Park City Gardens awarded the Garden of the Month for June to Don and Dawn Swan, owners of First Street Coffee Station. “The rear entrance to the coffee shop is so picturesque. Don and Dawn take great pride in their business, evident in all the work with the variety of hanging baskets and wooden planters. It is a pleasure to sit out back, sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the flowers.” Anyone interested in nominating a garden, call Ginny Drew, Park City Garden Group volunteer, at 715-536-9605.

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Reading Buddies celebrates 20 years

Twenty years ago, Lincoln County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE) members took a leap of faith, thinking they could start a reading program that would provide free books to young children in Lincoln County who did not own books of their own.
Members Betty Anne Tubbin and Jeri Bloechl spearheaded the program, raising the funds needed to get the program off the ground. Their intent was to promote the joy of reading through positive adult mentoring and to help establish home libraries for children.
Today this program is known as Reading Buddies whose motto is “Share a book, shape a future.” Thanks to the generosity of community organizations, businesses and individuals, Reading Buddies has been able to provide free books to preschool children attending MAPS Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL), Parkside Preschool and Tomahawk Head Start for each of the past 20 years.
Numbering around 70, the Reading Buddy volunteers visit school sites monthly from October through May to read with small groups of children and give each child their own copy of the book to take home. Each year, every child receives a box of new crayons and a pair of hand made mittens that are knit by local volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer with Reading Buddies, please contact the UW-Extension Office at 715-539-1072.

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A new restroom building located behind the grandstand at the Merrill Festival Grounds will make its debut at this weekend’s Merrill Tractor Pull.

The 40×42-foot steel-sided structure replaces an aging concrete block building that was removed.

The ADA-accessible restrooms feature a family bathroom/baby changing room. The women’s side of the building is twice the size of the men’s.

The red and green exterior of the restoom facility matches the other new buildings on the Festival Grounds.

The city of Merrill received a low bid of $224,529 from JAS of Wausau on the project. The new restrooms were funded by the Bierman Family Foundation.

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The Merrill Tractor Pull, presented by River Valley Bank, will return to the Merrill Festival Grounds Saturday for the third annual event.

The antique car and tractor show opens at 9 a.m. An antique tractor pull will get underway at 10 a.m. Registration is free for the antique tractor pull and show cars.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the antique tractor pull winners. A mayor’s award for Best of Show will be awarded in the tractor and car show.

The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) main event will be presented at 6 p.m. Saturday. The National Tractor Pullers events feature classes for four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive trucks, as well as super stock, pro stock and modified tractors.

In truck and tractor pulling, vehicles pull a 20-ton sled along a straight, dirt track as the sled’s resistance increases. Within each class, the puller that can drag the sled the farthest, is the winner.

The NTPA is the world’s top sanctioning body for pulling events that feature highly specialized machines resembling farm tractors, trucks and dragsters.

