On Friday, Aug. 17, the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin will be offering Babysitting Training to students in grades 5-8.
Students are invited to come and learn the basics of how to safely provide care for young children and also get ideas for fun activities to do with children. Class size is limited and registration is required. Cost will be $20 per student. To register, call 715-539-9228. When registration is confirmed, paperwork will be mailed. Participants must bring the completed registration form, a signed parent consent form and a bag lunch to the training.
The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services Office is located at 712 E. 2nd St., Merrill.

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

As part of its 8th annual event Friday evening, the Merrill Baseball Hall of Fame inducted five new members; Adam Cordova, Alex Grunenwald, Shawn Schultz, Mark Simon and Mike VanLieshout, and honored the AA Post 46 American Legion State Championship team of 2007.
The event was held at historic Athletic Park, following the first game of the annual Art Perkins Memorial Legion Baseball tournament.

Past Hall of Fame inductees were on-hand Friday evening to greet the 2018 inductees and award their personalized “bases” and baseballs. Pictured from left to right; Mike Weckwerth, Hall of Fame Head Coach Brian Artac, Bill Helmuth, Bob Grunenwald, Billy Boyd, Jordan Stine and Bruce English

Following are the 2018 inductees and a brief history of each, as presented by the Merrill Baseball Hall of Fame.

Category 1-Players

Adam Cordova-

Adam Cordova

Son of Ed and Julie Cordova of Merrill, Adam and younger brother Alex were very accomplished baseball players in Merrill and beyond. Adam’s baseball career began on the Merrill Little League team at the age of 10. His greatest youth success took place when the Merrill Little League All-Star team won the state championship in 2002 in Wausau. Adam was the starting pitcher, throwing a complete game. His team then advanced to the regional tournament in Indianapolis, IN, where they lost to the eventual world championship team from Kentucky (4-1).
Adam would later become a two-year starter for the Bluejay varsity team, and the Post 46 Legion team, from 2007-2008 as an outfielder. He was a key member on the 2007 state champion American Legion team which won its championship in Baraboo that year. During his two-year career, Adam was an all-conference and all-district selection and was named to the all-state team as an outfielder in 2008. His cumulative batting average was over .400.
Following his high school career, Adam attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he became a four-year starter for the Eagles’ baseball team as an outfielder and designated hitter. Also a two-year team captain for the Eagles, Adam compiled 14 home runs, 49 doubles, 118 RBI’s, 112 runs and a .309 cumulative batting average through the course of his 155 game college career. His accomplishments on the field earned Adam First Team-Academic All American honors in 2013 as well as 3-time All-WIAC selection. Cordova graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2012 with a Bachelors Degree and again in 2015 with a Physical Therapy Doctoral Degree. Following graduation, Adam married wife Greta and the couple now resides in Waukesha where both work as physical therapists.

Alex Grunenwald–

Alex Grunenwald

Son of Bob and Janet Grunenwald of Merrill, Alex’s baseball career also started early. At the age of 8, Alex began playing baseball in Merrill Little League at Lions Park. He also played on traveling teams coached by Ed Cordova, Dan Lemon and Doug Grisa. He pitched, hit and helped his 12-year-old All-Star teammates to the 2002 Wisconsin Little League State Championship and a regional tournament berth in Indianapolis, IN.
While attending Merrill High School, Alex was a three-sport athlete from 2005-2008. He lettered eight times in the sports of football, basketball and baseball. In three years of playing varsity quarterback for the Bluejays, Grunenwald piled up over 3,800 yards through the air and 37 touchdowns en route to becoming the school’s all-time passing leader. He was also a two-time All-Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) selection. As a varsity Bluejay first baseman, Alex became the school’s career homerun leader with 11, second in career RBI’s with 57, and fifth in career batting average (.415). As a senior, Alex won the Steve Walsh MVP award and was named an All-WVC, All-District and WIAA All-State selection in 2007 and 2008; in both athletics and academics. Alex competed in the 2008 Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Star Classic in Oshkosh.
Following graduation from MHS, Grunenwald accepted a Division 1 Baseball Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. He red shirted the first year and at the end of the year transferred to Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, AZ where he continued to play first base. In his two years in Chandler-Gilberts Wood Bat League, he led his team each year with 57 hits, 32 RBI, while batting a .326 average. He was named team captain as well as a National Junior College Athletic Associations (NJCAA) Academic All-American.
In 2012, Alex accepted another D1 baseball scholarship, this time to University of Illinois-Chicago. He was named to the All Newcomer Team in 2012, 2nd Team All-League in 2012 and 1st Team All League in 2013. He finished in the top five in the league in batting average his junior year. In his final season, Alex led the Horizon League in homeruns and RBI’s. He also was selected to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team in 2012 and 2013.
As a senior, Alex was a finalist for the Cecil N. Coleman award honoring outstanding achievement in athletics and academics across all sports in the Horizon League Conference. Alex graduated from UIC in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kineseology and chose to pursue a career in medicine rather than baseball. That fall, Alex enrolled at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He received his medical degree last May.
Currently Dr. Grunenwald is in his second year of residency at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Sterling Heights, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) specializing in Emergency Medicine.

Mark Simon–

Mark Simon

Mark was born in Sheboygan and played baseball in the Sheboygan Recreational Program from little league, through Babe Ruth and later American Legion Baseball.
“Coming from a large family of eight children, money was tight,” Mark adds, “But my parents saw the value of athletics and always made sure we had the equipment to play ball every day.”
After Legion ball, Mark played in the Land O’ Lakes League for the Sheboygan A’s.
Mark went to college at UW-La Crosse where he was a team member for three years. Mark pitched in the summer for the Sheboygan A’s, then Slinger in the Rock River League and then in the Milwaukee Langsdorf League.
Mark signed with the Minnesota Twins after his junior year at La Crosse and went on two seasons of Minor League Baseball.
Simon took a teaching and coaching job at DC Everest in 1968 and married his wife Barb, who was teaching at Everest. Mark and Barb have two children; Kristen (who coaches varsity volleyball at Eau Claire Memorial High School), and Mike who is a volunteer varsity baseball coach at Appleton North High School. Both children had the good fortune to play on state championship teams while in high school.
Mark continued to play during the summers with the Wausau Legion Alumni in the Wisconsin State League and then for the Wausau Barrons in the Cloverbelt League.
At this time, Mark was invited to play with the Merrill Giants until 1984 when he played with and coached the Everest Merchants. He was part of five WBA state championship teams and remained an active player until the age of 52.

