloved daughter, Karen Hartwig Campbell, grandson, Jody Lee Campbell, brothers/sisters-in-law, Arleen and Alfred Weinke, Orval and Ann Komarek, Laurel Komarek, Frank and Freda Komarek, George and Almire Olwell, Eugene Komarek and Mirella Blasel.

Earl Hartwig was a great man.  His radiant smile is unforgettable and his strength balanced by his deeply humble character earned him respect and admiration.  The loss of his presence on earth saddens the hearts of many, but the memories of him will forever be the fondest and most treasured.  Earl is loved and is reunited in Heaven with those he missed so deeply.

Hemer Funeral Service of Rib Lake & Medford serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

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Lincoln County Highway Commissioner John Hanz advises that County Road S in the Town of Bradley will be open as of noon today, July 3.

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A 25-year-old Merrill woman was arrested Monday evening on warrants through the Lincoln County Court after a deputy checked on a suspicious person in the Town of Merrill.

At least one person was injured following a two vehicle crash Friday morning on State Rd. 64 at Short Avenue in the Town of Pine River. Traffic was slowed for over an hour as the crash scene was cleared.

Holiday traffic on Friday encountered several incidents which slowed traffic considerably. Just after 3:30 p.m. a vehicle struck a semi-truck on US Hwy. 51 at County Rd. V. At 4:35 p.m. a vehicle went off the roadway and rolled over ejecting the driver. That crash happened on US Hwy. 51 near County Rd. A. It took an hour to clear the crash from the road. The driver was treated and released. At 8:30 p.m. traffic was stopped again when a boat caught fire. Traffic was completely stopped for half an hour as firefighters put out the fire. The vehicle towing the boat was not damaged. It took about an hour and a half for the highway to be completely reopened to traffic.

A 68-year-old Mosinee man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after a deputy investigated a report of a crash in the Town of Tomahawk. At 3:30 a.m. a 911 call reported a vehicle had entered a yard of a home off of County Rd. O and struck a trailer with a pontoon boat on it. The driver was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

On Saturday afternoon a deputy and the Tomahawk Fire Department responded to Pine Shore Lane in the Town of King after a wire became entangled in a pine tree causing a small fire.
A storm moved through the area on Saturday and as a result several calls were received of trees down over roadways. One call was received in the Town of Russell for power lines that were down.

A 54-year-old Merrill man was cited Sunday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol. A deputy stopped the vehicle after it failed to stop at a stop sign on County Rd. C at County Rd. K in the Town of Merrill. The man was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

This is the time of year to be especially aware of transient workers and increased thefts in the area. Deputies have been investigating break-ins to residences and two thefts from taverns. The incidents have taken place in the Towns of Merrill, Harding, Birch and Bradley. If you see suspicious vehicles or have suspicious visitors, you are asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’ Office. Transient contractors offer low cost repairs or services such as paving driveways. By the time the customer realizes the work is of poor quality the contractor and their money is gone. If someone is offering you discounts on home repairs too good to be true, they usually are.

With the holiday comes the annual warning that fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal. Many residents do get permission from their town chairperson to light off fireworks over the Fourth of July. You are asked to use these fireworks during reasonable hours and to keep your neighbors in mind. You are also asked to drop off your permit at the Sheriff’s Office prior to your event.

The number of car deer crashes has gone down again with 11 being reported this past week.

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The July Fourth holiday is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year and officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are asking motorists to plan ahead, buckle up, be patient and alert. For the safety of motorists and workers, and to accommodate expected higher traffic volumes, work on most highway construction projects will be suspended at noon on Tuesday, July 3, and will resume on Thursday, July 5.

“While most construction work will come to a temporary halt, there will still be work zones and higher traffic volumes requiring drivers to watch their speed and stay focused on the road ahead,” said WisDOT Secretary Dave Ross. “The State Patrol and other law enforcement partners will be out enforcing traffic laws and assisting stranded motorists. Travelers need to do their part by buckling up and be prepared for the possibility of traffic slowdowns in work zones and along major travel corridors.”