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Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
7-12-78
Three youths escaped from Lincoln Hills this past week in two separate incidents. One of the youths was taken back into custody Monday evening on US Hwy 51 near Spruce Road while a 16-year-old Marinette youth who escaped with him is still at large with Assistant School Superintendent Edwin Sybeldon believing that youth avoided the searchers and fled the area. The third youth, a 17-year-old Withee boy, fled while on a group outing fishing at Horseshoe Lake. He fled on foot out into the Underdown. As of this time no crimes have been attributed to the youths and random patrols of both Lincoln Hills’ staff and Lincoln County Deputies continue to watch the area.
Hutter Construction, the company building the new apartments on Scott Street in Merrill, reports they are about one week behind in their progress on the Merrill Housing Authority project. Motorists driving by will note the third story footings are being established at this time.
The auction of the former furnishings of what is now known as old city hall was a success. Rusty Sukow conducted the auction in front of an estimated crowd of 200. Most of the furnishings were moved outside for inspection before the bidding began at 1 p.m. The executive desk of the mayor sold for $90 while the desk used by a secretary went for $230. The chairs used in the former council chambers were the hottest item on the block; a local attorney purchased seven of them for $565 while nine more went to an Edgar man for $565. In total 124 chairs were hauled away for as little as $2.50 and as much as $85. A safe used by the police department fetched $210 and nine air conditioners were sold to six people for between $60 and $80 each. The gross receipts for the day totaled $5,656.50; Rusty Sukow will take $325 off the top of that for auctioneer’s fees.
This week’s local business focus is on Gene’s Shoe Shop, 813 E. 1st St. in Merrill. Gene’s is owned and operated by Gene Jr. and his wife Marie but was founded by Gene Sr. in 1942. Gene Jr. seemed more destined for a life on the field, excelling in football and playing for the semi-pro team known as the Merrill Foxes. But torn ligaments took Chauvin off the football field and into the classroom as he studied business. Jr. took over for Sr. when he retired 29 years ago and today the store is still thriving in Merrill’s downtown. The couple has noticed a lot of changes over the years with Marie recalling the tall skinny heels of the past while Gene remembers the stability of styles when everyone was wearing saddle shoes. Gene said for years the styles and colors of popular shoes seldom if ever changed but now the styles change about every four months.
7-13-88
The development of the Merrill Ridge Mall is one step closer to reality thanks to action last night by the Merrill Common Council. The aldermen voted 8-0 to approve an ordinance to rezone the area to thoroughfare commercial. The next step involves the developer Dwight Ziegler, president of the Dane Corporation of Madison, and Attorney Glenn Hartley preparing a special assessment agreement for presentation to the Board of Public Works and approval by the City Council. The special assessment agreement will outline the road development and utilities development for the project, and if all goes well the Dane Corporation is hoping to break ground by August 1st of this year.
Plans are underway for this year’s Lincoln County 4-H Fair which will be held Aug. 4th through the 7th. Although this is the centennial year for Lincoln County the fair itself traces its roots back to 1885. That year the fair had to be postponed for days due to all the rain but it is doubtful that will happen this year with the drought going on. The fair will kick off with a parade of 4-H groups through the grounds down to the grandstand on Thursday.
Looking for a new car? All it takes is some skill and luck at the Good Samaritan Health Center Golf Outing which will be held at the end of the month. Larry Kaderavek from Stark GM is pictured with the 1988 Oldsmobile which will be the grand prize if someone hits a hole in one during the tournament. Also pictured are Neil Christensen and Jim O’Day with the traveling trophy which will go to the winning four-man team in Sunday’s Corporate Golf Challenge.
Over 300 former students and staff members of the Lincoln County Teachers College gathered this past weekend for a reunion. The doors to the school closed more than two decades ago and the building which housed it was razed for what is now known as Normal Park. The group gathers every few years for a reunion although most admit their memories of the school are getting dimmer over time. Florence (Arenson) Thompson from the class of 1920 was at Lincoln Lanes for this year’s reunion, she remembered how the all wood building which had originally been built for the court house had high ceilings and tall windows. The oldest surviving graduate of the school was present, Mabel (Downie) Wittman age 98 of the class of 1911, but she actually began teaching after graduating from high school.
7-15-98
The auditor’s report to the city’s Finance Committee was not very kind when it came to past spending and warns that the city is in a poor position to borrow in the future. The auditor reported that over the last few years city departments have overspent their budgeted funds and then continued to spend with the money just being removed from the general fund. As a result the fund which once stood at $3.3 million in 1994 is now down to $569,494 as of the end of 1997. Finance Director Bruce Redlin believes the years 1993-1994 were the worst when it came to spending of the rainy day fund. The city’s bond rating could affect future efforts for loans, and the auditors are worried about future city retirements which come with the non-budgeted expense of paying off unused sick time. The committee did implement some immediate actions to try and slow the flow of cash including a hiring freeze and a requirement that any expense over $5,000 be approved by the council prior to purchase.
It looks like things will be quiet locally on the ballot come this fall. According to County Clerk Robert Kunkel no one has filed papers to oppose any of the local incumbents Clerk of Court Cindy Kimmons, Register of Deeds Jolene Callahan, Sheriff Paul Proulx, Treasurer Jan Lemmer, Coroner David Haskins, and District Attorney John Schellpfeffer. The deadline to file papers was 5 p.m. yesterday; all of the incumbents are running on the Republican ticket except for Lemmer and Haskins who are Democrats.