“Many things and stories are shared in dugouts over the years but two that come to mind are Roger Baumgardt shouting ‘The Diamond is tipping!’ as Bobby Klug and Dale Zimmer, two of our larger players, were churning around the bases at Henrich’s Club,” Mark recollects. “Another is when the day catcher Dave Detert gave umpire Terry Terrance the nickname ‘Visine’ for his calling of the pitches. The name stuck.

“Finally I would like to thank the people of Merrill who supported baseball through the years, either by watching the Giants play or financial support to keep the program going. I have always felt Merrill has been a hot bed for baseball in the area because of this support. I would also like to thank two good friends; Daryl Berndt and Bill Helmuth for inviting me to play for the Giants and enjoy the many years we were able to play together.”

Shawn Schultz–

Shawn Schultz

Shawn graduated from Merrill High School in 1989. He was a three-time letter winner in baseball as well as letter winner in basketball.
Shawn played three years for the Merrill Bluejays varsity baseball team, earning First Team All-Conference honors in 1989. He also had the honor of playing in the WBCA All-Star game in Appleton.
Shawn played college ball at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 1992-1994. One of Shawn’s most memorable collegiate highlights includes being the starting and winning pitcher versus the top ranked Division 2 team in the country; UW-Oshkosh.

Shawn began his coaching career in 1993 by helping coach Junior League and Little League here in Merrill. And in 1996, he began coaching the 8th grade team, Legion team and Assistant Coach for the MHS varsity baseball squad. Shawn continues to help with the American Legion team, Merrill Rangers (for 30 years) and in 2015; he was promoted to the head coach position for the Merrill Bluejay varsity baseball team.

As Merrill’s American Legion coach, Shawn has led teams to two AA State Championships (2005 and 2007) as well as five third-place finishes. Shawn has dedicated a majority of his adult life to helping the Merrill Baseball program at all levels, as well as the community. Shawn spends countless hours volunteering his time and is a fixture around a lot of ball fields in town, especially Athletic Park.

Shawn and his wife Laurie reside in Merrill, along with their two daughters, Molly and Bethany.

Category 3-Major Contrbutor/Ambassador of Merrill Baseball

Mike VanLieShout–

Mike VanLieShout

Mike was raised in Kimberly, Wisconsin. He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1968 and UW-Oshkosh in 1972 with a degree in Special Education. After graduating from college, he enlisted in the US Army and served for four years. He then began his teaching career in Union Grove, where he taught for three years. Mike took a leave of absence to pursue graduate school at UW-Oshkosh. In 1978, he accepted a Special Education teaching position at Merrill Junior High that lasted 27 years.
After arriving in Merrill, Mike dove into community service with the Lions Club where he met several veterans who encouraged him to join the American Legion. It wasn’t long before he became the commander of the American Legion post and remained in that position for about 25 years.

In 1980, Van Lieshout took up the position of Vice Chair of the Legion Baseball Committee under the tutelage of Jiggs Heideman where he learned the ins and outs of keeping the Legion Baseball Team alive. Mike immediately started to find ways of making money to keep the team up and running. He and his wife Jo brought lawn chairs, coolers of soda and many bags of chips to sell to players and their fans. This was all done on the grass behind the first base side.

Jiggs Heideman and Warren Weckwerth, both long time Legion members, stated that without Mike’s commitment and efforts, Merrill would have lost its Legion baseball team on several occasions. Mike and Jiggs had a goal of investigating what it would take to get the State American Legion tournament in Merrill. Mike traveled to many cities including Kimberly, Kaukauna, Shawano and Beaver Dam – just to name a few – to check out the tournament facilities and how it was organized. He discovered that Merrill was one of the few cities that had Legion members at every game. The process included many updates at Athletic Park in order to get state approval. These updates included a new concession stand, an electronic scoreboard, updated bathrooms and new dugouts – all made possible through the efforts of all stakeholders: Merrill Baseball Association, Merrill Rangers, Little League, Senior League, and Merrill High School and Legion.

Finally in 2005, the state granted Merrill the tournament for 2007 – too late for Jiggs to see the tournament come to fruition. At the first tournament, the state baseball commissioner was very impressed with Merrill’s historic Athletic Park. So far, Merrill has hosted three state tournaments in addition to many regional tournaments.

For 36 years, Mike was involved in Merrill’s Legion Baseball Team in one capacity or another; whether fundraising, finding workers for games, working with the coaches, setting up the end of the year steak fry or even on occasion being the umpire. This would mean Mike having attended approximately 720 games.

Mike continues to live in Merrill with his wife Jo. His son John lives in Merrill with wife Katie and their children Emma, Colton and Piper. John is following in his father’s footsteps-Commander and Legion ball proponent. Mike also has a daughter Becca, who lives in Madison with her husband Jesse and children Nykola and Nevada.

Mike is honored to accept this award with extreme gratitude to all the Legion members past and present, who helped him on this journey of keeping Legion baseball alive in Merrill.

Category 4-Honored

2007 AA Post 46 American Legion State Champions–

The legendary 2007 Post 46 AA Legion Baseball State championship team pictured with Little League Traveling Team coaches Ed Cordova and Dan Lemon

Team members: Tyler Thiel, Jason Berndt, Adam Cordova, Alex Mueller, Mitch Badeau, Jared Lemon, Chris Lammert, Aaron Hanson, Michael Yorde
Coaches Shawn Schultz and Josh Osness, Ben Natzke, Tony Ellenbecker, Sean Kollmer, Alex Grunenwald, Ryan Leavitt, Joe Akey, Aaron Erickson.

Tournament was held at Mary Rountree Park in Baraboo.

The 2007 team finished 27-5 overall and was also the Wisconsin Valley Legion League regular season champions with a 13-3 league mark.
During the season, Post 46 swept Plover and finished on a 17 game winning streak. For the season, Post 46 had 8 players with batting averages over .300. Adam Cordova had 45 RBI and Alex Grunenwald led the team with six homeruns. Chris Lammert (9-0), Alex Mueller (8-0) and Sean Kollmer (4-0) were all undefeated on the season.

Regional Action:
River Falls: 11-0 (5)
Medford: 12-2 (6)
Menomonie: 8-3

State Tournament:
Baraboo: 6-5
Beaver Dam: 13-12
Kewaunee County: 11-1 (5)
DeForest: 13-9
Baraboo: 12-6

Over the 8 playoff games, Post 46 scored 85 runs and batted .384 with 32 extra base hits.