Other important traffic safety reminders:

Before heading out, check the 511 travel information system for the latest on traffic incidents and delays. Consider downloading the free 511 Wisconsin mobile app or follow @511WI on Twitter.

Posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions. Drivers are required to slow to a “reasonable and prudent” speed based on weather and traffic conditions.

Except for emergencies, it is illegal in Wisconsin for drivers to use a handheld mobile device in work zones. Texting while driving is prohibited at all times.

The state’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down or shift lanes when coming upon emergency response vehicles stopped along a roadway with warning lights flashing. This includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.

Stopping along a highway and getting out of your vehicle can be dangerous, increasing the chances of being struck by another vehicle. If you become stranded, it’s generally safest to stay buckled up inside your vehicle and call for help.

Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle customer service centers will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th. Citizens are reminded they can conduct DMV business online 24/7 at wisconsindmv.gov.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

Last Tuesday the Merrill Post 46 Legion baseball team played host to Antigo. Antigo was able to establish an early lead and build on it throughout the game as Post 46 would fall by a final score of 13-3 in six innings.

Anigo got the jump in the first inning, scoring three runs and extended that lead with six more runs in the top of the third inning. Merrill was able to score one run in the bottom of the third inning to make it a 9-1 game. Jake Bailey led off the inning with a single, followed by a single from Holden Smith to move Bailey to third. Later in the inning Alex Gehrke would drive in the runner with a single of his own.

Merrill would try and get back in the game with two more runs in their half of the fourth inning. A leadoff single by Ty Bailey followed by another single by Brett Seubert would put a runner in scoring position. Holden Smith would come through with another single to score one runner for Merrill. Adam Dettert would follow Smith with a single, scoring another Merrill run. The comeback efforts would not be enough for Merrill as Antigo added two more runs in the fifth inning, as well as two runs in the sixth inning to make the score 13-3.

Merrill falls to Marshfield
On Thursday night Post 46 played at home against Marshfield. Marshfield was the first team to score, but a response by Merrill kept the game close until Marshfield took control in the fourth inning.

Marshfield scored the first two runs of the game, both coming in the top of the second inning. Merrill responded with one of their own in the bottom of the second inning. A walk to Ty Bailey got Merrill a runner on base for Alex Gehrke who singled to move Bailey into scoring position. A single by Vinnie Galella scored one run for Merrill, making it a 2-1 game.

Unfortunately Merrill was not able to get another run as Marshfield ran away with the game scoring two runs in the third inning, three runs in the fourth, and four runs in the sixth inning to go up 11-1 and win by the 10-run-rule.

Merrill will be back on the field Tuesday as they travel to Wausau for a game at Athletic Park, starting at 7 p.m.

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Women Connecting will hold a luncheon at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Eagle’s Club, 1205 Lake St., Merrill. Marilyn Garapolo from Dwight, IL., will present “Laughter Is Medicine.” A special feature will be speaker Jennifer Clark who is a Community Health Educator for ADRC. A $12 ticket at the door includes meal, tip & program. For reservations call Paula by July 7 at 715-302-3295.

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On Monday night the Merrill Rangers hosted the Marshfield Chaperals in a league contest. Merrill held an early lead, but could not hang on as Marshfield won by a score of 8-2.

Marshfield would score first, striking for one run in the top of the second inning. Merrill responded with two of their own to take the early lead. Chris Grunenwald led off the inning with a single up the middle. Trey Seubert would follow with a single to left, moving Grunenwlad to scoring position. A single by Justin Pyan would load the bases for Trevor Asmundsen who doubled to center field, scoring two runs.

The Rangers would not score another run the remainder of the game as Marshfield took control in the fourth inning, scoring five runs. One run in the seventh and another run in the ninth inning would give Marshfield the 8-2 win.

Shawn Schultz started on the mound for Merrill and had a good outing, giving up only three earned runs. Schultz would also strike out five batters and walk only one. Chase Nelson relieved Schultz after four innings and would pitch four innings of his own, giving up one run on two hits and striking out four batters. Justin Pyan would pitch the final inning and give up one run on two hits.