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Charlotte Strehlow will be celebrating her 110th birthday on July 18 at Bell Tower.

Born in 1908, the supercentenarian has seen two centuries and stays strong with bi-weekly visits from her physical therapist. Charlotte has resided at Bell Tower for eight years now.

She had three sisters and three brothers. She is the only surviving sibling. Her father was a pastor and ministered in Nebraska for more than 19 years. Her parents were very strict because they had to set a good example for the rest of the congregation but Charlotte didn’t mind. They were taught to put their trust in the Lord. Charlotte said she met a lot of people during her life, especially living in a pastor’s family. They were taught a correct way to talk to people and treat people. She fondly remembers her parents walking down the street arm-in-arm in their little hometown visiting members who attended their little country church.

Charlotte said her older sister Edith went to work at the bank right out of high school and worked there her entire life. “She was always good with figures,” Charlotte said. “My brother, Gerhardt, and I liked music better and we started a band in the church. My brother was the director and we both played violin. We had between 15 and 17 members. We were an all German band and performed at church and Mission festivals.”

As for birthdays in her younger years, Charlotte said, “It was always a nice birthday, we didn’t really give presents. Friends would come over and surprise us. We celebrated with God’s blessings.”

Charlotte said she thought she was doing pretty good for her age, and offered this advice: “Pray. And think of your Lord everyday. So, if he decides to take you today, you’re ready. We have a Savior. You have to believe and have faith.”

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Anyone who has come into Trinity Lutheran Church in the past two years, or Trinity School the previous 18, will immediately recognize the warm, welcoming smile that has greeted everyone for the past 20 years. Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, recently celebrated Robin Grenfell’s 20 years of service.

A graduate of Trinity School herself, Robin states, “I love the feeling of being a part of the big family of Christ.” She recognizes that many of her most treasured friendships originated at Trinity School. Robin sent her children to Trinity as well.

In her own words, “There is such a special feeling to send your child to a school where you know that your child will be taught the reading, math and science but also most importantly, they’re taught about how much Jesus loves them. Both past and present Trinity teachers show their students that they care about them and that they love them. The love that is shown to the students is contagious and can be seen in the students that come out of Trinity School. The financial sacrifice parents make is paid back when each student gives back to others through what they’ve learned through a Christian education. I loved the hugs from the children, I also loved it when the children would sing to staff on their birthdays and when they would pray when an ambulance or fire truck went by. I loved the first day of school and consoling parents when they dropped off their new kindergartener. It brought back the wonderful memories of dropping off my children at Trinity on their first day too. Many students passed through Trinity School in the 18 years I was there and I love to run into them and have them recognize me. Watching the students grow up and have families of their own has been wonderful.”

Robin is a lifelong member of Trinity Church, and now works as the administrative assistant in the church office. With her typical enthusiasm, she enjoys her work there. The same love she used to show to each child is now shown to all who step into the church office, and she especially loves getting to know more of the senior members of the church family. She feels that she and her husband, Rich, have truly been blessed by Trinity.

Now that she is a grandmother, a new chapter of life is opening for her, but it is certain that commitment to Christ through her service at Trinity will continue to be at the forefront of all she does.

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This month’s Critic’s Choice movie at T.B. Scott Library will be shown on Friday, July 13, at 1 p.m.

If you are a dog lover, be prepared to smile, but bring your tissues to this delightful movie viewed through the eyes of our favorite pet.

The feature film stars Josh Gad as the voice of a devoted dog that gets reincarnated over the span of 50 years, and has many adventures. This feel good movie tells us what is most important in life. Dennis Quaid also stars. This movie is rated PG and is 1 hour 30 minutes long.