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T.B. Scott Free Library and the Merrill Foto News/Merrill Courier newspapers will be co-hosting a Lincoln County Sheriff candidate forum on Thursday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lincoln County Service Center-Room 257. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The Lincoln County Sheriff candidates who will face off in the Aug. 14 partisan primary, Pete Borchardt and Ken Schneider, have both been invited to attend. Both candidates are running as Republicans in the primary election. The forum will provide the public with an opportunity to see, hear and question the candidates. The moderator for the evening will be the Honorable Glenn Hartley, former Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge.
Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in this event. Beginning at 6 p.m., those who attend can submit their questions for the candidates by filling out a card and placing it into a box. Those who attend may also submit questions on behalf of someone who cannot attend. Candidates will also provide opening and closing statements as part of the Forum.
The fall election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 14, with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The T.B. Scott Free Library serves as a place to connect people to their community and promote civic engagement. For more information about the library, visit their website at http://www.tbscottlibrary.org/.
For more information about the Candidate Forum, contact Stacy Stevens at the T.B. Scott Free Library at 715-536-7191.

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The following students from Merrill were named to the Iowa State University spring 2018 Dean’s List: Ian Michael Anderson, 4, Civil Engineering; Sara Mae Gliniecki, 2, World Languages and Cultures.

Emma Sowieja, Merrill, has graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Sowieja earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dentistry.

Bonnie Osness of Merrill graduated from Edgewood College on May 20, 2018. Osness earned a Doctor of Education in Education degree.

The following students from the area graduated in May 2018 from University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis.: ATHENS- Justin Gille, B.S. Engineering Technology; GLEASON- Lila Werner, B.F.A. Graph Des & Interact Media; MERRILL- Jordan Kleinschmidt, B.S. Human Develpm & Family Std; Lucas Kleinschmidt, B.S. Supply Chain Management; Ross Van Der Geest, E.D.S. School Psychology; Shawn Walmer, B.S. Information & Comm Tech; TOMAHAWK- Jonathan Nyberg, B.S. Business. Administration.

The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May: MERRILL- Brandon Bartz, Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science Major: Sport Management; Nathan Beyer, Bachelor of Science, Finance Major: Risk, Insurance and Financial Planning Concentration, Economics Major; Megan Marlowe, Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry Major with American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Certification; TOMAHAWK- Alexis DuPlayee, Bachelor of Science, Sociology Major.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire awarded 1,292 degrees in May. Local students who received degrees and their fields of study are: ATHENS- Aaron Brewster, Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, accounting and information systems; Maxwell Harding, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, geography and journalism; Jennica Jahnke, Nursing and Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, nursing; MERRILL- Jennifer Anderson, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, biochemistry/molecular biology; Eric Ball, Education and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, kinesiology; Jennica Jahnke, Nursing and Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, nursing; Kimberly James, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Andrew Koch, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, biochemistry/molecular biology; Marissa Matushak, Education and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, communication sciences and disorders; Megan Spreeman, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Katelyn Zuelsdorff, Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science, biology; TOMAHAWK- Kelley Gaedtke-Farber, Nursing and Health Sciences, Doctor of Nursing Practice, nursing.

The following local students were named to the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in spring 2018 at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh: ATHENS- Jacob Bloechl, Dean’s List; Emily Nowicki, Dean’s List; GLEASON- Alec Modrow, Honor Roll; MERRILL- Taylor Hudzinski, Dean’s List; Courtney Kolehouse, Honor Roll; Ryan Taylor, Dean’s List; Desirae Thomaschefsky, Honor Roll; TOMAHAWK- Baylee Dallman, Honor Roll; Alexis Szarkowitz, Honor Roll.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its 2018 spring semester Dean’s List. Students from this area on the Dean’s List include: ATHENS- Taylor Riehle, Business Administration; GLEASON- Cody Peck, Mechanical Engineering; MERRILL- Scott Arneson, Health and Human Performance; Devin Leonard, Mechanical Engineering; TOMAHAWK- Justin Jarvensivu, Mathematics.

The following students have been named to the 2018 spring semester Dean’s List at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Morgan A Norton, Merrill, Senior, College of Liberal Arts.

The following individuals from your area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Spring 2018 semester: MERRILL- Connor Howard, Amber Leavitt, Teah Ungerer.

The following local residents were among 744 students to receive degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in May: ATHENS- Lindsey Albrecht, Bachelor of Science, Dairy Science, Summa Cum Laude; Hannah Frank, Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Studies, Summa Cum Laude; MERRILL- Helena Erdman, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2017-2018 academic year. Local students who have received this honor: ATHENS- Elizabeth Brewster, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List; Savannah Janke, School of Human Ecology, Dean’s High Honors; GLEASON- Wiley Smith, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List; MERRILL- Morgan Bloch, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List; Tanner Pettit, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List; TOMAHAWK- Andrew Cook, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List; Elizabeth Ierulli, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List; Mikhayla Kleich, Col of Agricultural & Life Sci, Dean’s List; Grant Van Grinsven, School of Human Ecology, Dean’s Honor List.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Chancellor’s List, honoring those full-time students who earned perfect 4.0 grade-point averages for the spring 2018 semester. Students from this area on the Chancellor’s List include:
ATHENS- Taylor Riehle, Business Administration; TOMAHAWK- Justin Jarvensivu, Mathematics.

The following area students have been named to the spring semester Dean’s List at UW-River Falls: ATHENS- Lindsey Albrecht, Dairy Science; Hannah Frank, Agricultural Studies; Cassidy Kottke, Marketing Communications; MERRILL- Ariel Graveen, Dairy Science; Brittany Hargraves, Animal Science; Michaela Raleigh, Elementary Education; Katelyn Tomalak, Animal Science, Pre-Professional; Miranda Vosburgh, Elementary Education; TOMAHAWK- Olivia DeBels, Health & Human Performance.

Shaefer Rupar, Merrill, graduate with a degree in Management from Gustavus Adolphus College during the school’s annual commencement exercises on Sunday, June 2.

The following area students were among more than 700 graduates honored at Michigan Technological University’s Spring Commencement held on the Houghton, Michigan campus on May 5: Karrah B. Schneiderwent, Gleason, Bachelor of Science In Civil Engineering, Tomahawk Senior High School, Georgia Schneiderwent and John Schneiderwent; Alex J. Kuehn, Tomahawk, Bachelor of Science In Civil Engineering, Tomahawk Senior High School, Donna Kuehn and Tom Kuehn.