The Rangers leading hitters include Justin Pyan (3-3, 3 singles) and Trevor Asmundsen (2-4, double, 2RBI).

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Donald R. Krueger, age 92, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at St. Lucas Care Center, Faribault, Minnesota.

Donald was born March 1, 1926, in Merrill, Wisconsin, son of the late Reinhard and Ella (Pruesser) Krueger. He married Betty J. Emanuel on May 15, 1948, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. She preceded him in death on September 9, 2016. Donald had owned and operated “Krueger’s Place” in Doering, Lincoln County, Wisconsin, for 14 years. While operating the tavern, Donald managed to maintain two baseball diamonds and up to five baseball teams every year. Prior to operating the tavern, Donald farmed, and along with his brother, Leonard, co-owned and operated ‘Krueger Excavating and Trucking’. Donald’s early career consisted of heavy equipment operation for Musson Brothers of Rhinelander, and the former Bosio Construction. In retirement, Donald built and operated ‘South Bay Enterprises’, a self-storage unit company located in St. Germain, Wisconsin. He was also a past town chairman for the town of Schley, Lincoln County. Donald was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Eagle River, and the Virginia Falls Masonic Lodge, Merrill, Wisconsin. Donald served in the U.S Navy during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He enjoyed deer hunting and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandsons when they would visit him in the summer.

Survivors include his son, Greg (Bonnie) Krueger, Owatonna, Minnesota; two grandsons, Blake Krueger, Winona, Minnesota, and Brent (Cassey) Krueger, Madison Lake, Minnesota; great grandson, Lucas Krueger of Madison Lake; one sister, Jeanette Sommi, Merrill; two brothers, Kenneth (Mitzi) Krueger, Wausau, and Leonard (Sharon) Krueger, Gleason; his in laws, JoAnn Johnson, Merrill, and Harvey (Betty) Emanuel, Palm Coast, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife of 68 years, Betty Krueger, and his mother and father, Donald is preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy (Bill ) Hommerding; brother in law, Jake Sommi; and other in laws, Roger (Darla) Emanuel, Elaine (Pat) Gano, Mary Ann (Donald) Riebe, and Jerry Emanuel.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS MAY BE DIRECTED TO OUR SAVIOR’S CHURCH, EAGLE RIVER, OR THE NEVER FORGOTTEN HONOR FLIGHT.   

The funeral will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, Wisconsin. The Rev. Matthew Bless will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, Merrill, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

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The city’s annual fireworks display has been postponed until Thursday evening.

According to a post made via the city’s new social media page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofmerrillwi/ ; “The City of Merrill’s annual fireworks event has been postponed and will be held at the Merrill Area Recreation Center (MARC) at dusk on July 5.” The decision was reportedly made by the fireworks display contractor due to weather concerns.

On behalf of the staff of the Merrill Foto News, we would like to wish our readers and local community a very safe and joyous Independence Day holiday as we celebrate our nation’s 242nd birthday!

The Foto News will resume regular hours of operation at 8 AM Thursday morning.

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Chandler “Gene” E. Weith, age 71, of Merrill, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 28, 2018, while at his cottage.  Chandler was the son to the late Chandler E. and Virginia (Dumrose) Weith, born on May 18, 1947 in Aurora, IL.  He attended and graduated from Wheaton Central High School.  After high school, he earned his degree from Tulane University in Psychology and finally attended University of Illinois, earning his degree in Dentistry.  Chandler met Sue Wilkerson, and the two exchanged marriage vows on August 29, 1970 in Wheaton, IL.

Chandler established his dental practice in Merrill, and together with Sue, raised a family and engaged in the community.  Chandler served as president of the United Way and was both president and a long-time member of the Merrill Rotary Club, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.  He taught Little League and Hunter Safety, and was a member of the Bible Presbyterian Church.  Chandler enjoyed joining his coffee group every morning after his retirement in 2009.