Popcorn and beverages provided during the show!

Bus rides to and from the movie are always free of charge. Please call the Merrill-Go-Round early to arrange a ride to and from the library.

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Stephany J. ‘Stevie’ Smith, age 79, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton.

Stephany was born July 8, 1938, in Merrill, daughter of the late John E. and Janet Smith. Stephany graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1956. She then attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Lincoln County Teachers College in Merrill, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s Degree in teaching. Stephany had taught at Jackson Elementary School in Green Bay. During the summer, Stephany would spend time in Woodruff, Wisconsin working as a counselor at various summer camps. In her younger years, Stephany enjoyed downhill skiing. She also enjoyed reading and music. Stephany resided at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, since 1999, where she enjoyed leading discussions on current events.

Stephany is survived by a cousin, Pamela Fritz, Walnut, Illinois; and close friends, Kimmie Miller, Judy Miller, and Phyllis Presl. Stephany is preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Janet Smith, her sister, Roberta Adamski, and her brother John ‘Jack’ Smith.

Per Stephany’s wishes, there will be no services. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at a later date in Gleason Cemetery, Town of Russell, Lincoln County. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

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

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Tomahawk Firefighters along with the DNR Fire Ranger and a deputy all responded to US Hwy. 51 outside of Tomahawk Monday afternoon for a reported grass fire. The deputy closed the ramp at County Rd. D so firefighters could extinguish the fire.

A 57-year-old Tomahawk man was arrested Tuesday night after deputies investigated a report of a theft in the Town of Merrill. Deputies went to an establishment on State Rd. 107 just before 11 p.m. after it was reported the man stole a tip jar from the bar. He was charged with theft, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping.

A 37-year-old Wausau woman was cited Wednesday evening for OWI after a driving complaint was received. The vehicle was located by a deputy after it exited US Hwy. 51 at State Rd. 64. The driver showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody and cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. She was also cited for having an open intoxicant in the vehicle.

A 24-year-old Rothschild man was arrested Friday evening after a traffic stop in the Town of Schley. A deputy stopped the vehicle the man was operating and learned he was on parole, as a rule of his parole he was not allowed to have contact with the passenger in his vehicle. The man was arrested for parole violation.

A 42-year-old Waukesha County man is in the Lincoln County Jail facing a felony charge after leading a deputy on a high speed chase late Saturday evening. The pursuit ended when the motorcycle driver tipped his motorcycle over while trying to turn onto US Hwy. 51. The man from Wales, Wis., was cited for a first offense of operating while intoxicated and held on the felony charge. The man was not injured.

Fourteen people reported striking deer this past week. A Hubertus man struck a coyote while traveling on US Hwy. 51 near Crass Road Tuesday night. On Wednesday evening a Wausau man struck and killed a bear on US Hwy. 51 near Nibbler Road north of Tomahawk. A Rib Lake man received minor injuries Thursday evening when he struck a deer while riding his motorcycle on County Rd. M near Tower Road in the Town of Corning.

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July 6
8:36 a.m.- An officer responded to a theft complaint. The caller had a bicycle stolen from their open garage.

8:41 a.m.- An officer responded to a theft complaint. The caller had lottery tickets stolen from their unlocked vehicle.

10:50 a.m.- An officer responded to a one vehicle crash. A vehicle had struck a building causing damage to the outside of the building. Crash report filed.

3:47 p.m.- An officer responded to forgery complaint. Individuals were forging checks to a local business. Investigation is ongoing.

July 7
2:43 a.m.- Officers responded to a domestic complaint. The caller stated her daughter and two male parties were intoxicated and were having a verbal argument. Officers arrived to find a broken car window, a slashed tire, and blood at the scene. One of the male parties had fled from the scene, but was later located and arrested on an active warrant and was also charged with disorderly conduct.