The following area students received academic honors for the spring 2018 semester at The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: ATHENS- Sierra Ann Schug, Semester High Honors; MERRILL- James Alexander Block, Semester High Honors; McKenzie Marie Reimann, Semester Honors; TOmAHAWK- Anna Katherine Gane, Semester High Honors; Camryn Kay Swan, Semester High Honors; Dakota Thomas Thompson, Semester Honors; Amanda Joan Timm, Semester Honors.

Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) announces that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2018 semester: MERRILL- Jacob M. Nohr and Bryce H. Swiechowski.

Local student named to 2018 spring semester dean’s list at St. Cloud State University: Rachel Wiseman, Herberger Business School, Marketing, BS.

Students from the area who received academic honors during the spring semester of the 2017-2018 academic year at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point include: ATHENS- Nicholas Aschbrenner, High Honors; Rachel Bloechl, Highest Honors; Emily Czech, Honors; Joel Mroczenski, High Honors; Courtney Mueller, Honors; Jesselin Payne, Honors; Jennifer Schmidt, Honors; Courtney Schoenrock, High Honors; Kaylyn Schreiner, Honors; Chelsee Tessmer, Highest Honors; Lane Tessmer, Highest Honors; GLEASON- Matthew Kramer, High Honors; HAMBURG- Ashley Plisch, Highest Honors; MERRILL- Haley Arndt, Highest Honors; Casandra Blake, High Honors; Cassandra Casper, Honors; Jordyn Chartier, High Honors; Maryssa Fenwick, Honors; Gretta Fermanich, High Honors; Christopher Hahn, Highest Honors; Bethany Hasenberg, High Honors; Ariel Hinz, High Honors; Nicholas Jameson, Honors; Kyle Kleinschmidt, Honors; Maria Lokemoen, Honors; Amanda Mathis, Honors; Thomas Moberg, Honors; Brianna Piepenbrok, Honors; Justin Pyan, Honors; Molly Schultz, High Honors; Ashlyn Spaulding, Honors; Daniel Sukow, Honors; Emily Travis, High Honors; Allie Turenne, Honors; Mariah Turenne, Highest Honors; Katelyn Wayda, High Honors; Alexis Weiler, High Honors; Thomas Weinkauf, Honors; Ali Zamzow, Honors; TOMAHAWK- Cheyenne Antell, Highest Honors; Madeline Krueger, Honors; Aubrey Nycz, Highest Honors; Samantha White, Honors.

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Lincoln County Health Department in collaboration with its Live Well Lincoln partners are proud to announce the release of the Lincoln County Community Health Improvement Plan 2018-2023 (CHIP). The CHIP is a six-year plan aimed at improving the health of Lincoln County residents. It provides direction for where we want to be as a county with regard to health.

“The success of the CHIP is largely dependent on the support and involvement of our entire community being motivated to live well,” stated Shelley Hersil, Health Officer/Director of Lincoln County Health Department. “No single individual or organization can do this work alone, but together we can significantly impact the health of Lincoln County residents.”

The CHIP is a six year plan that outlines goals and strategies for each health priority identified in the Lincoln County Community Health Assessment (CHA), which was published earlier this year.

Health priorities include:
•Mental Health and Substance Abuse
•Nutrition and Healthy Foods
•Oral (Dental) Health
•Social Determinants of Health

All health priorities, with the exception of social determinants of health, are a continuation from the previous CHIP. Local coalitions have already been established and are actively working on improving these issues, however more work is needed. Social determinants of health is a new focus and looks at health through an environmental and policy level lens. Social determinants of health are factors such access to healthy foods, housing, transportation, quality jobs, education, and health care that influence length and quality of life. By addressing social determinants of health, we can drastically improve the health of our community.

The Lincoln County CHIP and CHA can be accessed at lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or you can call Lincoln County Health Department for a printed copy. We invite you to actively support the CHIP and get involved with Live Well Lincoln. If you are interested in getting involved, or if you would like a presentation about the CHIP for your organization, please contact Shelley Hersil, Director/Health Officer at shersil@co.lincoln.wi.us or (715) 539-1360. Lincoln County Health Department is always working for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.

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The Sawmill Brewery in Merrill, is hosting a “Brats for Vets” fundraiser on July 18 from 4-6 p.m. with music from Tom Jordan. All proceeds benefit the construction of a new Northwoods Veterans Post.

The building will be located on the corner of Sixth Street and Johnson Street and will serve eight essential service organizations which include the local VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. With the help of contributions from the community and local grants, they hope to raise $2.8 million. Church Mutual donated the 4.3 acres of land which will house the new 14,376 square foot building. Other donors include the B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation, American Legion Post 46, VFW Post 1638, Weathershield, and Rock 94.7. One hundred percent of the donations will go towards this project.

The current VFW building, built in 1904, has escalating maintenance, repairs and utility costs, has limited accessibility to veterans with disabilities and is unable to provide the needed support of aging veterans. The amenities in the new building will include a wellness room, fitness center, eight offices, four meeting rooms, an education center, kitchen, storage building, volleyball courts, and access to hiking, biking, ATV and snowmobile trails.

“Our Veterans deserve so much more,” said John Rathke, Post Commander. “Our goal is to be the destination of choice for veterans, but we need the support from everyone in the community. In honor of a Veteran, you can purchase a service tag, support medallion or glass brick or make a tax-deductible monetary gift. Our Veterans deserve an adequate facility and a special place of honor to call home. Help us help them.”

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The 24th Annual Lincoln County Safety Day Camp will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the MARC Center in Merrill from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Safety Day Camp is a free program open to all youth in Lincoln County ages 8–11 years old. This event is an opportunity for young people to learn valuable information about staying safe around their homes and neighborhood.

Youth in this age group received a brochure in the mail in early July. Brochures are also available on the UW-Extension website at https://lincoln.uwex.edu/ or can be picked up at the UW-Extension office located in the Lincoln County Service Center, T.B. Scott Library and the Tomahawk Library.

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July 2
Calls: #1028- At 4:44 a.m. Med 62 responded to Foster St. for a 69 year old male with a medical problem, transported top AGSH; #1029- At 11:43 a.m. Brush 66 responded to Fifth St. for a burning complaint; #1030- At 12:44 p.m. Med 62 responded to State St. for a 64 year old female with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSH; #1031- Med 62 responded to Cty. Q for an 85 year old male with a medical problem, no transport; #1032- At 4:22 p.m. Med 62 responded to State St. for a 59 year old female with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSH; #1033- At 6:46 p.m. Med 62 responded to Woodbine Ave. for a 58 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Blood pressure checks at Park Place; fire prevention inspections at local businesses.