He was an avid fisherman, always seeming to out-fish everyone he was with!  He especially enjoyed fishing for walleye, perch and trout; his favorite fishing spots were Pelican Lake and Quetico Provincial Park, Canada.  In addition to fishing, Chandler was a skilled hunter and outdoorsman.

Chandler is remembered as an intelligent and insightful person, always putting great thought into everything he did.  He had an energy that was both ambitious and intense.  Loved ones all seem to cherish the very honest/funny and succinct assessments of life that he shared.  “Why do I waste my time watching these bums?” summarized his affection for the Packers.  He will be sadly missed.

Chandler is survived by his wife: Susan Weith of Merrill, son: Matt (Rebecca) Weith of Milwaukee, daughter: Kelly (Nick) Mellos of California and son: Steve (Natasha) Weith of Minneapolis, MN, grandchildren: George and Sylvia Weith, sister: Janeen Sullivan of Wausau and his black lab: “Sadie”.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sister: Vicki Weith and brother-in-law: Jim Sullivan.

A Memorial Service for Chandler will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Bible Presbyterian Church.  Pastor Andy Perry will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 1 p.m. until the time of the service, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that you direct donations in Chandler’s name to either the River Bend Trail in Merrill (www.riverbendtrail.org) or Rotary International (www.rotary.org).

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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Wednesday, July 11, the Merrill City Band returns to the gazebo in Normal Park for its weekly concert. Since the group did not have a concert near the 4th this year, a few patriotic selections will be programmed, including the opener “Lincoln Legacy” and the ever-popular closer, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” A variety of other works round out the concert, including a rhumba, a Carpenter’s ballad, “Kije’s Wedding,” “It’s Only A Paper Moon,” a dixieland piece, a polka, a few marches, a medley of tunes from the ‘90s (1890s, that is), a George M. Cohan medley, and, of course, something just for the kids preceding the kiddie parade through the park.
Delicious concessions will be available from HAVEN and the Band Boosters. Gift certificates from local businesses will be raffled off as part of the weekly 50/50 raffle. Bring a lawn chair and come out to hear the sounds of the Merrill City Band beginning at 7 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, including extreme heat and humidity, the band will move to Les and Jim’s.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

The Black Squirrel Scurry Triathlon will hold its first ever race on July 28 in Merrill. The Black Squirrel Scurry will be held in conjunction with Lobsterfest and the Lobster Crawl held that same day.
The race will include a two-mile paddle down the Prairie River, followed by a 19-mile bike ride featuring the River Bend Trail out to the countryside of Lincoln County, ending with a 5K trail run through the Merrill Area Recreation Complex and Council Grounds State Park.
According to event organizer Greg Eichelkraut, the Black Squirrel Scurry was formed to give back to the community, with proceeds going to the Northwoods Veterans Post as well as the River Bend Trail. Eichelkraut is also hoping the event attracts competitors and visitors from other areas to come enjoy a weekend in Merrill, participating in a triathlon, as well as eating some great food at Lobsterfest.
For those looking to participate, there are many different divisions to choose from. There will be a solo division with age categories of 19 years and younger, ages 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 plus. There will also be tandems, which are teams of two where each participant does each event and their times combine for their placing. There will also be a relay option. For the relays you can have two or three participants where only one person will paddle, while the other one will bike and the last one running.
Eichelkraut encourages local businesses to get involved in the event.
“It’s a great opportunity for a business to sponsor a team and have them wear the company logo for bragging rights. Say there are two gyms in town and they both sponsor a team, the winner can gloat until next year, it’s just good competitive fun.”
The Black Squirrel Scurry has garnered sponsorships from Ballyhoo’s, Mitchell Metal Products, Park City Credit Union, Merrill Parks and Rec, Merrill Physical Therapy, Chequamegon Adventure Company, Brickners, Phil Zeisemer Photography, Marshfield Clinic, Security Health Plan, The Living Room, Golden Harvest Market, Lotter’s, Mel’s Trading Post and H&R Block.
For more information or to register for the Black Squirrel Scurry you can visit their website at www.Blacksquirrelscurry.com, or visit their page on Facebook.