4:33 a.m.- Officers were called back to a residence for a disorderly conduct complaint. An intoxicated female party was inside the residence throwing items and was using vulgar language in front of a child. The female was arrested for disorderly conduct.

July 8
12:25 a.m.- An officer responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint. The caller advised a truck was sitting at an intersection for approximately 15 minutes. Officers located the vehicle, which had a dead battery. The driver was found to be outside of his occupational license hours and was cited for the violation.

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The Merrill Rangers fell behind early and couldn’t come back in an 11-1 loss to the Wausau River Hawks on Saturday.

Wausau exploded for seven runs in the first inning to put the Rangers in an early hole. By the top of the seventh inning, the Rangers came to bat facing an 11-0 deficit.

Merrill scored their lone run in the seventh when Justin Pyan reached on a leadoff single. Pyan advanced to third on a Adam Messerschmidt single, and then scored on a wild pitch. That was all the scoring Merrill could muster, as the game was called on the 10-run rule at the seventh inning stretch.

Chase Nelson took the loss for Merrill. He lasted four innings on the mound, allowing eight hits and nine runs while striking out four. Pyan pitched the final two frames for Merrill, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out three.

Offensively, the Rangers collected seven hits in the game. Pyan and Brad Kanitz each had two hits to lead the Rangers.

Merrill committed five errors in the game.

The 4-5 Rangers will hit the road Friday for a 7:45 p.m. contest against the Whittlesey Reds.

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Edward “Ed” B. Slewitzke, age 85, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Pine Crest Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.  Ed was born on January 6, 1933 to the late Stephen and Cecelia (Tigges) Slewitzke in Mosinee.  He grew up in Mosinee and attended St. Paul’s Parochial Grade School and Mosinee High School, graduating in 1951.  He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Marathon Campus from 1951-1953.  The U.S. Army called him to serve as a medic with the 6^th Armored Calvary in Straubing, Germany from 1953-1955.  Ed then returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in science.  In 1961, he received his master’s degree in Geology from the University of Kansas.  Throughout his teaching career, Ed took additional courses at the University of Berkley in California, Bemidji , Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point and Superior.  Ed began his first career as an educator at Merrill Junior High School in 1963, and taught math and science there until his retirement in 1994.

Ed met the love of his life, Katharine “Kay” Helling in 1959, and they married on September 3, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wausau.  She survives.  Together, they raised five children.

Ed was dedicated to God, his family and his friends.  He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill, and served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the building committee, and was a Eucharistic Adorer.  Ed was a member and past president of the Merrill Area Educators Association.  He also was a member of the Merrill Evening Lions Club where he served as president, and was a member of the Board of Directors.  Ed was the recipient of the Lions Melvin Jones Award.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Ed had several hobbies, including hunting, fishing and especially downhill skiing.  He was a ski instructor at Rib Mountain in Wausau, and skied several areas in the United States and Europe.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 57 years: Kay Slewitzke of Merrill, children: Ann (Steven) Stuart of Sacramento, CA, Stephen (Stephanie) Slewitzke of Roswell, GA, James Slewitzke of Merrill, John (Julie) Slewitzke of Cincinnati, OH and Mark Slewitzke of Merrill, three grandchildren: Connor, Brian and Grace Slewitzke, two step grandchildren: Sean (Margo) Stuart of Los Angeles and Stephanie (Nick) Trinder of Oakland, five step great grandchildren and several aunts and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 12noon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Father Chris Kemp will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 9am until the time of Mass, also at the church.  Inurnment at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Veteran’s Cemetery will take place at a later date.  Military honors will be performed by the Merrill V.F.W. Post #1638 at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Ed’s name be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Merrill Food Pantry or the Merrill Lions Club.

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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The Merrill Tractor Pull, presented by River Valley Bank, returned to the Merrill Festival Grounds Saturday for the third annual event.

The antique car and tractor show, featuring many rare pieces from the collection of Ron & Kay Nicklaus, opened Saturday morning. An antique tractor pull, held during the day, drew more than 90 competitors from the local area. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the antique tractor pull winners.