July 3
Calls: #1034- Med 62 responded to Sixth St. for a 96 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1035- At 10:15 a.m. Med 63 responded to Joe Snow Rd. for a Community Paramedic visit; #1036- at 5:01 p.m. Med 62 responded to Woodbine Ave. for a 58 year old male with a medical problem, no transport; #1037- At 6:19 p.m. Med 62 responded to Grand Ave. for a 67 year old female with shortness of breath, transported to AGSH; #1038- At 7:57 p.m. Med 61, Boat 69 & Car 67 responded to Hwy. 107 for standby at fireworks; #1039- At 9:19 p.m. Med 62 responded to Hwy. 107 for a 56 year old female with back pain, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Community Paramedic visit; weekly reading on pool filling; blood pressure screenings for residents at Jenny towers; standby for fireworks at Rock Island.

July 4
Calls: #1040- At 3:23 a.m. Med 62 responded to Center Rd. for a 59 year old female with an illness, transported to AWH; #1041- At 3:50 a.m. Med 63 responded to Woodbine Ave. for a 58 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1042- At 9:53 p.m. Med 62 responded to PCNH for a 90 year old male with an illness, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Monthly EMS web-based training on diving emergencies; weekly reading on pool filling and form; quarterly reading on Lincoln Hills disturbance plan.

July 5
Calls: #1043- At 2:56 a.m. Med 62 responded to Town Hall Rd. for a 68 year old male not breathing, no transport; #1044- At 9:21 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 79 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #1045- At 9:54 a.m. MFD responded to 310 Memorial Dr. for a fire alarm, call was canceled because alarm was set off by steam cleaning; #1046- At 12:35 p.m. Med 62 responded to S. Foster St. for a 44 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AWH; #1047- At 1:35 p.m. Med 63 responded to E. 4th St. for a 75 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1048- At 1:44 p.m. Med 62 responded to Thielman St. for a 54 year old female with a respiratory problem, transported to ASCH; #1049- At 3:30 p.m. Med 62 responded to W. 6th St. for a 78 year old male with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSH; #1050- At 4:30 p.m. Tender 65 responded to town of Berlin for mutual aid for a house fire, canceled enroute; #1051- At 5:25 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 103 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1052- At 7:43 p.m. Brush 66 responded to the MARC for a standby at the fireworks; #1053- At 8:57 p.m. Med 62 responded to Cty. M, no transport.
Other activities: Contacted manufacturer of Boat 69 to trouble shoot some performances issues.

July 6
Calls: #1054- At 6:46 a.m. Med 62 responded to State St. for an 84 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1055- At 12:32 p.m. Med 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 90 year old male with a medical problem, transported to PCNH; #1056- At 6:53 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 73 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Fire inspections procedure review given by BC Skoug; ladder drills, SCBA and donning & doffing drills observed for probationary firefighter.

July 7
Calls: #1057- At 9:06 a.m. Med 62 responded to Logan Ave. for a 32 year old male with a trauma, transported to AGSH; #1058- At 1:03 p.m. Med 62 responded to Grand Ave. for an 80 year old female, no transport; #1059- At 6:07 p.m. Med 61 & Eng 61 responded to the Festival Grounds for a standby at the tractor pull.
Other activities: Fire inspection for the tractor pull event, Med 63 stood by as a non-dedicated standby during the day.

July 8
Calls: #1060- At 3:48 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 95 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1061- At 4:17 p.m. Med 62 responded to E. 6th St. for a 52 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH; #1062- At 9:57 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for an 88 year old female with a trauma, transported to AGSH.
Other activities: Reviewed new procedures for filling pools in MFD fire coverage area.

July 9
Calls: #1063- At 9:57 a.m. Med 61 responded to Hwy. 64 for a 63 year old male with an MVA, transported to AWH; #1064- At 6:12 p.m. Med 62 responded to Glen Dr. for an 83 year old female with back pain, transported to AWH; #1065- At 11:13 p.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for an unknown problem, no transport.
Other activities: Review/drill on hydrant operation with Eng 61; drill & train with Tender 75 pumping & drafting.

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

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Collin Lueck
Editor

The Post 46 bats came alive as Merrill hosted the Art Perkins Memorial Legion baseball tournament over the weekend. Post 46 outscored their opponents by a combined 38-27 on their way to a 3-1 showing in the tournament. By run differential, Merrill placed second in the tournament.

The tournament was an encouraging bright spot in a season where wins have been hard to come by for Post 46.

“They played much better,” said coach Don Gehrke. “They played great team baseball and hit the ball very well. They played defense as a team finally. Our starting pitchers were outstanding, going deep into their games.”

Post 46 opened their weekend by battling back against Holmen, the defending AA state champion. Facing a 10-0 deficit going into the fifth inning, Merrill came up with six runs to get back in the game. But, they couldn’t draw any closer, falling by a final 12-6 tally.

“Vinnie Gallela pitched a good game, but didn’t have much support,” Coach Gehrke noted.

Adam Detert led the offense with three hits.

On Saturday, Merrill got some sweet revenge with a come from behind walk-off 4-3 win over Stevens Point.

“Point had stomped us twice this year,” Coach Gehrke noted.

Some clutch hitting supported a complete game performance from pitcher Peyton Becker.

“That was a barn burner,” Coach Gehrke said. “Peyton Becker went the distance and only gave up three runs.”

Post 46 was trailing 3-2 going into their last at-bat. A single by Jake Bailey, followed by an RBI triple from Brody Gehrke, set the stage for the game-winning hit from Casey Hoffman.

Back in action Sunday morning, Merrill posted a 10-4 win over Medford behind the pitching of Brett Seubert and Alex Gehrke. Post 46 jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning and kept Medford scoreless until the seventh inning.

Merrill closed out the tournament on a high note, 10-run ruling Everest in six innings by a final score of 18-8. Holden Smith started on the mound and Jayden Suss closed.

“Lots of triples and doubles in that one,” Coach Gehrke said. “The boys just pounded the ball.”

Brody Gehrke led Merrill with four hits and five runs scored. Adam Detert and Zach Anderson collected three hits each.

On Thursday prior to the tournament, Merrill didn’t fare as well against Wisconsin Rapids in a 12-5 loss. To save pitch counts for the weekend, Post 46 sent Seubert, Gallela, Suss and Alex Gehrke to the mound in that game.

“It was pitching by committee, and it didn’t work,” Coach Gehrke said.