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The Tomahawk Lions Pow Wow Days Fourth of July parade took over the streets of Tomahawk Wednesday afternoon. While the parade went off without a hitch, the traditional Tomahawk Fire Department water fight on Wisconsin Avenue was cancelled due to threatening weather.

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June 25
6:49 a.m.- Officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance. Officers responded and found that a male subject had shoved the female party causing minor injuries. During the course of the incident a cellular telephone was damaged. The male subject was located and taken into custody for domestic disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.

2:44 p.m.- Officers were requested by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation and Parole to take a male subject into custody for a probation violation. The male was taken into custody for the probation hold and transported to the jail.

3:36 p.m.- Officers and Lincoln County EMS were dispatched to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Pine Ridge Avenue. Through the course of investigation the operator of the vehicle was cited for inattentive driving. The operator of the motorcycle was transported by EMS to Ascension Good Samaritan Health Center for treatment of none life threatening injuries.

7:23 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to the area of Thomas and Mathews streets for a report of a physical disturbance taking place. Officers spoke with both sides and did not see any signs of a physical altercation. The female subject involved though was found to have a warrant for her arrest through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The female was taken into custody for the warrant and transported to the jail.

June 27
4:24 p.m.- Officers were called by Probation and Parole as they observed a male party walking who had an active warrant for his arrest through Probation and Parole. Contact was made with the male party who was taken into custody.

June 28
8:16 a.m.- An officer responded to a gas skip. The employee stated a vehicle had left without paying for the fuel they pumped. Investigation is ongoing.

12:15 p.m.- An officer responded to a theft complaint. The caller was a business owner who advised they had scrap metal stolen. Investigation is ongoing.

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June 29
11:58 a.m.- Officers received information that a female subject whom was on probation had been observed by Probation agents in the accompaniment of another subject whom she was not to have contact with. An officer made contact with the individual and the female was taken into custody at the authorization of Probation and Parole for violating the terms of her probation rules.

June 30
9:46 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle after observing it cross the center line. The officer could detect the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted there was marijuana inside. An officer located marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an alcoholic beverage. The eighteen-year-old driver was cited for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, minor transporting intoxicants and operating after suspension.

July 2
3:46 a.m.- An officer observed a male party who had a warrant for their arrest. Contact was made with the male party who was arrested for the active warrant and he was transported to jail.

7:16 a.m.- Officers responded to a disorderly conduct complaint. The caller was an employee of a local hotel and was being harassed by a male party who had been asked numerous times to leave and had been advised previously that he was not welcome at the business. The male party refused to leave and then parked his car under the drive up area and played music loudly. As the male was leaving after law enforcement had been contacted, the male party yelled vulgarities at the female employee. The male party was located and was cited for disorderly conduct.

July 3
7:56 a.m.-Officers were requested to respond to a disorderly conduct complaint. There was a male and a female party arguing over relationship issues which led to some damage of property and some minor scratches to both parties. The male was arrested for disorderly conduct and for a probation hold. The female party will be summons into court also on a disorderly conduct charge.

July 4
1:55 a.m.- Officers arrested a female passenger on a traffic stop for a warrant out of Marathon County. The female was taken into custody without incident.

8:02 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle after finding the registration plates attached belonged to a different vehicle. The driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He was arrested for that warrant and issued citations for the registration violation as well as operating while revoked.

July 5
Merrill PD officers are investigating multiple burglaries and car entries which are believed to have occurred during the early morning hours of 7/5/2018. These incidents occurred in the area between Wisconsin Street and North State Street. Multiple people reported thefts from inside their homes, garages and vehicles. The investigations are ongoing. In each of these cases, the suspects were able to enter vehicles and buildings which had been left unsecured by owners. THE MERRILL POLICE DEPARTMENT REMINDS CITIZENS TO SECURE THEIR BELONGINGS, VEHICLES, AND RESIDENCES.

7:21 p.m.- A female reported the theft of some of her prescription medications. The investigation is ongoing.

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