The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) main event was presented Saturday night. featuring classes for four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive trucks, as well as super stock, pro stock and modified tractors. The NTPA is the world’s top sanctioning body for pulling events that feature highly specialized machines resembling farm tra

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With daylight under the front tires, the flag man lets Duane Rice of Merrill know that his pull has come to an end during the Merrill Tractor Pull Saturday.

ctors, trucks and dragsters.

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By Vijay Vanchinathan, MD

“Location, location, location” is the mantra of the real estate profession. But it’s also a key concept for skin cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, forty to fifty percent of Americans who live to age 65 will eventually develop at least one skin cancer. It’s by far the most common type. If skin cancer is not on your mind as you head outside this summer, it should be. But what does location have to do with it?

LOCATION–WHERE YOU LIVE: It’s pretty simple: the closer you live to the equator, the higher your risk of skin cancer. The number one risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation and UV rays come primarily from the sun, which is strongest at the equator.

If you live or visit a high-risk area, you can lower your risk by protecting yourself from the sun. Stay inside during the mid-day hours when UV rays are at their peak. Wear protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your head, face and ears. Apply sun screen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and reapply every few hours.

While the Northwood’s is considered a low-risk area, the rules are the same–protect your skin. Ultraviolet rays are present and dangerous even on cloudy days.

LOCATION–WHERE YOUR ANCESTORS LIVED: If your ancestors came from a northern climate such as Ireland, Scotland or Scandinavia, you probably have fair skin and maybe freckles. You may complain that your skin tends to burn rather than tan. And, in general you have a higher risk of skin cancer–particularly if you live in a sunny place like Florida or Arizona for even a portion of the year.

LOCATION–WHERE ON YOUR SKIN ARE CANCERS MOST LIKELY? For nonmelanoma skin cancers, risk is directly correlated with cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The more time you spend in the sun over your lifetime, the greater your risk. That’s why many skin cancers develop late in life.

You may have noticed that freckles, sun spots and other skin blemishes that develop later in life appear mostly on skin that has been most exposed. These are also the locations where skin cancers are likely to develop: the face, scalp, ears, neck and hands.

Those are the places to absolutely protect against the sun. Be sure to apply sun screen daily to your face and hands. A baseball cap will cover your scalp but not your ears or neck. That’s why a broad-brimmed cap is recommended.

Most cancers that develop in these locations are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. They rarely kill. And when they spread, it is usually to nearby tissue.

But it’s important to remember that these are locations that also represent you to the world. A nasty skin cancer on your nose or ears can usually be removed but the treatment may leave behind an unsightly scar.

LOCATION–HOW ABOUT MELANOMA? For melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor…but in a less direct way. Frequent severe sunburns, particularly in youth, may pose a greater danger than cumulative exposure over a lifetime. As a result, the location of the cancer is not quite so easy to pinpoint.

For men, the highest risk areas are the upper back, chest and anywhere on the trunk. For women, the most common melanoma sites are the lower legs, back and arms.

In addition, there are numerous unexpected sites where melanoma can occur.

Both melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on lips, inside of the mouth, nasal passages and genital tissues.

Other locations include the soles of the feet, the palms of the hand and the nail beds. African Americans and others with highly pigmented skin are relatively unlikely to develop skin cancers. When they do, however, the cancers may develop in these unexpected locations and are unfortunately more likely to go undetected.

All skin cancers, even melanoma, are treatable if detected and removed at an early stage. So it’s important to examine your skin on a regular basis and learn to recognize the signs.

There are many lesions on your skin and most are harmless. The cancer is usually the new guy on the block who appears out of the blue and doesn’t quite fit in with the others.

Map out all of the neighborhoods of your body and try to keep track of the spots, freckles, moles and other lesions. When a new one appears or if there is a change in an old one, it’s time to take action.