Merrill faces a tough week, closing out the regular season with games against Antigo and Plover. Then it’s on to regional action.

The post Post 46 lights up home tournament appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Virginia Rose (Amborn) Catlin, age 100 passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18th with her loving family at her side.  Virginia was born August 27th, 1917 in Merrill, WI to Lula (Haesley) and William Amborn.  She married Vern Catlin in Loyal, WI on November 7th, 1942.  They moved to Rhinelander, WI in 1951 and together they raised seven children.  Virginia was a beautician who worked out of her home, cutting hair for many Rhinelander women and many more children.  Virginia was active in the Jaycette’s, Stunt Night and various card clubs and in their younger years, Vern and Virginia participated and won several dance contests throughout Central Wisconsin.  She enjoyed watching the Packers play each Sunday and loved making trips to the casino with friends and family.  Virginia spent most of her time raising her children and is still remembered by many neighborhood children as their “Other Mother”. 

Her 100th birthday was celebrated with a party and open house for friends and family.  She received birthday wishes from four presidents, state officials, her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers andAugust 27th was proclaimed Virginia Catlin Day by Mayor Dick Johns.  In honor of her birthday a flag was flown over the US Capitol and then presented to her.

Fondly known for her sense of humor, her many jokes and her love of children.  She is survived by her seven children, Pinky (Pete) DeLoye, Pat (Linda) Catlin, Mike (Darla) Catlin, Candy (John) Adams, Jim (Ruth) Catlin, Deb (Don) Knutson, Craig (Heidi) Catlin.  Also survived by 19 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren and special friends, Doreen Boxrud, Ginger Anderle and Pat Behling.  Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern, infant daughter Cindy Lou, two brothers Melvin & Billy, one sister Geneva and dear friend Dorothy Owens.

The visitation for Virginia will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Rhinelander First United Methodist Church, located at 724 Arbutus Street, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service. Pastor Samuel DeLoye will be officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Northland Memorial Park. Condolences for the family may be directed to Hildebrand Funeral Home at www.hildebrandruss.com and as per Virginia’s wishes memorials will be directed to children in need.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Ascension – Ministry Hospice as well as the dedicated staff at Rennes Health & Rehab Center..  A special thanks to Lori Cherney who lovingly cared for her.

Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501, 715-365-4343. Celebrating lives and healing hearts.

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Just after midnight on Thursday, Merrill firefighters responded to a structure fire on the 500 block of North Prospect Street in the City of Merrill.

The structure was a detached garage behind the main residence and was heavily involved with fire upon arrival. MFD Engine-62, Truck-63, and Med-62 all responded immediately to the scene. When personnel arrived, they confirmed no one was inside the building and used hose lines to quickly extinguish the blaze. Crews also had to safely mitigate around downed power lines until Wisconsin Public Service arrived and cut the power. Rescue-64 responded to the scene later as well with off-duty MFD personnel.

Damage from the fire is estimated to be around $5,000.

“The fire was well involved when we got there, but our personnel did a great job knocking down the fire,” reported Battalion Chief Tadd Wegener.

Merrill Fire and Police are still actively investigating the cause of this fire.

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Join the Friends of the River Bend Trail on Aug. 25 for a beautiful bike ride on the scenic River Bend Trail along the Wisconsin River including Council Grounds State Park and the streets of Merrill. Participants have a choice of two bike courses, either 5 mile or 12 mile. Course includes an opportunity to stop and visit the Lincoln County Humane Society, Merrill Historical Society, and for those who chose the longer course, Council Grounds State Park. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the ride starts at 10 a.m. This self-guided course will be open until 1 p.m. Both courses will start and end at the Agra Pavilion – Rotary Park at 400 S. Park St., Merrill. The event will be held rain or shine.

The event is designed to be budget-friendly for families while raising funds for the trail. The cost for the ride is $15 per person or $30 per family. If you have a membership as a Friend of the River Bend Trail there is a discounted registration fee of $10 per person. Participants will be guaranteed a drawstring backpack if registered by Friday, Aug. 1.

Prizes, refreshments, snacks and lunch will be available with registration. All proceeds support the construction of the Agra Pavilion.

You can find a copy of the event registration form at http://www.riverbendtrail.org , online registration is available at the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce website http://www.merrillchamber.org/events/ For more information visit on the River Bend Trail Facebook page or contact Shelley Hersil, shersil@co.lincoln.wi.us or 715-539-1360.

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Community Conversation
It’s hard to believe that it has been almost three years since our first Community Conversation event. During those three evenings at the high school, almost 100 community members came together to establish their vision of what they wanted their school district to look like. Nineteen Community Conversation priorities were established. These priorities continue to be our focus as we strive to provide a safe educational environment for our students.

At each monthly Board Meeting, progress toward our Community Conversation priorities is shared with our Board and the public in attendance. Our top twelve priorities below are listed, including the number of strategies, programs or activities that align with each priority.

Retention/Appreciation of Staff & Administrators 28
Promoting Civic Responsibility & Citizenship 27
STEAM/FAB Lab 34
Community Outreach 56
Pro-active, Optimistic, Marketing & Branding of the School District 33
Maintain Community Conversations 6
School-based Services 19
Career Coaches/Mentors 1
Flexible Options for Personalized Learning Progress 6
Depths of Knowledge 3
Elevate and Secure Community Financial Support Progress 12
Promoting Life Skills 4

It’s important to understand that most of our priorities are programs or events that take place outside of our classroom instruction.

Jay Stadium – The Final Phase
The final phase of the Jay Stadium project is on schedule and should be completed in time for the start of our Fall sports program. The building you see being constructed is a concession stand and the restroom facility. The entire project was made possible due to the generous support of our community businesses and private donors. Thank you for supporting a facility that will be a source of pride for many years to come!

MAPS Awarded Safety Grant
Attorney General Brad Schimel recently announced the Merrill Area Public Schools will be among a list of 147 schools and districts to be awarded the next round of safety grants through the Wisconsin Department of Justice School Safety Grant program.

MAPS applied for and was awarded $108,753.00. Dale Bergman, Director of Buildings and Grounds stated, “This grant money will be utilized to provide secure single points of entry to our schools, bolster our camera systems and add shatter resistant film to our entrances.” MAPS is very grateful to be a recipient of this grant. The work can begin immediately and must be completed by June 30, 2019, under the guidelines of the grant. Other requirements of the grant requires ongoing safety drills and staff training.

MAPS will continue to remain proactive by continuing programs such as school-based counseling services, trauma sensitive student approaches and collaborating with outside mental health service providers.