Regular self-skin exams or a yearly examination by a dermatologist is the best way to help people find early skin cancers and Ascension Medical Group at Westwood in Wausau is offering free skin cancer screenings during the Month of July. The free skin cancer screenings will include a visual inspection of the skin and are provided at no charge during selected times, but space is limited.

To register or for more information, please call Ascension Nurse Direct at 800.362.9900 or visit ascension.org/wisconsin.

Vijay Vanchinathan, MD, is a Dermatologist with Ascension Medical Group at Westwood, located at 1901 Westwood Center Boulevard, Wausau. For more information, call 715-393-3909 or visit ascension.org/wisconsin.

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Registration is now available for Merrill’s first annual Chalk It Up chalk event located at the Lincoln County Courthouse and surrounding sidewalks near the River Bend Trail. The event will be held on Aug. 25, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive at 7 a.m. for check-in with a start time of 7:30 a.m. Awards will be announced at 5 p.m.

Cost per square is $15 including a 24-package of pastel chalk. Larger squares may be available for $18. Registration is required to participate. Waiver and registration forms are available at the Merrill Chamber of Commerce or at www.riverbendtrail.org.

Prizes will be given to top three artist drawings as well as a prize for Community’s Choice.

Registration deadline is July 27 to ensure time for ordering needed supplies. Day of registration may be available if there are remaining squares for $20 on a first, come first serve basis. No refunds or cancellations allowed.

Rain day will be set for future date in the event of bad weather. Ages 12 and up are welcome to participate; parent or guardian must sign waiver for artists 18 and under. Volunteers are welcome to help make this a great event. If you can volunteer, donate, or help sponsor this event please contact the organizers to be involved.

Questions can be directed Rebecca Welch at rebeccawelch27@gmail.com or Shelly Hersil at 715-539-1360.

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Have you ever wondered about the two-arch stone bridge behind the library or the history of Stange’s Park? Well, a historic sign commemorating these pieces of Merrill history now tells the story.

T.B. Scott Free Library and Merrill Parks and Recreation Department are happy to announce the installation of a historical marker generously donated by Mrs. Donna Van Slate in memory of her son, Scott D. Layman, who truly enjoyed the library, park and the surrounding area.

Situated behind the library, near the historical stone bridge, the sign tells the story of the bridge, river and park through vintage photographs, newspaper articles, maps and other images. The sign is patterned after the series of interpretative historical signs that are installed along the River Bend Trail.

“Mrs. Van Slate wished to provide a lasting memorial to her son. This sign provides that and more! We hope that this is only the beginning,” Library Director Stacy Stevens said. “It is hoped that the historic signs will expand throughout our community to tell the story of Merrill’s fascinating history. Projects such as this are important in improving Merrill residents and visitors access to Merrill’s rich history and will make our area more attractive to pedestrians and bicyclists.”

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The public is invited to share in the free adventure in art that embodies the 19th Annual Northwoods Art Tour. Thirty-four selected artists and galleries from Vilas, Oneida, Iron, Lincoln and Langlade counties will open the doors to their private studios Friday, July 27, Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. There is no admission charge for the self -guided tour.

Guests have the opportunity to escape the beaten track and explore some of the most beautiful back roads through charming, friendly small communities to get a behind the scenes view of how the artists create unique original art. Artists will be demonstrating how their art is created and discussing the inspirations behind their creations.

Visitors can indulge their curiosity and enjoy a custom tour. The tour is organized as 34 unique sites holding free open houses where you can come and go as your time and interest dictates. Work will be available for purchase and visitors may find the perfect gift or something special for their home that will elevate their spirit and their space.

The group is pleased to welcome five new members and one returning member. Katlyn Koester, Arbor Vitae, describes her work as “fun, funky and functional Bohemian-inspired pottery and fiber arts.” Jamie Kalvestran, Engelwood Studio, Tomahawk, is a painter and mixed media artist. Kalvestran will be offering original works in a range of sizes and will have a collaborative painting available so that guests can participate in the process.

The Waite Studios of Jillayne and Jeff Waite, Arbor Vitae will offer functional stoneware, raku sculptures and vessels, earthenware jewelry and stoneware and wood sculpture suitable for gardens and other outdoor locations. The new Eagle River Gallery will feature natural stone jewelry, woodworking, woodcarving, sand art, fiber art, painting, pyrography and more. Weaver, Sheri Smith will be a new guest artist at Bear Paw Pottery, Saint Germain. Smith draws on more than 40 years of experience in a variety of weaving techniques to create her scarves, wraps, jackets and ponchos. Amy Higgason of Pigeon Road Pottery, Lake Tomahawk aptly describes her stoneware as “fine art with an everyday purpose – a true marriage of function and expression.” Higgason will invite visitors to leave their mark on a group clay project commemorating the 2018 tours.

The member artists make the tour a focal point of the summer and have new work on hand for visitor’s to enjoy. Whether guests are shopping, wanting to learn about art processes, or just browsing, all the artists are pleased to welcome you to their creative space, to share their joy in creating, and their knowledge of process. Old friendships will be renewed and new ones made. The sharing of ideas and creativity Each tour provides a unique experience for both the visitors and the artists.

Colorful brochures are available at local chamber of commerce, area galleries and businesses, and may be downloaded at www.northwoodsarttour.com.

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Alberta Berniece Schumitsch went home to our Lord on Wednesday, July 4, at the age of 95.

Berniece was born on January 26, 1923, to the late Stanley and Grace Follansbee. She was raised in Rock Elm, Wisconsin and graduated from Spring Valley High School.  She attended college at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, and it was there that she met her husband, Bernard “Ben”. They were united in marriage on September 28, 1943, at the home of her parents and shared a loving marriage for 62 years. He preceded her in death on October 13, 2005.

Berniece was an elementary school teacher, the last 19 years of her career in Wittenberg, retiring in 1985.

She enjoyed camping and traveling with her family and dog, Mitzie, in their various campers and motorhomes. Berniece was a dedicated Milwaukee Brewer, Green Bay Packer, Wisconsin Badger, and Antigo Red Robin sports fan and rarely missed any of her grandchildren’s events. She made great cookies, especially chocolate chip. She canned, did crochet, needlepoint, and sewed many things for her children and grandchildren.

She was active in a homemakers club, the Langlade Hospital Auxiliary, and the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post # 3 – Auxiliary. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Antigo.

Survivors include her four children, Nancy (Al) Wojtasiak of Hartford, Richard (Helen) Schumitsch of Merrill, Karen (Larry “Buster”) Knuth of Sun Prairie, and Corinne “Bobo” (Mike) Wolter of Antigo;

11 grandchildren, Laurie (Doug) Jensen, David (Meredith) Schumitsch, Matthew (Dawn) Schumitsch, Allen (Cheryl) Wojtasiak, Lisa (Gary) Gauger, Richard (special friend Sue) Wojtasiak, Randy (Lindsay) Wojtasiak, Nicholas (Jessica) Wolter, Kristen (Brian) Mattmiller, Michael (fiance’ Britta) Wolter, and Matthew (special friend Maggie) Wolter; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren;

a sister, Corinne Falley of Mission, Texas; two sisters in law, Florence Schumitsch, Antigo, Delores Wiseman of Appleton; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda Follansbee and Hope Gunderson; a brother, Jack Follansbee; four sisters in law, Virginia Webb,  Alice (Leon) Kretz, Mary (Emil) Rogatzki, Dorothy (John) Rieland; a brother in law, Lester Schumitsch; a granddaughter, Dawn Wojtasiak; and a daughter in law, Mary “Kitty” Schumitsch.

Berniece will be remembered for her open heart and very loving ways. She was truly loved by many and will be sincerely missed.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Rosalia Gardens Memory Care Unit for their gentle treatment and exceptional care of our dear mother.

The funeral mass was celebrated Monday, July 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment took place at Queen of Peace Mausoleum.

Visitation was at the Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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