John Sample
Proud Superintendent

The post Superintendent’s Corner appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr

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Members of the Wisconsin National Guard who are tasked with providing security to Lincoln Hills School in Irma wish to assure residents of their safety. A total of 90 members of Company B out of Antigo’s 632nd Armor Division have been on duty at the juvenile facility since the unionized workers walked out on strike 10 days ago. Guard men and women work inside of the cottages and patrolling the exterior of the unfenced compound. A total of 130 male students are on grounds along with six females. Superintendent Paul Imler said the institution is running smoothly with the guard on staff, the four students who ran away in the first hours of the union’s walkout have all been captured with the exception of one. Three students tried to escape in the past week but were stopped. Violence in the cottages has also been greatly reduced and the only major incident occurred this past Sunday night when a student used cigarettes to light a mattress on fire in his room.
The Merrill Housing Authority has received the green light to build over 100 new housing units in the City of Merrill. Local director of housing Joseph Jackelen announced that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has committed to the project which will see a seven story high rise structure erected in the Scott Street parking lot next to the fire barn. That building will house 100 of the units while the additional 10 will be scattered in the city with the old Jefferson School area being a potential option. The units built on Scott Street will all be single bedroom apartments while those scattered can be up to three bedrooms. Hutter Construction of Fond du Lac has received the contract to build the apartments at a cost of over $2 million.
Police Chief Charles Johnson has announced the hiring of Jeffrey D. Anderson as the newest patrol officer for the Merrill Police Department. Anderson is taking the place of Kirby Stoelting who resigned last month. Anderson is 22 years old and a Merrill resident.

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A new alderman has been seated on Merrill’s Common Council as Russell Grefe has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert St. Clair who left the council after moving out of the city. Grefe garnered the most votes from the sitting aldermen as he competed against former alderman Elmer Kleinschmidt, local business man Fran Warchala, and Tom Fox. After assuming the post Grefe was then seated on the Health and Safety, Board of Public Works, and the Mayor’s Task Force on Parking which were all posts held by St. Clair prior to his resignation. In other action on the council floor Tuesday, the council also voted to increase the water rates 3%, the first such increase since 1981. The council also tasked Park and Rec director Greg Stezinski with adding hours onto the outdoor pool schedule this summer.
It is official; Merrill is going to the zoo. The annual Crazy Day retail celebration is next Wednesday in Merrill and the theme this year is “A Crazy Day at the Zoo.” City wide activities include the kiddie parade, the National Little Red Wagon races begin at 6 p.m. at Normal Park, those are being sponsored by WJMT Radio and the Miller Racing Association. The Lion’s Club will have their annual chicken dinner at the Cenotaph on the west side, and music will be all over town Wednesday evening. The Merrill City Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Cenotaph Park, rock and roll band the Renegades will perform at Double Bogies Bar, and the Hootenany band will play in the Van’s Meat Market parking lot, sponsored by Raoul’s Tavern, the Sixth Ward Business Association is sponsoring The Jackson Family along with an outdoor tent full of activities at Plawman’s Playhouse, and Caylor’s will have a square dance in their parking lot starting at 7:30 p.m. (Might want to make it to the square dance, likely the last crazy days dance at Caylor’s)
In mid-city it is Dave’s Red Owl’s 12th anniversary celebration. Specials include an 8-pack of Pepsi for only $1.49, ground beef is .87 per pound if you buy five pounds or more, frying hindquarters are priced at .39 per pound, ice cream is only $1.69 for a half gallon, and fresh coleslaw is $1.08 a pound. Register to win one of many prizes with the top prize being a three minute shopping spree. Bring your aluminum cans along as the Golden Goat out front is paying .32 per pound!

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The legal community in Lincoln County is in mourning as one of its eldest statesmen has passed away. Judge Donald E. Schnabel, 86, passed away Monday, July 14, at the Wausau Hospital Center. Judge Schnabel was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1910 and upon graduation from high school went off to the University of Notre Dame. He received his Juris Degree in 1935 from the UW Madison Law School. After graduating Schnabel came straight to Merrill where he became engaged both in private practice and with Mabel Hafferman whom he married in May of 1941. Schnabel was called to service during World War II where he saw action on the ships of the Navy in the European Theatre before he was honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of Lieutenant. Schnabel also helped prosecute Japanese war crimes during his service to the nation. While in private practice in Merrill, Schnabel worked with the law firm of Leonard F. Schmitt. He served two terms as Merrill’s City Attorney and six terms as Lincoln County District Attorney. In 1955 he was appointed by then Governor Walter Koehler as Lincoln County Judge to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Max Van Hecke. Judge Schnabel went on to serve 25 years on the bench before he retired in December of 1979. After his retirement Schnabel remained active both as a reserve judge and as a private practice attorney. He was also instrumental in securing the public beach at Tug lake for area youth, and was a firm believer in the preservation of historical structures such as the Lincoln County Court House. Schnabel will have a funeral mass celebrating his life on Friday at St. Francis Church; he will be buried in St. Francis Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Mabel, seven daughters, one son, 19 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
In a rare but stern editorial, Foto News Publisher James O’Day tells city officials what he thinks about their plans to make the city clerk and street commissioners appointed rather than elected. O’Day states that not only does the paper strongly oppose this movement but so do 95% of the people they polled. O’Day calls the trend the city is looking at taking, to take the voice away from the electorate as “ugly” and makes it possible for a small clique of friends to literally take over a community and that the key to this process is who will make the appointments as the process demands and the people deserve, “a dedicated able and objective city council… one that is not easily influenced. One that is not a rubber stamp.” O’Day sums up his editorial eloquently with, “The Founding Fathers of the American nation agree with us on that so we are in good company. And we also have a strong suspicion that making these positions appointed has a tendency to place too much power in the hands of too few people. If memory serves, the Boston Tea Party was a reaction to a similar situation.”

The post Fotos from the Past appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

As of April 9, Jason Hake stepped in as Lincoln County’s new Administrative Coordinator, following the departure of former coordinator Randy Scholz, who accepted the position of Chippewa County Administrator.
Prior to accepting his new position with the county, Hake oversaw all financial matters as Portage County’s Senior Financial Manager for five years, as well as business related items such as contracts and insurance matters. Prior to that he served as Portage County Payroll Coordinator.
A 2009 graduate of Viterbo University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting, Hake went on to earn his Masters of Business Administration degree from Viterbo.
“I found the Administrative Coordination position attractive as it would allow me the opportunity to work with all departments within the county, as well as the county board,” the 31-year-old Wisconsin Rapids native explains.
As Jason has settled into his new role over the past three months, he cites the most challenging aspect has been a challenge he is quite familiar with from past experience; tackling the county budget.
“Trying to balance the budget within the constraints of state levy limits, while maintaining current service levels is a challenge in itself. Not just here in Lincoln County, but statewide. We faced the very same challenges in Portage County.”
On the flip side, what Hake has found most interesting and enjoyable within the Administrative Coordinator’s office is working with the various county departments.
“I have really enjoyed meeting with department heads, learning about services and just getting familiar with how each department works. My family and I are very excited for what the future holds, and we look forward to enjoying what Lincoln County has to offer.”

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After a long battle with anxiety, depression, and addiction, Anthony “Antone” Allan Taggart took his own life on July 10th, 2018.

Anthony was born April 10th, 1991, in Merrill, WI, with an eagerness and curiosity about life that would carry him through the rest of his days. He wanted to know about everything as a child. “Why?” was often his favorite question. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet Anthony would be graced with the sweetest, most unforgettable smile. He always wanted to put others at ease, even when he was plagued with selfdoubt about himself. People often turned to him for advice or just an ear. He was good at anything he set out to master. As a kid he learned to juggle and perform tricks with the yo-yo and he could throw a football like a quarterback. His brother, Kolten, describes him as unapologetically fearless. Together they ruled the soccer field. Countless hours were spent on the trampoline, learning one flip after another.

He loved being outdoors, where he felt most at peace. Fishing was a favorite hobby, and he spent a lot of time with his grandmother, Jeanette, and his uncle, Tim, on the lakes of Langlade County, sometimes winning awards for his catch. Anthony was mischievous. Making people laugh brought him great joy, but seeing the laughter in their eyes after a well-executed prank was even better.

Anthony suffered the loss of many friends along his journey and was also preceded in death by his grandmother, Bonnie Schmidt, and his aunts, Deb Hoecherl and Sandy Anderson.

He is survived by his daughter, Analynn Marie Adsit; parents Tim Taggart and Sarah Taggart; siblings Kolten (Chloe) Taggart, Tristan Taggart, and Emily Taggart; grandparents Jeanette Reeves, Willy Schmidt, Robert and Patti Ricci, and Delores Wimmer; two nieces, a nephew, numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The family will remember Anthony and celebrate his life with an open house from noon to 4pm Saturday, July 21st at 902 E 4th St. in Merrill. Anyone attending is asked to write down special memories or thoughts about Anthony, so that friends and family may share them together.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you learn the symptoms and warning signs of depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, so that through education and awareness we can hopefully prevent another loved one from tragically ending their own life. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, help exists. Visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for help and resources. Or call the Lifeline anytime 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Resources for support:
• 24/7 Hotline: (800) 273-8255
• suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• narconon.org
• afsp.org
• 7cups.com
• adaa.org/finding-help

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Betty died at Pine Crest Nursing Home under Hospice Care July 15, 2018. She was born with her twin brother, Robert Krueger on August 30, 1930, in Merrill, WI to Bertha and Ernest Krueger, Sr.

~She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Helen Juedes and Grace Bruns; two brothers, Ernest Krueger, Jr. and her twin brother Robert Krueger; her two husbands, James Edward Taylor and Delvin Rutkowski; two daughters, Deborah Pearce and Roxanne Mangum; son-in-law, Scott Saxe and grandson, Charles Taylor. She is survived by her children, Lucinda J. (John) Harlow of Milton-Freewater, OR and James R. (Linda) Taylor, Sr. of East Troy, WI and Kandie K. Saxe of East Troy, WI, Theresa (Bill) Stolpa of Wausau, WI and Randy L. (Julie) Rutkowski of Merrill, WI; and 61 grandkids.

Betty has lived a full and productive life.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

The post Betty Jane Krueger Taylor Rutkowski appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

After a lengthy battle with cancer our Mom, Grandmother, and Friend rejoined her husband Perry (who she dearly missed) in Heaven after being separated from him for one year and two months to the day.  My hope is that their reunion was as exciting as their wedding night.

Her last three weeks on earth were kind of rough.  The Bible says “There are many rooms in my Father’s house”.  It must have taken a bit to get hers just right.  When you’re preparing a room for a saint everything has to be perfect.  Saintly defines Pat.  It’s how she lived her life.  I know she’s enjoying her newly remodeled room in the penthouse of Heaven.

Pat loved life and all the people who were fortunate enough to be part of it.  She could literally sit next to a stranger and in five minutes time, know who they were, where they were from, how many kids and grandkids they had and their favorite hobbies.  The lady was gifted.  Her generosity, her compassion and sense of humor were unmatched.  With that said though, when it came to her family all those attributes increased exponentially.  Her kids and grandchildren were truly her center.  There really are no words.

In winter you’d find her on a snowmobile.  She and her husband logged thousands of miles on the trail.  She was always up front with the boys.  She loved going fast.  In the summertime she’d be on the pontoon.  No matter what season, she’d always be surrounded and entertaining friends and family.  It was no secret a number of Windsors may have been enjoyed as well.

She was a worry wort.  She was consummate house keeper.  She had the warmest smile and laugh.  She would do absolutely anything to help you out.  She truly was the greatest Mom, Grandmother, and Friend.

Pat is survived by her children, Jay Mortenson his wife Leslie (Stebbins); Amy Cywinski (Mortenson) and her husband William Cywinski; four grandchildren, Makayla Cywinski, Melissa Mortenson, Tanner Cywinski and Jared Mortenson; her sister Joyce Strasser and her husband Ken. Perry Mortenson, her husband, preceded her in death May 14, 2017.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston. Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service – all at the church.

Cancer is an awful awful disease.  It ravages the body.  You helplessly witness your loved one wither away.  It removes hope. I pray for medical advances. I pray for those searching for a cure. Euthanasia needs to be choice. Humanity treats their pets more humanely.  I understand it’s God’s plan, but he is a merciful God and I’m sure he’d understand.  No matter what side of the argument you may be on after you see and experience this disease first hand it will open your eyes.  Follow the bouncing dollar.  If the billions of dollars gained by the health industry and care facilities are in any way obstructing advancements – Shame on you.  If euthanasia is being shelved because of greed – Shame on you.  My Mother had an incredible soul.  She now sips coffee with Jesus, but she had a lot more to contribute down here on earth.  She will be greatly missed.

Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com

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